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The learners’ report is a shortened version of the regular weekly podcast. In this report Damian talks about the 2006 winter transfer window. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link above, while there is also a worksheet here. You can also listen to the full podcast here. Damon also explains a new football phrase ‘to be linked with‘.
Transcript
We have reached the halfway point in most of the European Leagues with many of the clubs realising that the next 15 or so games could make or break their season. Having been unable to make transfers since the end of August they now have a chance to bring in new players to help them push for the title, attempt to qualify for Europe, or to avoid being relegated to a lower division. Gossip and rumour are rife: yes, the transfer window has opened.
Now, the current window opened on January 1st allowing clubs the opportunity to buy, sell, loan, trade and transfer players from their squad. Though this is not the only window during the year, this particular time is extremely interesting, as teams have to be very careful what they do with their money. Signing a big name player may excite your fans but it does not always work, just ask West Ham after signing two Argentinian World Cup stars, Mascherano and Tevez in August, as you know, there is much more to it than that.
Vocabulary: Here are some of the words and phrases used in Podcast 11
- hooliganism a€“ fighting between fans of different teams
e.g. Hooliganism was a real problem in the 1970s and 80s in England. - pick of the bunch a€“ the best choice.
e.g. The first of Baptistaa€™s goals against Liverpool was the pick of the bunch of his four a€¨goals. - replay a€“ another match after the first game was drawn.
e.g. Chester play Ipswich in a replay of the FA Cup 3rd round game next week. - toothless attack a€“ non-threatening; no bite in attack, cannot score many goals
e.g. Cardiff have not scored from 5 games due to their toothless attack. - make or break a€“ an important time in the season.
e.g. This month is make or break time for many teama€™s chances in the league. - rumour – gossip
e.g. This month there are lots of rumours about where players will move. - to stay up a€“ to not be relegated, to stay in the same division
e.g. I think West ham will stay up this season. - wheeling and dealing a€“ buying and selling players
e.g. Portsmoutha€™s Harry Rednapp is famous for wheeling and dealing in thea€¨ transfer market. - retaining the title a€“ winning the league again
e.g. Chelsea are trying to retain their title for the third year in a row. - firing on all cylinders a€“ everyone is playing very well in the team
e.g. Chelsea are not really firing on all cylinders at the moment.
Learn English Through Football Podcast: A show for football fans to improve their English language skills
