Today's News: Fri July 18

[arbogast]

TFC's miserable away record could scuttle playoff hopes
MORGAN CAMPBELL
SPORTS REPORTER

It took Toronto FC half a season to come full circle.
In February they were a young franchise searching for offence and an identity when they traded all-star Ronnie O'Brien to San Jose.

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Soccer/article/462622

Agent plays down Dickov Pool deal
POOL remain in pole position to complete the signing of Paul Dickov, despite statements by the player's agent.
First Artist Sports, who represent the 35-year-old, issued a statement saying: "Contrary to reports in the press that Paul has joined Blackpool, that we believe came direct from the club, First Artist can confirm that this is not the case.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/bl...ool.4302198.jp

TFC's Wynne and Edu bound for Beijing


Globe and Mail Update
July 17, 2008 at 1:51 PM EDT
Toronto FC midfielder Maurice Edu and defender Marvell Wynne have been named to the U.S. men's Olympic team roster for the upcoming games in Beijing.
The United States will begin training on Sunday, July 20, in Palo Alto, California before departing to Hong Kong on Thursday, June 25 for the ING Cup. In Hong Kong, the team will face two Olympic team opponents in the Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Edu and Wynne are expected to meet up with the National team after their commitments with Toronto FC.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/s...rtsSoccer/home

Field of gripes
DEAN MCNULTY, SUN MEDIA


Toronto FC coach John Carver is sick and tired of players using his club's Field Turf as a reason for either leaving or not signing with the Major League Soccer side. Two players in particular -- midfielder Ronnie O'Brien, who sought a trade after last season, and striker Darren Huckerby, who cited BMO Field as the reason he didn't want to play in Toronto -- came under fire from Carver yesterday.

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Oth...92231-sun.html

CITY NEWS: DICKOV 'IN TALKS' ON WALKERS RETURN

Former Leicester City striker Paul Dickov has spoken to the club about a possible return, according to his agents.

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.u...pNodeId=132401


SUNSHINE

[ensco]

Carver is probably just venting in frustration. I think he understands the fieldturf issue better than most. He said it himself - the players at Newcastle wouldn't go near the plastic. But I suspect he didn't completely understand, prior to coming here, what a big issue it would be.

1) If 99% of people believe something, the question of whether the "belief" is right or wrong doesn't matter - the belief has its own reality. Carver might as well be criticising people who put Christmas presents under the tree - after all, only a moron conducts his life as though Santa Claus exists, and comes down a chimney.

2) The issue for players is more than just injuries - players don't enjoy the game on fieldturf, because the ball bounces and rolls unnaturally. If a player has a choice, he'll go where he enjoys the game more

[deltox]

yeah i think that theres a stigma about artifical turf. players are not educated about field turf compared to astro-turf. they hear that its not grass and they say no way....even if they have never even walked on the stuff

[Jitter]

Not sure if this is posted somewhere else, but this article in today's Blackpool Gazette seems to show Dickov is still up for grabs:

Agent plays down Dickov Pool deal


POOL remain in pole position to complete the signing of Paul Dickov, despite statements by the player's agent.
First Artist Sports, who represent the 35-year-old, issued a statement saying: "Contrary to reports in the press that Paul has joined Blackpool, that we believe came direct from the club, First Artist can confirm that this is not the case.

"Paul has been in discussion with Blackpool as well as other clubs including Leicester City and Toronto FC but is yet to finalise a deal."

This bust up between Dickov's agents and the Seasiders has put a cloud over the transfer.

However, The Gazette understands the Scot is still likely to move to Bloomfield Road as soon as one or two behind the scenes issues are ironed out.

It appears that Pool's Championship status, plus the fact that it's the nearest club to his family home in Manchester, has swung the deal the Tangerines way.

[MadMike]

Oldham athletic has artificial turf a few years ago and was winning like mad. The league made them replace it because of so many complaints, and other teams where no longer beating them. Personally I don't see the big problem with it, in tennis players must play on grass , clay , cement !! Having said this , I am not a professional ...... but come on enough already. Get grass or offer more money I guess. Mind you if we were tops in the division maybe that would sway players opinions. I can't wait to see SoccerSpice play here, I hope he has a good game for the sake of the sport , also he would have to retract his constant complaining !!

[MadMike]

Sorry , wrong section for this post !!

[invictusTFC]

I'm all turfed out man!!! This debate just lingers and lingers on. Its been brought up in virtually every thread. I think they should open a section just for that debate... Since we're on the topic of grass, I think I'm gonna smoke some...

Cheers!