Wednesday 30 November 2011
Armchair Sport: United's squad deficiency
Armchair Sport: United's squad deficiency: Long before Crystal Palace scored their extra time winner in Wednesdays Carling Cup tie with Manchester United, a penny had dropped. While U...
United's squad deficiency
Long before Crystal Palace scored their extra time winner in Wednesdays Carling Cup tie with Manchester United, a penny had dropped. While United's first team when all fit are a match for anyone, the squad underneath is largely pretty poor.
Firstly now both da Silva twins look not only liabilities when they tackle, they have both become to fragile and injury prone. Undenyably great going forward questions remain over the Brazilian pair. Another defender struggling is Johnny Evans. He appears to always have a mistake in him and that seems to transmit through the team.
Both Diouf and Macheda do not have the United look about them and neither contributed much in the whole match. Berbatov didn't look remotely interested and his Old Trafford future is in doubt. Darron Gibson didn't affect at all from midfield and the usual reliable Ji Sung Park was a disappointment. If Gibson is at United come February I'll be very surprised.
The only plus points were Ben Amos in goal despite the defeat, Chris Smalling had his usual outstanding game and Antonio Valencia looked the only decent United player going forward. United didn't look a decent team until the introduction of Morrison and Pogba during the second half but even impressive displays from both couldn't inspire what had gone before them.
It is a big change from early season when United had an apparent abundance of riches. Given the highlighted problems in their squad depth, could this be a problem going forward for league and European glory.
Maybe going out of the League Cup to a lower league side will focus the team. Many who played against Palace may not play for the first team for a while and some may never appear again. Certainly United won't complain unless it is Man City who lift another piece of silverware.
With the semi final draw pairing Man City with Liverpool and Cardiff with Crystal Palace it is definite to be a Premier League v Championship final and that is all I'm predicting. It won't be easy for Palace to beat Cardiff away so I think that will give Cardiff the edge on aggregate. Obviously Man City will be favourites but I have a sneaky suspicion that Liverpool can match them over two legs. I go for a Cardiff v Liverpool final.
Firstly now both da Silva twins look not only liabilities when they tackle, they have both become to fragile and injury prone. Undenyably great going forward questions remain over the Brazilian pair. Another defender struggling is Johnny Evans. He appears to always have a mistake in him and that seems to transmit through the team.
Both Diouf and Macheda do not have the United look about them and neither contributed much in the whole match. Berbatov didn't look remotely interested and his Old Trafford future is in doubt. Darron Gibson didn't affect at all from midfield and the usual reliable Ji Sung Park was a disappointment. If Gibson is at United come February I'll be very surprised.
The only plus points were Ben Amos in goal despite the defeat, Chris Smalling had his usual outstanding game and Antonio Valencia looked the only decent United player going forward. United didn't look a decent team until the introduction of Morrison and Pogba during the second half but even impressive displays from both couldn't inspire what had gone before them.
It is a big change from early season when United had an apparent abundance of riches. Given the highlighted problems in their squad depth, could this be a problem going forward for league and European glory.
Maybe going out of the League Cup to a lower league side will focus the team. Many who played against Palace may not play for the first team for a while and some may never appear again. Certainly United won't complain unless it is Man City who lift another piece of silverware.
With the semi final draw pairing Man City with Liverpool and Cardiff with Crystal Palace it is definite to be a Premier League v Championship final and that is all I'm predicting. It won't be easy for Palace to beat Cardiff away so I think that will give Cardiff the edge on aggregate. Obviously Man City will be favourites but I have a sneaky suspicion that Liverpool can match them over two legs. I go for a Cardiff v Liverpool final.
Armchair Sport: Sunderland. Is the only way up?
Armchair Sport: Sunderland. Is the only way up?: The Sunderland board finally had enough and decided enough was enough from Steve Bruce. After 13 games and just two wins have are they the f...
Sunderland. Is the only way up?
The Sunderland board finally had enough and decided enough was enough from Steve Bruce. After 13 games and just two wins have are they the first to panic or have they timed this decision just right.
That depends of course on who they have planned to come in and whether or not they are prepared to back him in January. There is no denying the squad needs one or two additions. They have not replaced Bent or Gyan and have missed Onuoha and Welbeck since their respective loan spells finished.
The signing of Larsson was a good piece of business and Wes Brown has enjoyed a resurgence in form but the rest of the summer signings have not impressed on a regular enough basis. OK injuries and suspensions take there tole but Bendtner has repeated his inconsistent Arsenal days.
Another factor in the decline of Sunderland surrounds the captaincy issue. When Bruce signed O'Shea he gave him the armband, taking it away from Cattermole and O'Shea hasn't quite been at his best.
Obviously the way in which they lost Gyan is a huge setback. That is the area they need most additions. They need a forward and if Robbie Keane is available for a loan spell that may be a move that could please all concerned.
The other debate is who have the board got in mind to replace Steve Bruce. The obvious choices seem to be Martin O'Neill and Mark Hughes. Both are good organisers, can motivate players and attract one or two new faces to play and fight for the cause. A gamble would be Huddersfield manager Lee Clark. He is an ex player and has done a job at Huddersfield I just don't think that would please the fans. Maybe Roberto Martinez can be persuaded to leave Wigan now that Dave Whelan is handing the club over.
Whoever is chosen to change the fortunes of Sunderland has to be given one important thing. Time. They may not save Sunderland but like the Wigan owner Dave Whelan, the manager needs the faith is with him should that happen.
That depends of course on who they have planned to come in and whether or not they are prepared to back him in January. There is no denying the squad needs one or two additions. They have not replaced Bent or Gyan and have missed Onuoha and Welbeck since their respective loan spells finished.
The signing of Larsson was a good piece of business and Wes Brown has enjoyed a resurgence in form but the rest of the summer signings have not impressed on a regular enough basis. OK injuries and suspensions take there tole but Bendtner has repeated his inconsistent Arsenal days.
Another factor in the decline of Sunderland surrounds the captaincy issue. When Bruce signed O'Shea he gave him the armband, taking it away from Cattermole and O'Shea hasn't quite been at his best.
Obviously the way in which they lost Gyan is a huge setback. That is the area they need most additions. They need a forward and if Robbie Keane is available for a loan spell that may be a move that could please all concerned.
The other debate is who have the board got in mind to replace Steve Bruce. The obvious choices seem to be Martin O'Neill and Mark Hughes. Both are good organisers, can motivate players and attract one or two new faces to play and fight for the cause. A gamble would be Huddersfield manager Lee Clark. He is an ex player and has done a job at Huddersfield I just don't think that would please the fans. Maybe Roberto Martinez can be persuaded to leave Wigan now that Dave Whelan is handing the club over.
Whoever is chosen to change the fortunes of Sunderland has to be given one important thing. Time. They may not save Sunderland but like the Wigan owner Dave Whelan, the manager needs the faith is with him should that happen.
Armchair Sport: Fergie's Olympic Concerns
Armchair Sport: Fergie's Olympic Concerns: Who are any of us to question the knowledge of Sir Alex Ferguson? He has proved so often down the years that he is on the ball more times t...
Fergie's Olympic Concerns
Who are any of us to question the knowledge of Sir Alex Ferguson? He has proved so often down the years that he is on the ball more times than not. Even his badly worded rant about referee fitness has helped improve referees fitness and ability to keep up with play whilst also employing sports psychologists and dietitians to ensure that whatever can be done to try to get the best from our officials has been considered
So when Ferguson first suggested that no young players should play in the Euro 2012 tournament in June and the Olympics in August, it was quickly swept under the carpet as a typical Fergie grumble as United themselves have a host of players expected to be involved in the Euro's. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are pushing capello into a decision while Ashley Young has become a Capello favourite and should Rooney get some leniancy from his suspension (don't hold your beath) and Cleverley and Welbeck stay fit, that's before you add Nani (Portugal), Evra (France), Gibson and possibly de Gea.
United will probably be without de Gea, Anderson, Hernandez to start with for their respective countries at London 2012. The British Olympic team will contain a few non English players. Bale and Ramsey from Wales are certainties. Not every player 23 or under will be selected for the Euro team. Scotland could be represented with B.Bannan, G.Hanley, J.Rhodes and D.Wilson. A host of potential English youngsters that probably won't be going to the Euro's are A.Smithies, B.Amos, K.Gibbs, A.Chamberlain. , M.Kelly, C.Wickham, D.Rose, J.Henderson and should he declare himself eligible E.Frimpong. To satisfy Northern Ireland I'm delegating a position or two for one out of J.Evans, O.Norwood, C.Cathcart and C.Evans.
Not every player going to the Euro's is guaranteed to play so one or two will be fresh enough to play for the British Olympic team. Ultimatley I agree with Sir Alex. No player that plays in the Euro's for 5 or 6 games, should then play in the Olympics. Young they may well be but if they have Champions League or Europa League football they will burn themselves out as we have seen so often. Stuart Pearce knows the 40-45 players in Capello's mind so he knows who else he has to work with.
With the row over which FA's would allow their players to play, and the ticket fiasco, the football has almost become a laughing stock. Get an idea of a squad together now and start planning and playing your team. Surely whoever is going to play should be meeting regularly, training, bonding the usual things a team does. It just makes it all the harder to take the Olympic football seriously.
So when Ferguson first suggested that no young players should play in the Euro 2012 tournament in June and the Olympics in August, it was quickly swept under the carpet as a typical Fergie grumble as United themselves have a host of players expected to be involved in the Euro's. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are pushing capello into a decision while Ashley Young has become a Capello favourite and should Rooney get some leniancy from his suspension (don't hold your beath) and Cleverley and Welbeck stay fit, that's before you add Nani (Portugal), Evra (France), Gibson and possibly de Gea.
United will probably be without de Gea, Anderson, Hernandez to start with for their respective countries at London 2012. The British Olympic team will contain a few non English players. Bale and Ramsey from Wales are certainties. Not every player 23 or under will be selected for the Euro team. Scotland could be represented with B.Bannan, G.Hanley, J.Rhodes and D.Wilson. A host of potential English youngsters that probably won't be going to the Euro's are A.Smithies, B.Amos, K.Gibbs, A.Chamberlain. , M.Kelly, C.Wickham, D.Rose, J.Henderson and should he declare himself eligible E.Frimpong. To satisfy Northern Ireland I'm delegating a position or two for one out of J.Evans, O.Norwood, C.Cathcart and C.Evans.
Not every player going to the Euro's is guaranteed to play so one or two will be fresh enough to play for the British Olympic team. Ultimatley I agree with Sir Alex. No player that plays in the Euro's for 5 or 6 games, should then play in the Olympics. Young they may well be but if they have Champions League or Europa League football they will burn themselves out as we have seen so often. Stuart Pearce knows the 40-45 players in Capello's mind so he knows who else he has to work with.
With the row over which FA's would allow their players to play, and the ticket fiasco, the football has almost become a laughing stock. Get an idea of a squad together now and start planning and playing your team. Surely whoever is going to play should be meeting regularly, training, bonding the usual things a team does. It just makes it all the harder to take the Olympic football seriously.
Armchair Sport: Are Blackburn keen on Kean
Armchair Sport: Are Blackburn keen on Kean: How on earth has Blackburn manager Steve Kean lasted as long as he has in charge of the Lancashire club. Bad results, bad form and a bad dem...
Are Blackburn keen on Kean
How on earth has Blackburn manager Steve Kean lasted as long as he has in charge of the Lancashire club. Bad results, bad form and a bad demeanour have led to the Ewood Park faithful continually call for his head.
Is this another case of giving another young British manager not enough time. Not this time I fear. Before a ball was kicked this season they were in my 3 teams to go down and so far them and Wigan have not disappointed. It must horror Blackburn fans looking at the Championship table and seeing the job Sam Alladyce has done with West Ham. They were wrong to let him go in the first place.
Usually I am the first to stand by most managers and say that they need a little time. If I was the owner or chairman of Blackburn then Steve Kean would have one month to convince me that he could turn things around. After his reaction to losing in the League Cup quarter final against Cardiff, he has just 4 games to save his job in reality.
You can accept his decision to leave out key names but for him to come out and say they forfeited a semi final place to concentrate on their league form is ludicrous. A side that has only won 1 league game all season forfeited a semi final place. A semi final whih would see them play Liverpool, Man City and probably Man United. What better way of sending confidence through a struggling team than causing an upset and beating one of those sides.
Instead Steve Kean would rather treat the next 4 league fixtures as cup finals. Had they maintained a good start against Cardiff they may have got something out of the tie to build on for the important December schedule. While they lacked conviction their hosts grew to the challenge and once they scored there was only to be one winner.
Relegation is not ideal but winning the Carling Cup and being relegated hasn't stopped Birmingham impressing in Europe this season and sit in 11th place in the league but with 3 games in hand over most teams. Should they win them they will easily be placed in the play-offs by the end of the season.
So Blackburn have chosen that is not for them. An extra 3 games of testing themselves against the elite didn't appeal to them. This weekend's visit of Swansea is instead the salvation to their season. However I wouldn't say Swansea were a bad team and they will fancy the occasion to cause an upset.
An away trip to Sunderland will not be an easy trip and you wouldn't gurantee 3 points in that match. Then follows to must win home matches against West Brom and Bolton before Blackburn finish the year with away trips to Liverpool and Manchester United. With Steve Kean in charge you can see them winning maybe 2 of those matches and that just isn't enough.
He seems a very self absorbed person, defiant, stubborn maybe but even he must see that his methods have not worked. He has had a summer to bring his own players and ideas in and still Blackburn have not been higher than they were when he took over. Their are managers out their, young British managers who are not currently working. I think if Blackburn are to save their Premier League status they need to hire one ideally before a transfer window when he has a chance to bring in a player or two that are happy to play for him.
That is a major factor with Steve Kean. The players don't perform for him like they did say when Mark Hughes was manager and that has to be motivation. No new players seem interested to go to Blackburn and why would they. Whatever Kean is saying or doing behind the scenes is working because he continues to remain when a change is clearly needed.
Is this another case of giving another young British manager not enough time. Not this time I fear. Before a ball was kicked this season they were in my 3 teams to go down and so far them and Wigan have not disappointed. It must horror Blackburn fans looking at the Championship table and seeing the job Sam Alladyce has done with West Ham. They were wrong to let him go in the first place.
Usually I am the first to stand by most managers and say that they need a little time. If I was the owner or chairman of Blackburn then Steve Kean would have one month to convince me that he could turn things around. After his reaction to losing in the League Cup quarter final against Cardiff, he has just 4 games to save his job in reality.
You can accept his decision to leave out key names but for him to come out and say they forfeited a semi final place to concentrate on their league form is ludicrous. A side that has only won 1 league game all season forfeited a semi final place. A semi final whih would see them play Liverpool, Man City and probably Man United. What better way of sending confidence through a struggling team than causing an upset and beating one of those sides.
Instead Steve Kean would rather treat the next 4 league fixtures as cup finals. Had they maintained a good start against Cardiff they may have got something out of the tie to build on for the important December schedule. While they lacked conviction their hosts grew to the challenge and once they scored there was only to be one winner.
Relegation is not ideal but winning the Carling Cup and being relegated hasn't stopped Birmingham impressing in Europe this season and sit in 11th place in the league but with 3 games in hand over most teams. Should they win them they will easily be placed in the play-offs by the end of the season.
So Blackburn have chosen that is not for them. An extra 3 games of testing themselves against the elite didn't appeal to them. This weekend's visit of Swansea is instead the salvation to their season. However I wouldn't say Swansea were a bad team and they will fancy the occasion to cause an upset.
An away trip to Sunderland will not be an easy trip and you wouldn't gurantee 3 points in that match. Then follows to must win home matches against West Brom and Bolton before Blackburn finish the year with away trips to Liverpool and Manchester United. With Steve Kean in charge you can see them winning maybe 2 of those matches and that just isn't enough.
He seems a very self absorbed person, defiant, stubborn maybe but even he must see that his methods have not worked. He has had a summer to bring his own players and ideas in and still Blackburn have not been higher than they were when he took over. Their are managers out their, young British managers who are not currently working. I think if Blackburn are to save their Premier League status they need to hire one ideally before a transfer window when he has a chance to bring in a player or two that are happy to play for him.
That is a major factor with Steve Kean. The players don't perform for him like they did say when Mark Hughes was manager and that has to be motivation. No new players seem interested to go to Blackburn and why would they. Whatever Kean is saying or doing behind the scenes is working because he continues to remain when a change is clearly needed.
Armchair Sport: Capello sign him up
Armchair Sport: Capello sign him up: Despite the defeat, Arsenal showed they are a team on the up during their Carling Cup tie with Manchester City. A very decent game of footb...
Capello sign him up
Despite the defeat, Arsenal showed they are a team on the up during their Carling Cup tie with Manchester City. A very decent game of football seemed to be destined for extra time until City's lightning counter attack led to Sergio Aguero's late winner. On possession and shots on target, extra time was the least Arsenl deserved.
It wasn't to be. After the match one of the pundits stated that young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could force himself into the Euro 2012 squad. Admittedly he did have a decent game last night but the argument came when the pundit claimed if he was playing regularly, Capello would have a decision to make. Well he isn't going to displace Van Persie, Gervinho or Walcott for either of Arsenal's front 3 positions. Assuming he starts Arsenal's final Champions League match, there is no guarantee he will play before the 3rd round of the FA Cup. He isn't going to get ahead of Young, Walcott, Lennon, Sturridge, Agbonlahor, Downing or Adam Johnson unless he is playing week in.
Now while the pundit on TV is no expert in my eyes, he is right to highlight Chamberlain's potential although his name has been circulated round U18 and U21 level for a while. Whether the pundit hadn't had a chat with his dad or not I don't know but he missed out a young English performance in my view. One of Arsenal's best players was the impressive Emmanuel Frimpong. I have been really impressed with him already this season and against the likes of Hargreaves and de Jong he didn't look out of place. He has already played twice as many games as team mate Chamberlain this season.
Now I do concede that it will take a run of bad luck injury wise to propel this youngster ahead of Parker, Milner, Jones and Rodwell but personally I would put him above the likes of Gareth Barry. Yes I agree Frimpong is still rough round the edges as his sending off against Liverpool will testify but that can also be blaimed on the manager for not substituting a defensive young eager midfielder who was on a yellow card.
The big problem comes in Frimpong's professionalism. For years football fans have slated players who play international football for a country through some distant family connection. Frimpong was born in Ghana but moved to England at a young age. He has represented England at U16 level, withdrawn from an U19 squad through injury and made the U21 squad for the matches against Azerbaijan and Israel back in August. Despite this he has always said that should Ghana come calling he would play for them. It would be interesting to see what his decision would be should he get a call from Capello early next year.
If the lad chooses to stay loyal to Ghana then you have to respect that decision. I'd rather have him in y team than have to face him. That's now let alone in another 5 or 10 years when he is a real world beater. It's fine to adopt tennis players, boxers, cricketers and athletes to improve our national prospets in these sports and in the past players like Owen Hargreaves have played for England when that wasn't there first option.
What is in no doubt is to this young Arsenal stars true potential. I say first we consider him and then or the next friendly we include him into the squad. Sorry invite him into the squad. He has the choice whether to hold out for Ghana or accept England's calling. We have to at least try rather than regret not even doing that and let it come back to haunt us.
It wasn't to be. After the match one of the pundits stated that young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could force himself into the Euro 2012 squad. Admittedly he did have a decent game last night but the argument came when the pundit claimed if he was playing regularly, Capello would have a decision to make. Well he isn't going to displace Van Persie, Gervinho or Walcott for either of Arsenal's front 3 positions. Assuming he starts Arsenal's final Champions League match, there is no guarantee he will play before the 3rd round of the FA Cup. He isn't going to get ahead of Young, Walcott, Lennon, Sturridge, Agbonlahor, Downing or Adam Johnson unless he is playing week in.
Now while the pundit on TV is no expert in my eyes, he is right to highlight Chamberlain's potential although his name has been circulated round U18 and U21 level for a while. Whether the pundit hadn't had a chat with his dad or not I don't know but he missed out a young English performance in my view. One of Arsenal's best players was the impressive Emmanuel Frimpong. I have been really impressed with him already this season and against the likes of Hargreaves and de Jong he didn't look out of place. He has already played twice as many games as team mate Chamberlain this season.
Now I do concede that it will take a run of bad luck injury wise to propel this youngster ahead of Parker, Milner, Jones and Rodwell but personally I would put him above the likes of Gareth Barry. Yes I agree Frimpong is still rough round the edges as his sending off against Liverpool will testify but that can also be blaimed on the manager for not substituting a defensive young eager midfielder who was on a yellow card.
The big problem comes in Frimpong's professionalism. For years football fans have slated players who play international football for a country through some distant family connection. Frimpong was born in Ghana but moved to England at a young age. He has represented England at U16 level, withdrawn from an U19 squad through injury and made the U21 squad for the matches against Azerbaijan and Israel back in August. Despite this he has always said that should Ghana come calling he would play for them. It would be interesting to see what his decision would be should he get a call from Capello early next year.
If the lad chooses to stay loyal to Ghana then you have to respect that decision. I'd rather have him in y team than have to face him. That's now let alone in another 5 or 10 years when he is a real world beater. It's fine to adopt tennis players, boxers, cricketers and athletes to improve our national prospets in these sports and in the past players like Owen Hargreaves have played for England when that wasn't there first option.
What is in no doubt is to this young Arsenal stars true potential. I say first we consider him and then or the next friendly we include him into the squad. Sorry invite him into the squad. He has the choice whether to hold out for Ghana or accept England's calling. We have to at least try rather than regret not even doing that and let it come back to haunt us.
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Armchair Sport: Sports Personality of the Year
Armchair Sport: Sports Personality of the Year: The 10 nominees for SPOTY 2011 were announced yesterday and it appears there isn't many of them who deserve the title based on a whole years...
Sports Personality of the Year
The 10 nominees for SPOTY 2011 were announced yesterday and it appears there isn't many of them who deserve the title based on a whole years performance.
The 10 are Mark Cavendish, Andrew Strauss, Andy Murray and Amir Khan. These 4 are all on the list but I don't see any making the top 6.
A trio of golfers Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald all have a reason to be confident while ahletes Mo Farah and Dai Greene who were two shining lights during a largely disappointing World Championships and the other real contender is Ashes record breaker Alistair Cook.
Although Farah won more medals than Greene, the welsh 400 metre hurdler was arguably the most consistent athlete in the world during last season. While Farah may not be the best football score predictor he is sure to get votes from Arsenal fans. For me Greene is ahead of Farah and they should finish around 4th to 6th in the voting.
Poor Alistair Cook. After an incredible away Ashes series which saw him break all kinds of records, he then went on to justify his selection in the 50 over format as captain. Until the golf season got into the major part of their season, Cook was by fat the stand out performer in British sport. Should his exploits be remembered he could crack the top 3.
I think the winner this year will be a golfer. It will take an effort to knock one of them out of the top three. Here is why. Rory McIlroy won the US Open but was largely disappointing through the rest of the season including an amazing capitulation at the US Masters. It's that poor side of his year that may see him finish out the top 3. Then we have Luke Donald. An amazingly consistent season has seen him rise to world number 1. Although no major wins were obtained, he won the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and beat Lee Westwood in a play-off to win the BMW PGA Championship. In July he won his first title as world number 1 when he captured the Barclays Scottish Open. In any other year this would surely see him finish above Cook but the British are a sentimental race and he may find himself only 2nd.
There can be no better winner than 42 year old Darren Clarke though in my eyes. Recovering from the devastating loss of his wife, he has recaptured the form that saw many experts regularly tip him for a major win. Unfancied at the start of the week, he was an over whelming popular winner of the famous Claret Jug at this years Open Championship held at Royal St. Georges. A tough course was made nigh impossible due to the weather conditions yet Clarke stood top of the tree on the Sunday afternoon by a clear 3 shots. Like I say the Brit love a success story and this ranks right up there. He gets my vote. Who will get yours.
The 10 are Mark Cavendish, Andrew Strauss, Andy Murray and Amir Khan. These 4 are all on the list but I don't see any making the top 6.
A trio of golfers Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald all have a reason to be confident while ahletes Mo Farah and Dai Greene who were two shining lights during a largely disappointing World Championships and the other real contender is Ashes record breaker Alistair Cook.
Although Farah won more medals than Greene, the welsh 400 metre hurdler was arguably the most consistent athlete in the world during last season. While Farah may not be the best football score predictor he is sure to get votes from Arsenal fans. For me Greene is ahead of Farah and they should finish around 4th to 6th in the voting.
Poor Alistair Cook. After an incredible away Ashes series which saw him break all kinds of records, he then went on to justify his selection in the 50 over format as captain. Until the golf season got into the major part of their season, Cook was by fat the stand out performer in British sport. Should his exploits be remembered he could crack the top 3.
I think the winner this year will be a golfer. It will take an effort to knock one of them out of the top three. Here is why. Rory McIlroy won the US Open but was largely disappointing through the rest of the season including an amazing capitulation at the US Masters. It's that poor side of his year that may see him finish out the top 3. Then we have Luke Donald. An amazingly consistent season has seen him rise to world number 1. Although no major wins were obtained, he won the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and beat Lee Westwood in a play-off to win the BMW PGA Championship. In July he won his first title as world number 1 when he captured the Barclays Scottish Open. In any other year this would surely see him finish above Cook but the British are a sentimental race and he may find himself only 2nd.
There can be no better winner than 42 year old Darren Clarke though in my eyes. Recovering from the devastating loss of his wife, he has recaptured the form that saw many experts regularly tip him for a major win. Unfancied at the start of the week, he was an over whelming popular winner of the famous Claret Jug at this years Open Championship held at Royal St. Georges. A tough course was made nigh impossible due to the weather conditions yet Clarke stood top of the tree on the Sunday afternoon by a clear 3 shots. Like I say the Brit love a success story and this ranks right up there. He gets my vote. Who will get yours.
Armchair Sport: Carling Cup Quarter Finals
Armchair Sport: Carling Cup Quarter Finals: There are obviously 4 matches in the Carling Cup this week as the remaining teams try to make the semi finals. Here is how I see the two nig...
Carling Cup Quarter Finals
There are obviously 4 matches in the Carling Cup this week as the remaining teams try to make the semi finals. Here is how I see the two nights action going.
Blackburn Rovers vs Cardiff City
Cardiff are in better form than their opponents and the two clubs could conceivably swap divisions by the start of next season. Cardiff will want to put in a good performance for the memory of national manager Gary Speed. I predict that Cardiff City will come through this match.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
All City fans will be relishing this match. However with a weekend fixture against Chelsea manager Roberto Mancini will surely rest his first teamers. I think if Arsene Wenger fields a strong enough team then Arsenal have a chance to cause an upset to the money bags of football.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Much will depend on the side that Sir Alex Ferguson sends out. Rumours that Amos, Smalling, Rafael and Pogba should all start for United. Should they not be at the races then Palace have a chance. But a much more likely outcome will be Man United winning.
Chelsea vs Liverpool
Still smarting from the home league defeat recently, Chelsea will be determined to avenge that defeat. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalgleish has already had a moan about fixtures and hasn't said that he won't play a weakened team. I think Chelsea will have a point to prove and that their second team is stronger than Liverpool's. Chelsea to come through.
Blackburn Rovers vs Cardiff City
Cardiff are in better form than their opponents and the two clubs could conceivably swap divisions by the start of next season. Cardiff will want to put in a good performance for the memory of national manager Gary Speed. I predict that Cardiff City will come through this match.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
All City fans will be relishing this match. However with a weekend fixture against Chelsea manager Roberto Mancini will surely rest his first teamers. I think if Arsene Wenger fields a strong enough team then Arsenal have a chance to cause an upset to the money bags of football.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Much will depend on the side that Sir Alex Ferguson sends out. Rumours that Amos, Smalling, Rafael and Pogba should all start for United. Should they not be at the races then Palace have a chance. But a much more likely outcome will be Man United winning.
Chelsea vs Liverpool
Still smarting from the home league defeat recently, Chelsea will be determined to avenge that defeat. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalgleish has already had a moan about fixtures and hasn't said that he won't play a weakened team. I think Chelsea will have a point to prove and that their second team is stronger than Liverpool's. Chelsea to come through.
Monday 28 November 2011
Armchair Sport: Gary Speed
Armchair Sport: Gary Speed: Little did I know when I switched the football off on Saturday night that a bigger story than the penalty decision at Old Trafford was about...
Gary Speed
Little did I know when I switched the football off on Saturday night that a bigger story than the penalty decision at Old Trafford was about to unfold. A night of celebrations and a worse for wear Sunday meant I didn't check up on the headlines till late Sunday afternoon.
Before I go any further I would like to say I don't but any daily newspaper. I haven't since the News of the World published their last episode. All I am saying is I am not aware of whatever rumours the tabloids have conjured up this morning. I'd rather concentrate on the man rather than whatever circumstances surround Speed's tragic death.
Speed started his career as a 19 year old at Leeds United. The midfield combination of Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty, along with Speed helped the Elland Road club win the last First Division trophy before the inception of the Premier League. Speed went on to play 312 appearances and scored 57 goals.
In 1996 Speed moved to Everton, the club he supported as a boy and although he scored on his debut and was made captain by then manager Howard Kendall, Speed left in controversial circumstances which for the sake of the reputation of Everton, he never revealed. He played 65 games for Everton and scored 17 goals.
After leaving Everton, Speed signed for Newcastle and helped the club reach back-to-back FA Cup finals. Unfortunately Newcastle lost both finals. Speed also had a flurry in the 2002-03 Champions League campaign. He went on to make 284 appearances and scored 40 goals. When he left in 2004 then manager Sir Bobby Robson was very sad to see him leave.
In 2004 Speed moved to Bolton. During his time there he became the first player to reach 500 Premier League games and when he scored against Reading in 2007, at that time he was the only man to score in every Premier League season. Ryan Giggs since matched and exceeded this feat. Speed made 139 appearances and scored 14 goals.
Speed finished his career at Sheffield United in 2008-10. During his time with the blades, Speed started work on his coaching badges. He officially retied from football in his 41st year after playing 40 times and scoring 6 goals for the Sheffield club.
At international level Gary Speed went on to win a record number of caps for an outfield player a total of 85. Only Neville Southall has more. He scored 7 goals for Wales and appears at number 6 in a list of Best Welsh Football Players. Speed then went on to manage the Wales International team for 10 games but during those games he lifted Wales back inside the top 50 of FIFA's rankings and he had all the players wanting to play for him.
Away from football Speed was an avid supporter of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which raises money for cancer and ran the 2010 London Marathon. He was a loving family man and our thoughts are with his wife and children during this difficult time and pray the media and inquest are respectful.
As a player Speed will be remembered as a fantastic footballer. Good with either foot and extremely good in the air, his leadership qualities where evident which ever team he played for. He was a gentleman on and off the pitch but that didn't stop him being a fierce competitor in midfield. He may not have achieved as many honours as he might have elsewhere but he is undoubtedly an English Football legend and role model to all youngsters in the game.
Before I go any further I would like to say I don't but any daily newspaper. I haven't since the News of the World published their last episode. All I am saying is I am not aware of whatever rumours the tabloids have conjured up this morning. I'd rather concentrate on the man rather than whatever circumstances surround Speed's tragic death.
Speed started his career as a 19 year old at Leeds United. The midfield combination of Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty, along with Speed helped the Elland Road club win the last First Division trophy before the inception of the Premier League. Speed went on to play 312 appearances and scored 57 goals.
In 1996 Speed moved to Everton, the club he supported as a boy and although he scored on his debut and was made captain by then manager Howard Kendall, Speed left in controversial circumstances which for the sake of the reputation of Everton, he never revealed. He played 65 games for Everton and scored 17 goals.
After leaving Everton, Speed signed for Newcastle and helped the club reach back-to-back FA Cup finals. Unfortunately Newcastle lost both finals. Speed also had a flurry in the 2002-03 Champions League campaign. He went on to make 284 appearances and scored 40 goals. When he left in 2004 then manager Sir Bobby Robson was very sad to see him leave.
In 2004 Speed moved to Bolton. During his time there he became the first player to reach 500 Premier League games and when he scored against Reading in 2007, at that time he was the only man to score in every Premier League season. Ryan Giggs since matched and exceeded this feat. Speed made 139 appearances and scored 14 goals.
Speed finished his career at Sheffield United in 2008-10. During his time with the blades, Speed started work on his coaching badges. He officially retied from football in his 41st year after playing 40 times and scoring 6 goals for the Sheffield club.
At international level Gary Speed went on to win a record number of caps for an outfield player a total of 85. Only Neville Southall has more. He scored 7 goals for Wales and appears at number 6 in a list of Best Welsh Football Players. Speed then went on to manage the Wales International team for 10 games but during those games he lifted Wales back inside the top 50 of FIFA's rankings and he had all the players wanting to play for him.
Away from football Speed was an avid supporter of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which raises money for cancer and ran the 2010 London Marathon. He was a loving family man and our thoughts are with his wife and children during this difficult time and pray the media and inquest are respectful.
As a player Speed will be remembered as a fantastic footballer. Good with either foot and extremely good in the air, his leadership qualities where evident which ever team he played for. He was a gentleman on and off the pitch but that didn't stop him being a fierce competitor in midfield. He may not have achieved as many honours as he might have elsewhere but he is undoubtedly an English Football legend and role model to all youngsters in the game.
Saturday 26 November 2011
Armchair Sport: We can win something with kids.
Armchair Sport: We can win something with kids.: Has it really been 15 years since Alan Hansen made the worst prediction since Michael Fish's disastrous weather forecast in 1987. How those ...
We can win something with kids.
Has it really been 15 years since Alan Hansen made the worst prediction since Michael Fish's disastrous weather forecast in 1987. How those words have come back to haunt the Match of the Day expert.
Now what he will say is that he meant to say you can't win anything with a team completely made up with youngsters. Most of us acknowledge you need a sprinkling of experience if you are to be successful.
Gary Neville recently predicted that it would take England 10 years to be competitive at international level. If you analyse the U21 players who have broke through into the full team and in 10 years they will all be 29-32. In their footballing prime.
Then I got to thinking which clubs are successfully bringing English young players through capable of potentially breaking into Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 squad.
Arsenal have 3 genuine prospects with Wilshire, Walcott and Gibbs all with a real chance provided they all gain a decent run of form and fitness. From Villa, Agbonlahor is a player due to his international experience is still a novice and again given form and fitness is another who is challenging the established members. Should Gary Cahill secure a move to a top 6 team he could go but as long as he is struggling at Bolton it won't happen.
If Gibbs can't find form and fitness another potential left back is Ryan Bertrand. Although he might not make Chelsea's team, a spell on loan in January may force his way into the squad. Whether he is selected as a wide player or as a striking option it looks like Sturridge's consistency will ensure his place. Jack Rodwell may not be prominent yet but an injury here and there, maintaining his own form and even a move in January could see hi shoot up the pecking order. Man United may come calling after losing Anderson on a long term injury. Rodwell's current team captain Phil Jagielka showed he deserves a place in the squad after his performance against Spain.
Man City should provide right back competition in Micah Richards along with keeper Joe Hart and midfielder James Milner in a midfield position. Neighbours United will expect defenders Smalling and Jones to join forwards Young, Rooney (provided his suspension is reduced) and Welbeck (provided he starts scoring regularly and if Tom Cleverley can regain fitness and find his early season form it will be hard for Capello to overlook him.
Another possible surprise inclusion come next year could be Danny Simpson. A long shot I know but all he can do is keep up his club form. There are also calls to include his club mate Steven Taylor. Another centre back performing consistently is Ryan Shawcross. With Stoke seemingly set to make the next phase of the Europa League, he will have plenty of opportunity to show his credentials.
A couple of outside chances who are playing well for their clubs are Scott Sinclair (Swansea), Matt Jarvis (Wolves) and Wright-Phillips (QPR). All three are some way short but are on the emergency last resort list. They will need to just concentrate on their club form and see where it leads to.
One more youngster definite to go is Kyle Walker from Tottenham. He looks set to maybe even start but that depends on Richards, Smalling and even Jones. His club team mate Scott Parker should in my opinion be made the England captain. I know he isn't one of these players who need an armband to perform but he has become so important in his position I just feel he is the best choice out of the guaranteed starters to lead on the pitch. Bet that provokes a lot of sour Chelsea "fans". And obviously Aaron Lennon will feel unless he is injured then he is another cert.
So if all these new and young players all keep performing and maintain fitness Capello's youngsters could form the baulk of the squad. Joe Hart and Stockdale both young in football terms. Walker, Richards, Smalling, Jones, Shawcross Gibbs or Bertrand all early twenties (Jones exception) plus Jagielka whose under 30. Parker, Milner, Sturridge, Young, Walcott, Lennon, Wilshire and Cleverley providing midfield options and Rooney, Bent, Agbonlhor and Welbeck as your forward options and throw another goalkeeper onto that list and you have 22 of a 23 man squad possibly already.
The likes of Glenn Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry, Baines, Lampard, Gerrard, Jole Cole, Ashley Cole and Gareth Barry are no longer automatic choices and have their work cut out to gain a place in the squad. I have been saying since the World Cup that I would rather get an international beating by trying the youngsters than with the same old flops. I stand by this. The only way the youngsters are going to get experience and big matches is if they play them. Their good enough for the Champions League and Europa League.
The term "Golden Generation" was coined by the media but I feel they were premature. This current crop of players from the ages of 27 downwards really does have the potential for greatness. What would Busby or Ferguson do? If the boys are good enough they will play. After all. You can win things with kids.
Now what he will say is that he meant to say you can't win anything with a team completely made up with youngsters. Most of us acknowledge you need a sprinkling of experience if you are to be successful.
Gary Neville recently predicted that it would take England 10 years to be competitive at international level. If you analyse the U21 players who have broke through into the full team and in 10 years they will all be 29-32. In their footballing prime.
Then I got to thinking which clubs are successfully bringing English young players through capable of potentially breaking into Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 squad.
Arsenal have 3 genuine prospects with Wilshire, Walcott and Gibbs all with a real chance provided they all gain a decent run of form and fitness. From Villa, Agbonlahor is a player due to his international experience is still a novice and again given form and fitness is another who is challenging the established members. Should Gary Cahill secure a move to a top 6 team he could go but as long as he is struggling at Bolton it won't happen.
If Gibbs can't find form and fitness another potential left back is Ryan Bertrand. Although he might not make Chelsea's team, a spell on loan in January may force his way into the squad. Whether he is selected as a wide player or as a striking option it looks like Sturridge's consistency will ensure his place. Jack Rodwell may not be prominent yet but an injury here and there, maintaining his own form and even a move in January could see hi shoot up the pecking order. Man United may come calling after losing Anderson on a long term injury. Rodwell's current team captain Phil Jagielka showed he deserves a place in the squad after his performance against Spain.
Man City should provide right back competition in Micah Richards along with keeper Joe Hart and midfielder James Milner in a midfield position. Neighbours United will expect defenders Smalling and Jones to join forwards Young, Rooney (provided his suspension is reduced) and Welbeck (provided he starts scoring regularly and if Tom Cleverley can regain fitness and find his early season form it will be hard for Capello to overlook him.
Another possible surprise inclusion come next year could be Danny Simpson. A long shot I know but all he can do is keep up his club form. There are also calls to include his club mate Steven Taylor. Another centre back performing consistently is Ryan Shawcross. With Stoke seemingly set to make the next phase of the Europa League, he will have plenty of opportunity to show his credentials.
A couple of outside chances who are playing well for their clubs are Scott Sinclair (Swansea), Matt Jarvis (Wolves) and Wright-Phillips (QPR). All three are some way short but are on the emergency last resort list. They will need to just concentrate on their club form and see where it leads to.
One more youngster definite to go is Kyle Walker from Tottenham. He looks set to maybe even start but that depends on Richards, Smalling and even Jones. His club team mate Scott Parker should in my opinion be made the England captain. I know he isn't one of these players who need an armband to perform but he has become so important in his position I just feel he is the best choice out of the guaranteed starters to lead on the pitch. Bet that provokes a lot of sour Chelsea "fans". And obviously Aaron Lennon will feel unless he is injured then he is another cert.
So if all these new and young players all keep performing and maintain fitness Capello's youngsters could form the baulk of the squad. Joe Hart and Stockdale both young in football terms. Walker, Richards, Smalling, Jones, Shawcross Gibbs or Bertrand all early twenties (Jones exception) plus Jagielka whose under 30. Parker, Milner, Sturridge, Young, Walcott, Lennon, Wilshire and Cleverley providing midfield options and Rooney, Bent, Agbonlhor and Welbeck as your forward options and throw another goalkeeper onto that list and you have 22 of a 23 man squad possibly already.
The likes of Glenn Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry, Baines, Lampard, Gerrard, Jole Cole, Ashley Cole and Gareth Barry are no longer automatic choices and have their work cut out to gain a place in the squad. I have been saying since the World Cup that I would rather get an international beating by trying the youngsters than with the same old flops. I stand by this. The only way the youngsters are going to get experience and big matches is if they play them. Their good enough for the Champions League and Europa League.
The term "Golden Generation" was coined by the media but I feel they were premature. This current crop of players from the ages of 27 downwards really does have the potential for greatness. What would Busby or Ferguson do? If the boys are good enough they will play. After all. You can win things with kids.
Armchair Sport: Man United vs Newcastle
Armchair Sport: Man United vs Newcastle: On the face of it this fixture may not get the neutral excited. Certainly on this seasons form a draw seems a likely outcome and Newcastle w...
Man United vs Newcastle
On the face of it this fixture may not get the neutral excited. Certainly on this seasons form a draw seems a likely outcome and Newcastle won't lose badly if defeat is the outcome. Even though that would be two defeats in a row and calls for some managers head, Alan Pardew has done amazing the first half of the season and has just been unlucky to face the Manchester clubs on back to back weekends.
Looking back through the Premier League history and you see how this fixture although it doesn't jump off the page, it still provides special moments. Who can forget Kevin Keagan's infamous "I will love it if we beat them" speech when Man United managed to reel Newcastle in from miles behind them to win the league by 4 points in the end.
Who will ever forget the 5-0 victory when Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and David Ginola ripped United to pieces and the sumptuous goal from Philippe Albert to chip Schmeichel and make it 5-0.
Remember the confrontation between Shearer and Keane which saw the Man United captain sent off for swinging his handbag in Shearer's direction.
What about Wayne Rooney's wonder volley at Old Trafford within 10 seconds of him berating the referee. One of the finest goals in Premier League history.
Those old enough may recall Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting himself sent off for the benefit of the team as Newcastle counter attacked and Rob Lee was through on goal until Solskjaer's intervention.
Recent years have seen a more friendly approach between the two sides with many players moving from one to the other. Michael Owen left Newcastle for Man United, while Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Simpson and Gabriel Obertan are a few who have left Old Trafford for the stadium formerly known as St. James Park.
This seasons match up may not provide the fireworks and excitement of the late 90's and both teams could cancel each other out. Much will depend how many minutes Man United can get out of Wayne Rooney. Without him Man United struggle and if he plays how free will his movement be.
I will be tuning in at 3 o'clock to see what the line up is and I have to admit I made a score prediction before November started that I am stuck with. I went with a 3-1 Man United win. Fingers crossed.
Looking back through the Premier League history and you see how this fixture although it doesn't jump off the page, it still provides special moments. Who can forget Kevin Keagan's infamous "I will love it if we beat them" speech when Man United managed to reel Newcastle in from miles behind them to win the league by 4 points in the end.
Who will ever forget the 5-0 victory when Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and David Ginola ripped United to pieces and the sumptuous goal from Philippe Albert to chip Schmeichel and make it 5-0.
Remember the confrontation between Shearer and Keane which saw the Man United captain sent off for swinging his handbag in Shearer's direction.
What about Wayne Rooney's wonder volley at Old Trafford within 10 seconds of him berating the referee. One of the finest goals in Premier League history.
Those old enough may recall Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting himself sent off for the benefit of the team as Newcastle counter attacked and Rob Lee was through on goal until Solskjaer's intervention.
Recent years have seen a more friendly approach between the two sides with many players moving from one to the other. Michael Owen left Newcastle for Man United, while Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Simpson and Gabriel Obertan are a few who have left Old Trafford for the stadium formerly known as St. James Park.
This seasons match up may not provide the fireworks and excitement of the late 90's and both teams could cancel each other out. Much will depend how many minutes Man United can get out of Wayne Rooney. Without him Man United struggle and if he plays how free will his movement be.
I will be tuning in at 3 o'clock to see what the line up is and I have to admit I made a score prediction before November started that I am stuck with. I went with a 3-1 Man United win. Fingers crossed.
Friday 25 November 2011
Armchair Sport: Can Joe Cole make Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 squad....
Armchair Sport: Can Joe Cole make Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 squad....: After a mid week away Champions League win for French side Lille on Tuesday night, some sections of the media questioned as to whether or no...
Can Joe Cole make Fabio Capello's Euro 2012 squad.
After a mid week away Champions League win for French side Lille on Tuesday night, some sections of the media questioned as to whether or not Joe Cole warranted consideration for Capello's squad to go to Poland and Ukraine for next summers European Championships.
Firstly before i dive to deep in this issue I have to say I don't watch much French football. OK I admit I don't watch any. There hasn't been same lure of the Italian football of the 90's nor the Galacticos of Real Madrid nor the elegant Barcelona of recent years. I am aware that Paris St German have money to burn at the moment and a ridiculous offer around £11.6m for David Beckham for only 18 months certainly surprised me. It doesn't appear that Lyon have it all their own way now and in that respect there seems to be more teams capable of winning the French league, a similarity to our own Premier League. In short I'm saying that French football isn't up to the English standard.
Another reason that Cole has been able to shine at Lille has been down to the form of Eden Hazard. The youngster is making the French league look to easy for him and the queue of potential clubs is growing on a weekly basis. Now there was a rumour that an unwritten agreement that was part of Cole's loan move was that Liverpool would be kept in the loop with regards to Hazard and have first option on him. Dalgleish wanted an option on Hazard but didn't seem interested in Cole.
When it became clear he would be available on a free transfer I thought Fergie may swoop given the success he has had with Michael Owen and Henrik Larsson both deemed past their best. It didn't happen and I felt Liverpool had potentially the signing of the summer. It never quite worked out for him and despite the occasional glimpse of genius, his lack of pace was becoming highlighted on a regular basis. At international level pace is paramount these days. Especially in Joe Cole's position.
That is why Gareth Barry, admittedly on the come back to full fitness looked so out of place at the world cup. Another not blessed with speed but with a good engine as they say and with carrying an injury it became highlighted significantly against the Germans. Matthew Upsom and John Terry, two defenders that should not be paired together because they don't possess any between them.
Another question that springs to mind is who do you leave out to accomodate Cole in the England squad. In the wide positions there are Theo Walcott, Ashley Young, Daniel Sturridge and Aaron Lennon who provided they are all fit should all make the final squad. In central midfield Scott Parker, Phil Jones and James Milner look to be fighting for the defensive midfield poitions while Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard look to be in direct competition just for a place in the squad. Then there is the possible returns to fitness of Jack Wilshire and Tom Cleverley before you consider Gabby Agbonlahor, Stewart Downing or Adam Johnson. There are many who would even place Jack Rodwell into the mix now as well.
Now if Wayne Rooney's suspension is not reduced (we find out on December 9th) then as mentioned above there is a possibility for Agbonlahor and Sturridge to be selected for the wide roles. That will leave an extra option up front. Provided he is scoring goals we all assume Darren Bent is another certainty but contenders besides him are a little thin on the ground. Danny Welbeck isn't an automatic choice at Man United yet and although Bobby Zamora is an option I wonder if he will get a goal when it's really needed. Maybe if Cole's form is still good come the friendly matches in the spring then Capello could try him as either the supporting midfielder or experiment with him as a striker.
That is another bug for another day. The lack of experimenting in friendly matches. Of course nothing can be decided until we know what Rooney's fate is. Based on current form this is how the England squad is looking.
Joe Hart is untouched as starter in goal and at this stage it seems Capello has Carson and Stockdale as back up. Unless he makes a surprise inclusion for the friendlies I fear that is the 3 keepers we shall take. Neither replacement is playing Premier League football at this time.
Kyle Walker has staked his claim to the right back position. Hopefully Capello will gain faith in Micah Richards and there is your right backs. Ashley Cole is still untouched at left back but his replacement Leighton Baines isn't so comfortable. Keiron Gibbs needs a run of games and fitness and could force a late challenge while Ryan Bertrand may go out on loan in January and force his way in that way with some decent performances. In central defence I think Phil Jagielka has become a fans favourite when he plays but is a forgotten man when people think about their squads. I don't think England should take Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. By the summer we may decide we don't need either. Not yet. There's room for one. Then you have Ryan Shawcross, Chris Smalling and Jolean Lescott all playing and playing well. Surely Capello can't take Gary Cahill based on his club form. He may excel in a poor team but he is prone to mistakes and lapses of concentration and at the moment the only way he is going is if he gets a transfer in January.
That's how we stand. The thing is everyone praised Capello for trying so many young players since the shambolic World Cup fiasco. We've seen Walker, Smalling, Jones, Wilshire, Sturridge and Welbeck all make seemless transitions from the U21 and Capello rightly seems to have faith in Ashley Young. Nobody threw Joe Cole's name into the ring for any of the qualifying campaign because he wasn't playing. Even if he plays from now till the end of the season he won't make the final 23 man squad or even feature in Capello's plans unless a string of catastophic injuries plagues the England manager.
We all praised Capello for giving youth it's chance and they have repaid him by showing him they are all hungry and ready. Like Busby and Ferguson would do, it's time to drop the tag of "Golden Generation" and win something with kids.
Firstly before i dive to deep in this issue I have to say I don't watch much French football. OK I admit I don't watch any. There hasn't been same lure of the Italian football of the 90's nor the Galacticos of Real Madrid nor the elegant Barcelona of recent years. I am aware that Paris St German have money to burn at the moment and a ridiculous offer around £11.6m for David Beckham for only 18 months certainly surprised me. It doesn't appear that Lyon have it all their own way now and in that respect there seems to be more teams capable of winning the French league, a similarity to our own Premier League. In short I'm saying that French football isn't up to the English standard.
Another reason that Cole has been able to shine at Lille has been down to the form of Eden Hazard. The youngster is making the French league look to easy for him and the queue of potential clubs is growing on a weekly basis. Now there was a rumour that an unwritten agreement that was part of Cole's loan move was that Liverpool would be kept in the loop with regards to Hazard and have first option on him. Dalgleish wanted an option on Hazard but didn't seem interested in Cole.
When it became clear he would be available on a free transfer I thought Fergie may swoop given the success he has had with Michael Owen and Henrik Larsson both deemed past their best. It didn't happen and I felt Liverpool had potentially the signing of the summer. It never quite worked out for him and despite the occasional glimpse of genius, his lack of pace was becoming highlighted on a regular basis. At international level pace is paramount these days. Especially in Joe Cole's position.
That is why Gareth Barry, admittedly on the come back to full fitness looked so out of place at the world cup. Another not blessed with speed but with a good engine as they say and with carrying an injury it became highlighted significantly against the Germans. Matthew Upsom and John Terry, two defenders that should not be paired together because they don't possess any between them.
Another question that springs to mind is who do you leave out to accomodate Cole in the England squad. In the wide positions there are Theo Walcott, Ashley Young, Daniel Sturridge and Aaron Lennon who provided they are all fit should all make the final squad. In central midfield Scott Parker, Phil Jones and James Milner look to be fighting for the defensive midfield poitions while Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard look to be in direct competition just for a place in the squad. Then there is the possible returns to fitness of Jack Wilshire and Tom Cleverley before you consider Gabby Agbonlahor, Stewart Downing or Adam Johnson. There are many who would even place Jack Rodwell into the mix now as well.
Now if Wayne Rooney's suspension is not reduced (we find out on December 9th) then as mentioned above there is a possibility for Agbonlahor and Sturridge to be selected for the wide roles. That will leave an extra option up front. Provided he is scoring goals we all assume Darren Bent is another certainty but contenders besides him are a little thin on the ground. Danny Welbeck isn't an automatic choice at Man United yet and although Bobby Zamora is an option I wonder if he will get a goal when it's really needed. Maybe if Cole's form is still good come the friendly matches in the spring then Capello could try him as either the supporting midfielder or experiment with him as a striker.
That is another bug for another day. The lack of experimenting in friendly matches. Of course nothing can be decided until we know what Rooney's fate is. Based on current form this is how the England squad is looking.
Joe Hart is untouched as starter in goal and at this stage it seems Capello has Carson and Stockdale as back up. Unless he makes a surprise inclusion for the friendlies I fear that is the 3 keepers we shall take. Neither replacement is playing Premier League football at this time.
Kyle Walker has staked his claim to the right back position. Hopefully Capello will gain faith in Micah Richards and there is your right backs. Ashley Cole is still untouched at left back but his replacement Leighton Baines isn't so comfortable. Keiron Gibbs needs a run of games and fitness and could force a late challenge while Ryan Bertrand may go out on loan in January and force his way in that way with some decent performances. In central defence I think Phil Jagielka has become a fans favourite when he plays but is a forgotten man when people think about their squads. I don't think England should take Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. By the summer we may decide we don't need either. Not yet. There's room for one. Then you have Ryan Shawcross, Chris Smalling and Jolean Lescott all playing and playing well. Surely Capello can't take Gary Cahill based on his club form. He may excel in a poor team but he is prone to mistakes and lapses of concentration and at the moment the only way he is going is if he gets a transfer in January.
That's how we stand. The thing is everyone praised Capello for trying so many young players since the shambolic World Cup fiasco. We've seen Walker, Smalling, Jones, Wilshire, Sturridge and Welbeck all make seemless transitions from the U21 and Capello rightly seems to have faith in Ashley Young. Nobody threw Joe Cole's name into the ring for any of the qualifying campaign because he wasn't playing. Even if he plays from now till the end of the season he won't make the final 23 man squad or even feature in Capello's plans unless a string of catastophic injuries plagues the England manager.
We all praised Capello for giving youth it's chance and they have repaid him by showing him they are all hungry and ready. Like Busby and Ferguson would do, it's time to drop the tag of "Golden Generation" and win something with kids.
Armchair Sport: George Best
Armchair Sport: George Best: Today is the anniversary of the death of George Best. 6 years have gone and his memory may have slipped many of the modern generation. I mys...
George Best
Today is the anniversary of the death of George Best. 6 years have gone and his memory may have slipped many of the modern generation. I myself am to young to have seen him play live. I consider myself one of the unfortunate ones.
He made his first team debut back in 1963 and went on to form the historic "Holy Trinity" alongside Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton. Together they helped rebuild United from the tragedy of the Munich Air Crash and 10 years after that fateful day, Best scored two goals at the old Wembley to beat Benfica 4-1 in the 1968 European Cup final.
The years that followed were hard on George with the successful team around him slowly ageing whilst he was still in his prime. In his own words with the European Cup win everyone associated with the days of Busby's Babes acted like they had reached and obtained their goal. Best was of the thinking that it should have been the start of United's dominance.
What many people didn't realise through all Best's problems was an inherited condition gained from his mother. She herself died from alcoholism-related heart disease in 1978. She was only 55. With the 60's in full swing and Best's undoubted star quality led him to become a commercial dream. Money men and glamorous girls came calling.
Best left United aged just 27 in 1974, before his peak as a footballer and many felt robbed of a general star in his prime. He went on to draw crowds with appearances for club sides in South Africa, Australia, Ireland and Scotland. He also had a successful spell in America and scored arguably his greatest goal whilst playing for San Jose Earthquakes.
During his career he won 2 League Championships and 1 European Cup as well as European Footballer of the year for 1968. An undoubted genius only his longevity leaves him outside the same bracket as Pele and Diego Maradona. Maybe the rivalry between the Brazilian and Argentine legends led to Pele's bias. When Best was asked how he wanted to be remembered his response was " as the best player that ever lived. Pele said it was George Best and that's good enough for me"
6 years ago when Best lost his battle with illness the traditional minutes silence before matches was not observed. Typical of the man a minutes applause was instead held. This was a more fitting tribute to a man who had entertained millions and didn't regret to much in life.
It is important not to forget this legend. The world was robbed of some of his best years but his legacy lives on. Any youngster coming across from Ireland to English football has Best's playing career as a yardstick. Don't feel sorry for George though. Be thankful. Had he been 10 years earlier he probably would have perished in the Air Disaster and had he been born 10 years later he would have been in the midst of trying to revive United out of the old second division. Yes his time at the top wasn't long. But what moments of ageless skill and quality did he treat us to.
He made his first team debut back in 1963 and went on to form the historic "Holy Trinity" alongside Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton. Together they helped rebuild United from the tragedy of the Munich Air Crash and 10 years after that fateful day, Best scored two goals at the old Wembley to beat Benfica 4-1 in the 1968 European Cup final.
The years that followed were hard on George with the successful team around him slowly ageing whilst he was still in his prime. In his own words with the European Cup win everyone associated with the days of Busby's Babes acted like they had reached and obtained their goal. Best was of the thinking that it should have been the start of United's dominance.
What many people didn't realise through all Best's problems was an inherited condition gained from his mother. She herself died from alcoholism-related heart disease in 1978. She was only 55. With the 60's in full swing and Best's undoubted star quality led him to become a commercial dream. Money men and glamorous girls came calling.
Best left United aged just 27 in 1974, before his peak as a footballer and many felt robbed of a general star in his prime. He went on to draw crowds with appearances for club sides in South Africa, Australia, Ireland and Scotland. He also had a successful spell in America and scored arguably his greatest goal whilst playing for San Jose Earthquakes.
During his career he won 2 League Championships and 1 European Cup as well as European Footballer of the year for 1968. An undoubted genius only his longevity leaves him outside the same bracket as Pele and Diego Maradona. Maybe the rivalry between the Brazilian and Argentine legends led to Pele's bias. When Best was asked how he wanted to be remembered his response was " as the best player that ever lived. Pele said it was George Best and that's good enough for me"
6 years ago when Best lost his battle with illness the traditional minutes silence before matches was not observed. Typical of the man a minutes applause was instead held. This was a more fitting tribute to a man who had entertained millions and didn't regret to much in life.
It is important not to forget this legend. The world was robbed of some of his best years but his legacy lives on. Any youngster coming across from Ireland to English football has Best's playing career as a yardstick. Don't feel sorry for George though. Be thankful. Had he been 10 years earlier he probably would have perished in the Air Disaster and had he been born 10 years later he would have been in the midst of trying to revive United out of the old second division. Yes his time at the top wasn't long. But what moments of ageless skill and quality did he treat us to.
Armchair Sport: Chelsea & Stamford Bridge
Armchair Sport: Chelsea & Stamford Bridge: Given all the troubles surrounding Chelsea Football Club at the moment, I am surprised they have involved themselves in more controversy and...
Chelsea & Stamford Bridge
Given all the troubles surrounding Chelsea Football Club at the moment, I am surprised they have involved themselves in more controversy and the possibility of moving their stadium.
In the midst of a team lacking confidence, an owner with an itchy trigger finger and a manager seemingly fighting the tide against him, Chelsea are taking preliminary steps in enquiring to the availability of the Battersea Power Station site. The hope is a 55,000 to 60,000 seater stadium can be built.
However problems start with their current home venue Stamford Bridge. Firstly Chelsea would have to buy back the freehold on their home since 1905. Also problems with Battersea being a grade 2 listed building means that any work can only preserve the site not redevelopment.
This all comes after the controversial decision by Newcastle to sell the naming rights of St. James Park. Now we have the SportsDirect.com Arena. What I struggle with is that Stamford Bridge holds around 42,000 and I know there is an ongoing argument with the local council about extending Stamford Bridge. I fail to see how it makes good business sense to build an entire new stadium whch only has around 10,000 seats.
It strikes me that Chelsea are just trying to flex their financial power. When will owners learn that by riding a club of their identity ultimately harms a team before it improves it. Is it jealousy that Arsenal have a shiny new stadium or have their noses been put out of place with Tottenham and West ham fighting over the right to play at the new Olympic stadium. Whatever their reasoning for abandoning their home it has to be a good one.
It just makes me feel sad that a team that has no history except their famous ground, and one that is losing credibility on a weekly basis thinks it has some foolish right to throw it all away on another whim from their Russian sugar daddy.
In the midst of a team lacking confidence, an owner with an itchy trigger finger and a manager seemingly fighting the tide against him, Chelsea are taking preliminary steps in enquiring to the availability of the Battersea Power Station site. The hope is a 55,000 to 60,000 seater stadium can be built.
However problems start with their current home venue Stamford Bridge. Firstly Chelsea would have to buy back the freehold on their home since 1905. Also problems with Battersea being a grade 2 listed building means that any work can only preserve the site not redevelopment.
This all comes after the controversial decision by Newcastle to sell the naming rights of St. James Park. Now we have the SportsDirect.com Arena. What I struggle with is that Stamford Bridge holds around 42,000 and I know there is an ongoing argument with the local council about extending Stamford Bridge. I fail to see how it makes good business sense to build an entire new stadium whch only has around 10,000 seats.
It strikes me that Chelsea are just trying to flex their financial power. When will owners learn that by riding a club of their identity ultimately harms a team before it improves it. Is it jealousy that Arsenal have a shiny new stadium or have their noses been put out of place with Tottenham and West ham fighting over the right to play at the new Olympic stadium. Whatever their reasoning for abandoning their home it has to be a good one.
It just makes me feel sad that a team that has no history except their famous ground, and one that is losing credibility on a weekly basis thinks it has some foolish right to throw it all away on another whim from their Russian sugar daddy.
Thursday 24 November 2011
Armchair Sport: 10 of Sir Alex's best buys.
Armchair Sport: 10 of Sir Alex's best buys.: I read an article the other day naming Sir Alex Ferguson's 10 worst signings and sales. Hear are 10 of his best signings. 1. Peter Schmeic...
Armchair Sport: 10 of Sir Alex's best buys.
Armchair Sport: 10 of Sir Alex's best buys.: I read an article the other day naming Sir Alex Ferguson's 10 worst signings and sales. Hear are 10 of his best signings. 1. Peter Schmeic...
10 of Sir Alex's best buys.
I read an article the other day naming Sir Alex Ferguson's 10 worst signings and sales. Hear are 10 of his best signings.
1. Peter Schmeichel. Signed from Bronby in Denmark for a mere £530,000 in 1991. Schmeichel won 5 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Champions League and 1 UEFA Super Cup with United whilst also lifting the 1992 European Championship with Denmark during his time as a Manchester United player.
2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Signed for £1.5m in 1996, Solskjaer gained cult status at Old Trafford when his goal won the 1999 Champions League trophy. Solskjaer scored 91 goals in his 235 appearances for United and won 6 League titles, 2 FA Cups, 1 Champions League and 1 Inter Continental Cup.
3. Dennis Irwin. He first appeared on Fergie's radar during the two epic semi final legs against Oldham back in 1990. He cost United £625,000 and made 368 appearances for United and in 12 years won 7 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Cup Winners Cup, 1 European Super Cup and 1 Inter Continental Cup.
4. Roy Keane. Signed in 1993 for a then British transfer record £3.75m but repaid that figure ten-fold. Keane went on to become a leader on the pitch and epitomised United's drive towards domestic domination. He amassed 7 Premier Leagues, FA Cup, 1 Champions League and 1 Inter Continental Cup.
5. Gary Pallister. Signed for £2.3m then British record for a defender. Pallister formed a formidable central defensive partner ship with Steve Bruce through the 90's. he won 317 appearances for United and collected 4 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Cup Winners Cup and 1 UEFA Super Cup.
6. Javier Hernandez. Signed for a reported £7m before the 2010 World Cup he has only been at United for a season. Already his record of 18 goals from 38 games is looking good and he is already a full Mexican international as well as winning a Premier League winners medal.
7. Chris Smalling. Signed for around £12m, Smalling looked a gamble but he has proved his worth already with his ability to play any different positions and his performances at U21 level have made many sit back and realise what Ferguson saw. He already has Champions League and International experience and a future regular starter for club and country is expected one he returns to full fitness.
8. Phil Jones. An undisclosed deal believed to be around £16.5m already looks good business. Comparisons with the great Duncan Edwards have made everyone stand up and take notice. Fitness permitted a certainty for the summers Euro 2012 tournament and Manchester United's player of the season and England's future captain.
9. Patrice Evra & Nemanja Vidic. Signed for around a combined £12.5m in the January of 2008, both have won 4 Premier Leagues, 3 League Cups, 1 Champions League and 1 Club World Cup. Evra has made over 180 appearances and Vidic has made over 165. Vidic is captain and Evra deputises whenever he doesn't play. They have been key ingredients to United's success over the last 5 years.
10. Eric Cantona. Amazingly United paid rivals Leeds United just £1.2m for the services of the flamboyant Frenchman. He went on to win 4 Premier Leagues and 2 FA Cups (scoring 3 goals in 2 finals) and is credited as a role model the "Fergie's Fledglings" looked up to and learned from. When United play during December the "12 days of Cantona" still brings a smile to my face.
1. Peter Schmeichel. Signed from Bronby in Denmark for a mere £530,000 in 1991. Schmeichel won 5 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Champions League and 1 UEFA Super Cup with United whilst also lifting the 1992 European Championship with Denmark during his time as a Manchester United player.
2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Signed for £1.5m in 1996, Solskjaer gained cult status at Old Trafford when his goal won the 1999 Champions League trophy. Solskjaer scored 91 goals in his 235 appearances for United and won 6 League titles, 2 FA Cups, 1 Champions League and 1 Inter Continental Cup.
3. Dennis Irwin. He first appeared on Fergie's radar during the two epic semi final legs against Oldham back in 1990. He cost United £625,000 and made 368 appearances for United and in 12 years won 7 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Cup Winners Cup, 1 European Super Cup and 1 Inter Continental Cup.
4. Roy Keane. Signed in 1993 for a then British transfer record £3.75m but repaid that figure ten-fold. Keane went on to become a leader on the pitch and epitomised United's drive towards domestic domination. He amassed 7 Premier Leagues, FA Cup, 1 Champions League and 1 Inter Continental Cup.
5. Gary Pallister. Signed for £2.3m then British record for a defender. Pallister formed a formidable central defensive partner ship with Steve Bruce through the 90's. he won 317 appearances for United and collected 4 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Cup Winners Cup and 1 UEFA Super Cup.
6. Javier Hernandez. Signed for a reported £7m before the 2010 World Cup he has only been at United for a season. Already his record of 18 goals from 38 games is looking good and he is already a full Mexican international as well as winning a Premier League winners medal.
7. Chris Smalling. Signed for around £12m, Smalling looked a gamble but he has proved his worth already with his ability to play any different positions and his performances at U21 level have made many sit back and realise what Ferguson saw. He already has Champions League and International experience and a future regular starter for club and country is expected one he returns to full fitness.
8. Phil Jones. An undisclosed deal believed to be around £16.5m already looks good business. Comparisons with the great Duncan Edwards have made everyone stand up and take notice. Fitness permitted a certainty for the summers Euro 2012 tournament and Manchester United's player of the season and England's future captain.
9. Patrice Evra & Nemanja Vidic. Signed for around a combined £12.5m in the January of 2008, both have won 4 Premier Leagues, 3 League Cups, 1 Champions League and 1 Club World Cup. Evra has made over 180 appearances and Vidic has made over 165. Vidic is captain and Evra deputises whenever he doesn't play. They have been key ingredients to United's success over the last 5 years.
10. Eric Cantona. Amazingly United paid rivals Leeds United just £1.2m for the services of the flamboyant Frenchman. He went on to win 4 Premier Leagues and 2 FA Cups (scoring 3 goals in 2 finals) and is credited as a role model the "Fergie's Fledglings" looked up to and learned from. When United play during December the "12 days of Cantona" still brings a smile to my face.
Armchair Sport: Goal line technology Fact or Fiction?
Armchair Sport: Goal line technology Fact or Fiction?: We hear today that goal line technology may actually be available as early as next season. The FA General Secretary Alex Horne has revealed ...
Goal line technology Fact or Fiction?
We hear today that goal line technology may actually be available as early as next season. The FA General Secretary Alex Horne has revealed as many as 9 systems are under going tests and should one become successful then the laws that govern the game will have to change.
Where do we start. Firstly you should know that any change requires a three quarter vote. FIFA has 4 votes and the English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish FA's or International Football Association Board all have a vote each. So any new goal line technology has to comply to FIFA's criteria. FIFA's guidelines are that the technology should only be used to determine whether a goal has been scored and that the technology is used solely for the goal line. FIFA also insist the system must be accurate and ideally that system should indicate whether a goal has been scored or not within 1 second. Finally FIFA insist that only the match officials are made aware of the decision.
The key to FIFA's criteria is the fact they want a system that can deliver a response within a second. That is going to prove the toughest test to beat. However a brain child of Bolton Wanderers fans Harry Barnes and David Parden looks capable of even passing that test. Their system involves special goal posts at a cost of around £100,000 each with 24 high definition cameras in. They claim that the cameras can tell whether the ball has crossed the line almost instantly and that a computer can verify the information using three-dimensional imaging software. An signal is then sent to the referee via vibration and a visual notice. The pair claim all this can be achieved within a second. FIFA's testers will go to league one side Rochdale to see the system in action.
Should everything pass the criteria it will be hard for closet racist and anti English football Mr Sepp Blatter to do anything but accept the need to change the law. There are commercial opportunities with this system to consider and the lure of money might be enough to sway him this time. As long as all of his criteria were met how can Blatter refuse.
Some of the other ideas including one whose system utilises an electronic sensor inside the match ball and electromagnetic strips buried under the goal and penalty area lines and another from the Hawk-Eye team who have had success in Tennis and Cricket. These both seem to have slipped down the pecking order and appear unlikely to be ready by next season.
So far FIFA and IFAB have been fortunate that the lack of technology hasn't affected the outcome of a match with millions of pounds riding on one decision. Had Lampard's goal that never was against Germany in the world cup been the other way round I'm sure Blatter would have been the first to call for the change.
The thing I don't understand is why the IFAB can't run trials for the Barnes & Parden system without FIFA for matches that FIFA have no control over. The League Cup for example. This system should have been tried in this seasons league cup campaign. It seems the flaws would have had more chance to show themselves than just at a one off game when no incidents may even occur.
My idea for a video referee or technical assistant call them what you will is going to happen. It seems a referral system using that video referee is unlikely as I was using a 30 second limit on decisions. But if we want change then lets do the tests ourselves and then go to FIFA and show them that the idea works under all their criteria and let them beg us to be able to use it.
Lets give this Barnes & Parden system a chance and if it works for us then let us have it whether FIFA agree or not. We will adjust to playing matches where it is not an option just as the England Cricket team adjust to certain elements not available for review during some of their matches. Let us not be governed and regulated by the corruptness of FIFA and grab some control and pride back. We showed the introduced football to the world. Now it's time for us to show them the way forward.
Where do we start. Firstly you should know that any change requires a three quarter vote. FIFA has 4 votes and the English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish FA's or International Football Association Board all have a vote each. So any new goal line technology has to comply to FIFA's criteria. FIFA's guidelines are that the technology should only be used to determine whether a goal has been scored and that the technology is used solely for the goal line. FIFA also insist the system must be accurate and ideally that system should indicate whether a goal has been scored or not within 1 second. Finally FIFA insist that only the match officials are made aware of the decision.
The key to FIFA's criteria is the fact they want a system that can deliver a response within a second. That is going to prove the toughest test to beat. However a brain child of Bolton Wanderers fans Harry Barnes and David Parden looks capable of even passing that test. Their system involves special goal posts at a cost of around £100,000 each with 24 high definition cameras in. They claim that the cameras can tell whether the ball has crossed the line almost instantly and that a computer can verify the information using three-dimensional imaging software. An signal is then sent to the referee via vibration and a visual notice. The pair claim all this can be achieved within a second. FIFA's testers will go to league one side Rochdale to see the system in action.
Should everything pass the criteria it will be hard for closet racist and anti English football Mr Sepp Blatter to do anything but accept the need to change the law. There are commercial opportunities with this system to consider and the lure of money might be enough to sway him this time. As long as all of his criteria were met how can Blatter refuse.
Some of the other ideas including one whose system utilises an electronic sensor inside the match ball and electromagnetic strips buried under the goal and penalty area lines and another from the Hawk-Eye team who have had success in Tennis and Cricket. These both seem to have slipped down the pecking order and appear unlikely to be ready by next season.
So far FIFA and IFAB have been fortunate that the lack of technology hasn't affected the outcome of a match with millions of pounds riding on one decision. Had Lampard's goal that never was against Germany in the world cup been the other way round I'm sure Blatter would have been the first to call for the change.
The thing I don't understand is why the IFAB can't run trials for the Barnes & Parden system without FIFA for matches that FIFA have no control over. The League Cup for example. This system should have been tried in this seasons league cup campaign. It seems the flaws would have had more chance to show themselves than just at a one off game when no incidents may even occur.
My idea for a video referee or technical assistant call them what you will is going to happen. It seems a referral system using that video referee is unlikely as I was using a 30 second limit on decisions. But if we want change then lets do the tests ourselves and then go to FIFA and show them that the idea works under all their criteria and let them beg us to be able to use it.
Lets give this Barnes & Parden system a chance and if it works for us then let us have it whether FIFA agree or not. We will adjust to playing matches where it is not an option just as the England Cricket team adjust to certain elements not available for review during some of their matches. Let us not be governed and regulated by the corruptness of FIFA and grab some control and pride back. We showed the introduced football to the world. Now it's time for us to show them the way forward.
Armchair Sport: Does anyone want this years Champions League
Armchair Sport: Does anyone want this years Champions League: So with one group game remaining in this season's Champions League and what odds would you have that only one English team was guaranteed to...
Does anyone want this years Champions League
So with one group game remaining in this season's Champions League and what odds would you have that only one English team was guaranteed to qualify to the knock out stages. Given that Man City, Man United and Chelsea are the three struggling who would of said that Arsenal would be leading the European charge.
It is a sign of how things can turn around during the course of the season. Back when Man United beat Arsenal 8-2, United had a fit squad competing for selection and everyone was playing with confidence. Arsenal didn't know who was staying or going and pretty much sent out a sacrificial team at Old Trafford. Not that those lambs showed themselves up despite the score. Had situations at key moments been different and so could the outcome.
Fast forward to this week and United look a team generally needing ideas an inspiration. Who would of thought Tom Cleverley would turn out to be such a miss for them this season. Meanwhile at Arsenal somehow Arsene Wenger has managed to jump start Robin Van Persie. There will be questions over his fitness for the course of a season but the more matches he plays will see those comments disappear. Yes Wenger needs an old professional striker around the club. One that knows he won't start to many matches but one that is ready to come off the bench when necessary. Apart from Van Persie there is nobody a Arsenal to do that.
Over at Man City the money men are coming to terms with some harsh lessons. First money can't make you young German defender happy or want to stay. Second money can't keep a world class player like Carlos Tevez happy to be on the bench of a team he was captaining last season. Thirdly that money can't make your young Italian striker play with a smile nor can money guarantee international recognition for all your young English defenders. Fourth money can't do a thing if your player gets a long term injury. All lesson that Chelsea have learnt over the last few seasons.
Even spending £50m on Fernando Torres hasn't brought Chelsea any closer to the holy grail of the European Cup. You might argue they are further away now than ever before. Well this season is beyond them. Providing all 4 English clubs get through to the knockout stage it doesn't prove that the Premier League necessarily the best any more. It may well be the most competitive but there are at least teams with genuine chances of winning this years trophy and the English clubs are a mere afterthought.
Defending Champions Barcelona are on a mission to become the first team to defend their title since the inception of the Champions League. Domestic rivals Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo will have something to say about that and are not to be written off. The other team that I think will sneak into the latter stages unfancied is Bayern Munich. They were my tip before the competition kicked off and have made a potentially difficult group look easy. Remember they faced Man City, Napoli and Villareal. They are one of those teams you want to avoid for as long as possible.
If the English sides can successfully negotiate their way into the knockout rounds they will fancy their chances. One final thought that will be giving United, City and Chelsea fans sleepless nights. All 3 can still finish in the Europa League. How those three teams would swap for Arsenal's position now.
It is a sign of how things can turn around during the course of the season. Back when Man United beat Arsenal 8-2, United had a fit squad competing for selection and everyone was playing with confidence. Arsenal didn't know who was staying or going and pretty much sent out a sacrificial team at Old Trafford. Not that those lambs showed themselves up despite the score. Had situations at key moments been different and so could the outcome.
Fast forward to this week and United look a team generally needing ideas an inspiration. Who would of thought Tom Cleverley would turn out to be such a miss for them this season. Meanwhile at Arsenal somehow Arsene Wenger has managed to jump start Robin Van Persie. There will be questions over his fitness for the course of a season but the more matches he plays will see those comments disappear. Yes Wenger needs an old professional striker around the club. One that knows he won't start to many matches but one that is ready to come off the bench when necessary. Apart from Van Persie there is nobody a Arsenal to do that.
Over at Man City the money men are coming to terms with some harsh lessons. First money can't make you young German defender happy or want to stay. Second money can't keep a world class player like Carlos Tevez happy to be on the bench of a team he was captaining last season. Thirdly that money can't make your young Italian striker play with a smile nor can money guarantee international recognition for all your young English defenders. Fourth money can't do a thing if your player gets a long term injury. All lesson that Chelsea have learnt over the last few seasons.
Even spending £50m on Fernando Torres hasn't brought Chelsea any closer to the holy grail of the European Cup. You might argue they are further away now than ever before. Well this season is beyond them. Providing all 4 English clubs get through to the knockout stage it doesn't prove that the Premier League necessarily the best any more. It may well be the most competitive but there are at least teams with genuine chances of winning this years trophy and the English clubs are a mere afterthought.
Defending Champions Barcelona are on a mission to become the first team to defend their title since the inception of the Champions League. Domestic rivals Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo will have something to say about that and are not to be written off. The other team that I think will sneak into the latter stages unfancied is Bayern Munich. They were my tip before the competition kicked off and have made a potentially difficult group look easy. Remember they faced Man City, Napoli and Villareal. They are one of those teams you want to avoid for as long as possible.
If the English sides can successfully negotiate their way into the knockout rounds they will fancy their chances. One final thought that will be giving United, City and Chelsea fans sleepless nights. All 3 can still finish in the Europa League. How those three teams would swap for Arsenal's position now.
Armchair Sport: AVB - A Victim of Brilliance
Armchair Sport: AVB - A Victim of Brilliance: Chelsea's relentless pursuit in trying to emulate and overall Manchester United is now getting embarrassing. Firstly you need to establish...
AVB - A Victim of Brilliance
Chelsea's relentless pursuit in trying to emulate and overall Manchester United is now getting embarrassing.
Firstly you need to establish a history. Something that entices people around the globe. Something like the Busby Babes or European Cup wins back in the pre Champions League days. Secondly you need those fans to stay loyal through the bad times like United's faithful did during their 26 year wait in between league titles. Thirdly you need to have a decent board in place with leadership and direction. Finally you need a good young coach who needs backing.
Andre Villas-Boas may not be as household a name as Ancelotti or Hiddink but last season his performance spoke for itself. It was on the back of that season that Chelsea were prepared to pay £13m for his services. Some clubs didn't spend that much on players. Newcastle's stadium deal wouldn't even buy AVB's services. But Chelsea got their man. A 33 year old unknown quantity it's fair to say. But when you spend £13m on a manager who is 33 the one thing you can't do is sack him during his first season.
This is where things turn farcical at Stamford Bridge. Or is it the Samsung Arena yet. Villas-Boas is obviously a very decent coach. His transformation of Portuguese club side Académica is proof of that. Without a win and bottom of the table he steered them to 11th place, 10 points clear of relegation. His amazing season at Porto followed which yielded 4 trophies, and made him the youngest manager to win a European trophy. That is what Chelsea bought.
Since he has taken over at Chelsea he has been brave enough to drop Frank Lampard and was right for doing so. He knows that John Terry is becoming a liability and needs to rebuild the entire defence before his plan can truly take shape. I know he is an attack minded coach but even he will admit you can't win things with John Terry, Alex and Jose Bosingwa in defence. Give the man some time. To sack him before his contract is out will be the biggest mistake Chelsea made since releasing Mourinho. They need to give the man a chance to create a dynasty similar to the one Sir Alex Ferguson has created at Old Trafford.
Looking forward to Euro 2012 and you only hope that Fabio Capello realises what the potential brilliant AVB already has. Terry and Lampard are past their best and not even first choice for Chelsea. They have served their clubs and country for a long time but while they continue to collect their over paid wage packets, there performance on the pitch highlights they are not worthy any longer. Jagielka from Everton and a right back have to be on AVB's mind. Don't judge him on the results gained by a poor inherited ageing team though. Give Andre Villas-Boas time or he will become Another Victim of Brilliance.
Firstly you need to establish a history. Something that entices people around the globe. Something like the Busby Babes or European Cup wins back in the pre Champions League days. Secondly you need those fans to stay loyal through the bad times like United's faithful did during their 26 year wait in between league titles. Thirdly you need to have a decent board in place with leadership and direction. Finally you need a good young coach who needs backing.
Andre Villas-Boas may not be as household a name as Ancelotti or Hiddink but last season his performance spoke for itself. It was on the back of that season that Chelsea were prepared to pay £13m for his services. Some clubs didn't spend that much on players. Newcastle's stadium deal wouldn't even buy AVB's services. But Chelsea got their man. A 33 year old unknown quantity it's fair to say. But when you spend £13m on a manager who is 33 the one thing you can't do is sack him during his first season.
This is where things turn farcical at Stamford Bridge. Or is it the Samsung Arena yet. Villas-Boas is obviously a very decent coach. His transformation of Portuguese club side Académica is proof of that. Without a win and bottom of the table he steered them to 11th place, 10 points clear of relegation. His amazing season at Porto followed which yielded 4 trophies, and made him the youngest manager to win a European trophy. That is what Chelsea bought.
Since he has taken over at Chelsea he has been brave enough to drop Frank Lampard and was right for doing so. He knows that John Terry is becoming a liability and needs to rebuild the entire defence before his plan can truly take shape. I know he is an attack minded coach but even he will admit you can't win things with John Terry, Alex and Jose Bosingwa in defence. Give the man some time. To sack him before his contract is out will be the biggest mistake Chelsea made since releasing Mourinho. They need to give the man a chance to create a dynasty similar to the one Sir Alex Ferguson has created at Old Trafford.
Looking forward to Euro 2012 and you only hope that Fabio Capello realises what the potential brilliant AVB already has. Terry and Lampard are past their best and not even first choice for Chelsea. They have served their clubs and country for a long time but while they continue to collect their over paid wage packets, there performance on the pitch highlights they are not worthy any longer. Jagielka from Everton and a right back have to be on AVB's mind. Don't judge him on the results gained by a poor inherited ageing team though. Give Andre Villas-Boas time or he will become Another Victim of Brilliance.
Armchair Sport: F1 Season Finale
Armchair Sport: F1 Season Finale: After 8 months and 18 races, the curtain comes down on a historic Formula One season. Sebastian Vettel proved the class of the field with r...
F1 Season Finale
After 8 months and 18 races, the curtain comes down on a historic Formula One season. Sebastian Vettel proved the class of the field with records tumbling on a weekly basis. Youngest double world champion, equal most pole positions in a season you name it and Vettel goes out and beats it.
Right from the first race in Australia, Vettel has consistently found that little extra on a Saturday during qualifying which has enabled him to avoid the bustle and jockeying of the start. He has been on pole for 14 of the 18 races and you wouldn't bet against him holding the record outright.
Some will say that this season has been a procession but the facts are nobody outside of Red Bull has had an answer for Adrian Newey's car and even Vettel's team mate Mark Webber has looked off the pace compared to his young German team mate.
In many of the races this season the action has been further down the field where the cars have been closely matched and there has been some performances worth noting. Paul Di Resta has impressed throughout his debut season and he looks set for a decent career in F1. Another young driver to catch the eye has been Sergio Perez in the Sauber. The young Mexican has looked good on his tyres and maximized his strategies.
The DRS and KERS systems have added excitement this year although not every track is suited to these. I had questioned whether or not weight bias could be added depending on championship standing or after qualifying but it looks like the MacLaren duo of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are enjoying the challenge of trying to end Red Bull's dominance. The same cannot be said of Ferrari where you would argue Fernando Alonso has punched above his weight and pure consistency and some amazing starts have left him in the hunt for best of the rest behind Vettel.
Next years race calender looks well thought out with lots of back to back races feature so the drivers will be able to target their points on a month by month basis. The only complaint is that I still feel 25 points for a win is excessive if next season is going to follow suit. The FIA should be more rigid with what they ask for and this would stop the annual dispute over which teams have taken the laws at face value and which ones have bent them.
Now we are not saying that we want Indy style racing with all the cars the same but we do expect them all to be equal. If the FIA sets out guidelines and 10 or 11 teams interpret them how they are laid down and 1 team invents it's own interpretation that may be clever but it is still flexing the boundaries of the rules. Rules which has been a constant topic this year due mainly to the trials and tribulations of Lewis Hamilton. As a neutral I couldn't argue with a single penalty he has received this year and he will say the stewards are being picky but deep down I think the penny has dropped with him. This isn't the 80's and F1 has to be safety conscious. Anything else is going to get you punished.
Next season could end up being a 20 race audition for 2013 for the likes of Massa, Webber and Barricello not necessarily guaranteed drives beyond next season. Hopefully the tyres supplied for next season will be more like the beginning of the year when the teams and manufacturers were not sure what to expect.
Right from the first race in Australia, Vettel has consistently found that little extra on a Saturday during qualifying which has enabled him to avoid the bustle and jockeying of the start. He has been on pole for 14 of the 18 races and you wouldn't bet against him holding the record outright.
Some will say that this season has been a procession but the facts are nobody outside of Red Bull has had an answer for Adrian Newey's car and even Vettel's team mate Mark Webber has looked off the pace compared to his young German team mate.
In many of the races this season the action has been further down the field where the cars have been closely matched and there has been some performances worth noting. Paul Di Resta has impressed throughout his debut season and he looks set for a decent career in F1. Another young driver to catch the eye has been Sergio Perez in the Sauber. The young Mexican has looked good on his tyres and maximized his strategies.
The DRS and KERS systems have added excitement this year although not every track is suited to these. I had questioned whether or not weight bias could be added depending on championship standing or after qualifying but it looks like the MacLaren duo of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are enjoying the challenge of trying to end Red Bull's dominance. The same cannot be said of Ferrari where you would argue Fernando Alonso has punched above his weight and pure consistency and some amazing starts have left him in the hunt for best of the rest behind Vettel.
Next years race calender looks well thought out with lots of back to back races feature so the drivers will be able to target their points on a month by month basis. The only complaint is that I still feel 25 points for a win is excessive if next season is going to follow suit. The FIA should be more rigid with what they ask for and this would stop the annual dispute over which teams have taken the laws at face value and which ones have bent them.
Now we are not saying that we want Indy style racing with all the cars the same but we do expect them all to be equal. If the FIA sets out guidelines and 10 or 11 teams interpret them how they are laid down and 1 team invents it's own interpretation that may be clever but it is still flexing the boundaries of the rules. Rules which has been a constant topic this year due mainly to the trials and tribulations of Lewis Hamilton. As a neutral I couldn't argue with a single penalty he has received this year and he will say the stewards are being picky but deep down I think the penny has dropped with him. This isn't the 80's and F1 has to be safety conscious. Anything else is going to get you punished.
Next season could end up being a 20 race audition for 2013 for the likes of Massa, Webber and Barricello not necessarily guaranteed drives beyond next season. Hopefully the tyres supplied for next season will be more like the beginning of the year when the teams and manufacturers were not sure what to expect.
Tuesday 22 November 2011
Armchair Sport: The Euro 2012 transfer window
Armchair Sport: The Euro 2012 transfer window: With the European Championships around the corner, this is the last chance for many players not guaranteed first team football to gain the m...
The Euro 2012 transfer window
With the European Championships around the corner, this is the last chance for many players not guaranteed first team football to gain the move they think could make the difference between playing in the tournament and not.
To start with there is the slave at Old Trafford Polish keeper Tomasz Kuszczak who cannot be first choice for the international team given the form of Arsenal's Wojciech Szczęsny. I have previously stated that QPR need a Premier League standard keeper so maybe there is a deal to be done there.
Also at United is the Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson. Suddenly he seems to have fallen out of favour and was close to a move away during the summer. Whether Fergie has seen something in his attitude nobody knows but there a host of clubs that will be trying some kind of deal whether it be permanent or only on loan. Sunderland and Steve Bruce could be an option.
Away from Old Trafford down in North London and another club set to sell more than sell are Tottenham Hotspurs. Jermaine Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko have both been linked with moves away from White Hart Lane with QPR and Everton possible destinations.
Bolton's Gary Cahill is expected to complete a £7m move away from the Reebok with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham monitoring the situation.
Man City's Adam Johnson is expected to make some kind of move during January which is surprising because you wonder who they would allow him to join. Which clubs would be beneficial to him. As it stands he isn't going to be going to Poland and Ukraine in June.
Robbie Keane may be a consideration for one of the smaller Premier League teams as the MLS season has finished and as captain of Ireland he will want to keep his form and fitness levels up. Liverpool might not be a bad piece of business for both but West Brom, Norwich even Swansea is more likely.
Everton's Jack Rodwell impressed on his international debut but hasn't done enough to merit inclusion over anyone else in the pecking order. However should Manchester United come calling it will be hard for but club and player to resist. This might be a window to soon for Rodwell but that could also deaden his Euro 2012 chances.
There are sections of the online community that seem to think that clubs will be spending £40m-£50m but the reality wont be like that. If the total is even £200m come 1st February I'll be surprised. The gamble is to great for the top teams. Luis Suarez is a rare exception but look at Fernando Torres and his unhappy time. David Luiz has his critics and you see that the panic new year buys don't necessarily get results quicker.
Like I say we are sure to see lots of loan action but the fact is most teams can't complain about where they find themselves at the moment. The league is evolving into a race between the Manchester clubs with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham fighting for the Champions League spots while Liverpool, Newcastle and Stoke and Everton look interested in the Europa League spots.
Blackburn will probably spend in this window as they struggle to fight relegation but changing their manager before the window opens may be a better alternative. Money is tight elsewhere down the bottom of the league and with clubs having to face up to the reality of UEFA's financial regulations the talk of £50m signings is crazy. There may be some panic signings at Chelsea but you have to question those. Villas-Boas is a good young manager with a bright future and the right approach to the game. Considering the money paid to get him and his age the talk of him going is crazy. Fair enough it hasn't been as successful yet as Jose Mourinho but it takes time to learn new ways and the manager should be applauded for having the courage to put Lampard and Terry in their places.
It will be interesting all the speculation I'm sure but don't believe everything you read online. Some people seem content to throw a random name and a club together and suggest a story could lay there. I'd rather speculate which positions clubs need filling and look at sensible targets.
To start with there is the slave at Old Trafford Polish keeper Tomasz Kuszczak who cannot be first choice for the international team given the form of Arsenal's Wojciech Szczęsny. I have previously stated that QPR need a Premier League standard keeper so maybe there is a deal to be done there.
Also at United is the Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson. Suddenly he seems to have fallen out of favour and was close to a move away during the summer. Whether Fergie has seen something in his attitude nobody knows but there a host of clubs that will be trying some kind of deal whether it be permanent or only on loan. Sunderland and Steve Bruce could be an option.
Away from Old Trafford down in North London and another club set to sell more than sell are Tottenham Hotspurs. Jermaine Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko have both been linked with moves away from White Hart Lane with QPR and Everton possible destinations.
Bolton's Gary Cahill is expected to complete a £7m move away from the Reebok with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham monitoring the situation.
Man City's Adam Johnson is expected to make some kind of move during January which is surprising because you wonder who they would allow him to join. Which clubs would be beneficial to him. As it stands he isn't going to be going to Poland and Ukraine in June.
Robbie Keane may be a consideration for one of the smaller Premier League teams as the MLS season has finished and as captain of Ireland he will want to keep his form and fitness levels up. Liverpool might not be a bad piece of business for both but West Brom, Norwich even Swansea is more likely.
Everton's Jack Rodwell impressed on his international debut but hasn't done enough to merit inclusion over anyone else in the pecking order. However should Manchester United come calling it will be hard for but club and player to resist. This might be a window to soon for Rodwell but that could also deaden his Euro 2012 chances.
There are sections of the online community that seem to think that clubs will be spending £40m-£50m but the reality wont be like that. If the total is even £200m come 1st February I'll be surprised. The gamble is to great for the top teams. Luis Suarez is a rare exception but look at Fernando Torres and his unhappy time. David Luiz has his critics and you see that the panic new year buys don't necessarily get results quicker.
Like I say we are sure to see lots of loan action but the fact is most teams can't complain about where they find themselves at the moment. The league is evolving into a race between the Manchester clubs with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham fighting for the Champions League spots while Liverpool, Newcastle and Stoke and Everton look interested in the Europa League spots.
Blackburn will probably spend in this window as they struggle to fight relegation but changing their manager before the window opens may be a better alternative. Money is tight elsewhere down the bottom of the league and with clubs having to face up to the reality of UEFA's financial regulations the talk of £50m signings is crazy. There may be some panic signings at Chelsea but you have to question those. Villas-Boas is a good young manager with a bright future and the right approach to the game. Considering the money paid to get him and his age the talk of him going is crazy. Fair enough it hasn't been as successful yet as Jose Mourinho but it takes time to learn new ways and the manager should be applauded for having the courage to put Lampard and Terry in their places.
It will be interesting all the speculation I'm sure but don't believe everything you read online. Some people seem content to throw a random name and a club together and suggest a story could lay there. I'd rather speculate which positions clubs need filling and look at sensible targets.
Wednesday 16 November 2011
Armchair Sport: I'm still not convinced. Are you?
Armchair Sport: I'm still not convinced. Are you?: England finally ended a 43 year curse by beating Sweden at Wembley on Tuesday night. The scoreline probably won't send to much fear around t...
I'm still not convinced. Are you?
England finally ended a 43 year curse by beating Sweden at Wembley on Tuesday night. The scoreline probably won't send to much fear around the other 15 teams that have qualified for next summers European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
The Sweden game followed on from the win against Spain and both matches provided more questions than answers. In the Spanish game even though the system Capello used against them was successful, many questioned the lack of attacking creativity. Against Sweden it was a different story.
England could have been in front before Gareth Barry's deflected effort gave them a 1-0 lead. By half time it should have been as much as 3-0. However despite the positives going forward, from Sweden set pieces England looked shaky in defence in the first half. The second half was disrupted with a stream of substitutions and the game fizzled out. To be honest you expected more from a team with a 43 year hold over their opponents.
So what have those two internationals taught us. Well for one we all acknowledge Kyle Walker has jumped to the front of the cue at right back. He deservedly received the man of the match against Sweden. He looks better defending than Glenn Johnson and Micah Richards and suddenly looks an automatic to make the final squad. Phil Jones started both matches and although he played as a midfielder he also looks guaranteed to make Capello's squad. Only Walcott and Joe Hart were the only other players to start both matches and you assume they are both on the plane. Other players gave Capello a huge headache. He is going to find it hard to overlook Jagielka and Lescott after their performance against Spain, and Baines showed he can fill in for Ashley Cole at left back.
Scott Parker has cemented his place in the starting line up and Jack Rodwell has announced himself to the big stage. That may be bad news for David Moyes as interest in Rodwell may increase through the upcoming transfer window. Bobby Zamora, Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck all showed their value but none have shown a natural replacement for Wayne Rooney.
The players Capello will chose his final squad from are
Keepers - Hart, Carson and Stockdale.
Defence - Walker, Richards, G.Johnson, Terry, Cahill, Jagielka, Lescott, Jones, Smalling,
Shawcross, A.Cole, Baines, Gibbs.
Midfield - Walcott, Lennon, A.Johnson, Milner, Parker, Lampard, Barry, Rodwell, Wilshire,
Cleverley, Young, Downing.
Forwards - Rooney, Zamora, Bent, Welbeck, Sturridge, Agbonlahor.
11 of the players named above are going to miss out in the summer. I certainly hope Capello has realised that the youngsters are ready and that we are all more than happy to give them a try when it matters. I think the three keepers Capello takes will be the three above. Walker is a certainty as I'm sure Terry will be even if he isn't playing better than his rivals. Give him one last tournament and then please the next manager replace him for a more fitting captain. England looked vulnerable once again with Terry in defence and his lack of pace is going to get exposed. He may be a leader on the pitch but that doesn't make him a captain. We could line up against someone like Spain and Terry could end up being the weakest link. Also Capello has to forget the salaries of his potential players and pick a team. Frank Lampard for example looks increasingly lost in an England shirt.
The seedings for the Euro's was announced and are as follows.
Pot 1 - Poland, Ukraine, Spain and Holland
Pot 2 - Germany, England, Italy and Russia
Pot 3 - Sweden, Portugal, Greece and Croatia
Pot 4 - Denmark, France, Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland.
Whoever England get out of that is not going to be easy. You would look and say if possible we would like Poland, Sweden and Denmark but how tough a group would Holland, England, Portugal and Ireland be.
Until we reach the friendly match against Holland next year, it is to early to start predicting squads as so many players will gain and lose form and others will come back from injury while others will get injured. In my opinion Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and John Terry are all past their best. While the first three may go graciously we know Terry won't. He won't relinquish the power of the armband. How would he make his money on the side then. It will be a great day for English football when we are relieved of Terry. Not such a good day for his friends and family mind.
Do not let the two results fool you that England have suddenly turned the international corner. Come the summer there will be many decisions we will be questioning and there is no guarantee England will reach the knock out stages. Our message is simple Fabio. Give those boys their chance. The golden generation has been eclipsed by an even better group groomed by Stuart Pearce at U21 level. The time has come to look forward. For to long we have trusted the over paid stars of yesterday. Time for the kids to come through.
The Sweden game followed on from the win against Spain and both matches provided more questions than answers. In the Spanish game even though the system Capello used against them was successful, many questioned the lack of attacking creativity. Against Sweden it was a different story.
England could have been in front before Gareth Barry's deflected effort gave them a 1-0 lead. By half time it should have been as much as 3-0. However despite the positives going forward, from Sweden set pieces England looked shaky in defence in the first half. The second half was disrupted with a stream of substitutions and the game fizzled out. To be honest you expected more from a team with a 43 year hold over their opponents.
So what have those two internationals taught us. Well for one we all acknowledge Kyle Walker has jumped to the front of the cue at right back. He deservedly received the man of the match against Sweden. He looks better defending than Glenn Johnson and Micah Richards and suddenly looks an automatic to make the final squad. Phil Jones started both matches and although he played as a midfielder he also looks guaranteed to make Capello's squad. Only Walcott and Joe Hart were the only other players to start both matches and you assume they are both on the plane. Other players gave Capello a huge headache. He is going to find it hard to overlook Jagielka and Lescott after their performance against Spain, and Baines showed he can fill in for Ashley Cole at left back.
Scott Parker has cemented his place in the starting line up and Jack Rodwell has announced himself to the big stage. That may be bad news for David Moyes as interest in Rodwell may increase through the upcoming transfer window. Bobby Zamora, Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck all showed their value but none have shown a natural replacement for Wayne Rooney.
The players Capello will chose his final squad from are
Keepers - Hart, Carson and Stockdale.
Defence - Walker, Richards, G.Johnson, Terry, Cahill, Jagielka, Lescott, Jones, Smalling,
Shawcross, A.Cole, Baines, Gibbs.
Midfield - Walcott, Lennon, A.Johnson, Milner, Parker, Lampard, Barry, Rodwell, Wilshire,
Cleverley, Young, Downing.
Forwards - Rooney, Zamora, Bent, Welbeck, Sturridge, Agbonlahor.
11 of the players named above are going to miss out in the summer. I certainly hope Capello has realised that the youngsters are ready and that we are all more than happy to give them a try when it matters. I think the three keepers Capello takes will be the three above. Walker is a certainty as I'm sure Terry will be even if he isn't playing better than his rivals. Give him one last tournament and then please the next manager replace him for a more fitting captain. England looked vulnerable once again with Terry in defence and his lack of pace is going to get exposed. He may be a leader on the pitch but that doesn't make him a captain. We could line up against someone like Spain and Terry could end up being the weakest link. Also Capello has to forget the salaries of his potential players and pick a team. Frank Lampard for example looks increasingly lost in an England shirt.
The seedings for the Euro's was announced and are as follows.
Pot 1 - Poland, Ukraine, Spain and Holland
Pot 2 - Germany, England, Italy and Russia
Pot 3 - Sweden, Portugal, Greece and Croatia
Pot 4 - Denmark, France, Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland.
Whoever England get out of that is not going to be easy. You would look and say if possible we would like Poland, Sweden and Denmark but how tough a group would Holland, England, Portugal and Ireland be.
Until we reach the friendly match against Holland next year, it is to early to start predicting squads as so many players will gain and lose form and others will come back from injury while others will get injured. In my opinion Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and John Terry are all past their best. While the first three may go graciously we know Terry won't. He won't relinquish the power of the armband. How would he make his money on the side then. It will be a great day for English football when we are relieved of Terry. Not such a good day for his friends and family mind.
Do not let the two results fool you that England have suddenly turned the international corner. Come the summer there will be many decisions we will be questioning and there is no guarantee England will reach the knock out stages. Our message is simple Fabio. Give those boys their chance. The golden generation has been eclipsed by an even better group groomed by Stuart Pearce at U21 level. The time has come to look forward. For to long we have trusted the over paid stars of yesterday. Time for the kids to come through.
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Armchair Sport: Race Row rumbles on.
Armchair Sport: Race Row rumbles on.: On the eve of England's friendly with Sweden the FA continue to show just how out of touch they really are. Following on from the question...
Race Row rumbles on.
On the eve of England's friendly with Sweden the FA continue to show just how out of touch they really are.
Following on from the questionable decision to include John Terry in the current England squad and the FA's failure to stand up to Sepp Blatter over the poppy fiasco, comes the news that the media are not allowed to ask questions surrounding the Anton Ferdinand race row. When did the country become so dependant on a player to slow for international football and also splits the dressing room with his off field antics.
Publicly Terry has said it is his duty to face the race row. Depending on your interpretation that can be seen as an omission of guilt. What Terry should be saying is that it is everyone's duty to eradicate racism from football. He should be seen to do everything possible to prove his innocence.
This isn't like the Suarez-Evra row which seems as if the Uruguay international will escape further action as he was clever enough to use a foreign language during the Liverpool-Manchester United match. That is Suarez all over though. A gifted football no question you have to ask whether his unsporting attitude is necessary. Suarez himself admitted to saying something yet the FA still lack the decisiveness to act on this. Suarez doesn't play in Spain and in Evra he picked a very talented linguist. Evra is fluent in several languages and it is wrong that Suarez just gets away without action.
However the John Terry case has to be more straight forward. You have to ask what Anton Ferdinand has to gain if he has falsified his claims. In any other job Terry would have had sanctions imposed until the scandal had been sorted one way or the other. Yet he is set to lead his country out. That is before you get to the argument as to whether Terry is good enough to play for England at all.
Throughout his international career he has managed to keep his lack of pace from hindering him due to his partners in centre defence. Until a partner with equal pace issues plays with him. When Terry has played with Matthew Upsom for instance, England have looked vulnerable at the back. Against Spain without Terry, England looked organised and kept the Spanish at bay.
Taking the Wayne Bridge saga and connections with his father and the way he exploited the Chelsea training base, it is obvious John Terry is untouchable at the London club. Just because he earns money most people would jump through hoops for doesn't make him a fit captain or an integral part of the first team. Capello was brave when he first took over by leaving out Michael Owen and then ending David Beckham's international career. We have all seen that the youngsters are ready to take England on to the next step. That has to be at the expense of John Terry. Racist or not.
Following on from the questionable decision to include John Terry in the current England squad and the FA's failure to stand up to Sepp Blatter over the poppy fiasco, comes the news that the media are not allowed to ask questions surrounding the Anton Ferdinand race row. When did the country become so dependant on a player to slow for international football and also splits the dressing room with his off field antics.
Publicly Terry has said it is his duty to face the race row. Depending on your interpretation that can be seen as an omission of guilt. What Terry should be saying is that it is everyone's duty to eradicate racism from football. He should be seen to do everything possible to prove his innocence.
This isn't like the Suarez-Evra row which seems as if the Uruguay international will escape further action as he was clever enough to use a foreign language during the Liverpool-Manchester United match. That is Suarez all over though. A gifted football no question you have to ask whether his unsporting attitude is necessary. Suarez himself admitted to saying something yet the FA still lack the decisiveness to act on this. Suarez doesn't play in Spain and in Evra he picked a very talented linguist. Evra is fluent in several languages and it is wrong that Suarez just gets away without action.
However the John Terry case has to be more straight forward. You have to ask what Anton Ferdinand has to gain if he has falsified his claims. In any other job Terry would have had sanctions imposed until the scandal had been sorted one way or the other. Yet he is set to lead his country out. That is before you get to the argument as to whether Terry is good enough to play for England at all.
Throughout his international career he has managed to keep his lack of pace from hindering him due to his partners in centre defence. Until a partner with equal pace issues plays with him. When Terry has played with Matthew Upsom for instance, England have looked vulnerable at the back. Against Spain without Terry, England looked organised and kept the Spanish at bay.
Taking the Wayne Bridge saga and connections with his father and the way he exploited the Chelsea training base, it is obvious John Terry is untouchable at the London club. Just because he earns money most people would jump through hoops for doesn't make him a fit captain or an integral part of the first team. Capello was brave when he first took over by leaving out Michael Owen and then ending David Beckham's international career. We have all seen that the youngsters are ready to take England on to the next step. That has to be at the expense of John Terry. Racist or not.
Sunday 13 November 2011
Armchair Sport: England beat Spain but don't get carried away.
Armchair Sport: England beat Spain but don't get carried away.: England beat world cup winners Spain at Wembley last night. That is how the papers will portray it this morning anyway. In a first half wher...
England beat Spain but don't get carried away.
England beat world cup winners Spain at Wembley last night. That is how the papers will portray it this morning anyway. In a first half where England packed the midfield and frustrated the Spanish few chances were created at either end. Spain enjoyed better possession while England had a few decent situations.
To be fair the Spanish didn't really turn up and England grew into the match. Considerably lucky with the goal once they went in front the Spanish tried to salvage something from the game but this was a different England team.
To start with Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Steven Gerrard didn't play along with suspended striker Wayne Rooney. Last night the defensive players just were not missed. While England could have done with Gerrard's drive or Rooney's vision the history books read they were not needed.
In the centre of defence, two players plucked from Championship level made some of the best attacking players in world football look like Sunday league players. Jagielka and Lescott hadn't been on many peoples radar until recently but on last night performance they have to feature in the squads more.
Playing out of position may end up being Phil Jones's curse but the future captain didn't disgrace in midfield and broke up many Spanish attacks although his own attacking and final ball admittedly needs work. Scott Parker was everywhere and now has pushed himself up the pecking order and how could you leave him out either. Even young Jack Rodwell came on and showed what he can give the England team.
A frustrated Darren Bent had a lonely evening and was unlucky not to score when Frank Lampard turned his goal bound effort in from inches out. When he was replaced by Danny Welbeck the youngster from Manchester United showed there isn't only one England forward at Old Trafford to watch for.
If you consider that the likes of Chris Smalling, Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Micah Richards, Ryan Shawcross, Jack Wilshire and Tom Cleverley were not fit for this squad and suddenly the old players are realising that the future isn't them. The "Golden Generation" has come to an end. It died in South Africa if we are all honest.
Capello still needs work to find a few things out before the Euro's start in the summer. Other than Joe Hart who is good enough in goal. Should Glenn Johnson be selected ahead of in form Kyle Walker or Micah Richards. Who is the choice for centre back. Jones? Cahill? Jagielka? Lescott? Shawcross? Smalling? All 6 of them could easily play with each other. Can Leighton Baines deputise for Ashley Cole or will Gibbs get some game time at Arsenal.
In midfield who will get the wide selection out of Lennon and Adam Johnson. Walcott is a certainty to go we presume. Can Cleverley and Wilshire can form and fitness and force their way in. On last nights performance England still seem to be carrying Lampard and it is a shame that the management have not seen the benefits from not playing him. In fact both Terry and Lampard have both been lucky with injuries to players in better form than them otherwise their potential lack of worth really would of been highlighted.
We didn't learn much except Welbeck is a useful man up front holding the ball up and is deceptively quick for a gangly looking kid. Sturridge is set to get a start against Sweden and if Agbonlahor can continue his club form then we may end up saying Wayne who come the end of the Euro's.
If everyone was fit then there would be thousands of variations of England squads but here is mine assuming everybody was fit. It also assumes Rooney isn't selected.
Joe Hart and Scott Carson plus probably Stockdale as keepers.
Walker, Richards, Jones, Shawcross, Jagielka, Smalling, A.Cole, Baines
Walcott, Lennon, Wilshire, Parker, Milner, A.Young, Cleverley, Gerrard
Welbeck, Agbonlahor, Sturridge, Bent
Possible England Euro 2012 squad. I know that the FA lack the bottle to not select Terry and Lampard but Terry has never been quick enough for international football and Lampard's star is fading. I for one would rather suffer disappointment at an International tournament by trying some decent young prospects rather than the usual "golden" floppers.
To be fair the Spanish didn't really turn up and England grew into the match. Considerably lucky with the goal once they went in front the Spanish tried to salvage something from the game but this was a different England team.
To start with Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Steven Gerrard didn't play along with suspended striker Wayne Rooney. Last night the defensive players just were not missed. While England could have done with Gerrard's drive or Rooney's vision the history books read they were not needed.
In the centre of defence, two players plucked from Championship level made some of the best attacking players in world football look like Sunday league players. Jagielka and Lescott hadn't been on many peoples radar until recently but on last night performance they have to feature in the squads more.
Playing out of position may end up being Phil Jones's curse but the future captain didn't disgrace in midfield and broke up many Spanish attacks although his own attacking and final ball admittedly needs work. Scott Parker was everywhere and now has pushed himself up the pecking order and how could you leave him out either. Even young Jack Rodwell came on and showed what he can give the England team.
A frustrated Darren Bent had a lonely evening and was unlucky not to score when Frank Lampard turned his goal bound effort in from inches out. When he was replaced by Danny Welbeck the youngster from Manchester United showed there isn't only one England forward at Old Trafford to watch for.
If you consider that the likes of Chris Smalling, Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Micah Richards, Ryan Shawcross, Jack Wilshire and Tom Cleverley were not fit for this squad and suddenly the old players are realising that the future isn't them. The "Golden Generation" has come to an end. It died in South Africa if we are all honest.
Capello still needs work to find a few things out before the Euro's start in the summer. Other than Joe Hart who is good enough in goal. Should Glenn Johnson be selected ahead of in form Kyle Walker or Micah Richards. Who is the choice for centre back. Jones? Cahill? Jagielka? Lescott? Shawcross? Smalling? All 6 of them could easily play with each other. Can Leighton Baines deputise for Ashley Cole or will Gibbs get some game time at Arsenal.
In midfield who will get the wide selection out of Lennon and Adam Johnson. Walcott is a certainty to go we presume. Can Cleverley and Wilshire can form and fitness and force their way in. On last nights performance England still seem to be carrying Lampard and it is a shame that the management have not seen the benefits from not playing him. In fact both Terry and Lampard have both been lucky with injuries to players in better form than them otherwise their potential lack of worth really would of been highlighted.
We didn't learn much except Welbeck is a useful man up front holding the ball up and is deceptively quick for a gangly looking kid. Sturridge is set to get a start against Sweden and if Agbonlahor can continue his club form then we may end up saying Wayne who come the end of the Euro's.
If everyone was fit then there would be thousands of variations of England squads but here is mine assuming everybody was fit. It also assumes Rooney isn't selected.
Joe Hart and Scott Carson plus probably Stockdale as keepers.
Walker, Richards, Jones, Shawcross, Jagielka, Smalling, A.Cole, Baines
Walcott, Lennon, Wilshire, Parker, Milner, A.Young, Cleverley, Gerrard
Welbeck, Agbonlahor, Sturridge, Bent
Possible England Euro 2012 squad. I know that the FA lack the bottle to not select Terry and Lampard but Terry has never been quick enough for international football and Lampard's star is fading. I for one would rather suffer disappointment at an International tournament by trying some decent young prospects rather than the usual "golden" floppers.
Armchair Sport: England's Manager Woes.
Armchair Sport: England's Manager Woes.: Once again just when it seemed a real possibility to be happening, I think we have seen the end for Harry Redknapp's chances to become Engla...
England's Manager Woes.
Once again just when it seemed a real possibility to be happening, I think we have seen the end for Harry Redknapp's chances to become England manager. The same scandal that only seems to surface when there is a chance that he is going to become the next England boss. Personally when I saw Redknapp had had to undergo recent heart surgery I thought that was his chance gone then.
The scandal revolves around Redknapp's time at Portsmouth and he and then chairman Milan Mandaric and payments made to a Monaco bank account opened by Harry Redknapp. The charges of cheating the public revenue or tax evasion to the rest of us.
Harry Redknapp always had an air of the wheeler dealer and when at Portsmouth he and Mandric were like Del Boy and Boycie. I imagine this morning they are feeling more like Trigger and Rodney.
So with Fabio Capello's time fast running out, I wonder who the likely next England manager is going to be. Stuart Pearce has enough to deal with at the moment as he ties to unite a team to represent Britain in the 2012 Olympics.
Recently QPR's Neil Warnock has been mentioned and while he does get the best out of his players and creates siege mentalities, he is already 62 and isn't someone that fits everyone. While his approach works at club level the gaps between seeing payers is to vast in my view.
There are other options within the Premier League but the best candidates may not be. Certainly England seems to big a job for Blackburn's Steve Kean and it also looks that once again international recognition will escape Sunderland's Steve Bruce. While the country thinks they are determined we must have another Englishman there is a call for someone like David Moyes to be given a big job.
Looking further down into the Championship and Sam Allardyce has turned West Ham around and his name will always be linked to the international job due to his training methods. Another good candidate who has international management experience and has managed in the Premier League is Mark Hughes. Welsh he may be, he still has unfinished business within management.
Surprisingly though ahead of all these is a really good young English manager who is quietly achieving success in the Championship and the Europa League is Birmingham City's Chris Hughton. Sold short at Newcastle after guiding the club to promotion after relegation from the Premier League, he took over Birmingham with players leaving on a daily basis and with financial restrictions imposed through no fault of the club. He took over from the great Alan Shearer after Newcastle's relegation and had many ego's and names in the dressing room yet the following season Newcastle won promotion easily. He is young, hungry and above all deserving of the chance.
Don't get me wrong Hughton isn't the finished product management wise which is why it will be useful to Hughton if there was a senior like Redknapp or Warnock. Not to interfere but just to act as council. Saturday's win over Spain showed England that the time has come for youth. That goes for management as well as players.
The scandal revolves around Redknapp's time at Portsmouth and he and then chairman Milan Mandaric and payments made to a Monaco bank account opened by Harry Redknapp. The charges of cheating the public revenue or tax evasion to the rest of us.
Harry Redknapp always had an air of the wheeler dealer and when at Portsmouth he and Mandric were like Del Boy and Boycie. I imagine this morning they are feeling more like Trigger and Rodney.
So with Fabio Capello's time fast running out, I wonder who the likely next England manager is going to be. Stuart Pearce has enough to deal with at the moment as he ties to unite a team to represent Britain in the 2012 Olympics.
Recently QPR's Neil Warnock has been mentioned and while he does get the best out of his players and creates siege mentalities, he is already 62 and isn't someone that fits everyone. While his approach works at club level the gaps between seeing payers is to vast in my view.
There are other options within the Premier League but the best candidates may not be. Certainly England seems to big a job for Blackburn's Steve Kean and it also looks that once again international recognition will escape Sunderland's Steve Bruce. While the country thinks they are determined we must have another Englishman there is a call for someone like David Moyes to be given a big job.
Looking further down into the Championship and Sam Allardyce has turned West Ham around and his name will always be linked to the international job due to his training methods. Another good candidate who has international management experience and has managed in the Premier League is Mark Hughes. Welsh he may be, he still has unfinished business within management.
Surprisingly though ahead of all these is a really good young English manager who is quietly achieving success in the Championship and the Europa League is Birmingham City's Chris Hughton. Sold short at Newcastle after guiding the club to promotion after relegation from the Premier League, he took over Birmingham with players leaving on a daily basis and with financial restrictions imposed through no fault of the club. He took over from the great Alan Shearer after Newcastle's relegation and had many ego's and names in the dressing room yet the following season Newcastle won promotion easily. He is young, hungry and above all deserving of the chance.
Don't get me wrong Hughton isn't the finished product management wise which is why it will be useful to Hughton if there was a senior like Redknapp or Warnock. Not to interfere but just to act as council. Saturday's win over Spain showed England that the time has come for youth. That goes for management as well as players.
Friday 11 November 2011
Armchair Sport: Could the Euro crisis spell the end for AC Milan
Armchair Sport: Could the Euro crisis spell the end for AC Milan: The darkest days never seem far away from Italian football. There always seems to be some betting scandal or controversy going on. There is ...
Could the Euro crisis spell the end for AC Milan
The darkest days never seem far away from Italian football. There always seems to be some betting scandal or controversy going on. There is another one brewing just around the corner.
The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has promised to step down from his post due to the financial state Italy finds itself due to the Euro crisis. Not a problem the outsider thinks. But Berlusconi is also AC Milan's owner.
That's right the same man famous for the sex scandals is also the man behind the scenes at one of European footballs giants. In many ways he is the modern Milan having taken over in 1986 and saving the club from bankruptcy. He then financed the van Basten, Gullit and Rijkaard era which yielded three European cups and a host of other UEFA and FIFA recognised trophies. It is hard to see where AC Milan would be but for the fortunes of Berlusconi. A total of 28 trophies have been won during his time at the club.
When the city split into AC Milan and Internazionale it was AC Milan that the working class followed and it's that same working class that are going to suffer now. The cost of living over in Italy is about to escalate and if Milan's fan base can't afford to go to every match it will have an affect throughout the whole club. The club themselves may need to make cut backs during the economic unrest. Despite Berlusconi's depth of riches, he can not be seen to throw money around while the country is crumbling around him.
A look at their squad tells you that major finance is what is needed though. The likes of van Bommel, Nesta, Gattuso, Inzaghi and Seedorf can not keep playing forever. Italy just isn't the place to attract the star names any more. Players are moving to places like Russia, Qatar and France where the money is.
And lets not forget the amount of law suits Berlusconi will be investigated for once he is formally no longer Prime Minister. The new government will want to distance themselves from the shady areas of Berlusconi's past. There is no indication to the perception Berlusconi holds inside his own country. To Milan he will always be a hero. Heroes don't last forever though. Every man and club has there price as English football has found out.
Their are skeletons in Berlusconi's closet that he will want to keep closed and combined with the scandals and the Euro crisis, it wouldn't surprise me if he sought foreign investment with the view to ultimately sell the club. Offering him a role within the structure of the club will take some of the spotlight off him but if other counties view him as we do then that is not likely. You wouldn't want your company entangled in story lines with him. It would be like having Boris Johnson as ambassador for Manchester United.
Only time will tell but the future looks unsteady at AC Milan.
The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has promised to step down from his post due to the financial state Italy finds itself due to the Euro crisis. Not a problem the outsider thinks. But Berlusconi is also AC Milan's owner.
That's right the same man famous for the sex scandals is also the man behind the scenes at one of European footballs giants. In many ways he is the modern Milan having taken over in 1986 and saving the club from bankruptcy. He then financed the van Basten, Gullit and Rijkaard era which yielded three European cups and a host of other UEFA and FIFA recognised trophies. It is hard to see where AC Milan would be but for the fortunes of Berlusconi. A total of 28 trophies have been won during his time at the club.
When the city split into AC Milan and Internazionale it was AC Milan that the working class followed and it's that same working class that are going to suffer now. The cost of living over in Italy is about to escalate and if Milan's fan base can't afford to go to every match it will have an affect throughout the whole club. The club themselves may need to make cut backs during the economic unrest. Despite Berlusconi's depth of riches, he can not be seen to throw money around while the country is crumbling around him.
A look at their squad tells you that major finance is what is needed though. The likes of van Bommel, Nesta, Gattuso, Inzaghi and Seedorf can not keep playing forever. Italy just isn't the place to attract the star names any more. Players are moving to places like Russia, Qatar and France where the money is.
And lets not forget the amount of law suits Berlusconi will be investigated for once he is formally no longer Prime Minister. The new government will want to distance themselves from the shady areas of Berlusconi's past. There is no indication to the perception Berlusconi holds inside his own country. To Milan he will always be a hero. Heroes don't last forever though. Every man and club has there price as English football has found out.
Their are skeletons in Berlusconi's closet that he will want to keep closed and combined with the scandals and the Euro crisis, it wouldn't surprise me if he sought foreign investment with the view to ultimately sell the club. Offering him a role within the structure of the club will take some of the spotlight off him but if other counties view him as we do then that is not likely. You wouldn't want your company entangled in story lines with him. It would be like having Boris Johnson as ambassador for Manchester United.
Only time will tell but the future looks unsteady at AC Milan.
Armchair Sport: 1 Player to improve each Premier League team.
Armchair Sport: 1 Player to improve each Premier League team.: The November International break has given all us football fans chance to catch our breath after a roller coaster start to the season. Manag...
1 Player to improve each Premier League team.
The November International break has given all us football fans chance to catch our breath after a roller coaster start to the season. Managers, Players and fans alike will be scrutinising their squads and looking at the areas that need strengthening. Here is a run down of each club and the 1 transfer that could change their season.
We start with Arsenal who after a troubled start now look back towards a decent team again. Szczesny looks a real good goalkeeper and had impressed consistently this season even through the 8-2 defeat to Manchester United. They have a decent starting defence when everyone is fit in Sagna, Vermaelen, and Koscielny with Gibbs, Santos or Jenkinson to make up the 4. The emergence of Frimpong will be the envy of many Premier league managers as players of his mould are in high demand. Arteta has been a massive success since his arrival although he is no Fabregas. They have players with pace down the sides. The biggest problem Arsenal will have will be carrying Van Persie's fitness through the season. Nobody else in the Arsenal squad could be looked at and relied upon to get the goals. A centre forward must be upper most in Wenger's eyes. Hugo Rodallega from Wigan could be a target although he doesn't fit Wenger's usual transfer target. I feel he still favours youth despite the late frenzied summer transfer activity. Rodallega would be ready to play from day 1 that's all.
After a hostile start to his reign as Aston Villa manager, Alex McLeish has silenced the critics with some good performances and attractive football. Signing Shay Given from Manchester City was a real smart move and he has already won the club points this season. Up front Darren Bent has always been a reliable goal scorer and this season has seen a resurgence in the fortunes of Gabby Agbonlahor. They have some decent midfielders in Petrov, N'Zogbia and Jenas to mix with promising youngsters Albrighton, Bannan and Delph. The problem for Villa is what they do should a senior defender become injured for a sustained period. Although you could see cover across the back four, I'd argue a utility defender would add something to their team. Dennis Diekmeier from Hamburg is a possibility.
Blackburn have done exactly what I expected them to do. I still think they made a mistake allowing Sam Allardyce to slip through their fingers. I have no reason to write off Steve Kean but in my opinion he is another decent young British coach who has been given to big a job to soon. Managing to keep their squad intact and maintaining Premier League survival would amount to a successful season. Kean will probably have to look outside of the league for players wanting to join Blackburn unless any big clubs have available loan options. They need creativity and goals but getting players in on what could be only 6 month deals wont be easy. Vedad Ibisevic is a deal Steve Kean is eager to resurrect.
Bolton are a team that have baffled me this season. I was expecting a top 10 finish and a push for Europe. They have lost an edge they have lost an edge from last season. This is due to the down side of the loan system. Daniel Sturridge excelled in his spell at The Reebok last year and has proved a big gap to fill. If they are destined to lose Gary Cahill they need to dig their heels in and receive a player or two as part of the deal. Presuming it's Tottenham who come calling then Dos Santos and Corluka are two players Bolton could negotiate with.
How could you possibly look at Chelsea's squad and say they need another player. Simply by looking at their defence. Spoilt for choice in attack and midfield the exposed area is when you consider Ashley Cole and John Terry's ages and given Alex's injury problems and Luiz's struggle with the Premier league. Andre Villas-Boas has an extensive scout network and activity in the foreign market is to be expected. Reports linking them with Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin have heightened in recent weeks.
Signing one player may not be a luxury that Everton manager David Moyes has. Keeping hold of the remains of his squad is paramount to the manager who continues to defy what is possible from a limited budget and squad. Moyes will be looking to the loan market as goals have been a clear problem this season. You know you won't get 38 games out of Saha. James Beattie is currently a free agent and would welcome a return to Goodison park.
Fulham have shown signs that things are coming together at Craven Cottage and manager Martin Jol has brought his continental ideas across and has made them a tough team to play. Slightly under performing in the league table they are looking to solidify and have been eager to boost their midfield. Strong reports are linking them with a bid for Valencia midfielder Daniel Parejo as they look to distance themselves from the relegation fight.
Looking at Anfield and Liverpool's season I would say they need 3 players. Most important is a central defender who isn't regularly injured or missing through suspension. Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen is one they have been tipped with outside the Premier league.
Manchester City are a team who really don't need any additions. Not this season anyway. Don't think that there won't be any mind. They could be in the market for another stiker with David Villa and Edison Cavani both strong possibilities.
Everybody knows where Manchester United's problems have lied this year. They need a defensive minded midfielder who is strong in the challenge and can pick a pass. Unlike Michael carrick they need more pace and stamina and both Jack Rodwell and Tom Huddlestone would be ideal provided their clubs are willing to do business during this season.
Considering everything that has been printed about Newcastle this season and they continue to exceed expectations. The transfer kitty is not empty and the SportsDirect Arena faithful will be looking for a goalscorer or creative wide man. Luuk De Jong and Modibo Maiga are both potential targets.
Norwich City have had a decent start on returning to the Premier League but have been guilty on occasions for not taking their chances. Paul Lambert will be looking at this and considering a foray into the loan market. A goal scorer from the lower leagues can't be ruled out.
I know your thinking surely QPR won't be in for anyone after signing 10 new players. Rumours have linked them with Jermaine Defoe yet they have a long list of attackers. There is not as many midfeilders granted at the club but they have enough forward options to get by. For me though the area needing the most immediate addition is in goal. Paddy Kenny is a good keeper but I don't think he is a Premier League keeper. Will Warnock be brave and try a bid for Ben Amos on loan. There are plenty of keepers out there unhappy at there play time.
Stoke have enjoyed a good start to the season but with success comes international call ups and increased games. Given their participation in the gruelling Europa League and they will need someone to lift the club and give new life to the squad. Interest surrounds Junior Holiett and Blackburn would face a challenge keeping hold of him.
Swansea have made the Premier League look ridiculously easy for a first time club and Brendan Rodgers will be content with his squad. Rumours are linking them for a loan deal with Chelsea' Josh McEachran and that could be the only piece of business the Swans feel the need to do.
The continued trials and torments for Steve Bruce continue at Sunderland. Big things were expected this season yet a decent bunch of players have struggled for consistency. Scoring goals has remained a problem since Bent left for Villa, Welbeck returned to Manchester United and Gyan disappeared into the desert. Links with FC Sion striker Giovanni Sio look likely to turn into a deal come January.
Next comes one of those clubs and managers that you never know what to predict transfer wise. Half the players they are rumoured with seem unlikely signings while with the rest of the players they face competition for their signatures. Tottenham will need another striker and Harry Redknapp has mentioned reopening the Fernando Llorente deal while reports linking Tottenham with Juventus's Amauri have also gathered pace.
Despite tightening things up defensively, West Brom have struggled this season. Reports are linking them with Birmingham's defender Liam Ridgewell and his consistent performances make sense.
Much of Wigan's fortunes will depend on the state of things come January. A club who have talked openly about the possibility of relegation right from when Martinez was rumoured for the Villa job. January will be a horrible month for them as they try to sign a gem to save themselves while struggling to keep hold of their quality players. Defenders are needed and there is a big pool of loan possibilities for them to consider.
Wolves and manager Mick McCarthy managed to acquire a number of decent players during the summer. Arguably they could do with a few more goals in their team and a striker will be on their radar. A loan signing is more likely than an over priced full signing.
We start with Arsenal who after a troubled start now look back towards a decent team again. Szczesny looks a real good goalkeeper and had impressed consistently this season even through the 8-2 defeat to Manchester United. They have a decent starting defence when everyone is fit in Sagna, Vermaelen, and Koscielny with Gibbs, Santos or Jenkinson to make up the 4. The emergence of Frimpong will be the envy of many Premier league managers as players of his mould are in high demand. Arteta has been a massive success since his arrival although he is no Fabregas. They have players with pace down the sides. The biggest problem Arsenal will have will be carrying Van Persie's fitness through the season. Nobody else in the Arsenal squad could be looked at and relied upon to get the goals. A centre forward must be upper most in Wenger's eyes. Hugo Rodallega from Wigan could be a target although he doesn't fit Wenger's usual transfer target. I feel he still favours youth despite the late frenzied summer transfer activity. Rodallega would be ready to play from day 1 that's all.
After a hostile start to his reign as Aston Villa manager, Alex McLeish has silenced the critics with some good performances and attractive football. Signing Shay Given from Manchester City was a real smart move and he has already won the club points this season. Up front Darren Bent has always been a reliable goal scorer and this season has seen a resurgence in the fortunes of Gabby Agbonlahor. They have some decent midfielders in Petrov, N'Zogbia and Jenas to mix with promising youngsters Albrighton, Bannan and Delph. The problem for Villa is what they do should a senior defender become injured for a sustained period. Although you could see cover across the back four, I'd argue a utility defender would add something to their team. Dennis Diekmeier from Hamburg is a possibility.
Blackburn have done exactly what I expected them to do. I still think they made a mistake allowing Sam Allardyce to slip through their fingers. I have no reason to write off Steve Kean but in my opinion he is another decent young British coach who has been given to big a job to soon. Managing to keep their squad intact and maintaining Premier League survival would amount to a successful season. Kean will probably have to look outside of the league for players wanting to join Blackburn unless any big clubs have available loan options. They need creativity and goals but getting players in on what could be only 6 month deals wont be easy. Vedad Ibisevic is a deal Steve Kean is eager to resurrect.
Bolton are a team that have baffled me this season. I was expecting a top 10 finish and a push for Europe. They have lost an edge they have lost an edge from last season. This is due to the down side of the loan system. Daniel Sturridge excelled in his spell at The Reebok last year and has proved a big gap to fill. If they are destined to lose Gary Cahill they need to dig their heels in and receive a player or two as part of the deal. Presuming it's Tottenham who come calling then Dos Santos and Corluka are two players Bolton could negotiate with.
How could you possibly look at Chelsea's squad and say they need another player. Simply by looking at their defence. Spoilt for choice in attack and midfield the exposed area is when you consider Ashley Cole and John Terry's ages and given Alex's injury problems and Luiz's struggle with the Premier league. Andre Villas-Boas has an extensive scout network and activity in the foreign market is to be expected. Reports linking them with Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin have heightened in recent weeks.
Signing one player may not be a luxury that Everton manager David Moyes has. Keeping hold of the remains of his squad is paramount to the manager who continues to defy what is possible from a limited budget and squad. Moyes will be looking to the loan market as goals have been a clear problem this season. You know you won't get 38 games out of Saha. James Beattie is currently a free agent and would welcome a return to Goodison park.
Fulham have shown signs that things are coming together at Craven Cottage and manager Martin Jol has brought his continental ideas across and has made them a tough team to play. Slightly under performing in the league table they are looking to solidify and have been eager to boost their midfield. Strong reports are linking them with a bid for Valencia midfielder Daniel Parejo as they look to distance themselves from the relegation fight.
Looking at Anfield and Liverpool's season I would say they need 3 players. Most important is a central defender who isn't regularly injured or missing through suspension. Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen is one they have been tipped with outside the Premier league.
Manchester City are a team who really don't need any additions. Not this season anyway. Don't think that there won't be any mind. They could be in the market for another stiker with David Villa and Edison Cavani both strong possibilities.
Everybody knows where Manchester United's problems have lied this year. They need a defensive minded midfielder who is strong in the challenge and can pick a pass. Unlike Michael carrick they need more pace and stamina and both Jack Rodwell and Tom Huddlestone would be ideal provided their clubs are willing to do business during this season.
Considering everything that has been printed about Newcastle this season and they continue to exceed expectations. The transfer kitty is not empty and the SportsDirect Arena faithful will be looking for a goalscorer or creative wide man. Luuk De Jong and Modibo Maiga are both potential targets.
Norwich City have had a decent start on returning to the Premier League but have been guilty on occasions for not taking their chances. Paul Lambert will be looking at this and considering a foray into the loan market. A goal scorer from the lower leagues can't be ruled out.
I know your thinking surely QPR won't be in for anyone after signing 10 new players. Rumours have linked them with Jermaine Defoe yet they have a long list of attackers. There is not as many midfeilders granted at the club but they have enough forward options to get by. For me though the area needing the most immediate addition is in goal. Paddy Kenny is a good keeper but I don't think he is a Premier League keeper. Will Warnock be brave and try a bid for Ben Amos on loan. There are plenty of keepers out there unhappy at there play time.
Stoke have enjoyed a good start to the season but with success comes international call ups and increased games. Given their participation in the gruelling Europa League and they will need someone to lift the club and give new life to the squad. Interest surrounds Junior Holiett and Blackburn would face a challenge keeping hold of him.
Swansea have made the Premier League look ridiculously easy for a first time club and Brendan Rodgers will be content with his squad. Rumours are linking them for a loan deal with Chelsea' Josh McEachran and that could be the only piece of business the Swans feel the need to do.
The continued trials and torments for Steve Bruce continue at Sunderland. Big things were expected this season yet a decent bunch of players have struggled for consistency. Scoring goals has remained a problem since Bent left for Villa, Welbeck returned to Manchester United and Gyan disappeared into the desert. Links with FC Sion striker Giovanni Sio look likely to turn into a deal come January.
Next comes one of those clubs and managers that you never know what to predict transfer wise. Half the players they are rumoured with seem unlikely signings while with the rest of the players they face competition for their signatures. Tottenham will need another striker and Harry Redknapp has mentioned reopening the Fernando Llorente deal while reports linking Tottenham with Juventus's Amauri have also gathered pace.
Despite tightening things up defensively, West Brom have struggled this season. Reports are linking them with Birmingham's defender Liam Ridgewell and his consistent performances make sense.
Much of Wigan's fortunes will depend on the state of things come January. A club who have talked openly about the possibility of relegation right from when Martinez was rumoured for the Villa job. January will be a horrible month for them as they try to sign a gem to save themselves while struggling to keep hold of their quality players. Defenders are needed and there is a big pool of loan possibilities for them to consider.
Wolves and manager Mick McCarthy managed to acquire a number of decent players during the summer. Arguably they could do with a few more goals in their team and a striker will be on their radar. A loan signing is more likely than an over priced full signing.
Thursday 10 November 2011
Armchair Sport: 3 players to improve Liverpool
Armchair Sport: 3 players to improve Liverpool: This weeks international break gives the club managers a chance to evaluate their squads ahead of the busy December period. With the transfe...
3 players to improve Liverpool
This weeks international break gives the club managers a chance to evaluate their squads ahead of the busy December period. With the transfer window open on January 1st many of the Premier league teams that are planning to make any new acquisitions will want to do so sooner rather than later.
It has been an up and down season for Liverpool. Publicly they declared a serious title challenge but privately Kenny Dalgleish must admit that unless they sign three more players in January, they could easily fail to finish in the Champions League places or the Europa League. That would depend on who played in the two cup finals.
They have one of the most consistent goalkeepers in world football. That area is sorted although you would worry if you were a Liverpool fan should Reina receive a long term injury. The biggest concern is the Liverpool defence. Dalgleish seems unsure who to play at right back in Glenn Johnson's absence and Johnson himself is becoming more and more injured. The three youngsters Martin Kelly, Danny Wilson and Joe Flanagan all look decent players but they are lacking a decent centre back.
Jamie Carragher is not getting any younger and his fitness levels are not what they were. In my opinion Martin Skrtel is a liability defender and Daniel Agger is very injury prone. The Uruguay international Sebastian Coates is looking like he is having trouble adapting to the pace of the Premier league. An offer for Gary Cahill wouldn't be a bad choice.
There is a lot of talent in Liverpool's midfield. There is a combination of passing, tackling, creativity and work collectively and they have won matches without Steven Gerrard. Dalgleish will be looking for Gerrard to retire from international duties to lessen the time spent on the sidelines. They are lacking a player with real pace on the right of midfield to mirror Stuart Downing on the left. Someone in the Shaun Wright-Phillips mould.
Finally they are pinning to much on Luis Suarez. Even though he is a player I don't enjoy watching due to the theatrics that come with him, I acknowledge how important he is becoming to Liverpool. Opposition defences are going to resort to kicking him in order to stop him and he will pick up knocks and miss games. Andy Carroll still looks surprised to be a Liverpool player. It just hasn't happened for him yet at Anfield. They need another goal scorer. There has been whispers around David Villa but I think that deal is a little out of Liverpool's reach. Hugo Rodallega may be a possibility come January and Jermaine Defoe also may leave Tottenham.
I'm not a scout and have no idea on club budgets but those are the kind of players I feel Liverpool need in order to challenge for Europe. It is looking like Arsenal may have turned things around and with both Manchester clubs and Chelsea performing well the Champions League looks out of Liverpool's hands. They face a fight with Newcastle and Tottenham for whatever European places are available for next years European competitions after the FA and League cups have provided their two places.
It has been an up and down season for Liverpool. Publicly they declared a serious title challenge but privately Kenny Dalgleish must admit that unless they sign three more players in January, they could easily fail to finish in the Champions League places or the Europa League. That would depend on who played in the two cup finals.
They have one of the most consistent goalkeepers in world football. That area is sorted although you would worry if you were a Liverpool fan should Reina receive a long term injury. The biggest concern is the Liverpool defence. Dalgleish seems unsure who to play at right back in Glenn Johnson's absence and Johnson himself is becoming more and more injured. The three youngsters Martin Kelly, Danny Wilson and Joe Flanagan all look decent players but they are lacking a decent centre back.
Jamie Carragher is not getting any younger and his fitness levels are not what they were. In my opinion Martin Skrtel is a liability defender and Daniel Agger is very injury prone. The Uruguay international Sebastian Coates is looking like he is having trouble adapting to the pace of the Premier league. An offer for Gary Cahill wouldn't be a bad choice.
There is a lot of talent in Liverpool's midfield. There is a combination of passing, tackling, creativity and work collectively and they have won matches without Steven Gerrard. Dalgleish will be looking for Gerrard to retire from international duties to lessen the time spent on the sidelines. They are lacking a player with real pace on the right of midfield to mirror Stuart Downing on the left. Someone in the Shaun Wright-Phillips mould.
Finally they are pinning to much on Luis Suarez. Even though he is a player I don't enjoy watching due to the theatrics that come with him, I acknowledge how important he is becoming to Liverpool. Opposition defences are going to resort to kicking him in order to stop him and he will pick up knocks and miss games. Andy Carroll still looks surprised to be a Liverpool player. It just hasn't happened for him yet at Anfield. They need another goal scorer. There has been whispers around David Villa but I think that deal is a little out of Liverpool's reach. Hugo Rodallega may be a possibility come January and Jermaine Defoe also may leave Tottenham.
I'm not a scout and have no idea on club budgets but those are the kind of players I feel Liverpool need in order to challenge for Europe. It is looking like Arsenal may have turned things around and with both Manchester clubs and Chelsea performing well the Champions League looks out of Liverpool's hands. They face a fight with Newcastle and Tottenham for whatever European places are available for next years European competitions after the FA and League cups have provided their two places.
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