So it could be on the cards, the special one could be on his way back. Are Margate about to appoint former Manager Chris Kinnear to the top job?
It appears that a return to management for the 'Gate' legend could be on the cards after the sacking of Iain O'Connell last week. Kinnear's former assistant Kevin Raine was put in charge following that sacking which started the rumour mill spinning.
Well Tuesday night and that mill picked up pace as CK was spotted at Hartsdown Park during the 2-1 defeat to Concord Rangers, surely no coincidence.
So what would it mean to Margate FC? To the supporters it would mean lots, this is a man that lead the club to it's highest ever league finish- 8th in the Conference or Blue Square Premier as we now know it.
If CK does return it will be much different circumstances to that of his last time in charge as the club currently sit 14th in the Ryman Premier Division, two division below the pinnacle of Non-league football.
Should Margate re-appoint Kinnear, automatically fans will remember the days of playing the likes of Hereford, Doncaster, Yeovil just eight years ago and again will believe that they can one day relive these days with CK in charge.
They say managers should never return to a position they have held before, but on this occasion I hope both sides disagree with that theory and both can be reunited for the good of Margate FC.
Fairytale stuff or not, should it happen it certainly would be special to Margate FC.
What do you think? Do you think that managers should return to a position that they have held before? Let me know
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Friday, 4 March 2011
'SLIM' HOPE OF BEING CLEARED
We have had Rio Ferdinand missing a drugs test which led to a eight month ban, now last night we have another Premier League player failing one.
Last night it was confirmed that Manchester City defender Kolo Toure had failed a drugs test which he took after the Manchester Derby three weeks ago, a game the defender didn't play in.
Firstly look at the facts, Toure's test returned positive meaning he had failed the test, meaning the Ivorian player has taken a specified substance, now what must be investigated is what did Toure take and did he do it intentionally?
Today Arsene Wenger came out in defence of the player saying he had spoken to him and that Toure had told him he had taken one of his wifes slimming tablets, the shame for Toure is that the only thing he looks set to lose after this is his career.
Of course there is hope for the player as he has until the 9th March to have sample B tested which if that was to return negative then he would be cleared and the case closed, however this rarely happens.
The maximum ban is two years and Toure and City will obviously will be keen to avoid this sentence. We await eagerly as to the outcome of this fascinating storyline.....as to any football players worried about their weight, maybe just stick to 'slim-fast' for now.
Let me know what you think. Do you think Toure is guilty and what punishment should be handed to the player?
Last night it was confirmed that Manchester City defender Kolo Toure had failed a drugs test which he took after the Manchester Derby three weeks ago, a game the defender didn't play in.
Firstly look at the facts, Toure's test returned positive meaning he had failed the test, meaning the Ivorian player has taken a specified substance, now what must be investigated is what did Toure take and did he do it intentionally?
Today Arsene Wenger came out in defence of the player saying he had spoken to him and that Toure had told him he had taken one of his wifes slimming tablets, the shame for Toure is that the only thing he looks set to lose after this is his career.
Of course there is hope for the player as he has until the 9th March to have sample B tested which if that was to return negative then he would be cleared and the case closed, however this rarely happens.
The maximum ban is two years and Toure and City will obviously will be keen to avoid this sentence. We await eagerly as to the outcome of this fascinating storyline.....as to any football players worried about their weight, maybe just stick to 'slim-fast' for now.
Let me know what you think. Do you think Toure is guilty and what punishment should be handed to the player?
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
NEVER HAS A TEAM PROMISED SO MUCH AND DELIVERED SO LITTLE!
Sunday was meant to be the day that saw Arsenal end their six year wait for a trophy, even if it was the 'Carling Cup' seen as the least important trophy by many managers at the beginning of the season. This one was different though, this one was going to show that Arsene Wengers kids could finally deliver that long awaited trophy.
However as in previous seasons, the delivery was as promising as recieving mail on time from the postman. Arsenal were poor on the day and a large chunk of credit goes to Birmingham for that. But where now for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger?
The answer to that is unclear. Despite still competing in the three main competitions, Sundays defeat at Wembley will pose more questions than it will answer, one of those questions raised will be, can Arsenal win a trophy this season?
The possibility of that answer being a positive for Arsene is still highly probable as Arsenal sit just one point behind Manchester United in the League, they lead 2-1 going into the second leg of the last 16 in the Champions League and they face Leyton Orient in a replay on Wednesday with expectations that they will reach the last eight of the FA Cup.
The problem that faces Wenger is that the task of delivering a trophy has been made even more difficult with the injury to his influential Captain Cesc Fabregas, facing the O's in a replay is no doubt an unwanted game for Arsenal and even progressing in that game it would set up a trip to Old Trafford and they would have to achieve something no other team has done this season and thats beat Utd in their own backyard.
Despite leading 2-1 from their first leg against Barcelona, there is a growing fear that Barcelona's home advantage as well as that away goal could come back and bite Arsenal on the backside.
So as the wait continues for thier first piece of silverware the question remains. Will Arsenal win a trophy this season, sadly I cant see it happening this season and it looks to be another trophyless season for the Gunners. Back to the drawing board Arsene!!
Let me know what you think. Do you think Arsenal will win a trophy this season? Is Arsene Wenger right to buy young players and bring them on or should he buy experience now?
However as in previous seasons, the delivery was as promising as recieving mail on time from the postman. Arsenal were poor on the day and a large chunk of credit goes to Birmingham for that. But where now for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger?
The answer to that is unclear. Despite still competing in the three main competitions, Sundays defeat at Wembley will pose more questions than it will answer, one of those questions raised will be, can Arsenal win a trophy this season?
The possibility of that answer being a positive for Arsene is still highly probable as Arsenal sit just one point behind Manchester United in the League, they lead 2-1 going into the second leg of the last 16 in the Champions League and they face Leyton Orient in a replay on Wednesday with expectations that they will reach the last eight of the FA Cup.
The problem that faces Wenger is that the task of delivering a trophy has been made even more difficult with the injury to his influential Captain Cesc Fabregas, facing the O's in a replay is no doubt an unwanted game for Arsenal and even progressing in that game it would set up a trip to Old Trafford and they would have to achieve something no other team has done this season and thats beat Utd in their own backyard.
Despite leading 2-1 from their first leg against Barcelona, there is a growing fear that Barcelona's home advantage as well as that away goal could come back and bite Arsenal on the backside.
So as the wait continues for thier first piece of silverware the question remains. Will Arsenal win a trophy this season, sadly I cant see it happening this season and it looks to be another trophyless season for the Gunners. Back to the drawing board Arsene!!
Let me know what you think. Do you think Arsenal will win a trophy this season? Is Arsene Wenger right to buy young players and bring them on or should he buy experience now?
Thursday, 24 February 2011
HOW THE DREAM STADIUM HAS TURNED INTO A NIGHTMARE
It seems to have gone on forever, but it appears now that my hometown club Margate FC could be on the brink of losing everything, including the Club itself.
Yes, it may sound extreme but the prospect of losing the Club that I have followed massively for the past 12 years is not one I fancy seeing.
Redevelpoment of Hartsdown Park was something the club looked to do as success on the pitch rapidly saw 'The Blues' rise to 8th in their first season in the Conference National, even sitting top for a week in early September 2003.
However that was nine years ago and it seems to have gone downhill even quicker than the success arrived. Groundsharing at Dover and Ashford become the norm, meaning a 40 mile round trip for a home game, all the while the redevelopment stood still.
Council meetings came and went and still there was no news on a start date. Eventually 'The Gate' moved home in 2006, but to a temperary build, or so we thought.
Almost five years on and still the club has portercabins for changing rooms and minimal seating at their Hartsdown Park 'home'. It looked as though the development was set to begin in March 2011 after the club was given full planning permission from the local Council.
The club however after requesting an ammendment to the plans to reduce the Travelodge hotel from 80 rooms to 69 to keep the hotel firm happy, were then told they would have to submit a full revised set of plans- delaying the development even further.
The club is currently fighting this order from the Council, however a petition from local residents protesting against any development signed by around 550 residents isn't help their case.
In response Margate FC currently has its own petition on line to show the Council that the development is wanted by far more people than those who dont want to see the club get their new home.
At a open meeting on Wednesday evening, the Developers and Chairman of the club stated that should they be forced to submit further plans then they simply wouldn't do it, leaving the club on the brink of collapse.
Here is the link to the on-line petition from Margate FC should any of you sympathise with the clubs position and wish to show your support for yet another troubled Non-League side.
http://www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition/margate-football-club-development/2452
It fills me with great sadness that the Council appear to be killing off something in the town that offers so much excitement and joy to so many in the area on a Saturday afternoon.....especially when the town offers so little as it is.
Let me know what you think. Do you sympathise with the Club? Has your club ever been in a similar position?
Yes, it may sound extreme but the prospect of losing the Club that I have followed massively for the past 12 years is not one I fancy seeing.
Redevelpoment of Hartsdown Park was something the club looked to do as success on the pitch rapidly saw 'The Blues' rise to 8th in their first season in the Conference National, even sitting top for a week in early September 2003.
However that was nine years ago and it seems to have gone downhill even quicker than the success arrived. Groundsharing at Dover and Ashford become the norm, meaning a 40 mile round trip for a home game, all the while the redevelopment stood still.
Council meetings came and went and still there was no news on a start date. Eventually 'The Gate' moved home in 2006, but to a temperary build, or so we thought.
Almost five years on and still the club has portercabins for changing rooms and minimal seating at their Hartsdown Park 'home'. It looked as though the development was set to begin in March 2011 after the club was given full planning permission from the local Council.
The club however after requesting an ammendment to the plans to reduce the Travelodge hotel from 80 rooms to 69 to keep the hotel firm happy, were then told they would have to submit a full revised set of plans- delaying the development even further.
The club is currently fighting this order from the Council, however a petition from local residents protesting against any development signed by around 550 residents isn't help their case.
In response Margate FC currently has its own petition on line to show the Council that the development is wanted by far more people than those who dont want to see the club get their new home.
At a open meeting on Wednesday evening, the Developers and Chairman of the club stated that should they be forced to submit further plans then they simply wouldn't do it, leaving the club on the brink of collapse.
Here is the link to the on-line petition from Margate FC should any of you sympathise with the clubs position and wish to show your support for yet another troubled Non-League side.
http://www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition/margate-football-club-development/2452
It fills me with great sadness that the Council appear to be killing off something in the town that offers so much excitement and joy to so many in the area on a Saturday afternoon.....especially when the town offers so little as it is.
Let me know what you think. Do you sympathise with the Club? Has your club ever been in a similar position?
Sunday, 20 February 2011
CHEERY 'O's' PROVE THE CUP HAS NOT LOST IT'S MAGIC
Just four days after beating arguably the best football team in the world, Arsenal were today held to a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Leyton Orient of League One in a typical FA Cup 'David v Galioth' match.
The Gunner's team was considerably changed from the one that beat Barcelona 2-1 mid-week, however still had the likes of Arshavin, Song, Almunia and Rosicky on the team sheet.
It will be argued that Arsenal pretty much dominated the tie, with the O's stealing a replay right on the death of full time from Jonathan Tehoue who blasted a shot underneath a out of sorts Almunia.
One thing that however cannot be questioned is Russel Slade's side committment and desire to take their Champions League opponents all the way. Another thing that will not be argued about will be the romance that the FA Cup continues to breath.
This result comes just one day after Superb Non-League side Crawley Town took to the field at Old Trafford against giants Manchester United, only to lose the game to a Wes Brown header in the 28th minute, Richard Broadie nearly stole a replay for the visitors as his header looped onto the bar in the 90th minute.
So as the debate roles on whether the FA Cup has lost it's tradition, I think this weekend will prove that maybe there is life left in this romantic competition and maybe the FA will look again at whether the greatest competition in English football really does need shaking up.
Let me know what you think. What did you think of this weekends FA Cup results?
The Gunner's team was considerably changed from the one that beat Barcelona 2-1 mid-week, however still had the likes of Arshavin, Song, Almunia and Rosicky on the team sheet.
It will be argued that Arsenal pretty much dominated the tie, with the O's stealing a replay right on the death of full time from Jonathan Tehoue who blasted a shot underneath a out of sorts Almunia.
One thing that however cannot be questioned is Russel Slade's side committment and desire to take their Champions League opponents all the way. Another thing that will not be argued about will be the romance that the FA Cup continues to breath.
This result comes just one day after Superb Non-League side Crawley Town took to the field at Old Trafford against giants Manchester United, only to lose the game to a Wes Brown header in the 28th minute, Richard Broadie nearly stole a replay for the visitors as his header looped onto the bar in the 90th minute.
So as the debate roles on whether the FA Cup has lost it's tradition, I think this weekend will prove that maybe there is life left in this romantic competition and maybe the FA will look again at whether the greatest competition in English football really does need shaking up.
Let me know what you think. What did you think of this weekends FA Cup results?
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
LOSING JOSE WOULD BE WORSE THAN CARROLL
Newcastle Utd fans dont have much to thank Sam Allardyce for from his time in charge at St James Park, however there is one shining light that Big Sam brought to the club during his fateful time in charge in the northeast.
The name Jose Enrique was not one that would have been on everyone's mind when he signed for Newcastle on 6th August 2007 from Villarreal for £6.3 Million pounds, however the performances of the Spanish left back have recently seen him linked to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.
I would quite happily put my head on the line and say that the Newcastle left-back is the best in the Premier League. Consistant and always an eye to get forward when possible is all the attributes of a World Class full back.
He has this season played a vital role in what has been a superb season so far for the Toon, and again showed his World Class ability against Birmingham City on Tuesday evening as the Newcastle become only the fifth side to leave St Andrews with all three points since the Blues return to the Premier League two seasons ago.
Toon boss Alan Pardew has recently called for his Left Back to be called into the Spanish National side and if performances like the one at St Andrews continue, you can safely say that the phonecall will be sooner rather than later.
Newcastle have said they will open contract negotiations with Enrique once their Premier League status is confirmed, and after the three points against Birmingham I would say that is nearly assured.
So if I was Mr Pardew or Mr Ashley I would sit down with the Spanish star tomorrow because losing this player might just be a lot more damaging than the last.
Let me know what you think as always. Would losing Jose Enrique be more damaging than Andy Carroll? Would you want your club to sign the Left Back?
The name Jose Enrique was not one that would have been on everyone's mind when he signed for Newcastle on 6th August 2007 from Villarreal for £6.3 Million pounds, however the performances of the Spanish left back have recently seen him linked to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.
I would quite happily put my head on the line and say that the Newcastle left-back is the best in the Premier League. Consistant and always an eye to get forward when possible is all the attributes of a World Class full back.
He has this season played a vital role in what has been a superb season so far for the Toon, and again showed his World Class ability against Birmingham City on Tuesday evening as the Newcastle become only the fifth side to leave St Andrews with all three points since the Blues return to the Premier League two seasons ago.
Toon boss Alan Pardew has recently called for his Left Back to be called into the Spanish National side and if performances like the one at St Andrews continue, you can safely say that the phonecall will be sooner rather than later.
Newcastle have said they will open contract negotiations with Enrique once their Premier League status is confirmed, and after the three points against Birmingham I would say that is nearly assured.
So if I was Mr Pardew or Mr Ashley I would sit down with the Spanish star tomorrow because losing this player might just be a lot more damaging than the last.
Let me know what you think as always. Would losing Jose Enrique be more damaging than Andy Carroll? Would you want your club to sign the Left Back?
Monday, 14 February 2011
EUROPEAN STAGE BECKONS AGAIN BUT WILL THE CURTAIN FALL ON ENGLISH HOPES?
This week sees the return of European action, and there are some mouth watering clashes to mull over.
Firstly on Tuesday, the Champions League 'newcomers', Tottenham look to continue their dream campaign so far when they travel to Milan for the second time this year, but this time to face the red and black of AC Milan.
Spurs will be encouraged by their last performance in this wonderful city when they lost 4-3 to the current Champions League holders, Inter. There will however be different circumstances this time around though, firstly the opposition, Inter were struggling under Benitez at the time and were never convincing in their performance.
AC Milan will prove a much tougher test, Spurs will face a side that will be confident off the back of a 4-0 demolition over Palermo at the weekend, also AC possess a lethal front line as Ibrahimovic will partner Robinho in attack.
As if the trip is not difficult enough it will be made tougher by the abscence of winger Gareth Bale, the hero last time Spurs visited. Bale scored a remarkable hat-trick at the San Siro last time Spurs visited and his abscence will no doubt harm Tottenham's chances of progressing.
On Wednesday, Spurs's rivals Arsenal welcome Spanish giants Barcelona to the Emirates, and again the test could be just one too many for Arsene Wenger's men. Despite league form being relatively good this season, the 4-4 against Newcastle when leading 4-0 at half time is proof that Arsenal are vunerable.
Barcelona's form is quite incredible going unbeaten in their previous 16 league games, however Saturday saw them only grab a point against Sporting Gijon.
Arsenal know all to well from last season how much damage can cause when they play to their maximum potential and I believe that Barcelona will progress to the next round.
So with both English side's facing tough tests this week, maybe English hopes of European glory should rest with the 'other' two English sides left- Manchester United and Chelsea.
As always, let me know what you think. Can you see either Spurs or Arsenal progressing to the next round and possibly going on to win the Champions League?
Firstly on Tuesday, the Champions League 'newcomers', Tottenham look to continue their dream campaign so far when they travel to Milan for the second time this year, but this time to face the red and black of AC Milan.
Spurs will be encouraged by their last performance in this wonderful city when they lost 4-3 to the current Champions League holders, Inter. There will however be different circumstances this time around though, firstly the opposition, Inter were struggling under Benitez at the time and were never convincing in their performance.
AC Milan will prove a much tougher test, Spurs will face a side that will be confident off the back of a 4-0 demolition over Palermo at the weekend, also AC possess a lethal front line as Ibrahimovic will partner Robinho in attack.
As if the trip is not difficult enough it will be made tougher by the abscence of winger Gareth Bale, the hero last time Spurs visited. Bale scored a remarkable hat-trick at the San Siro last time Spurs visited and his abscence will no doubt harm Tottenham's chances of progressing.
On Wednesday, Spurs's rivals Arsenal welcome Spanish giants Barcelona to the Emirates, and again the test could be just one too many for Arsene Wenger's men. Despite league form being relatively good this season, the 4-4 against Newcastle when leading 4-0 at half time is proof that Arsenal are vunerable.
Barcelona's form is quite incredible going unbeaten in their previous 16 league games, however Saturday saw them only grab a point against Sporting Gijon.
Arsenal know all to well from last season how much damage can cause when they play to their maximum potential and I believe that Barcelona will progress to the next round.
So with both English side's facing tough tests this week, maybe English hopes of European glory should rest with the 'other' two English sides left- Manchester United and Chelsea.
As always, let me know what you think. Can you see either Spurs or Arsenal progressing to the next round and possibly going on to win the Champions League?
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