Michael Owen

[Uncle Albert]

After watching Michael Owen against Sunderland earlier he luck's to be getting back to his brilliant best.

Ripped Sunderland apart earlier.

[Daggers]

Matty Fryatt > Michael Owen

[The Reverend]

Elvis Hammond > Matty Fryatt > Michael Owen

[Uncle Albert]

Elvis Hammond > Matty Fryatt > Michael Owen

Harsh very harsh.

[davieG]

Even in a crap Newcastel team having a crap season he's still scoring one goal for every 2.5 starts.

[DB11]

Matty Fryatt Barry Hayles > Michael Owen

That's better

[Ultra]

When he's fit, Owen's one of the top strikers in Europe.

Good to see him back towards his best.

[Chandler]

When he's fit, Owen's one of the top strikers in Europe.

Good to see him back towards his best.

Sorry chum, even though I like the little fella I have long harboured doubts about Owen's supposed 'class.'

Michael was a true prospect in his teens when he was fearless and he was faced by admiring, statuesque defenders who pretty well waved him on from the half way line. He was pacey and a good dribbler and he got by on both. But that was the root of his problem.

****wit commentators didn't recognise he had a serious problem with his sprint action. It took Darren Campbell to blurt out the truth about five years ago on Radio 5 Live: Michael needed a sprint coach. Campbell pointed out that Owen's upper body was completely rigid and that his arms were held out stiffly like birds' wings when he accelerated. Not only did these misactions slow him down they made him more prone to injury, particularly to hamstrings.

And what did Liverpool FC do? Sweet FA of course...

Now, when Michael scored his signature goal against the Argies how many pundits banged on about that dribble rather than his pace? I'll tell you how many - zilch. For me this lack of recognition got to the point that I felt I must be imagining his natural ability. And it was this general lack of recognition of his dribbling that stunted his progress.

Anyone notice what Michael does when one on one with the keeper? Like 99% of naff players he blasts - straight at the keeper. Unlike 99% of players, Owen has the natural ability to round a keeper BUT HE HAS NEVER BEEN ENCOURAGED TO DO THIS. Admittedly part of the problem here might be to to with a great technical weakess in Owen's play. Once again ****wit punters are oblivious to it. The truth is that Michael, like 99% of English players (Beckham included), is desparately one sided.

Instead of addressing this problem with the compulsory rep work, the incompetent arseholes charged with his development decided to find a way round it by getting him to cut in from the left flank on his right side (interesting that one rarely see a player cut in from the right on his left foot to score). Now the undisputed master of this dark art is Monsieur Henry (who can cut in from either flank). He knows his geometry alright. But unlike Michael, he knows how to address the ball correctly to arc/blast the ball past the keeper from these positions.

So we have yet another deficiency in Owen's game - basically he can't shoot. True, scoring from range is essentially part of the midfielder's craft but even for a forward Michael's goal tally from outside the box is exceptionally low. Whilst it may be the case that Owen has not been blessed with that sand iron leg action that only a few (usually tall) natural strikers of the ball possess there is little doubt that his goal return from range would have been improved with the appropriate coaching.

In the end what have we got - a 'brilliant' striker who can't run, can't shoot and won't dribble. Because of these unrecognised holes in his game (and also because of defences sitting deeper and deeper) Michael is now reduced to becoming a supply dependent 'fox in the box.' To give him some credit he has recently become quite prolific with his head (he APPEARS to confound the coaching manuals by finding the target regularly with glancing rather than reverse headers) but there are others far more accomplished in this department than he (Senor Cruz).

Because of his club origins and his exploits in 1998 Michael has been over hyped. The reality is that there is probably little to choose between him and say someone like Jermaine Defoe (the similarity between Defoe and the young Owen is so striking that it naturally escapes our ****witted punters). And much as I like both they are, without doubt, second tier strikers in the Premier League. In Europe they are little more than also rans.

And in Owen's case at least we have Mr S Heighway B.Sc. (amongst others) to thank for that.

[l444ry]

It has been announced today that people will be banned from saying things that dont make sense. The proposed penalty for such an offence will be a sharp greeting from Mr. Truncheon, followed by a swift frog march down to spend some time at Her Majesty's pleasure.

Someone shouted down my pen "we have surely had enough of all this nonsensicalness". Now, that's not even a word. "Your knicked mi likkle china". "Michael Owen can't run, shoot or dribble". And so on.

Sayings such things as "you'll poke his eye out with that" will be banned from use. Some trouble causers say that the moves are a direct result of Wacko Jacko's recent behaviour.

"He ruins it for everyone", I said to myself.

No more will: "Well...its always the last place you look isn't it?!" ring in our ears and make us want to punch out at the scropulent monkey that uttered such nonsense.

I guess: It's a loss and a gain.

[SamL]

I thought he played pretty well, nice to see him scoring a few goals.

A goal every 2.5 starts isn't that bad. If he can start getting some confidence back there's no doubt he'll come good once again, and we'll see him back to his very best.

[Thracian]

After watching Michael Owen against Sunderland earlier he luck's to be getting back to his brilliant best.

Ripped Sunderland apart earlier.

It's a joy to see how Keegan's infectious enthusiasm and one-track attitude to winning has affected not just Owen but the whole club.

[Corky]

It's a joy to see how Keegan's infectious enthusiasm and one-track attitude to winning has affected not just Owen but the whole club.

I agree. Newcastle is a great club with fantastic supporters and I for one want to see them do well.

[Joe.]

It's great to see Owen scoring regularly again.

It's not been easy for him since he came to Newcastl, terrible injuries and poor team form have done him no good. But since Newcastle have picked up a bit recently he's been in fantastic form, and scoring goals regularly at the moment.

I'm happy for him because I've always liked him as a player, and without injuries he'd probably be one of the top strikers in the world right now. Unfortunately things haven't quite gone his way like that, but it's good to see him with some overdue success in front of goal.

[Chandler]

It has been announced today that people will be banned from saying things that dont make sense. The proposed penalty for such an offence will be a sharp greeting from Mr. Truncheon, followed by a swift frog march down to spend some time at Her Majesty's pleasure.

Someone shouted down my pen "we have surely had enough of all this nonsensicalness". Now, that's not even a word. "Your knicked mi likkle china". "Michael Owen can't run, shoot or dribble". And so on.

Sayings such things as "you'll poke his eye out with that" will be banned from use. Some trouble causers say that the moves are a direct result of Wacko Jacko's recent behaviour.

"He ruins it for everyone", I said to myself.

No more will: "Well...its always the last place you look isn't it?!" ring in our ears and make us want to punch out at the scropulent monkey that uttered such nonsense.

I guess: It's a loss and a gain.

This from the man who has used this forum to recycle the most preposterous libel perpetrated by Express Newspapers (et al) against the McCanns. They at least coughed up £500,000 for their crimes. You haven't had the decency to publish a retraction on the relevant thread, let alone an apology.

There's more to being 'clever' 1444ry than scrawling 'quirky' (GIVE ME STRENGTH) prose. First you must have true independence of mind...

Moving from the sublime to the ridiculous ie the matter at hand:

1) Why did Rafa Benitez allow a 'world class' striker to leave Liverpool for the rather modest fee variously reported as being between £8 - £11 million + or minus Antonio Nunez (who he?). Going rate for a 'world class' striker playing in a major league (Premier, La Liga, Serie A) at the time was c. £30 million.

2) Why did Real Madrid 'bench him' so often and why did they let him leave after barely a season?

3) Why did Liverpool and Everton baulk at paying £16m for a 'world class' striker who was still only 25 years of age?

4) Why did Newcastle's chairman Freddy Shepherd state that he would carry back Owen to Liverpool himself if they offered £9m for him (and this after stating publicly that none of the big four in The Premier League wanted him)?

5) Why would you get a funny look if you mentioned Owen in the same breath as Ronaldo, Torres, Berbatov, or even Drogba and Adebayor?

I'll help you a little help with your inevitably thoughtless riposte - he is injury prone (but if you bothered to read my earlier post there's more to his frequent bouts of incapacity than fate).

[Samilktray]

This from the man who has used this forum to recycle the most preposterous libel perpetrated by Express Newspapers (et al) against the McCanns. They at least coughed up £500,000 for their crimes. You haven't had the decency to publish a retraction on the relevant thread, let alone an apology.

There's more to being 'clever' 1444ry than scrawling 'quirky' (GIVE ME STRENGTH) prose. First you must have true independence of mind...

Moving from the sublime to the ridiculous ie the matter at hand:

1) Why did Rafa Benitez allow a 'world class' striker to leave Liverpool for the rather modest fee variously reported as being between £8 - £11 million + or minus Antonio Nunez (who he?). Going rate for a 'world class' striker playing in a major league (Premier, La Liga, Serie A) at the time was c. £30 million.

2) Why did Real Madrid 'bench him' so often and why did they let him leave after barely a season?

3) Why did Liverpool and Everton baulk at paying £16m for a 'world class' striker who was still only 25 years of age?

4) Why did Newcastle's chairman Freddy Shepherd state that he would carry back Owen to Liverpool himself if they offered £9m for him (and this after stating publicly that none of the big four in The Premier League wanted him)?

5) Why would you get a funny look if you mentioned Owen in the same breath as Ronaldo, Torres, Berbatov, or even Drogba and Adebayor?

I'll help you a little help with your inevitably thoughtless riposte - he is injury prone (but if you bothered to read my earlier post there's more to his frequent bouts of incapacity than fate).

My god.

You are a happy fella.

[Kilworthfox]

Even in a crap Newcastel team having a crap season he's still scoring one goal for every 2.5 starts.

Owen has always been a great player!

I never doubted that, I still don't understand why Real Madrid got rid of him?

[l444ry]

Owen has always been a great player!

I never doubted that, I still don't understand why Real Madrid got rid of him?

...especially given that Owen scored 16 goals in 41 matches for Real, many as a substitute.

[Joe.]

3) Why did Liverpool and Everton baulk at paying £16m for a 'world class' striker who was still only 25 years of age?

4) Why did Newcastle's chairman Freddy Shepherd state that he would carry back Owen to Liverpool himself if they offered £9m for him (and this after stating publicly that none of the big four in The Premier League wanted him)?

I'll help you a little help with your inevitably thoughtless riposte - he is injury prone (but if you bothered to read my earlier post there's more to his frequent bouts of incapacity than fate).

Have you not just answered both these questions in your last statement?

[Jack]

Looked a lot better at the weekend, took his goal very well.

His new role of playing just behind Viduka and Martins seems to suit him.

[l444ry]

This from the man who has used this forum to recycle the most preposterous libel perpetrated by Express Newspapers (et al) against the McCanns. They at least coughed up £500,000 for their crimes. You haven't had the decency to publish a retraction on the relevant thread, let alone an apology.

Bit of a low, sweeping, innacurate accusation there, Chandler. It should be you who retracts the above piece of garbage.

Anyhow, just because Express Newspapers showed their yellow bellies in stating that "the McCanns did not have anything to do with Madeleine's disappearance" whilst they remain the only official suspects, this hardly puts the McCann's in the clear.

At least have the decency to peddle your misrepresentations in the relevant thread. Or is Michael Owen somehow involved?

Jane Tanner's declarations to the Police casts doubt on the McCanns (24horas)

Key witness that claimed the kidnapping backtracks.

12/04/2008

The Portuguese police still believe that Gerry and Kate are connected to the disappearance of the daughter. This conviction was strengthened with the visit to England. A couple's friend also helped

The thesis of the eventual abduction of Madeleine McCann was compromised by the interrogatories made this week in Leicester, England. The key witness that claimed that Maddie was taken wrapped in a blanket by a man on the 3rd of May of 2007 from a flat in Praia da Luz, Algarve, was heavily shaken when she admitted to the authorities that she only left the Tapas Bar, where she dinned with the McCanns and more six friends, after the alarm given by Kate. Jane Tanner admits that she saw a person before she went to dine but she did not see with precision what that person was carrying and it could be a simple tenant of the Ocean Club. "It was a precious deposition because it permits to concentrate the investigation in only one line, meaning that Maddie's parents are involved in the disappearance of the child direct or indirectly", said to 24 Horas a high judicial responsible connected to the process. According to the same source, "the thesis of an eventual abduction is more and more weak". "It would be good that the McCanns and friends accepted to come to Portugal to do a reconstruction on the 15th and 16th of May, of all the events that occurred between the 18 and 23 hours of that day". And the same responsible launches an appeal:" This is not a cat and mouse game. This is not a game. It is the life of a child we are talking about. If they want to help fine but if they demand things that the authorities cannot accomplish... No one cam make miracles if there is no cooperation from them".

The team of three persons that the PJ sent to England, returned yesterday to Portugal. Next Monday they will meet with the director of the PJ Guilhermino da Encarnação as well as with the public prosecutors Luis Verão and Magalhães e Menezes.The objective is to evaluate all the interrogatories made in England and decide the next steps.

http://www.24horasnewspaper.com/total.php?...816&link=08

[Chandler]

The only reason you accidentally on purpose wandered onto this thread 1444ry was to have a pop at your truly because I made you look utterly foolish in your campaign to get the McCanns banged up for infanticide.

I am doubly glad that you have trumped my 'irrelevant' remarks on the sad affair with your lengthy quote from that vile Porto rag '24 Whores.' Firstly because you did so without a trace of irony. Secondly because '24 Whores' was the principal feeder of the Express's libel (and the main mouthpiece of the sacked, discredited former head of the MM investigation, Goncalo Amaral).

As the West Coast psychobabblers would have it 1444ry, you are in denial. Your irrational (and politically correct) McCannophobia was fanned in exactly the same way as that of millions of others - by a MISREADING of media sentiment. You thought the press, particularly the popular press, was largely McCannophile but, as The Express cave-in demonstrated, it was precisely the opposite. So, in keeping with all Media Studies 101ers, you scrambled up what you imagined to be the moral high ground to brown nose the corrupt PJ and to have a hypocritical wazz over the 'middle class McCann criminals' below. And now your prejudice and vanity have made you incontinent.

Only the ****** (and others like yourself who can't admit they were duped) now believe that Kate and Gerry McCann had anything to do with Madeleine's disappearance. Most people now accept that the McCanns have been treated shabbily by the PJ with a significant proportion feeling that they have been set up by them. A small but growing group think that there might be something even more sinister going on (there is much circumstantial evidence to support the view that Madeleine's abduction was a politically motivated outrage dressed up to appear as a civil misdemeanour).

Apologies to all for hijacking the Owen discussion. I will confine any future remarks on the MM abduction to the appropriate thread. I trust that 1444ry will do the same.

[filbertway]

Micael Owen Isn't Madeleine McAnn. Neither is he Gavin who cost me £25.

[Geo V]

Owen is easily the best finisher in England and for some reason seems to be made a scapegoat. Yet another class striker who has gone abroad to try his luck in the last 20 years to have failed miserably and come back with many thinking he is finished. Injuries have effected him slightly so maybe he hasn't the blistering pace as he used to but he is quick enough and I would have thought that Rooney and Gerrard playing just behind him in a front 3, feeding him the passes would be a great combination but what do I know.

Anyway, he is still our best striker and is showing his class by playing a more withdrawn role in the current Newcastle side to good effect. He seems able to pass the ball which I didn't think he could in yesteryear.

[Corky]

Owen is easily the best finisher in England and for some reason seems to be made a scapegoat. Yet another class striker who has gone abroad to try his luck in the last 20 years to have failed miserably and come back with many thinking he is finished. Injuries have effected him slightly so maybe he hasn't the blistering pace as he used to but he is quick enough and I would have thought that Rooney and Gerrard playing just behind him in a front 3, feeding him the passes would be a great combination but what do I know.

Anyway, he is still our best striker and is showing his class by playing a more withdrawn role in the current Newcastle side to good effect. He seems able to pass the ball which I didn't think he could in yesteryear.

The reason is the media. They see someone as successful and don't want to write good things about them, so any bad run or mistake they make the press jump on them. Then the sheep who follow the media join in. It's sad, because Owen always done it for England and his clubs.

[Koke]

To be fair, Chandler does have a point regarding Michael Owen.