If it came down to it

[AFII]

You could have as many as you wanted in the squad but only 3 in the TEAM.


It would simply mean that Rafa would be rotating a bit more than usual

I think it was only the premiership that didn't have this rule, I remember the SCUM going mental over it because they had to drop player for European games.

Maybe the Premiership had the rule that it was 3 non british players

It was 3 non EU players in the PL. We had Dudek, Baros, Smicer and Biscan for a while and they couldn't play at the same time. If think they changed the rules 2003 or 04.

[Red Chilli]

It was 3 non EU players in the PL. We had Dudek, Baros, Smicer and Biscan for a while and they couldn't play at the same time. If think they changed the rules 2003 or 04.

Before that mate. WE're talking early premiership, maybe even late football league.

[Kaip]

Reina, Agger and Torres

[Icon]

Stupid law if you can have as many foreigners in the back room as you like!

[Parm]

it used to be 3 foreigners full stop. Then circa 1994 ish the assimilated players rule came in to allow Welsh/Irish/Scots into the frame (think guys like Giggs, Hughes etc were classed as foreign!), but from what I remember it was only for European games. Not sure about the non EU Players, think that sort of replaced the 3 foreigner rule in Europe and in EPL.

[El Jefecito]

There is no British or Irish keeper of any decent standard who operates as a sweeper in the way Rafa likes and Reina does as far as I can see. Maybe some could learn but that is a bit of a gamble as that appears to have been a problem with Carson and he was young and I imagine trying to change a more experienced keeper would be harder.

I think if the rules ever came back it would probably be Irish = foreign, the UK = one country.

I doubt that, FIFA is always pushing back on us, as we have 4 separate football associations.

[El Jefecito]

We have carson BTW, Reina could be let go.

Carson, is not fit to lace Pepe's boots. We'd need to overhaul our defence if we went from a goalsweeper to a regular goalkeeper.

[reddragon]

Torres, Masher & Agger for me.
I think they more or less pick themselves to be honest. As good as Pepe is, Carson is a ready made replacement whereas which English players could replace the 3 players I've picked.

[Skillz]

Carson, is not fit to lace Pepe's boots. We'd need to overhaul our defence if we went from a goalsweeper to a regular goalkeeper.

Pepe is underrated, not just here but on every forum i visit. One of our few truly world class players.

[dww]

I doubt that, FIFA is always pushing back on us, as we have 4 separate football associations.

But we remain one nation. In the end I think the whole scheme is unworkable legally and to be honest I don't really see any massive benefit of it either.

[Radar]

well would the Irish/Welsh/Scots be classed as Foreign? Could take Gordon as the goalie.
As for a British striker, maybe Robbie Keane (as mentioned in another thread)

I bet Robbie Keane would be glad you refered to him as a British striker

[jayjay]

Reina, Agger and Torres.

Reina is for me the most important player in terms of Rafa's approach to setting up his team.

Agger is just magic and is the next line of Rafa's spine

Torres I think would be on most opposing fans wish list

I probably wouldn't even consider anyone else other than Xabi and Mascher.

I bet Robbie Keane would be glad you refered to him as a British striker

I thought about saying something similar, maybe not quite as softly. I'm sure it was an innocent comment though

[Radar]

Parm's a good lad and I know he didn't mean anything by that comment

[paulcooper4]

Parm's a good lad and I know he didn't mean anything by that comment

parms a goodun

[El Jefecito]

Reina, Agger and Torres for me.

Losing Xabi is a hard call, but I've watched all the reserve games and Plessis(?) looks good. Given that and the fact that we have 4 other class central midifielders makes the loss of Xabi more bearable than any of the others.

There is not a goalsweeper like Reina. Where else would you find a ball playing CB, who hardly ever makes a mistake (Agger). And Torres, 'nuff said.