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Move for Donovan is perfect

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Multiple sources indicate we're very close to a deal for Landon Donovan, and for those of you who haven't seen much of the little speedball, this Yank is here to tell you that Moyes couldn't have made a better move. z

Donovan is a pure playmaker in the Pienaar mold -- a superb passer, constantly attacking, and absolutely tireless with an engine that never runs out.

Although he's the all-time leading scorer for the USA, he's not actually a great finisher, but his speed and quickness get him into the right positions. You'll love seeing him in the open field -- despite his rather goofy-looking stride, you won't believe how much pace he has. And he strikes a dead ball better than anyone we have right now.

Best of all, he's got the Everton attitude -- fierce competitor, never say die, no sulking, no diving. And despite his small size, he won't be intimidated by the physical stuff.

He's absolutely ideal to tide us over until Arteta is back up to full speed. If it actually happens, well done, Moysie.
Mike Gaynes, Moss Beach, CA     Posted 09/12/2009 at 16:31:21

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Jonny Roberts
1   Posted 09/12/2009 at 05:08:27

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If the rumour about Landon Donovan is true ill be one happy boy. I've been wanting us to get him on loan for years now. He can play wide or through the middle and has an intelligent football brain with excellent touch. Would be a great signing if its true!!
Chris Perry
2   Posted 09/12/2009 at 09:48:10

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Disappointment already (and the Jan transfer window has not even opened)... I cannot quite believe just how desperate Everton and some of the supporters are. If we really are going after this Landon Donovan on loan then it shows our complete lack of ambition. This is just another Joe Max Moore. For fuck's sake Moyes, you unambitious twat, go and get some quality in rather than fill the squad with has-beens and never-will-bes.
James Stewart
3   Posted 09/12/2009 at 15:48:36

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Alan, while i agree on Landon Donovan, I can’t see your logic on selling Cahill! A few days after he scores a vital goal no less. Stupid. What kind of replacement could you buy for £5m anyway!
Keith Glazzard
4   Posted 09/12/2009 at 16:38:05

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Donovan is possibly interesting. US footballers are much further on than the Jo Max Moore stage - international football id different we know, but any team in the world would have a tough game against the current Spanish seleccion. The USA did a great job last time.

Tim (Oz version) to ’move on’? Not just yet I think. He will be restored to hero status after Christmas as the best team re-emerges. And a couple of years on I suspect he will move towards coaching, probably with us, and in Oz after that. Cahill Academies will be the retirement plan.
James Daly
5   Posted 09/12/2009 at 13:21:28

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Was watching a footy show over here a couple of weeks ago, and, the question came up about Donavon not being tried in the Prem.

The presenters on the show discussed back and forth his merits, and, having watched him over the last few years, there are many, they went on to say that he would be an excellent fit for a team like EFC.

I have to agree with them, I for one would like to see him at least on loan for the latter half of the season. In my view he would bring another dimension to the team.

Joey Brown
6   Posted 09/12/2009 at 14:35:25

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Well it's looking likely we are going to get Mr Donovan on Beckamesque deal for the winter. Living in the US I can say the guy has talent but is definitely a streaky player. His trials in Europe have been unsuccessful but he has pace which could prove very useful. Maybe Moyes can make him world class. Nevertheless I think it'd be good business.
Rich Williams
7   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:13:38

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Quality in MLS, crap in the Bundesliga, loves the California lifestyle... can’t see him fancying it on Merseyside or in the Prem. Full stop.
Richard Murray
8   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:19:58

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As long as he’s got some pace.

Let’s face it, we can’t get much worse.
Rich Williams
9   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:24:52

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He is quick.

Nothing to lose I suppose.
Gerry Morrison
10   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:23:30

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I agree mike. I live in LA and I go to the Galaxy games faily often. Granted the standard is not up to the Premier League, but Invariably it is Donovan (and Beckham when he plays of course) who stands out every game. I hope the deal comes off; I would sign him in a heartbeat.
Mike Gaynes
11   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:26:24

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Rich, he wasn’t crap at Bayern this year... scored four despite playing up front instead of midfield where he belongs.
Mike Gaynes
12   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:29:04

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Gerry, you’re lucky to get the grown-up Donovan. When he played here in San Jose years ago, he was streaky and sulky. Getting humiliated in the World Cup really turned his ass around.

Getting married and divorced too.
Gerry Morrison
13   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:32:44

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Mike,
I seem to remember his first stint over in Germany was a bit of a disaster too. He has definitely come into his own of late.
Gerry Quinn
14   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:23:43

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Rich W - cheer up will you!
This is a guy most punters have admired worldwide, even though the pace is slower in the MLS. His "never say die" attitude alone would be appreciated by the Everton fans. He is not someone who’s head would drop when going a goal down and he will certainly "up the ante" for our cause - hopefully kicking one or two arses in the team whose morale drops too easily. Give him a fair crack, will you, he hasn’t even signed yet!
Rich Williams
15   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:45:55

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4 goals in exhibition games
Keith Glazzard
16   Posted 09/12/2009 at 20:57:30

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’Bayern Munich are not good enough to win the Champions League’ - says Franck Ribbery.

Oh well, never mind. Landon Donovan should have realised he was playing in exhibition matches as these Bundelsliga games must be. No decent German footballers are there?

Where are we now? On the back page of The Sun?
Sean Patton
17   Posted 09/12/2009 at 21:04:30

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Wow! — an attacking player with pace — is Moyes feeling alright?

I think Donovan is a good player and can play on the wing as well so it would be a boost to the squad.

I wish we would go back in for for Van der Vaart instead we came quite close to signing him on loan in August and Madrid are looking to offload him in January.

If there is even the slightest chance that he wants to come we should move heaven and earth as he is a stunning player who would get us in the top 4 on his own.
David Moore
18   Posted 09/12/2009 at 21:39:55

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I don’t think there is any problem with that move. A bit of competition for places hurts no-one and allows Moyes to nurture the injuries to Saha and Yak. I still think we should look for a right sided midfielder/winger. I know it won’t happen but it is always nice to dream.

I see Arteta as a CM but I think he will be pushed right when he is fit. I was watching the CL this morning and i loved the Rubin Kazar guy. I think number 63. Quick, great delivery, what else would we want. It’s wishful thinking but if only Moyes watched the game as well.

Roger Domal
19   Posted 09/12/2009 at 21:52:23

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If you think Bily gets pushed around a bit, wait until Landycakes gets here. He’s never been asked to play defense in his entire life, so I don’t see him being stuck in right away when he gets here. I could see him as a vital 12th man, first off the bench, playing 35 mins and driving the other side crazy. He does have a pretty good shot though.
Tom Bowers
20   Posted 09/12/2009 at 22:08:32

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I have seen him play a lot and he is a good player but generally US outfield players don’t really impress in the Prem. Brian McBride is an exception but he was big and strong and a perfect target man.The American at Hull, Altadore is a good prospect in the same mould.The Prem is a class above many top leagues and as we have seen all too often at Everton, many so-called good players have come and floundered. However, we need fit, experienced players, as it would appear our injury woes ain’t gonna go away.
Keith Glazzard
21   Posted 09/12/2009 at 22:18:21

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Speaking of Bily -

Amongst the combination of appreciation and joy we felt for Coleman’s excellent performance, might we have overlooked who put the perfect ball that was put into his run, after which he brilliantly set up Saha for the first?

Yes, that useless sod Bily.

A future star in these parts.

Keith Glazzard
22   Posted 09/12/2009 at 23:03:13

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ps - just noticed that some other European footballers won in Liverpool tonight. A novel experience for them.
Lee Kidd
23   Posted 09/12/2009 at 23:24:00

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A mediocre player, who sadly is good enough to command a place in our starting eleven. I’m for signing him short term, because we haven’t a pot to piss in in order to get someone of higher quality.

All hail Joe-Max the Second!
Rich Williams
24   Posted 09/12/2009 at 23:52:24

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Keith

Without doubt the Bundesliga is a good league with good players, however if you check your facts Donovan scored his four ’goals’ in exhibition games during the league’s winter break, this was against such mighty opposition as Al-Wehda. In the six real games he played for Bayern he did not score. Listen fellas I live in the States and watch a lot of the MLS, he is a star here but he will struggle in the prem, he would need a heck of a lot longer than three months to find his feet, it is a completely different level.
Andrew Keatley
25   Posted 10/12/2009 at 00:02:36

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If he comes — and let’s face it, we’ve become somewhat accustomed to false dawns when it comes to transfer talk during the Moyes reign (and beyond) — then he would be a quality addition to the squad. Look how depleted we currently are; players like Gosling, Baxter and Rodwell have been asked to play more often than anyone would have ideally wanted this season — and our midfield is in dire need of some pace.

Donovan brings pace on the break, international experience, and he would be coming here with the purpose of getting himself ready for the World Cup. With the Europa knock out stages (which he would be eligible for), the Premier League campaign and an FA Cup campaign to get on with, I for one would be pleased for any extra bodies — particularly ones that are on a short-term loan.

Steve Green
26   Posted 10/12/2009 at 00:24:23

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Donovan won’t come to us pre a World Cup Tournament.

Why not?

Cos he’ll pick up a long-term injury, same as the rest of the squad, and be fucked for SA!

Ian Tunstead
27   Posted 10/12/2009 at 00:28:40

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Well Piennar was meant to have been a bit of a flop in Germany as well but he seems to be doing ok in the Pem, so hopefully Donovan can do the same.
Jack Farrell
28   Posted 09/12/2009 at 17:08:51

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Looks more of a certainty than a rumor now. Think it'd be a great loan signing and if he turns out to be a flop there's no major money lost.

Must be better than our last loan (Gardner)

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/8404674.stm

Jason Lam
29   Posted 10/12/2009 at 01:53:56

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It’s he the sulking boy who slagged off his teammate and captain?

Blaming others for their own problems?

Yeah, a typical Moyes signing right.
Kieran Kinsella
30   Posted 10/12/2009 at 01:54:06

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I live in the US and am very aware of Donovan's capabilities. If we decide to start fielding teams in mixed gender high school leagues then yes he will be a good signing... but as far as the Prem goes he is a poor man's Leon Osman and if that is what we want we may as well re-sign JP Kissock.

I can’t start Donovan. He is a cry baby who was a miserable failure in the medicore German league. He wants to be a big fish in a small pond and threw a hissy fit when Beckham aged 34, slow, past it and injury-prone stole his limelight at the so-call Galaxy.

Donovan is everything that is wrong with US soccer. The preppy midget who was too weak to play the major US sports here getting the glory while actually talanted players like Brian McBride go virtually unnoticed in the uneducated US sports press. If Donovan comes on loan for 3 months then I will loan myself out as a fan for 3 months because he is that rubbish. He has an ego bigger than Beattie and as much ability as a two-legged armadillo.

Let's not forget he was playing second fiddle in the MLS to Preki at age 40 and a 14-year-old who now is a bench warmer at a relegation threatened Portuguese club. The Alan Hutton rumours were bad enough but this is unbelievable.

Ciarán McGlone
31   Posted 10/12/2009 at 09:26:22

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Completely agree with Mr Kinsella above..

For me...there’s nothing to be getting too excited about with this one..
Mike Dillon
32   Posted 10/12/2009 at 10:30:37

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Why all the griping?

We need numbers. He’s decent. He’s available. The price is right. If he’s shit, we don’t have to play him.

It’s not like we’re forking out £10m on him and expecting him to save our season, is it?

He’s just coming to make up numbers and keep himself fit for a few months for pete’s sake..
Ciarán McGlone
33   Posted 10/12/2009 at 10:39:00

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Strangely, I agree with Mike as well..

Hardly do us any harm... but I wouldn’t be expecting much.
Tony Sullivan
34   Posted 10/12/2009 at 11:22:49

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I wasn’t expecting much when Coleman came on on Sunday either... Perhaps we should give our Manager credit for being able to spot and develop a player... why not Donovan? After all he may be as versatile as his Evertonian predecessor Don Donovan!!!!!
Ciarán McGlone
35   Posted 10/12/2009 at 11:36:59

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Not many people had watched Sligo Rovers... Donovan’s had plenty of exposure..

Anyway, I agree with the point that we have nothing to lose...
Dave Southon
36   Posted 10/12/2009 at 12:28:23

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I am certainly not getting excited at the thought of Mr Donovan joining our ranks. While he can hold his own in the US, he is only being linked with a 3-month contract, surely it will take him longer than that to acclimatise.

While I accept we can only get loan signings, surely tap up Mr Wenger as Arsenal are out of the League Cup and I for one was impressed with the talent they had on display last night.

Ciarán McGlone
37   Posted 10/12/2009 at 13:03:23

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Dave, imagine getting a hold of Vela... ok it wasn’t his best showing in front of goal last night... but I've been watching him for some time and he is a cracking player...
James Boden
38   Posted 10/12/2009 at 13:07:44

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The guy is what — mid- to late-twenties. He failed in Germany during his only worthwhile move of his career. He may rung rings around defenders in the pub league he currently plays in but this is on another planet.

If this is really the best we can do then we may as well bring back Beattie. Fingers crosses this is just rumours.

Dave Southon
39   Posted 10/12/2009 at 13:07:22

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Ciaran, indeed Vela for 6 months would be a joy to behold. I was shocked at the composure of all their youngsters, their ability on the ball makes us look like a Championship team, I thought their only fault was decision making, which of course will improve with games.

Please, please DM pick up the blower and call Arsene!!!!

Tony Williams
40   Posted 10/12/2009 at 13:36:16

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He is just another body to me, nothing special but will bolster the bench. His "me.......me......me" celebration in the Confederation Cup showed me all I needed to know about his attitude.
Chris Briddon
41   Posted 10/12/2009 at 13:51:37

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Some of you guys make me laugh, honestly.

Firstly there are the let's slag him off and decide he’s rubbish before he actually appears — but also we reserve the right to slate Moyes for not signing any new players if he doesn’t come!

Then there are the let's not sign him cos he’s a lightweight — but lets see if Wenger can loan us some of his reserves (the whole team of which got bullied out of the Carling Cup by City and were accused of being ridiculously lightweight).

As for Donovoan's stay in Munich — he was there for 3 months, played 7 league games — most of which were as sub for the last 20 minutes, and his loan wasn’t extended due to the fact that Munich had Tone and some other well known striker and decided it was more useful to blood their younger players as back-up instead.
Suzy Whitehead
42   Posted 10/12/2009 at 14:07:20

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If he has the same impact as Joe Max did then I would be quite happy to be honest. Wasn't he our last signing to score in each of his first five games?

It is only a loan so there is very little point being negative about it. If it doesn’t work out then who gives a fuck?
Jamie Rowland
43   Posted 10/12/2009 at 14:11:12

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Will he ’cut the mustard like Coleman’ (sorry for the pun)...

I don't know... he might score in the MLS and he might score internationally but it means nothing when playing in the Prem.

It's a good move because it costs very little and he is, at least, attack-minded. Whether he’s good enough, only time will tell. Beckham rates him — that's surely a good thing.
Ian Tunstead
44   Posted 10/12/2009 at 14:21:21

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This guy can't be as bad as Osman or Kissock. I know you can't read too much into YouTube clips, but I have never seen Osman run past defenders and beat people and score on his left and right from all angles. He his much quicker than Osman and had a much better shot and can beat a man. That's good enough for me to play ahead of Osman.
Charlie Dixon
45   Posted 10/12/2009 at 14:23:34

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Couldn’t agree more with Chris Briddon. Give the lad a chance. As far as I can see, it’s a great bit of business (if it happens). For a club with £0m to spend there won’t be many better players available on loan.

And on the topic of his spell in Germany, a certain Mr Pienaar didn’t exactly set the Bundesliga alight and I wouldn’t swap him for anyone.

James Stewart
46   Posted 10/12/2009 at 14:36:53

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It’s a shame Moyes doesn’t seem to have that great a relationship with Wenger as some loan signings from Arsenal would be very welcome! Vela is a great player who is only going to get better. Ramsey & Wiltshire Ditto.
Keith Glazzard
47   Posted 10/12/2009 at 17:36:46

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Mike, if you’re still there. I watched the USA - Spain game in Spain and I wanted to check that my ’in vino veritas’ memory was at least partly accurate. So into google I went and, I’m relieved to say, I was fully vindicated (must check the etymology of that one). And, as a bonus, came upon this -

"It goes to show what hard work and commitment to each other can bring," said U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made eight saves as he frustrated David Villa and Fernando Torres. "Sometimes football is a funny thing."

How true.

As the Donovan completion (but only to mid-March) seems to be close can I be the first to relate his surname to the Scots folk/pop singer of the 60’s. A poor spell at EFC might suggest "Catch The Wind" as a theme tune. But "Sunshine Superman" is what we would hope for.
Andy Crooks
48   Posted 10/12/2009 at 18:07:32

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Donovan would be as an important signing for Everton as Andy Gray. Right now he is at his peak. Let’s hope it’s true.
Pat Finegan
49   Posted 10/12/2009 at 19:14:37

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I’ve lived in the US all my life and I’ve followed football for as long as I can remember. I can assure you that Landon Donovan would make a quality premier league footballer. My only concern is the pace. The Prem is a much fatser pace than the MLS or the Bundesliga.
Keith Glazzard
50   Posted 10/12/2009 at 19:34:53

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Pat — what you say seems quite right.

The Bily lad is having the same ’initiation’ into the PL right now, and looks dazzled, bewildered at times. But he is quality, and his mates look after him best they can. And he put that wonderful pass into the path of Coleman (who did the rest) to unlock Spurs last game.

Donovan is a good player with a good brain in his head. For me, I wish it was more than a 3-month contract, but we’ll all have to see.
Lee Kidd
51   Posted 10/12/2009 at 21:25:30

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Andy Crooks,

Are you Kenwright in disguise? Because that was one hell of a Kenwright-esque comment!
Keith Glazzard
52   Posted 10/12/2009 at 22:17:56

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Rich - just had time to read through the thread, and you are absolutely right in what you say.

The point I would make about a good player coming into a good set-up is that the transition period can be less stressful. Sure, 3 months is short, too short. But is all hands to the pumps right now, and another good one is very welcome.
Andy Crooks
53   Posted 10/12/2009 at 22:30:02

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Ouch! That bloody hurt, Lee. Fair enough, though, maybe, I was a little OTT. Having said that, I’ve been an admirer of Donovan for some time and think USA players do well in the Premier League. He’s better than McBride and he was ok.
Jamie Crowley
54   Posted 11/12/2009 at 03:29:48

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I’ve watched Dononvan a ton here in States and this is really the question: do you get the great player with lightning pace, bullet crosses, and massive hustle? Or do you get the guy that can’t adjust to the physical play and upbeat tempo or the Premier League / European game? It’s a loan, and the upside is massive. So IMHO it’s a fantastic move.

I hope he finally makes his mark and impresses in Europe. This guy can really be quality.

My son’s name is Donovan, so EFC, at a bare minimum, just sold another jersey! Even though my wife said, "Getting a jersey with your first name on the back is kind of gay..." Thanks honey!

Ciarán McGlone
55   Posted 11/12/2009 at 09:22:42

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Andy,

I know you are an eternal optimist - with the ’Jo will come good’ - line..

And I’d back a fella Beal Feirstian to the hilt..But Andy Gray? Landon Donovan?

Be serious.
Peter Dancer
56   Posted 11/12/2009 at 12:15:56

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Just noticed on the OS that if he comes he will only stay till mid-March.

Thats a bit strange isnt it? Does the US league start then?

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