Podcast Oh Graham Poll

[moomba]

You're a ****ing arseh*le

"I would concede there was a sense of relief when United played well and won, particularly at Old Trafford.

"I knew if they didn't win there was every chance of seeing and, more importantly, hearing Ferguson and reading his comments about me in the papers the next day.

"All referees knew that Fergie's standing in the game - and the fact that he was at the biggest club - meant that when he unleashed the hairdryer on a referee there were inevitable headlines."

Poll also suggested David Moyes has to accept he cannot enjoy anything like the same intimidating effect he believes Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed for many years.

"I fear another defeat for Moyes," he said.

"[Moyes] must accept that he does not have the same intimidating presence as his predecessor had."

 

[Zidane98]

About right though. Moyes isn't getting the same favors extended to him by refs that SAF was. Webb virtually won SAF the title in 08/09 singlehandedly. Can't see that happening for Moyes.

Pretty candid admission from Poll that SAF intimidated referees though. Wonder what measures the FA will take to ensure no manager in the future has such an influence over referees?

 

[Cooldude]

And the bear craps in the woods

At least those who don't ref anymore can publicly admit to what we've known for years

Webb probably would've given a pen for the Mancs in the Spurs game if it was Fergie still in charge

 

[ADL9798]

Hi I'm Graham Poll, I don't have a spine and I'm scared of an old man with 2 fake hips and a drinking problem.

 

[FAITH]

wow, thats almost as bad as match fixing isnt it?

 

[ossie_21]

It's a relief he's gone so it doesn't mean the same player can be booked 3 times before he's sent off

 

[Latro]

Hi I'm Graham Poll, I don't have a spine and I'm scared of an old man with 2 fake hips and a drinking problem.

Dont forget just about all journalists as well.

 

[ADL9798]

Honestly why the f**k haven't the FA said anything about this yet?? All the meaningless crap they choose to take the high ground on, and 24 hours later they haven't even flinched in the face of what might be the biggest controversy English football has faced in the last decade. The systemic nature of what Poll is talking about means this has the potential to be just as bad as match fixing in my opinion and there needs to be a serious investigation on the back of this statement.

 

[Thistle]

Honestly why the f**k haven't the FA said anything about this yet?? All the meaningless crap they choose to take the high ground on, and 24 hours later they haven't even flinched in the face of what might be the biggest controversy English football has faced in the last decade. The systemic nature of what Poll is talking about means this has the potential to be just as bad as match fixing in my opinion and there needs to be a serious investigation on the back of this statement.

Maybe because David Gill is vice chairman of the FA now

 

[Jatz]

Honestly why the f**k haven't the FA said anything about this yet?? All the meaningless crap they choose to take the high ground on, and 24 hours later they haven't even flinched in the face of what might be the biggest controversy English football has faced in the last decade. The systemic nature of what Poll is talking about means this has the potential to be just as bad as match fixing in my opinion and there needs to be a serious investigation on the back of this statement.

What exactly do you want them to say? What do you want them to retrospectively do?

 

[moomba]

Only thing the FA could do is admit that they allowed this sort of mindset to develop in referees. Poll isnt saying anything that hasnt been obvious to most of us for years. And it is still a problem today.

 

[Jatz]

Only thing the FA could do is admit that they allowed this sort of mindset to develop in referees. Poll isnt saying anything that hasnt been obvious to most of us for years. And it is still a problem today.

Is it? United aren't getting a good deal anymore.

 

[Latro]

Is it? United aren't getting a good deal anymore.

Utd have not conceded a penalty at home for 70 odd games.

 

[Cooldude]

Utd have not conceded a penalty at home for 70 odd games.

Pretty sure it's hit 80 recently

Hope they do a Watson and get out in the 90s

 

[Tulip]

It's not like it's only Ferguson, there have been plenty of influential managers out there who get more than their fair share. Mourinho is one.

 

[Jatz]

Utd have not conceded a penalty at home for 70 odd games.

Does that genuinely matter when teams are winning there anyway?

 

[moomba]

Is it? United aren't getting a good deal anymore.

Don't think they're getting the bad deal Moyesiah is making out. But I still think refs make decisions based on club, manager and the consequences of making the decision.

 

[moomba]

More comments from arseh*le

Arsene Wenger adopted a similar approach, carefully making a comment at a time he thought it would have maximum impact and might influence your thinking.

His demeanour and gravitas meant he was more effective than Pardew, complaining and pleading for more protection for his players. It was delivered so well that you often found yourself giving more free-kicks to Arsenal early in the second half.

Sir Alex Ferguson was quite the opposite: subtlety was not a tool he employed. It was full-frontal, in-your-face fury. The first season I refereed at Old Trafford he was into my dressing room after the final whistle to give me the full ‘hairdryer’ treatment over the fact that I had not added on enough time. United drew that game!

Jose Mourinho worked quite differently: he wanted you to think of him as a friend — and as a result he expected favours, which meant he would be hurt when you dealt with his team in exactly the same way as any other.

In his first pre-season at Stamford Bridge he invited me to a meeting with all of his players and introduced me as the best referee in Europe!

Not surprising, but staggering that the football world isn't making more of these comments, particularly the ones about Wenger. It really should open up a proper debate about the standard of refereeing in the country.

 

[Jatz]

More comments from arseh*le



Not surprising, but staggering that the football world isn't making more of these comments, particularly the ones about Wenger. It really should open up a proper debate about the standard of refereeing in the country.

Wenger isn't that bad compared to Mourinho. Why should a coach be getting friendly with any referee? Wenger's doesn't sound too bad without knowing exactly what he's said.

I agree though, this is blatant corruption. This should be the most important aspect to fix within the league at the moment.

 

[moomba]

I don't think Wenger is the worst by any means. But that was the only one where Poll admitted to being influenced.

 

[pantskyle]

About right though. Moyes isn't getting the same favors extended to him by refs that SAF was. Webb virtually won SAF the title in 08/09 singlehandedly. Can't see that happening for Moyes.

Pretty candid admission from Poll that SAF intimidated referees though. Wonder what measures the FA will take to ensure no manager in the future has such an influence over referees?

Oh dear.

 

[Jatz]

I don't think Wenger is the worst by any means. But that was the only one where Poll admitted to being influenced.

I don't see that as Wenger's fault though. That's the refs responsibility. If the guy had any integrity (which clearly he doesn't) he wouldn't be influenced by it.

 

[moomba]

I agree. More a problem with refs than managers.

But has been a problem that has been obvious for 20 years.