Baltimore World Cup Soccer @ Slainte Pub

It is no secret that Liverpool’s record signing, Andy Carroll, is a bust.  Rumors of hitting the bottle a little much and questionable of fitness aside, the Englishman has not produced to the level that was expected of a Red’s star striker.  Carroll was a star at Newcastle, and rumor has it that his old club will not mind having him back despite Andy stating that he is staying at Anfield. That being said, the transfer window closes tomorrow, and if King Kenny’s merry men are going to make a run at fourth place in the league they need to make a move.  Here are some players that a clueless Baltimorean thinks the Reds should and should not sign to wear the number 9 jersey.

For The Love Of All Things Holy DO NOT Sign Tevez
The rumor has already been quickly stamped out by Liverpool, but sources reported that the Reds approached Manchester City for a straight loser-for-loser swap.  Lets just hope this passes and we never hear of Tevez playing for Kenny Dalglish ever again.

Napoli Wont Let Go Of Cavani…
…because they know they need him if they have a chance of knocking Chelsea out of the Champions League.  As cool as it would be to see two Uruguayans playing up front, if the Reds sign him they will end up spending a fortune and possibly breaking Carroll’s own record deal.  It could work, but would the cost be worth it?  Carroll is not the only need that the Reds should address, so back-to-back record signings might not be the smartest business decision.

Stick It To Newcastle And Get Ba On The Cheap
Reports are in that Tottenham and Liverpool (as well as a few other clubs) are interested in what could be the best deal of the window.  Demba Ba will not be playing for Newcastle next season but is expected to stay in England where he can be picked up on the relatively affordable side of things and then practically double his salary.  Despite his knees being an issue, the Reds will make out like bandits if they make this deal happen and may even find themselves with a team willing to take Carroll back.

Wishing for Wesley Sneijder…
…is the only thing a fan can really do.  Wesley has not had the best season at Inter, and rumors temporarily surfaced that he was being looked at by Fergie.  With his value lower than ever it would be a risk a fan-boy like me would love to take, but an unlikely move from the Reds.  Even after Sneijder himself ruled out the Manchester United rumors I still hope for a surprise like this. Any reputable attacking player would suffice.

If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
With an appearance at Wembley for the Carling Cup Final secured and the huge win over United in the FA Cup, the Reds might actually accomplish some of their goals set for this season.  Trophies and a Champions League berth are what fans were told to look forward to, and the Reds might actually deliver the silverware with Andy on the team.  Bellamy has stepped up when he has been needed, Gerard is looking better every week, Suarez will be back on the pitch tomorrow, and Kuyt has finally broken his goal drought.  Despite fan and media disgust for Carroll, Dalglish has continuously praised his forward and has made it clear that they plan on keeping him around.  It is quite possible that Liverpool does not see the same problem fans see with Carroll which would mean a quiet January transfer window for Reds supporters.

Stay tuned!

Carling Cup Semi Final: Liverpool (1) vs Manchester City (0)

Copa del Rey Quarter Final: Barcelona (2) vs Real Madrid (1)

International Friendly: Panama vs USMNT

Well here it is – the only “super” game left on the schedule this year. Liverpool will be reeling from their UEFA drop. Something I take no joy in reporting. The league is a better league when Liverpool are quality. If I weren’t a City fan — I would most likely be a ‘Pool fan.

With that said – I hope they lose on Sunday.

The only thing worse than Chelsea winning the league – are United winning the league. And I just can’t root for the Reds to lift a trophy again. So… *choke… come on you Chelsea Blues –

I would have tried to brutally mutilate a break down of both sides… where they were weak and strong – but given the level of people that read this… I stick to my team and I don’t tread on territory not lightly interpreted.

However, I would LOVE to see on of you Scouse or Chelsks take a stab at a post – no matter how short or one-sided.  I would love for this blog to pick up some steam heading into the World Cup – -

Contact me bretholmes[at]gmail.com if you want to request a user login to write from —

ManCity

Irish needs something to make him happy in a year of so many disappointments -

I would have to say that this weekend(Saturday for me) at the pub was pretty legend.

Aside from the show the Chelsea boys put on – there was a last minute goal to get the Gooners hopping,  Sunderland beating Tottenham to give Liverpool a better chance and move City to it’s rightful place in the top 4. And then there was the City slaughter of Burnley at Turf Moor. All this happened in one day and lead to lots of laughs and a general great time for all.

I think one of the best things were the times when we were all outside at half – and people walk by to read the breakfast menu – and sometimes we lure them into the pub – and EVERY TIME those people say along the lines of the same thing: “I can’t believe a place like this exists. It’s awesome.”

I have recently been bringing my friend Chris down to the pub. He’s new to the entire Soccer world – but if there’s one thing I know about Chris – when he likes something he gets pretty wrapped up in it. And to see his face there this weekend for a good ole’ classic Slainte Row between 2 power houses at 7:45 AM – I think he became an official convert. As a matter of fact I know he did – we’ve been going to sporting events since we were teenagers and I know now – he’s been converted as an official evangelist of Baltimore’s best kept sports secret – Soccer at Slainte -

It is the ONLY place in Baltimore where you show up at 7:45 AM, have a pint, and see truly knowledgeable and excited fans that represent every team (not just one team in particular *wink at that other place). The chants, the food, the regulars, and just the entire atmosphere were really on point this weekend.

As a matter of fact – we had two happenstance moments:

1. A Chelsea fan got up at 6 AM to drive to Baltimore because he “would never ever find a place like this in Harrisburg.” and it is “completely worth it.” -

2. A friend of mine who is a United fan – had his friends enjoying breakfast at Koopers run over to see if a short, fat guy in blue with a paper boy hat on was making a fool of himself – and of course I was – and of course it was predictable that they would find me.

All of the things above make the pub that we all adore that much more inviting to return to over and over again. Cheers to all the lads and ladies! Top time as always.

Later this week - look forward and I mean – REALLY LOOK FORWARD to my review of the upcoming City v Birmingham game and… I would love to see some of you fans out there that can string 3 words together- get on here and really round out the field for opinions and entertaining stories. Contact Willy or myself so we can sort you out.

Onwards and upwards – especially in the table – B

Oh and cheers to Frenchy II (Seb) for coming in and taking photos -