Before all you football fans out there begin to panic, I dont mean the England National team job.
After yesterday's sacking of Roberto Di Matteo, and McClaren's sacking at German side Wolfsburg today, whispers have already began that the failing former England coach could be set for a return to the english game.
Before I begin, I totally disagree with the decision from the West Brom board yesterday. Di Matteo done a fantastic job at the Hawthorns, wins away at Arsenal and a comeback 2-2 draw at Old Trafford proof of that- the debate could role on all night.
So the question that needs answering is, is McClaren ready for a return to his homeland to manage another Premier League team?
The answer is yes. Up to and after his fateful time in charge of England, McClaren has done magical things. Winning the league cup in 2004 at Middlesborough was not a bad start to his own managerial career, before taking the club to the Uefa Cup final in 2006, despite suffering defeat.
It was this success that appears to have led to the stage of McClaren's career that he will mostly want to forget. Failure to qualify with England to the 2008 European Championships was seen as a national disaster, leading to McClaren being booted out of the job and leaving his career in tatters.
It took Mclaren a year to recover from the saga when he finally took the reigns in Holland with FC Twente where he led the club to its first title in its history- more success for the English born manager.
McClaren was snapped up by Wolfsburg in Germany as they looked to find a manager that they believed could deliver the title and see off the likes of Bayern Munich. Unluckily for the ex boro boss it didn't work out that way and today saw his 9 month stay ended.
Only time will tell if McClaren is ready to return to the country he failed in so miserably as national manager, however I feel that the West Brom board could do a lot worse than the former England boss.
Let me know what you think. Will McClaren ever manage again in England and could it posibly be at West Brom?
Monday, 7 February 2011
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
CARROLL ON CLOUD 9 BUT DID LIVERPOOL PAY TOO MUCH?
It was one of the most frantic transfer deadline days in a long time, but the most extrodinary deal was thrashed out between Liverpool and Newcastle as the Merseysider's paid a staggering £35 Million for the Magpies striker Andy Carroll. I met with a fan from each club to find out their thoughts on whether Liverpool had really paid too much for the England Striker?
"It's an awful amount of money but we can do a lot with that money." was the reaction of Newcastle fan Ollie Eden when I asked him his reaction to the sale. "Prices are always higher in January and Andy Carroll is a very good player, the price is just about right for his stage of development."
Liverpool fanatic Glenn Noble despite agreeing with that sentiment felt that his club had paid too much: " He is a good player but I think the fee is a hell of a lot of money, I would expect them to pay half of that." "We got a good price for Torres and although i'm disappointed to lose him I think he was always going to go....I just feel we could have spent the money more wisely."
Despite stating that he felt Liverpool were on the up with the new owners in place, Noble said he thought the Carroll deal was nothing more than a 'Panic deal' on behalf of the club.
It is often argued that English players because of their rareness in quality carry such a large fee with them, something both supporters agreed with.
"Yeah I think there is a proven record of that being the case, you just have compare the Milner sale in the summer with the Van Dar Vaart deal, there is around £18 Million seperating the deals and Van Dar Vaart has perhaps been the better buy" said Eden.
Noble added: " His price was inflated, if you look at how much you would have to pay for players like John Terry and Wayne Rooney- You would have to pay mega money so yeah I think that English players prices increase."
Although happy with the signing the Liverpool fan again hinted at disappointment at the amount that Liverpool had parted with to get the Newcastle number nine: "For £35 Million I just felt we could have gone more than a striker that is currently out injured and only one International cap to his name."
As for Newcastle, Eden does not forsee a backclash against owner Mike Ashley in the future regarding the sale:
"On this occassion I think the supporters will agree with Mike Ashley, he has got a lot of money for Carroll so I dont see any backclash against him.
Eden also doesn't fear that the Carroll sale will ruin the Magpies solid season so far: "I think we will be fine, we only need 10 points to be safe.. Nolan is playing well so I cant see it having a massive effect on whether we will survive this season or not."
So it appears that the jury is still out on this one, Newcastle seem happy to have £35 Million in the bank for the sale of just one of their players while Liverpool seem happy to have that striker now in their ranks, even if they paid more than maybe they thought they might have to.
Let me know what you think. Did Liverpool pay too much for Carroll and do you agree with the comments from the respective Newcastle and Liverpool fans?
As always let me know.
"It's an awful amount of money but we can do a lot with that money." was the reaction of Newcastle fan Ollie Eden when I asked him his reaction to the sale. "Prices are always higher in January and Andy Carroll is a very good player, the price is just about right for his stage of development."
Liverpool fanatic Glenn Noble despite agreeing with that sentiment felt that his club had paid too much: " He is a good player but I think the fee is a hell of a lot of money, I would expect them to pay half of that." "We got a good price for Torres and although i'm disappointed to lose him I think he was always going to go....I just feel we could have spent the money more wisely."
Despite stating that he felt Liverpool were on the up with the new owners in place, Noble said he thought the Carroll deal was nothing more than a 'Panic deal' on behalf of the club.
It is often argued that English players because of their rareness in quality carry such a large fee with them, something both supporters agreed with.
"Yeah I think there is a proven record of that being the case, you just have compare the Milner sale in the summer with the Van Dar Vaart deal, there is around £18 Million seperating the deals and Van Dar Vaart has perhaps been the better buy" said Eden.
Noble added: " His price was inflated, if you look at how much you would have to pay for players like John Terry and Wayne Rooney- You would have to pay mega money so yeah I think that English players prices increase."
Although happy with the signing the Liverpool fan again hinted at disappointment at the amount that Liverpool had parted with to get the Newcastle number nine: "For £35 Million I just felt we could have gone more than a striker that is currently out injured and only one International cap to his name."
As for Newcastle, Eden does not forsee a backclash against owner Mike Ashley in the future regarding the sale:
"On this occassion I think the supporters will agree with Mike Ashley, he has got a lot of money for Carroll so I dont see any backclash against him.
Eden also doesn't fear that the Carroll sale will ruin the Magpies solid season so far: "I think we will be fine, we only need 10 points to be safe.. Nolan is playing well so I cant see it having a massive effect on whether we will survive this season or not."
So it appears that the jury is still out on this one, Newcastle seem happy to have £35 Million in the bank for the sale of just one of their players while Liverpool seem happy to have that striker now in their ranks, even if they paid more than maybe they thought they might have to.
Let me know what you think. Did Liverpool pay too much for Carroll and do you agree with the comments from the respective Newcastle and Liverpool fans?
As always let me know.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
WINDOW SLAMS SHUT
So another transfer deadline day has come and gone, but who has really got value for money this time around?
With spending this time last year in the Premier League totalling around £29 Million, it was difficult to see if the supposed 'economic recession' would continue, £214 Million later we knew where we stood.
It was the transfer deadline days of all transfer deadline days, rumours, will he, wont he moments, record transfer fees and late bids rejected. It was everything these days are meant to be - Drama filled.
The day started with the obvious question of would Liverpool's star man Fernando Torres complete a £50 Million move to Chelsea? With the Suarez deal completed did that leave Torres free to leave? No it would have appeared as Liverpool had an early bid of £30 Million rejected for Newcastle striker Andy Carroll.
As midday rolled around it was still deadlock on all fronts as Newcastle remained firm on their stance that Carroll would not be leaving, further question's raised about Torres. It must have been a frantic day at Anfield as they also found themselves embroiled in a war with Blackpool over the signing of their midfielder Charlie Adam.
Blackpool had earlier in the week insisted that Liverpool would have to up the bid if they were to capture the seasiders star man- but as early as midday Liverpool looked to have turned their attention elsewhere after Aston Villa rejected a reported £20 Million move for their winger Ashley Young.
With that set-back it looked as if it was to be a frustrating afternoon for the Liverpool new owners when finally as dusk descended upon us, Newcastle accepted a £35 Million bid from the Merseysider's, cue Madness.
With that news, Liverpool then accepted a staggering £50 Million offer for Torres, it was now down to both players agreeing personal terms with their prospective new clubs. Liverpool announced the signing of Carroll at 22.40 while Chelsea didn't announce their signing of Torres until the final moments of the window.
While all the drama of these two major deals was unfolding, Chelsea also unveiled the signing of Benfica defender David Luiz for a fee believed to be around £21 Million.
Charlie Adam never moved from Blackpool, despite Spurs admitting they had an offer accepted but they couldn't get the deal done in time, Redknapp's men also being knocked back in their quest to sign Everton Captain Phil Neville.
So quite a day has come to an end. Liverpool are Carroll and Saurez better off, Chelsea have Torres and Luiz to show off tomorrow but are £71 Million lighter for it and Newcastle are £35 Million richer but a prolific striker down.
I think in signing Torres, Chelsea have certainly had the better day, but there is no arguing that by getting a player in Andy Carroll then maybe things on Merseyside could be about to improve.
As always let me know what you think. Who do you think made the best and indeed worse buy in the transfer window? And let me know how you feel about the 'inflated' prices taht clubs seem to be paying?
With spending this time last year in the Premier League totalling around £29 Million, it was difficult to see if the supposed 'economic recession' would continue, £214 Million later we knew where we stood.
It was the transfer deadline days of all transfer deadline days, rumours, will he, wont he moments, record transfer fees and late bids rejected. It was everything these days are meant to be - Drama filled.
The day started with the obvious question of would Liverpool's star man Fernando Torres complete a £50 Million move to Chelsea? With the Suarez deal completed did that leave Torres free to leave? No it would have appeared as Liverpool had an early bid of £30 Million rejected for Newcastle striker Andy Carroll.
As midday rolled around it was still deadlock on all fronts as Newcastle remained firm on their stance that Carroll would not be leaving, further question's raised about Torres. It must have been a frantic day at Anfield as they also found themselves embroiled in a war with Blackpool over the signing of their midfielder Charlie Adam.
Blackpool had earlier in the week insisted that Liverpool would have to up the bid if they were to capture the seasiders star man- but as early as midday Liverpool looked to have turned their attention elsewhere after Aston Villa rejected a reported £20 Million move for their winger Ashley Young.
With that set-back it looked as if it was to be a frustrating afternoon for the Liverpool new owners when finally as dusk descended upon us, Newcastle accepted a £35 Million bid from the Merseysider's, cue Madness.
With that news, Liverpool then accepted a staggering £50 Million offer for Torres, it was now down to both players agreeing personal terms with their prospective new clubs. Liverpool announced the signing of Carroll at 22.40 while Chelsea didn't announce their signing of Torres until the final moments of the window.
While all the drama of these two major deals was unfolding, Chelsea also unveiled the signing of Benfica defender David Luiz for a fee believed to be around £21 Million.
Charlie Adam never moved from Blackpool, despite Spurs admitting they had an offer accepted but they couldn't get the deal done in time, Redknapp's men also being knocked back in their quest to sign Everton Captain Phil Neville.
So quite a day has come to an end. Liverpool are Carroll and Saurez better off, Chelsea have Torres and Luiz to show off tomorrow but are £71 Million lighter for it and Newcastle are £35 Million richer but a prolific striker down.
I think in signing Torres, Chelsea have certainly had the better day, but there is no arguing that by getting a player in Andy Carroll then maybe things on Merseyside could be about to improve.
As always let me know what you think. Who do you think made the best and indeed worse buy in the transfer window? And let me know how you feel about the 'inflated' prices taht clubs seem to be paying?
Saturday, 29 January 2011
WHY TORRES TRANSFER COULD KILL LIVERPOOL SEASON
It appears that the return of King Kenny to the managerial hotseat at Anfield couldn't even prevent KOP hero Fernando Torres leaving the club and joining Chelsea.
Although the club insist that the Spanish 'hotshot' is not leaving Anfield, history shows that when a player wants out, a player usually gets what they want. 65 goals in 101 Liverpool appearences is a stat that surely shows just how important Torres is to Liverpool and Dalglish.
Despite cutting a forlorn figure this season, the striker has still managed 9 goals this term, three since the return of Dalglish as manager.
Liverpool fans will hold on to hope that Torres will stay after the club signed Luis Suarez from Ajax for £23 Million, a sign that the new owners are willing to spend to bring back the glory days of times gone by.
So where would it leave Liverpool if Torres was to depart? The answer is simple, it would leave Dalglish without a striker that he can rely on to score goals week in week out. Another point of the sale should it happen is that it will bolster the attack of a team that Liverpool if not this year but in future years will look to be competing against for titles and cup competitions.
Another question that Liverpool fans will want answering is who will replace Torres if he goes? Again the signing of Suarez was to play alongside Torres not replace him. So should the KOP owners give in and sell, Liverpool fans will expect a top class replacement- Problem number one- the window shuts on Monday.
Do you think Torres will leave Liverpool? Who would be a suitable replacement for the striker?
As always let me know what you think?
Although the club insist that the Spanish 'hotshot' is not leaving Anfield, history shows that when a player wants out, a player usually gets what they want. 65 goals in 101 Liverpool appearences is a stat that surely shows just how important Torres is to Liverpool and Dalglish.
Despite cutting a forlorn figure this season, the striker has still managed 9 goals this term, three since the return of Dalglish as manager.
Liverpool fans will hold on to hope that Torres will stay after the club signed Luis Suarez from Ajax for £23 Million, a sign that the new owners are willing to spend to bring back the glory days of times gone by.
So where would it leave Liverpool if Torres was to depart? The answer is simple, it would leave Dalglish without a striker that he can rely on to score goals week in week out. Another point of the sale should it happen is that it will bolster the attack of a team that Liverpool if not this year but in future years will look to be competing against for titles and cup competitions.
Another question that Liverpool fans will want answering is who will replace Torres if he goes? Again the signing of Suarez was to play alongside Torres not replace him. So should the KOP owners give in and sell, Liverpool fans will expect a top class replacement- Problem number one- the window shuts on Monday.
Do you think Torres will leave Liverpool? Who would be a suitable replacement for the striker?
As always let me know what you think?
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
BEST PLAYER IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
It's a debate that could rage on for hours, days or even months, but I want to know who you think is the best player to have graced the Premier League.
The reason I ask is simple, it's a debate I held recently with a friend and we just couldn't agree on a number one choice.
Of course the list is endless of possibility's, my suggestion for the top spot was that of Manchester United and England hero, David Beckham, my friends suggestion Thierry Henry, obviously the Arsenal fan that he is may have played a part.
So lets ge the debate started.
Let me know who your number one player to have played in the Premier League.
I am also intrigued to know who would be your dream team of individual players that have played in the Premier League.
Mine would be:
Seaman
Cole Adams Carragher Neville
Le Tissier Scholes Beckham
Owen Shearer Bergkamp
DISCUSS!!!!!!
The reason I ask is simple, it's a debate I held recently with a friend and we just couldn't agree on a number one choice.
Of course the list is endless of possibility's, my suggestion for the top spot was that of Manchester United and England hero, David Beckham, my friends suggestion Thierry Henry, obviously the Arsenal fan that he is may have played a part.
So lets ge the debate started.
Let me know who your number one player to have played in the Premier League.
I am also intrigued to know who would be your dream team of individual players that have played in the Premier League.
Mine would be:
Seaman
Cole Adams Carragher Neville
Le Tissier Scholes Beckham
Owen Shearer Bergkamp
DISCUSS!!!!!!
Monday, 17 January 2011
TWIT BABEL PAYS THE PRICE
We today have seen the first footballer to be charged by the FA for Improper Conduct for his recent post on the social networking site Twitter.
Liverpool midfielder, Ryan Babel posted on the networking site a mocked up picture of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt after Liverpool's FA Cup defeat at the hands of United on the 9th January.
The picture was also assisted with a caption saying "and they call him the best referee in the world, well thats a joke."
There will be those that say that the £10,000 fine that the winger recieved today is harsh but this will make footballers who use these sites that there every post is being watched.
The FA has certainly set a precedent for punishment for an offence like this, and I feel that they are right to do so. Despite the sites allowing for personal opinions, they are still followed by hundreds of thousends of supporters who will take these opinions of Babel and carry them on further.
I am all for Twitter and have currently joined myself and do follow footballers on there, however I feel todays decision by the FA will serve as a eye opener to any footballer thinking of posting a derogative post/picture in the future.
Of course this incident is not the first controversial moment as in the past we saw Darren Bent force a move away from Tottenham after continually posting that he wanted to leave the London side to join Sunderland.
The most recent controversy came also in the same weekend as Babel's rant, as QPR players allegedly posted comments about El Hadje Diof after he broke Jamie Mackie's leg in a bad challenge during the FA Cup tie between Blackburn and QPR.
We will no doubt however see future controversy from the site taht could eventually lead to footballers being banned from using the site..... We wait and see.
Let me know what you think about Twitter and whether you think players should be banned from using the site.
Liverpool midfielder, Ryan Babel posted on the networking site a mocked up picture of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt after Liverpool's FA Cup defeat at the hands of United on the 9th January.
The picture was also assisted with a caption saying "and they call him the best referee in the world, well thats a joke."
There will be those that say that the £10,000 fine that the winger recieved today is harsh but this will make footballers who use these sites that there every post is being watched.
The FA has certainly set a precedent for punishment for an offence like this, and I feel that they are right to do so. Despite the sites allowing for personal opinions, they are still followed by hundreds of thousends of supporters who will take these opinions of Babel and carry them on further.
I am all for Twitter and have currently joined myself and do follow footballers on there, however I feel todays decision by the FA will serve as a eye opener to any footballer thinking of posting a derogative post/picture in the future.
Of course this incident is not the first controversial moment as in the past we saw Darren Bent force a move away from Tottenham after continually posting that he wanted to leave the London side to join Sunderland.
The most recent controversy came also in the same weekend as Babel's rant, as QPR players allegedly posted comments about El Hadje Diof after he broke Jamie Mackie's leg in a bad challenge during the FA Cup tie between Blackburn and QPR.
We will no doubt however see future controversy from the site taht could eventually lead to footballers being banned from using the site..... We wait and see.
Let me know what you think about Twitter and whether you think players should be banned from using the site.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
ARE YOU 'FOUR' REAL??
The Christmas season is now drawing to a close, some of us a saw a white christmas, and the fireworks along the Thames river in London were nothing short of spectacular on New Years Eve, however this festive season has not been quite so good for four football league mangers.
It appears that chairman of football clubs never really got into the whole christmas spirit, and it was Burnley boss Brian Laws who was to the first to be thrown out into the cold by his boss Barry Kilby. Despite being relegated last season from the top flight, Laws was given the opportunity to take the claret and blues back to the big time.
After the 2-0 home defeat to Laws former side Scunthorpe, he was sacked however he left the club just two points outside the play-off places and in 9th place- strange decision?
Well it appeared that Burnley's Lancashire rivals Preston took a leaf out of their neighbours book by booting out their boss, son of Sir Alex Ferguson- Darren. The club are rock bottom of the Championship and the decision will come as no real surprise to many Preston fans, however with Sir Alex suffering early knockbacks in his time at United all them years ago- who knows where Ferguson Jnr could have led the club had he of been given more time.
Never has the meaning 'New Year, New Start' been more appropriate than at the next two clubs. New years day and two more managers found themselves added to the turkey list. The first to be sacked on New Years Day was Crystal Palace boss George Burley after his side slumped to a 3-0 defeat away at Millwall. The club are struggling at the wrong end of the Championship table, however the signing of former Spurs front man Stefan Iversen gave off the wrong impression that Burley was safe for the time being.
And finally the fourth man to start looking for a new job is Mark Stimson from Barnet. Appointed only in the summer after being sacked from Gillingham, Stimson was tasked with the job to keep Barnet in League Two- after yesterday's defeat at home to Aldershot, the London based side were in the bottom two but only on goal difference.
So its clear that the festive spirit did not quite reach out to every boardroom across the country. Only time will tell if these decisions that have been made are at the right time for these prospective clubs, however the hangover from Christmas may just continue a little longer if they haven't.
Do you agree with these sackings? Who do you think will take over at any of these clubs, and do you think Christmas and the New Year is the right time to start looking for a new boss?
As always let me know.
It appears that chairman of football clubs never really got into the whole christmas spirit, and it was Burnley boss Brian Laws who was to the first to be thrown out into the cold by his boss Barry Kilby. Despite being relegated last season from the top flight, Laws was given the opportunity to take the claret and blues back to the big time.
After the 2-0 home defeat to Laws former side Scunthorpe, he was sacked however he left the club just two points outside the play-off places and in 9th place- strange decision?
Well it appeared that Burnley's Lancashire rivals Preston took a leaf out of their neighbours book by booting out their boss, son of Sir Alex Ferguson- Darren. The club are rock bottom of the Championship and the decision will come as no real surprise to many Preston fans, however with Sir Alex suffering early knockbacks in his time at United all them years ago- who knows where Ferguson Jnr could have led the club had he of been given more time.
Never has the meaning 'New Year, New Start' been more appropriate than at the next two clubs. New years day and two more managers found themselves added to the turkey list. The first to be sacked on New Years Day was Crystal Palace boss George Burley after his side slumped to a 3-0 defeat away at Millwall. The club are struggling at the wrong end of the Championship table, however the signing of former Spurs front man Stefan Iversen gave off the wrong impression that Burley was safe for the time being.
And finally the fourth man to start looking for a new job is Mark Stimson from Barnet. Appointed only in the summer after being sacked from Gillingham, Stimson was tasked with the job to keep Barnet in League Two- after yesterday's defeat at home to Aldershot, the London based side were in the bottom two but only on goal difference.
So its clear that the festive spirit did not quite reach out to every boardroom across the country. Only time will tell if these decisions that have been made are at the right time for these prospective clubs, however the hangover from Christmas may just continue a little longer if they haven't.
Do you agree with these sackings? Who do you think will take over at any of these clubs, and do you think Christmas and the New Year is the right time to start looking for a new boss?
As always let me know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)