Sifting Through The Lies
As we all long for the football season to return, the majority of us find “satisfaction” in following a variety of different sources through the various mediums available – trying to find latest breaking news which direct us towards which players could ultimately sign for our respective clubs. Whether people want to believe it or not, even the true football fans can be swept away and get overly excited about prospects that the media, bloggers and “people in the know” throw in our faces. What all of us need to understand is that all these people understand the needs of the public and are sometimes willing to put whatever headlines are necessary to gain the publicity. More often it is the lower tier bloggers and young journalists who instil a false (and sick) sense of hope that certain players will be joining our clubs.
It’s so easy to jump on the bandwagon. As a huge fan of Twitter and a big Tweeter myself, I have built a solid stream of everyone I consider credible and who, on occasion, obtain “inside” or breaking news before others. These few newspapers, journalists and editors truly understand the game and have an excellent overall knowledge which can be admired and commended. And to those people I raise my hat and salute you. You are few and far between.
For the rest, I urge you to get a life and gain some humility. Being in the online industry and having studied marketing, your reputation (especially online) is crucial. And you only get one chance. If your reputation is damaged, the chances are firstly that you will be found out and secondly, no one will ever trust you again. That is why whenever I find an interesting article I always credit the person who wrote it and if I give an opinion, I do so with thought and the understanding of consequences. I know many people can get away with their crimes, but I believe people are finally starting to see these vultures for what they really are. I am no journalist or person in the know, I’m a football enthusiast, a fan, a passionate follower of the beautiful game and I most importantly, I am a realist.
Knowing the NON Credible Sources
One of the key points of the article is also help you determine who the unreliable sources are, the ones who fabricate stories just to generate excitement, hype and lies amongst the public. These people lack substance, lack the backbone to follow through on their statements and are practically writing articles and headlines which satisfy the public’s thoughts. They give us hope, tap into our inner emotions and tug at the heart strings which are connected to our clubs. These people should be lynched.
Example 1: Goal.com
When it comes to bullshit, Goal are the primary candidates. These guys will do anything to drive traffic to their website. When it comes to analysis and interesting articles, I can’t fault them, but when you read about a signing or fee agreed, be cautious and think twice. It’s generally going to be bullshit. Always check the quotes and their sources. Or maybe just don’t visit the website.
Example 2: Caughoffside.com
Transfer Examples & Predictions
As far as the transfer window predictions go, here are some examples and predictions for the rest of the transfer period. I have used these 2 examples as I’m a United fan and they quite possibly have some similarities as to the outcome.
1. David de Gea
Synopsis:
I will not go through the timeline of quotes that came out of this boy’s mouth. But for everyone who can read through the bullshit, we all knew he was going to join United the moment Fergie came out and said it. He claimed he wanted to wait until the end of the European U21 Championship to decide his future, but he was merely waiting for his new agent’s contract to come into effect and the deal was done.
Outcome:
He joined United almost immediately after the tournament and expressed his delight at joining one of the biggest clubs in the world.
2. Wesley Sneijder
Synopsis:
Warning – this is a touchy, complicated and tiresome subject. This is my simplified take on the whole transfer saga.
Paul Scholes has retired. Owen Hargreaves has been released. United’s midfield already lacked creativity even with both these players. It’s time to find a solution, to install some of that “x-factor” which has been missing since Ronaldo left. There are 3 options of players who suite the mould of a United player in terms of quality, creativity and experience. These players are Luka Modric, Samir Nasri & Wesley Sneijder.
Now before I continue, let me put my personal preference of the player I want at United. It’s Wesley Sneijder. I have wanted him for over a year and believe he is perfect of us. This is debatable with numerous people arguing their case for each player. I don’t care. If he comes, he will be awesome.
Modric – This is not happening for 2 reasons – firstly Spurs don’t want to sell and secondly he prefers a move to Chelsea in London. Finished.
Nasri - We “bid” for Nasri 3 weeks ago. Wenger is in a serious predicament as the player won’t sign an extension, has 1 year left and if they don’t take the offer, and he will leave for free at end of the season. But how can he sell him to a rival? It’s a toughie, I won’t lie. In terms of United, I don’t think he will come for numerous reasons – but mainly he is going to go to City because (and I hate to say it) they are on the up and they are a serious threat and will be for many years. Oh yes, and they will pay him a fuckload more.
Sneijder - To sum up and conclude on everything I have just said. I have always believed Wesley was going to come. He has the chance to stay with us for the rest of his career, play under the greatest manager of all time, in front of a 75 000 strong Old Trafford crowd and join the Champions of England. He has won in Holland, Spain & Italy. It’s time for him to reach the pinnacle of his career with the most successful club in England.
Is he coming?
He has stated he is happy in Italy, he loves the fans etc. He has to say that. If not, his price would decrease and therefore hurt the fans and club he loves. And look at the sources of the information. He spoke to Vanity Fair the other day and said how his wife is happy in Milan. She was probably sitting right next to him.
People need to get a grip of the situation and read closer into it. There have been meetings that have taken place last week with the Milan board. So logic dictates that anything that is said from anyone other than one of the people in that meeting is most likely BULLSHIT.
Lastly, Wesley needs to WANT to come to United. And he seriously cannot demand wages bigger than Rooney. This will cause problems and if he is not willing to come for the whole greater picture that comes with it, then we deserve better. His Dutch coach, all United fans and many journalists say he is coming, whereas Inter’s directors, fans and players think he is staying. I believe (hope) that he will come. I have my doubts and my feelings seem to swing each day, but I urge everyone to have the same attitude as me –
Don’t stop believing until the transfer window is closed
Conclusion:
Logic needs to dictate your thoughts on which players could join certain clubs. Even though it makes sense to YOU, that doesn’t mean it will happen. The media are powerful, they are cunning and they are clever – they see the logical transfers and create the rumours which seem to make sense. Be cautious, don’t get overly excited until the picture with the manager and player holding their new club’s shirt starts circulating. Even then, it could be photo shopped. This is a dangerous game being played and people’s reputations get damaged. Make sure you are not one of them and trust in your managers, I know I do.
Note:
In my opinion, the most trusted media sources are: The Guardian, The Telegraph and Official Man United Writers. I have also found certain journalists such as Henry Winter, Daniel Taylor and Oliver Kay are all credible, fair and knowledgeable. There are many more but the focus of this article is to call the bullshitters.
