The "Freeola Customer Forum" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only.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.
The race is on for this highly-rated young Irish International and Blackburn starlet with both Liverpool and Man United apparently leading the way in the chase to nab his signature first.
And why wouldn't they want him!?
Not only has he risen-up through the ranks at Ewood Park and ended up representing his country at this summers' World Cup...
Not only has he been regarded as one of the hottest-properties to have come from Ireland since Robbie Keane...
But now that he's become an instant hit amongst Blackburn Rovers and their supporters alike, he's looking to move on to even bigger things.
After relegation a few years back and a recent return to the top-flight without anything much to show for it, Duff has begun to realise that despite what he may have been told by Souness and co., Blackburn Rovers may not be the club to fulfill his dreams and expectations of Gold Medals, precious Silverware, and even more money in the bank.
This is why he is looking elsewhere for a new club to help him reach those goals. But despite what you may think of him, very few clubs have actually staked their claims for him.
He now seems to be stuck at the end of a 2-horsed race, unless of course he decides he wants to change his mind and stay with the Premiership Champions of 1995. For one reason or another, no Spanish or Italian clubs seem interested - maybe it's due to money or they remember Robbie Keane at Inter or something?? I don't know.
Premiership clubs still have money, but there's only 2 of them in the running here. Surely they can't honestly believe they're better off without him!!? The only problem I can see is the Price Tag Souness has set on him. It's apparently at around £20m - but can you blame him!?
Either way, he needs to be somewhere next season where he can play football and really get the best going for the rest of his career.
But where exactly is that place he could call... 'home'??
Manchester United - When you see an asking price of £20m and you know the player in question is well-worth that amount, United are the first real club to come to mind with their overall wealth and success.
And when you add to that the fact that the no.9 shirt at Old Trafford still remains vacant after Andy Cole's departure, you can see the path starting to open up for a player like Damien Duff.
If you've seen Duff play then you may have noticed that he is quite a Ryan Giggs type of player. With his quick pace, great dribbling and ball control, and an eye for goal and getting into those dangerous situations, he could really help to rip Arsenal's back 4 apart this season, and set-up Van Nistelrooy and co. for even more goals!
And aswell as the Premiership there's Europe and a number of other competitions to play in too. Not only would this mean a greater chance of Silverware EVERY year, but the experiences he'd get, and how it could help him develop.... Ireland could be on for the World Cup in 2006!!
But after the £30m capture of Rio Ferdinand, would another £20m signing really keep the United board at all ease - despite their wealth??
Liverpool - Success isn't something that arrives on a regular basis at Anfield these days. It seems that even with the likes of Owen and Diouff now, Liverpool aren't quite 'the side that was' 20 years ago.
Even though he may be playing in the big games and the big names with a move to Anfield along with all those other recent arrivals, he may not be able to find the silvery shining light at the end of the tunnel.
Another real question is regarding where exactly he would play in the Liverpool team on a regular basis.
The partnership of Heskey and Owen really seems to be taking shape at last, and Liverpool have already got Diouff and a few others waiting in-line for their chance to score goals.
Duff may be able to find an opening in the middle somewhere (possibly in Berger's place), but it still wouldn't be an easy job settling in with some more new and unknown faces.
Houllier's already spent 'a fair-few-bob' (or so...), and he has already said that his interest is dying as Duff's price tag keeps-on rising.
Leeds - Under David O'Leary, i'd have to have said that Elland Road would be THE place to go if your name's Damien Duff.
Not would he have had a great Irish manager he truly understands his players, but he'd also be surrounded by a squad of Brits-alike - to really help him to feel at home.
Sadly though, Venables is a different man, and he has his eyes set on Darren Anderton anyway. The money's definitley there after the Rio deal, but knocking Harry Kewell out of position can't be too easy! And due to his lack of a right-foot he may not be the man to force Bowyer out after all.
If Sir Alex Ferguson does decide that this would be £20m well spent, then by all means who should go for this pacey-young-talent with an eye for goal while he'd also be able to make safer bets on a retutn to the Old Trafford Trophy Cabinet for the Premiership trophy come May next year - and maybe even more-so too! ;D
This is one safe bet he'd have a hard time trying to lose!
Damien Duff could become his new winner, leaving his prized Race Horse behind in second place (along with Arsenal!). It makes sense, and from what we've heard his wages wouldn't be too high either.
Duff in the name, NOT the game!
And why wouldn't they want him!?
Not only has he risen-up through the ranks at Ewood Park and ended up representing his country at this summers' World Cup...
Not only has he been regarded as one of the hottest-properties to have come from Ireland since Robbie Keane...
But now that he's become an instant hit amongst Blackburn Rovers and their supporters alike, he's looking to move on to even bigger things.
After relegation a few years back and a recent return to the top-flight without anything much to show for it, Duff has begun to realise that despite what he may have been told by Souness and co., Blackburn Rovers may not be the club to fulfill his dreams and expectations of Gold Medals, precious Silverware, and even more money in the bank.
This is why he is looking elsewhere for a new club to help him reach those goals. But despite what you may think of him, very few clubs have actually staked their claims for him.
He now seems to be stuck at the end of a 2-horsed race, unless of course he decides he wants to change his mind and stay with the Premiership Champions of 1995. For one reason or another, no Spanish or Italian clubs seem interested - maybe it's due to money or they remember Robbie Keane at Inter or something?? I don't know.
Premiership clubs still have money, but there's only 2 of them in the running here. Surely they can't honestly believe they're better off without him!!? The only problem I can see is the Price Tag Souness has set on him. It's apparently at around £20m - but can you blame him!?
Either way, he needs to be somewhere next season where he can play football and really get the best going for the rest of his career.
But where exactly is that place he could call... 'home'??
Manchester United - When you see an asking price of £20m and you know the player in question is well-worth that amount, United are the first real club to come to mind with their overall wealth and success.
And when you add to that the fact that the no.9 shirt at Old Trafford still remains vacant after Andy Cole's departure, you can see the path starting to open up for a player like Damien Duff.
If you've seen Duff play then you may have noticed that he is quite a Ryan Giggs type of player. With his quick pace, great dribbling and ball control, and an eye for goal and getting into those dangerous situations, he could really help to rip Arsenal's back 4 apart this season, and set-up Van Nistelrooy and co. for even more goals!
And aswell as the Premiership there's Europe and a number of other competitions to play in too. Not only would this mean a greater chance of Silverware EVERY year, but the experiences he'd get, and how it could help him develop.... Ireland could be on for the World Cup in 2006!!
But after the £30m capture of Rio Ferdinand, would another £20m signing really keep the United board at all ease - despite their wealth??
Liverpool - Success isn't something that arrives on a regular basis at Anfield these days. It seems that even with the likes of Owen and Diouff now, Liverpool aren't quite 'the side that was' 20 years ago.
Even though he may be playing in the big games and the big names with a move to Anfield along with all those other recent arrivals, he may not be able to find the silvery shining light at the end of the tunnel.
Another real question is regarding where exactly he would play in the Liverpool team on a regular basis.
The partnership of Heskey and Owen really seems to be taking shape at last, and Liverpool have already got Diouff and a few others waiting in-line for their chance to score goals.
Duff may be able to find an opening in the middle somewhere (possibly in Berger's place), but it still wouldn't be an easy job settling in with some more new and unknown faces.
Houllier's already spent 'a fair-few-bob' (or so...), and he has already said that his interest is dying as Duff's price tag keeps-on rising.
Leeds - Under David O'Leary, i'd have to have said that Elland Road would be THE place to go if your name's Damien Duff.
Not would he have had a great Irish manager he truly understands his players, but he'd also be surrounded by a squad of Brits-alike - to really help him to feel at home.
Sadly though, Venables is a different man, and he has his eyes set on Darren Anderton anyway. The money's definitley there after the Rio deal, but knocking Harry Kewell out of position can't be too easy! And due to his lack of a right-foot he may not be the man to force Bowyer out after all.
If Sir Alex Ferguson does decide that this would be £20m well spent, then by all means who should go for this pacey-young-talent with an eye for goal while he'd also be able to make safer bets on a retutn to the Old Trafford Trophy Cabinet for the Premiership trophy come May next year - and maybe even more-so too! ;D
This is one safe bet he'd have a hard time trying to lose!
Damien Duff could become his new winner, leaving his prized Race Horse behind in second place (along with Arsenal!). It makes sense, and from what we've heard his wages wouldn't be too high either.
Duff in the name, NOT the game!
Yes, the big-name Premiership clubs DO have established left-wingers, but Duff is a versitile player who can also play in the attack - just like he did so well for Ireland in the World Cup for Ireland during the summer.
And being a talented left-winger adds even more of a bonus to United if they are to sign him. When Giggs gets injured he's usually out for a long time - and who else is there who could easily replace him and still have a great effect out there other than Duff!?
This would also give Solskjaer or Forlan the chance to start upfront too.
And playing in the big leagues can only improve him further.
£20m may still be a big fee, but his wages would apparently be no higher than £25,000 as he's no David Beckham!
Having Roy Keane and young John O'Shea there too would also help him to settle-in, and the 3 would be able to work together well after having worked together in the Ireland team.
And being a talented left-winger adds even more of a bonus to United if they are to sign him. When Giggs gets injured he's usually out for a long time - and who else is there who could easily replace him and still have a great effect out there other than Duff!?
This would also give Solskjaer or Forlan the chance to start upfront too.
And playing in the big leagues can only improve him further.
£20m may still be a big fee, but his wages would apparently be no higher than £25,000 as he's no David Beckham!
Having Roy Keane and young John O'Shea there too would also help him to settle-in, and the 3 would be able to work together well after having worked together in the Ireland team.
Shadow wrote:
> JAR wrote:
> reaching a champions League Semi- final is not succesful.
>
> Just like the Liverpool fans to be dreaming again. I think you will
> find the only English team to have reached a Champions League Semi in
> the last 10 years is Manchester United (3 Times)
I meant to say quarter final but in my absent mindedness accidentaly put down semi instead. And you are also wrong, Leeds United got into one a couple of years ago.
> JAR wrote:
> reaching a champions League Semi- final is not succesful.
>
> Just like the Liverpool fans to be dreaming again. I think you will
> find the only English team to have reached a Champions League Semi in
> the last 10 years is Manchester United (3 Times)
I meant to say quarter final but in my absent mindedness accidentaly put down semi instead. And you are also wrong, Leeds United got into one a couple of years ago.
JAR wrote:
> reaching a champions League Semi- final is not succesful.
Just like the Liverpool fans to be dreaming again. I think you will find the only English team to have reached a Champions League Semi in the last 10 years is Manchester United (3 Times)
> reaching a champions League Semi- final is not succesful.
Just like the Liverpool fans to be dreaming again. I think you will find the only English team to have reached a Champions League Semi in the last 10 years is Manchester United (3 Times)
How can you say that after 5 years of relative obscurity that winning 5 trophies, coming 2nd in the Premiership and reaching a champions League Semi- final is not succesful. The Liverpool side of 10 or 20 years ago was one of the greatest ever assembled and dominated football for that era. The current side may not as good but they are getting better and the rebuilding process has started in the Anfield revolution.
The clear side for Damien Duff to join would be Liverpool, the other main clubs all have established left wingers like Pires, Giggs and Kewell. Although the Reds have Bruno Cheyrou who was amazing on his debut he could switch to the right side where he has played before.
The clear side for Damien Duff to join would be Liverpool, the other main clubs all have established left wingers like Pires, Giggs and Kewell. Although the Reds have Bruno Cheyrou who was amazing on his debut he could switch to the right side where he has played before.
The race is on for this highly-rated young Irish International and Blackburn starlet with both Liverpool and Man United apparently leading the way in the chase to nab his signature first.
And why wouldn't they want him!?
Not only has he risen-up through the ranks at Ewood Park and ended up representing his country at this summers' World Cup...
Not only has he been regarded as one of the hottest-properties to have come from Ireland since Robbie Keane...
But now that he's become an instant hit amongst Blackburn Rovers and their supporters alike, he's looking to move on to even bigger things.
After relegation a few years back and a recent return to the top-flight without anything much to show for it, Duff has begun to realise that despite what he may have been told by Souness and co., Blackburn Rovers may not be the club to fulfill his dreams and expectations of Gold Medals, precious Silverware, and even more money in the bank.
This is why he is looking elsewhere for a new club to help him reach those goals. But despite what you may think of him, very few clubs have actually staked their claims for him.
He now seems to be stuck at the end of a 2-horsed race, unless of course he decides he wants to change his mind and stay with the Premiership Champions of 1995. For one reason or another, no Spanish or Italian clubs seem interested - maybe it's due to money or they remember Robbie Keane at Inter or something?? I don't know.
Premiership clubs still have money, but there's only 2 of them in the running here. Surely they can't honestly believe they're better off without him!!? The only problem I can see is the Price Tag Souness has set on him. It's apparently at around £20m - but can you blame him!?
Either way, he needs to be somewhere next season where he can play football and really get the best going for the rest of his career.
But where exactly is that place he could call... 'home'??
Manchester United - When you see an asking price of £20m and you know the player in question is well-worth that amount, United are the first real club to come to mind with their overall wealth and success.
And when you add to that the fact that the no.9 shirt at Old Trafford still remains vacant after Andy Cole's departure, you can see the path starting to open up for a player like Damien Duff.
If you've seen Duff play then you may have noticed that he is quite a Ryan Giggs type of player. With his quick pace, great dribbling and ball control, and an eye for goal and getting into those dangerous situations, he could really help to rip Arsenal's back 4 apart this season, and set-up Van Nistelrooy and co. for even more goals!
And aswell as the Premiership there's Europe and a number of other competitions to play in too. Not only would this mean a greater chance of Silverware EVERY year, but the experiences he'd get, and how it could help him develop.... Ireland could be on for the World Cup in 2006!!
But after the £30m capture of Rio Ferdinand, would another £20m signing really keep the United board at all ease - despite their wealth??
Liverpool - Success isn't something that arrives on a regular basis at Anfield these days. It seems that even with the likes of Owen and Diouff now, Liverpool aren't quite 'the side that was' 20 years ago.
Even though he may be playing in the big games and the big names with a move to Anfield along with all those other recent arrivals, he may not be able to find the silvery shining light at the end of the tunnel.
Another real question is regarding where exactly he would play in the Liverpool team on a regular basis.
The partnership of Heskey and Owen really seems to be taking shape at last, and Liverpool have already got Diouff and a few others waiting in-line for their chance to score goals.
Duff may be able to find an opening in the middle somewhere (possibly in Berger's place), but it still wouldn't be an easy job settling in with some more new and unknown faces.
Houllier's already spent 'a fair-few-bob' (or so...), and he has already said that his interest is dying as Duff's price tag keeps-on rising.
Leeds - Under David O'Leary, i'd have to have said that Elland Road would be THE place to go if your name's Damien Duff.
Not would he have had a great Irish manager he truly understands his players, but he'd also be surrounded by a squad of Brits-alike - to really help him to feel at home.
Sadly though, Venables is a different man, and he has his eyes set on Darren Anderton anyway. The money's definitley there after the Rio deal, but knocking Harry Kewell out of position can't be too easy! And due to his lack of a right-foot he may not be the man to force Bowyer out after all.
If Sir Alex Ferguson does decide that this would be £20m well spent, then by all means who should go for this pacey-young-talent with an eye for goal while he'd also be able to make safer bets on a retutn to the Old Trafford Trophy Cabinet for the Premiership trophy come May next year - and maybe even more-so too! ;D
This is one safe bet he'd have a hard time trying to lose!
Damien Duff could become his new winner, leaving his prized Race Horse behind in second place (along with Arsenal!). It makes sense, and from what we've heard his wages wouldn't be too high either.
Duff in the name, NOT the game!
And why wouldn't they want him!?
Not only has he risen-up through the ranks at Ewood Park and ended up representing his country at this summers' World Cup...
Not only has he been regarded as one of the hottest-properties to have come from Ireland since Robbie Keane...
But now that he's become an instant hit amongst Blackburn Rovers and their supporters alike, he's looking to move on to even bigger things.
After relegation a few years back and a recent return to the top-flight without anything much to show for it, Duff has begun to realise that despite what he may have been told by Souness and co., Blackburn Rovers may not be the club to fulfill his dreams and expectations of Gold Medals, precious Silverware, and even more money in the bank.
This is why he is looking elsewhere for a new club to help him reach those goals. But despite what you may think of him, very few clubs have actually staked their claims for him.
He now seems to be stuck at the end of a 2-horsed race, unless of course he decides he wants to change his mind and stay with the Premiership Champions of 1995. For one reason or another, no Spanish or Italian clubs seem interested - maybe it's due to money or they remember Robbie Keane at Inter or something?? I don't know.
Premiership clubs still have money, but there's only 2 of them in the running here. Surely they can't honestly believe they're better off without him!!? The only problem I can see is the Price Tag Souness has set on him. It's apparently at around £20m - but can you blame him!?
Either way, he needs to be somewhere next season where he can play football and really get the best going for the rest of his career.
But where exactly is that place he could call... 'home'??
Manchester United - When you see an asking price of £20m and you know the player in question is well-worth that amount, United are the first real club to come to mind with their overall wealth and success.
And when you add to that the fact that the no.9 shirt at Old Trafford still remains vacant after Andy Cole's departure, you can see the path starting to open up for a player like Damien Duff.
If you've seen Duff play then you may have noticed that he is quite a Ryan Giggs type of player. With his quick pace, great dribbling and ball control, and an eye for goal and getting into those dangerous situations, he could really help to rip Arsenal's back 4 apart this season, and set-up Van Nistelrooy and co. for even more goals!
And aswell as the Premiership there's Europe and a number of other competitions to play in too. Not only would this mean a greater chance of Silverware EVERY year, but the experiences he'd get, and how it could help him develop.... Ireland could be on for the World Cup in 2006!!
But after the £30m capture of Rio Ferdinand, would another £20m signing really keep the United board at all ease - despite their wealth??
Liverpool - Success isn't something that arrives on a regular basis at Anfield these days. It seems that even with the likes of Owen and Diouff now, Liverpool aren't quite 'the side that was' 20 years ago.
Even though he may be playing in the big games and the big names with a move to Anfield along with all those other recent arrivals, he may not be able to find the silvery shining light at the end of the tunnel.
Another real question is regarding where exactly he would play in the Liverpool team on a regular basis.
The partnership of Heskey and Owen really seems to be taking shape at last, and Liverpool have already got Diouff and a few others waiting in-line for their chance to score goals.
Duff may be able to find an opening in the middle somewhere (possibly in Berger's place), but it still wouldn't be an easy job settling in with some more new and unknown faces.
Houllier's already spent 'a fair-few-bob' (or so...), and he has already said that his interest is dying as Duff's price tag keeps-on rising.
Leeds - Under David O'Leary, i'd have to have said that Elland Road would be THE place to go if your name's Damien Duff.
Not would he have had a great Irish manager he truly understands his players, but he'd also be surrounded by a squad of Brits-alike - to really help him to feel at home.
Sadly though, Venables is a different man, and he has his eyes set on Darren Anderton anyway. The money's definitley there after the Rio deal, but knocking Harry Kewell out of position can't be too easy! And due to his lack of a right-foot he may not be the man to force Bowyer out after all.
If Sir Alex Ferguson does decide that this would be £20m well spent, then by all means who should go for this pacey-young-talent with an eye for goal while he'd also be able to make safer bets on a retutn to the Old Trafford Trophy Cabinet for the Premiership trophy come May next year - and maybe even more-so too! ;D
This is one safe bet he'd have a hard time trying to lose!
Damien Duff could become his new winner, leaving his prized Race Horse behind in second place (along with Arsenal!). It makes sense, and from what we've heard his wages wouldn't be too high either.
Duff in the name, NOT the game!