ToffeeWeb - Season 2008-09

The Mail Bag

Biased Media Thread Starts Here!

From the Metro:

FINAL SHOWDOWN ? United and Chelsea on course for Wembley clash.

They've wet their pants coming up with another 'dream final' just like 1995. Hopefully we can shove it to the media like we did back then... Jurgan's Dream, good grief...

'Nether side will take an appearance in the final for granted, though, with Ferguson well aware of Everton's capabilities in the cup' Glad someone isn't hey?

Also, why the hell would this be a dream final? They both stank Wembley out on its big day two years ago with an banal 1-0 to Chelsea.

How annoying that on a day when Arsenal and Everton progress, the back page is all about the draw of what is going to happen... how is 4 balls drawn at random more important???
Nick Entwistle, London Posted 09/03/2009 at 08:22:28

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Comments

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Tim Wardrop
1 Posted 09/03/2009 at 14:34:29

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Absolute paranoia if you think the draw is rigged!

John McMullan
2 Posted 09/03/2009 at 14:56:30

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I do not believe for one moment that these draws are rigged in any way. Pure hope on the people that write these articles regarding in their minds what would be the best possible final, which would also be good for TV ratings and any other source of income producing revenue.

Think back to 1966. I was at the railway end at Bolton watching Everton putting it to Man Utd in the semi-final. All the so-called experts wanted a Man Utd v Chelsea final. What did we get? Everton v Sheffield Wed, one of the best finals for years.

So don?t think that people are working behind the scene?s just let the dice fall were they do and enjoy the day. We have needed this for too many years, win or lose, have a great day and for some of the younger supporters, suck it in.

Nick Entwistle
3 Posted 09/03/2009 at 15:16:10

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I?ve not even intimated the draw was rigged, unless I misunderstand where the comments above are directed... And how could it be? Big Joe was doing the draw!

Jay Harris
4 Posted 09/03/2009 at 15:18:59

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Don't you get it!!!! Big Joe doing the draw.... Man Utd ? It?s 95 all over again when we roasted the Media favourites Spurs in the semis at Leeds and nicked a Cup Final win over Utd.

We play them until THEY drop.

We shall not be moved!!

Ian Tunny
5 Posted 09/03/2009 at 16:53:01

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I honestly believe the draws have been rigged for some time. When we got Villarreal, I thought it was unfortunate that we got such a good side; when we got Standard Liege, I thought it was unbelievable... but when we got Liverpool and the Man Utd, it has been very predictable.

Paul Daniels has made a career out of doing these sort of simple magic tricks for years, now with the benefit of technology it would be very easy for the draw to turn out exactly how they want it to.

Alan Clarke
6 Posted 09/03/2009 at 17:12:40

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Of course it’s fucking rigged. After that pile of shite final last year between 2 no mark teams, the FA want a show piece and unfortunately we’re not it in their eyes. I will bet my house on us losing to Man U by a bad referee decision.

Will Leaf
7 Posted 09/03/2009 at 17:35:58

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A bit of quick maths (correct me if I am wrong) shows if any two teams keep winning from the 3rd Round on, they have only a 55 % chance of meeting before the final. So, I doubt it is rigged to keep Man Utd and Chelsea apart.. Two dominant teams always have a fair shake at meeting in the final, hence two Merseyside debies in the 80s.

Kevin Jones
8 Posted 09/03/2009 at 17:39:01

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Tim, nowhere in Nick?s comment does he say its rigged.

Alan, if it is rigged tell us how? When Joe Royle and Bob Wilson put their hands in the bowl thingy you could see the numbers on the balls. This years competition has just gone to form with, the Arse v Hull game pending, the 4 best teams in the EPL into the semi?s.

COYB

Rory Slingo
9 Posted 09/03/2009 at 17:49:38

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Well if you believe Chris Murphy in this Team of The Week piece on soccernet, http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=625997&sec=england&root=england&&cc=4716
then most people want us to win the FA Cup, apparently!

"David Moyes is the manager of our hybrid Premier League and FA Cup side, largely due to his almighty rocket during half time at Goodison. His Everton side had been way below par against Middlesbrough in the opening 45 minutes and were lucky to find themselves only a goal down. But after the Ginger hairdryer treatment, his Toffees were reborn and took just 11 second-half minutes to get themselves at front. And once Hull get knocked out by Arsenal, he?ll be leading the side most people want to win the FA Cup."

Paul Lally
10 Posted 09/03/2009 at 17:42:46

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Before the 2 Merseyside cup finals does anyone know how many times Everton and Liverpool were drawn together in semi-finals of the FA Cup? I seem to remember we were always paired up in the semi-final. It was that bad that everybody believed it was fixed, with the belief that the powers that be did not want the whole of Liverpool invading London.

I also remember the first year we were kept apart and knowing there was no way we would meet them until the final because the whole of football was watching. 2 or 4 heated balls and timing is all that is required technically. Plus, whoever is choosing the balls out of the hat, understands the ?situation?. Conspiracy theory or realistic facts from a different era?

Be nice to know as I am not putting money on my memory.
COYB

Paul Lally
11 Posted 09/03/2009 at 18:10:09

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To clarify -
4 heated balls for quarters
2 heated balls for semis

Not saying now, (but as above), back before the first all Merseyside final.
Different world.
I would include League Cup as well.
COYB

Tom Bowers
12 Posted 09/03/2009 at 20:12:51

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Hey John, I was at that semi in ?66 and in the Railway End too. What a time to score when we did. Colin Harvey?s greatest moment.

History has a way of repeating and Man Utd at that time were also considered overwhelming favourites with Best, Charlton etc. All the pressure is on Man Utd again but as usual the media cater to the big money teams and don?t give us a chance but that's okay.

Steve Williams
13 Posted 09/03/2009 at 20:14:18

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Alan Clarke, give over!

Big Joe being corrupt! Can?t understand how anyone in their right minds would even think it, never mind print it.

Call yourself an Evertonian ? not in my book. Disgraceful and shameful accusations about an absolute legend of a true blue.

Alan Clarke
14 Posted 10/03/2009 at 10:22:05

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Hi Steve, couldn’t give a shit what you think mate, we’ll just see what happens shall we? Where there’s that much money involved why are you so surprised that there may be some corruption involved? I’m sorry Steve if this shatters your illusion. Oh and by the way, the tooth fairy isn’t real either.