It was an another day of exciting football in the Premier League on Boxing Day as many a bored fan settled in front of the TV to get some much needed entertainment.
Enough of the family and Christmas telly - a football packed Boxing Day was just what the doctor ordered after the chaos of Christmas.
It was a day full of goals, sendings off and more controversy - with the amazing 4-4 draw between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge the highlight.
The Premier League may be under pressure from top bosses to introduce a winter break, but we fans like it just the way it is thank you very much.
The top players who play in international tournaments in the summer are mostly at big clubs with the ability to rotate and deal with the added games of the Christmas period.
And what would we do at Christmas without huge helpings of football to keep us going?
Its a sacrifice the players have to make and so they should - its a great tradition of the British football calendar and it should stay that way.
Don't you think?
Wednesday 26 December 2007
Friday 21 December 2007
TOUGH DRAW FOR BRITISH SIDES
Arsenal will face holders AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League.
The first leg will be held at the Emirates stadium.
Celtic have a tough task against 2005 winners Barcelona, Man United face Lyon and Liverpool take on Italian champions Inter Milan.
Celtic and Liverpool will have their first leg at home, whilst United travel to Lyon.
Chelseas appear to have the easiest task against Greek side Olmpiakos, with the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile in the UEFA Cup Bolton face Spanish side Atletico Madrid, Spurs were drawn against Slavia Praque and Aberdeen have to take on favourites Bayern Munich.
The first leg will be held at the Emirates stadium.
Celtic have a tough task against 2005 winners Barcelona, Man United face Lyon and Liverpool take on Italian champions Inter Milan.
Celtic and Liverpool will have their first leg at home, whilst United travel to Lyon.
Chelseas appear to have the easiest task against Greek side Olmpiakos, with the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile in the UEFA Cup Bolton face Spanish side Atletico Madrid, Spurs were drawn against Slavia Praque and Aberdeen have to take on favourites Bayern Munich.
SANCHEZ SACKED AS FULHAM BOSS
Lawrie Sanchez has been sacked as manager of Fulham.
The club made the decision with Fulham languishing in the relegation zone, with only two wins all season.
Former Fulham player John Collins, who yesterday resigned as Hibernian manager, is the strong favourite to take over from the former Northern Ireland boss.
Sanchez was installed as permanent Fulham boss after keeping Fulham in the Premier League after he took over from Chris Coleman last season.
The club made the decision with Fulham languishing in the relegation zone, with only two wins all season.
Former Fulham player John Collins, who yesterday resigned as Hibernian manager, is the strong favourite to take over from the former Northern Ireland boss.
Sanchez was installed as permanent Fulham boss after keeping Fulham in the Premier League after he took over from Chris Coleman last season.
Thursday 20 December 2007
CALL FOR COMMON SENSE ON CROWD ABUSE
The debate about crowd abuse directed at players and managers has rumbled on this week - with Robbie Keane insisting most verbal abuse is nothing more than harmless banter.
Sol Campbell has called for action to be taken, saying that verbal abuse has spiralled out of control.
Sir Alex Ferguson, Avram Grant and Harry Redknapp have all had their say on what appears to be a growing concern to many involved in the game.
Fair play to Keane for resisting the urge to jump on the bandwagon and speaking with a bit of common sense.
Tickets prices are higher than ever, and fans are entitled to their bit of 'banter' with opposition players and managers.
If the likes of Campbell and Redknapp can't accept that, they could always cancel their contracts and have a go at living in the real world.
And Grant and Ferguson don't seem half as concerned about the verbal abuse their players direct at referees week in week out.
There is a mindless minority who take it too far - and these should be dealt with - but please, spare us the sob stories and media hype.
It is a part of the game - and it always will be.
Sol Campbell has called for action to be taken, saying that verbal abuse has spiralled out of control.
Sir Alex Ferguson, Avram Grant and Harry Redknapp have all had their say on what appears to be a growing concern to many involved in the game.
Fair play to Keane for resisting the urge to jump on the bandwagon and speaking with a bit of common sense.
Tickets prices are higher than ever, and fans are entitled to their bit of 'banter' with opposition players and managers.
If the likes of Campbell and Redknapp can't accept that, they could always cancel their contracts and have a go at living in the real world.
And Grant and Ferguson don't seem half as concerned about the verbal abuse their players direct at referees week in week out.
There is a mindless minority who take it too far - and these should be dealt with - but please, spare us the sob stories and media hype.
It is a part of the game - and it always will be.
Tuesday 18 December 2007
A TEAM FOR 2010?
With New England boss Fabio Capello promising to pick players on form rather than reputation - it could mean a shake up in the England team.
Who knows - could this be the team for the 2010 World Cup?
ROBERT GREEN
The West Ham shot stopper has been in excellent form this season. Robinson, James and Carson have all had their chances and failed to impress. Also watch out for promising Man United keeper Ben Foster when he eventually returns from injury.
MICAH RICHARDS
One of the few bright sparks of McClaren's 2008 qualifying campaign. The Man City defender has pace and strength in abundance. Could be the natural replacement for Gary Neville or even force his way into the centre back spots.
JOHN TERRY
Despite recent speculation that his captaincy will be under threat under Capello, expect the Italian to stick with the man who England so badly missed in their crunch European Championship qualifiers.
RIO FERDINAND
Keeping his place on sheer ability and impressive performances in major tournaments in the past. Big game player, needs to keep his concentration up and cut out mistakes if he wants to stay in the team under the new manager.
LEIGHTON BAINES
The Everton man has shown potential playing for England Under 21s and may be one of those given his chance if Capello looks to integrate new blood. Once fit he needs to concentrate on his club form if he is to challenge the likes of Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Nicky Shorey and club colleague Joleon Lescott for a place.
DAVID BENTLEY
Surely if he played for a more fashionable club Bentley would already be an England regular. Has been consistantly brilliant for Blackburn and deserves his chance on the right hand side.
STEVEN GERRARD
The inspirational Liverpool captain is one of those that most start to reproduce his club form on the international scene. Has struggled in recent England games and needs to find a new confidence to express himself under Capello.
OWEN HARGREAVES
The sort of holding midfielder Capello has frequently favoured in his teams. Beats the likes of Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard to his place based on his defensive capabilities.
ASHLEY YOUNG
The former Watford winger has been building a reputation for himself with his displays on the Aston Villa left. With Joe Cole in and out the Chelsea team and displaying a tendency to drift inside and leave the England side without width. Raw pace and a huge talent for the future.
WAYNE ROONEY
By a mile the best striking talent England have to chose from - the trouble is finding him a partner from the crocked Michael Owen, and players who are in and out the team at club level - the likes of Peter Crouch, Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe, Alan Smith and the talented but untested Theo Walcott.
GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR
The Aston Villa man gets the nod based on his performances in the Premier League this season. Has pace, the ability to hit the back of the net and most importantly the confidence that comes from playing week in, week out.
Who would be in your 2010 England XI?
Who knows - could this be the team for the 2010 World Cup?
ROBERT GREEN
The West Ham shot stopper has been in excellent form this season. Robinson, James and Carson have all had their chances and failed to impress. Also watch out for promising Man United keeper Ben Foster when he eventually returns from injury.
MICAH RICHARDS
One of the few bright sparks of McClaren's 2008 qualifying campaign. The Man City defender has pace and strength in abundance. Could be the natural replacement for Gary Neville or even force his way into the centre back spots.
JOHN TERRY
Despite recent speculation that his captaincy will be under threat under Capello, expect the Italian to stick with the man who England so badly missed in their crunch European Championship qualifiers.
RIO FERDINAND
Keeping his place on sheer ability and impressive performances in major tournaments in the past. Big game player, needs to keep his concentration up and cut out mistakes if he wants to stay in the team under the new manager.
LEIGHTON BAINES
The Everton man has shown potential playing for England Under 21s and may be one of those given his chance if Capello looks to integrate new blood. Once fit he needs to concentrate on his club form if he is to challenge the likes of Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Nicky Shorey and club colleague Joleon Lescott for a place.
DAVID BENTLEY
Surely if he played for a more fashionable club Bentley would already be an England regular. Has been consistantly brilliant for Blackburn and deserves his chance on the right hand side.
STEVEN GERRARD
The inspirational Liverpool captain is one of those that most start to reproduce his club form on the international scene. Has struggled in recent England games and needs to find a new confidence to express himself under Capello.
OWEN HARGREAVES
The sort of holding midfielder Capello has frequently favoured in his teams. Beats the likes of Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard to his place based on his defensive capabilities.
ASHLEY YOUNG
The former Watford winger has been building a reputation for himself with his displays on the Aston Villa left. With Joe Cole in and out the Chelsea team and displaying a tendency to drift inside and leave the England side without width. Raw pace and a huge talent for the future.
WAYNE ROONEY
By a mile the best striking talent England have to chose from - the trouble is finding him a partner from the crocked Michael Owen, and players who are in and out the team at club level - the likes of Peter Crouch, Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe, Alan Smith and the talented but untested Theo Walcott.
GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR
The Aston Villa man gets the nod based on his performances in the Premier League this season. Has pace, the ability to hit the back of the net and most importantly the confidence that comes from playing week in, week out.
Who would be in your 2010 England XI?
Monday 17 December 2007
CAPELLO UNVEILLED TO THE MEDIA - ENGLAND JOB IS 'DREAM COME TRUE'
New England manager Fabio Capello declared it a 'dream come true' as he was officially unveilled as the new England manager.
The Italian also claimed that he will be able to speak English within one month - in time for his first game as England boss - the friendly against Switzerland at Wembley on the 6th February.
FA Chief Executive Brain Barwick introduced the former AC Milan, Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid coach as 'a Winner with a capital W' and the man to restore pride in the England team.
Capello said that he wanted an English coach to be integrated into his team of backroom staff, as it was vital to have someone who understood the national game in his setup.
The 61 year old labelled David Beckham a 'great mand and a great player' but refused to be drawn on whether he would win his 100th cap against the Swiss next year.
His first real test is likely to be the away friendly against World Cup finalists France at the end of March, and if Capello can achieve a positive result in this as well as his opening game, he is likely to enjoy an extended honeymoon period until his first competitve match in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers next September.
And with his CV few would argue that he doesn't deserve the support of the fans and the media - If England fail with Capello, the blame will most likely lie squarely at the feet of the players.
The Italian also claimed that he will be able to speak English within one month - in time for his first game as England boss - the friendly against Switzerland at Wembley on the 6th February.
FA Chief Executive Brain Barwick introduced the former AC Milan, Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid coach as 'a Winner with a capital W' and the man to restore pride in the England team.
Capello said that he wanted an English coach to be integrated into his team of backroom staff, as it was vital to have someone who understood the national game in his setup.
The 61 year old labelled David Beckham a 'great mand and a great player' but refused to be drawn on whether he would win his 100th cap against the Swiss next year.
His first real test is likely to be the away friendly against World Cup finalists France at the end of March, and if Capello can achieve a positive result in this as well as his opening game, he is likely to enjoy an extended honeymoon period until his first competitve match in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers next September.
And with his CV few would argue that he doesn't deserve the support of the fans and the media - If England fail with Capello, the blame will most likely lie squarely at the feet of the players.
Sunday 16 December 2007
ARSENAL COME OUT ON TOP IN SUPER SUNDAY SHOWDOWN
Arsenal sit at the top of Premier League after a William Gallas header secured a 1-0 win over his former club Chelsea.
Andriy Shevchenko tested new Arsenal number one Maneul Almunia with a curling free kick, while the returing Robin Van Persie had a goal ruled out for offside in an action-packed final few minutes.
Chelsea captain John Terry was forced to come off with a foot injury in the first half, but it was rare mistake by Petr Cech, failing to collect an Arsenal corner, than allowed Gallas to claim the winner at the end of the first half.
In the early kick off there was a sense of deja vu as Man United again beat Liverpool by a single goal at Anfield, despite being second best for long periods.
Ryans Giggs found Wayne Rooney from a corner, and his shot was turned in by Carlos Tevez from close range on the stroke of half time.
Evra and Anderson both cleared Liverpool efforts off the line in a scrappy first half, saving the flapping Van Der Sar.
The result leaves Liverpool 10 points behind league leaders Arsenal, and they look out of the title race already.
Defending champions United in contrast are just one point behing the Gunners, with Chelsea and the resurgent Man City completing the Premier League top four.
Andriy Shevchenko tested new Arsenal number one Maneul Almunia with a curling free kick, while the returing Robin Van Persie had a goal ruled out for offside in an action-packed final few minutes.
Chelsea captain John Terry was forced to come off with a foot injury in the first half, but it was rare mistake by Petr Cech, failing to collect an Arsenal corner, than allowed Gallas to claim the winner at the end of the first half.
In the early kick off there was a sense of deja vu as Man United again beat Liverpool by a single goal at Anfield, despite being second best for long periods.
Ryans Giggs found Wayne Rooney from a corner, and his shot was turned in by Carlos Tevez from close range on the stroke of half time.
Evra and Anderson both cleared Liverpool efforts off the line in a scrappy first half, saving the flapping Van Der Sar.
The result leaves Liverpool 10 points behind league leaders Arsenal, and they look out of the title race already.
Defending champions United in contrast are just one point behing the Gunners, with Chelsea and the resurgent Man City completing the Premier League top four.
Super Sunday - Dream Team
Today's Premier League big four showdown could be the a pivotal moment in the title race - Here's my big four dream team:
Who would be in your XI?
CECH
EBOUE TERRY VIDIC EVRA
RONALDO FABREGAS GERRARD
TORRES DROGBA ROONEY
Who would be in your XI?
Saturday 15 December 2007
The English assistant - the McClaren factor
So the FA have for once acted swiftly and approriately in appointing the 'world class' manager English fans have demanded following the disastrous reign of Steve McClaren.
In Fabio Capello, England have employed a man with a worldwide reputation as a winner - if not always a popular one - just ask Real Madrid fans.
But playing beautiful football cannot be England's first priority since we can no longer take for granted qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Those who called for an English appointment have been largely silenced - Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley, Harry Redknapp - all have little on their CV to compare to the nine league titles and European Cup that Capello can boost.
And besides it was little more than a year ago McClaren was put forward as the number one English candidate - and look how that turned out. The English managers do not have the experience or tactical expertise needed to manage at international level, and until they are given (and take) their chances at the top clubs in English football this is unlikely to change.
Much has been made of the appointment of an English coach - most likely current Under 21 boss Stuart Pearce - to learn under the guidance of Capello. However all this has a familiar ring. McClaren himself spent five years learning under the wing of Sven Göran Eriksson - and just look how that turned out.
Despite this surely the FA has a responsibility to nurture and develop young English talent to manage the England of the future? McClaren's reputation was already tarnished by the failure of the Eriksson regime - a losing coach taking over a losing team. If Fabio Capello fails to deliver in the World Cup in 2010, will a man like Pearce be able to step up and instill a new winning mentality to the national side?
Are young English managers not better off learning their trade club management - look at Paul Ince. Impressive at Macclesfield and MK Dons, the 'Guv'nor' is showing signs of developing into a winning manager. And he would rather continue to learn his trade through the leagues, than be shoe-horned into an England coaches job for a token Englishman to satisyfythe jingoists.
Now rather than sit back and pat himself on the back for the appointment of the promised 'world class' manager in Capello, Brian Barwick and his colleagues need to remember the other promise they made in the aftermath of the appalling qualifying exit at the hands of Croatia at Wembley - the "root and branch review" of the setup of the English game.
English football needs to be looked at from the grassroots up - go to the park on a Sunday afternoon and you will see fat men with beer bellies shouting at kids to "hoof it into the box" and "get rid of it". This is a cultural phenomen you will not see in the rest of Europe. The organised footballing academies of Holland for example, put to shame the tactically devoid approach of the English game.
Never mind the arrogance and "we invented the game" attitude - England must swallow their pride and not be afraid to look at their European neighbours and say - "If it works for them - how can we make it work for us?"
A full blooded review of the way the game is run from the very bottom is needed - an expensive Italian may deliver success in the short term, but if England want to qualify for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and beyond, English football needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror and say - is this the best we can be?
In Fabio Capello, England have employed a man with a worldwide reputation as a winner - if not always a popular one - just ask Real Madrid fans.
But playing beautiful football cannot be England's first priority since we can no longer take for granted qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Those who called for an English appointment have been largely silenced - Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley, Harry Redknapp - all have little on their CV to compare to the nine league titles and European Cup that Capello can boost.
And besides it was little more than a year ago McClaren was put forward as the number one English candidate - and look how that turned out. The English managers do not have the experience or tactical expertise needed to manage at international level, and until they are given (and take) their chances at the top clubs in English football this is unlikely to change.
Much has been made of the appointment of an English coach - most likely current Under 21 boss Stuart Pearce - to learn under the guidance of Capello. However all this has a familiar ring. McClaren himself spent five years learning under the wing of Sven Göran Eriksson - and just look how that turned out.
Despite this surely the FA has a responsibility to nurture and develop young English talent to manage the England of the future? McClaren's reputation was already tarnished by the failure of the Eriksson regime - a losing coach taking over a losing team. If Fabio Capello fails to deliver in the World Cup in 2010, will a man like Pearce be able to step up and instill a new winning mentality to the national side?
Are young English managers not better off learning their trade club management - look at Paul Ince. Impressive at Macclesfield and MK Dons, the 'Guv'nor' is showing signs of developing into a winning manager. And he would rather continue to learn his trade through the leagues, than be shoe-horned into an England coaches job for a token Englishman to satisyfythe jingoists.
Now rather than sit back and pat himself on the back for the appointment of the promised 'world class' manager in Capello, Brian Barwick and his colleagues need to remember the other promise they made in the aftermath of the appalling qualifying exit at the hands of Croatia at Wembley - the "root and branch review" of the setup of the English game.
English football needs to be looked at from the grassroots up - go to the park on a Sunday afternoon and you will see fat men with beer bellies shouting at kids to "hoof it into the box" and "get rid of it". This is a cultural phenomen you will not see in the rest of Europe. The organised footballing academies of Holland for example, put to shame the tactically devoid approach of the English game.
Never mind the arrogance and "we invented the game" attitude - England must swallow their pride and not be afraid to look at their European neighbours and say - "If it works for them - how can we make it work for us?"
A full blooded review of the way the game is run from the very bottom is needed - an expensive Italian may deliver success in the short term, but if England want to qualify for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and beyond, English football needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror and say - is this the best we can be?
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