Sunday 21 August 2011
Armchair Sport: Premier League week 2
Armchair Sport: Premier League week 2: We have now seen most teams twice this season and already it is clear to see that predicting anything this season is going to be tricky. I...
Premier League week 2
We have now seen most teams twice this season and already it is clear to see that predicting anything this season is going to be tricky.
It would seem the Champions League qualifiers will be Man United, Chelsea and Man City and either Liverpool or Tottenham.
It would also be safe to presume Bolton, Aston Villa, West Brom despite their first 2 games, and Newcastle will have decent seasons and all have a chance of top 10 finishes.
I feel the Europa League is a handicap especially for smaller squads which is why I feel Fulham and Stoke will have safe seasons but progressing in Europe and chasing the top 10 will stretch resources to the limit.
Everton and Arsenal will both be playing in the Premier League next season and both should keep their managers. However with financial trouble at Everton they need to sell one player for around £15m to £20m. The loan market is there and the fans need to prioritise and realise this is a season to consolidate. A cup run will help. As for Arsenal if they are playing European football next season then they will have to be satisfied. Wenger needs to invest in some experience and quickly. It was insightful of Gary Neville of all people saying you need some age and experience when you are a kid breaking into a first team. At the moment they have no spine to bring the youngsters through but a centre back and a tough midfielder will solve that.
I am really worried for Blackburn and Wigan this season. I still am unconvinced that Kean is the right man for the Blackburn job and Wigan look like selling their 2 best players. Both teams are going to find themselves in a relegation scrape come the end of the season.
At least one of the promoted teams will stay up and maybe only one will go down. I think Swansea are best equipped and their home form will help. Norwich and QPR will have their good and bad days but will be happy to finish the season 17th. QPR are hindered slightly with this apparent chip Neil Warnock has on his shoulder. If they play well and the camera isn't focusing on him berating officials and his interviews are muted there football will win fans this season.
It would seem the Champions League qualifiers will be Man United, Chelsea and Man City and either Liverpool or Tottenham.
It would also be safe to presume Bolton, Aston Villa, West Brom despite their first 2 games, and Newcastle will have decent seasons and all have a chance of top 10 finishes.
I feel the Europa League is a handicap especially for smaller squads which is why I feel Fulham and Stoke will have safe seasons but progressing in Europe and chasing the top 10 will stretch resources to the limit.
Everton and Arsenal will both be playing in the Premier League next season and both should keep their managers. However with financial trouble at Everton they need to sell one player for around £15m to £20m. The loan market is there and the fans need to prioritise and realise this is a season to consolidate. A cup run will help. As for Arsenal if they are playing European football next season then they will have to be satisfied. Wenger needs to invest in some experience and quickly. It was insightful of Gary Neville of all people saying you need some age and experience when you are a kid breaking into a first team. At the moment they have no spine to bring the youngsters through but a centre back and a tough midfielder will solve that.
I am really worried for Blackburn and Wigan this season. I still am unconvinced that Kean is the right man for the Blackburn job and Wigan look like selling their 2 best players. Both teams are going to find themselves in a relegation scrape come the end of the season.
At least one of the promoted teams will stay up and maybe only one will go down. I think Swansea are best equipped and their home form will help. Norwich and QPR will have their good and bad days but will be happy to finish the season 17th. QPR are hindered slightly with this apparent chip Neil Warnock has on his shoulder. If they play well and the camera isn't focusing on him berating officials and his interviews are muted there football will win fans this season.
Monday 15 August 2011
Armchair Sport: Premier League is Back
Armchair Sport: Premier League is Back: "After a summer in which the Cricket stole the show, the Premier League is back and regardless of results back with a bang. What can we gai..."
Premier League is Back
After a summer in which the Cricket stole the show, the Premier League is back and regardless of results back with a bang.
What can we gain from the first weekend. I'll try an honest assessment of everyone.
Arsenal
They had some good moments away at Newcastle but it's a case of same old pretty passing story with no end product. Arsene Wenger seems in a state of delusion when a goalkeeper and 2 centre backs plus a defensive midfielder were surely necessary positions to fill and his first 2 signings were a right back and a winger/forward. No I'm not sure on Gervinho. Was he to try to show they were in for the best players. They have missed out on some decent players notably Given in goal and Phil Jones who could fill centre back of midfield roles not to mention Ashley Young, Stuart Downing and Charlie Adam all of whom would hardly break the bank. With Fabregas and Clichy gone and Nasri set to follow it really would not surprise me if Arsenal fail to qualify for Europe next season. Decent Cup runs will be needed.
Aston Villa
This will be a tough season for them as they cope with out Downing and Young. Bent is guaranteed goals at this level provided he gets decent service. N'Zogbia should be a good buy as long as McLeish can tame his alleged wilder side. Freidal impossible to replace you would think yet Shay Given looks like he hasn't been out the game for a year. If things click at Villa Park then top 10 finish pushing for Europe will be a good first year for all concerned. McLeish will look to retain the Carling Cup as a manager as a serious target this season.
Blackburn Rovers
Have turned into the new Tottenham with them rumoured to be in for all these exotic names yet none of them seen keen on a visit to Blackburn. New signings are a must and a good start is important for the manager who I for one am still unsure about. Should big Sam still be there. Probably for me. Goals will be hard to come by and keeping hold of inspirational Chris Samba is a must. Ultimately relegation I fear.
Bolton Wanderers
A slightly fortunate 4-0 away first win has the pundits getting excited but the realists know that a good season for Bolton will be top 10 pushing for Europe and a decent cup run. Both are obtainable and Gary Cahill looks like he would rather stay and if rumours of Shaun Wright-Phillips are true then they will have a really dangerous team. With Owen Coyle driving them forward and Kevin Davies leading the team then Bolton can cause a few surprises this season.
Chelsea
A disappointing first game although a point away from home is not to be sniffed at. Talk of Villas-Boas being under pressure have to be false. You can not hire a manager that young and gauge him over one season. Chelsea need to build something up based on the foundations in place. Their biggest problem will be keeping all the forward egos happy because Drogba and Torres will not like starting on the bench. Feel a trick was missed not starting Drogba for his strength against Stoke but if things are going bad like last season they have money at Christmas to buy 2 or 3 more players. Top 4 finish
Everton
Despite minor rumours things have been quiet on the whole at Goodison Park. It seems David Moyes may keep most of his squad and if they can get off to a good start for once then Everton have the capabilities to climb above Arsenal and challenge for Europa Cup spots. Keeping Saha fit will be a challenge but they are strong in midfield and defence.
Fulham
It is hard to figure out what is going on at Craven Cottage. Why did Hughes resign? Was he expecting the Chelsea job? Can Martin Jol continue Hodgson and Hughes's excellent seasons and push forward. As a European manager Jol will crave European action so expect good cup runs and steady league form. Mid table to top 10.
Liverpool
A lot of good signings over the summer and the Dalgleish factor will see Liverpool leap over Arsenal and Tottenham for the Champions League places. Maybe the only weakness is in defence with Carragher coming to an end and Agger needing a spell of no injuries. On the whole positive vibes surround Anfield and they still have Gerrard to come back into the side. Goals will not be a problem with Carroll, Suarez, Downing and Adam in their midst. Top 4.
Manchester City
What a summer. Tevez is he staying is he going, Balotelli throwing his dummy out and the financial muscle to turn heads. In Sergio Aguero and Gael Clichy they have bought well but are another team with team spirit issues. Their is something wrong with the core at City that only insiders would know. For the money they are paid players shouldn't complain about the city the club is situated in. Many top targets don't actually sign just get linked. They play to many matches not to lose instead of trying to win and this is why only a top 4 finish is available.
Manchester United
Who can beat the defending champions. Nobody is the short answer. Some have caught up others have fallen behind but United have strengthened and for the future. Ashley Young looks like he has been at Old Trafford for years and de Gea just has to adjust to the pace of our game. With Wayne Rooney looking fit and hungry United could win the league by a bigger margin than last season. Champions
Newcastle United
All fill depend on them keeping Joey Barton. If he goes then they will struggle to avoid relegation but if he stays he can push them to mid table. He is right to question the transfer policy with the monies from Carroll not reinvested sufficiently on the team. Bottom Half.
Norwich City
As all promoted teams a successful season will be the aim. Out of the 3 promoted teams they have the better team although Swansea and QPR have better individuals. I feel they will scramble to safety and next season will be the sterner test. Need a regular goal scorer. Bottom half.
Queens Park Rangers
We see it so often when a team walks to the Championship title and suddenly it isn't as easy in the Premier League. The opening day 4-0 home loss spelt out the weakness and Warnock needs some defensive reinforcements otherwise QPR will struggle. DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd can score goals provided Taarabt can give them service. Relegation fight.
Stoke City
Stoke are a decent team with an unfair label. Difficult to beat at home and presence away they will have a good season. 1 or 2 recruits are all that is needed to push the team on. Europa League may be unwanted distraction but a mid table to top 10 finish is expected from Stoke.
Sunderland
Steve Bruce has bought well over the summer and a good season should follow. Provided nobody jumps ship halfway through then Europe fringes is a real possibility. Larsson scored a wonder goal to open his account and they have options throughout the team now. Wes Brown looked good as well and if they can gel as a team and manage to score goals then top 10 pushing Europe is there for them.
Swansea City
Worrying start for the first Welsh team in the Premier League. An over reliance on Scott Sinclair could be costly but they seem unwilling to lose their principals which I like. Again they will be happy to finish 17th and they will cause problems with their passing game provided they take their chances. Relegation fight.
Tottenham Hotspurs
A strong season is expected from Spurs. Modric will try to showcase himself and although they will push hard I feel they will just come up short for Champions League qualification. Keeping hold of their stars and maintaining next season will be the real challenge. Spurs will have to settle for being the top North London club and another team to back in the cups. Europa League qualification.
West Bromich Albion
Roy Hodgson who was treated badly at Anfield has quietly got a decent team. They may not set off to many fireworks but an average season may still be classed a good one. keeping key players fit and at the club will be tough but mid table finish.
Wigan Athletic
Worry times for Wigan fans. If Rodallega goes then relegation awaits them. Even if he stays a long hard season is ahead. Relegation fight.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have bought some useful additions and if they can get off to a better start than last season then safety should be sorted pretty early. O'Hara will do well with a settled future and if Doyle can keep fit they may do better than people think. Mid table
What can we gain from the first weekend. I'll try an honest assessment of everyone.
Arsenal
They had some good moments away at Newcastle but it's a case of same old pretty passing story with no end product. Arsene Wenger seems in a state of delusion when a goalkeeper and 2 centre backs plus a defensive midfielder were surely necessary positions to fill and his first 2 signings were a right back and a winger/forward. No I'm not sure on Gervinho. Was he to try to show they were in for the best players. They have missed out on some decent players notably Given in goal and Phil Jones who could fill centre back of midfield roles not to mention Ashley Young, Stuart Downing and Charlie Adam all of whom would hardly break the bank. With Fabregas and Clichy gone and Nasri set to follow it really would not surprise me if Arsenal fail to qualify for Europe next season. Decent Cup runs will be needed.
Aston Villa
This will be a tough season for them as they cope with out Downing and Young. Bent is guaranteed goals at this level provided he gets decent service. N'Zogbia should be a good buy as long as McLeish can tame his alleged wilder side. Freidal impossible to replace you would think yet Shay Given looks like he hasn't been out the game for a year. If things click at Villa Park then top 10 finish pushing for Europe will be a good first year for all concerned. McLeish will look to retain the Carling Cup as a manager as a serious target this season.
Blackburn Rovers
Have turned into the new Tottenham with them rumoured to be in for all these exotic names yet none of them seen keen on a visit to Blackburn. New signings are a must and a good start is important for the manager who I for one am still unsure about. Should big Sam still be there. Probably for me. Goals will be hard to come by and keeping hold of inspirational Chris Samba is a must. Ultimately relegation I fear.
Bolton Wanderers
A slightly fortunate 4-0 away first win has the pundits getting excited but the realists know that a good season for Bolton will be top 10 pushing for Europe and a decent cup run. Both are obtainable and Gary Cahill looks like he would rather stay and if rumours of Shaun Wright-Phillips are true then they will have a really dangerous team. With Owen Coyle driving them forward and Kevin Davies leading the team then Bolton can cause a few surprises this season.
Chelsea
A disappointing first game although a point away from home is not to be sniffed at. Talk of Villas-Boas being under pressure have to be false. You can not hire a manager that young and gauge him over one season. Chelsea need to build something up based on the foundations in place. Their biggest problem will be keeping all the forward egos happy because Drogba and Torres will not like starting on the bench. Feel a trick was missed not starting Drogba for his strength against Stoke but if things are going bad like last season they have money at Christmas to buy 2 or 3 more players. Top 4 finish
Everton
Despite minor rumours things have been quiet on the whole at Goodison Park. It seems David Moyes may keep most of his squad and if they can get off to a good start for once then Everton have the capabilities to climb above Arsenal and challenge for Europa Cup spots. Keeping Saha fit will be a challenge but they are strong in midfield and defence.
Fulham
It is hard to figure out what is going on at Craven Cottage. Why did Hughes resign? Was he expecting the Chelsea job? Can Martin Jol continue Hodgson and Hughes's excellent seasons and push forward. As a European manager Jol will crave European action so expect good cup runs and steady league form. Mid table to top 10.
Liverpool
A lot of good signings over the summer and the Dalgleish factor will see Liverpool leap over Arsenal and Tottenham for the Champions League places. Maybe the only weakness is in defence with Carragher coming to an end and Agger needing a spell of no injuries. On the whole positive vibes surround Anfield and they still have Gerrard to come back into the side. Goals will not be a problem with Carroll, Suarez, Downing and Adam in their midst. Top 4.
Manchester City
What a summer. Tevez is he staying is he going, Balotelli throwing his dummy out and the financial muscle to turn heads. In Sergio Aguero and Gael Clichy they have bought well but are another team with team spirit issues. Their is something wrong with the core at City that only insiders would know. For the money they are paid players shouldn't complain about the city the club is situated in. Many top targets don't actually sign just get linked. They play to many matches not to lose instead of trying to win and this is why only a top 4 finish is available.
Manchester United
Who can beat the defending champions. Nobody is the short answer. Some have caught up others have fallen behind but United have strengthened and for the future. Ashley Young looks like he has been at Old Trafford for years and de Gea just has to adjust to the pace of our game. With Wayne Rooney looking fit and hungry United could win the league by a bigger margin than last season. Champions
Newcastle United
All fill depend on them keeping Joey Barton. If he goes then they will struggle to avoid relegation but if he stays he can push them to mid table. He is right to question the transfer policy with the monies from Carroll not reinvested sufficiently on the team. Bottom Half.
Norwich City
As all promoted teams a successful season will be the aim. Out of the 3 promoted teams they have the better team although Swansea and QPR have better individuals. I feel they will scramble to safety and next season will be the sterner test. Need a regular goal scorer. Bottom half.
Queens Park Rangers
We see it so often when a team walks to the Championship title and suddenly it isn't as easy in the Premier League. The opening day 4-0 home loss spelt out the weakness and Warnock needs some defensive reinforcements otherwise QPR will struggle. DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd can score goals provided Taarabt can give them service. Relegation fight.
Stoke City
Stoke are a decent team with an unfair label. Difficult to beat at home and presence away they will have a good season. 1 or 2 recruits are all that is needed to push the team on. Europa League may be unwanted distraction but a mid table to top 10 finish is expected from Stoke.
Sunderland
Steve Bruce has bought well over the summer and a good season should follow. Provided nobody jumps ship halfway through then Europe fringes is a real possibility. Larsson scored a wonder goal to open his account and they have options throughout the team now. Wes Brown looked good as well and if they can gel as a team and manage to score goals then top 10 pushing Europe is there for them.
Swansea City
Worrying start for the first Welsh team in the Premier League. An over reliance on Scott Sinclair could be costly but they seem unwilling to lose their principals which I like. Again they will be happy to finish 17th and they will cause problems with their passing game provided they take their chances. Relegation fight.
Tottenham Hotspurs
A strong season is expected from Spurs. Modric will try to showcase himself and although they will push hard I feel they will just come up short for Champions League qualification. Keeping hold of their stars and maintaining next season will be the real challenge. Spurs will have to settle for being the top North London club and another team to back in the cups. Europa League qualification.
West Bromich Albion
Roy Hodgson who was treated badly at Anfield has quietly got a decent team. They may not set off to many fireworks but an average season may still be classed a good one. keeping key players fit and at the club will be tough but mid table finish.
Wigan Athletic
Worry times for Wigan fans. If Rodallega goes then relegation awaits them. Even if he stays a long hard season is ahead. Relegation fight.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have bought some useful additions and if they can get off to a better start than last season then safety should be sorted pretty early. O'Hara will do well with a settled future and if Doyle can keep fit they may do better than people think. Mid table
Sunday 7 August 2011
Armchair Sport: All-time Premier League Teams
Armchair Sport: All-time Premier League Teams: "A simple exercise to try to solve the argument as to just who makes the Premier League all-time best team. To narrow the field somewhat I ..."
All-time Premier League Teams
A simple exercise to try to solve the argument as to just who makes the Premier League all-time best team.
To narrow the field somewhat I placed the following criteria
* Hall of Fame inductees are automatic candidates.
* Players have to of player over 200 Premier League games to be considered
* P.Evra, N.Vidic and M.Desailly only exceptions to this.
All I want you to do is pick 2 keepers, 5 defenders, 6 midfielders and 5 forwards from the following lists. Try not to be biased.
Keepers
James,Schwarzer,Freidal,Given,Cech,Seaman,Van der Saar and Schmeichal
Defenders
S.Campbell,R.Ferdinand,Adams,Carragher,Southgate,G.Neville,P.Neville,Dixon,Irwin,Terry,Le Saux,Hyypia,G.Kelly,S.Watson,A.Cole,Bridge,Keown,Petrescu,Harte,Gallas,Pallister,Staunton,O'Shea,Evra,Vidic,Desailly
Midfielders
Giggs,Speed,Scholes,Beckham.Keane,Pires,Ginola,C.Ronaldo,Lampard,Butt,Barry,Solano,Vieira,Duff,McAllister,T.Sinclair,Gerrard,Ince,Fabregas,Wright-Philips,Kewell,R.Lee,Redknapp,J.Cole
Forwards
Cantona,Shearer,Henry,Zola,Bergkamp,M.Hughes,A.Cole,K.Campbell,K.Phillips,Sheringham,Ferdinand,Yorke,Fowler,Anelka,R.Keane,Owen,Drogba,Gudjohnson,Solskjaer,Saha,Le Tissier,Kanu,Ferguson,Hasselbaink,van Nistelrooy,Rooney
My personal selections were
Schmeichal and Van der Saar as keepers
Campbell, Ferdinand, Carragher, Irwin and G.Neville as defenders
Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, Keane, Vieira and Gerrard as midfielders
Shearer,Henry,Cantona,Rooney and Owen as forwards
What do you reckon
To narrow the field somewhat I placed the following criteria
* Hall of Fame inductees are automatic candidates.
* Players have to of player over 200 Premier League games to be considered
* P.Evra, N.Vidic and M.Desailly only exceptions to this.
All I want you to do is pick 2 keepers, 5 defenders, 6 midfielders and 5 forwards from the following lists. Try not to be biased.
Keepers
James,Schwarzer,Freidal,Given,Cech,Seaman,Van der Saar and Schmeichal
Defenders
S.Campbell,R.Ferdinand,Adams,Carragher,Southgate,G.Neville,P.Neville,Dixon,Irwin,Terry,Le Saux,Hyypia,G.Kelly,S.Watson,A.Cole,Bridge,Keown,Petrescu,Harte,Gallas,Pallister,Staunton,O'Shea,Evra,Vidic,Desailly
Midfielders
Giggs,Speed,Scholes,Beckham.Keane,Pires,Ginola,C.Ronaldo,Lampard,Butt,Barry,Solano,Vieira,Duff,McAllister,T.Sinclair,Gerrard,Ince,Fabregas,Wright-Philips,Kewell,R.Lee,Redknapp,J.Cole
Forwards
Cantona,Shearer,Henry,Zola,Bergkamp,M.Hughes,A.Cole,K.Campbell,K.Phillips,Sheringham,Ferdinand,Yorke,Fowler,Anelka,R.Keane,Owen,Drogba,Gudjohnson,Solskjaer,Saha,Le Tissier,Kanu,Ferguson,Hasselbaink,van Nistelrooy,Rooney
My personal selections were
Schmeichal and Van der Saar as keepers
Campbell, Ferdinand, Carragher, Irwin and G.Neville as defenders
Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, Keane, Vieira and Gerrard as midfielders
Shearer,Henry,Cantona,Rooney and Owen as forwards
What do you reckon
Friday 5 August 2011
Armchair Sport: Most successful footballers
Armchair Sport: Most successful footballers: "With Paul Scholes's testimonial the event of the summer the argument has reopened as to just how great Scholes was. Below is a list of how m..."
Thursday 4 August 2011
Armchair Sport: Paul Scholes - Understated Legend
Armchair Sport: Paul Scholes - Understated Legend: "With Paul Scholes's testimonial round the corner those with limited brain capacity have been flooding social networks ready to slate the gre..."
Paul Scholes - Understated Legend
With Paul Scholes's testimonial round the corner those with limited brain capacity have been flooding social networks ready to slate the great man. Why these idiots are allowed to interact with society is beyond me. So I write this knowing only true football fans along with Manchester United's and Scholes's followers will read this as the thugs will have lost interest already.
Firstly his longevity is seconded only to Ryan Giggs and Scholes could have played another season or two but didn't want to become a bit part player. Like his career it was all or nothing. In his time at Old Trafford he amassed 676 appearances scoring 150 goals. He played 66 times for England which is not enough. His scoring ratio for England was 1 in 4 by the time he got bored of being mucked around over his position. England were wrong to let him go. He won 10 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Champions Leagues, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 1 FIFA World Club Championship Cup and 5 Charity Shields for good measure. While he trails Ryan Giggs that is an impressive career in any one's eyes.
In his 66 England matches Scholes scored in 11 of them. Only once when he scored did England lose. Out of those other 10 matches he scored one hat trick, a brace against Scotland, he scored the first goal in 3 winning matches and the second goal in three 2-0 wins. In one of the other matches he scored the equaliser from one down against Croatia that led to a 4- win and the other match he scored in he made the score 2-0 on the way to a 3-1 win. Important goals when someone needed to stand up and be counted for. How many of his 150 United goals could you watch over and over again.
Blessed with 2 great feet and an electric brain he made the game look easy. 40 and 50 yard passes landing on a postage stamp and technically brilliant. He possessed a cannon of a shot and an exemplary attitude to young footballers. He was a coaches dream, a footballing sponge gifted with natural ability. Surprisingly for a short man he was good in the air. His only weakness was his tackling which some will say was dangerous but he miss timed a lot and over the years and little rivalries develop and he never left men on crutches. Even in his youth days Eric Harrison described him as a dogged character. In those days he played as a striker and his record was good but Ferguson started playing him further back and Scholes's transition to midfielder was seamless. When players of the calibre of Zidane rate you as the best opponent and Xavi genuinely say they model their games on Scholes and Henry rate as the best premier league player then you have to be pretty good.
The argument is he did not win enough individual awards but after a little rummage since 1998 3 players have won the European Player of the Year who won the World Cup that year, Owen in Liverpool@s treble season, Shevchenko for goals in 2004 Champions League, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo at their peaks, Ronaldo for his goal tally for Manchester United in 2008 and Messi last season. Also the fact that Man United are a team with everyone contributes means Scholes may not have stood out as much as players that carried their teams or played at a less competitive level.
Taking all things into consideration to label the quiet shy family man anything other than a legend is unthinkable. His rare TV interview in 2002 summed him up completely. He described his perfect day as go training in the morning, pick up my children from school, play with them, have tea, put them to bed and then watch a bit of TV. Born to play football and wanted to do just that and happy to let the fame and attention go to others leaving him to do what he did best.
Firstly his longevity is seconded only to Ryan Giggs and Scholes could have played another season or two but didn't want to become a bit part player. Like his career it was all or nothing. In his time at Old Trafford he amassed 676 appearances scoring 150 goals. He played 66 times for England which is not enough. His scoring ratio for England was 1 in 4 by the time he got bored of being mucked around over his position. England were wrong to let him go. He won 10 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Champions Leagues, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 1 FIFA World Club Championship Cup and 5 Charity Shields for good measure. While he trails Ryan Giggs that is an impressive career in any one's eyes.
In his 66 England matches Scholes scored in 11 of them. Only once when he scored did England lose. Out of those other 10 matches he scored one hat trick, a brace against Scotland, he scored the first goal in 3 winning matches and the second goal in three 2-0 wins. In one of the other matches he scored the equaliser from one down against Croatia that led to a 4- win and the other match he scored in he made the score 2-0 on the way to a 3-1 win. Important goals when someone needed to stand up and be counted for. How many of his 150 United goals could you watch over and over again.
Blessed with 2 great feet and an electric brain he made the game look easy. 40 and 50 yard passes landing on a postage stamp and technically brilliant. He possessed a cannon of a shot and an exemplary attitude to young footballers. He was a coaches dream, a footballing sponge gifted with natural ability. Surprisingly for a short man he was good in the air. His only weakness was his tackling which some will say was dangerous but he miss timed a lot and over the years and little rivalries develop and he never left men on crutches. Even in his youth days Eric Harrison described him as a dogged character. In those days he played as a striker and his record was good but Ferguson started playing him further back and Scholes's transition to midfielder was seamless. When players of the calibre of Zidane rate you as the best opponent and Xavi genuinely say they model their games on Scholes and Henry rate as the best premier league player then you have to be pretty good.
The argument is he did not win enough individual awards but after a little rummage since 1998 3 players have won the European Player of the Year who won the World Cup that year, Owen in Liverpool@s treble season, Shevchenko for goals in 2004 Champions League, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo at their peaks, Ronaldo for his goal tally for Manchester United in 2008 and Messi last season. Also the fact that Man United are a team with everyone contributes means Scholes may not have stood out as much as players that carried their teams or played at a less competitive level.
Taking all things into consideration to label the quiet shy family man anything other than a legend is unthinkable. His rare TV interview in 2002 summed him up completely. He described his perfect day as go training in the morning, pick up my children from school, play with them, have tea, put them to bed and then watch a bit of TV. Born to play football and wanted to do just that and happy to let the fame and attention go to others leaving him to do what he did best.
Armchair Sport: Eric Cantona on Manchester City
Armchair Sport: Eric Cantona on Manchester City: "How refreshing seeing and hearing Eric Cantona back in English football. Although for only a short time he showed us why we came to love him..."
Eric Cantona on Manchester City
How refreshing seeing and hearing Eric Cantona back in English football. Although for only a short time he showed us why we came to love him in the first place. Holding no punches (or puns) he gave an honest assessment of the state of house across at Manchester City. What with the language barrier and misquotation it is easy to lose sight of his point.
He grew to love Manchester, a city that adopted and welcomed him with open arms despite his chequered past and on-field problems that were to follow. Sound familiar Mario Balotelli. It didn't bother Cantona about the life outside football in Manchester as he felt he was playing for the best team with the best players. For their time who can blame that assessment. Schmeichal,Irwin,Bruce,Pallister,G.Neville,Beckham,Keane,Scholes,Kanchelskis,A.Cole and Giggs all played with Cantona and this backs his claim. Yes people will say United didn't win the Champions League with Cantona but he played back during the foreign player restriction. Domestically the double teams of 1994 and 1996 are legendary and Cantona was apart of that. His efforts in training rubbed off on the youngsters and rumoured to make even seasoned players work that little harder. When you are pat of something good then the effort of training is not so arduous.
Saying that takes me onto Manchester City. The impression coming from them is that they are Manchester City PLC. The football is secondary now to the business of making money. Maybe this is why so many who have signed recently are disenchanted by life at Manchester City. Carlos Tevez was never this unhappy at West Ham or Manchester United. Jerome Boateng signed and has left without really making an impact. Balotelli is homesick we hear and that is before we get to how they have treated experienced professionals like Given, Bellamy, Adebayor and Santa Cruz. On that bases City have made more bad signings since their billionaire owners took over than United have in Ferguson's time at Old Trafford.
OK United have been "guilty" of spending large sums on players but the majority of them are young and most stay unless it benefits them to move elsewhere. Keane and Pallister were seen as expensive at the time and Ferdinand and Rooney were expensive at the time but looking back you wouldn't say so.
People sneer at United buying youth but I fail to see the problem. United have had enough English players during Ferguson's years that many would pick for England. Steve Bruce was uncapped. Pallister maybe could of played more. People forget how consistent Paul Parker was before Gary Neville. Lee Sharpe a football travesty, Paul Ince, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Andy Cole was unlucky with international competition. the most expensive of them was Andy Cole who was around £7m if memory serves. United have had to spend this summer to fill the goalkeeping spot and have shown foresight signing Ashley Young for when Giggs is ready to give up the game. Phil Jones and Smalling are forcing Ferdinand to stay fit and healthy. Yes players that have come through United youth system may be Brazilian, Scottish French or from anywhere but that is down to the scouting networks built up through time.
I have grown annoyed for a few years now with the sudden trend of Man U hating. From their early pre war days when they were not as used to success as now they were a popular like. Then after the war the story of Matt Busby's amazing young team caught the public's imagination and as the song goes, if they were in your town people would go to watch. And then after the horror of the Munich air crash, while Manchester grieved, England felt a sense of loss. People forget the babes were not all Manchester lads either. And Best, Law and Charlton helped lift the famous but slightly under decorated club to the heights of European Champions in 1968. Maybe this was when the public turned. Did George Best take to many liberties or was it simply people didn't mind them until they started to really win. Even through the 70's and early 80's and the barren years teams like Liverpool overtook English dominance but somehow were neither hated or liked more than United. Since the Premierships launch and United's unquestionable dominance the cries of glory hunters and buying titles have been thrown at United but that's not fair. United have paid there dues to football, they have worn the scars for all to see. They haven't always been successful but the principals have never changed. Now they are in a position to enjoy some success without tragedy and the financial situation means we can keep up with the modern price tags. That is what Cantona was getting to. You an have all the money in the world and buy the best players but it's the DNA of your club that has to remain. Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs are the 3 teams I respect the most. Is it strange that they are 3 of the early ambassadors for English success in Europe or because you can trace the DNA back as long as you like. Even the mighty Cristiano Ronaldo may secretly admit life hasn't been as good since he moved to Spain. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Man City are learning that sometimes money won't fix a situation and peoples happiness may come into things. Man City may win a few trophies here and there but they won't finish ahead of United in the table this year and will never overtake tem for fan base or history. One flick few United's history as a 5 year old boy had me hooked for life. The year was 1985 and they had won the FA Cup (I don't remember that) but it was in the hard years. The magic of the number 7 shirt and Busby's babes who were lost to Munich. Of Duncan Edwards maybe England's greatest player and world cup lifting captain. Of a man who came through Munich toform the holy trinity and win European and World cup glory. Of troubled stars like Best and unlucky ones like Norman Whiteside it just goes on and that is what Man United haters forget. You have cried and laughed and cheered and even come to our rescue in the darkest hours and Matt Busby's triumphed. Don't forget what United has done for English football and above all. Before you start knocking us while we are top of the perch. Research how we got there.
He grew to love Manchester, a city that adopted and welcomed him with open arms despite his chequered past and on-field problems that were to follow. Sound familiar Mario Balotelli. It didn't bother Cantona about the life outside football in Manchester as he felt he was playing for the best team with the best players. For their time who can blame that assessment. Schmeichal,Irwin,Bruce,Pallister,G.Neville,Beckham,Keane,Scholes,Kanchelskis,A.Cole and Giggs all played with Cantona and this backs his claim. Yes people will say United didn't win the Champions League with Cantona but he played back during the foreign player restriction. Domestically the double teams of 1994 and 1996 are legendary and Cantona was apart of that. His efforts in training rubbed off on the youngsters and rumoured to make even seasoned players work that little harder. When you are pat of something good then the effort of training is not so arduous.
Saying that takes me onto Manchester City. The impression coming from them is that they are Manchester City PLC. The football is secondary now to the business of making money. Maybe this is why so many who have signed recently are disenchanted by life at Manchester City. Carlos Tevez was never this unhappy at West Ham or Manchester United. Jerome Boateng signed and has left without really making an impact. Balotelli is homesick we hear and that is before we get to how they have treated experienced professionals like Given, Bellamy, Adebayor and Santa Cruz. On that bases City have made more bad signings since their billionaire owners took over than United have in Ferguson's time at Old Trafford.
OK United have been "guilty" of spending large sums on players but the majority of them are young and most stay unless it benefits them to move elsewhere. Keane and Pallister were seen as expensive at the time and Ferdinand and Rooney were expensive at the time but looking back you wouldn't say so.
People sneer at United buying youth but I fail to see the problem. United have had enough English players during Ferguson's years that many would pick for England. Steve Bruce was uncapped. Pallister maybe could of played more. People forget how consistent Paul Parker was before Gary Neville. Lee Sharpe a football travesty, Paul Ince, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Andy Cole was unlucky with international competition. the most expensive of them was Andy Cole who was around £7m if memory serves. United have had to spend this summer to fill the goalkeeping spot and have shown foresight signing Ashley Young for when Giggs is ready to give up the game. Phil Jones and Smalling are forcing Ferdinand to stay fit and healthy. Yes players that have come through United youth system may be Brazilian, Scottish French or from anywhere but that is down to the scouting networks built up through time.
I have grown annoyed for a few years now with the sudden trend of Man U hating. From their early pre war days when they were not as used to success as now they were a popular like. Then after the war the story of Matt Busby's amazing young team caught the public's imagination and as the song goes, if they were in your town people would go to watch. And then after the horror of the Munich air crash, while Manchester grieved, England felt a sense of loss. People forget the babes were not all Manchester lads either. And Best, Law and Charlton helped lift the famous but slightly under decorated club to the heights of European Champions in 1968. Maybe this was when the public turned. Did George Best take to many liberties or was it simply people didn't mind them until they started to really win. Even through the 70's and early 80's and the barren years teams like Liverpool overtook English dominance but somehow were neither hated or liked more than United. Since the Premierships launch and United's unquestionable dominance the cries of glory hunters and buying titles have been thrown at United but that's not fair. United have paid there dues to football, they have worn the scars for all to see. They haven't always been successful but the principals have never changed. Now they are in a position to enjoy some success without tragedy and the financial situation means we can keep up with the modern price tags. That is what Cantona was getting to. You an have all the money in the world and buy the best players but it's the DNA of your club that has to remain. Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs are the 3 teams I respect the most. Is it strange that they are 3 of the early ambassadors for English success in Europe or because you can trace the DNA back as long as you like. Even the mighty Cristiano Ronaldo may secretly admit life hasn't been as good since he moved to Spain. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Man City are learning that sometimes money won't fix a situation and peoples happiness may come into things. Man City may win a few trophies here and there but they won't finish ahead of United in the table this year and will never overtake tem for fan base or history. One flick few United's history as a 5 year old boy had me hooked for life. The year was 1985 and they had won the FA Cup (I don't remember that) but it was in the hard years. The magic of the number 7 shirt and Busby's babes who were lost to Munich. Of Duncan Edwards maybe England's greatest player and world cup lifting captain. Of a man who came through Munich toform the holy trinity and win European and World cup glory. Of troubled stars like Best and unlucky ones like Norman Whiteside it just goes on and that is what Man United haters forget. You have cried and laughed and cheered and even come to our rescue in the darkest hours and Matt Busby's triumphed. Don't forget what United has done for English football and above all. Before you start knocking us while we are top of the perch. Research how we got there.
Armchair Sport: TV season tickets.
Armchair Sport: TV season tickets.: "Yesterday quite by accident I stumbled across a topic that divided opinion. Should you be able to purchase a season ticket through your TV f..."
TV season tickets.
Yesterday quite by accident I stumbled across a topic that divided opinion. Should you be able to purchase a season ticket through your TV for all your teams matches? Would there be interest if the possibility was there?
Firstly I think there may be interest out there. Fathers with kids to young to go to matches or somebody house bound. Some people may have difficulty getting time off work or travelling. There are scenarios that could warrant introducing it.
Secondly is it possible? Well I remember some last days where match choice has been an option. That's your choice out of 10 live Premier League matches. On every Saturday at around 8 o'clock in the evening football first gives you the choice which of the matches played that day to get extended highlights from. So we know that logistically getting cameras at the grounds is not a problem. They are already doing it. Now there may be some reason why we can't watch football matches at 3 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon. But if you buy a foreign TV package then some of them will show matches live at 3 on Saturdays. There is no major obstacles to get over on these fronts is what I'm getting at.
Thirdly and most worrying is the old football enemy. Money. How much would clubs charge for this? Will the top clubs just pull further away? Can anything be done to balance this out? There is no way that clubs could charge much more the same as a season ticket holder pays for going to the stadium. Even 50% of a season ticket would be high. Would people be put off with say a £200 charge. I wouldn't be. But that would be for the Premier League to regulate. People who say that this idea would allow the top teams to pull further away are slightly wrong in my opinion. If TV season tickets never gets any further than this blog page people can't say that Manchester United and Liverpool are not pulling away from other less established clubs. Success breeds success and the teams that regularly compete for trophies will surely sell more merchandise and attract more fans. if anything this idea gives the teams further down the football pyramid more air time and wider audiences. A fan might watch a match for one player but follow that club because of this. Two brief examples could be when Juninho was at Middlesbrough or Jay Jay Okocha when he was at Bolton. And there is a possible way to balance this but again it needs discussing at the higher levels. If there was a way to disperse or allocate finances awarded on where you finish to instead help those teams whose fan base was not as big as their rivals. So the team that receives the most from TV season tickets ony gets the 20th place finish equivalent and the team that receives the least amount from TV season tickets gets the amount that 1st currently would get. This would still not balance things entirely but would go some way to helping. It's a possibility I feel but needs to be considered and got right first. Hopefully this is the first step.
Firstly I think there may be interest out there. Fathers with kids to young to go to matches or somebody house bound. Some people may have difficulty getting time off work or travelling. There are scenarios that could warrant introducing it.
Secondly is it possible? Well I remember some last days where match choice has been an option. That's your choice out of 10 live Premier League matches. On every Saturday at around 8 o'clock in the evening football first gives you the choice which of the matches played that day to get extended highlights from. So we know that logistically getting cameras at the grounds is not a problem. They are already doing it. Now there may be some reason why we can't watch football matches at 3 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon. But if you buy a foreign TV package then some of them will show matches live at 3 on Saturdays. There is no major obstacles to get over on these fronts is what I'm getting at.
Thirdly and most worrying is the old football enemy. Money. How much would clubs charge for this? Will the top clubs just pull further away? Can anything be done to balance this out? There is no way that clubs could charge much more the same as a season ticket holder pays for going to the stadium. Even 50% of a season ticket would be high. Would people be put off with say a £200 charge. I wouldn't be. But that would be for the Premier League to regulate. People who say that this idea would allow the top teams to pull further away are slightly wrong in my opinion. If TV season tickets never gets any further than this blog page people can't say that Manchester United and Liverpool are not pulling away from other less established clubs. Success breeds success and the teams that regularly compete for trophies will surely sell more merchandise and attract more fans. if anything this idea gives the teams further down the football pyramid more air time and wider audiences. A fan might watch a match for one player but follow that club because of this. Two brief examples could be when Juninho was at Middlesbrough or Jay Jay Okocha when he was at Bolton. And there is a possible way to balance this but again it needs discussing at the higher levels. If there was a way to disperse or allocate finances awarded on where you finish to instead help those teams whose fan base was not as big as their rivals. So the team that receives the most from TV season tickets ony gets the 20th place finish equivalent and the team that receives the least amount from TV season tickets gets the amount that 1st currently would get. This would still not balance things entirely but would go some way to helping. It's a possibility I feel but needs to be considered and got right first. Hopefully this is the first step.
Tuesday 2 August 2011
Armchair Sport: Indian Good Sports
Armchair Sport: Indian Good Sports: "Well day 5 of the 2nd test is a non event after 3 brilliant days from England. Somehow from their first innings of 128-8 and the Indians pos..."
Indian Good Sports
Well day 5 of the 2nd test is a non event after 3 brilliant days from England. Somehow from their first innings of 128-8 and the Indians posting a challenging score themselves a complete turnaround followed that did not seem possible at tea on friday.
Yes that word has surrounded this match. Tea.
For those not in the know what happened was while batting the last ball before tea on day 3 almost went for 4 runs. Ian Bell assumed the ball had reached the boundary an proceeded to walk off. The indians knowing the ball was active removed his bails and Bell was out. The rules of the game are clear and Bell admitted his mistake later that evening. Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower went to speak to the Indian team and captain Dhoni and explained while Bell was in the wrong and India would of been justified up holding his dismissal, It was obvious to everyone what had happened and would the Indians reconsider the decision.
Now that's wear it gets interesting. The Indians who are the best test team in the world had the decision to make themselves and Dhoni said that Bell was wrong but England had a case and Bell was reinstated. Now I can't help think had it been Ponting or a Pakistan team in opposition this would not have happened and that is where they are wrong and Dhoni was spot on. Even after his team lost he stated it was the right thing for the game and he is right. With match fixing and betting scandals threatening to destroy the soul of the great game a wise choice from a experienced captain to re-install some faith in not just the game but in human spirit itself. An example to fellow captains Strauss inculded and endearing Indian cricket to the British public. The games have been the bet this summer so my major question is why waste time playing Pakistan when a team like India produces better, fairer and cleaner matches?
Yes that word has surrounded this match. Tea.
For those not in the know what happened was while batting the last ball before tea on day 3 almost went for 4 runs. Ian Bell assumed the ball had reached the boundary an proceeded to walk off. The indians knowing the ball was active removed his bails and Bell was out. The rules of the game are clear and Bell admitted his mistake later that evening. Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower went to speak to the Indian team and captain Dhoni and explained while Bell was in the wrong and India would of been justified up holding his dismissal, It was obvious to everyone what had happened and would the Indians reconsider the decision.
Now that's wear it gets interesting. The Indians who are the best test team in the world had the decision to make themselves and Dhoni said that Bell was wrong but England had a case and Bell was reinstated. Now I can't help think had it been Ponting or a Pakistan team in opposition this would not have happened and that is where they are wrong and Dhoni was spot on. Even after his team lost he stated it was the right thing for the game and he is right. With match fixing and betting scandals threatening to destroy the soul of the great game a wise choice from a experienced captain to re-install some faith in not just the game but in human spirit itself. An example to fellow captains Strauss inculded and endearing Indian cricket to the British public. The games have been the bet this summer so my major question is why waste time playing Pakistan when a team like India produces better, fairer and cleaner matches?
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