The Rumour Mill, Season 2011-12

Cahill emerges as target for Saudis

21/05/2012 | Comments (59)
Tim Cahill is reportedly a target of "super-rich" Saudi club Al Nassr who want to cash in on the player's high profile in Asia.

The Riyadh-based outfit are prepared to offer the Australian a bumper pay package if they can prise him away from Everton.

Original Source: The Mirror

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Ryan Rosenberg
587   Posted 21/05/2012 at 00:50:06

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I will buy a plane for him to leave. Actually, I think the Saudi's can afford it.
James Stewart
591   Posted 21/05/2012 at 01:18:58

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Excellent servant to the club and a true gent. Will always remember his goals.

However the timing does feel right for him to move on. He doesn't suit our style anymore and the team is no longer based around him.

A move would be best for all parties. Especially if that means Pienaar in.
Dan San
592   Posted 21/05/2012 at 01:21:13

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I've always said that £15M would be hard to turn down, but with some of the shite going for that price nowadays I think you'd have to ask £20M. Add to that the fact they're Saudi and have no sense of money... £30M.

Personally I'd be sad to see him leave, it was something that I thought might be a good idea a few years ago when we were really stuck for options financially but now I'm not so sure... His new role is something which doesn't show up on the stats so well but he is still very much a vital part of the team; while he's getting outmarked the rest of the players have space, for instance.
Eric Myles
594   Posted 21/05/2012 at 02:26:02

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Would he still have to serve a 3 match ban in the Saudi League?

Great chance for him to get a bumper pay day before hanging up his boots but will he want to be separated from his wife and kids?
Paul Ellam
612   Posted 21/05/2012 at 07:41:07

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Would be sad to see him go but he doesn't get in the team as much now and if he wanted first team football with huge wages then I wouldn't begrudge him! As long as it's not another club in England, I am happy for him.
Sam Hoare
613   Posted 21/05/2012 at 07:57:17

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To be honest, Tim's powers have been on the wane for a while and I'm not sure he would make my starting 11 anymore. I'm not sure Moyes sees it that way but for me it would be an excellent time to bid farewell to a great servant and clear some room on the wage bill whilst sending Tim off for a final payday closer to his beloved Australia.
Eugene Ruane
615   Posted 21/05/2012 at 08:23:29

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SUPER-rich?

I'd say to them..

"Thank you for your interest in THE biggest star at Everton FC. As we are sure you are aware, transfers now mean big money. Liverpool FC paid 35 million to Newcastle for Carroll, Ronaldo went to Real Madrid for 70 million. At Everton however, we believe good relations is more important than money, so, even though (as you know) Tim is a huge worldwide star, with a VERY high profile, in the spirit of 'hands across the sea', you can have him for 10m. We also have a dynamic young striker named Vict..." etc
Jim Harrison
616   Posted 21/05/2012 at 08:40:00

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Perhaps they could be convinced to buy the whole club?
Thomas Windsor
617   Posted 21/05/2012 at 08:38:59

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Now that would be a good move for Cahill and Everton as he is well past his use in an Everton shirt. Jelavic will need better players around next season so we will have to sell players to get the money in.
Neil Pickering
618   Posted 21/05/2012 at 08:45:05

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Send Anichebe over there and tell the Saudis his name is Tim Cahill...
Kase Chow
619   Posted 21/05/2012 at 08:44:30

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Hate to say it, but given our finances, as long as we can reinvest on the playing side, I'd be tempted to sell (given his age) anywhere north of £3M.

The only concern is that if we lose Tim, we lose a bit of our spirit and one of our heroes. With that in mind I'd wanna keep him in the back room as a coach/motivator. Can't see him being happy with that though.
Kieran Fitzgerald
624   Posted 21/05/2012 at 08:59:23

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No offence to Tim but I hope this is true. If he is offered big money then he may decide to go, which would make it easy for Moyes make the decision. I think Tim is sensible enough to know that he is getting to that stage in his career where he is not an automatic starter anymore at a high level. He wouldn't be on huge money at Everton compared to big name players at bigger clubs. This could be his best chance to pad out his retirement fund.
Tony J Williams
625   Posted 21/05/2012 at 09:07:19

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The lad who give me rumours from Finch Farm mentioned Tim was about to leave but I dismissed it as bullshit.

Looks like he may be worth listening to afterall
Eric Myles
627   Posted 21/05/2012 at 09:13:54

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Have you asked your Finch Farm source about the 85p in the £??
Peter Davies
628   Posted 21/05/2012 at 09:15:22

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I think Eugene should get a job as our 'director of football' if he get's 10mil for Tim!
Shane Corcoran
631   Posted 21/05/2012 at 10:12:10

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Show some respect Ryan, as most other posters have.
Chris James
632   Posted 21/05/2012 at 10:14:18

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Sounds like the best move for all concerned.

If we had more cash I'd argue strongly for keeping Cahill as an impact sub and a good force in the dressing room because of his fighting spirit.

We don't have cash to spare though, so if this could net us £1-2M towards Pienaar and free up some wage-bill space then I think we have to do it.

If it does happen Timmy, you go with our blessing and our thanks!
Adolf Ng
635   Posted 21/05/2012 at 10:24:23

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Will be gutted to see Tim leaving, but clearly he has, in my opinion, long passed his sell-by-date. If Tim finally goes, he will have my full blessing ~ great servant with a big Blue Heart !
Denis Richardson
637   Posted 21/05/2012 at 10:24:35

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Great news if this happens, he hasn't really had any form since the end of 2010 and despite great service in the past, it really is time to say goodbye. He'll also be 33 come the end of the year so not sure how many months/years he has left in him and can only see him as a sub at most next season.

Not even sure a transfer fee is needed (bonus if there is one), clearing 50k a week from the wage bill would be a good start. Far too expensive for us, for just a sub role nex season.
Anto Byrne
638   Posted 21/05/2012 at 10:23:59

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He would get big money playing in Japan where he is also well known. However the A-league is where Tim will end up... probably the Brisbane Roar. They had Fowler out here on stupid money and he was shite. Seventy-five thousand pound a week, FFS.
Denis Richardson
639   Posted 21/05/2012 at 10:24:35

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Great news if this happens, he hasn't really had any form since the end of 2010 and despite great service in the past, it really is time to say goodbye. He'll also be 33 come the end of the year so not sure how many months/years he has left in him and can only see him as a sub at most next season.

Not even sure a transfer fee is needed (bonus if there is one), clearing 50k a week from the wage bill would be a good start. Far too expensive for us, for just a sub role nex season.
Andrew Ellams
641   Posted 21/05/2012 at 10:48:00

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Can't see him leaving til his contract expires, when he will go home to Oz to finish his career.
Stephen Kenny
648   Posted 21/05/2012 at 11:57:20

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It would be the right thing for both sides IMO.

If it happens I'd hope either a friendly at GP would be arranged or he'd play a final time for us so he can be given the send-off he's one of the few to deserve.
John Crook
649   Posted 21/05/2012 at 12:00:04

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Time for him to go... massive servant to the club ? but he must be one of our top earners?? I'd be quite happily give his salary to Pienaar.

Good luck, Tim... thanks for all those important goals (up untill 2010).
Jem Traynor
650   Posted 21/05/2012 at 11:57:51

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I think this will happen because the guy has a lot of oil shares so where better to go to assure your future, especially with his background.

On a footballing note, if he does go, we have to say thank you very much because the guy has done a lot in terms of tireless work and overall carried the torch for EFC.
Richard Dodd
663   Posted 21/05/2012 at 13:22:44

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Can`t see Davey seeing it that way as he considers Tim a vital member of hid squad.
However,Felli did very well in the `advanced midfield`role that suits his preferred formation and if Tim is being given the chance `to fill his boots,he may be prepared to let him go by way of a perverse `loyalty bonus.`
I`d let Eugene do the negotiating!
Mark Riding
667   Posted 21/05/2012 at 13:58:49

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I believe a fit & rested Tim Cahill gets a place on the bench this coming season in league games. Maybe starts cup games. I reckon he is the ideal 'impact' sub if we need a goal, and if we got a striker or midfield injury, he could do a job for the team. One more season, win a cup with us and then fly off into the sunset.

If he did leave, he owes us nothing.
Peter Thistle
688   Posted 21/05/2012 at 16:13:55

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Apart from us needing the money from a transfer and cutting him off the wage bill it might not be the best move in Moyes' eyes seeing as we don't exactly have the biggest squad in the league. With a few injuries we'd be fucked n need him back in the side. Only sell him if a replacement is lined up.
Sam Hoare
694   Posted 21/05/2012 at 17:08:21

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Agree with Peter. This move makes sense if we could potentially bring in one or two other players for Tims wages.

If for example we sell him for 3m and he's on 50 k but that means we can bring in diame from wigan on 30k and buy that lad Phillips for 2m from Blackpool on 20k then it strengthens and add value to our squad.
Jeremy Benson
695   Posted 21/05/2012 at 17:22:05

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I can't see him leaving everton myself. In fact, I can see him remaining on as an ambassador or other club or even coaching role.
Mark Stone
696   Posted 21/05/2012 at 17:28:51

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Seriously, Sam, where are you pulling those transfer fees/wage demands from?
Gareth Fieldstead
698   Posted 21/05/2012 at 17:28:44

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I have said he has been poor since the Asian cup. If we can get the four million that has been quoted plus get a fee for Yobo then we may be in a position were we dont have to sell our best players to get the necessary cash to buy Peinnar and hopefully Dempsey. Now if Bill can find an additional 2 to 3 million we could sign Phillips from Blackpool and we are sorted.
John Daley
699   Posted 21/05/2012 at 17:33:17

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Sam,

In all the excitement of your transfer wheeling and dealing you've forgotten about Manuel Fernandes. He's available after having his contract terminated by Besiktas. Sign him up lad.

Don't know what Riquelme or Vagner Love are doing these days though.
Sam Hoare
700   Posted 21/05/2012 at 17:35:56

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Mark-Totally making them up. End of the day and i'm bored.

However i do think that Cahill is probably on 50k or more and that seems alot to me for someone who is probably not quite worthy of an automatic starting place on his last two seasons of form.
Phil Brown
713   Posted 21/05/2012 at 18:15:28

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Tim's salary would fund two young, hungry players keen to prove themselves. Preferably a wide right player and a wide left player (if we can't get Pinnear).
Dean Adams
714   Posted 21/05/2012 at 18:02:44

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John Daley 699

Funily enough, all three were spotted outside the Wilmslow playing heads and volleys this morning. Could be Bill had popped into the pub to buy some refreshments, before signing all three for his latest play!!
Ian Bennett
736   Posted 21/05/2012 at 20:35:40

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£100m you can have him and the club.
Paul David
739   Posted 21/05/2012 at 20:39:09

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100p you can have him and the club.
Ian Bennett
740   Posted 21/05/2012 at 20:41:55

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Paul - in a rangers style?
Ian Bennett
747   Posted 21/05/2012 at 21:02:40

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£5m you can have him and yobo. Can't say fairer than that.

Saudis - anything else Liverpool are offering us a lot more crap players.

Go on then, you can have victor, but only on loan.
Richard Dodd
755   Posted 21/05/2012 at 21:14:06

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Why does everybody want rid of Victor?
Everton have spent millions on his development,next season should be pay-back time!
Barry Thompson
757   Posted 21/05/2012 at 21:22:37

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Why next season Richard
Paul David
760   Posted 21/05/2012 at 21:26:43

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Richard

If Anichebe were to pay us back we would all be long dead by the time he did.
Dave Lynch
761   Posted 21/05/2012 at 21:32:18

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I could see him as an ambassador out there.
Spreading the word of our history etc to initiate a buyer ?
Then again he may earn enough to buy BBs shares.
Ian Bennett
763   Posted 21/05/2012 at 21:37:48

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He would do a better job than Keith Harris. But so would Orville

- thank you, thank you you have been been a great audience...
Steve Carter
774   Posted 21/05/2012 at 22:35:48

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Well, if it happens, Stephen (648), that would be most appropriate. Maybe Tim's star is on the wane with age and injury; however, some of the disses of him recently on this site have been pretty ordinary and smacking of short memory. Without the bloke's goals and general week-in-week-out drive and enthusiasm we would have been serious relegation fodder in seasons past - how many times did he pop up to snatch us victory from the jaws of a draw and a draw from the jaws of defeat against quality opposition? (Chelsea 1 Everton 1 Nov 2007; Liverpool 1 Everton 1, Jan 2009, etc.) For mine, he is one of the great Evertonians, and the best Everton player of the Premier League era.
Bjørn-Ivar Pedersen
784   Posted 21/05/2012 at 23:54:28

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This is some great news if he takes this opportunity, this gives a long loyal servant to us a chance to bow out with grace.

He has done his job for us, and done it very well, but time is up and if anyone could whisper to Moyes about Jonathan Viera... then we will have a heck of a party next season.

Thanks a lot to Timmy and good luck if he goes.
Timothy Liu
790   Posted 21/05/2012 at 23:58:47

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I do agree that some comments made about Cahill have been at times quite harsh and completely unconcerned with what he has done in the past. People may be calling for him OUT now but I'm sure if you go back to December 2010 everyone was saying Cahill is God.

But let's concentrate on the issue of whether or not to sell him. Clearly, Cahill is past his sell-by date and, if he were to be sold, the financial benefit may be outweighed by the disadvantage of not having his presence in the squad.

Next season, if he is still at Everton, he will likely be played more often as an impact sub. We've seen glimpses of this working effectively, eg, v Man U, he was involved in the build up to Pienaar's goal, v Fulham he scored one of his best goals in a while. Although always a 12 km per game player, he is better looking after himself and less effective playing for too long.

Another factor to consider is that interestingly, he tops the "Goalmaker" charts on TW this year, equal to Pienaar. Surely he hasn't had that much of an impact has he? Well when you think about it:
? he was there to apply pressure to Frank Lampard v Chelsea, deflection assisting Pienaar's goal
? he was there v Liverpool with the deflection gifting Jelavic's goal
? it was his header v Stoke that resulted in Crouch's og.

All of this a result of being in the right place at the right time.

Another factor to consider is that the squad size is quite small and inevitably there will be injuries. When uninjured and fully fit, he can do quite a decent job.

Also consider that he has kids and a wife living in Liverpool, so he will have to be away from family if he goes to the Middle East.

Overall, I think he still exerts a positive influence on the club. The only complication is his current wage which is £50k per week, so roughly in the top 5/6 earners at the club. And even with the inclusion of players who can give good service, those creative midfielders, I don't see him returning to 10-goals-a-season form.

If the right price comes up then if I were DM I would consider it. This right price being more than his market value. And if he were to go I would agree with Stephen that he should receive a deserved GP send-off in some friendly.
John Clarke
806   Posted 22/05/2012 at 04:27:13

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A lot of people on this site seem to relish a player losing form or getting to the end of their career and instead of being appreciative of the player's contribution to the club, they make sarcastic comments and openly ridicule the player.

Tim Cahill deserves respect from us all. He has been an integral part of Everton Football Club and has has scored many important goals. He has always been a team player and will be difficult to replace. Nobody would have dared to say, I'll pay Alex Youngs air fare, or Brian Labone. It's not witty, not funny and totally unnecessary.
Roman Sidey
817   Posted 22/05/2012 at 06:50:35

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Doddy, a true knee-slapper, that one.

Anto Byrne, interested as to why you say Tim would probably end up at the Roar? I always thought Sydney would get him, and now with a new Sydney team coming in they will be looking for a marquee player, a la Yorke in 2005.

This really is a transfer rumour that neither pleases nor displeases me. If he leaves, it will be the end of an era, and a great servant lost. If he goes, however, it's a high earning, low contributing player off the wage bill, and a clean slate for everyone.

if I never have to watch Cahill dismiss his team mates before he boxes the corner flag again, I'd be pretty happy.
Jimmy Sørheim
820   Posted 22/05/2012 at 07:24:19

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Cahill needs a long summer rest to heal his body.
I think Cahill could be burned out after the Asia cup.
So I would vote to keep him.
If we get an offer of 8-10 million then we should sell but that will not happen.

Cahill is not over yet, he needs more rest and he needs to be taken off during games, but he can still pull it together if he is given some rest.

I fear Moyes will not give him the rest he needs plus he will also not sell.
In the main this transfer will not happen.
Erik Dols
824   Posted 22/05/2012 at 08:16:01

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I agree with Roman Sidey (#817), if Tim would go, it would be the end of an era but so be it, if he stays, that's all right as well.
Ari Josberg
848   Posted 22/05/2012 at 09:32:33

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Has Cahill really become bad or is he just hitting a rough patch? He was in amazing form before he went to the Asian Cup and got injured. I think we should give him another chance.
Chris Owens
854   Posted 22/05/2012 at 09:36:52

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What struck me in this article were the words ?Saudi club Al Nassr ? want to cash in on the player's high profile in Asia?. Why haven?t Everton done this? Tim is massive in Australia, but has that helped Everton much?

Why didn?t we cash in on Li Tie?s high profile in China, and why aren?t we making more out of Tim Howard?s high profile in the USA? For just a few million, we could get Landon Donovan, and make much more than that from marketing in America.

That?s why we can?t compete with the top 6. We don?t have competent businessmen in charge taking these opportunities when they come along.
Peter Davies
856   Posted 22/05/2012 at 09:57:23

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Yeah, well said Chris! The US is a market with huge potential for us. All the games Donovan played for Everton attracted a lot of interest. Hell we could go for broke and get Dempsey as well as Donovan, we'd make a fortune in replica shirts alone!
Matt Traynor
857   Posted 22/05/2012 at 09:56:19

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Chris #854 it's been that way for a long time. We don't seem to have the desire or commercial acumen to capitalise on this. When I was Asia based I saw many examples of Chang leveraging on their association with Everton, from fully-wrapped buses advertising the beer, to parties at the Thai Embassy where the bar staff wore Everton tops.

I know that merchandise doesn't often provide the $ due to bootlegging, but if you want to attract more sponsors, and potentially new buyers, you need to show you can maximise the revenues from everything.

Currently Everton isn't attractive to a sovereign wealth fund as they would be looking for a vanity project to boost their profile - i.e. like Man City, stadium sorted, just throw money at the team. A buyer coming in to address the stadium issue over the next 5-7 years, with all the improvements in revenue that would help deliver, would stand to make a decent return if he then looked to sell out to such buyers.
Ernie Baywood
858   Posted 22/05/2012 at 10:00:21

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I'm sure he already said he wanted to play for Sydney a few years back.

If he got a farewell game at the start of the season, went to Saudi Arabia for a big payday, and then gave Australia a couple of years, I'd think that a very suitable way to end an extraordinary career.
Richard Reeves
860   Posted 22/05/2012 at 10:06:21

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There is no chance of Cahill leaving. Moyes sees him as part of his plans for the foreseable future which will probably involve playing on for another two years and then being moved behind the scenes but still with Everton. Yet another example of why Moyes will never change. Expect the same shite for next season with his usual favourites creating a stink.
Drew O'Neall
861   Posted 22/05/2012 at 10:01:26

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No. Bollocks Chris.

Massive in Australia - what market is there for Everton in Australia? They have a population of c 20m and their favourite sports are Rugby, League, Aussie Rules and Cricket.

As for Lie Tie's profile in China, we had a chinese kit sponsor in Kejian in case you dont remember, pretty sure that was as a direct result of Lie Tie.

As for Tim Howard, we are on the verge of a sponsorship deal with Nike and we regularly attract USA's best player to join him here on loan.. I think some people on here live in dream land!!

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