The Goonbag and the new Champion's League rules

Saturday, 11 July 09, 09:18 AM · Comments(0)

Now there are 3 types of weblogs, commonly known as blogs. The 'Who, What, When, Where' type. The 'writes 4 posts' type. and the Analytical type. The Goonbag is the more analytical style. Which is why I don't update as regularly as other blogs may, I wait until the world is waiting for my input to a situation, then, once they are thirsting for it so, that they can only yell and rip out their hair, do I give them my opinion.

I have managed, through about 15 minutes of web trawling, to find the 2009/10 regulations for the Champion's League Competition.

Here they are.

Now, a number of people I have talked to do not understand these new rules. Each club registers 25 players. Lets take Arsenal

We send this list into UEFA. Almunia, Fabianski, Mannone, Clichy, Gibbs, Vermaelen, Gallas, Toure, Djourou, Sagna, Eboue, Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas, Arshavin, Song, Nasri, Walcott, Rosicky, Ramsey, Wilshire, Van Persie, Adebayor, Vela, Bendtner, Eduardo.

Now, this is where it gets tricky, and I will have to do some analysing. eight players must be 'locally trained players' at least four of these blokes must be 'club trained players' and at most four must be 'association trained players'. Don't worry, Simon Clifford is not fainting yet. Lets break this down, with HTML and MS Paint.

This is my explanation of the new rules, simply. Now, exactly what is a 'club' and 'association' player?

A club based player has been registered with the club for three whole seasons, while he was between the ages of 15 and 21. Any age, any nationality, lets look at who fits the bill for the Arsenal. Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Denilson, Alex Song, Johan Djourou, Vito Mannone, Nicklas Bendtner, Armand Traore. Seven players, and we have 1 association trained player (been registered for any team or teams registered in The FA for three whole years between the ages of 15 and 21) in Aaron Ramsay. so that is the eight players we need to compete in the Champion's League. Don't be surprised to see Arsene Wenger bring in one or two association based players just in case injuries strike again.

But due to the gaffer's brilliant mind and forward thinking, we do not need to do a Chelsea or buy a full-back for 18 million, when he is worth 8. Our youth policy has done us well, think about that next time you bag Arsene Wenger.

In other news

it only takes a fortnight to grow a decent beard. If your wife tells you that your beard has to go, say no, if she asks with more force. divorce.

This is a pearl of wisdom from 'The Beards' www.thebeards.com.au

Check them out

I'm out

'til next time, The Bag

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