docblackrock

See? He's already got buyer's remorse

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Chronus - I know you're with me and Admin in spirit - so don't worry pal, if we win No. 6, I'll happily spread some goodwill your way As for dealer participation, I do recall seeing Joshua lurking the other day

As I said, no problem him participating maybe he can some to an arrangement with JTB a la Edge, but extending the deadline per se is not quite right for obvious reasons. Hmmm, still a disappointing turnout so far maybe we need to start thinking about structuring to allow for making the SFs rather than just a 'winner takes all'? Maybe that will encourage a few lily-livered folks like EverythingApe to come out of their hidey-holes??? Just thinking out loud....

Sorry Chronus, I think extending the deadline is a bit of a no-no since as you know the first group games start tomorrow evening (CET). However if you can manage it, then don't feel inhibited from splitting mine and Admin' stake up into thirds (or quarters if Gran rears his head ) - a third of the pot is better than the big fat NOTHING the other guys are gonna get C'mon people - this is your last 24 hours or so - still no sign of AC Milan (six times' winners), Arsenal (Ape is chicken I guess!) or at least 3 other bets on Chelsea to make Edgey feel better about himself (they ARE the richest club in the world with the players to match). Still no Man Utd either (the New York Yankees of football have had an unbeaten start and are top of the Premiership). Valencia is also a good 'dark horse' punt for those undecided, as is Lyon.

@Ape - sorry you feel annoyed wasn't intentionally being cheeky (always save that for Man U ) just a considered opinion that even some Gooner mates of mine agreed with. They caught an exceedingly poor Real, an even worse Juve, and were lucky at scraping past Villareal in the SF. Sure they rode their luck well but I fancy they had already started dreaming of lifting the trophy in those last 20 mins, thereby allowing Barca their chance. As for the form guide, well aside from a loyal fan, it would take a very brave man to put money on Arsenal getting anywhere near the Final this year. As I said, I rate Wenger as a manager (even if dislike as a person), his youth policy is commendable, just that I see at least a couple of seasons of development ahead before you start playing anything like you did in 2003. I think you'll find the result in Paris was 2-1 to Barca not 1-0 tsk, some fan

my mistake, a deadline day loan swap with Reyes wasn't it? Sorry??? Did you use the words 'work rate' and 'Beckham' in the same sentence??? You jest surely frankly I've seen more energy expended by an asthmatic snail But I guess everything's relative and it IS Spain we're talking about here I'll second that, roll up roll up, I can't believe there's no takers yet for either Milan side

Ah well I guess we owed them a win after 18 attempts at their place Gloat all you like fellas, as we have seen in the last 2 years with Pool and the [censored], even when teams aren't playing well in the league they are still eminently capable of turning it on when it matters most (to some) in the Champions League. As the saying goes, form is temporary, but class is permanent. @dcrooz - good man and a worthy punt - personally I don't think Capello will get it together this season, that's a massive job turning round their last 3 or 4 years and a step too far. Still too much deadwood about (Ronaldo, Carolos, Baptista, and if you're honest, Beckham too). Maybe next year though. I only hope they'll be able to make a bloody effort this time @everythingape - I still don't see an Arsenal crest in JTB's table. Whassamadda? You scared? Cluck cluck

another half to go, so don't crow too soon. Seems we have a Man Utd supporter lurking - Norwegian too, how's old Ole doing these days? Not going to solve your striking problem is he? Anyway, why not stop making snide comments and put your money where your big mouth is

C'mon people, I wasted a good half-hour of my life writing that form guide especially for our colonial cousins who prefer to play with funny shaped balls JTB - maybe it should be moved to GD just until deadline day, infinitely more passing traffic = bigger pot. Can't believe no-one's interested in backing either of the Milan teams or Real, or Chelsea several times over (Chris ). I know Tommy (Palp) is up for it but hadn't seen post, same with a good few others too I'm sure.

Combining my two great loves (LFC and OP), the same ethos of understated class and elegance His name is Fabio Aurelio, he is the new Roberto Carlos and the first Brazilian to sign for Liverpool FC. I spy with my little eye something looking like a PAM 91 - the anthracite dial just shines out

Some helpful tips for those across the pond or convict egg-chasers like Ken Real Madrid for their 10th? Capello coming in will strengthen their team spirit, a great manager at last (rather than a lackey) and the addition of Cannavaro, the Italian World Cup-winning captain will add some steel to the notoriously dodgy defence. Zidane's retirement is a blow however and there are still major doubts about the form, fitness and future of Ronaldo...pie manufacturers are lining up with sponsorship deals as we speak. DBR's Verdict = another dismal failure in 1st KO round or QF AC Milan - a sense of injustice may burn bright, but in reality they are lucky to even be in the draw, following their involvement in the Italian match-fixing scandal (the ever-protective hand of owner and ex-PM Berlusconi perhaps?) and unlike the national team's triumph in adversity, it is difficult to see them having the necessary mental strength when the chips are down, as events in the 2005 Final in Istanbul showed. A couple of additions to the squad, more problem-solvers than upgrades, but still, a tough nut to crack. Interesting to see how Oliveira will perform. DBR's Verdict = SF if they get a clear run through Internazionale - the only Italian team that's in a much better position than 4 months ago. Just been awarded another Scudetto by default (molto grazie Juventus!) and have been very philanthropic in terms of offering jobs to certain poor unfortunate multimillionaire Juve players that didn't fancy playing in serie B (Vieira and Ibrahimovich). The new boys have strengthened the team immeasurably, but then Inter being Inter (not the luckiest of teams) can we really expect them to go all the way? Will the weight of expectation for Massimo Moratti's men (in the wake of the match-fixing scandal and subsequent weakening of their rivals), prove too much? DBR's Verdict = SF. Could be Inter's year, god knows they've waited long enough, but could their favourite status work against them? Barcelona - the team to beat yet again this year, but they were far from convincing in winning last year and are prone to a little indiscipline on the field. Like Chelsea are sometimes less a team than a sum of the individual parts. Key player is Eto'o, a great great player far too long under Ronaldinho's shadow. Success may also depend on the form of their teenage Argentinian sensation, Lionel Messi. DBR's Verdict = Runners-up Chelsea - simply they HAVE to win it. To be more specific, their manager, Mourinho, HAS to win it otherwise it's 'dos vidanja Jose' (hello Hiddink?), a visit from a couple of friendly Russian gentleman and a set of concrete booties . Ah well it couldn't happen to a nicer more decent fella . In their (£330million) determination (desperation?) to buy...sorry, win it, they've drafted in a £30million 30-year old Ukrainian, Shevchenko, arguably the best striker in Europe (apart from penalties ) and the steely 29-year old German talisman, Ballack. Starting to develop a reputation as big-time chokers in KO tournaments but that could be just when they play Liverpool . Will be interesting to see how they fare yet again against Barca in the groups stages this time. That said, 'Maureen's Mercenaries' are a very strong team and will be amongst the favourites. DBR's Verdict = Another SF disappointment - suspect team spirit, and the 'need' to win it is never the best motivational factor for winning teams. Valencia - Starting to look strong again, building up after the loss of a certain Rafa Benitez. Joaquin has signed, Morientes has a point to prove after his disappointing Liverpool career (like his loan spell at Monaco, when he knocked his employers Real Madrid out of the competition), and David Villa is quite simply, one of the most exciting young strikers around right now. Solid at the back, creative in the middle, a class act. Under Benitez, they broke up the monopoly of Real and Barca with 2 La Liga titles in 3 years and a UEFA Cup. They've also made the CL semis twice previously. DBR's Verdict = Good each-way bet, could well go far but equally could fail to ignite - the group stages will offer a glimpse of what is to come. Manchester United - oh dear, don't waste your money (actually DO waste your money - bigger pot ). Talk the talk but don't walk the walk these days. Failed to strengthen in summer transfer market, and lost their all-time leading scorer in Europe, Ruud van Nistelrooij, now grazing in a Madrid paddock (neeeeigh! ). American-owned if any of you Yanks are feeling patriotic run by the ginger gnome Malcolm Glazer (& Sons). However, their manager Alex Ferguson should have been pensioned off 4 years ago and these days is a hindrance to the team more than he is a help (his so-called man-management style is the real reason they lost Staam, Beckham and the aforementioned RVN). DBR's Verdict = A decent group showing but when the real KO stage begins, expect another pathetic capitulation. Lyon - French champions for the umpteenth time and current manager Houllier (ex-Liverpool) has built impressively on their performances and the feeling in France is that they could finally make Europe sit up and take notice this year. The loss of Essien to Chelsea last year did not seem to harm them in any way (least of all in the bank balance £26 million peeeeeeeeeee!) and they have a balanced feel to their squad. Doubts however still remain over whether they can step up a gear if required. More often than not, they can't. DBR's Verdict = Tough to call, but don't expect miracles beyond the first KO round. Arsenal - got very lucky last year reaching the Final taking advantage of some poor performances by some of the big boys without really setting the world alight. Wenger is a very smart manager but he may have miscalculated by a couple of seasons with his youth policy backfiring this time out. Lost an excellent defender to Chelsea but received another slightly more excellent defender in return. A stuttering start to their Premiership campaign does not not bode well, despite their run in similar circumstances last year. DBR's Verdict = First KO stage exit, with Henry whingeing and complaining about conspiracies whilst house-hunting in Spain/Italy....again. Onto the second/third seeds.... PSV Eindhoven - almost made (deserved to IMO) the Final in 2005, a strong team that has improved although the loss of Hiddink as coach is a blow. Still Ronald Koeman is no mean replacement as his success at Benfica showed (KO'd both Man Utd and Liverpool out last year). Again, the group stages will make or break them (first match vs. Liverpool next week), but they hope that new signings Patrick Kluivert and talented defender Jan Kronkamp will bed in quickly. DBR's Verdict = QF if they play to their strengths Benfica - a great club, but these days a technically poor team who punch above their weight. A couple of star players in Simao and Rui Costa (returning home) but no more than that. Like Portugal in the World Cup, not pleasant to watch. DBR's Verdict = Group stage exit likely this time. Celtic - ignore JTB and his melancholy, it is great to have Celtic back in the competition and they are no pushovers. Another tough nut to crack as Man Utd will find out in the group stages. Have made some interesting and important signings this summer, Jan Venegoor of Hesselink (yes that really IS his full name!) is a quality striker and Tommy Gravesen (JTB's new avatar) is a brute, ugly but ruthlessly effective. 2007 is also the 40th anniversary of their 1967 triumph (the Lisbon Lions) when they became the first British club to win the trophy, so they have history on their side. Their greatest ever player was from that team, Jimmy Johnstone, who tragically succumbed to motor neurone disease earlier this year. Jinksy will no doubt be looking down and cheering the Bhoys on. DBR's Verdict = A proud performance in the group stages possibly even the QFs when hopefully they meet Liverpool Bayern Munich - German. Efficient. Boring. Weakened (Ballack to Chelsea). Still no-one fancies playing them as it's such bloody hard work. DBR's Verdict = First KO stage, QF at a push Bremen - don't know much about them - plucky German side with Miroslav Klose in their ranks (World Cup Golden Boot winner). DBR's Verdict = Group stage exit - tough group with Barca and Chelsea Of the others, the only dangers for the rest will be the likes of AS Roma and CSKA Moscow, UEFA Cup winners in 2005. So there you have it, Yanks and Aussies, take your pick. Remember, my personal verdicts are based on an almost unbiased balance of form and potential with a slight dash of wishful thinking, but in truth this is a VERY open tournament this year, more than in recent memory, so you're all in with a shout whomever you choose. Good luck! DBR

Some helpful tips for those across the pond or convict egg-chasers like Ken TBC....

Much as it pains me to admit it, yes you're right, abysmal awful terrible worst I've ever seen, defence is just shocking, attacking options limited this season - we're a shadow of our former selves, you'd be better putting your money on Barca for sure, trust me. Anyway as the boss said, Gran will weigh in also out of blind love so no point you joining our little club.

Interesting POV Chris, know a few of your lot, the old school, and they admit to a sense of unease akin to being on a runaway train that's exciting and better than the old wreck they used to travel on, but a greater fear of what will happen when it crashes. Agree about the 'new fan' thing though I think this will be a very open tournament, anyone of the top 8 can feasibly win it, although there's always another Porto or PSV or Villareal waiting in the wings. The dark horse could be Lyon I fancy.

Aaah, now it all becomes crystal clear, a Chelsea man - excellent, some decent sport at last! I give you kudos for being an old skool Chelsea fan (Zola was class) rather than the abomination that exists down the New Kings Road these days. Oh and you're right, we did not score against you in that SF....but only because Cech decided to throttle Baros as he rounded him and was about to score. Penalty? Sending off? Ah well, bygones my friend. As for HOM, yes I'm afraid early elimination from the UEFA Cup is part of the pattern - as I said, the Everton of Sco.....

Not like I have a choice Aaah I'm kidding, course I'm happy to share Admin YNWA @ RWG

Aah, of course, I forgot Chris was a jam tart - now the bitterness makes sense. Not for nothing we call Hearts, "the Everton of Scotland"

Do you want a slice of lemon and some angosturas with your pint of vinegar Edgey? Actually if we are being pedantic we won it 2 years ago, 23 years ago, 26 years ago, 29 years ago and 30 years ago also....but hey who's living in the past And talking of strange events, what about Lehmann? Hmmm, now I wonder who was the last goalie to be sent off in a Final and condemn his team to ultimate defeat? What? Never ever??? Are you in then? Gooner must be...

Poor wee JTB fearing the worst - kudos to you for putting your money where your heart is though (even if you needed a little nudge perhaps? ) You never know, anyway stranger things have happened and after all it IS your 40th anniversary

No prizes for guessing my entry “Good day, Number Six.” “Number what?” “Six. For official purposes, everyone has a number. Yours is number 6.” “I am not a number, I am a person.” Oh ok then, here's another subtle clue (aside from my avatar )

Keep us posted - this mod was on my to do list, just building up the courage to cook my Tanti

Neil is correct even if I beat him to the punch

Genuine YM and GMT both have bidirectional bezels as they are not designed as dive watches, but to measure time elapsed and time-zone difference respectively.

Yes I know, also not captured that unmistakable serif font. Just looked slightly different to dials we've seen so far, hence my assumption. Gen dials ARE printed however, but they obviously have some sort of coated or spot varnish applied to give them that relief/raised effect. Can't wait to see Ubi's custom dial in this regard