The "Freeola Customer Forum" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.
Steve McManaman was one of Liverpool's most talented midfielders a few years back, and was a regular in the England side for that left-wing position. He made a move to Real Madrid for around £7m in '99, and has since they'd faced tough times while trying to force his way in as a first-team regular. With this as his third year in Spain, he still isn't quite there yet! Should he stay in Spain or come back to the country that loves him???
But why would he want to leave 'sunny Spain' for the 'English rain'?? He must feel like he's in heaven! Living in a massive 6-bedroom house with it's own pool, and his familly, why would he leave all that behind for a cold, old cottage by a dirty river?? Even if he isn't enjoying what goes on, on the pitch, he surely must be loving every bit of it, off of it! Unless of course he's stuck on the bench, which has become his regular position during his career in Madrid.
But I still think that he needs to be somewhere where he's appreciated by the club and gets regular first-team football, with no questions asked. Remember how well he played for England, or even his last international game??? He need to find the right place soon, as there's still time before Sven announces the full squad!! Where should he go???
I think that a top league like the Premiership is his only answer. We all saw how well he played there before, and who says he can't do it again??? I don't think that another foreign country would be his thing. He needs to be closer to home to perform to his best!
Middelsbrough - The Teesiders showed an interest in Macca over a year ago. But nothing serious seemed to happen due to a lack of funds really. Steve McLaren is already under fire for the lack of goals his strikers are getting, but is it really down to them??? What about the support they're getting? Can you honestly say that Jonathan Greening and co. are really supplying Alen Boksic with the types of world-class crosses a former Lazio player deserves??? McManaman can't only cross, he can also run with the ball. He has great confidence at taking on players, and could be pulling defences apart, leaving Boksic with a simple tap-in!
He can also play down both wings, which could be usefull for Manchester United if Boro don't want him. You never know, Fergie may soon be looking for a back-up for injury-prone Ryan Giggs. Would Macca turn down the chance to join the champions???
Leeds - Leeds are another Premiership club who have been linked with a move for the midfield-maestro. Apart from the right-hand side, their midfield is perfect! How much longer will Eirik Bakke and Lee Bowyer put up with being played out of position?? If Leeds don't go for Trevor Sinclair then I strongly advise they make a move for Steve McManaman! He's simialr to Kewell in severakl ways. They both love to take players on and have a bag of tricks up their sleaves! And how many defenders would allow Macca enough time and space in the 18-yard box?? With experience of trophies and playing with great players from his Liverpool days, Steve could be the missing piece of the jigsaw to help Leeds keep up their title challenge and increase the depth of their squad. So why not Mr. O'Leary?? He is Brittish after all!
Chelsea - The 'mighty-blues' have never really shown a huge interest in McManaman, possibly because he's English! But a player of his abillity down the flanks could be just what they need to finally help them sustain a title challenge. But then again, is Macca really neccessary when you have Mario Stanic and Boudewijn Zenden in your attack?? After all, they are different class. And that 'foreign-flair' is something that Chelsea have always seemed to favour in attackers. But who's to say he hasn't picked up a thing or 2 in Spain, from Zidane or Raul???
Liverpool - Although it seems very unlikely that the Everton fan will return to a different Liverpool team, he could be just the player they're looking for! But Houllier has already shown interest in Sinclair, and may favour the 'on-form Hammer's Hero'. If Macca could regain the stunning form of his previous Anfield days then Houllier would know that it's money well spent on someone who loves the club. So is a return to Anfield really that unlikely??? I think it should be considered if Liverpool loose-out on Trevor Sinclair.
Rangers have also shown a strong interest in the talented winger, but I just don't think that the style of play in Scotland would be challenging enough for a player of McManaman's capabillities. Look at van Bronckhorst. He hasn't settled in too well at Highbury, could it be because he's finding life a lot tougher in the world's no.1 league?? In my view, if Steve McManaman is to move anywhere, it should be back to the Premiership. Leeds or Middelsbrough could be ideal, and he needs to be nearer to Sven to catch his eye. He can't do it from sitting on the bench though can he! Can England really expect to get somewhere in Japan and South Korea without a player of McManaman's calibre??
But why would he want to leave 'sunny Spain' for the 'English rain'?? He must feel like he's in heaven! Living in a massive 6-bedroom house with it's own pool, and his familly, why would he leave all that behind for a cold, old cottage by a dirty river?? Even if he isn't enjoying what goes on, on the pitch, he surely must be loving every bit of it, off of it! Unless of course he's stuck on the bench, which has become his regular position during his career in Madrid.
But I still think that he needs to be somewhere where he's appreciated by the club and gets regular first-team football, with no questions asked. Remember how well he played for England, or even his last international game??? He need to find the right place soon, as there's still time before Sven announces the full squad!! Where should he go???
I think that a top league like the Premiership is his only answer. We all saw how well he played there before, and who says he can't do it again??? I don't think that another foreign country would be his thing. He needs to be closer to home to perform to his best!
Middelsbrough - The Teesiders showed an interest in Macca over a year ago. But nothing serious seemed to happen due to a lack of funds really. Steve McLaren is already under fire for the lack of goals his strikers are getting, but is it really down to them??? What about the support they're getting? Can you honestly say that Jonathan Greening and co. are really supplying Alen Boksic with the types of world-class crosses a former Lazio player deserves??? McManaman can't only cross, he can also run with the ball. He has great confidence at taking on players, and could be pulling defences apart, leaving Boksic with a simple tap-in!
He can also play down both wings, which could be usefull for Manchester United if Boro don't want him. You never know, Fergie may soon be looking for a back-up for injury-prone Ryan Giggs. Would Macca turn down the chance to join the champions???
Leeds - Leeds are another Premiership club who have been linked with a move for the midfield-maestro. Apart from the right-hand side, their midfield is perfect! How much longer will Eirik Bakke and Lee Bowyer put up with being played out of position?? If Leeds don't go for Trevor Sinclair then I strongly advise they make a move for Steve McManaman! He's simialr to Kewell in severakl ways. They both love to take players on and have a bag of tricks up their sleaves! And how many defenders would allow Macca enough time and space in the 18-yard box?? With experience of trophies and playing with great players from his Liverpool days, Steve could be the missing piece of the jigsaw to help Leeds keep up their title challenge and increase the depth of their squad. So why not Mr. O'Leary?? He is Brittish after all!
Chelsea - The 'mighty-blues' have never really shown a huge interest in McManaman, possibly because he's English! But a player of his abillity down the flanks could be just what they need to finally help them sustain a title challenge. But then again, is Macca really neccessary when you have Mario Stanic and Boudewijn Zenden in your attack?? After all, they are different class. And that 'foreign-flair' is something that Chelsea have always seemed to favour in attackers. But who's to say he hasn't picked up a thing or 2 in Spain, from Zidane or Raul???
Liverpool - Although it seems very unlikely that the Everton fan will return to a different Liverpool team, he could be just the player they're looking for! But Houllier has already shown interest in Sinclair, and may favour the 'on-form Hammer's Hero'. If Macca could regain the stunning form of his previous Anfield days then Houllier would know that it's money well spent on someone who loves the club. So is a return to Anfield really that unlikely??? I think it should be considered if Liverpool loose-out on Trevor Sinclair.
Rangers have also shown a strong interest in the talented winger, but I just don't think that the style of play in Scotland would be challenging enough for a player of McManaman's capabillities. Look at van Bronckhorst. He hasn't settled in too well at Highbury, could it be because he's finding life a lot tougher in the world's no.1 league?? In my view, if Steve McManaman is to move anywhere, it should be back to the Premiership. Leeds or Middelsbrough could be ideal, and he needs to be nearer to Sven to catch his eye. He can't do it from sitting on the bench though can he! Can England really expect to get somewhere in Japan and South Korea without a player of McManaman's calibre??
I cant imagine him coming back till he's 30 something.
Life in spain is far too good compared to dreary old england - plus the money+life out there is good too.
He's just raking in the money...
But if for some bizzare and strange reason Madrid suddenly had the urge to sell him... (perhaps the next time they run into financial difficulty - and the gov. cant bail them out...perhaps then)
The only teams I could actually see him moving to (perhaps no playing straight off) would be firstly either Man U (money again), Arsenal and obvioulsly Liverpool - whether these teams need him or not.
Outsiders would be Newcastle, Spurs (if Hoddle is still around) and Chelsea
Leeds dont need him, Villa cant afford him
Dark Horse : Fulham.... cus they got bag fulls of cash, and with a spanking new stadium in the offing... it could be interesting.
Life in spain is far too good compared to dreary old england - plus the money+life out there is good too.
He's just raking in the money...
But if for some bizzare and strange reason Madrid suddenly had the urge to sell him... (perhaps the next time they run into financial difficulty - and the gov. cant bail them out...perhaps then)
The only teams I could actually see him moving to (perhaps no playing straight off) would be firstly either Man U (money again), Arsenal and obvioulsly Liverpool - whether these teams need him or not.
Outsiders would be Newcastle, Spurs (if Hoddle is still around) and Chelsea
Leeds dont need him, Villa cant afford him
Dark Horse : Fulham.... cus they got bag fulls of cash, and with a spanking new stadium in the offing... it could be interesting.
I don't want shaggy playing for us any more, he was lured by the Pesata, and purposely played bad in his final season so that the move didn't fall through. I hate him! >:¬(
Actually.....maybe he did! And maybe it was other clubs that had bid £7m previously?? That'd make sense as to why Real didn't splash out £30m+ on him like everyone else!
I thought Macca went on a bosman to Real as he was one of the first british players to do this.
I don't think he would go to any teams mentioned there because he wouldn't leave Spain. Leeds already have Kewell and Bowyer so i don't think Leeds would be interested in him
Steve McManaman was one of Liverpool's most talented midfielders a few years back, and was a regular in the England side for that left-wing position. He made a move to Real Madrid for around £7m in '99, and has since they'd faced tough times while trying to force his way in as a first-team regular. With this as his third year in Spain, he still isn't quite there yet! Should he stay in Spain or come back to the country that loves him???
But why would he want to leave 'sunny Spain' for the 'English rain'?? He must feel like he's in heaven! Living in a massive 6-bedroom house with it's own pool, and his familly, why would he leave all that behind for a cold, old cottage by a dirty river?? Even if he isn't enjoying what goes on, on the pitch, he surely must be loving every bit of it, off of it! Unless of course he's stuck on the bench, which has become his regular position during his career in Madrid.
But I still think that he needs to be somewhere where he's appreciated by the club and gets regular first-team football, with no questions asked. Remember how well he played for England, or even his last international game??? He need to find the right place soon, as there's still time before Sven announces the full squad!! Where should he go???
I think that a top league like the Premiership is his only answer. We all saw how well he played there before, and who says he can't do it again??? I don't think that another foreign country would be his thing. He needs to be closer to home to perform to his best!
Middelsbrough - The Teesiders showed an interest in Macca over a year ago. But nothing serious seemed to happen due to a lack of funds really. Steve McLaren is already under fire for the lack of goals his strikers are getting, but is it really down to them??? What about the support they're getting? Can you honestly say that Jonathan Greening and co. are really supplying Alen Boksic with the types of world-class crosses a former Lazio player deserves??? McManaman can't only cross, he can also run with the ball. He has great confidence at taking on players, and could be pulling defences apart, leaving Boksic with a simple tap-in!
He can also play down both wings, which could be usefull for Manchester United if Boro don't want him. You never know, Fergie may soon be looking for a back-up for injury-prone Ryan Giggs. Would Macca turn down the chance to join the champions???
Leeds - Leeds are another Premiership club who have been linked with a move for the midfield-maestro. Apart from the right-hand side, their midfield is perfect! How much longer will Eirik Bakke and Lee Bowyer put up with being played out of position?? If Leeds don't go for Trevor Sinclair then I strongly advise they make a move for Steve McManaman! He's simialr to Kewell in severakl ways. They both love to take players on and have a bag of tricks up their sleaves! And how many defenders would allow Macca enough time and space in the 18-yard box?? With experience of trophies and playing with great players from his Liverpool days, Steve could be the missing piece of the jigsaw to help Leeds keep up their title challenge and increase the depth of their squad. So why not Mr. O'Leary?? He is Brittish after all!
Chelsea - The 'mighty-blues' have never really shown a huge interest in McManaman, possibly because he's English! But a player of his abillity down the flanks could be just what they need to finally help them sustain a title challenge. But then again, is Macca really neccessary when you have Mario Stanic and Boudewijn Zenden in your attack?? After all, they are different class. And that 'foreign-flair' is something that Chelsea have always seemed to favour in attackers. But who's to say he hasn't picked up a thing or 2 in Spain, from Zidane or Raul???
Liverpool - Although it seems very unlikely that the Everton fan will return to a different Liverpool team, he could be just the player they're looking for! But Houllier has already shown interest in Sinclair, and may favour the 'on-form Hammer's Hero'. If Macca could regain the stunning form of his previous Anfield days then Houllier would know that it's money well spent on someone who loves the club. So is a return to Anfield really that unlikely??? I think it should be considered if Liverpool loose-out on Trevor Sinclair.
Rangers have also shown a strong interest in the talented winger, but I just don't think that the style of play in Scotland would be challenging enough for a player of McManaman's capabillities. Look at van Bronckhorst. He hasn't settled in too well at Highbury, could it be because he's finding life a lot tougher in the world's no.1 league?? In my view, if Steve McManaman is to move anywhere, it should be back to the Premiership. Leeds or Middelsbrough could be ideal, and he needs to be nearer to Sven to catch his eye. He can't do it from sitting on the bench though can he! Can England really expect to get somewhere in Japan and South Korea without a player of McManaman's calibre??
But why would he want to leave 'sunny Spain' for the 'English rain'?? He must feel like he's in heaven! Living in a massive 6-bedroom house with it's own pool, and his familly, why would he leave all that behind for a cold, old cottage by a dirty river?? Even if he isn't enjoying what goes on, on the pitch, he surely must be loving every bit of it, off of it! Unless of course he's stuck on the bench, which has become his regular position during his career in Madrid.
But I still think that he needs to be somewhere where he's appreciated by the club and gets regular first-team football, with no questions asked. Remember how well he played for England, or even his last international game??? He need to find the right place soon, as there's still time before Sven announces the full squad!! Where should he go???
I think that a top league like the Premiership is his only answer. We all saw how well he played there before, and who says he can't do it again??? I don't think that another foreign country would be his thing. He needs to be closer to home to perform to his best!
Middelsbrough - The Teesiders showed an interest in Macca over a year ago. But nothing serious seemed to happen due to a lack of funds really. Steve McLaren is already under fire for the lack of goals his strikers are getting, but is it really down to them??? What about the support they're getting? Can you honestly say that Jonathan Greening and co. are really supplying Alen Boksic with the types of world-class crosses a former Lazio player deserves??? McManaman can't only cross, he can also run with the ball. He has great confidence at taking on players, and could be pulling defences apart, leaving Boksic with a simple tap-in!
He can also play down both wings, which could be usefull for Manchester United if Boro don't want him. You never know, Fergie may soon be looking for a back-up for injury-prone Ryan Giggs. Would Macca turn down the chance to join the champions???
Leeds - Leeds are another Premiership club who have been linked with a move for the midfield-maestro. Apart from the right-hand side, their midfield is perfect! How much longer will Eirik Bakke and Lee Bowyer put up with being played out of position?? If Leeds don't go for Trevor Sinclair then I strongly advise they make a move for Steve McManaman! He's simialr to Kewell in severakl ways. They both love to take players on and have a bag of tricks up their sleaves! And how many defenders would allow Macca enough time and space in the 18-yard box?? With experience of trophies and playing with great players from his Liverpool days, Steve could be the missing piece of the jigsaw to help Leeds keep up their title challenge and increase the depth of their squad. So why not Mr. O'Leary?? He is Brittish after all!
Chelsea - The 'mighty-blues' have never really shown a huge interest in McManaman, possibly because he's English! But a player of his abillity down the flanks could be just what they need to finally help them sustain a title challenge. But then again, is Macca really neccessary when you have Mario Stanic and Boudewijn Zenden in your attack?? After all, they are different class. And that 'foreign-flair' is something that Chelsea have always seemed to favour in attackers. But who's to say he hasn't picked up a thing or 2 in Spain, from Zidane or Raul???
Liverpool - Although it seems very unlikely that the Everton fan will return to a different Liverpool team, he could be just the player they're looking for! But Houllier has already shown interest in Sinclair, and may favour the 'on-form Hammer's Hero'. If Macca could regain the stunning form of his previous Anfield days then Houllier would know that it's money well spent on someone who loves the club. So is a return to Anfield really that unlikely??? I think it should be considered if Liverpool loose-out on Trevor Sinclair.
Rangers have also shown a strong interest in the talented winger, but I just don't think that the style of play in Scotland would be challenging enough for a player of McManaman's capabillities. Look at van Bronckhorst. He hasn't settled in too well at Highbury, could it be because he's finding life a lot tougher in the world's no.1 league?? In my view, if Steve McManaman is to move anywhere, it should be back to the Premiership. Leeds or Middelsbrough could be ideal, and he needs to be nearer to Sven to catch his eye. He can't do it from sitting on the bench though can he! Can England really expect to get somewhere in Japan and South Korea without a player of McManaman's calibre??