Sacked or Backed?- The only question when speaking about Liverpool at the moment.
You cant help but think that the end is nigh for Roy Hodgson at Liverpool.
With defeat's this season against Blackpool, Everton and Wolves as well as teams such as the two Manchester sides, United and City, the famous KOP heads into the New Year in 12th place just three points above the dreaded drop.
The only consololation for Roy will obviously be the victory at home to Chelsea, a team though that have been a shadow of themselves this season.
Wednesday nights disastrous home defeat to bottom of the table Wolves seems to have all but ended Hodgson's time at Anfield.
Critiscism of the famous KOP support after the defeat is not likely to aid the Englishman's cause from saving himself from the sack by the new American owners.
John W Henry, the new owner now has a tough decision to make and its one he must make now.
The January transfer window opens on the 1st January 2011, just two days and Henry must decide whether to sack the ex Fulham boss or back him until the summer at least and give him money to spend in the window.
This once famous Merseyside club find themselves at a real danger of letting all their old history and tradition slip by the way side unless they can come through what can only be described as a disgraceful last two years.
A New Year is upon us and for Liverpool and it's fans, a new manager could be on the horizon as well.
What do you think of Roy Hodgson? Should he be sacked or backed by the Liverpool board?
Let me know
Happy New Year
Thursday 30 December 2010
Monday 6 December 2010
BOOTED OUT OF TOON
A surprise or not?
To most the answer will be yes, the sacking of Newcastle Manager Chris Hughton would be seen as a shock to many with the club currently sitting 11th in the Premier League after impressive victories against Arsenal, Sunderland and Everton and a creditible draw against Chelsea.
The majority that say yes to the above question are more than likely to not be Toon fans. The Geordies though have dealt with drama and Ashley now for the past few years, so nothing comes as a shock now to the Toon Army.
Ashley has took the club to its darkest days since taking control, cumiliating in relegation two years ago. Hughton brought stability last year as he guided the club back to the summit of English football.
An impressive start to this campaign had also raised expectation that Hughton would sign a longer contract, it never happened, and now you can only ask where this will leave the Magpies come May?
Ashley has to pull a top name out the hat this time to restore any of the fans belief in him, time will tell though if thats likely to happen. Mike Ashley has not run Newcastle FC not in a football way, more like a business model. Unluckily for him though, the Toon fans want stability- something the chairman refuses to give them.
I wish Newcastle all the best for the remainder of the year, however you can only see the club being put back into the reverse gear all the while Mr Ashley remains in the driving seat.
To most the answer will be yes, the sacking of Newcastle Manager Chris Hughton would be seen as a shock to many with the club currently sitting 11th in the Premier League after impressive victories against Arsenal, Sunderland and Everton and a creditible draw against Chelsea.
The majority that say yes to the above question are more than likely to not be Toon fans. The Geordies though have dealt with drama and Ashley now for the past few years, so nothing comes as a shock now to the Toon Army.
Ashley has took the club to its darkest days since taking control, cumiliating in relegation two years ago. Hughton brought stability last year as he guided the club back to the summit of English football.
An impressive start to this campaign had also raised expectation that Hughton would sign a longer contract, it never happened, and now you can only ask where this will leave the Magpies come May?
Ashley has to pull a top name out the hat this time to restore any of the fans belief in him, time will tell though if thats likely to happen. Mike Ashley has not run Newcastle FC not in a football way, more like a business model. Unluckily for him though, the Toon fans want stability- something the chairman refuses to give them.
I wish Newcastle all the best for the remainder of the year, however you can only see the club being put back into the reverse gear all the while Mr Ashley remains in the driving seat.
Sunday 5 December 2010
PIETERSEN COOKS AUSSIES IN SECOND TEST
What a difference a week makes.... Roll back to Thursday 24th November and the Ashes series kicked off with the Aussies as seemingly underdogs and on the rack. By the end of the first days play the Aussies had fired a stark warning that they wanted their urn back after dismissing England for 260.
Well England managed to hold off defeat in that test thanks to an incredible 235 not out from Essex batsman Alastair Cook, so still level going into the second test England needed a better start than that of the previous test, and boy did they get it.
An explosive first three overs in Adelaide saw the host 2-3 with the Aussie press ready to attack a forlorn looking Skipper Ricky Ponting who had scored 0. Things got no better for the hosts as they slumped to a dismal 245 all out on a batters pitch... Alarm bells ringing for Australia cricket.
Englands reponse was nothing short of breathtaking, despite losing Skipper Andrew Strauss early, another mind blowing performance from Cook and his partner Kevin Pietersen helped the visitors reach 551-4 at the close of play on the third day, Pietersen still about on 213 not out.
So with a lead of 306 and still with six wickets remaining, hopes will be high that the holders of the famous urn can turn this exceptional batting display into a confident win... a far cry from the opening first day of Test One last week.
Do you think England will win the Ashes Down Under this year, and do you think that Australian cricket is not what it use to be?
Let me know
Well England managed to hold off defeat in that test thanks to an incredible 235 not out from Essex batsman Alastair Cook, so still level going into the second test England needed a better start than that of the previous test, and boy did they get it.
An explosive first three overs in Adelaide saw the host 2-3 with the Aussie press ready to attack a forlorn looking Skipper Ricky Ponting who had scored 0. Things got no better for the hosts as they slumped to a dismal 245 all out on a batters pitch... Alarm bells ringing for Australia cricket.
Englands reponse was nothing short of breathtaking, despite losing Skipper Andrew Strauss early, another mind blowing performance from Cook and his partner Kevin Pietersen helped the visitors reach 551-4 at the close of play on the third day, Pietersen still about on 213 not out.
So with a lead of 306 and still with six wickets remaining, hopes will be high that the holders of the famous urn can turn this exceptional batting display into a confident win... a far cry from the opening first day of Test One last week.
Do you think England will win the Ashes Down Under this year, and do you think that Australian cricket is not what it use to be?
Let me know
Friday 3 December 2010
FAILING FIFA LETS FOOTBALL DOWN - AGAIN
It was meant to be the day that saw football returned to it's motherland, it was meant to be a day of celebration to warm up the hearts and minds of millions of football followers across the country in the sub-zero weather, it was meant to be the day that England won the bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
HOWEVER, like the weather, it froze, England's chance to host the showpiece froze, FIFA froze.
With the best technical bid and the best presentation, England surely were clearly favourites to host the event, so why did the Russia bid beat ours?
FIFA now has many questions to answer, it was not just the decision to give the 2018 bid to Russia that raised eyebrows- it was also the the decision to hand the 2022 event to Qatar- yes the country half the size of Wales, yes the country that has never featured in a World Cup and yes the country that tempratures reach 50C in the competition months.
Of course the BBC in England were critiscised for showing their Panorama programme just two days before the final vote, a show that labelled FIFA as corrupt, even I was critical, but maybe instead of critiscm, the BBC should of been a bit louder so that everyone sat up and took notice.
Recieving just two votes and being eliminated from the voting in the first round hurt, it hurt me, it hurt the people of England, it hurt the bid team, but the people it might have hurt the most is FIFA.
The result of the votes has raised many questions that FIFA may not have the answers to and this could be the 'beginning of the end' for the FIFA delegates who saw this voting process as a quick way to make some money.
The time has come for FIFA to be investigated 'root and branch' and any wrong-doings from anyone should be thrown off the panel, no questions asked.
So Mr Blatter and FIFA delegates get ready for a rough ride over the next few months, this one wont go away for a long time.
What do you think of FIFA and do you agree with the decision to give the 2018 and 2022 bids to Russia and Qatar?
Let me know :)
HOWEVER, like the weather, it froze, England's chance to host the showpiece froze, FIFA froze.
With the best technical bid and the best presentation, England surely were clearly favourites to host the event, so why did the Russia bid beat ours?
FIFA now has many questions to answer, it was not just the decision to give the 2018 bid to Russia that raised eyebrows- it was also the the decision to hand the 2022 event to Qatar- yes the country half the size of Wales, yes the country that has never featured in a World Cup and yes the country that tempratures reach 50C in the competition months.
Of course the BBC in England were critiscised for showing their Panorama programme just two days before the final vote, a show that labelled FIFA as corrupt, even I was critical, but maybe instead of critiscm, the BBC should of been a bit louder so that everyone sat up and took notice.
Recieving just two votes and being eliminated from the voting in the first round hurt, it hurt me, it hurt the people of England, it hurt the bid team, but the people it might have hurt the most is FIFA.
The result of the votes has raised many questions that FIFA may not have the answers to and this could be the 'beginning of the end' for the FIFA delegates who saw this voting process as a quick way to make some money.
The time has come for FIFA to be investigated 'root and branch' and any wrong-doings from anyone should be thrown off the panel, no questions asked.
So Mr Blatter and FIFA delegates get ready for a rough ride over the next few months, this one wont go away for a long time.
What do you think of FIFA and do you agree with the decision to give the 2018 and 2022 bids to Russia and Qatar?
Let me know :)
Sunday 28 November 2010
TIME TO DECIDE
So it's decision time again, and no I dont mean on the X-Factor or Strictly....This vote means so much more.
On Thursday, 22 FIFA delegates will decide which Countries will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Bidding to host the 2018 event are, Belguim/Netherlands, Spain'Portugal and single bids from Russia and England.The 2022 bid will be contested between Australia, USA, Qatar, Japan and South Korea.
The bidding process has been undermined since Day one when FIFA agreed to make both decisions on the 2nd December 2010, allowing for theories of collusion between two rival bids, something that rocked the bid in October when Spain and Qatar were investigated on collusion, only to be cleared of any wrong doing.
England's bid has suffered many setbacks. The first came last year when the Chairman of the bid was made to resign after making false allegations against the Spain bid, something which is against the FIFA rules.
More recently the bid was setback even further and mainly by the country's own media. Firstly Panorama will air a show on Monday Evening that will aim to show FIFA as a corrupt Governing Body. The show will not go down well with FIFA delegates who may vote with their feet and hand the showpiece event elsewhere.
The second own goal from the media from England came when a 'Sunday Times' investigation tricked two FIFA voters that they were the USA bid and offered money for them to vote in their favour. This trickery from the 'Times' newspaper saw both voters banned from voting this Thursday, again a move which has not pleased many of the voters who blame the English media.
All the drama though will finally end this Thursday when FIFA decides, but which way are they likely to go?
I personally feel that despite all the upheavel recently, England will still be hosting the 2018 World Cup as quite simply we are ready to host the event once again, Russia simply is not ready and Spain/Portugal bid could be complicated.
I hope to see the World Cup in this Country in eight years time and come Thursday afternoon I will have my fingers crossed....
OVER TO YOU FIFA
Who do you think will host the 2018 World Cup and do you think the English media has damaged our bid?
On Thursday, 22 FIFA delegates will decide which Countries will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Bidding to host the 2018 event are, Belguim/Netherlands, Spain'Portugal and single bids from Russia and England.The 2022 bid will be contested between Australia, USA, Qatar, Japan and South Korea.
The bidding process has been undermined since Day one when FIFA agreed to make both decisions on the 2nd December 2010, allowing for theories of collusion between two rival bids, something that rocked the bid in October when Spain and Qatar were investigated on collusion, only to be cleared of any wrong doing.
England's bid has suffered many setbacks. The first came last year when the Chairman of the bid was made to resign after making false allegations against the Spain bid, something which is against the FIFA rules.
More recently the bid was setback even further and mainly by the country's own media. Firstly Panorama will air a show on Monday Evening that will aim to show FIFA as a corrupt Governing Body. The show will not go down well with FIFA delegates who may vote with their feet and hand the showpiece event elsewhere.
The second own goal from the media from England came when a 'Sunday Times' investigation tricked two FIFA voters that they were the USA bid and offered money for them to vote in their favour. This trickery from the 'Times' newspaper saw both voters banned from voting this Thursday, again a move which has not pleased many of the voters who blame the English media.
All the drama though will finally end this Thursday when FIFA decides, but which way are they likely to go?
I personally feel that despite all the upheavel recently, England will still be hosting the 2018 World Cup as quite simply we are ready to host the event once again, Russia simply is not ready and Spain/Portugal bid could be complicated.
I hope to see the World Cup in this Country in eight years time and come Thursday afternoon I will have my fingers crossed....
OVER TO YOU FIFA
Who do you think will host the 2018 World Cup and do you think the English media has damaged our bid?
Wednesday 10 November 2010
A YEAR ON FROM A TRAGEDY THAT SHOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
How many of us have gone to a game and shouted abuse at a player for missing that 'vital' chance or letting the ball getting away from them or even for conceding a soft goal?
Well I wont lie- I have. A year on though since the tragic day that Hannover 96 goalkeeper comitted suicide by stepping in front of a train in Germany- Maybe we could all take a look at ourselves and before next time we hurl abuse at our players, just think about the words we use to label that player.
I will admit that sometimes knowing that the player in front of our eyes is about to take home anything up to £100,000 pound home makes it all that more difficult not to shout something abusive, however at the end of the day we are all human.
Robert Enke was Hannover 96 goalkeeper and was set to be the German No1 this summer in South Africa, however the events exactly one year ago today changed everything.
The keeper suffered from a mental illness known as depression, fearing that telling anyone about the condition would harm his profession, Enke kept it quiet from everyone. The German shot stopper lost his 2 year old child, something none of us ever want to suffer and surely would have played a massive part in his depressive state.
The issue of depression with sports stars must remain in the eye so that players and fans realise this is in today's world and no matter how rich, famous or professional you are- Depression can affect anyone.
So next time you travel to watch your side in action, just give a thought to this day, a day when football lost a gentleman to something that could affect any of us.
RIP Enke
Well I wont lie- I have. A year on though since the tragic day that Hannover 96 goalkeeper comitted suicide by stepping in front of a train in Germany- Maybe we could all take a look at ourselves and before next time we hurl abuse at our players, just think about the words we use to label that player.
I will admit that sometimes knowing that the player in front of our eyes is about to take home anything up to £100,000 pound home makes it all that more difficult not to shout something abusive, however at the end of the day we are all human.
Robert Enke was Hannover 96 goalkeeper and was set to be the German No1 this summer in South Africa, however the events exactly one year ago today changed everything.
The keeper suffered from a mental illness known as depression, fearing that telling anyone about the condition would harm his profession, Enke kept it quiet from everyone. The German shot stopper lost his 2 year old child, something none of us ever want to suffer and surely would have played a massive part in his depressive state.
The issue of depression with sports stars must remain in the eye so that players and fans realise this is in today's world and no matter how rich, famous or professional you are- Depression can affect anyone.
So next time you travel to watch your side in action, just give a thought to this day, a day when football lost a gentleman to something that could affect any of us.
RIP Enke
THE SAD SIDE OF THE GAME WE ALL LOVE
So yesterday the news broke that yet another 'Big' club face winding up orders from the HMRC. Former Premier League Side Sheffield Wednesday, now in League One face another challenge off the field to survive on it.
Portsmouth, Southend, Crystal Palace and Leeds are just some of the teams that have come face to face with the dreaded taxman in court in the last few years and you can only feel that they wont be the last.
With clubs now overspending in most aspects of the game, is there really a feeling that the 'beautiful' game could rot away into nothing due to the most feared person in the country?- yes I mean the taxman not Sir Alex Ferguson.
The reality is that the taxman is becoming more and more less forgiving with clubs, in particular the smaller ones, Chester FC and Farsley Celtic have both been liquidated in the past year.
The number of clubs that have entered administration since 2008 currently stands at 13, obviously a worry for the bosses of the game.
My home team Margate FC have had too many meetings with the taxman to even remember, the fear now is that should the two cross paths again there would only be one winner, and it would not be the same winner of the last meetings.
Obviously the whole issue of administration is a massive talking point in the game, I would just like to see the games big bosses run stricter tests on new owners before as supporters we lose some of our most prestigious clubs that carry so much history and tradition with them, and more importantly before the fans that pay their well earned cash to see a game also lose their saturday afternoon entertainment.
Portsmouth, Southend, Crystal Palace and Leeds are just some of the teams that have come face to face with the dreaded taxman in court in the last few years and you can only feel that they wont be the last.
With clubs now overspending in most aspects of the game, is there really a feeling that the 'beautiful' game could rot away into nothing due to the most feared person in the country?- yes I mean the taxman not Sir Alex Ferguson.
The reality is that the taxman is becoming more and more less forgiving with clubs, in particular the smaller ones, Chester FC and Farsley Celtic have both been liquidated in the past year.
The number of clubs that have entered administration since 2008 currently stands at 13, obviously a worry for the bosses of the game.
My home team Margate FC have had too many meetings with the taxman to even remember, the fear now is that should the two cross paths again there would only be one winner, and it would not be the same winner of the last meetings.
Obviously the whole issue of administration is a massive talking point in the game, I would just like to see the games big bosses run stricter tests on new owners before as supporters we lose some of our most prestigious clubs that carry so much history and tradition with them, and more importantly before the fans that pay their well earned cash to see a game also lose their saturday afternoon entertainment.
Friday 5 November 2010
A CUP CLASH WORTH SO MUCH MORE
Saturday sees the first round proper tie's from this seasons FA cup, and there is one fixture that will hold so much more passion than any usual cup game between two rivals.
At 3pm on Saturday at the Priestfield stadium, Kent rivals Gillingham FC and Dover Athletic will lock horns for a place in the second round proper of the competition......but there will be an added spice to this one.
After realeasing former boss Mark Stimson last season, the Gills needed a new man at the helm, and there was only one person in their sights, and that was the former Gills boss and then current Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler.
'Hess' had been charge of the Gills from 2000 until 2004 when he left after relegation, three years later and he found himself at near neighbours Dover Athletic in the Ryman Division One. With a good squad, Dover won two promotions in a row and then made the play-offs in his third season in charge.
After Stimson's sacking following the relegation from League One last season, Gillingham set about getting their former boss back. With permission granted to speak to Gillingham it was clear that Hess was going to take the reigns back over at the Medway club, however, it was the days to follow the announcement that will make this weekends cup game all that little bit more fiery.
With Hessenthaler back in Gillingham, Dover set about appointing their new man. A statement realeased from the club announced that former Barnet manager Ian Hendon would be taking charge at the Crabble. Just a wek into his new job though Hendon decided he no longer wanted the job, instead he followed Hess to the Priestfield to become his number two.
So with Hendon gone, Dover announced their second manager of that week as they appointed Martin Hayes as the man tasked with taking the ambitious club to the top of the Non-league pyramid. Dover then announced that their player-coach Nicky Southall was heading to Priestfield to take up the same position with Gillingham.
So after an eventful summer between the two sides, which has seen fall out galore, you can bet that tomorrow's clash will be epic, and maybe, just maybe that Dover can get one over on their Kent counterparts in their own backyard.
At 3pm on Saturday at the Priestfield stadium, Kent rivals Gillingham FC and Dover Athletic will lock horns for a place in the second round proper of the competition......but there will be an added spice to this one.
After realeasing former boss Mark Stimson last season, the Gills needed a new man at the helm, and there was only one person in their sights, and that was the former Gills boss and then current Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler.
'Hess' had been charge of the Gills from 2000 until 2004 when he left after relegation, three years later and he found himself at near neighbours Dover Athletic in the Ryman Division One. With a good squad, Dover won two promotions in a row and then made the play-offs in his third season in charge.
After Stimson's sacking following the relegation from League One last season, Gillingham set about getting their former boss back. With permission granted to speak to Gillingham it was clear that Hess was going to take the reigns back over at the Medway club, however, it was the days to follow the announcement that will make this weekends cup game all that little bit more fiery.
With Hessenthaler back in Gillingham, Dover set about appointing their new man. A statement realeased from the club announced that former Barnet manager Ian Hendon would be taking charge at the Crabble. Just a wek into his new job though Hendon decided he no longer wanted the job, instead he followed Hess to the Priestfield to become his number two.
So with Hendon gone, Dover announced their second manager of that week as they appointed Martin Hayes as the man tasked with taking the ambitious club to the top of the Non-league pyramid. Dover then announced that their player-coach Nicky Southall was heading to Priestfield to take up the same position with Gillingham.
So after an eventful summer between the two sides, which has seen fall out galore, you can bet that tomorrow's clash will be epic, and maybe, just maybe that Dover can get one over on their Kent counterparts in their own backyard.
Wednesday 3 November 2010
AMAZING ALEX DIGS THE DAGGER IN DEEPER
Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Kevin Davies, James Beattie- All familiar names with Southampton FC fans who have seen these names play in the famous red and white for the Saints as well as going onto to play for their international sides (all England bar Bale).
After yesterdays 4-0 demolition of Dagenham and Redbridge, the St Mary's faithful might just have another name to add to that list in the not to distant future- Step foward Alex Chamberlain.
At just 17 years of age, the winger who has progressed up through the ranks at Southampton has started this season in blistering form terrorising defences up and down the wings in League One. His latest display against a Daggers side again highlighted just how good the youngster, who was born in Portsmouth, will be.
With two goals and an assist in the game, he was certainly a clear winner of the man of the match award. His first goal maybe was a bit lucky as his cross floated over the visitors keeper, however the second was pure genius. Out on the wing and seeing the keeper was slightly off his line, Chamberlain tried an audacious lob that beat the keeper and practically ended the game.
The young midfielder then showed real pace and strength to force his way down the flank to tee up an easy chance for Lee Barnard who easily dispatched the golden opportunity that Chamberlain presented him with.
With Saints up to 6th in the league now and holding such a prize asset that they will be reluctant to depart with for many years to come, you can safely say that the future at least at one of the South Coast clubs is looking very bright.
After yesterdays 4-0 demolition of Dagenham and Redbridge, the St Mary's faithful might just have another name to add to that list in the not to distant future- Step foward Alex Chamberlain.
At just 17 years of age, the winger who has progressed up through the ranks at Southampton has started this season in blistering form terrorising defences up and down the wings in League One. His latest display against a Daggers side again highlighted just how good the youngster, who was born in Portsmouth, will be.
With two goals and an assist in the game, he was certainly a clear winner of the man of the match award. His first goal maybe was a bit lucky as his cross floated over the visitors keeper, however the second was pure genius. Out on the wing and seeing the keeper was slightly off his line, Chamberlain tried an audacious lob that beat the keeper and practically ended the game.
The young midfielder then showed real pace and strength to force his way down the flank to tee up an easy chance for Lee Barnard who easily dispatched the golden opportunity that Chamberlain presented him with.
With Saints up to 6th in the league now and holding such a prize asset that they will be reluctant to depart with for many years to come, you can safely say that the future at least at one of the South Coast clubs is looking very bright.
Saturday 30 October 2010
JOKE OF THE TOON
'Laughable' is the only way you can describe the news this week that Newcastle Football Club issued a statement that they are 100% behind their current manager Chris Hughton.
I find it pathetic that a club who has just won promotion back to the Premier League and are currently sitting 9th having won away at the likes of Everton, West Ham and home to Villa, as well as a stunning victory away at Stamford Bridge in the League Cup even have to let us know that the boss is 'safe'.
Hughton took the reigns at St James Park when quite frankly no one else (bar Alan Shearer) would have. He oversaw a magnificent season last year which saw the Toon stroll their way back into the top flight after the disappointment of the season before.
Hughton has also shown his recruitment 'gold' by bringing in the likes of Ben Arfa, Tiote and Gosling (All very good players).
A quick warning to the Newcastle Hierachy that after just maybe winning the fans back on side, sacking the gaffer now would probably lose all your fans trust in you, think wisely Mr Ashley.
There was also another ridiculous sacking this week in League One at Notts County who sacked Craig Short after just 16 games in charge and laying 16th in the table, just four points off the play-offs. How can a manager build a team his way in just that short a period.
Football chairman need to begin to realise that success wont happen overnight and need more trust in the men they put in charge to get it right.
I only hope that the latest sacking will be the last for a while, but lets be honest, by the time I next blog there will probably have been another managerial casualty.
I find it pathetic that a club who has just won promotion back to the Premier League and are currently sitting 9th having won away at the likes of Everton, West Ham and home to Villa, as well as a stunning victory away at Stamford Bridge in the League Cup even have to let us know that the boss is 'safe'.
Hughton took the reigns at St James Park when quite frankly no one else (bar Alan Shearer) would have. He oversaw a magnificent season last year which saw the Toon stroll their way back into the top flight after the disappointment of the season before.
Hughton has also shown his recruitment 'gold' by bringing in the likes of Ben Arfa, Tiote and Gosling (All very good players).
A quick warning to the Newcastle Hierachy that after just maybe winning the fans back on side, sacking the gaffer now would probably lose all your fans trust in you, think wisely Mr Ashley.
There was also another ridiculous sacking this week in League One at Notts County who sacked Craig Short after just 16 games in charge and laying 16th in the table, just four points off the play-offs. How can a manager build a team his way in just that short a period.
Football chairman need to begin to realise that success wont happen overnight and need more trust in the men they put in charge to get it right.
I only hope that the latest sacking will be the last for a while, but lets be honest, by the time I next blog there will probably have been another managerial casualty.
Monday 25 October 2010
Better late than never- I suppose
So lets start with an apology, My recent updates have been just not happening.
Lots of work at university started to take control, I promise you will you not have to wait this long again for the next post.
Anyway lets get back to sport and what a week it's been! To start the week we had sensational news that Wayne Rooney wanted out of Manchester (well United anyway). Last Tuesday 'United' gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the rumours saying he was 'shocked' at the news.
Wind forward a day and the biggest revelation arose as rivals City threw their name into the hat to buy the striker- disaster for United fans surely!!!
Or maybe not, as by the close of play on Friday, Rooney had signed a new five year deal at the club, just four days after saying he wanted to leave- the reasons unknown for the change of heart, but I bet the £250,000 a week wages certainly played a factor.
In other sports news this week, England recieved a major boost ahead of the Ashes next month down under.
News that bowler Jimmy Anderson will make the showpiece will please all England fans that will be cheering the three lions on down under, and the millions here at home that will stay up all night to watch the action.
This week see's the return of the Carling Cup to our screens, I find myself disappointed when sitting down to watch these matches as teams undermine the competition by fielding weakened sides.
The tournament I understand will not be priorty for any Premier League team at the start of the season but why not? With a European place up for grabs it's the perfect opportunity for teams to play in elite competition across Europe.
So come on managers left in the competition, field a strong team this week and lets see some decent action.... Its the least your supporters deserve!!!!!
Lots of work at university started to take control, I promise you will you not have to wait this long again for the next post.
Anyway lets get back to sport and what a week it's been! To start the week we had sensational news that Wayne Rooney wanted out of Manchester (well United anyway). Last Tuesday 'United' gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the rumours saying he was 'shocked' at the news.
Wind forward a day and the biggest revelation arose as rivals City threw their name into the hat to buy the striker- disaster for United fans surely!!!
Or maybe not, as by the close of play on Friday, Rooney had signed a new five year deal at the club, just four days after saying he wanted to leave- the reasons unknown for the change of heart, but I bet the £250,000 a week wages certainly played a factor.
In other sports news this week, England recieved a major boost ahead of the Ashes next month down under.
News that bowler Jimmy Anderson will make the showpiece will please all England fans that will be cheering the three lions on down under, and the millions here at home that will stay up all night to watch the action.
This week see's the return of the Carling Cup to our screens, I find myself disappointed when sitting down to watch these matches as teams undermine the competition by fielding weakened sides.
The tournament I understand will not be priorty for any Premier League team at the start of the season but why not? With a European place up for grabs it's the perfect opportunity for teams to play in elite competition across Europe.
So come on managers left in the competition, field a strong team this week and lets see some decent action.... Its the least your supporters deserve!!!!!
Monday 13 September 2010
FA CUP- Following the Gate!!!!!!
So it was that time of year again on Saturday as my local side Margate FC started their FA Cup campaign in the 1st qualifying round with a trip to tricky Hellenic Premier Division side Binfield FC.
Binfield, a small village side near Reading, went into the match unbeaten this season and hoping of springing a suprise that the FA Cup has come to know and love. Being unable to make the match due to work it was a tense afternoon as I lived off text updates from a friend at the match.
The first text simply saying '0-0 ht', thoughts immedietly taking me back to previous cup campaigns following the 'Gate' where defeats against lower league opposition such as Banstead and Potters Bar FC.
A much more dominant second half seemed apparent as three messages appeared in my inbox to say that we had a 3-0 lead and looked like progression to the 2nd qualifying round was secure.
Fair play to Binfield and I wish them all the luck for the remainder of the season. Back to Margate thouh and after their first league victory last week and now a win in a potential banana skin tie in the FA Cup things are looking up for the 'Gate'.
The draw for the 2nd qualifying round takes place later today and I am hoping that this post will hopefully encourage people to follow not necessarily Margate but the FA Cup from the early stages as it does offer excitement and magic, even at the early stage.
I will be following the 'Gate' in all their FA Cup action this season and you can follow their progress on this blog.
Binfield, a small village side near Reading, went into the match unbeaten this season and hoping of springing a suprise that the FA Cup has come to know and love. Being unable to make the match due to work it was a tense afternoon as I lived off text updates from a friend at the match.
The first text simply saying '0-0 ht', thoughts immedietly taking me back to previous cup campaigns following the 'Gate' where defeats against lower league opposition such as Banstead and Potters Bar FC.
A much more dominant second half seemed apparent as three messages appeared in my inbox to say that we had a 3-0 lead and looked like progression to the 2nd qualifying round was secure.
Fair play to Binfield and I wish them all the luck for the remainder of the season. Back to Margate thouh and after their first league victory last week and now a win in a potential banana skin tie in the FA Cup things are looking up for the 'Gate'.
The draw for the 2nd qualifying round takes place later today and I am hoping that this post will hopefully encourage people to follow not necessarily Margate but the FA Cup from the early stages as it does offer excitement and magic, even at the early stage.
I will be following the 'Gate' in all their FA Cup action this season and you can follow their progress on this blog.
Wednesday 1 September 2010
SAINTS MARCHING THROUGH HELL
Sheer disbelief can be the only way of describing my feelings when I heard on Monday that Southampton had sacked manger Alan Pardew.
A lot of teams can be galvanized with a new man at the helm, there is no doubting this, just take yourself along to White Hart Lane and watch Tottenham in the Champions League this season under Harry Redknapp for proof, although it can back-fire, in which I think will be the case at Southampton.
In Pardew, Southampton had a man that had managed in the top level with West Ham, and certainly had an excellent season last year with the Saints narrowly missing out on the play-offs.
The start of this season can only be described as hell for the Saints. They lost their opener to Plymouth 1-0 at St Marys, which was then followed by the tragic news that owner Markus Liebherr had died aged just 62.
Defeat against Bolton in the Carling Cup followed as well as a fall out with national newspapers regarding photography at St Marys with 'The Sun' newspaper now refusing to print Southampton's name, calling them a 'South Coast Team'. Despite all this things appeared to be on the up for the club after the 4-0 win over Bristol Rovers before the disgraceful decision to dismiss Pardew.
The decision is certainly a strange one, made even more so by the Chief Executive saying it was not 'results based' (well thats a relief after a 4-0 win, no one would be safe), It only makes me feel that the Saints must have someone lined up to take over, if thats the case it HAS to be a top name to help the loyal Saints fans recover from this devastating blow.
I as much as any Southampton supporter would love to see the club bounce back from this early season ordeal which they have endured and win promotion to the Championship, however in the back of mind I have a feeling the club will struggle now to make a real impact on the division until some stability is brought back to the South Coast, starting with naming a new manager.
I would like to know who you think will get the job at St Marys and how you think the dismissal of Pardew will affect the club this season.
A lot of teams can be galvanized with a new man at the helm, there is no doubting this, just take yourself along to White Hart Lane and watch Tottenham in the Champions League this season under Harry Redknapp for proof, although it can back-fire, in which I think will be the case at Southampton.
In Pardew, Southampton had a man that had managed in the top level with West Ham, and certainly had an excellent season last year with the Saints narrowly missing out on the play-offs.
The start of this season can only be described as hell for the Saints. They lost their opener to Plymouth 1-0 at St Marys, which was then followed by the tragic news that owner Markus Liebherr had died aged just 62.
Defeat against Bolton in the Carling Cup followed as well as a fall out with national newspapers regarding photography at St Marys with 'The Sun' newspaper now refusing to print Southampton's name, calling them a 'South Coast Team'. Despite all this things appeared to be on the up for the club after the 4-0 win over Bristol Rovers before the disgraceful decision to dismiss Pardew.
The decision is certainly a strange one, made even more so by the Chief Executive saying it was not 'results based' (well thats a relief after a 4-0 win, no one would be safe), It only makes me feel that the Saints must have someone lined up to take over, if thats the case it HAS to be a top name to help the loyal Saints fans recover from this devastating blow.
I as much as any Southampton supporter would love to see the club bounce back from this early season ordeal which they have endured and win promotion to the Championship, however in the back of mind I have a feeling the club will struggle now to make a real impact on the division until some stability is brought back to the South Coast, starting with naming a new manager.
I would like to know who you think will get the job at St Marys and how you think the dismissal of Pardew will affect the club this season.
Monday 23 August 2010
Did someone mention the Premier League had lost it's six appeal? (And a Southampton Mystery)
So two round's of games into to the Premier League season and we have seen three games this weekend finish with a score line of 6-0.
With a close title race expected, the challenging teams have started the season on fire in front of goal. With Chelsea travelling to Wigan (who lost 4-0 on the opening day to Blackpool), sure we expected a Chelsea win, but by six goals?
Another result that was widely expected this weekend was for the Gunners to beat a Blackpool side who were still on cloud nine after thrashing Wigan 4-0 on the opening day. Having a man sent off at the Emirates Staduim will never help prevent a loss, but yet again the wonderful skills from Theo Walcott inspired the second 6-0 result of the weekend.
The third six goal margin though was the most surprising of them all, as Newcastle's first game at St James Park back in the big time came against the team that sent them down 445 days ago, Aston Villa.
A toon win of this size was only being dreamt of by the most delerious Toon fans about, however the scoreline was fair as they ripped through the villa defence like a knife through butter. Hat-trick hero Andy Carroll would certainly of done his England chances no harm in front of the on-watching England assistant Franco Baldini.
So for all the doubters out there who think the Premier League is becoming 'boring', I hope this weekends results help you cast away any of these negative thoughts you maybe having.
Just a foot note to this story, I recently noticed that 'The Sun' newspaper no longer refers to League One side Southampton by their name, however they now call them a 'South Coast Team'. Can anybody share any light on this as I would love to know why.
With a close title race expected, the challenging teams have started the season on fire in front of goal. With Chelsea travelling to Wigan (who lost 4-0 on the opening day to Blackpool), sure we expected a Chelsea win, but by six goals?
Another result that was widely expected this weekend was for the Gunners to beat a Blackpool side who were still on cloud nine after thrashing Wigan 4-0 on the opening day. Having a man sent off at the Emirates Staduim will never help prevent a loss, but yet again the wonderful skills from Theo Walcott inspired the second 6-0 result of the weekend.
The third six goal margin though was the most surprising of them all, as Newcastle's first game at St James Park back in the big time came against the team that sent them down 445 days ago, Aston Villa.
A toon win of this size was only being dreamt of by the most delerious Toon fans about, however the scoreline was fair as they ripped through the villa defence like a knife through butter. Hat-trick hero Andy Carroll would certainly of done his England chances no harm in front of the on-watching England assistant Franco Baldini.
So for all the doubters out there who think the Premier League is becoming 'boring', I hope this weekends results help you cast away any of these negative thoughts you maybe having.
Just a foot note to this story, I recently noticed that 'The Sun' newspaper no longer refers to League One side Southampton by their name, however they now call them a 'South Coast Team'. Can anybody share any light on this as I would love to know why.
Friday 6 August 2010
Final Countdown!!!!
Excitement, anger, success, these are just some of the emotions football fans up and down the country will be experiencing over the next nine months as the domestic football season returns on Friday evening when Norwich host Watford in the pening domestic fixture for the 2010-2011 season.
In this blog I am going to give my predictions on teams that I believe will succeed in the upcoming season aswell as struggle. I will be following my predictions and blogging regualy to keep everyone updated on their progress.
In each division from the Premier league to Blue square premier I will name a team I believe will win the division and one that I believe will be relegated.
PREMIER DIVISION
WINNER: MANCHESTER UNITED
RELEGATED: BOLTON
CHAMPIONSHIP
WINNER: READING
RELEGATED: WATFORD
LEAGUE ONE:
WINNER: SOUTHAMPTON
RELEGATED: TRANMERE
LEAGUE TWO
WINNER: BRADFORD
RELEGATED: MACCLESFIELD
BLUE SQUARE PREMIER
WINNER: CRAWLEY TOWN
RELEGATED: BATH CITY
I am hoping to blog every two weeks giving updates on where my predicted teams are currently performing in their respective divisions.
I would also like to know what you think of my predictions, feel free to comment below aswell as giving your predictions on this seasons outcome.
In this blog I am going to give my predictions on teams that I believe will succeed in the upcoming season aswell as struggle. I will be following my predictions and blogging regualy to keep everyone updated on their progress.
In each division from the Premier league to Blue square premier I will name a team I believe will win the division and one that I believe will be relegated.
PREMIER DIVISION
WINNER: MANCHESTER UNITED
RELEGATED: BOLTON
CHAMPIONSHIP
WINNER: READING
RELEGATED: WATFORD
LEAGUE ONE:
WINNER: SOUTHAMPTON
RELEGATED: TRANMERE
LEAGUE TWO
WINNER: BRADFORD
RELEGATED: MACCLESFIELD
BLUE SQUARE PREMIER
WINNER: CRAWLEY TOWN
RELEGATED: BATH CITY
I am hoping to blog every two weeks giving updates on where my predicted teams are currently performing in their respective divisions.
I would also like to know what you think of my predictions, feel free to comment below aswell as giving your predictions on this seasons outcome.
Sunday 20 June 2010
From Vava Voom to Vava Doom
So the question on everyone’s lips at the moment seems to be about England’s ‘worries’ after their embarrassing 0-0 draw with Algeria, but a glance across to the French camp and things look a whole lot more troubled for the great footballing nation.
Today during the New Zealand v Italy clash reports broke that the French side had refused to train today after an on pitch argument/fight between the players and management team over the decision to send star striker Nicolas Anelka home yesterday after a dispute between himself and out going manager Raymond Domenech.
The decision to send Anelka home came after France’s shocking display against Mexico after the striker reportedly voiced his opinion against Domenech at half time in the eventual 2-0 defeat which leaves the 1998 champions of the brink of elimination.
Patrice Evra after the game labelled the whole campaign as ‘Catastrophic’, a word I would describe as an understatement. ‘Disgraceful’ seems a more appropriate. For France there seems very little chance of progressing to the next phase of this World Cup and you can’t help but have a little chuckle to yourself after the disgraceful way they reached the finals.
Thierry Henry’s handball in the lead up to the vital goal against the Republic of Ireland in the play-off was inexcusable and the goal should never have been allowed to stand, let alone for France to make the finals thanks to it, a decision Henry maybe regretting as he has played little part in this campaign.
As a nation France has always been seen as a huge footballing country and they won the World Cup just 12 years ago in their country, something that now looks a million miles away. A further blow to the already despairing French fans is that it is believed that Nicolas Anelka has since retired from international football.
So is there any hope for this nation that currently finds themselves in the footballing wilderness? Well yes. After the tournament, presumably Tuesday for France, current manager Raymond Domenech is leaving the post and will be replaced by former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc and he may just be regretting the decision to accept the job after this latest episode
Today during the New Zealand v Italy clash reports broke that the French side had refused to train today after an on pitch argument/fight between the players and management team over the decision to send star striker Nicolas Anelka home yesterday after a dispute between himself and out going manager Raymond Domenech.
The decision to send Anelka home came after France’s shocking display against Mexico after the striker reportedly voiced his opinion against Domenech at half time in the eventual 2-0 defeat which leaves the 1998 champions of the brink of elimination.
Patrice Evra after the game labelled the whole campaign as ‘Catastrophic’, a word I would describe as an understatement. ‘Disgraceful’ seems a more appropriate. For France there seems very little chance of progressing to the next phase of this World Cup and you can’t help but have a little chuckle to yourself after the disgraceful way they reached the finals.
Thierry Henry’s handball in the lead up to the vital goal against the Republic of Ireland in the play-off was inexcusable and the goal should never have been allowed to stand, let alone for France to make the finals thanks to it, a decision Henry maybe regretting as he has played little part in this campaign.
As a nation France has always been seen as a huge footballing country and they won the World Cup just 12 years ago in their country, something that now looks a million miles away. A further blow to the already despairing French fans is that it is believed that Nicolas Anelka has since retired from international football.
So is there any hope for this nation that currently finds themselves in the footballing wilderness? Well yes. After the tournament, presumably Tuesday for France, current manager Raymond Domenech is leaving the post and will be replaced by former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc and he may just be regretting the decision to accept the job after this latest episode
Strawberries and cream, guaranteed rain and a British flop... Can you guess what it is yet?
Yes it’s that time of year again….. The Wimbledon Championships are back. At midday on Monday thousands will flock to Wimbledon Centre Court to see the action start all over again and all eyes will be focused on British number one Andy Murray.
Last year expectations were high for the Brit and he nearly surpassed all expectations as he was knocked out in the semi-final after a thrilling match against eventual runner up, American Andy Roddick.
This will be the second year of the famous roof that now covers centre court at Wimbledon. Although only used in two matches last year in its debut Championships, it could be argued it hosted the most exciting and certainly latest finished ever match in the tournament of 2009.
A finish time of 22.38, yes twenty to eleven at night had never been seen before, however with the roof and floodlights in place for the first time, Andy Murray was able to scrape past Swiss born Stanislas Wawrinka to take his place in the quarters.
With recent criticism of the LTA, they will certainly be hoping that Murray and other Brits can perform at their ‘home’ tournament. The form of Murray has recently dipped however with many blaming a lack of commitment and concentration from Murray.
Murray will be looking to hit back at these claims by at least reaching a semi-final again, and who knows maybe winning the Championships and in doing so becoming the first male Brit to do so since Fred Perry in 1936 a massive 74 years ago, who said the football team had a bad record?
Other Brit’s that will feature at this year’s event include: Jamie Baker who will look to go as far as possible although not much is expected from him while Elena Baltacha will probably hold the best chances of the women in the women’s side of the tournament.
Of course there are major contenders that Murray will have to overcome if he is to win this tournament. The favourite for the title will be Swiss Roger Federer as he looks to gain his seventh Wimbledon Championships.
Other contenders will also be Spanish born Rafael Nadal as he looks to win his 2nd title, the last coming two years ago in the epic battle with Federer that lasted over four hours, another challenger to Murray will again be Andy Roddick, the man Murray failed to get past last year in the semi’s.
So as Murray kicks off against the world number 80 Jan Hajek of the Czech Republic all fingers will be crossed that finally a Brit will be able to win the Wimbledon trophy for the first time in 74 years.
I would also like to know who you think will win this year’s Championships and how far you think British number one Andy Murray can go?
Last year expectations were high for the Brit and he nearly surpassed all expectations as he was knocked out in the semi-final after a thrilling match against eventual runner up, American Andy Roddick.
This will be the second year of the famous roof that now covers centre court at Wimbledon. Although only used in two matches last year in its debut Championships, it could be argued it hosted the most exciting and certainly latest finished ever match in the tournament of 2009.
A finish time of 22.38, yes twenty to eleven at night had never been seen before, however with the roof and floodlights in place for the first time, Andy Murray was able to scrape past Swiss born Stanislas Wawrinka to take his place in the quarters.
With recent criticism of the LTA, they will certainly be hoping that Murray and other Brits can perform at their ‘home’ tournament. The form of Murray has recently dipped however with many blaming a lack of commitment and concentration from Murray.
Murray will be looking to hit back at these claims by at least reaching a semi-final again, and who knows maybe winning the Championships and in doing so becoming the first male Brit to do so since Fred Perry in 1936 a massive 74 years ago, who said the football team had a bad record?
Other Brit’s that will feature at this year’s event include: Jamie Baker who will look to go as far as possible although not much is expected from him while Elena Baltacha will probably hold the best chances of the women in the women’s side of the tournament.
Of course there are major contenders that Murray will have to overcome if he is to win this tournament. The favourite for the title will be Swiss Roger Federer as he looks to gain his seventh Wimbledon Championships.
Other contenders will also be Spanish born Rafael Nadal as he looks to win his 2nd title, the last coming two years ago in the epic battle with Federer that lasted over four hours, another challenger to Murray will again be Andy Roddick, the man Murray failed to get past last year in the semi’s.
So as Murray kicks off against the world number 80 Jan Hajek of the Czech Republic all fingers will be crossed that finally a Brit will be able to win the Wimbledon trophy for the first time in 74 years.
I would also like to know who you think will win this year’s Championships and how far you think British number one Andy Murray can go?
Tuesday 15 June 2010
A Rivalry Worth Watching
This summer’s main attraction is bound to be the football World Cup in South Africa for most sports fans, yet next week England’s summer of cricket continues with a five one day series against the ‘old enemy’ Australia. But what can cricket fans expect from the series?
With England looking to retain the Ashes down under for the first time since 1986-87 this winter, many fans thought that a five one day series against Australia was unnecessary, but lets face it any chance to get one over on the Aussies is always welcome in my eyes.
England has quite simply had a fantastic last 12 months, which saw them regain the Ashes from Australia last July with a 2-1 series win on home soil. The good form then continued as they surprised many pundits and fans as they won their first ICC competition when they brought home the ICC World Twenty20 trophy back from the Caribbean, again beating Australia in the final.
England’s summer of sizzling cricket started with a two test series against minnows Bangladesh, which England took comfortably with a 2-0 win, despite some rallying cricket from Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal offering some resistance. The main man though for England was Steven Finn who took nine wickets in the first test at Lords before grabbing another five-for at Old Trafford as England wrapped up the 2-0 series victory.
So next Tuesday (22nd June) the rivalry between these two great cricketing nations begins again as the first match takes place at a re-developed Rose Bowl in Hampshire. This will be the first game held at the Rose Bowl with all the work completed, and what a match it is likely to be with the likes of Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss on show for England and Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting for the visitors, big shots are more than likely to entertain the crowds.
By the time the series reaches its conclusion on the 3rd of July at the home of cricket Lords, England will hope and many fans now expect the Three Lions to have wrapped up a series victory that would give a major psychological boost ahead of the ‘real’ test of the Ashes down under.
So if the likes of Japan V Cameroon and New Zealand V Slovakia aren’t quite exciting you at the World Cup and the constant noise of the now famous vuvuzela is driving you mad, then why not switch and cheer on the England cricket team this summer - after all this is a team that has already won a World Cup this year.
With England looking to retain the Ashes down under for the first time since 1986-87 this winter, many fans thought that a five one day series against Australia was unnecessary, but lets face it any chance to get one over on the Aussies is always welcome in my eyes.
England has quite simply had a fantastic last 12 months, which saw them regain the Ashes from Australia last July with a 2-1 series win on home soil. The good form then continued as they surprised many pundits and fans as they won their first ICC competition when they brought home the ICC World Twenty20 trophy back from the Caribbean, again beating Australia in the final.
England’s summer of sizzling cricket started with a two test series against minnows Bangladesh, which England took comfortably with a 2-0 win, despite some rallying cricket from Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal offering some resistance. The main man though for England was Steven Finn who took nine wickets in the first test at Lords before grabbing another five-for at Old Trafford as England wrapped up the 2-0 series victory.
So next Tuesday (22nd June) the rivalry between these two great cricketing nations begins again as the first match takes place at a re-developed Rose Bowl in Hampshire. This will be the first game held at the Rose Bowl with all the work completed, and what a match it is likely to be with the likes of Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss on show for England and Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting for the visitors, big shots are more than likely to entertain the crowds.
By the time the series reaches its conclusion on the 3rd of July at the home of cricket Lords, England will hope and many fans now expect the Three Lions to have wrapped up a series victory that would give a major psychological boost ahead of the ‘real’ test of the Ashes down under.
So if the likes of Japan V Cameroon and New Zealand V Slovakia aren’t quite exciting you at the World Cup and the constant noise of the now famous vuvuzela is driving you mad, then why not switch and cheer on the England cricket team this summer - after all this is a team that has already won a World Cup this year.
Sunday 13 June 2010
Why Capello should stay Green rather than have a change of Hart !
Despite Robert Green’s howler against the USA on Saturday evening in England’s World Cup opener which cost the Three Lions a perfect start to this year’s competition in South Africa, I still believe Mr Capello should stick with the Hammers keeper and here’s why:
First of all Green’s shot stopping is second to none, I mean lets face it he had lots of practice at Upton Park this year as they battled against relegation from the Premier League.
We also seem to forget that Green saved us from defeat in Saturday’s game as he turned Jozy Altidore’s strike against the post as he raced past Jamie Carragher.
Capello will most probably stick with Green as it was his decision to start with the West Ham shot stopper and the boss is certainly someone who would not want to admit he got a decision wrong.
Another reason that Capello should stick with Green is he is probably the most reliable keeper England have at the finals, Now I know that seems absurd after such a disastrous mistake but when you look at England’s other keepers it hardly fills you with much more confidence.
In David James we have an experienced shot stopper that has played over 50 times for England, however with age comes not just experience but also an ageing body that leads to injuries, something James is reportedly suffering with now as it would appear a knee injury could prevent him from making a start anyway.
James has also suffered with poor form over the years which led to the nickname ‘Calamity James’.
The other keeper on
Granted that Hart’s performances at
So on Friday I hope that the whole nation and certainly Fabio Capello support Rob Green and he is picked for the crucial clash against Algeria as we all try and put 44 years of hurt behind and try to escape group C and win the World Cup.
Only one thing left to say….. COME ON
Is 44 years of hurt really set to end?
With so many pundits and fans tipping Fabio Capello’s men to end the 44 years of hurt that many English fans have had to endure, I am looking at if Capello’s men can really bring home the World Cup.
When on the 14th December 2007 the Football Association appointed Italian born Fabio Capello, English fans were still hurting from the teams failure to reach the 2008 European Championships in Austria and Switzerland after the embarrassing qualifying campaign under Steve McLaren, later to be known as ‘The Wally with the Brolly’.
Under McLaren’s leadership,
As the rain lashed down, an unorganised and shambolic England side slipped to a 3-2 defeat, leading to ‘The Sun’ newspaper the next day leading with a headline ‘Wally with the Brolly’ after images of McLaren under a brolly looking clueless.
Since that day
Even the most optimistic
Capello’s World Cup campaign began with a potential bananna skin visit to ‘little’
So what has Capello changed? First of all it’s the attitude that everyone is part of the team and no one is superior. Under former bosses Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McLaren it was always thought that certain players influenced decisions within the dressing room, however under Capello it is clear who makes the decisions as he seems to give everyone a chance to impress him.
Also under Capello there is a new strict regime, players are expected to eat together without distractions like mobile phones while Capello also demands that players wear suits when arriving to games and representing themselves to media, a stark contrast to when we use to see players arrive and give interviews in their designer clothes or tracksuits.
So what about the players? By and large Capello has used the same team that didn’t make it to Euro 2008. The return of Beckham to the squad was no real surprise as he impressed on loan at AC Milan, however Capello did give others the chance to impress in the qualifying campaign with the likes of Darren Bent, Leighton Baines, Stephen Warnock and Joe Hart all included in Capello’s 30-man provisional squad for
Under Capello, fans can expect determination, passion and professionalism and it’s for these three attributes that England fans can get genuinely get excited at the prospect of finally ending all those years of hurt, and failing that we could just rely on 33 goal hero for Manchester United this season, Wayne Rooney.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)