Sorry, it just sounds like a crazy idea for me

Thanks for the compliment.

In retrospect, however, I didn’t make the strongest of arguments. I should have left Aaron Lenon off the list (he’s playing in Europe – UEFA Cup, but not CL).

And, littleguy does not want to include keepers, so I should have left David James off the list.

I could have done just a little research and used players from all the major leagues to bolster my argument.

About Wayne Bridge – we’re both right! (kind of). Bridge certainly starred for Chelsea last season; however, Mourinho signed Del Horno this season and Bridge got hurt. So, he was loaned to Fulham at the beginning of this calendar year. So, he is a Cottager.

About Southgate – I hope he gets the job. In the article you referenced, the Boro CEO makes the comment that gets to the heart of the matter:
“It is no coincidence that many of the current crop of good young managers did not actually play at the highest level, so were able to concentrate on gaining coaching qualifications while many top stars were playing for their country.

“If that continues, the natural conclusion is that most top British managers will have no experience of international football.”

Give Gareth a chance!

I appreciate the compliment. However, on reflection, I should not have included Aaron Lennon in the group because his team is playing in Europe (UEFA Cup), just not in the CL.

Also, littleguy wanted to leave out ‘keepers, so I should have left out David James. I could have found many other examples without using those that came readily to mind.

About Wayne Bridge: He did play at Chelsea, but in Jan. of this year, he went on loan to Fulham.

I hope that Southgate gets to keep the job.

Imp: looks as though M’Boro have a gaffer…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/5052126.stm

Boro are in no position to make an offer to Standard Liege for Gooch without a manager in place.

after they choose a gaffer, game on.

More to the point, I don’t see anyone bragging here, simply citing progress. Plus, despite the dominance of the Big 4 clubs, the Premiership is a pretty deep league with very few weak links. There’s a lot of talent in mid-table clubs, which can’t be said for Serie A or La Liga.

Middlesboro isn’t Chelsea, but certainly nothing to sneeze at either.

Exactly. When a team plays in the top league of its national federation (e.g., Middlesbrough of the EPL), then that team is, by definition, top flight.

I don’t hear the Mexicans decrying the fact that Borgetti plays at Bolton as being less than “top flight”.

I don’t hear the Australians decrying the fact that Cahill plays at Everton or Viduka at Boro as being less than “top flight”.

Is anyone here willing to tell Michael Owen (Newcastle – out of Europe); Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur – UEFA Cup); David James (Man. City – out of Europe); Wayne Bridge (Fulham – out of Europe) that they don’t play “top flight” football?

What about Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid); Joaquin (Real Betis); Marcos Senna (Villareal)?

And the list could go on.

So, as littleguy said,
Top flight is top flight!

I also think that Middlesbrough picked up a deal. Gooch will certainly be impressive at the World Cup, and by getting him now, Boro has saved themselves some money.