We already knew this, but Avoiding the Drop crunches some numbers to show how Guillermo was the most productive and economical designated player in the league last year:

He had more goals (14), more combined goals and assists (17), and – probably the biggest factor for the Crew – was the cheapest on a per-goal basis* ($38,235).

Arsene Wenger is set to have his first falling-out with Stan Kroenke, and the Quiet Man hasn't even taken over yet! The biggest Arsenal shareholder is keen to arrange a pre-season tour of America for the Gunners, probably to show off his new acquisition by then, but also as a certain big money-spinner.

During the summer Arsenal made one purchase, Thomas Vermaelen. A relatively unknown defender from Ajax, who according to most "experts", was too short to make it in the Premier League. Many Arsenal fans were rightly concerned that instead of a burly centre half in the mould of Hangeland, instead of a speedy defender we acquired someone who is as fast as Senderos and we let Toure leave.

This is not the sort of morning that I'd relish watching a soccer game ... but two of my intrepid housemates (applesrisp in hand) will be heading to Lewiston momentarily to watch the Bobcats tangle with the Panthers. Would be so nice if Bates could defeat Middlebury ... and while it's probably in the unlikely category, what I love about sports is that "it could happen.

Has there been a better team goal in this season's A-League than Wellington's second against Newcastle last night (about two and a half minutes into this)? If Paul Ifill's surging run down the left was typically impressive, Costa Barbarouses' nonchalant flick was sublime. And Chris Greenacre's finish was no less classy.

After Saturday's dull match against Bristol City (which, I reckon is down to Bristol playing for a draw) the spotlight falls on David Pleat. Apparently, Billy has his eyes on five new players in January (including long-term target Gareth Bale) and wants the transfer acquisition committee to get out of his way.

Can Diamanti emulate Di Canio?

Can West Ham United's new Italian talent have the same impact on the Hammers as club legend Paolo Di Canio did between 1999 and 2003? Gianfranco Zola signed Alessandro Diamanti for a fee of around £6 million in the summer. Big money for an untested player especially in light of West Ham's supposed financial handicap.

With the season now over, the Wizards have some questions to ask about the team itself and the front office. One of the most important questions revolves around technical director and interim coach, Peter Vermes. Where, if anywhere in the organization will Vermes be next year? Will he be back in the dual role of technical director and coach?

The first time I ever heard of Bryan James was at the Superdraft in Bodymore, Murderland about 2 years ago. Dude was down there with his merry men from Philadelphia and were stuck in amongst the rest of the supporters groups. The thing was though they didn't even have a team yet but that didn't stop them from singing, hollering and carrying on with the rest of us zealots.

Well, the expansion draft came and went and we didn't lose any players. Amado Guevara is safe, as well as Brian Edwards, Carl Robinson and the rest of the players on the unprotected list. Now the question remains, how will Preki get the most out of the players he has to improve on last season's performance?

When the Fire decided not to renew the contract of former Head Coach Denis Hamlett last week, thoughts immediately went to where exactly the Fire would get their next head man.

The possibilities seemed to be pretty numerous, with several high profile MLS assistants and former/current head coaches coming to mind right off the bat.

As if the thought of 8 players out injured wasn't bad enough, 4 other players including Rosicky picked up injures from the match against Stoke. It is now official. Arsene Wenger has now come and said that this "is our worst season for injuries".

You can talk about depth in squads but there isn't a single team that can handle 12 players being out injured.

Owners of high-end exotic cars can relate to poring over glossy brochures, only to find their new acquisition spends more time in the garage than on the street. Is Mikey Owen a club owner's potential Maserati? [Daily Mail]Do you believe i...

Owners of high-end exotic cars can relate to poring over glossy brochures, only to find their new acquisition spends more time in the garage than on the street. Is Mikey Owen a club owner's potential Maserati? [Daily Mail]Do you believe i...

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Tranmere Rovers have signed Liverpool goalkeeper David Martin on a one-month loan deal.
The 23-year-old former England Under-20 international spent a successful loan period with League One Champions Leicester City last season.
"Saturday's game is very important and, with Luke Daniels being suspended, we needed an experienced goalkeeper," said Rovers caretaker manager Les Parry.

The latest episode of the EPL Talk Podcast features interviews with Warren Barton, Christian Miles and Nick Webster. The trio discuss several topics including how they got their start commentating, how ESPN's acquisition of the Premier League impacts Fox Soccer Channel, the Champions League coverage by Fox, and more.

When Colin Calderwood guided Nottingham Forest back into the Championship after a three year exile in League One, the Scot knew he needed to add some firepower to his squad if they were going to live up to his ambition of producing back to back promotions. The £2.65 million acquisition of Robert Earnshaw certainly got the [.

L.A. Galaxy star Landon Donovan is set to announce a loan move to Everton. The press conference is set to begin and you can watch here. There has also been speculation that either 1) the Galaxy will announce a sweetened contract for Donovan and/or 2) another player acquisition.Back after the presser with the details.

Liverpool tactician Rafael Benitez has insisted there is still room for improvement from summer acquisition Alberto Aquilani.
The Italian midfielder showed glimpses of the passing and visionary qualities that prompted Liverpool to splash out £20 million for his services, after being handed his maiden Premier League start in yesterday's clash with Wolverhampton.