On Wednesday 1st April 2015 Natalie Pirks conducted an fabulous interview for BBC Television; even she could not believe the footage she and her colleagues were capturing in the can with her brilliantly executed probing questions with Raheem Sterling. As many of you regular followers of my blog will know, I am not a Liverpool fan but I was more than a little concerned by footage I observed that evening. So much was said at the time, I decided to keep my counsel before uttering my own views on what has proved to be a most fascinating insight into the world of Raheem Stirling.
I am going to be frank and honest, a little more than normal because I personally identified with Raheem in this interview. This was a huge interview because very few of us have heard this young man speak before, Had this conversation taken place on-stage as part of a question and answer session at one of the many football dinners I have attended, much of the detail might have been lost in translation. But this interchange happened on the BBC and that changes everything. All Professional footballers, especially Premiership ones, like elite performers are nowadays briefed at some point in their development on how to deal with their media, warned about the pitfalls of their conduct, their associations, pastimes etc. Simply because their every move and utterance is consumed by an obsessive global audience that is served by equally ravenous media outlets that employs pundits by the truck-load to pour over and endlessly debate trivia beyond objective comprehension. Until I subscribed to Sky Sports in the 1990s, the only match that required a measured one hour build up dissecting the personalities of the field of play and their tactics coupled with their rituals was the F.A. Cup Final! Extended debate is now a rite of passage, just check the thousands of forums that are exhausting keep up with and that's before you get to The Maestro Talks Football. My point is that Mr Sterling in taking on this interview should have been better prepared. Having said all of that, we have for once a real gem courtesy of the brilliant and beautiful (in that order chaps!) journalist Natalie Pirks.
Liverpool Football Club is a run superbly by Ian Ayre and backed stupendously by the no nonsense John W Henry. He is the perfect owner; he says nothing but when something needs to be said, his voice sounds...loud and clear (take note Mike Ashley!) No club statements are required, he opens his savvy mouth and tells it as it damn well is! When he said Suarez was not going to be sold back in the summer of 2013, no-one disbelieved him; the story was dead in the water. He will also have noted that Sterling stated that he would have happily signed last season for significantly less money at the end of last season when the team were flying...with Suarez and Sturridge conquering all before them, How very interesting that with £100,000-a-week on offer, he suddenly 'wants to concentrate on winning things for Liverpool.' instead of taking the deal and focussing on that unique footballing education that Anfield provides. Somewhere along the way, he or his advisors have convinced him that like a poker player, his status has assumed greater significance in the absence of Suarez, an injured Sturridge and a departing Steven Gerrard and his stock is worth the waiting game. Is he right? The simple answer is No!
Potential is a loaded word, and history will tell us that a great many players with a trolley load of it failed miserably. Ex-Cobbler Sean Dyche, who sadly failed to keep Burnley in the Premier League this season, had expressed shock earlier in the season at the wages being demanded by unproven teenagers and their parents in Youth Football. Raheem Sterling was a lone success story for England at last year's World Cup but the brutal truth is unlike Pele, Maradona and Cruyff his ability did not single-handedly drag England through to the knock-out stages, nor did Liverpool actually win the Premier League. Football at the high table is defined by small margins. Gareth Bale scored the winning goal in the Champions League Final last May when the deadlock needed to be broken in extra time; but note how he was savaged for his abject display last week against Juventus. He may yet rescue the tie for his club this week and retain the trophy in early June - something no team has achieved in the Champions League; then history will confirm his status forever more! Steven Gerrard is being discussed as the greatest Liverpool player ever because he dragged an average Liverpool team back from 3-0 down to lift the trophy in 2005. Raheem Sterling is not the finished article, nor has he convinced anyone that he might be, otherwise he would have made it 2-1 against Ludogorets Razgrad back in November before being substituted and Liverpool would have stayed in the Champions League or with a burst of brilliance might have created an assist or a goal that would have Liverpool challenging for the Europa Cup later this month or simply smashed Aston Villa at Wembley in that semi-final to set up a fixture with Arsenal for Mr Gerrard's birthday departure; but he hasn't achieved anything.
Liverpool Football Club are a loyal, nurturing football club. Listening to Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports and reading his columns, his insights on Liverpool life are invaluable. Sometime ago, he pointed out in one of his newspaper pieces that improving Liverpool players have their contracts reviewed regularly and improved quietly behind closed doors without outward utterances or fanfare. One simple fact that I discovered within seconds of being engaged for my debut on the Professional stage is that P.R. is a huge but invisible business. Watching a documentary about the political preparations (or lack of) by 'pub landlord' Al Murray to contest the Thanet seat opposite Nigel Farage revealed the exhausting complexities of nurturing and winning public votes. The image that football people want to promote to us humble but significant supporters is a big deal. I personally blame Liverpool Football Club for allowing the story about Raheem's contract to gain any publicity; a Ferguson-led Manchester United always kept such details in-house; Liverpool should have snuffed the story. Whilst it was refreshing to hear the young man naively conduct this rare interview, he should never have felt vulnerable, in the first place, to feel the need to speak out. I also blame his agent Aidy Ward. Ward is also the agent of talented Baggies striker Saido Berahino, another player who has angered his bosses by giving unsolicited interviews to media outlets about 'contracts and future ambitions'; Sterling needs this like a hole in the head! As I said before, if he merited a rise, the Liverpool way would have been to get it done; and keep quiet.
So, does this all matter? The simple answer is yes because since the interview and all that has followed, on the football pitch where it really matters, Sterling has been woeful. He has missed easy chances, his potency has dropped, Liverpool are, as I said earlier, not contesting the Final of the F.A. Cup, and most significantly will not qualify for the Champions League next year. That quite simply is what he will be judged on come the end of the season; by everyone - results. The side-show has ultimately been destructive to himself and his employers - quite simply that is very bad for business.
Brendan Rodgers is a well-respected manager and should be allowed to continue in his role at Liverpool just as David Moyes should still be the manager of Manchester United - but that's another blog! Life though can sometimes become complicated unnecessarily, I sincerely hope that the organisation at Anfield, stand firm back their manager, despite his lack of trophy success and cut Raheem Sterling, and his colleagues, some slack. The environmental stability to reflect, recharge and return next season with an intensity to succeed is a necessary dynamic because the true reality is that Liverpool are not that far from where they need to be. Romantic nostalgic notions, reputations and pedigree have very little currency in the modern world game; you either succeed or you fail. The Premier League is now bursting with well-run clubs, with great potential match-winners amongst their playing staff. By exposing himself to the media glare, he has to hit the turf in August at high tempo, be productive next season and lift silverware or he will be sold to another football club - the sand of allowances, at least publicly, in his egg-timer have ruthlessly run dry. The world's vultures wait for no-one any more, as Nigel Farage, Ed Milliband and Nick Clegg have discovered this week - nearly is now viewed as a costly mistake.
Sunday, 10 May 2015
Tuesday, 10 March 2015
Pressure is Cranking Up!
The business period of the domestic football season is upon us; twists and turns, sackings and appointments. Cup upsets have been and gone and now it's the fight for promotion, survival or qualification for Europe. Only those experiencing mid-table boredom are free from attacking the drinks cabinet. From Premiership to League 2, it's a proper scrap and no-one is daring to predict the outcome.
The great Manchester United, masters of the big stage in British football were truly found out in the F.A. Cup by a fluent and eager Arsenal side containing recent discard Danny Wellbeck; who scored the winning goal. The fact that Wellbeck, a player Van Gaal confidently suggested could not score enough goals, executed a crucial one to extinguish his former employers, mentors and heroes (we might be forgiven for saying family because that is what United meant to him) until they dumped him at the Emirates for a measly £16 million bargain. British football has entered a brand new era; the history books will read that Manchester United failed to secure silverware for the second season in a row. At least David Moyes was able to lift the Charity Shield! Watching the entire game on Terrestrial BBC Television, somehow felt properly old-fashioned and free to all without betting adverts bombarding us for a change! The job for Van Gaal though is now critical, philosophy or not the next 5 fixtures locking horns with rejuvinated opponents will surely define his and United's season in ruthless fashion: Spurs, Liverpool, Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea await and the world is watching, Corporate Manchester United is holding it's breath, if not already calling the Samaritans. There really is no more to add, let's wait and see!
So, Chelsea won their first trophy under Mourinho at Wembley, at a canter. It came as no surprise that the clinical juggernaut would roll them over the line and very few of us are looking anywhere else for the winners of the title race, in truth. As it happens, Chelsea have stuttered but so too have their rivals. The true examination of high-end quality at the Bridge comes when they line up against Paris St Germain. So much hinges on this, not least the racial dynamics following incidents on the Paris metro with a certain French commuter of colour. Chelsea have to get all aspects of this game right; on the pitch, the diplomatic front and in the stands; the responsibility of football's morals suddenly sits on their shoulders. But, in reality, it should be a straightforward victory, with the said gentleman being given the treatment of a royal dignitary and sterner tests await in later rounds. This is a trophy Chelsea quietly want to win; and be seen to be winning with all the integrity of European giants. Failure would invite ridicule given the financial investment afforded to Mourinho - many here and abroad especially in Madrid are following closely.
Manchester City have endured a wretched time recently. The artists of Catalonia beat them with such a gulf in class, one had to be reminded that it was a competitive Champions League fixture; viewing was frankly painful. For all his bravado, Pellegrini is fooling no-one with his sound-bytes about being still in the tie; quite simply they are not. Losing at Anfield to the ever improving Liverpool was a double blow and Pellegrini knows it. I feel that his season ended the moment the team chose to return late on Friday night following their warm weather break in the Far East, before losing to my team Middlesbrough at home the following afternoon. I find it inconceivable that Mourinho, Wenger or Ferguson would have made that error and then try to dress it up as trivial nonsense. It is upon such small details that titles are won or thrown away ask Kevin Keegan.
Liverpool are, despite losing Luis Suarez, a realistic proposition for the top four. Their victory over Manchester City was conclusive and Phillipe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling alongside a refreshed Daniel Sturridge are starting to look the part, with each league match. Sadly, they failed to progress in the Europa Cup and also have made heavy work of attempting to beat Blackburn Rovers in the F.A. Cup but one senses that the gathering of experience for future battles is the intention for the club. Improvement is being plotted very carefully and the strategy is quietly effective. How Manchester United must wish that Ian Ayre and not bungling Ed Woodward was their Chief Executive! Steven Gerrard leaves at the conclusion of this season and everyone is hoping that he does with F.A. Cup trophy raised aloft on his birthday at Wembley. Regarding his departure, sentiment had to be second to sound reasoning and a move to America is the best outcome for everyone, will it be with THAT winners medal?
Arsenal remind me of a few thrifty acquaintances that are one step away from really enjoying life to the full if only they would open their wallets and spend some cash! Arsene Wenger is without doubt a very smart man; his press conferences are akin to high level university lectures. He talks a great game, is highly respected etc but now the bar in world club football has been raised and he needs a squad that can compete at the highest level. The victory at the Theatre of Dreams was significant psychologically but the capitulation of the team against Monaco was pitiful, being bullied and out-thought by players such as Dimitar Berbatov did hurt Gunners fans everywhere and watching neutrals. With the belief of momentum begun in Manchester, Arsenal unlike Manchester City do have the ammunition to overturn this fixture. Arsene the academic lives and breathes football for this type of challenge, so expect a robust rearguard action and for Giroud to find his shooting boots with Walcott, Cazorla and Sanchez as his assistants. The Gunners traditionally reveal a soft under-belly around this period of the football calendar but this season, following that timely F.A. Cup boost, a fiercely competitive run-in could become reality.
I want to say that Tottenham will be in the conversation for Champions League football, with Harry Kane scoring for fun and Pochettino running the show but somehow, they just lack the extra ounce of quality to unlock the golden gate to an elite existence. Despite that, their progress this season has been resolute and I expect them to be realistic challengers for the top 4 next season if they fail this time around; as I suspect they will.
I also want to include Southampton in the mix but even with the excellent Ronald Koeman at the helm, something steely, resolute and creative is lacking from their fighting artillery. A Europa place would be a deserved achievement given the negativity that pervaded the air around St Mary's following the huge number of high marquee players leaving last summer. The bottom line is very healthy and the business model is looking a great deal smarter than many of us were predicting but to become and stay a top 6 side they cannot afford another exodus of players.
Mid-table obscurity has been well earned by Stoke and especially West Ham whose manager Sam Allardyce has been nothing short of brilliant - but don't ask the West Ham board to agree with me! Forget playing the West Ham way, forget the romanticism of 'I'm forever blowing bubbles,' if big Sam leaves their expansive football may return but, mark my words, they will drop back to the Championship once again. The Hammers must learn to be careful what they wish for; occupation of that Olympic stadium is getting closer. Gold and Sullivan need to say to Allardyce "Same again Sam, carry on as before. We'll back you!" Otherwise they too will be hoping to appoint Tony Pulis next January for a crash course in survival!
Down at the bottom, the battle for survival is terrifyingly close. Logic suggests that the three sides that came up will return, but my heart wants to disagree strongly. Burnley have learned the ability to compete and roll the dice; it may land in their favour - fortune does favour the brave. Leicester sadly need a cool head on the touch-line and Nigel Pearson has, for me, cracked too many times under pressure and the business end of the season will like nothing he has experienced so far. As for Q.P.R. they just seem to be a couple of notches below the required level in too many departments to survive. I sense that Harry, despite his obvious talent as a motivator is fighting a losing battle. Although I am yet to be convinced by Tim Sherwood as a manager, Aston Villa will stay up as well as Roberto Martinez and Everton. Both managers have a huge task next season especially Martinez whose players simply did not do the business for him. Lukaku simply hasn't delivered enough times for his club and his lack of goals has created tremendous pressure on the rest of the team and sadly challenged the belief system of a very talented and capable squad. On the other hand, Sherwood has to deal with the passengers amongst his playing staff, discard them, re-invigorate them, fine-tune the squad for next season otherwise the Villa will be looking on from the Championship next time around. Hull will always scrape by, but Steve Bruce has an excellent and hard-working squad that deserve to survive and continue to empower the people of Humberside. Further up the coast, Sunderland despite such an array of talent always seem to be one step away from a disaster; Gus Poyet is an excellent manager but like Nigel Pearson, he is developing a talent for self-destruction that he needs to swiftly discard, or he and the Wearsiders could be overtaken by Burnley.
My team Middlesbrough are involved in a tight battle for the top spot with Bournmouth, Derby, Ipswich, Norwich, Watford and Brentford all seperated by 5 points! An impressive group of very slick units marshalled by fabulous managers with excellent play-makers and goal scorers. Because all the top sides are playing one another, the scenario should become clearer by mid-April, but I am ever hopeful for the 'Boro, with their impressive manager Aitor Karanka; a man who everyone is becominging evermore aware that he was Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid. His quiet but confident efficiency has impressed many and ultimately the big stage of Premier League football will be richer for his presence. Let's be frank, the top league will benefit greatly with any of those managers are striving for glory.
The money pouring into Premier League has made the pursuit of success a desperate cause for some clubs. Greed is beginning to overtake the considered view and one senses that could be a defining moment for a club as they edge towards and ultimately down the trap-door. Although the game we love and adore is a ruthless business, somehow it has retained it's excitement as a spectacle for us the watching fans. One hopes that the substance continues to be given due consideration though because it must be noted that despite that much desired finance, our best teams seem to be getting found out more and more by middle ground European teams at the high table. Let's hope that is a blip and that the greats of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea can rise again to roar our British presence (cue the music for 'Land of Hope and Glory!') against the best of the rest. Closer to home, it's 'squeaky bum' time as a certain Scotsman used to say! Come on!!
The great Manchester United, masters of the big stage in British football were truly found out in the F.A. Cup by a fluent and eager Arsenal side containing recent discard Danny Wellbeck; who scored the winning goal. The fact that Wellbeck, a player Van Gaal confidently suggested could not score enough goals, executed a crucial one to extinguish his former employers, mentors and heroes (we might be forgiven for saying family because that is what United meant to him) until they dumped him at the Emirates for a measly £16 million bargain. British football has entered a brand new era; the history books will read that Manchester United failed to secure silverware for the second season in a row. At least David Moyes was able to lift the Charity Shield! Watching the entire game on Terrestrial BBC Television, somehow felt properly old-fashioned and free to all without betting adverts bombarding us for a change! The job for Van Gaal though is now critical, philosophy or not the next 5 fixtures locking horns with rejuvinated opponents will surely define his and United's season in ruthless fashion: Spurs, Liverpool, Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea await and the world is watching, Corporate Manchester United is holding it's breath, if not already calling the Samaritans. There really is no more to add, let's wait and see!
So, Chelsea won their first trophy under Mourinho at Wembley, at a canter. It came as no surprise that the clinical juggernaut would roll them over the line and very few of us are looking anywhere else for the winners of the title race, in truth. As it happens, Chelsea have stuttered but so too have their rivals. The true examination of high-end quality at the Bridge comes when they line up against Paris St Germain. So much hinges on this, not least the racial dynamics following incidents on the Paris metro with a certain French commuter of colour. Chelsea have to get all aspects of this game right; on the pitch, the diplomatic front and in the stands; the responsibility of football's morals suddenly sits on their shoulders. But, in reality, it should be a straightforward victory, with the said gentleman being given the treatment of a royal dignitary and sterner tests await in later rounds. This is a trophy Chelsea quietly want to win; and be seen to be winning with all the integrity of European giants. Failure would invite ridicule given the financial investment afforded to Mourinho - many here and abroad especially in Madrid are following closely.
Manchester City have endured a wretched time recently. The artists of Catalonia beat them with such a gulf in class, one had to be reminded that it was a competitive Champions League fixture; viewing was frankly painful. For all his bravado, Pellegrini is fooling no-one with his sound-bytes about being still in the tie; quite simply they are not. Losing at Anfield to the ever improving Liverpool was a double blow and Pellegrini knows it. I feel that his season ended the moment the team chose to return late on Friday night following their warm weather break in the Far East, before losing to my team Middlesbrough at home the following afternoon. I find it inconceivable that Mourinho, Wenger or Ferguson would have made that error and then try to dress it up as trivial nonsense. It is upon such small details that titles are won or thrown away ask Kevin Keegan.
Liverpool are, despite losing Luis Suarez, a realistic proposition for the top four. Their victory over Manchester City was conclusive and Phillipe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling alongside a refreshed Daniel Sturridge are starting to look the part, with each league match. Sadly, they failed to progress in the Europa Cup and also have made heavy work of attempting to beat Blackburn Rovers in the F.A. Cup but one senses that the gathering of experience for future battles is the intention for the club. Improvement is being plotted very carefully and the strategy is quietly effective. How Manchester United must wish that Ian Ayre and not bungling Ed Woodward was their Chief Executive! Steven Gerrard leaves at the conclusion of this season and everyone is hoping that he does with F.A. Cup trophy raised aloft on his birthday at Wembley. Regarding his departure, sentiment had to be second to sound reasoning and a move to America is the best outcome for everyone, will it be with THAT winners medal?
Arsenal remind me of a few thrifty acquaintances that are one step away from really enjoying life to the full if only they would open their wallets and spend some cash! Arsene Wenger is without doubt a very smart man; his press conferences are akin to high level university lectures. He talks a great game, is highly respected etc but now the bar in world club football has been raised and he needs a squad that can compete at the highest level. The victory at the Theatre of Dreams was significant psychologically but the capitulation of the team against Monaco was pitiful, being bullied and out-thought by players such as Dimitar Berbatov did hurt Gunners fans everywhere and watching neutrals. With the belief of momentum begun in Manchester, Arsenal unlike Manchester City do have the ammunition to overturn this fixture. Arsene the academic lives and breathes football for this type of challenge, so expect a robust rearguard action and for Giroud to find his shooting boots with Walcott, Cazorla and Sanchez as his assistants. The Gunners traditionally reveal a soft under-belly around this period of the football calendar but this season, following that timely F.A. Cup boost, a fiercely competitive run-in could become reality.
I want to say that Tottenham will be in the conversation for Champions League football, with Harry Kane scoring for fun and Pochettino running the show but somehow, they just lack the extra ounce of quality to unlock the golden gate to an elite existence. Despite that, their progress this season has been resolute and I expect them to be realistic challengers for the top 4 next season if they fail this time around; as I suspect they will.
I also want to include Southampton in the mix but even with the excellent Ronald Koeman at the helm, something steely, resolute and creative is lacking from their fighting artillery. A Europa place would be a deserved achievement given the negativity that pervaded the air around St Mary's following the huge number of high marquee players leaving last summer. The bottom line is very healthy and the business model is looking a great deal smarter than many of us were predicting but to become and stay a top 6 side they cannot afford another exodus of players.
Mid-table obscurity has been well earned by Stoke and especially West Ham whose manager Sam Allardyce has been nothing short of brilliant - but don't ask the West Ham board to agree with me! Forget playing the West Ham way, forget the romanticism of 'I'm forever blowing bubbles,' if big Sam leaves their expansive football may return but, mark my words, they will drop back to the Championship once again. The Hammers must learn to be careful what they wish for; occupation of that Olympic stadium is getting closer. Gold and Sullivan need to say to Allardyce "Same again Sam, carry on as before. We'll back you!" Otherwise they too will be hoping to appoint Tony Pulis next January for a crash course in survival!
Down at the bottom, the battle for survival is terrifyingly close. Logic suggests that the three sides that came up will return, but my heart wants to disagree strongly. Burnley have learned the ability to compete and roll the dice; it may land in their favour - fortune does favour the brave. Leicester sadly need a cool head on the touch-line and Nigel Pearson has, for me, cracked too many times under pressure and the business end of the season will like nothing he has experienced so far. As for Q.P.R. they just seem to be a couple of notches below the required level in too many departments to survive. I sense that Harry, despite his obvious talent as a motivator is fighting a losing battle. Although I am yet to be convinced by Tim Sherwood as a manager, Aston Villa will stay up as well as Roberto Martinez and Everton. Both managers have a huge task next season especially Martinez whose players simply did not do the business for him. Lukaku simply hasn't delivered enough times for his club and his lack of goals has created tremendous pressure on the rest of the team and sadly challenged the belief system of a very talented and capable squad. On the other hand, Sherwood has to deal with the passengers amongst his playing staff, discard them, re-invigorate them, fine-tune the squad for next season otherwise the Villa will be looking on from the Championship next time around. Hull will always scrape by, but Steve Bruce has an excellent and hard-working squad that deserve to survive and continue to empower the people of Humberside. Further up the coast, Sunderland despite such an array of talent always seem to be one step away from a disaster; Gus Poyet is an excellent manager but like Nigel Pearson, he is developing a talent for self-destruction that he needs to swiftly discard, or he and the Wearsiders could be overtaken by Burnley.
My team Middlesbrough are involved in a tight battle for the top spot with Bournmouth, Derby, Ipswich, Norwich, Watford and Brentford all seperated by 5 points! An impressive group of very slick units marshalled by fabulous managers with excellent play-makers and goal scorers. Because all the top sides are playing one another, the scenario should become clearer by mid-April, but I am ever hopeful for the 'Boro, with their impressive manager Aitor Karanka; a man who everyone is becominging evermore aware that he was Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid. His quiet but confident efficiency has impressed many and ultimately the big stage of Premier League football will be richer for his presence. Let's be frank, the top league will benefit greatly with any of those managers are striving for glory.
The money pouring into Premier League has made the pursuit of success a desperate cause for some clubs. Greed is beginning to overtake the considered view and one senses that could be a defining moment for a club as they edge towards and ultimately down the trap-door. Although the game we love and adore is a ruthless business, somehow it has retained it's excitement as a spectacle for us the watching fans. One hopes that the substance continues to be given due consideration though because it must be noted that despite that much desired finance, our best teams seem to be getting found out more and more by middle ground European teams at the high table. Let's hope that is a blip and that the greats of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea can rise again to roar our British presence (cue the music for 'Land of Hope and Glory!') against the best of the rest. Closer to home, it's 'squeaky bum' time as a certain Scotsman used to say! Come on!!
Thursday, 16 October 2014
As The Darkness of Winter Envelopes Us All, Let's See Who's Made of The Stern Stuff...
So, since I last blogged, Manchester City won the league, Real Madrid finally bagged the Champions League and Luis Suarez chewed his way out of Liverpool! The Germans broke the South American hoodoo and lifted the World Cup outside of Europe and David Moyes was replaced by Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United, Alan Pardew is STILL at Newcastle United but Tony Pulis left Crystal Palace before the show got started. So, the soap opera, they call the 'beautiful game' is very much back in town...(and so too is the X Factor!)
The World Cup in Brazil was a huge success except that Brazil and England just confirmed what everyone has muttered for years; one has traded for too long on it's reputation and the other is simply not good enough...period. The Germans did what the Germans do, they put a plan in place and executed it. Their humiliation of Brazil should have shocked us, but in the cold darkness of deepest Autumn, it was inevitable once the poster boy Neymar was out of the picture. For me it was a real shame that Lionel Messi was too exhausted to announce himself on the greatest stage of all in the Final. Many Argentinians will wistfully observe him probably dismantle a Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund defence single-handedly at some point during the Champions League fiesta of football in early 2015, and wonder why he failed to deliver the same pleasure for his fellow compatriots. And that my friends is where the modern World Cup will always fall down. The competition has become like midnight on New Year's Eve for my wife, by the time it comes around the players, like her, are too exhausted from the hugely intensive grind of the modern footballer's arduous journey to reach this momentous summit in their sporting lives. But, somehow the Germans can do it, consistently!
Let's quickly talk about England. Firstly, to be positive, Roy Hodgson has to be applauded for his bravery in selecting youth at this year's tournament; Raheem Sterling was a revelation especially in the first match against Italy. I felt that he genuinely frightened the Italians with his fearless runs and speed, but we lacked a clinical end product. Daniel Sturridge is a good striker and so is Danny Welbeck,but Chelsea and Manchester United allowed both players to leave their respective clubs for one reason only. They individually lack that ruthless streak to score important goals in critical moments of a game of football of high importance. There is a point to be made here that I concede may be valid, the fact that they were not given enough opportunities to learn the dynamics of the high-end script at their original clubs may be a significant factor here, but the facts still remain that in the matches against Italy and Uruguay, the winning goals were delivered by players (who fully understood from their English experiences) the significance of getting that goal at that time; Balotelli and Suarez. Gary Lineker and Michael Owen netted huge game-changing England goals, and that for me is simply why both players ended up at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Unfortunately, the rest of the spine around them was never quite good enough to make their respective teams world-beaters. Right now, without Rooney, and I rate him very highly, England are enthusiastic at best and downright tame at worst. I am not overly concerned about whether we can keep and pass the ball 600 times in the course of a phase, what maters is that real menace exists further up the pitch with predatory instincts to trouble the scoreboard. The Euro campaign will teach us very little, but it will give those young men like Luke Chambers and Fabian Delf real international experience hopefully without the negative consequences of a failed qualification, but the real footballing heavyweight nations and Switzerland are NOT one will still pick us off and destroy our deluded dreams, once again I fear.
But the Premier League is back to it's teasingly exciting best. Although just as well-heeled folk venture to the theatre or concert hall in search of great entertainment rather than vegetate on the couch with a Dominos Pizza and absorb the X Factor, the connoisseurs will be accessing BT Sport and SKY for superior technical excellence in Das Bundesliga and La Liga. But the reality is that our Premier League with a few exceptions deliver the greatest matches. The close season sub-plots and constant 'intrigue' have emotionally corrupted the logical mind of football-starved summer months and suddenly once again, despite denials to the contrary, huge debates with strangers over generously delivered pints at all my numerous engagements have become the norm once. So what's really occuring?
The reality is that all the top clubs are sailing in uncharted waters. The mid-table sides can smell the weight of fear. Chelsea should win the Premier League at a canter, but Jose Mourinho will not feel complete until he has won the Champions League. Failing to do that at Real Madrid still rankles with him; and ultimately that inner turmoil may allow Manchester City to defend their title successfully. But, they too have a huge psychological hurdle to overcome themselves in the Champions League, after all Chelsea have already won the thing, thanks to the Munich Miracle, so maybe Pellegrini's pressure is the greater, who knows? Liverpool will slide out of the top four this season; losing Suarez has made the task of reaching fourth a mountain. Poor performances in the Champions League have already confirmed that Liverpool are not ready to live with the real playground bullies, and Real Madrid have yet to meet them in a fixture! I am worried for them. Arsenal will do enough to stay within the lines of top 4 qualification and will succeed in the group stages but Arsene Wenger despite his revered status knows that the time to prove to the Arsenal faithful that he has the ability to achieve real traction is now, His principals are irrelevant, winning meaningful silverware is the only barometer that counts. Being declared the most expensive team to watch in English football will this season create a wide spectrum of attention from the Arsenal public and cynical observers. If the price being paid for the Gunners product does not translate into a superior existence, the ceiling could crash unannounced. Just ask Manchester United who have an army of Corporate Partners whose products demand to be sitting in the blinding lights of global media windows. Louis Van Gaal and his side will use the advantage of not having the 'distraction of European Football' with a star cast and enjoy those greater rest periods. Stealing a ruthless march on their weary competitors and becoming the story, is a minimum requirement and everyone at St Matt Busby Way knows it. Their publicity-hungry allies will puff out their cheeks and chests more in relief than outright delight but that defence has more holes that our sieve and that's their achilles heel; ask any Leicester City fan! It is a critical time in the history of Manchester United and the legacy of Busby and Ferguson is now hanging around manager Van Gaal's neck like an obese albatross; he'll need all his power to win the day here. Everyone is watching.
At the bargain basement end of the table, I am worried for Burnley and Sean Dyche. Sean is loved in these Northamptonshire parts as a great servant to the Cobblers, so we are keen to see him succeed in the Premier League but so far his troops are falling a long way short. Desire and organisation alone are not enough as attributes to consistently win games in the top league. Newcastle United too are currently playing with great willingness, under a suffering Alan Pardew, but losing meaningful assets during the summer has compromised this great club and I sense that with or without the current manager they will slide through the trap-door along with Queens Park Rangers. Mike Ashley needs to offload the club to a wealthy owner who has a proper media presence and a desire to deliver a football team for the Geordie public to celebrate. Right now, the whole affair of Newcastle's demise is squeezing the optimism of a deserving fan-base. Pardew was always a poor fit, but when Hughton was sacked undeservedly, he, to his credit was the only candidate prepared to work under the constraints placed by Ashley. The owner is the true villain of the Magpie's story; but because fans need tangible objects to vent their frustations, poor Pardew is undeservedly copping the flak for his over-generously extensive contract; as I said before it's a very sorry mess. Harry Redknapp, despite his brilliance is, in reality managing a club with a capacity of less than 20,000, this unfashionable minnow in shark-infested Premier League waters is in serious trouble of imploding and I feel that Harry may have to walk away to save himself, and probably the club. For all his tweets and ill-informed opinions about life events, Rio Ferdinand is symptomatic of the kind of distracted characters the club currently has on it's pay-roll and that sadly will cause their demise. Across the River Thames, I do believe that Crystal Palace have just enough guile upfront and belief to engineer another survival; roared on by their impressive home support, that completely unsettled a marauding Liverpool to relinquish control so dramatically at the end of last season. And finally, Leicester City and Nigel Pearson will also despite many scares survive because these savvy battlers have integrated the hugely impressive Leonardo Ulloa seamlessly to create a robust but also imaginative unit with effective end-product; namely goals.
To touch on the pack of teams pursuing mid-table obscurity, many of these sides contain high marquee players. It was great to observe that most of the squads of the participating World Cup nations contained Premier League players and their contributions were significant at all levels of the tournament.
After many years of berating the tactics of Stoke, they are an established elite side along with Aston Villa who have smartly rescued and rejuvenated the much maligned Tom Cleverley to add purpose and stability to their midfield. For the record, I sense that he will be find his feet and in time become an England regular. More importantly, Villa will not be scrapping in the basement any longer; it would seem that they are on the rise, how far they will go depends greatly on Randy Lerner; don't hold your breath in Birmingham! Mark Hughes has much to prove in his role as Stoke City manager, and it remains to be seen if he can inspire the Potteries to feature in higher reaches of this very competitive league. The fact that Sunderland are NOT being discussed at any great length would signify that Gus Poyet is doing a fantastic job of keeping the Mackems simply as a solid Premier League team without any consequence of failure. As a fan of North East football, I would love to see them and Newcastle along with the 'Boro have a great and exciting F.A.Cup run.
Can my teams get promoted? Yes and No! The Cobblers possess real threat going forward but still have a soft underbelly. If they can become more robust in protecting leads, the play-offs are a distinct possibility. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, proved in their marathon game with Liverpool in the league cup that at last, they are team that is better prepared for the task of winning Championship games, and serious contenders. Like the Cobblers, the regular sensation of accomplishment is a habit that must be acquired once more and retained. Aitor Karanka is an impressive manager who has remained off the radar of the general watching public, in joining the 'Boro. Having worked as No.2 to Mourinho at Real Madrid, I am confident that his management excellence will propel the boys for a Wembley Play-off final at the very least! Everything is crossed!
As British Summer Time leaves us to usher in colder and darker times, it is now that we will start to learn about who the real contenders are. The bean counters are both sweating and silvating, because the numbers rewards are big, very very big and getting bigger still. Phases are being worked out, fitness established, pundits delivering cliches. We might be starting to shiver in the cold but the heat is really on...stay warm my friends!
Let's quickly talk about England. Firstly, to be positive, Roy Hodgson has to be applauded for his bravery in selecting youth at this year's tournament; Raheem Sterling was a revelation especially in the first match against Italy. I felt that he genuinely frightened the Italians with his fearless runs and speed, but we lacked a clinical end product. Daniel Sturridge is a good striker and so is Danny Welbeck,but Chelsea and Manchester United allowed both players to leave their respective clubs for one reason only. They individually lack that ruthless streak to score important goals in critical moments of a game of football of high importance. There is a point to be made here that I concede may be valid, the fact that they were not given enough opportunities to learn the dynamics of the high-end script at their original clubs may be a significant factor here, but the facts still remain that in the matches against Italy and Uruguay, the winning goals were delivered by players (who fully understood from their English experiences) the significance of getting that goal at that time; Balotelli and Suarez. Gary Lineker and Michael Owen netted huge game-changing England goals, and that for me is simply why both players ended up at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Unfortunately, the rest of the spine around them was never quite good enough to make their respective teams world-beaters. Right now, without Rooney, and I rate him very highly, England are enthusiastic at best and downright tame at worst. I am not overly concerned about whether we can keep and pass the ball 600 times in the course of a phase, what maters is that real menace exists further up the pitch with predatory instincts to trouble the scoreboard. The Euro campaign will teach us very little, but it will give those young men like Luke Chambers and Fabian Delf real international experience hopefully without the negative consequences of a failed qualification, but the real footballing heavyweight nations and Switzerland are NOT one will still pick us off and destroy our deluded dreams, once again I fear.
But the Premier League is back to it's teasingly exciting best. Although just as well-heeled folk venture to the theatre or concert hall in search of great entertainment rather than vegetate on the couch with a Dominos Pizza and absorb the X Factor, the connoisseurs will be accessing BT Sport and SKY for superior technical excellence in Das Bundesliga and La Liga. But the reality is that our Premier League with a few exceptions deliver the greatest matches. The close season sub-plots and constant 'intrigue' have emotionally corrupted the logical mind of football-starved summer months and suddenly once again, despite denials to the contrary, huge debates with strangers over generously delivered pints at all my numerous engagements have become the norm once. So what's really occuring?
The reality is that all the top clubs are sailing in uncharted waters. The mid-table sides can smell the weight of fear. Chelsea should win the Premier League at a canter, but Jose Mourinho will not feel complete until he has won the Champions League. Failing to do that at Real Madrid still rankles with him; and ultimately that inner turmoil may allow Manchester City to defend their title successfully. But, they too have a huge psychological hurdle to overcome themselves in the Champions League, after all Chelsea have already won the thing, thanks to the Munich Miracle, so maybe Pellegrini's pressure is the greater, who knows? Liverpool will slide out of the top four this season; losing Suarez has made the task of reaching fourth a mountain. Poor performances in the Champions League have already confirmed that Liverpool are not ready to live with the real playground bullies, and Real Madrid have yet to meet them in a fixture! I am worried for them. Arsenal will do enough to stay within the lines of top 4 qualification and will succeed in the group stages but Arsene Wenger despite his revered status knows that the time to prove to the Arsenal faithful that he has the ability to achieve real traction is now, His principals are irrelevant, winning meaningful silverware is the only barometer that counts. Being declared the most expensive team to watch in English football will this season create a wide spectrum of attention from the Arsenal public and cynical observers. If the price being paid for the Gunners product does not translate into a superior existence, the ceiling could crash unannounced. Just ask Manchester United who have an army of Corporate Partners whose products demand to be sitting in the blinding lights of global media windows. Louis Van Gaal and his side will use the advantage of not having the 'distraction of European Football' with a star cast and enjoy those greater rest periods. Stealing a ruthless march on their weary competitors and becoming the story, is a minimum requirement and everyone at St Matt Busby Way knows it. Their publicity-hungry allies will puff out their cheeks and chests more in relief than outright delight but that defence has more holes that our sieve and that's their achilles heel; ask any Leicester City fan! It is a critical time in the history of Manchester United and the legacy of Busby and Ferguson is now hanging around manager Van Gaal's neck like an obese albatross; he'll need all his power to win the day here. Everyone is watching.
At the bargain basement end of the table, I am worried for Burnley and Sean Dyche. Sean is loved in these Northamptonshire parts as a great servant to the Cobblers, so we are keen to see him succeed in the Premier League but so far his troops are falling a long way short. Desire and organisation alone are not enough as attributes to consistently win games in the top league. Newcastle United too are currently playing with great willingness, under a suffering Alan Pardew, but losing meaningful assets during the summer has compromised this great club and I sense that with or without the current manager they will slide through the trap-door along with Queens Park Rangers. Mike Ashley needs to offload the club to a wealthy owner who has a proper media presence and a desire to deliver a football team for the Geordie public to celebrate. Right now, the whole affair of Newcastle's demise is squeezing the optimism of a deserving fan-base. Pardew was always a poor fit, but when Hughton was sacked undeservedly, he, to his credit was the only candidate prepared to work under the constraints placed by Ashley. The owner is the true villain of the Magpie's story; but because fans need tangible objects to vent their frustations, poor Pardew is undeservedly copping the flak for his over-generously extensive contract; as I said before it's a very sorry mess. Harry Redknapp, despite his brilliance is, in reality managing a club with a capacity of less than 20,000, this unfashionable minnow in shark-infested Premier League waters is in serious trouble of imploding and I feel that Harry may have to walk away to save himself, and probably the club. For all his tweets and ill-informed opinions about life events, Rio Ferdinand is symptomatic of the kind of distracted characters the club currently has on it's pay-roll and that sadly will cause their demise. Across the River Thames, I do believe that Crystal Palace have just enough guile upfront and belief to engineer another survival; roared on by their impressive home support, that completely unsettled a marauding Liverpool to relinquish control so dramatically at the end of last season. And finally, Leicester City and Nigel Pearson will also despite many scares survive because these savvy battlers have integrated the hugely impressive Leonardo Ulloa seamlessly to create a robust but also imaginative unit with effective end-product; namely goals.
To touch on the pack of teams pursuing mid-table obscurity, many of these sides contain high marquee players. It was great to observe that most of the squads of the participating World Cup nations contained Premier League players and their contributions were significant at all levels of the tournament.
After many years of berating the tactics of Stoke, they are an established elite side along with Aston Villa who have smartly rescued and rejuvenated the much maligned Tom Cleverley to add purpose and stability to their midfield. For the record, I sense that he will be find his feet and in time become an England regular. More importantly, Villa will not be scrapping in the basement any longer; it would seem that they are on the rise, how far they will go depends greatly on Randy Lerner; don't hold your breath in Birmingham! Mark Hughes has much to prove in his role as Stoke City manager, and it remains to be seen if he can inspire the Potteries to feature in higher reaches of this very competitive league. The fact that Sunderland are NOT being discussed at any great length would signify that Gus Poyet is doing a fantastic job of keeping the Mackems simply as a solid Premier League team without any consequence of failure. As a fan of North East football, I would love to see them and Newcastle along with the 'Boro have a great and exciting F.A.Cup run.
Can my teams get promoted? Yes and No! The Cobblers possess real threat going forward but still have a soft underbelly. If they can become more robust in protecting leads, the play-offs are a distinct possibility. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, proved in their marathon game with Liverpool in the league cup that at last, they are team that is better prepared for the task of winning Championship games, and serious contenders. Like the Cobblers, the regular sensation of accomplishment is a habit that must be acquired once more and retained. Aitor Karanka is an impressive manager who has remained off the radar of the general watching public, in joining the 'Boro. Having worked as No.2 to Mourinho at Real Madrid, I am confident that his management excellence will propel the boys for a Wembley Play-off final at the very least! Everything is crossed!
As British Summer Time leaves us to usher in colder and darker times, it is now that we will start to learn about who the real contenders are. The bean counters are both sweating and silvating, because the numbers rewards are big, very very big and getting bigger still. Phases are being worked out, fitness established, pundits delivering cliches. We might be starting to shiver in the cold but the heat is really on...stay warm my friends!
Sunday, 5 January 2014
The Christmas Period is Done, Things are Getting Really Interesting Now...
The 2013-14 Football Season in one word so far; WOW! Before reading any further, take a moment and read my previous blog that was written back in September 2013.
In my last Blog I suggested that we were entering a brave new world. The details of that declaration in the main have been proved to be correct; thus far. Although as always I generally concentrate on the elite Premier League and my two sides - Middlesbrough and Northampton Town, it has been truly exciting to observe all 4 divisions; The Weekly Football League Goals Shows on B.B.C. and Sky Television have never been so enthralling to watch! But I will concentrate on my teams and the Premier League for this blog.
As we stand at the start of 2014, Arsenal are top of the league and look very strong at the summit. On Christmas Day, Liverpool were the league leaders, now they are now fourth. I strongly believe that only the current top 7 clubs will challenge for Europe (based on league placings). The final postions at the end of the season? Let's discuss...
Back in September I felt that the Bookies' odds on Manchester United finishing 3rd were over-generous. I suggested that 5th was more realistic. Many many of you berated me for such a stance, the main comment I was served with was that this same squad won the league at a canter! They did, but they are now currently 7th; my predictions may have been a little conservative in hindsight! On New Year's Day United were beaten at home by a rejuvenated Tottenham Hotspur. Today (Sunday 4th) they were well beaten at home by Swansea City in the 3rd Round of the F.A. Cup. My fear then, was that the absence of Sir Alex Ferguson prowling the touch-line and the nature of the way the transfer window was conducted would send a clear message of weakness to all their rivals. It is no coincidence that every Media Football Pundit has, at some point, keenly acknowledged that in days gone by, fixtures played at Old Trafford were psychologically lost before the first whistle was blown. That aura surrounding the place left with immediate effect, like many of our already sacked managers, sometime during the malaise of the last transfer window. Nobody doubts the excellence of David Moyes, but critically he is looking woefully fragile and out of his depth. I predicted tough times ahead back in September, but the reality of the situation is far worse than even I could have imagined. These are challenging, or might I dare to say desperate times for Manchester United, on the pitch, upstairs and the Brand because if Sunderland embarrass United in Tuesday's semi-final of the Capital One Sponsored League Cup, the roof will fall in spectacularly; It really is that desperate. Mr Moyes is well backed by the club and will succeed if 'those men in suits' who failed him so comprehensively in the last window; namely Ed Woodward, back him in the transfer market productively. United, right now, need to have scouts scurrying like ants all over the globe, looking for players to re-ignite this great club. Last season, Arsenal were skint, Chelsea were confused and Manchester City were spoiling for a fight, with each other. This season Mourinho is in town and playing to the gallery like a top billing turn, Wenger is back to his best and Pelligrini is learning how to tune the powerful machine. These guys are top class, make no bones about that, United are finished as title chasers. It's all about 4th, or even 5th; remember they are now 7th!! Even Roberto Martinez' Everton are looking like better Champions League prospects right now. And then there's Liverpool who've got Suarez, a man with a lot to prove and he is proving it every match. Then add Tottenham Hotspur, and even Emanuel Adebayor is tracking back for Spurs and covering miles like a march hare - The timing is all wrong for United right now. The F.A. Cup has gone, and the league with it, we won't pretend they can win the Champions League because they just won't, one supposes that they will negotiate Real Sociedad but let's have a reality check and accept that they will travel no further than the Quarter-Final stage. That leaves the Capital One Cup, against a fired-up Sunderland team having lost the first leg 2-1 the pressure to overturn will be intense. The second leg now becomes their biggest game of their season, with a very strong Manchester City waiting in the final at Wembley, but they have to beat the Mackens first.
I wish that someone could have convinced Moyes to forget about his mate Fellani and throw the kitchen sink at Cesc Fabregas; because with him in the mix United could now be sitting where Chelsea are, Fabregas could have earned a fortune, got more column inches than Lionel Messi and his ego would have been suitably sorted! But they not only screwed up big time but have allowed themselves to become a laughing stock. Back in the 1980s, you had time on your side, and the news media was less intense, in this era, time waits for nobody; reputations are irrelevant and once those message boards and twitter gather momentum, the negative force is unforgiving. We know that the P.R. machine at Old Trafford will go into overdrive, beat their chests and propel buzz words into melting pot, but that means nothing if the team keep losing matches. Manchester United is still the biggest global football brand in the market place, the collateral horizon can change in an instant, just ask and Liverpool fan who remembers the 1990-1991 season or Gerald Ratner, remember him...
I wish that someone could have convinced Moyes to forget about his mate Fellani and throw the kitchen sink at Cesc Fabregas; because with him in the mix United could now be sitting where Chelsea are, Fabregas could have earned a fortune, got more column inches than Lionel Messi and his ego would have been suitably sorted! But they not only screwed up big time but have allowed themselves to become a laughing stock. Back in the 1980s, you had time on your side, and the news media was less intense, in this era, time waits for nobody; reputations are irrelevant and once those message boards and twitter gather momentum, the negative force is unforgiving. We know that the P.R. machine at Old Trafford will go into overdrive, beat their chests and propel buzz words into melting pot, but that means nothing if the team keep losing matches. Manchester United is still the biggest global football brand in the market place, the collateral horizon can change in an instant, just ask and Liverpool fan who remembers the 1990-1991 season or Gerald Ratner, remember him...
Manuel Pelligrini has been just the kind of steadying influence Manchester City have cried out for since the big money rolled into Eastlands. Unfortunately, despite having the best squad by the proverbial country mile, he is up locking horns with two managers who WILL make his assault upon the title absolute hell! - step forward seasoned gun slingers Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho. Despite smashing Arsenal out of sight a matter of weeks ago, the Gunners are still above them in top slot and feeling very smug to boot! Losing to Chelsea with trusted lieutenants like Joe Hart imploding must have been personally excruciating for him. The beginning of February and then the end of March contain the definitive shoot-outs for supremacy. These games he has to win, to lift the Premier League trophy. Many people are bravely suggesting that City are one of the fancied teams for the Champions League, even IF they triumph over Barcelona, the club is not equipped to withstand the intensity to do both...yet. If they succeed with the Premier League, I sense that they could dominate domestically for some time. But, as Wenger and Mourinho know those margins to the finishing post so well, the real issue is not how good Pellegrini's squad is, it's how mentally strong they are as a unit. We're watching closely and none more than the crowd at Salford Quays!
Listening to the pundits Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville and Glen Hoddle on Sky Television's Super Sunday over Christmas, Chelsea apparently have the best manager even if they don't possess the best team. For me, it is the reason why Manchester United and Liverpool won't win the league this year. Jose Mourinho is tactically miles in front of those two, and only the experience of gladiatorial combat will teach them how, what and why! The table does not lie; and his real rivals are the two clubs above him and as I stated before, they have done this rough and tumble time andtime again. One thing none of us can dispute is that Chelsea have not been playing well, yet they still overcame Liverpool and Southampton comprehensively to sit provocatively behind Manchester City and Arsenal. That Sunday was an object lesson in how to lay down a marker that alerts your rivals, and has given them food for many thoughts. Jose Mourinho's pride was wounded last season in failing to beat Borussia Dortmund, in his last role as Real Madrid's Head Coach. Despite short-comings in the striker department this team have grasped his plot and know the drill - it feels eerily like the early days of his last stint. With a battle hardened general like John Terry leading the troops of the field, they are simply cranking up the heat. Let's not forget that Jose has won the Champions League with two highly un-fancied teams F.C. Porto and Inter Milan.
Staying with Chelsea, the failure of Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o is the manager's only serious concern; irritating as that may be. I also sense that Romelu Lukaku IS highly rated by Mourinho and maybe the plan was to unleash him around now to build momentum alongside the equally rested Juan Mata. But, reading between the lines, it would appear that the young Belgian had other ideas and wanted to be involved immediately and be the main man - which he is doing at Everton. Mourinho is neither surprised nor impressed by Lukaku's effectiveness at Goodison Park, but the situation begs a question, had he stayed, might he now have become a bigger star playing in the Champions League, be scoring match defining goals to win high profile games, and cemented his place in the World Cup squad for Belgium? The dynamics of the big club requires a particular type of Professional footballer, assuming that my view of the Chelsea boss is correct, then Lukaku has proved that despite obvious ability, he is unable to survive within the machinery of a top level football club; yes it's good to be strong willed but he must now be willing to pay the price of his stubborn traits. On the other hand Juan Mata appears to have taken the long-term view, he may yet put in title winning master class performances, score critical goals and become the saviour of Chelsea's trophy ambitions. Galatassary and probably future high marquee opponents await the Chelsea juggernaut. Keep your eyes on that team at the Bridge.
And so to Arsenal who as always conduct themselves like a well-heeled family attending a rowdy wedding reception. Their football has impeccable manners and is well presented with very few hints of bad behaviour. Everyone else has needed bedding in time, with the drastic overhaul of managers and players elsewhere, the Gunners are a familiar outfit of fully fit operational stars like Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, alongside tried and tested stalwarts like Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski, add a world class diva like Mesut Ozil and suddenly they have flown to the top of the league. Arsene Wenger amongst all these gangsters (or should I say 'gangstas') must be wondering what all the gesticulating is about. The pre-match team talk probably is "As you were..." So, it really is simple, Arsenal will stroll to the title via a honourable scrap with Bayern Munich to the title, right? Don't believe it for a second! Manuel Pellegrini does not bother Wenger personally but the club City have, in recent years, 'raped' his squad in the past for fine players; that still rankles a principled man like him and he is irritated, otherwise why would he bother to tell the scribes of the press that Manchester City are NOT the title favourites; pure mischief - he cannot help himself. Then, of course there's that Portuguese wind-up merchant that he STILL can't beat on the field of play; Jose really does get under his skin and the poor Frenchman knows that it will be a never-ending tale of sound-bytes! Put quite simply, with no more Sir Alex to play mind games, this one should be a formality for Arsenal. Top of the league, with German-like efficiency, if he can keep his nerve, it should be straightforward (the last black Dennis Taylor/Steve Davis 1985 Final anyone?!) The problem is that it's been so long since Mr Wenger held up and kissed a trophy for his adoring followers that his knees will surely be knocking and stage-fright could set in! I'd dearly love to see a proper footballing side like Arsenal do it, but CAN they?
Liverpool must quite simply finish in the top four to keep that uniquely brilliant player Luis Suarez. For them to achieve that, they must displace Manchester United. Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea will finish in the top 3 places. A club of the magnitude of Liverpool has to succeed this season; this is their opportunity to rejoin the big-time. Steven Gerrard is a huge player but he will be 34 as England captain in Brazil next summer, stellar signings need to be attracted this summer with him in the side playing Champions League football alongside Suarez and Sturridge. To finish in 4th at the expense of Manchester United would promote Brendan Rodgers to legendary status on Merseyside but losing two critical matches against Liverpool and Manchester City, after their demolition of Tottenham at White Hart Lane, explains very clearly how far the reds have progressed yet, exposes the gulf in class that must be bridged to scramble back into football's true elite. The margins are fine, but they are clearly visible. Luis Suarez is undoubtedly world class, Phillipe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling are certainly more than useful players but particularly at the Etihad their lack of clinical execution in the first half defined Liverpool's inability to remain at the Premier League summit after an excellent first half of the season. Whilst the January window is significant to all the top managers in the elite section, for Brendan Rodgers failure to snare the type of players who will give the club short-term traction could be consequential to ensure that step-up is completed. I hope he succeeds, but as I keep saying in this blog football these days waits for no-one.
Tottenham Hotspur have intrigued me all season. Andre Villas-Boas will probably admit that his goose was cooked when Gareth Bale departed to Real Madrid. Having read Harry Redknapp's autobiography over Christmas, he feels his removal was premature by the over-ambitious Daniel Levy. After all, Harry did achieve 4th place only to see Chelsea achieve the 'Munich Miracle' as he calls it now. Was A.V.B. out of his depth? Probably. should Harry have stayed? Definitely. Spurs are great football club, are they a Champions League club? In this company, no! Will Tim Sherwood be a success? That depends on how you measure success in the current company. Arsene Wenger now says that during Arsenal's period of financial austerity, consistently finishing in the top 4 was a success for him every season. I personally believe that fans like to win trophies, but that said being their status as a top club has never been in serious doubt despite losing Fabregas and Van Persie. Are Spurs in Arsenal's league? To be ruthlessly honest, they are not and because their fortunes fluctuate too frequently, and frustrate a little like Newcastle United. Spurs fans were gradually learning to enjoy the fine life of the higher echelons with Harry Redknapp but Daniel Levy cannot resist tinkering, and changing a manager so often may work on the continent but here it has an unsettling affect on the fans. And that is the crunch with Spurs my friends. It will ALWAYS be about money and that's why as good as he may prove to be Tim Sherwood will struggle to create a world beating football club. Yes! They beat Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams, but extended success for a talented squad of play-makers will probably be in the Europa Cup because they were never going to progress beyond Arsenal in the F.A. Cup. Spurs are a work in progress and Mr Levy, stay in your office and leave Sherwood to learn and execute his duties!
The narrative surrounding Vincent Tan is very disturbing despite the fact that, by default, Ole Gunnar Solskaer is now working in English football as the new manager of Cardiff City. Tan reminds me of many a egotistical entertainment impresario I have met in my work as a pianist. Highly strung, and characteristically unpredictable. I sense that everyone who works for Mr Tan, back in Malaysia worships the ground he walks on and is subservient; that's fine back there! Here, football clubs are finally waking up to the reality that some owners view club ownership as purely that; and have no responsibility to review or respect history and tradition. My view is that Malky Mackay's mistake was to happily collect his fabulous wages, but refuse to play the diplomatic card and massage Tan's ego; of course he shouldn't have to but I think he knew what he was dealing with and played a dangerous game. Failing to verbally acknowledge his owner was his first mistake, and then absorbing the adulation of the fans that Mr Tan craved was a risky strategy. In an age where football clubs at all levels control the news agenda with paranoia on a par with the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong Un, the way the media reported Cardiff's unique operation was always going to annoy Tan. Attempting to undermine his manager by first removing of his assistance and bleating on about Rolls Royce players being Toyotas was petulant and pathetic. The sacking was inevitable. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, one hopes will be fine; he played under and coached beside Sir Alex Ferguson, an individual whose unique characteristics would have served as an excellent apprenticeship for dealing with Tan. Solksjaer will be a diplomatic genius at Cardiff, his challenge will be keeping a team of Championship players without a proven goalscorer in the Premier League. If he achieves 17th and it is truly a huge ask, Malky will be forgotten very quickly. The sheer fact that the whole affair happened in the first place was an embarrassment that should never happen again, but sadly it will because money speaks very loudly; and local communities such as Cardiff's will remain powerless.
Other managers have been fired already in the Premier League as well as AVB and Malky Mackay. At West Bromwich Albion, Steve Clarke was fired for a poor run of results. last season, with Lakaku up front, the Baggies over-achieved and the level of expectation was unrealistic. Clarke will be managing somewhere else, he's too good to be out of work for too long. Ian Holloway resigning from Crystal Palace was no surprise for me, it became obvious very quickly that he would be an entertaining media personality but was woefully short as a leader in this division. Paolo Di Canio was lucky to keep the Black Cats up on Wearside last season, but early into the season Ellis Short was swift and correct in sacking him, but can the players, despite those performances against Manchester United and Chelsea in the Capital One Cup, showcase that quality regularly through the challenging months of January and February.
Another boss I felt for was Martin Jol, like Poyet his squad contained some great play-makers, but he really needed fighters instead of footballers and they could not produce. Fulham may slip through the trap-door because like Sunderland, their squad once again lacks sufficient sustenance to survive. Paul Lambert and Chris Hughton are another two managers seemingly skating on thin ice; for me Lambert is more likely to be looking over his shoulder. His team of youngsters have not progressed from last season as the sporadic glimpses of potential threaten to be overwhelmed by the now urgent need to produce on demand. In reality Villa need a couple of old wise heads to jettison the mental fragility that appears to be destroying this team of capable young footballers. Chris Hughton, is a manager screaming for a lucky break. Norwich are an excellent example of the sort of club an English Premier League really needs but without significant investment, and a relatively poor Norfolk demographic they portfolio season by season will always be about striving to keep pace with high-fliers of this league.
As for the rest, Southampton are finding that swimming with the big sharks is an energy sapping experience. Mauricio Pochettino is an excellent manager, but I sense that his lack of English in front of the Broadcast Media Briefings is wearing a little thin; not that it bothers him, I like his single-minded toughness. On the pitch, midfielder Adam Lallana is critical to their season and for his development he needs to stay for another season after the World Cup, regardless of the level of success and profile his undoubted talent will attract. His manager, one feels, will negotiate that particular storm when it brews up. Ricky Lambert is a valuable asset to the Saints player; his goals will keep them in the upper reaches of the league and hopefully win him a place at the World Cup. His presence as an impact striker will be his best role for the England team. Hull City have been nothing short of brilliant guided by Steve Bruce. His past experience has been invaluable for the Humberside cause, and his handling of his owner has been a master class in diplomacy; ending the season for him in 17th will be a triumph; I think he'll succeed. Keeping the words 'Tigers' out of the club name may be a greater challenge. The atmosphere of the KC Stadium reminds me of the Britannia Stadium when Stoke City first arrived in the top league a while back. It great to see fans enjoying the experience after suffering such pain to get to the paradise of the Premier League. I am aiming to take in a game there this season. Another favourite place of mine, Newcastle who are usually in crisis are having a wonderfully boring season enjoying some major scalps up at St James' Park. I hope that my friends up there along can enjoy a pain-free existence and maybe a cup run! All we now need is for my team Middlesbrough to rise up the Championship table and complete the trio of North East teams, who knows - Come On the 'Boro!!! Michael Laudrup's Swansea are living the dream of playing European football but dropping too many domestic points at the moment to be considered safe. With main man Michu injured, the Swans are looking a tad too predictable and need other team members to score goals to complete their mastery of impressive possession football and amass some collateral points. Whilst their European adventure is looking very exciting one hopes this will not be at the cost of their league status. Let's see how far they can really go in the Europa Cup; these are exciting times for my friends in South Wales! Stoke City on the flip-side, are probably enduring their toughest season since being promoted in 2008. That said, they should have enough nous and quality to avoid a precarious conclusion but Mark Hughes will definitely clear out a significant number of players in the summer because the Potteries need freshening up to remain competitive.
Finally we've got big Sam struggling in the basement! Can the unthinkable happen to West Ham United? Yes it certainly can but although I rate Sam very highly as a leader, this is beginning to feel like his Newcastle experience. So far, the Hammers are lacking of any assertiveness, fight and tenacity, the poor showing at the Etihad during the 6-0 drubbing of the Capital One League Cup Semi-Final first leg, showed that the gamble Allardyce made clearly has not worked out for him. Stewart Downing has failed once again to step up and make a statement as the elite player his talent has always threatened, but as at the 'Boro, Villa, Liverpool and now West Ham, he has let his manager down very badly. He is not the only player at fault, I could name several! The signing of Andy Carroll has back-fired which is a huge disappointment for the hierarchy, who backed their man in the transfer market. It is understood that he will return to the squad on Saturday 11th for the six-pointer at Cardiff. With the Olympic Stadium awaiting, not only do the Hammers need top flight football, their identity and profile has a significant opportunity to benefit from the regeneration of East London and bathe in the reflected glory of the successful London Olympics. This is a pivotal period for the legacy of West Ham United, for the two Davids - Gold and Sullivan with Karren Brady, failure is not an option they wish to contemplate, because to succeed could transform the spectrum of this club's fortunes. The mountain for survival is mighty and steep; if Sam Allardyce keeps the Hammers up, it will be without doubt his greatest personal triumph.
On the subject of profile, I must talk about the Cobblers; Northampton Town, to the uninformed, and Middlesbrough. On December 21st I watched the woeful defeat to Wycombe Wanderers after which the manager Aidy Boothroyd was sacked. His removal devastated us all, everyone genuinely liked the man, myself included but ultimately after reaching the Play-Off Final at Wembley last May, we became a very poor team. The Cardozas are seeking to improve the stadium with great potential for Corporate involvement, which is necessary for the club to grow; the Rugby team down the road are currently flying and like West Ham, this is great opportunity for the town to announce itself to the wider world. But first, with (probably) Andy King at the helm, league survival has to be achieved. So far the results are improving...
My other side Middlesbrough parted with manager Tony Mowbray back in October after endless under-achievement. The newly appointed manager was Jose Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid, his name is Aitor Kranka. Owner Steve Gibson enlisted the advice and contacts book of Peter Kenyon for a second opinion on his club, and the conclusion drawn was that as football has become a global business, the implementation and execution of fresh ideas needs to be explored more deeply. And so to the new man Kranka, although the team are struggling, at present, to be more ruthless in victory, an unbeaten run of 7 matches bodes well. I am expecting a flurry of transfer activity and a late push towards the Play-Offs, and then who knows. A trip to the Riverside is being planned but I sense that a genuine promotion push is more realistic next season than this.
So, we're past the half-way mark in the race for the supremacy at all levels. The Premier League title is heating up, at both ends I am genuinely saddened that Manchester United are not going to be in the mix this time around. References to the demise of the great Liverpool team has been discussed at length in every forum, but David Moyes is key to everything now, and with each passing day the scrutiny intensifies. A convincing rout of Swansea on Saturday will calm the argument, but will not win him the league. Other teams, as I said earlier are in the frame; logically my head screams Manchester City, my principals say Arsenal but my wish is to see Chelsea lift the title. Sadly, it won't be Liverpool, but given the implosion of Manchester United this could be their chance for fourth place, and Suarez stays! The league needs to keep it's stellar players and he is definitely one, as next summer's World Cup will prove; hopefully not at England's expense. It is beautifully poised; for whatever price I wouldn't swap with any of those bosses, would I?!
But, the transfer window is now open and the agents are buzzing like mosquitoes as the wheeling and dealing gets frenzied. This is the biggest mid-season transfer window of the Premier League's history; and I cannot wait to see who pulls the biggest rabbits out of the hat. Forget etiquette, this business is hostile, may the best man win!
It's dark, cold and in some parts very very wet. The decorations are sadly now down and put away for next year but the football is going to get hotter with a new name on the trophy.
Back to work for most of you, resumption at school for the younger ones and Mock Exams for the older ones. Me? After a short break it's a lot more engagements to play, Piano Students' Practise excuses to absorb once more and a lot of new Brides and Grooms to meet and impress, then advise probably reassure and then enjoy. And yes we'll debate the football of course!
Happy New Year my friends. I hope that 2014 will be a safe and secure one for you all.
Staying with Chelsea, the failure of Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o is the manager's only serious concern; irritating as that may be. I also sense that Romelu Lukaku IS highly rated by Mourinho and maybe the plan was to unleash him around now to build momentum alongside the equally rested Juan Mata. But, reading between the lines, it would appear that the young Belgian had other ideas and wanted to be involved immediately and be the main man - which he is doing at Everton. Mourinho is neither surprised nor impressed by Lukaku's effectiveness at Goodison Park, but the situation begs a question, had he stayed, might he now have become a bigger star playing in the Champions League, be scoring match defining goals to win high profile games, and cemented his place in the World Cup squad for Belgium? The dynamics of the big club requires a particular type of Professional footballer, assuming that my view of the Chelsea boss is correct, then Lukaku has proved that despite obvious ability, he is unable to survive within the machinery of a top level football club; yes it's good to be strong willed but he must now be willing to pay the price of his stubborn traits. On the other hand Juan Mata appears to have taken the long-term view, he may yet put in title winning master class performances, score critical goals and become the saviour of Chelsea's trophy ambitions. Galatassary and probably future high marquee opponents await the Chelsea juggernaut. Keep your eyes on that team at the Bridge.
And so to Arsenal who as always conduct themselves like a well-heeled family attending a rowdy wedding reception. Their football has impeccable manners and is well presented with very few hints of bad behaviour. Everyone else has needed bedding in time, with the drastic overhaul of managers and players elsewhere, the Gunners are a familiar outfit of fully fit operational stars like Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, alongside tried and tested stalwarts like Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski, add a world class diva like Mesut Ozil and suddenly they have flown to the top of the league. Arsene Wenger amongst all these gangsters (or should I say 'gangstas') must be wondering what all the gesticulating is about. The pre-match team talk probably is "As you were..." So, it really is simple, Arsenal will stroll to the title via a honourable scrap with Bayern Munich to the title, right? Don't believe it for a second! Manuel Pellegrini does not bother Wenger personally but the club City have, in recent years, 'raped' his squad in the past for fine players; that still rankles a principled man like him and he is irritated, otherwise why would he bother to tell the scribes of the press that Manchester City are NOT the title favourites; pure mischief - he cannot help himself. Then, of course there's that Portuguese wind-up merchant that he STILL can't beat on the field of play; Jose really does get under his skin and the poor Frenchman knows that it will be a never-ending tale of sound-bytes! Put quite simply, with no more Sir Alex to play mind games, this one should be a formality for Arsenal. Top of the league, with German-like efficiency, if he can keep his nerve, it should be straightforward (the last black Dennis Taylor/Steve Davis 1985 Final anyone?!) The problem is that it's been so long since Mr Wenger held up and kissed a trophy for his adoring followers that his knees will surely be knocking and stage-fright could set in! I'd dearly love to see a proper footballing side like Arsenal do it, but CAN they?
Liverpool must quite simply finish in the top four to keep that uniquely brilliant player Luis Suarez. For them to achieve that, they must displace Manchester United. Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea will finish in the top 3 places. A club of the magnitude of Liverpool has to succeed this season; this is their opportunity to rejoin the big-time. Steven Gerrard is a huge player but he will be 34 as England captain in Brazil next summer, stellar signings need to be attracted this summer with him in the side playing Champions League football alongside Suarez and Sturridge. To finish in 4th at the expense of Manchester United would promote Brendan Rodgers to legendary status on Merseyside but losing two critical matches against Liverpool and Manchester City, after their demolition of Tottenham at White Hart Lane, explains very clearly how far the reds have progressed yet, exposes the gulf in class that must be bridged to scramble back into football's true elite. The margins are fine, but they are clearly visible. Luis Suarez is undoubtedly world class, Phillipe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling are certainly more than useful players but particularly at the Etihad their lack of clinical execution in the first half defined Liverpool's inability to remain at the Premier League summit after an excellent first half of the season. Whilst the January window is significant to all the top managers in the elite section, for Brendan Rodgers failure to snare the type of players who will give the club short-term traction could be consequential to ensure that step-up is completed. I hope he succeeds, but as I keep saying in this blog football these days waits for no-one.
Tottenham Hotspur have intrigued me all season. Andre Villas-Boas will probably admit that his goose was cooked when Gareth Bale departed to Real Madrid. Having read Harry Redknapp's autobiography over Christmas, he feels his removal was premature by the over-ambitious Daniel Levy. After all, Harry did achieve 4th place only to see Chelsea achieve the 'Munich Miracle' as he calls it now. Was A.V.B. out of his depth? Probably. should Harry have stayed? Definitely. Spurs are great football club, are they a Champions League club? In this company, no! Will Tim Sherwood be a success? That depends on how you measure success in the current company. Arsene Wenger now says that during Arsenal's period of financial austerity, consistently finishing in the top 4 was a success for him every season. I personally believe that fans like to win trophies, but that said being their status as a top club has never been in serious doubt despite losing Fabregas and Van Persie. Are Spurs in Arsenal's league? To be ruthlessly honest, they are not and because their fortunes fluctuate too frequently, and frustrate a little like Newcastle United. Spurs fans were gradually learning to enjoy the fine life of the higher echelons with Harry Redknapp but Daniel Levy cannot resist tinkering, and changing a manager so often may work on the continent but here it has an unsettling affect on the fans. And that is the crunch with Spurs my friends. It will ALWAYS be about money and that's why as good as he may prove to be Tim Sherwood will struggle to create a world beating football club. Yes! They beat Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams, but extended success for a talented squad of play-makers will probably be in the Europa Cup because they were never going to progress beyond Arsenal in the F.A. Cup. Spurs are a work in progress and Mr Levy, stay in your office and leave Sherwood to learn and execute his duties!
The narrative surrounding Vincent Tan is very disturbing despite the fact that, by default, Ole Gunnar Solskaer is now working in English football as the new manager of Cardiff City. Tan reminds me of many a egotistical entertainment impresario I have met in my work as a pianist. Highly strung, and characteristically unpredictable. I sense that everyone who works for Mr Tan, back in Malaysia worships the ground he walks on and is subservient; that's fine back there! Here, football clubs are finally waking up to the reality that some owners view club ownership as purely that; and have no responsibility to review or respect history and tradition. My view is that Malky Mackay's mistake was to happily collect his fabulous wages, but refuse to play the diplomatic card and massage Tan's ego; of course he shouldn't have to but I think he knew what he was dealing with and played a dangerous game. Failing to verbally acknowledge his owner was his first mistake, and then absorbing the adulation of the fans that Mr Tan craved was a risky strategy. In an age where football clubs at all levels control the news agenda with paranoia on a par with the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong Un, the way the media reported Cardiff's unique operation was always going to annoy Tan. Attempting to undermine his manager by first removing of his assistance and bleating on about Rolls Royce players being Toyotas was petulant and pathetic. The sacking was inevitable. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, one hopes will be fine; he played under and coached beside Sir Alex Ferguson, an individual whose unique characteristics would have served as an excellent apprenticeship for dealing with Tan. Solksjaer will be a diplomatic genius at Cardiff, his challenge will be keeping a team of Championship players without a proven goalscorer in the Premier League. If he achieves 17th and it is truly a huge ask, Malky will be forgotten very quickly. The sheer fact that the whole affair happened in the first place was an embarrassment that should never happen again, but sadly it will because money speaks very loudly; and local communities such as Cardiff's will remain powerless.
Other managers have been fired already in the Premier League as well as AVB and Malky Mackay. At West Bromwich Albion, Steve Clarke was fired for a poor run of results. last season, with Lakaku up front, the Baggies over-achieved and the level of expectation was unrealistic. Clarke will be managing somewhere else, he's too good to be out of work for too long. Ian Holloway resigning from Crystal Palace was no surprise for me, it became obvious very quickly that he would be an entertaining media personality but was woefully short as a leader in this division. Paolo Di Canio was lucky to keep the Black Cats up on Wearside last season, but early into the season Ellis Short was swift and correct in sacking him, but can the players, despite those performances against Manchester United and Chelsea in the Capital One Cup, showcase that quality regularly through the challenging months of January and February.
Another boss I felt for was Martin Jol, like Poyet his squad contained some great play-makers, but he really needed fighters instead of footballers and they could not produce. Fulham may slip through the trap-door because like Sunderland, their squad once again lacks sufficient sustenance to survive. Paul Lambert and Chris Hughton are another two managers seemingly skating on thin ice; for me Lambert is more likely to be looking over his shoulder. His team of youngsters have not progressed from last season as the sporadic glimpses of potential threaten to be overwhelmed by the now urgent need to produce on demand. In reality Villa need a couple of old wise heads to jettison the mental fragility that appears to be destroying this team of capable young footballers. Chris Hughton, is a manager screaming for a lucky break. Norwich are an excellent example of the sort of club an English Premier League really needs but without significant investment, and a relatively poor Norfolk demographic they portfolio season by season will always be about striving to keep pace with high-fliers of this league.
As for the rest, Southampton are finding that swimming with the big sharks is an energy sapping experience. Mauricio Pochettino is an excellent manager, but I sense that his lack of English in front of the Broadcast Media Briefings is wearing a little thin; not that it bothers him, I like his single-minded toughness. On the pitch, midfielder Adam Lallana is critical to their season and for his development he needs to stay for another season after the World Cup, regardless of the level of success and profile his undoubted talent will attract. His manager, one feels, will negotiate that particular storm when it brews up. Ricky Lambert is a valuable asset to the Saints player; his goals will keep them in the upper reaches of the league and hopefully win him a place at the World Cup. His presence as an impact striker will be his best role for the England team. Hull City have been nothing short of brilliant guided by Steve Bruce. His past experience has been invaluable for the Humberside cause, and his handling of his owner has been a master class in diplomacy; ending the season for him in 17th will be a triumph; I think he'll succeed. Keeping the words 'Tigers' out of the club name may be a greater challenge. The atmosphere of the KC Stadium reminds me of the Britannia Stadium when Stoke City first arrived in the top league a while back. It great to see fans enjoying the experience after suffering such pain to get to the paradise of the Premier League. I am aiming to take in a game there this season. Another favourite place of mine, Newcastle who are usually in crisis are having a wonderfully boring season enjoying some major scalps up at St James' Park. I hope that my friends up there along can enjoy a pain-free existence and maybe a cup run! All we now need is for my team Middlesbrough to rise up the Championship table and complete the trio of North East teams, who knows - Come On the 'Boro!!! Michael Laudrup's Swansea are living the dream of playing European football but dropping too many domestic points at the moment to be considered safe. With main man Michu injured, the Swans are looking a tad too predictable and need other team members to score goals to complete their mastery of impressive possession football and amass some collateral points. Whilst their European adventure is looking very exciting one hopes this will not be at the cost of their league status. Let's see how far they can really go in the Europa Cup; these are exciting times for my friends in South Wales! Stoke City on the flip-side, are probably enduring their toughest season since being promoted in 2008. That said, they should have enough nous and quality to avoid a precarious conclusion but Mark Hughes will definitely clear out a significant number of players in the summer because the Potteries need freshening up to remain competitive.
Finally we've got big Sam struggling in the basement! Can the unthinkable happen to West Ham United? Yes it certainly can but although I rate Sam very highly as a leader, this is beginning to feel like his Newcastle experience. So far, the Hammers are lacking of any assertiveness, fight and tenacity, the poor showing at the Etihad during the 6-0 drubbing of the Capital One League Cup Semi-Final first leg, showed that the gamble Allardyce made clearly has not worked out for him. Stewart Downing has failed once again to step up and make a statement as the elite player his talent has always threatened, but as at the 'Boro, Villa, Liverpool and now West Ham, he has let his manager down very badly. He is not the only player at fault, I could name several! The signing of Andy Carroll has back-fired which is a huge disappointment for the hierarchy, who backed their man in the transfer market. It is understood that he will return to the squad on Saturday 11th for the six-pointer at Cardiff. With the Olympic Stadium awaiting, not only do the Hammers need top flight football, their identity and profile has a significant opportunity to benefit from the regeneration of East London and bathe in the reflected glory of the successful London Olympics. This is a pivotal period for the legacy of West Ham United, for the two Davids - Gold and Sullivan with Karren Brady, failure is not an option they wish to contemplate, because to succeed could transform the spectrum of this club's fortunes. The mountain for survival is mighty and steep; if Sam Allardyce keeps the Hammers up, it will be without doubt his greatest personal triumph.
On the subject of profile, I must talk about the Cobblers; Northampton Town, to the uninformed, and Middlesbrough. On December 21st I watched the woeful defeat to Wycombe Wanderers after which the manager Aidy Boothroyd was sacked. His removal devastated us all, everyone genuinely liked the man, myself included but ultimately after reaching the Play-Off Final at Wembley last May, we became a very poor team. The Cardozas are seeking to improve the stadium with great potential for Corporate involvement, which is necessary for the club to grow; the Rugby team down the road are currently flying and like West Ham, this is great opportunity for the town to announce itself to the wider world. But first, with (probably) Andy King at the helm, league survival has to be achieved. So far the results are improving...
My other side Middlesbrough parted with manager Tony Mowbray back in October after endless under-achievement. The newly appointed manager was Jose Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid, his name is Aitor Kranka. Owner Steve Gibson enlisted the advice and contacts book of Peter Kenyon for a second opinion on his club, and the conclusion drawn was that as football has become a global business, the implementation and execution of fresh ideas needs to be explored more deeply. And so to the new man Kranka, although the team are struggling, at present, to be more ruthless in victory, an unbeaten run of 7 matches bodes well. I am expecting a flurry of transfer activity and a late push towards the Play-Offs, and then who knows. A trip to the Riverside is being planned but I sense that a genuine promotion push is more realistic next season than this.
So, we're past the half-way mark in the race for the supremacy at all levels. The Premier League title is heating up, at both ends I am genuinely saddened that Manchester United are not going to be in the mix this time around. References to the demise of the great Liverpool team has been discussed at length in every forum, but David Moyes is key to everything now, and with each passing day the scrutiny intensifies. A convincing rout of Swansea on Saturday will calm the argument, but will not win him the league. Other teams, as I said earlier are in the frame; logically my head screams Manchester City, my principals say Arsenal but my wish is to see Chelsea lift the title. Sadly, it won't be Liverpool, but given the implosion of Manchester United this could be their chance for fourth place, and Suarez stays! The league needs to keep it's stellar players and he is definitely one, as next summer's World Cup will prove; hopefully not at England's expense. It is beautifully poised; for whatever price I wouldn't swap with any of those bosses, would I?!
But, the transfer window is now open and the agents are buzzing like mosquitoes as the wheeling and dealing gets frenzied. This is the biggest mid-season transfer window of the Premier League's history; and I cannot wait to see who pulls the biggest rabbits out of the hat. Forget etiquette, this business is hostile, may the best man win!
It's dark, cold and in some parts very very wet. The decorations are sadly now down and put away for next year but the football is going to get hotter with a new name on the trophy.
Back to work for most of you, resumption at school for the younger ones and Mock Exams for the older ones. Me? After a short break it's a lot more engagements to play, Piano Students' Practise excuses to absorb once more and a lot of new Brides and Grooms to meet and impress, then advise probably reassure and then enjoy. And yes we'll debate the football of course!
Happy New Year my friends. I hope that 2014 will be a safe and secure one for you all.
Monday, 2 September 2013
Summer is Done, Transfer Window Closed, the Real Business Starts...
So, the transfer window has finally closed and we're comfortably into new season. One thing is for certain, it's going to be a very different Premier League journey now that Sir Alex has finally left the Red Devils at Old Trafford. Thankfully, Wayne Rooney remains there but the Special One is back at the Bridge and Manchester City have a new manager called Pelligrini analysing the feng shui of his new office too. Arsene Wenger has at last splashed some serious cash on a world class player and Gareth Bale finally plays for Real Madrid. Right, that's the short version. Let's elaborate.
Questions about how Manchester United will respond are bearing fruit, and the evidence is worrying. The bookies were villified for making United THIRD favourites, almost immediately but I think those odds were generous, I would have made them FOURTH behind Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City at a push and probably realistically fifth. David Moyes is only part of the reason, as the new boy unaccustomed to winning trophies and being a novice in the rarefied atmosphere of Champions League football. The greater problem as has been, since the closure of last night's transfer window, Ed Woodward the new chief executive that has replaced David Gill. He was already displaying naive traits with the amateurish handling of star player Wayne Rooney. His spectacular failure to research, identify and execute the art of deal-making in the superstore of global footballers has been a major embarrassment for a club like Manchester United. David Gill like Sir Alex had a strong outward image, and Woodward has been limp in all aspects of his brief. This period of ridiculous uncertainty has cost the champions the Premier League title and possibly undermined their Champions League prospects. The Glazers family will now be under more scrutiny than ever before and the glare of media analysis will be unbearable for this publicity shy family; it will be more than tea-cups being broken behind the scenes, trust me on that one! When the circus surrounding Luis Suarez started dictating Liverpool's agenda, John W Henry stepped up to the plate and quelled the fire with a statement of supreme authority. United have lost the two people who at a stroke could have killed the golden goose in Ferguson and Gill, and to make matters worse they lost last Sunday to Liverpool!
Over at Anfield, Liverpool have started the season superbly, and deservedly top the Premier League because despite the Suarez sideshow, they enjoyed a good and solid pre-season. In midweek, Brendan Rodgers' determination to win a trophy led him to field a strong team in the Capital One Cup and an awkward gritty Notts County were brushed aside...eventually. But these are the margins that define success and Rodgers is becoming a fast learner. Being drawn away to United in the next round is a tie they can genuinely win. Keeping Suarez was their greatest challenge during the summer and this match will be his first appearance; a fantastic game from which to unleash him! With their collective resolve, consistent determination as a club, Liverpool have stolen the initiative and momentum from their neighbours down the M56. I genuinely rate this team and the quality of the group of professionals at this club have a great opportunity to finally achieve some traction at last. The next three months will be the club's biggest period; and they know it.
Jose Mourinho reminds me of Donald Trump, he sounds so convincing that you'd believe he could turn water to wine, if he dared to claim it. The players at Chelsea have bought into him whole-heartedly, for me the final piece of his jigsaw was the Samuel Eto'o signing. He will be a success at the Bridge. I fully expect this Chelsea team to win the Premier League, the real prize though is the Champions League. Matches against FC Basel, Steaua Bucharest and Schalke 04 will teach us nothing, for Chelsea, after Christmas is the real business period for them and their elite performers. But for once, behind the scenes, it's very much 'as you were' and with tremendous financial power at the operational level and Mourinho playing the Media Briefings to the max for the press boys, it's a chilling sight for the rivals. I'm glad to see the 'Special One' back in England.
Manuel Pellegrini is a new face to all of us in England. We know he is a calm and a steadying influence who is very self-assured in public, but I am not convinced that Manchester City can challenge Chelsea as champions. Progress for Pellegrini will be getting out of the group stages and possibly beating Bayern Munich along the way, but further success in the knock-out stages will be a step too far. Manchester City will score lots of goals but the sadly the same weaknesses exist, namely the defence. Club captain Vincent Kompany is reminiscent of John Terry at Chelsea, with his verbal explosions and remonstrative style of leadership, but his fellow combatants without that presence as was shown against Cardiff, trips to vibrant outposts like these sides bristling with a cup-tie style atmosphere should be routine; last season, it was their undoing last season. With a team that has cost now close to £1 billion on the playing staff, these lessons should have been learned by now!. Pellegrini, to his credit has removed distracting influences, such as Tevez, but amazingly, this is still a work in progress, albeit a complicated one.
Arsenal have to be admired! Declarations of intent in June, frustration in early August and then ruthless assassination of Fenerbahce in Turkey, satisfying defeat of the local rivals and then Mesut Ozil is signed for £42.4 million. Only one question matters, is this team good enough to challenge for silverware? We know they will qualify for the Champions League second round again, but how Ozil fits with his new team-mates will be central to their success. I watched Ozil at Old Trafford at the Madrid game and rate him highly. His work isn't always spectacular but then again he is German; it's all about efficiency and he has that in abundance. I'm as excited about Arsenal as I am worried about Manchester United! If Olivier Giroud can continue to find that ruthless edge he lacked last season and keeps scoring goals, add the very brilliant Theo Walcott on the forward line and suddenly with a rejuvenated Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshire. Arsenal have a team that Chelsea need to be aware of! If the no-nonsense defending shown against Spurs to claim bragging rights, can become a more permanent feature of their game portfolio alongside their fluid passing game, who knows? Let's re-assess them again at Christmas, by then the real stiff tests will have happened plus a couple of encounters with Borussia Dortmund.
If only Tottenham Hotspur's players could perform on the pitch with the cutting edge displayed by Franco Baldini and Daniel Levy off it, then they will quite simply be playing Champions League Football next season at Manchester United's expense. If Ed Woodward, wanted a modern-day template on how to behave in the football transfer merry-go-round shop he should obsessively study those two. The business achieved has been a master class of preparation strategy, timing, psychology and execution. The fans may have lost their star player to Madrid but only noticed his absence around 5.45pm on Sunday when their new players could not unlock the Gunners' defence! But, those days will be few and far between, Levy and Villas-Boas have assembled a clever assortment of artful play-makers who will in time put down serious markers. The time is now for the young Portuguese manager to deliver and to the possible detriment of Manchester United he will show Chelsea what might have been.
For the remainder of the Premier League teams, a lot of money has been spent. Mark Hughes is now at Stoke City, this is a make or break appointment for him and a hugely significant season for the Potters. Many players there have much to prove, failure could be decisive. Hull City are another team skating on thin ice but in Steve Bruce they have a manager who knows the demanding terrain well. The question for Hull like all Premiership new boys, is do they possess enough guile and trickery on top of the standard requirement of organisation and concentration to win tight matches. The same applies to the other newbies Cardiff City and Crystal Palace. Many would love Ian Holloway to succeed but, a failure to sign Kevin Phillips could be that crucial detail that eludes a club like Palace may lack in breathlessly intense existence. Sunderland and Newcastle, up in the North East, are another pair of teams who need assemble a collateral points tally as a priority over glamorous playing styles. Despite surviving last season, I declared on these pages that Paolo di Canio is a gamble, and despite lots of highly visible rhetoric, my view hasn't changed. Alan Pardew is developing nicely as a seasoned warrior, which is the perfect DNA for a club like Newcastle that lurches from success to crisis at an alarming speed. For the sake of all my Geordie friends, his are a safe pair of hands despite the appointment of Joe Kinnear. Aston Villa is a huge club that nearly slipped through the trap door last season, with Christian Benteke leading the line with terrific ferocity, they need to build upon their smash and grab Emirates victory with a meaningful run of victories to build confidence; I can't help feeling that Paul Lambert needs a personality transplant to be truly loved by the Villa faithful. It feels like a marriage of convenience. Everton have emerged from the transfer window with some exciting acquisitions, particularly young Romelu Lukaku who is a fabulous forward with a lot to prove to his parent club Chelsea. Roberto Martinez is backed by an excellent chairman in Bill Kenwright and will build his new club steadily and successfully. Big Sam has quietly pulled in some excellent players and is poised for a great season with the Hammers; a good cup run would be a real tonic for the loyal East End faithful. Chris Hughton is another perfect fit at Norwich, who will deceptively embarrass one or two fancied teams over there in East Anglia during this campaign and finally Martin Jol, that ever-cheerful Dutchman who is hugely under-rated in his role at Fulham, the line-up may be rich in experience but amongst that squad are some very exciting players, I have earmarked a trip to the Cottage this season to watch them such is my admiration of this little club by the River Thames that I first visited during my Music College days. Southampton are a club about whom very little is said but Mauricio Pochettino who still gives his TV interviews in Spanish, is a very confident manager who knows that his youth set-up is responsible for the world's most expensive player, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxelade-Chamberlain are other successful Saints' export, but the real marker is the performance of the team, I feel that like most of the teams in this paragraph, consistency will be the challenge for this very young a vibrant squad. The rank and file clubs are collectively stronger this season than at any point in the history of the Premier League.
So why do I believe that Manchester United have slipped so far down the pecking order? It's simple, this team has been on the slide for a considerable time and this summer, the marquee players desperately needed to be in place. Last season, the other teams imploded leaving them a clear run at the title. A volatile Mancini had a divided dressing room, Chelsea's handling of managers undermined their momentum despite winning the Europa Cup, Arsenal and Liverpool had the strength of seaside wind-breakers when real fire-power was demanded. All those clubs have refined their engineering, wiring call it what you will and have emerged looking fitter and leaner on and off the pitch. In Europe, the revolving door has been working too and many of the biggest achievers have also rung the changes. Suddenly with tired and predictable players, United without the overpowering Ferguson breathing down on the referees, are being second to the ball, as was the case with Liverpool on Sunday, and other empowered opponents who have finally seen the Emperor's clothes! Arsene Wenger may be proved to be right after all, that HE has nothing to fear. This is an exciting era in Premier League football, the power has shifted, and with BT Sport challenging the status quo on the broadcasting front, a brave new world is emerging. Reputation is no longer a passport to success, the playing field has levelled out and EVERYONE has spent lots of money refining their playing artillery. I believe the league is, at last becoming a real contest, yes a corporate driven one, but a contest just the same.
After the summer of the Ashes series, Andy Murray and Mo Farrow firing up our excitement, the beautiful game is back. Another great season is rolling before our eyes. I hope that regardless of the winner that we have a fantastic season of football to take us into the World Cup, with England present? Ukraine and Moldova should be a breeze this week, cross everything folks, Come on England! And to all the kids back at school and kids like my Alice starting school, Enjoy, these are the best days of your lives! I'm off to start the new teaching term, the summer hols are finally over.
Questions about how Manchester United will respond are bearing fruit, and the evidence is worrying. The bookies were villified for making United THIRD favourites, almost immediately but I think those odds were generous, I would have made them FOURTH behind Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City at a push and probably realistically fifth. David Moyes is only part of the reason, as the new boy unaccustomed to winning trophies and being a novice in the rarefied atmosphere of Champions League football. The greater problem as has been, since the closure of last night's transfer window, Ed Woodward the new chief executive that has replaced David Gill. He was already displaying naive traits with the amateurish handling of star player Wayne Rooney. His spectacular failure to research, identify and execute the art of deal-making in the superstore of global footballers has been a major embarrassment for a club like Manchester United. David Gill like Sir Alex had a strong outward image, and Woodward has been limp in all aspects of his brief. This period of ridiculous uncertainty has cost the champions the Premier League title and possibly undermined their Champions League prospects. The Glazers family will now be under more scrutiny than ever before and the glare of media analysis will be unbearable for this publicity shy family; it will be more than tea-cups being broken behind the scenes, trust me on that one! When the circus surrounding Luis Suarez started dictating Liverpool's agenda, John W Henry stepped up to the plate and quelled the fire with a statement of supreme authority. United have lost the two people who at a stroke could have killed the golden goose in Ferguson and Gill, and to make matters worse they lost last Sunday to Liverpool!
Over at Anfield, Liverpool have started the season superbly, and deservedly top the Premier League because despite the Suarez sideshow, they enjoyed a good and solid pre-season. In midweek, Brendan Rodgers' determination to win a trophy led him to field a strong team in the Capital One Cup and an awkward gritty Notts County were brushed aside...eventually. But these are the margins that define success and Rodgers is becoming a fast learner. Being drawn away to United in the next round is a tie they can genuinely win. Keeping Suarez was their greatest challenge during the summer and this match will be his first appearance; a fantastic game from which to unleash him! With their collective resolve, consistent determination as a club, Liverpool have stolen the initiative and momentum from their neighbours down the M56. I genuinely rate this team and the quality of the group of professionals at this club have a great opportunity to finally achieve some traction at last. The next three months will be the club's biggest period; and they know it.
Jose Mourinho reminds me of Donald Trump, he sounds so convincing that you'd believe he could turn water to wine, if he dared to claim it. The players at Chelsea have bought into him whole-heartedly, for me the final piece of his jigsaw was the Samuel Eto'o signing. He will be a success at the Bridge. I fully expect this Chelsea team to win the Premier League, the real prize though is the Champions League. Matches against FC Basel, Steaua Bucharest and Schalke 04 will teach us nothing, for Chelsea, after Christmas is the real business period for them and their elite performers. But for once, behind the scenes, it's very much 'as you were' and with tremendous financial power at the operational level and Mourinho playing the Media Briefings to the max for the press boys, it's a chilling sight for the rivals. I'm glad to see the 'Special One' back in England.
Manuel Pellegrini is a new face to all of us in England. We know he is a calm and a steadying influence who is very self-assured in public, but I am not convinced that Manchester City can challenge Chelsea as champions. Progress for Pellegrini will be getting out of the group stages and possibly beating Bayern Munich along the way, but further success in the knock-out stages will be a step too far. Manchester City will score lots of goals but the sadly the same weaknesses exist, namely the defence. Club captain Vincent Kompany is reminiscent of John Terry at Chelsea, with his verbal explosions and remonstrative style of leadership, but his fellow combatants without that presence as was shown against Cardiff, trips to vibrant outposts like these sides bristling with a cup-tie style atmosphere should be routine; last season, it was their undoing last season. With a team that has cost now close to £1 billion on the playing staff, these lessons should have been learned by now!. Pellegrini, to his credit has removed distracting influences, such as Tevez, but amazingly, this is still a work in progress, albeit a complicated one.
Arsenal have to be admired! Declarations of intent in June, frustration in early August and then ruthless assassination of Fenerbahce in Turkey, satisfying defeat of the local rivals and then Mesut Ozil is signed for £42.4 million. Only one question matters, is this team good enough to challenge for silverware? We know they will qualify for the Champions League second round again, but how Ozil fits with his new team-mates will be central to their success. I watched Ozil at Old Trafford at the Madrid game and rate him highly. His work isn't always spectacular but then again he is German; it's all about efficiency and he has that in abundance. I'm as excited about Arsenal as I am worried about Manchester United! If Olivier Giroud can continue to find that ruthless edge he lacked last season and keeps scoring goals, add the very brilliant Theo Walcott on the forward line and suddenly with a rejuvenated Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshire. Arsenal have a team that Chelsea need to be aware of! If the no-nonsense defending shown against Spurs to claim bragging rights, can become a more permanent feature of their game portfolio alongside their fluid passing game, who knows? Let's re-assess them again at Christmas, by then the real stiff tests will have happened plus a couple of encounters with Borussia Dortmund.
If only Tottenham Hotspur's players could perform on the pitch with the cutting edge displayed by Franco Baldini and Daniel Levy off it, then they will quite simply be playing Champions League Football next season at Manchester United's expense. If Ed Woodward, wanted a modern-day template on how to behave in the football transfer merry-go-round shop he should obsessively study those two. The business achieved has been a master class of preparation strategy, timing, psychology and execution. The fans may have lost their star player to Madrid but only noticed his absence around 5.45pm on Sunday when their new players could not unlock the Gunners' defence! But, those days will be few and far between, Levy and Villas-Boas have assembled a clever assortment of artful play-makers who will in time put down serious markers. The time is now for the young Portuguese manager to deliver and to the possible detriment of Manchester United he will show Chelsea what might have been.
For the remainder of the Premier League teams, a lot of money has been spent. Mark Hughes is now at Stoke City, this is a make or break appointment for him and a hugely significant season for the Potters. Many players there have much to prove, failure could be decisive. Hull City are another team skating on thin ice but in Steve Bruce they have a manager who knows the demanding terrain well. The question for Hull like all Premiership new boys, is do they possess enough guile and trickery on top of the standard requirement of organisation and concentration to win tight matches. The same applies to the other newbies Cardiff City and Crystal Palace. Many would love Ian Holloway to succeed but, a failure to sign Kevin Phillips could be that crucial detail that eludes a club like Palace may lack in breathlessly intense existence. Sunderland and Newcastle, up in the North East, are another pair of teams who need assemble a collateral points tally as a priority over glamorous playing styles. Despite surviving last season, I declared on these pages that Paolo di Canio is a gamble, and despite lots of highly visible rhetoric, my view hasn't changed. Alan Pardew is developing nicely as a seasoned warrior, which is the perfect DNA for a club like Newcastle that lurches from success to crisis at an alarming speed. For the sake of all my Geordie friends, his are a safe pair of hands despite the appointment of Joe Kinnear. Aston Villa is a huge club that nearly slipped through the trap door last season, with Christian Benteke leading the line with terrific ferocity, they need to build upon their smash and grab Emirates victory with a meaningful run of victories to build confidence; I can't help feeling that Paul Lambert needs a personality transplant to be truly loved by the Villa faithful. It feels like a marriage of convenience. Everton have emerged from the transfer window with some exciting acquisitions, particularly young Romelu Lukaku who is a fabulous forward with a lot to prove to his parent club Chelsea. Roberto Martinez is backed by an excellent chairman in Bill Kenwright and will build his new club steadily and successfully. Big Sam has quietly pulled in some excellent players and is poised for a great season with the Hammers; a good cup run would be a real tonic for the loyal East End faithful. Chris Hughton is another perfect fit at Norwich, who will deceptively embarrass one or two fancied teams over there in East Anglia during this campaign and finally Martin Jol, that ever-cheerful Dutchman who is hugely under-rated in his role at Fulham, the line-up may be rich in experience but amongst that squad are some very exciting players, I have earmarked a trip to the Cottage this season to watch them such is my admiration of this little club by the River Thames that I first visited during my Music College days. Southampton are a club about whom very little is said but Mauricio Pochettino who still gives his TV interviews in Spanish, is a very confident manager who knows that his youth set-up is responsible for the world's most expensive player, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxelade-Chamberlain are other successful Saints' export, but the real marker is the performance of the team, I feel that like most of the teams in this paragraph, consistency will be the challenge for this very young a vibrant squad. The rank and file clubs are collectively stronger this season than at any point in the history of the Premier League.
So why do I believe that Manchester United have slipped so far down the pecking order? It's simple, this team has been on the slide for a considerable time and this summer, the marquee players desperately needed to be in place. Last season, the other teams imploded leaving them a clear run at the title. A volatile Mancini had a divided dressing room, Chelsea's handling of managers undermined their momentum despite winning the Europa Cup, Arsenal and Liverpool had the strength of seaside wind-breakers when real fire-power was demanded. All those clubs have refined their engineering, wiring call it what you will and have emerged looking fitter and leaner on and off the pitch. In Europe, the revolving door has been working too and many of the biggest achievers have also rung the changes. Suddenly with tired and predictable players, United without the overpowering Ferguson breathing down on the referees, are being second to the ball, as was the case with Liverpool on Sunday, and other empowered opponents who have finally seen the Emperor's clothes! Arsene Wenger may be proved to be right after all, that HE has nothing to fear. This is an exciting era in Premier League football, the power has shifted, and with BT Sport challenging the status quo on the broadcasting front, a brave new world is emerging. Reputation is no longer a passport to success, the playing field has levelled out and EVERYONE has spent lots of money refining their playing artillery. I believe the league is, at last becoming a real contest, yes a corporate driven one, but a contest just the same.
After the summer of the Ashes series, Andy Murray and Mo Farrow firing up our excitement, the beautiful game is back. Another great season is rolling before our eyes. I hope that regardless of the winner that we have a fantastic season of football to take us into the World Cup, with England present? Ukraine and Moldova should be a breeze this week, cross everything folks, Come on England! And to all the kids back at school and kids like my Alice starting school, Enjoy, these are the best days of your lives! I'm off to start the new teaching term, the summer hols are finally over.
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Easter's Almost Gone and British Summer Time Has Begun...Already!!
I have wanted to write this blog on so many occasions but things get in the way and the life and times of a Maestro has been a busy one! I was fortunate, thanks to the generosity of the Hartley family to watch Manchester United play Real Madrid in the Champions League at Old Trafford a few weeks ago; being there was an education. Having watched England struggle to draw against Montenegro was illuminating. Observing so many managers being shown the door has been mind-boggling.
Let's start with the National team. England are, in world terms, a reasonable unit with one or two notable players but are developing a soft underbelly. Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard proved what great footballers they are, Danny Wellbeck, Michael Carrick and Joe Hart earned their growing reputation, the rest are a reasonable bunch of Premier League players who have learned how to exist at the top table. Tonight, one or two of them proved that when the pressure is truly on, they are found wanting. Joleon Lescott is generally a good honest defender, tonight was his opportunity to show the world that worrying about the absence of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry was a wasted emotion; he failed to achieve that but was good enough...just. Chris Smalling could one day be a top class defender, but right now he lacks enough nous to deal with nights like these at this level, and with Johnson giving away the ball more times than my late Sunday School teacher Uncle Jack handed out Jelly Babies, such was the charmed existence of the defence in the second half. In the first, Rooney silenced his harshest critics and scored a critical early first goal; his performance was exemplary and dispelled the myths that his form was on the wane; his team-mates, despite controlling the first half should have pursued a ruthless second but it didn't materialise. Television pictures showed Roy Hodgson, at times, looking more like a hopeful punter playing roulette than an assertive England manager prowling the technical area, during the intensity of the second half. He must now know he should have switched things before the equaliser came. His opposite number, who revelled in the full glare of media scrutiny during the build-up, by contrast sensed blood and made bold substitutions that both ignited the crowd and tellingly seized the initiative but thankfully, due to poor finishing, in the final analysis they were just like us...too reasonable to find that winner. In the ITV studio, Roy Keane pulled no punches and declared England to be far too toothless, given the true stature of the opposition; unlike the Madrid game he called it right! On reflection that underbelly has been with us since 1970 and will probably take more than a few abdominal crunches to tighten!
THAT eagerly awaited Champions League fixture at the beginning of March was a true spectacle and until Nani's sending-off, an evenly poised tie. But, where Hodgson failed with England, Jose Mourinho had that instinct to seize the moment and win the match. These are the moments that define great managers and he proved his worth in the match when Kaka and then Modric were introduced; two magicians who had the ability to unlock the tie and ultimately allow Cristiano Ronaldo to score a decisive winner. All 22 players on that pitch were World Class, the quality was truly that good. Wayne Rooney's selection on the bench was a tactical one, that nearly paid off - all the hysterical speculation that followed was nonsensical; both parties need one another. For me the F.A.Cup loss to Chelsea proved that decisively. BUT! Did Nani deserve to be sent off, when I watched it live in the stadium, I first thought the foul was being given the other way!! Having watched the replays, I think that the foot was high but at worst, it was a booking. We will never know whether Manchester United would have won the tie, but my gut feeling is that Real Madrid would have sneaked it, but don't tell my groom Ben Hartley, he's still moaning now!!
Elsewhere in the Champions League, I am excited about the remaining matches in this great competition. Despite the heroics, Arsenal were always destined to struggle against a strong Bayern Munich outfit packed with experience. Bayern and Juventus, for me is still the tie of the round although I expect Bayern to push through their two-nil advantage in the usual efficient German way. Watch out too for Borussia Dortmund, an under-rated German machine of chillingly ruthless quality that could embarrass one of the leading lights; they will cast lowly Malaga aside with a routine swagger; despite a tepid first leg stalemate this week. Paris Saint German are playground bullies in a weak French League, but the Champios League is another level; and after a well fought first leg avoid defeat, expect the fluent Catalan outfit to win the second leg easily. Galatasaray and their fans were mere passengers in an exhibition match of gentle torture with Real Madrid to lose three-nil in that first leg. Jose Mourinho wants to win this trophy very badly and will probably order his troops to destroy the Turkish Champions ruthlessly in Istanbul to put down a marker for evryone else to ponder. All the second leg ties will be mouth-watering fayre, but without any British involvement, for the first time in a while. That though really is not significant, because with a couple of transfer windows big names can dramatically migrate into our league and transform the wider spectrum. Who will win? I think the winning captain who lifts the trophy will be in Spanish colours, but cannot decide which of them it will be.
Turning our attentions to our domestic league, who will be relegated from the Premier League? There are many serious contenders:
Despite having Harry 'Houdini' Redknapp, after watching Queens Park Rangers lose to Fulham, I had to agree whole-heartedly with Sky Television pundit Gary Neville when he surmised that the West London side are making too many defensive errors. Their forward line is excitng and full of goals, which any team chasing success needs in abundance but at the back, their lack of concentration will condemn them. For all the talk of endeavor and honest grit, Reading are just a little too short on top end excellence to survive this season, despite appointing Nigel Adkins this week as their manager to succeed Brian McDermott. There is a widely held argument that many of the remaining fixtures are winable, but my observation of this league is that tight matches such as these are won by moments of brilliance; Reading do not have those individuals. Everyone was shocked when the news emerged about Brian McDermott sacking but on closer examination of the Adkins media briefing it emerged that funds were available in the transfer window for McDermott according to Reading owner Anton Zingarevich. One senses that he was irked by the suggestion in the press that a system of austerity was hanging over the manager like a cloud. I think that decision makers at football clubs need to come clean and face the full glare of the media so that we, the fans cannot appreciate the full facts. Whilst Adkins' former club Southampton baffled us all by removing him so swiftly just before Christmas, a frank explanation in person from Nicola Cortese would have gained him greater respect from us the fans but, it must be said that in Mauricio Pochettino they have a bright new manager who, given time, could make a huge impact; the only question about this young Argentinian, is an ability to win enough Bread and Butter matches consistently. For the big fixtures, he has despatched the high marquee opposition with relative ease, but has stumbled in less glamorous company. That is the DNA of a great cup winning side, but these days despite the continuing romance of the 'Capital One' and 'F.A. Cup' the Premier League is everything, ask Birmingham City!! Martin O'Neil has been widely acknowledged as a talented man-manager but somehow at Sunderland with significant investment, his apparent midas touch desserted him very dramatically. My feeling is that the operational aspect of coaching and managing elite footballers has maybe passed him by. His sacking at the weekend was an indication that an obsessive desire to retain Premier League status is a chillingly harsh reality for all Premiership chairmen. The stats, sadly for Martin O'Neil, did not lie, they were bottom of the form league for a considerable time before plummeting down the table over time. Ellis Short has probably been contemplating the axe for sometime, and despite upbeat words in Saturday's match programme against Manchester United, the manner of defeat was probably a step too far. espite all the debates about his alleged political stance, it is widely considered that appointing Paolo Di Canio is a huge risk at this level. When I quizzed the current Cobblers boss recently about his ill-fated stint as manager of Watford in the Premier League; he was at pains to point out that the wider spectrum of media scrutiny was near impossible to deal with on top of the portfolio of the job itself. Paolo Di Canio may have enjoyed being centre stage as Swindon's emigmatic boss, but being pursued by the Fleet Street hacks is a different ball game to those friendly awe-struck folks at the Wiltshire Gazette and the Swindon Advertiser. I expect for all his passion and good intentions for the whole thing to end in tears; I hope to be proved wrong because watching him holding court will be compulsive viewing! But, for all the talk of being entertaining, only one thing matters and that is results. Then, there is Wigan who are currently winning those defining 50-50 matches and fighting this campaign with familiar strength, technique and desire; but could this be, despite some big performances, a step too far. They could be saved by the fact that Manchester City and Chelsea remain in the F.A. Cup, so realistically they won't be expected to win it, which could work in their favour; just ask Everton! Once again Roberto Martinez knows his position is safe; once again that simple knowledge that your chairman REALLY backs you is a huge boost and THAT my friends gives him the greatest advantage of all. Also in the mix is Aston Villa! Paul Lambert, a man who is in danger of taking one of the biggest clubs down to the Championship in Premier League history. How and why the Villa are in this predicament, is a mystery. I cannot yet decide whether the catalyst is Randy Lerner himself, the over-spending of past managers or Paul Lambert believing that a Brendan Rogers-type ethos of nurturing young talent to manage the finances will suffice to 'tread water for a season or two' before the youngsters 'grasp the script' with a few older heads sprinkled in. If the latter is true then Villa really do have a problem. Darren Bent is a proven goalscorer who has England pedigree, but somehow Lambert doesn't fancy him; which has left everyone bemused. The truth will emerge one way or the other, and I for one will be intrigued to hear the facts of the piece. But for the present, Villa need to win games and amass points. Relegation will not be a disaster but humiliation as a word does not even touch the sides! I am concerned for them, because the other teams, Reading and Q.P.R. apart have hit their stride and will do just enough to escape the drop. The critical character is the new Sunderland manager, he will either explode the team into life or implode, the latter, could be Villa's saviour. Despite a few wobbles, I am expecting Alan Pardew to avoid being sucked into the whirlpool of despair but, next season he needs to address the backbone of his team as a matter of urgency or he WILL be playing Middlesbrough regularly in the Championship once more!
Are Liverpool making progress? Yes, but could do a lot better. Steven Gerrard has for too long been the talisman in a club that has been in desperate need of a manager that knows how to fight battles and win major honours. Re-building Liverpool Football Club is a simple job, competing with the Gladiators of world club football is an immense task. The world has changed immeasurably since Liverpool dominated the domestic scene; in football terms. It currently resembles a mini-market compared to the gargantuan hyper-market brands a stone's throw away down the M56 that exist as their opponents. The words 'This is Anfield' do not match the tingling feeling I felt when uttering the words 'The Theatre of Dreams' when I performed at Old Trafford last week on Good Friday for the Hartley/Course wedding. And that is the type of ascent Liverpool need to be making. It is a complete package that is needed and the club needs to make major signings who can dictate the Marketing Campaigns of the Corporate and Merchandising Departments off the pitch as well as attracting more marquee names onto it. I have already stated on other media forums that Manchester United is a smart organisation from top to bottom that leaves everyone else standing. Having Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge leading the line next season is an absolute must for the reds, and Brendan Rogers needs to fight to keep those two players and then sign a top quality central defender and a charismatic midfield general with something to prove. There is much more work to do...
I cannot write an Easter blog without mentioning the mixed fortunes of my two clubs; Middlesbrough and Northampton Town. Aidy Boothroyd has nurtured a winning team and despite losing at Cheltenham on Easter Monday, should have enough gas to achieve automatic promotion to League 1. On the other hand, the 'Boro have fluffed their lines time and time again, like Liverpool, that real cutting edge has deserted them at critical times; Wolves should have been put to the sword on Saturday long before Half-Time, yet they managed to lose that game as well. An exasperated Tony Mowbray needs a win to get the Teeside engines firing again and build a winning run in the business end of the season. Reading emerged victorious last season from a very tight league, and will, as discussed above, sadly return to the Championship but any team with a late burst can make the cut; let's hope that we can those goals and instigate a few shut-outs! Come on 'Boro!!!
So much to debate, discuss, dispute! The clocks are forward, British Summer Time is here, The wedding season is underway and the conclusion is nigh! Dust down those Barbeques, the weather will improve...eventually!
Let's start with the National team. England are, in world terms, a reasonable unit with one or two notable players but are developing a soft underbelly. Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard proved what great footballers they are, Danny Wellbeck, Michael Carrick and Joe Hart earned their growing reputation, the rest are a reasonable bunch of Premier League players who have learned how to exist at the top table. Tonight, one or two of them proved that when the pressure is truly on, they are found wanting. Joleon Lescott is generally a good honest defender, tonight was his opportunity to show the world that worrying about the absence of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry was a wasted emotion; he failed to achieve that but was good enough...just. Chris Smalling could one day be a top class defender, but right now he lacks enough nous to deal with nights like these at this level, and with Johnson giving away the ball more times than my late Sunday School teacher Uncle Jack handed out Jelly Babies, such was the charmed existence of the defence in the second half. In the first, Rooney silenced his harshest critics and scored a critical early first goal; his performance was exemplary and dispelled the myths that his form was on the wane; his team-mates, despite controlling the first half should have pursued a ruthless second but it didn't materialise. Television pictures showed Roy Hodgson, at times, looking more like a hopeful punter playing roulette than an assertive England manager prowling the technical area, during the intensity of the second half. He must now know he should have switched things before the equaliser came. His opposite number, who revelled in the full glare of media scrutiny during the build-up, by contrast sensed blood and made bold substitutions that both ignited the crowd and tellingly seized the initiative but thankfully, due to poor finishing, in the final analysis they were just like us...too reasonable to find that winner. In the ITV studio, Roy Keane pulled no punches and declared England to be far too toothless, given the true stature of the opposition; unlike the Madrid game he called it right! On reflection that underbelly has been with us since 1970 and will probably take more than a few abdominal crunches to tighten!
THAT eagerly awaited Champions League fixture at the beginning of March was a true spectacle and until Nani's sending-off, an evenly poised tie. But, where Hodgson failed with England, Jose Mourinho had that instinct to seize the moment and win the match. These are the moments that define great managers and he proved his worth in the match when Kaka and then Modric were introduced; two magicians who had the ability to unlock the tie and ultimately allow Cristiano Ronaldo to score a decisive winner. All 22 players on that pitch were World Class, the quality was truly that good. Wayne Rooney's selection on the bench was a tactical one, that nearly paid off - all the hysterical speculation that followed was nonsensical; both parties need one another. For me the F.A.Cup loss to Chelsea proved that decisively. BUT! Did Nani deserve to be sent off, when I watched it live in the stadium, I first thought the foul was being given the other way!! Having watched the replays, I think that the foot was high but at worst, it was a booking. We will never know whether Manchester United would have won the tie, but my gut feeling is that Real Madrid would have sneaked it, but don't tell my groom Ben Hartley, he's still moaning now!!
Elsewhere in the Champions League, I am excited about the remaining matches in this great competition. Despite the heroics, Arsenal were always destined to struggle against a strong Bayern Munich outfit packed with experience. Bayern and Juventus, for me is still the tie of the round although I expect Bayern to push through their two-nil advantage in the usual efficient German way. Watch out too for Borussia Dortmund, an under-rated German machine of chillingly ruthless quality that could embarrass one of the leading lights; they will cast lowly Malaga aside with a routine swagger; despite a tepid first leg stalemate this week. Paris Saint German are playground bullies in a weak French League, but the Champios League is another level; and after a well fought first leg avoid defeat, expect the fluent Catalan outfit to win the second leg easily. Galatasaray and their fans were mere passengers in an exhibition match of gentle torture with Real Madrid to lose three-nil in that first leg. Jose Mourinho wants to win this trophy very badly and will probably order his troops to destroy the Turkish Champions ruthlessly in Istanbul to put down a marker for evryone else to ponder. All the second leg ties will be mouth-watering fayre, but without any British involvement, for the first time in a while. That though really is not significant, because with a couple of transfer windows big names can dramatically migrate into our league and transform the wider spectrum. Who will win? I think the winning captain who lifts the trophy will be in Spanish colours, but cannot decide which of them it will be.
Turning our attentions to our domestic league, who will be relegated from the Premier League? There are many serious contenders:
Despite having Harry 'Houdini' Redknapp, after watching Queens Park Rangers lose to Fulham, I had to agree whole-heartedly with Sky Television pundit Gary Neville when he surmised that the West London side are making too many defensive errors. Their forward line is excitng and full of goals, which any team chasing success needs in abundance but at the back, their lack of concentration will condemn them. For all the talk of endeavor and honest grit, Reading are just a little too short on top end excellence to survive this season, despite appointing Nigel Adkins this week as their manager to succeed Brian McDermott. There is a widely held argument that many of the remaining fixtures are winable, but my observation of this league is that tight matches such as these are won by moments of brilliance; Reading do not have those individuals. Everyone was shocked when the news emerged about Brian McDermott sacking but on closer examination of the Adkins media briefing it emerged that funds were available in the transfer window for McDermott according to Reading owner Anton Zingarevich. One senses that he was irked by the suggestion in the press that a system of austerity was hanging over the manager like a cloud. I think that decision makers at football clubs need to come clean and face the full glare of the media so that we, the fans cannot appreciate the full facts. Whilst Adkins' former club Southampton baffled us all by removing him so swiftly just before Christmas, a frank explanation in person from Nicola Cortese would have gained him greater respect from us the fans but, it must be said that in Mauricio Pochettino they have a bright new manager who, given time, could make a huge impact; the only question about this young Argentinian, is an ability to win enough Bread and Butter matches consistently. For the big fixtures, he has despatched the high marquee opposition with relative ease, but has stumbled in less glamorous company. That is the DNA of a great cup winning side, but these days despite the continuing romance of the 'Capital One' and 'F.A. Cup' the Premier League is everything, ask Birmingham City!! Martin O'Neil has been widely acknowledged as a talented man-manager but somehow at Sunderland with significant investment, his apparent midas touch desserted him very dramatically. My feeling is that the operational aspect of coaching and managing elite footballers has maybe passed him by. His sacking at the weekend was an indication that an obsessive desire to retain Premier League status is a chillingly harsh reality for all Premiership chairmen. The stats, sadly for Martin O'Neil, did not lie, they were bottom of the form league for a considerable time before plummeting down the table over time. Ellis Short has probably been contemplating the axe for sometime, and despite upbeat words in Saturday's match programme against Manchester United, the manner of defeat was probably a step too far. espite all the debates about his alleged political stance, it is widely considered that appointing Paolo Di Canio is a huge risk at this level. When I quizzed the current Cobblers boss recently about his ill-fated stint as manager of Watford in the Premier League; he was at pains to point out that the wider spectrum of media scrutiny was near impossible to deal with on top of the portfolio of the job itself. Paolo Di Canio may have enjoyed being centre stage as Swindon's emigmatic boss, but being pursued by the Fleet Street hacks is a different ball game to those friendly awe-struck folks at the Wiltshire Gazette and the Swindon Advertiser. I expect for all his passion and good intentions for the whole thing to end in tears; I hope to be proved wrong because watching him holding court will be compulsive viewing! But, for all the talk of being entertaining, only one thing matters and that is results. Then, there is Wigan who are currently winning those defining 50-50 matches and fighting this campaign with familiar strength, technique and desire; but could this be, despite some big performances, a step too far. They could be saved by the fact that Manchester City and Chelsea remain in the F.A. Cup, so realistically they won't be expected to win it, which could work in their favour; just ask Everton! Once again Roberto Martinez knows his position is safe; once again that simple knowledge that your chairman REALLY backs you is a huge boost and THAT my friends gives him the greatest advantage of all. Also in the mix is Aston Villa! Paul Lambert, a man who is in danger of taking one of the biggest clubs down to the Championship in Premier League history. How and why the Villa are in this predicament, is a mystery. I cannot yet decide whether the catalyst is Randy Lerner himself, the over-spending of past managers or Paul Lambert believing that a Brendan Rogers-type ethos of nurturing young talent to manage the finances will suffice to 'tread water for a season or two' before the youngsters 'grasp the script' with a few older heads sprinkled in. If the latter is true then Villa really do have a problem. Darren Bent is a proven goalscorer who has England pedigree, but somehow Lambert doesn't fancy him; which has left everyone bemused. The truth will emerge one way or the other, and I for one will be intrigued to hear the facts of the piece. But for the present, Villa need to win games and amass points. Relegation will not be a disaster but humiliation as a word does not even touch the sides! I am concerned for them, because the other teams, Reading and Q.P.R. apart have hit their stride and will do just enough to escape the drop. The critical character is the new Sunderland manager, he will either explode the team into life or implode, the latter, could be Villa's saviour. Despite a few wobbles, I am expecting Alan Pardew to avoid being sucked into the whirlpool of despair but, next season he needs to address the backbone of his team as a matter of urgency or he WILL be playing Middlesbrough regularly in the Championship once more!
Are Liverpool making progress? Yes, but could do a lot better. Steven Gerrard has for too long been the talisman in a club that has been in desperate need of a manager that knows how to fight battles and win major honours. Re-building Liverpool Football Club is a simple job, competing with the Gladiators of world club football is an immense task. The world has changed immeasurably since Liverpool dominated the domestic scene; in football terms. It currently resembles a mini-market compared to the gargantuan hyper-market brands a stone's throw away down the M56 that exist as their opponents. The words 'This is Anfield' do not match the tingling feeling I felt when uttering the words 'The Theatre of Dreams' when I performed at Old Trafford last week on Good Friday for the Hartley/Course wedding. And that is the type of ascent Liverpool need to be making. It is a complete package that is needed and the club needs to make major signings who can dictate the Marketing Campaigns of the Corporate and Merchandising Departments off the pitch as well as attracting more marquee names onto it. I have already stated on other media forums that Manchester United is a smart organisation from top to bottom that leaves everyone else standing. Having Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge leading the line next season is an absolute must for the reds, and Brendan Rogers needs to fight to keep those two players and then sign a top quality central defender and a charismatic midfield general with something to prove. There is much more work to do...
I cannot write an Easter blog without mentioning the mixed fortunes of my two clubs; Middlesbrough and Northampton Town. Aidy Boothroyd has nurtured a winning team and despite losing at Cheltenham on Easter Monday, should have enough gas to achieve automatic promotion to League 1. On the other hand, the 'Boro have fluffed their lines time and time again, like Liverpool, that real cutting edge has deserted them at critical times; Wolves should have been put to the sword on Saturday long before Half-Time, yet they managed to lose that game as well. An exasperated Tony Mowbray needs a win to get the Teeside engines firing again and build a winning run in the business end of the season. Reading emerged victorious last season from a very tight league, and will, as discussed above, sadly return to the Championship but any team with a late burst can make the cut; let's hope that we can those goals and instigate a few shut-outs! Come on 'Boro!!!
So much to debate, discuss, dispute! The clocks are forward, British Summer Time is here, The wedding season is underway and the conclusion is nigh! Dust down those Barbeques, the weather will improve...eventually!
Sunday, 13 January 2013
My football blogs have a great many followers, and my travels have revealed that my football views have been sorely missed since my last contribution last May 2012.
In late April, my wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, but I am pleased to say that after a challenging period of ongoing treatment, she is on the road to recovery. Thank you friends for your support, prayers and messages, it has been truly uplifting.
The fact that 2012 was such a fantastic year for sport helped make a difficult personal year a little less painful. European Football Championships, The Olympics and Paralympics, The Champions League, Wimbledon, The Ryder Cup, The Men's Tennis US Open, The golf US Open, the Tour de France, and the climax of the Football Premier League Title...I could go on! It's been amazing to tick off the landmarks through the year.
But, let's get down to the real business, the football. I'll leave the International stuff and Roy Hodgson for another day, let's talk Premier League:
When Chelsea lifted the Champions League, I immediately knew that Roman Abramovich was facing his worst nightmare. Robert Di Matteo was like many a son who craves affection without ever enjoying the words of reassurance and praise from his father. And so to that unforgettable scene last May in Munich where Di Matteo passes the main man, as he walks up to collect the trophy, is etched on my mind. He wags his finger defiantly at the Oligarch as if he has proved his point once and for all, and of course almost with tears in his eyes, and the whole world watching, Abramovich cannot disguise his joy at winning the prize he badly wanted! Fast forward to the Autumn of the current season, it was always a case of when and not if he would be fired. After all, Ambramovich is a playground bully, a rich one, but a bully just the same. This is after all HIS own personal version of 'Championship Manager,' and when he's had enough, that's it! Where does that leave Chelsea? It's a mess, one with a cabinet of trophies, but a mess. Only Blackburn Rovers can claim to be in a worst state! Then there's the whole Frank Lampard situation; no-one is saying anything, least of all the hierarchy, and what makes matters worse is the boy Frank keeps scoring goals. Not just any goals, decisive ones! Then there's Rafa Benitez, a man that the fans can't bring themselves to love despite his pedigree as a coach in elevated company. Is he in the job long-term or not? Even Benitez is talking in code at his interviews. It's a very strange way to carry on. Meanwhile the supposed target Pepe Guardiola is out in the States chilling out until HE decides he wants to return to a job, and even Abramovich has got to wait. I hope he publicly spurns Chelsea and announces ethically that he is becoming Lobby Host at McDonalds!!! Demba Ba could just save all their faces, he is so so hungry, so so sharp, so so brilliant. I hope that knee does become an issue...
The Premier League title will simply be staying in Manchester. Whether it is United or City depends for me on Roberto Mancini's nerve. He reminds me of Kevin Keegan, with his ultra sensitive nature, constantly mumbling his complaints to the media. To have any chance of beating Ferguson, he needs to stop giving chapter and verse to all and sundry and keep his rantings private. Sir Alex is equally volatile but has learned to keep his thunderous temper behind closed doors and uses the voracious media hacks to wind up his opponents with clever sound-bites. Keegan fell for it many years ago when he had an excellent Newcastle team and Mancini has a superior squad that can overhaul United, in my view. But, the whole club has to acquire the DNA of success that United enjoys. For me, it's as simple as that. Even the Harvard Business School have been tapping the great man for inspiration!
The chasing pack are an interesting bunch. Only one team stands out apart from Chelsea, and that's Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is everything that Mancini is not; he has his own philosophy, he protects his players, refuses to criticise his club in any wave, shape or form and concentrates on producing an effective unit that will hit the top four every season comfortably. If he retains the services and trust of Theo Walcott, in the form of a new contract, the cluster of English players including Jack Wilshere will grow as a unit in a similar fashion to Giggs, Beckham, Scholes and the Neville brothers at Manchester United. For me, there isn't a lot wrong with Arsenal, they just lack that ruthless goalscorer to partner Theo; but I think they will find him and then challenge for domestic trophies. Watching the way Manchester United bullied Liverpool this weekend is poignant reminder of the gargantuan task the Anfield club has to retrieve greatness. Daniel Sturridge already looks a great signing, he now needs to be consistent and then with Gerrard, and Suarez Liverpool put down significant markers. Brendon Rodgers needs to win a trophy to learn how to be a winning manager, once that's achieved he could gain great traction; provided that he truly knows how to surf the waves of big time pressure. I love his theories and philosophies, but success is about doing the nuts and bolts, and striding meaningfully up the table. Andreas Villas-Boas is another one who reminds me of many of my contemporaries at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Possesses a great mind that has analysed a great many processes, quotes and historical facts but can't gain the real affection of the punter with a simplistic desire to follow a winning team. I believe that Harry Redknapp gave Spurs a real chance but was too strong a character for Chairman Daniel Levy and his tightly held purse-strings. Watching artists such as Rafael van der Vaart and Luca Modric leaving London filled me with deep sadness, those two 'artful dodgers' could pickpocket stubborn defences and create sublime possibilities. I may be wrong but Tottenham, in that moment ceased to be a team possessing the sublime and subtle brilliance that could truly win marginal football matches against meaningful opposition teams.
At the other end of the table I am desperately sad to see that a team of the stature of Aston Villa is in the bottom three. Something is drastically wrong and needs to be addressed quickly. The thought of Aston Villa playing Leeds United in the Championship next season with both teams struggling below my team Middlesbrough in the table is a scenario that I never dreamed I would or could imagine. This now is a real possibility, Wigan will scratch out enough results to survive, Harry will attempt to graft or weave his magic at QPR but this time around I can only see a return to the Championship, Reading too are woefully short despite brimming with desire and spirit, and Southampton too; but they at least have the hard-bitten Ricky Lambert. Sunderland do have genuine quality throughout the team and, of course Martin O'Neil, Newcastle having lost Demba Ba are in danger of free-falling after their capitulation against Brighton in the F.A. Cup and a toothless display against a below par Norwich side. The Geordies deserve much better, but have been feasting for too long this season on inadequate fare. Alan Pardew like Rafa Benitez is a straightforward honest man but he is backed by invisible men upstairs, Mike Ashley and Derek Llambas are two people who need to address their hard-core fans and show some presence but I fear that back-bone isn't there. I'll say it again, the North East deserves better.
As I've been asked to do a wedding at Old Trafford at Easter, in the name of research, I'll be watching Ronaldo's return to the Theatre of Dreams in a Real Madrid shirt. Can United win that one? Probably, but I think that if they progress, they will be the only English team who do but I suspect that whilst they can manage the Premier League until Manchester City stop fluffing their lines, sell Balotelli or both, the squad still lacks enough depth. The Galacticos with the Special One are looking good for the Champions League. Don't put it past Mourinho to win it again and then become the manager in the Premier League next season, after a controversial win in Manchester! Where will he go? Now that's a good question!
The decorations are down, the phone is red hot with Wedding enquiries, the snow flurries are on their way, Pamela Anderson has disappeared back to USA after one episode of 'Dancing On Ice,' and I've done my first blog for 2013! It's all set for an exciting time for us football fans; hold tight folks, the twists and intrigues are only beginning.
Thanks for the jolt Nigel Ord-Smith...Happy New Year my friends.
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