2733: Sheffield United: Akinyibi A G

by : Paul Grech

When Ade Akinyibi chose to join Burnley rather than Sheffield United in January last year, Neil Warnock opined that it was a mistake. For him, Akinyibi had forsaken the opportunity of joining a side with a genuine hope of promotion for one stuck in mid-table.

Privately however, Warnock was equally aware that it had been a mistake not to push harder for Akinyibi, a player whose goal scoring ability they could have done with as United’s promotion bid petered out last season. A mistake they’ve had to pay dearly for not simply because of failed promotion but as, twelve months on, they’ve had to pay £1.75 million for his services making him the club’s record signing.

In many ways it is a strange choice not least because that seems to be an excessive fee to pay for a 31 year-old, even one who has cost various clubs an astonishing combined £13 million in transfer fees. Warnock won’t have to tell Akinyibi of the importance of finding his feet quickly to snuff out any criticism.

Not that there’s any doubt about Akinyibi’s ability at this level. Which, at this stage, is all that matters for United. Should he help them to promotion, it will be £1.75 million well spent. Past experience has taught Warnock that a strong squad is important to go all the way and Akinyibi’s addition ensures that they won’t be caught short up front.

The manager’s claim that this is a signing made with an eye for a ‘few years ahead’ – an indication that Akinyibi was signed with the Premiership in mind – is much more debateable. It may be true that at Leicester Akinyibi was saddled with too much expectation but that cannot hide the fact that he was well out of his depth.

He may have matured in the past four years and maybe his game has progressed but he’s still not a Premiership quality striker. Should they get promoted, United might find that they still need to spend on a quality striker.

Despite trebling the £600,000 spent just a year ago, it is hard to term Burnley as the real winners in this transfer.

True, the money received from United will be more than welcome for a club still struggling with the financial realities of the post ITV era yet Akinyibi’s departure means that they have lost the player who scored more than a third of their goals this season. It will be hard for them to find a replacement both in the short and long term.

Financial directors will always say that it was an offer they couldn’t refuse. They may be right but it is still all too easy to understand Steve Cotterill’s and the fans frustration. Every time they seem to be making progress, they get knocked back. Without Akinyibi, mid-table is all that will be able to hope for this season.

Twelve months ago Burnley managed to beat United to Akinyibi’s signature. The club’s perceived lack of ambition, however, may be too much of a deterrent in the future.

Paul Grech
30 January 2006

2731: Dario Gradi facing tough times

by : Alex Wolstenholme

As the longest serving manager in English professional football, Dario Gradi and Crewe are always held up as the example to follow for all clubs looking for stability.

However, just to show that not even Gradi is immune to the pressures of football management, a number of fans at last week's AGM questioned whether it was time for a change at Gresty Road.

Chairman John Bowler backed his man, saying: "We have no intention of making a change. Dario's record speaks for itself.

"What we have to do is to try and find ways of helping him to improve the team."

The benefits of the Gradi way are still clear for all to see off the field.

Dean Ashton's move from Norwich to West Ham last week netted Crewe a bonus of £800k on top of the £3m fee they received for the player last January.

With average crowds of around 6,000, life in the Championship is always going to be hard for Crewe but Gradi's constant protestations that his team are not good enough are always hard for fans to take and a record of 6 wins in their last 55 games at the time of writing would not be tolerated elsewhere.

Despite a solid financial base (due in no small part to Gradi himself of course), Crewe are reluctant spenders in the transfer market and some strange moves have been made, notably the capture of Juan Ugarte from Wrexham in the summer.

After a prolific season in League One, Crewe looked to have pulled off a real coup by signing the Spaniard yet he has played only three times so far this season and was last week loaned back to Wrexham.

Commendably, Crewe were the only side in the Championship not to pay any agent's fees when the latest figures were published by the Football League but there are signs that Gradi's stance on bringing in foreign players is softening.

A number of trialists have arrived at Gresty Road in recent months and Algerian defender Madjid Bougherra looks set to join shortly.

Crewe have been in this position before under Gradi of course, but the fear of some fans now is that the current side would not be in any position to challenge for promotion from League One next season, setting off a cycle whereby Crewe's hard-earned position in the hierarchy of the game is weakened.

At this stage it seems to be only a small minority of fans who are unhappy with where Crewe are heading but it does bring into focus the conflict that many smaller clubs are facing at present.

Supporters can be happy enough with off-field stability and the fact that young players are given a chance in their side but need to know that the chance of glory will always be there, however slim it may seem.

Without that, lower division clubs become a little like feeder clubs, developing young players to be sold on when a suitable offer comes in, something the English game has always prided itself on not having, unlike in many other European countries.

Alex Wolstenholme
30 January 2006

2730: Threaten Your Customers- The M

by : Bill Urban

It’s not really a novel approach to so-called customer relations among the Premier League clubs, but the recent comments by Middlesbrough Chief Executive Responsible for Supporter Alienation Keith Lamb’s recent comments during a radio phone-in show underline in clear focus the attitude of club officials towards the local support, sorry, consumers, as it were.

Eventually, the fans will get the club they can afford and the area will get the team they can afford. said Lamb.

What we are apparently to believe based on the above comment is that, in the hoary old cliche, "it’s the fans who pay the player’s salaries." So, when it’s convenient, Premier League officials like Mr. Lamb forget the huge sums of money that Premiership clubs make from television deals. Arsene Wenger will make a perfect Arsenal executive some day, selective vision and memory appear to be a job requisites. Never mind that the fans pay for club officials salaries as well. Or do they? Mr. Lamb neglects to discuss this point. Were that the case, he might be worried about his job.

We are not a big club in terms of our resources, nor in terms of our catchment area - nowhere near as big as Newcastle.

Is it barely possible that the decline in attendance which seems to have Mr. Lamb’s knickers in such a twist might just be due to an attitude towards the club’s supporters that includes the use of terms like "catchment area?" This typically "modern" attitude toward football support is part and parcel of the decline in attendance at the Riverside, and will be at other grounds of Premiership teams in the coming seasons. Perhaps if Mr. Lamb remembered that Middlesbrough Football Club is, or at least used to be, part of a community rather than a bloodless "catchment area."

Come on. Win one for the Catchment Area!

Be still my beating heart.

How ludicrous is an appeal to local support on the back of such shiftless and soulless pseudo-marketing babble? To wit: Support your local side or else, even as we try to expand our "catchment area" to a bigger size to draw more fans to make more money.

What do they serve at the board meetings where such policies are outlined?

For 10 years now, we have been punching way above our weight and at the moment we are going through a bit of a slump. We have bought players who have been the envy of other clubs - and we have opened a few eyes. People were accusing Middlesbrough of spoiling it for everybody because we paid fantastic salaries and huge transfer fees for the likes of Ravanelli, Southgate, Boateng and Merson, and we did that for the love of Middlesbrough. But ultimately, you can't continue doing that with falling gates. We have got to pay our way.

Let’s see, if I understand this correctly, Boro have been so good and so sexy a club in the past that the fact that they have been little short of crap recently should be conveniently forgotten. Is Wenger-itis communicable? That might be an easy solution.

The club made sexy signings, "for the love of Middlesbrough" and not for any sort of financial gain, mind, and now the local catchment area denizens have decided not to attend matches in sufficient numbers to please Mr. Lamb and his boss, Chairman Steve Gibson.

My, my, how convincing. Never mind the argument that perhaps all the big signings that made Boro the envy of so many, although Mr. Lamb neglected to tell us exactly who the envious were, Winston Bogarde, perhaps, were examples of a poorly-conceived transfer policy. And what exactly caused the falling gates to which Mr. Lamb refers? Why are the falling gates laid at the door of the Catchment Aerons? A clear argument could be made that the gates at the Riverside have dropped because watching Boro play is slightly less exciting than watching paint dry.

Which might be fine if the side were winning games. But they aren’t. Boring football, no points, a calamitous slide down the Premier League table to the edge of relegation, and the supporters are at fault for not coming to the matches in droves.

Beg pardon, but this is not exactly the most logical or convincing of arguments. To put the counter-argument in terms Mr. Lamb might understand, perhaps if the quality of the product on display were improved, the consumer interest within the catchment area might be stimulated in positive fashion.

In plainer terms, threatening the local support that the side may be relegated if the fans don’t turn out is a cheap, meretricious attempt to disguise failings in both clubhouse and board room at Middlesbrough Football Club. The supporters have already made plain their distaste for the football produced by Steve McClaren under the auspices of Mr. Gibson and Mr. Lamb and the attendant transfer policy of ridiculously high wages for underachieving, unmotivated big names. An attempt to lure them back by anything other than an improvement of the quality of play and level of results, factors over which the supporters have no control, is bound to fail.

Bill Urban
30 January 2006

2728: Everton: Moyes’ reputation is

by : Sam Cullen

The majority of English football fans raised a collective cheer when James McFadden put Everton ahead against Chelsea in the FA Cup. Unfortunately for the non-Chelsea alliance, Lampard equalised, but it still remained a valiant and battling performance by Everton. It has proved to be another side note in a very odd season for the Merseyside club.

After the pride and professionalism in 2004-05 that guaranteed them a chance to break into the Champions League, few Everton fans would have predicted such a dire start to the season. It took them till the end of October to register their second league win, shortly after a run of six straight defeats where they failed to score a single goal. They also crashed out of the Champions League to Villarreal, and the UEFA Cup after a 5-2 aggregate drubbing delivered by Dinamo Bucharest.

Long suffering Everton fans could be forgiven for thinking it was to be a mirror image of what happened 2 years previously. After the excellent progress the side made during 2002-03, finishing 7th and just missing out on Europe, fans hoped for more of the same the next year especially with the firecracker talent of Wayne Rooney. The season turned into a relegation scrap and they ended up finishing a lowly 16th, finishing the season with a 5-0 drubbing from fellow underachievers Man City.

No doubt many Everton fans will hope they have already endured all the lows they are to experience this season and as the Yazoo song went, “the only way is up”. However David Moyes will get a throbbing head pain should anyone mention the now departed £5million flop Per Kroldrup.

It looks more positive for the previously misfiring James Beattie. So far this season he grabbed 6 goals. Admittedly this looks nothing compared to his previous high scoring exploits a few years back but after his rather lean spell last year, it is the start of a rehabilitation. If he can get to the 15 goals mark, then he will be an important asset for a side that has previously, and this season, frequently struggled for goals.

Currently morale in the camp must be high, following the 4 straight league victories, and the draw with Chelsea. The true test of Moyes and Everton lies now. Will they grow on their recently rediscovered form and achieve a respectable league placing, or will they again return to struggling ways, and find themselves in the lower echeleons of the table, a la 2003-04. There is little chance of them being relegated, but pride and Moyes reputation remain at stake.

Sam Cullen
28 January 2006

2727: Arsenal: Wengers Woe

by : Sam Cullen

Arsene Wenger must be about as keen on the Reebok stadium as trains are with leaves on the line. Stelios, a regular thorn in Arsenal’s side, smashed the holders out of the FA Cup in only the 4th round. In the space of a week, Arsenal’s chances for silverware have all but evaporated. In fairness, Wenger seemed to treat the tie with little respect. The line up was missing Henry, Lehmann, Lauren, Pires, Gilberto and Fabregas. It certainly seems to be a rather misguided decision as at the end of the day, silverware is silverware.

If Wenger is holding on the near on pipe dream of Arsenal winning the champions league, then he is surely showing cracks in his supposed intellect. So far this season his side have consistently struggled away from home at places such as Bolton and Everton. Why if they can’t conquer the Riverside will they be able to conquer the Bernebau? The situation is far removed from Liverpool’s in the previous season, as arguably the Gunners have a less talented and certainly less experienced squad.

With the away hoodoo remaining, the league situation also looks far from secure. Despite this they should still scrape in to the final remaining Champions League place, but it now appears obvious that not only Chelsea, but Liverpool and Manchester United have also overtaken the Gunners in terms of playing ability. Therefore for the first time since 1997, Arsenal will be not only trophy less, but also not even reach a major domestic final or finish runners up.

The post mortem on this failure wouldn’t need Quincy to reveal the answers. The transitional side has simply become far too transitional. Until the arrival of Vassiriki Diaby, Arsenal didn’t have a No.2,4,5 or 6 in their squad. You may blame this on the quirks of the squad numbering system, but it could also symbolise something more profound. Arguably Arsenal have found no true replacements for Lee Dixon, Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown and Tony Adams since they vacated the shirts. These 4 names invoke memories of a strong, resilient and battling Arsenal side. Not a side which gets muscled out of encounters with teams in the lower half of the table.

Arsenal can’t keep relying on future prospects because if they continue on their current slow decline, the future prospects wont be playing with any current stars. Jose Reyes, on purchase, looked another Wenger astute signing, but his lethargic performance against Bolton leaves serious questions about his attitude and commitment. Wenger needs to stand up and be counted. This is his bleakest period as Arsenal boss. He needs to play another blinder, and soon. Or else their stature will be further eroded.

Sam Cullen
28 January 2006

2729: Gary Neville: Show your passio

by : Olly Wright

Yet again one of the season’s big games has been overshadowed by some non-footballing controversy. You would hope a last minute winner in a game between such intense rivals as Man Utd and Liverpool would attract all the headlines.

The result of the match, however, has seemingly paled into insignificance following the furore surrounding Gary Neville’s celebration of United’s goal and the FA charge that duly followed.

In his actions, Neville showed one trait that all fans wish their heroes would openly, and genuinely, show more regularly: obvious passion towards their team. His error was in showing this passion to the Liverpool supporters 60 yards away, rather than his own supporters who would, I am sure, have appreciated it a little more than their rivals.

While an FA charge may be a little over zealous, Neville’s actions would have riled the Liverpool fans to such an extent as to potentially cause crowd problems during and after the game; they may have for all we know either directly or indirectly contributed to any violence and injury at the game.

One thing that enrages fans (rightly or wrongly) is a rival player taunting them and players have a responsibility not to do it. The irresponsible actions of one player could cause huge safety problems amongst thousands of supporters.

It is refreshing and reassuring to see players being passionate about their clubs but Neville didn't have to run 60 yards towards the Liverpool fans to show it. Why not run towards the Man Utd fans and celebrate with them?

One reason is that he could well have been booked for doing this. As much as players shouldn't taunt opposition fans, celebrating with, or at least in front of, your own fans shouldn't be punished. Unless, of course, it compromises safety.

Another argument is that he was getting stick throughout the game from the Liverpool supporters and his reaction was a spontaneous one. This might hold if he had been standing next to their fans when the goal went in, but running 60 yards takes too much time for it to be entirely spontaneous.

Neville’s actions were unfortunate and inadvisable but maybe the whole matter could be dealt with internally at United, rather than by the FA who are being accused of sanitising the game, something that few football fans want.

Football supporters are incredibly passionate about the club they support. One thing they would love to see more of is players sharing that passion as Neville did, but with them and not with fans of opposing teams.

Olly Wright
28 January 2006

2726: Five Reasons Why Chelsea Might

by : Hugh Larkin

It’s very likely that Chelsea will make it back-to-back Premiership titles in May, which means that they will then attempt a feat that’s about as rare as hen’s teeth. Quite a few teams have won two in a row but only four have managed to bag a hat-trick of successes in the English division. The four were Huddersfield Town (1924-26), Arsenal (1933-35), Liverpool (1982-84) and Manchester United (1999-2001).

Some of the greatest and wealthiest teams didn’t make that third title, so Chelsea’s hat-trick is no foregone conclusion. Here are 5 possible obstacles to overcome;

Injuries to the Spine of the Team

Chelsea have tremendous squad but even in their galaxy of talent, some players are irreplaceable. If four players at Stamford Bridge are secure in their places it’s the quartet of Cech, Terry, Lampard and Makelele. Jose Mourinho has high quality deputies for these four stars but no one of equal standing.

In the past season and a half this quartet has proved remarkably durable but injuries to two of the four would be enough to upset the rhythm of any team, even Chelsea.

A World Cup Hangover

Nearly all the squad are going to Germany and will return to the Premiership after a summer of the most intense competition. Various scenarios might apply. If England win for instance, would Lampard, Terry and Cole suffer an inevitable dip as the Ashes winning cricketers did? Or players may come back carrying injuries and some may simply be on a downer if things went badly.

These conditions may also affect their rivals in the Premiership but the World Cup’s effects can be random and may at least prevent the Blues from haring out of sight, as happened this campaign.

Champions League Focus

The last two seasons have seen Chelsea go out of the Champions League at the semi-finals. If this year’s run should also end in the knockout stages, the club as a whole will be desperate to put that right and deliver the title that would allow them to join the European elite.

If the Champions League becomes more of an obsession there can be a drop-off in performance in the League- not a deliberate slackening off but an inevitable shift in focus which makes the adrenalin less likely to flow for run of the mill Premiership fixtures.

Squad Discontent

Perhaps the most impressive feature of Jose Mourinho’s management has been the way he has kept his squad of stars united. He’s got players on the bench who would inevitably be starters anywhere else but with two titles in the bag the unity of purpose might begin to fray at the edges.

Wayne Bridge has already gone on loan to Fulham because he couldn’t make the side after injury. Players like Jarosik, Smertin and Carlton Cole have hardly ever played for the club and Glen Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips have seen their careers stall. High wages take the edge off the situation but keeping all the players happy will only become a tougher challenge.

The Opposition Improve

If Liverpool had begun the season better, the Reds could be breathing down Chelsea’s neck now. As it is, Benitez’s team could well mix it with the Blues next season and they have shown that they don’t fear them in head-to-head meetings.

Manchester United are still in second position despite a season that has been beset by woes. Some adjustments to the personnel at Old Trafford (in the midfield especially) and United could be challenging them again.

Spurs might continue their improvement, though a challenge for top spot may be too much to ask, while Arsenal could complete their current transition and become contenders again.

It is a measure of Chelsea’s dominance that they remain overwhelming favourites to make it three in a row despite the many problems that can beset clubs. The above scenarios may never come to pass but it’s definitely anything but next season’s Premiership is anything but a foregone conclusion.

Hugh Larkin
27 January 2006

2725: Wigan Athletic: The Fairy Tale

by : Victor Tay

As if defying logic in the English Premiership is not enough, Wigan Athletic have now also added on getting into the Carling Cup final for the first time in their history to extend their fairy tale run. That was made possible as Jason Roberts scored to put them through at the expense of Arsenal, one of the giants in English football, on the away goals rule.

It is looking exactly like a script written by Hans Christian Andersen for the Latics are also riding high in sixth in the Premiership, trailing Arsenal on only goal difference.

The supporters of Wigan are definitely in dreamland right now for their beloved club was written off as a no-hoper the moment they won their place in the Premiership last season.

Things were not looking any better for the club funded by Dave Whelan as they had no luck in their transfer dealings in the last summer. Jewell tried and even attempted to lure Michael Owen to the club but like Scott Parker both decided to move to the Northeast of England to join Newcastle United instead.

While the Magpies continue to plummet towards the wrong end of the table, on the contrary, Wigan are looking good value for money to extend their stay in the Premiership to a second season at least. The icing of the cake came when they qualified for the League Cup final.

By achieving such a gigantic feat with a hugely unfancied side, Jewell is now the odds on favourites to dethrone David Moyes of Everton as the new Manager of the Season come May.

If that comes true, it will be the second time in succession that the award is won by a manager who is not fancied to do well. However, things are not going to be a bed of roses for the Latics thereafter as Moyes would gladly testify.

Indeed the former Preston gaffer had won the Manager Of the Season twice in the last three seasons. The first came in 2003 when he led the Toffees to seventh in the table and last season when the Merseysiders ended up in fourth.

Coincidentally, the following season after he won the award, Everton did not do well. At the end of the 2003/04 season, Everton were lucky to beat the trapdoor. While at the start of this campaign, the Toffees started with a string of poor results. Despite recovering right now, at best they would hope for is a mid-table finish.

While that could be something for Jewell to ponder about in the months ahead, however, nothing is more important than to bask in on their glorious moments right now.

Why not considering that they are only three points away from the magical figure of forty, which is widely used as the benchmark by clubs seeking to beat the drop and the main priority of Wigan since attaining promotion.

And the fairy tale might just continue with them beating Manchester United in the Carling Cup final in a month’s time.

Victor Tay
26 January 2006

2724: Martin O’Neill will never mana

by : Chris Sherrard

And, so, the whirlwind of speculation, counter-speculation and debate rumbles into overdrive.

Not over how long it takes Robbie Savage to do his hair in the morning, but which fool will be the next to put themselves up to be knocked down as England manager.

Life as England boss – after Sven – promises to be less conceited and secretive but it still not a job for the faint hearted.

Few of those being mentioned as among the favourites for the post could be described as that.

But take a straw poll among England fans and supposed experts and the same three names come into the equation.

Sam Allardyce has support in the north, Alan Curbishley has backing in the south and, seemingly everywhere, the man they want is Martin O’Neill.

Allow me a moment of supreme confidence in predicting that O’Neill will never manage England. Never.

This isn’t because he’s a Celtic man through and through and Hoops and the English aren’t exactly comfortable bedfellows.

Nor is it a question of ability for I firmly believe that O’Neill is one of the finest coaches and man-managers of this generation.

His record speaks for itself – right from Wycombe Wanderers, through bringing Leicester City into Europe to making it to a UEFA Cup Final with Celtic.

He’s worked with big names and underachievers and always got the best out of them.

He would be an asset to England but the England job, such is its exposure and pressure, would be nothing but damaging to O’Neill.

He doesn’t need the bother.

Why would he want to thrust his family – a working class, down to earth clan from the north of Ireland – into the full glare of the uncontrollably vicious and invading press spotlight?

The simple answer is, he wouldn’t.

This is a man so loyal and considerate towards his family that he stepped down from the club he has a lifelong love for to be by his wife’s side through her illness.

This is a man who would rather blend into the background and deal with the real issues that life has thrown at him.

The press have created the England job into a monster position – attractive to only the most patriotic or money-hungry.

Different from Kevin Keegan and Sven Goran Eriksson, though, O’Neill is neither a proud Englishman or motivated by million-pound contracts.

For that reason, you can rule Martin O’Neill’s name out of the race to take over from Eriksson.

The press now perceive the England manager as public property and fair game for anything and everything – including shameless entrapment.

Instead of rallying around and doing everything they can to keep the heat off the national team and its manager in the build-up to a World Cup, the media seem to revel in taking shots to knock him over.

They’ve toppled Eriksson not, as I implored some time ago, for his lack of football management skills but for his greed.

That is a fate which will now befall anyone taking over this most poisoned of chalices.

It is not a path I can ever see O’Neill going down.

I will stand by these words; if the FA convince the Ulsterman to take over as manager of England I will swim across the English channel naked as the day I was born.

It won’t happen. And nor should it.

Chris Sherrard
26 January 2006

2704: Book Review: Celtic Minded by

by : Paul Grech

Let’s start this off with something of a warning: this is not an easy book to read. Not because of the writing style or language adopted by the authors but rather because it tackles difficult subjects.

As the sub-title goes, Celtic Minded is a collection of “essays on religion, politics, society, identity … and football” which basically means that it is an examination of the Irish and Catholic roots of Celtic FC and how these are viewed in contemporary Scotland.

In order to achieve such an ambitious target, Joseph M. Bradley has turned to twenty contributors and asked them to put forward their opinions on various Celtic related topics.

It is a format that works well thanks to a varied choice of contributors from Heike Schlesselmann – a St. Pauli FC fan who talks of his fascination with Celtic - to Professor Patrick Reilly who tackles the issue of Celtic and Catholicism.

Particularly clever in the context of this book is the choice of Tommy Gemmell, the Edinburgh born former Celtic player who scored in their two European Cup finals. Gemmell might not be the greatest writer in this book but his experience as a Protestant within Celtic ranks makes for good reading.

Bradley’s own piece, which is also the first essay in the book, is also the longest and possibly the most difficult of all to digest. The academic nature with which he tackles the issue of lack of understanding of the strength of Irish feelings in Scotland is evidenced by the large number of footnotes that his piece contains.

True, he puts forward his arguments well but the feeling that it should have been kept under check increases the more you read. So to does the notion that it penalises the rest of the book in that one is less inclined to continue reading following such a heavy start.

Yet perhaps the biggest failing of the book isn’t in its writing that is often excellent (other than a couple of exceptions) but rather its target audience.

Sadly, it is difficult to envisage anyone other than Celtic fans reading this book meaning that Bradley and his fellow contributors are preaching to the converted when talking about antagonism towards Celtic fans and the exhibition of their Irish heritage.

Those who do read it will find an occasionally difficult but often enjoyable and enlightening read.

Paul Grech
12 January 2006

2722: Everton vs Chelsea: More hope

by : Stephen Orford

Everton look to augment their improved league form with progression in the FA Cup when Premiership champions Chelsea visit Goodison Park in the fourth round this Saturday (January 28).

Bounced out of European competition early in the season and struggling to repeat last year’s incredible Premiership performance, the Toffeemen are left with only the FA Cup to look to if they are going to bring some silverware home this season. However, their recent league form has seen them go through something of a resurgence, and the once relegation threatened Blues now sit comfortably in mid-table ahead of this one.

Meanwhile Chelsea look set to win back-to-back Premiership titles as their main rivals continue to flounder in their wake, but will be looking to improve on the fifth round exit that they suffered at the hands of Newcastle United in last year’s FA Cup.

Both sides have notable absentees which, considering the relative squad depths of the two, is likely to impact on Everton more so than the Stamford Bridge outfit. David Moyes will be without suspended midfield dynamo Tim Cahill, whose recent return to goalscoring form has coincided with Everton’s mini-revival in the Premiership after an abysmal start.

Defender Alan Stubbs, recently re-signed from Sunderland in one of January’s more peculiar transfer moves, is cup tied after appearing for the Black Cats in their third round tie with Northwich Victoria. The defence is further weakened by Joseph Yobo’s absence, with the Nigerian on international duty at the African Cup of Nations in Egypt, and Matteo Ferrari‘s hamstring injury.

There’s slightly better news in midfield where Simon Davies may be fit to start after a recent ankle problem.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is busy battling it out with Yobo and company in Egypt, while central defender Ricardo Carvalho is suspended following his dismissal at home to Charlton Athletic last Sunday (January 22). William Gallas should slot in at right-back with German defender Robert Huth coming in to replace Carvalho at the heart of the back-line alongside John Terry.

Portuguese international and Chelsea’s only January signing Maniche may start the game in midfield with Michael Essien a long-term absentee.

The clubs met in the league at Goodison Park earlier in the season, with Everton earning a 1-1 draw against all the odds on October 23. Their last meeting in the FA Cup was back in 1992 when Chelsea won a fourth round encounter 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Overall the teams have met six times in the competition, with Chelsea coming out on top on four occasions and Everton prevailing twice, the last of which was in a fifth round clash in 1956 when they won by the only goal.

Everton have the edge in terms of overall performance in the FA Cup, having won the competition five times to Chelsea’s three. However, the Merseysiders’ last triumph came as long ago as 1995 and then manager Joe Royle remains the last English manager to lead his team to FA Cup glory. Chelsea can point to a 2000 victory after beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the final, and were beaten finalists in 2002 when Arsenal recorded a 2-0 win.

A full strength Everton may have had enough to earn a replay with Jose Mouinho’s side, but with the major absentees piling up for Moyes, a disappointingly early cup exit could be on the cards.

Verdict; Everton 1 Chelsea 3

Stephen Orford
27 January 2006

2723: Pen Portrait: Dean Ashton (Wes

by : Chris Sherrard

So much for West Ham United being a selling club.

Last week the Hammers showed they will do everything they can – including splashing the cash – to stay in the Premiership.

They’ve paid, as Alan Pardew openly admits, over the odds for Norwich City’s Dean Ashton.

But, then, if he hits a hot streak and fires the London club to a comfortable league spot or an extended cup run, the £7.25million will be well worth it.

Ashton is still only 22 but looks and plays like a man a lot older.

Born in Swindon, the 6ft 3 striker, was brought up near Crewe where he was a key figure in the club’s youth set-up.

Alexandra, under boss Dario Gradi, have produced a host of top young players over the years and it was soon clear that they had another on their hands in the form of Ashton.

His club form brought him to attention of the national coaches who selected him regularly at under-19 and under-21 level whilst at Crewe.

In the 2003-04 season the hitman struck 20 times and followed that up with 18 last season before a host of Premiership clubs came calling.

Ashton plumped for Norwich City last January to try and keep the club in the top flight.

Canaries boss Nigel Worthington took him to Carrow Road for a club record fee of £3million.

But crafty Crewe inserted a sell-on clause of 20 per cent should he move on.

Ashton’s goals looked to have worked the trick as Norwich came so close to staying up.

He scored on his home debut for City against Middlesbrough in an exciting 8-goal thriller.

Despite Norwich's relegation in 2005, Ashton chose to stay at the club in the next season as they tried to win promotion back into the Premiership.

He scored his first hat-trick for Norwich in December against Southampton, in a 3-1 win at Carrow Road.

But with Norwich out of the top flight there was much speculation surrounding Ashton's future at the club, with some people believing a player with his qualities merited a place in the Premiership.

Many clubs, including Charlton, Manchester City and West Ham were reportedly interested in buying the striker.

However, Norwich City manager Nigel Worthington attempted to quash these rumours, saying that Ashton would only be sold for a price which matched his value to the club – that scared off Wigan boss Paul Jewell.

Dean Ashton re-stated his commitment to the club in the summer of 2005 by signing a contract-extension until 2009, but Norwich accepted a £7 million bid from West Ham in the current transfer window.

This could rise to £7.25m, as two £125,000 bonuses depend on a future England call-up and possible European qualification while Ashton is at West Ham. Norwich also negotiated a 15 per cent sell-on clause.

Dean Ashton's main strength is his strength, along with his ability to use both feet, his aerial prowess and his natural eye for goal.

These attributes are not dissimilar to those of Alan Shearer, and it is not surprising that some pundits believe Ashton will one day fill the boots left by the Newcastle striker in the England side.

Chris Sherrard
26 January 2006

2721: Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal: A

by : Stephen Orford

Benitez has been very emphatic about not shelling out what he believes are inflated transfer fees, for British players in particular. The Michael Owen saga was a classic example, with Rafa refusing to pay what amounted to twice the money for a player he had sold to Real Madrid the previous summer. By refusing to do so, Benitez has missed out on a player who scored a few goals for Newcastle United, had a few injuries resulting in a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and who now spends most of his time commenting on the England Manager position and squad.

Would 16 million pounds for that have been money well spent? Freddie Sheppard apparently thinks so, although thinking and Mr. Sheppard are not regular bed-fellows.

Liverpool were also linked to Theo Walcott, a 16 year-old who signed for Arsenal for an amount that may rise to 12 million pounds if the player meets a series of playing conditions. Walcott is apparently the next coming of God, as it were, but is still too young for the player to begin designing his home trophy cabinet cases. Too many variables, and hard tackles, between Walcott and super-stardom at age 16.

Instead, Benitez brought back a clear fan favourite, Robbie Fowler, on a free transfer until the end of the season. Fowler was on a high weekly wage at City, rumoured to have been the highest on the team in fact, and will undoubtedly add to the wage bill at Anfield. But a free transfer until the end of the season puts a set of boundaries around the cost of the move for Fowler. In effect, the short-term nature of the move is Benitez’s method for guarding against the possible problems from Fowler’s return. Should the player prove to be a discipline problem, or unable to regain his full fitness, or even unable to score goals with the fluidity and grace he displayed earlier in his career, the club will have spent no money on transfer fees, and only around four months wages for his services.

What Rafael Benitez has done is give Robbie Fowler a chance to finish his career in front of his supporters at very little financial risk to the club. In fact, it is not unreasonable to assume that some of the remaining home matches against less than thrilling opposition that might not have sold out at Anfield will do so now that Fowler is in the side. A relatively small financial outlay in wages, coupled with a boost in fan interest, to find out whether there are any goals left in the old warrior’s boots. That is transfer market maneuvering made in Rafa Land. A transfer that makes plenty of emotional sense might have a bit of logic from a financial point of view as well.

A little over a year ago, I engaged in a spirited debate with another Squarefootball writer about the merits, or lack thereof, of Liverpool re-signing Robbie Fowler. Within those articles, I argued strongly against Fowler’s return, based on the risks outlined above. Those risks still apply, with an extra year of wear and tear tacked onto Fowler’s perpetually poor condition. It will be very interesting to see if Robbie Fowler can motivate himself to produce one last string of brilliant performances for "his" club. Despite the heavy doubts that Fowler can remake himself into the type of player that prospers under Rafael Benitez, Benitez himself deserves more than a bit of credit for his transfer market maneuvering which has left the club at very little financial risk should the player not bring himself to produce the goods, or goals, rather.

Bill Urban
27 January 2006
Bolton Wanderers take on Arsenal at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday (January 28) in one of the more intriguing FA Cup fourth round ties.

With the third round having been completely devoid of all-Premiership clashes, the Gunners’ visit to Bolton is a rare chance to see two top sides go head to head in this year’s competition.

Arsenal’s proud record in the competition in recent years, having won three of the last four finals and appeared in four of the last five, will go on the line against Sam Allardyce’s ever-improving Trotters.

Unlike in recent seasons, the gap between Arsenal and Bolton is not exactly a chasm this term, with Arsene Wenger’s men facing an almighty scrap to qualify for the Champions League, and Wanderers again well placed to make it into Europe for a second consecutive season. Bolton have already beaten Arsenal on home soil in the Premiership this season, and will be looking for a repeat performance in this one.

Bolton midfielder Gary Speed will be absent with a knee problem, while Khalilou Fadiga is doubtful with a similar injury. Henrik Pedersen’s Achilles injury continues to keep him out, but expect a stronger Bolton outfit to take the field than those which have been selected by Allardyce in the FA Cup in years gone by. Having established the club as a Premiership force, Allardyce could be more keen than ever to launch an assault on a major piece of silverware. With the possibility of becoming England manager on the horizon, the FA Cup might just be Allardyce’s idea of the perfect parting gift to the Bolton fans.

Meanwhile Wenger has had a change of heart over his team selection policy, having previously suggested that Sol Campbell will be rested for this tie. Injuries elsewhere in the defence to Lauren, Ashley Cole, Gael Clichy and Pascal Cygan have forced the Frenchman’s hand, meaning that the former Tottenham defender will probably start the match at the centre of the Arsenal rearguard.

Thierry Henry’s hamstring strain which saw him withdrawn from the Carling Cup exit to Wigan in midweek looks set to keep him on the sidelines again, with Wenger at pains to point out that the Premiership and Champions League qualification is his priority now. It seems that no risks will be taken in the FA Cup by Wenger, and that could also lead to the omission from the starting line-up of Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva who has a calf injury.

The two sides met in the FA Cup last season, with Arsenal defeating Bolton 1-0 at the quarter final stage through Freddie Ljungberg’s goal at the Reebok. They went on to win their 10th FA Cup with victory in the final against Manchester United, the first final to be decided by a penalty shoot-out. Bolton have lifted the trophy on four occasions, but the last of those came in 1958 when they beat a Manchester United side which had recently been devastated by the Munich air disaster.

Aside from last season’s quarter final, Bolton and Arsenal have met on ten other occasions in the FA Cup, with Arsenal winning four, Bolton successful three times with another three ties drawn. The last time they met in round four was in 1994 when Wanderers prevailed 3-1 after extra time in a replay.

Wenger has been making all the wrong noises about the competition this week, which may or may not be a smokescreen intended to lull a currently vibrant Bolton into a false sense of security. However, with their squad stretched to its limit and with Premiership invincibility now a distant memory, Arsenal will find it very difficult against Allardyce’s men. A Bolton win here still qualifies as an FA Cup shock, but somehow it seems a very realistic possibility.

Verdict; Bolton Wanderers 2 Arsenal 1

Stephen Orford
27 January 2006

2720: Liverpool: Can Robbie Fowler G

by : Bill Urban

Both teams have proud records in the FA Cup. Six-times winners Blackburn Rovers won the cup three times on the trot in the mid 1880s and West Ham United have hoisted aloft the famous trophy three times themselves and made their cup final debut in 1923 at the opening of Wembley Stadium. With the new and improved Wembley Stadium expected to host the 2006 FA Cup final The Hammers would love to be there.

Not many people will be able to remember the last time Blackburn Rovers won the cup back in 1929 or even their last cup final appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1960. However they did reach the semi-final last season only to be beaten by the eventual winners Arsenal and Mark Hughes will be desperate for the club to go one better this time round.

West Ham’s triumphs have all been a bit more recent with Sir Trevor Brooking’s diving header clinching their last cup final win back in 1980. The closest The Hammers have come to a cup final appearance since came in 1991 when they lost to Nottingham Forest in the semi-final at Wembley.

Blackburn Rovers brushed QPR aside in the third round with a 3-0 away win while West Ham also travelled to Championship opposition in the form of Norwich City and not only did they beat the Canaries 2-1 they went back to Carrow Road to poach their best player Dean Ashton for a club record £7 million. The former Crewe man is expected to make his debut for The Hammers after missing the third round clash.

Blackburn have surprised a number of people in the game this season by showing that they can play football as well as rough it up at times and Matthew claims that their biggest threat comes from Rovers’ star winger.

“Blackburn have really done well this year – I think I predicted that they'd go down this year – so fair play to them for that. Without a doubt the biggest threat will comes from Pederson. With his shooting ability he's a threat anywhere within 40 yards of goal, and he's also got the ability to pick out a striker from the flank. He's no Matty Etherington, but he's easily the star man in the Rovers squad! Mark Hughes meanwhile should be concerned by the threat of Harewood, Zamora, Sheringham, Benayoun, Reo-Coker and Etherington. Anyone of them is a potential match-winner, all tricky, creative and (mostly) deadly.”

However Paul, who thinks West Ham United are a decent side, isn’t having any sleepless nights at the thought of playing the Upton Park club.

“To be perfectly honest I struggle to pick out an individual player. Pardew has a good team without including names who worry you. Clearly some good players in the side such as Zamora and Gabbidon but none I shall lose sleep over. However Alan Pardew should be worried about us. We are playing very well as a unit. If I have to pick out a few names Craig Bellamy would be top of the list, but as he missed the League Cup semi-final in midweek it’s hard to see him making the side on Saturday. He is a far, far better player than I had realised, makes a real difference to the side from the start or coming off the bench. He is a match winner. Others who can be relied on to make a real contribution on their day would be Tugay, Pedersen, Nelsen and Reid. Sergio Peter played against QPR and it is possible he will make the side at Upton Park. I have only seen him once but he seems to have real potential after creating all three goals against QPR.”

Sheffield United cut West Ham’s cup hopes down to size last season by beating them on penalties and co-incidentally it was penalties that West Ham last beat Blackburn Rovers in the cup back in 1998.

Some people have questioned the importance of the FA Cup recently but a cup final win would mean everything for Paul.

“Without doubt a cup run is far more important than league position. Modern football suffers from a serious problem, 80 per cent of the Premier League cannot win the title and have no chance of winning the title. In reality, this has always been the case but is now magnified and shoved at us every day. Would I take a UEFA or Champions League spot against an FA Cup final win? Give me the cup every time. European football has become meaningless; I get no pleasure at all dreaming of matches against teams I have never heard of. Give me the FA Cup any day over league position. I know what a Cup win feels like and I want it again.”

Blackburn were knocked out of the League Cup in midweek by Manchester United but Paul is proud of his troops and confesses that Saturday’s clash has now taken on more significance.

“We woke up on the morning pressing for Europe on three fronts and cups on two. By Saturday evening we could be reduced to chasing a European spot in the league. Despite losing to United I’m very, very proud of my club. In three games this season we have shown we are their equals – the real differences are Saha, Rooney and Van Nistlerooy. For a club with our resources this is remarkable progress in the 15 months under Hughes.

“With our limited strike force we will play 4-5-1 and look to bring The Hammers back to Ewood. This match is now very important for the rest of our season. The Rovers can do it, but it will not be easy. Hughes and his team have a lot of work to do in motivating the side for Saturday afternoon.”

West Ham will be keen to keep their winning run going while Blackburn will be desperate to get back to winning ways. It has all the ingredients of a great FA Cup clash and could end up being the tie of the round.

Colin Illingworth
26 January 2006
Apparently, Rafael Benitez has a low opinion of the relative merits of Thomas Wolfe’s work...

The rumours that Robbie Fowler would return to Liverpool had been sprouting throughout the January transfer window, in internet forum posts full of text speak and excess exclamation points and in pubs throughout the city, theory and desire fueled by extra pints all round. And flying in the face of a reputation as a clear-headed, rational decision maker, Rafael Benitez agreed to bring the prodigal son home to the Anfield faithful, on a free transfer from Manchester City until the end of the season, touching off what will surely resemble an impromptu Merseyside Mardi Gras for better than half the city. But perhaps Benitez’s decision to bring Fowler back to Anfield is not quite as irrational and emotional as it first may seem. The move to bring Robbie Fowler back to Liverpool may have been more about simple economics rather than pre-packaged solutions with heroic, traditional gift wrapping.

"He's a different kind of striker to what we have at the club." said Benitez.

Hmm, Peter Crouch, atypical big man with decent touch but very little pace, Djibril Cisse, explosive and powerful with bags of pace and very little else, first touch shocking, Fernando Morientes, plenty of tricks, good first touch with intelligent movement and good ability in the air, and Florent Sinama-Pongolle, youthful energy, pace and skill, but very little playing experience. A fair point, then, that Fowler is different from those four players, for the most important part of his game, and one that is missing from the other strikers, is that Fowler is, or at least in his prime was, a finisher.

According to Benitez, "... he's been signed because he's one of the best goalscorers ever to play in the Premiership and he can score goals for us right now."

It would be fair to assume that El Jefe might be looking for goalscoring from his most recent signing then.

There are risks in signing Robbie Fowler, risks of which Benitez is certainly aware. Fowler is an old 30 years of age, a succession of injuries and a less than discriminating attitude to training and lifestyle off the pitch making his condition a question mark for the player until he hangs up his boots for good. And the circumstances under which he left Anfield were not happy ones; Fowler’s autobiography paints a picture of a tense, unhappy relationship between the player and the coaching staff at Liverpool, Phil Thompson and Gerard Houllier in particular.

Will God be content playing a role as a substitute? This may very well be the role for the player that Benitez envisions, and that will require subsuming his ego beneath the team concept, a task at which Fowler did not excel while playing for Houllier. And a new coach, with his different ideas to playing system and training, will be something of a culture shock for the Fowler, too. Several Liverpool players have commented that it took them more than six months actually to understand the complexities of the systems that Benitez chooses based on the opposition. Fowler will have to learn on the fly, and quickly, to be able to contribute. Tactical complexity is a feature of Benitez’s Liverpool sides in a way that the teams under Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier lacked.

And Fowler has put himself at risk as well in agreeing to the move. His reputation as one of the most natural and brilliant finishers ever to play for Liverpool is under very real threat of devaluation by his pulling on the red again at the end of his career. God revealing himself as merely a mortal will not a pretty Spring at Anfield make.

Benitez appears to be prepared to accept the risks of including Fowler in his squad. Fowler’s classy finish against United in the 3-1 home victory at City of Manchester Stadium, and more importantly the skillful touches on the ball, his participation in the build-up of City’s attacks after coming on as a 77th minute substitute, may well have convinced Benitez that the player still has something to give. And yet, with all the emotions positive and negative surrounding Fowler’s possible return, perhaps the factor that tipped the scale was simply the cost, or lack thereof, in bringing Fowler back to Anfield. It is instructive to compare two strikers to whom Liverpool were linked to the one Benitez did bring to the club, which illustrates the manager’s approach to transfer market dealings.

2719: West Ham United vs Blackburn R

by : Colin Illingworth

If it’s goals you’re after this weekend then Upton Park is the place to be. West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers have produced nine goals in their two league meetings this season, and looking in the history books you’ll find that there has only been one goalless draw between the two in the last 50 years. It certainly looks like Roy Carroll and Brad Friedel are going to have their hands full!

Blackburn go into the clash as one of the Premiership’s in-form sides but West Ham chiefs must have been delighted with the home draw as they haven’t lost to their northern counterparts on their patch since April, 1994. Despite not being too excited about the draw Irons fan Matthew Beeby is glad that it is a home tie.

“I was glad it was a home tie and not away to a lower league team. We've already beaten Blackburn at home this year, and were done by the ref at Ewood Park, so I think it's a good draw for us.”

The Hammers have met Blackburn Rovers five times in the FA Cup and the last four outings have all gone to replays. But despite not having a great record in the East End Paul Brooking from the Blackburn Rovers Supporters Club believes that Mark Hughes’ men have a great chance of taking the Hammers back to Ewood Park.

“There’s no doubt this is a very difficult fixture. We rarely do well at Upton Park, we’ve only won there once in 12 games since 1990, losing nine and drawing two. This will be three away fixtures in a week and West Ham will see the match as winnable. It’s a very tough fixture but Rovers are a form team at present with six wins from eight. There’s every reason to be confident we can go to West Ham and get a draw. It won’t be easy but if Mark Hughes has the team organized, fit and motivated, they will go looking for a win and may well achieve that.”

Christmas and New Year was not a very festive period for Alan Pardew after they lost four out of five games but they have got back to winning ways with consecutive wins over Norwich, Aston Villa and Fulham. However, this fact that their last four cup meetings have gone to replays becomes even more interesting when you discover that West Ham haven’t won at Ewood Park since September, 1993. If ever home advantage was important in a clash then it is this one. And Matthew Beeby, season-ticket holder at Upton Park, wants to see the tie decided on Saturday.

“If we're going to win it I think we'll have to do it at Upton Park. Neither team really wants a replay, we're both still in search of Premiership points to make sure we are still in the top league next year, and a replay would only get in the way. Hopefully it'll finish as it did in the opening game of the season, 3-1 to West Ham.”

Paul Brooking, who has been a Rovers fan for more than 30 years, believes Mark Hughes would also like to see the game finished after 90 minutes.

“Blackburn have had a long stretch of games since early December and from the team’s point of view I think it would be preferable to see a result – win or lose – on the day. Personally I would settle for a replay and should that be the case I would go for 2-2 in the first match and perhaps Rovers winning by the best of five goals in the replay.”

Blackburn Rovers welcomed West Ham United back to the Premiership on the opening day of the season at Upton Park and almost ruined their party as Andy Todd scored first. But the Hammers proved they were made of steel by bouncing back with goals from Matthew Etherington, Teddy Sheringham and a scorcher from Nigel Reo-Coker to record a stunning 3-1 win. And Alan Pardew’s men haven’t looked back since. Favourites for the drop before a ball was kicked, the Irons have defied the critics and demonstrated that they are worthy of their Premiership status.

The return match at Ewood Park in December was just as action packed as the first with a roller-coaster encounter that ended 3-2 to the home side. Even Robbie Savage and Brad Friedel staged their own premature pantomime act by coming to blows. And after his performance against Blackburn at Ewood Park Matthew Beeby is praying that a certain Scotland international doesn’t get the chance to step on the park.

“Hopefully Christian Dailly won't feature this time around so their score might be a bit lower. In the away game he looked like he still played for Rovers! I think over the two games we have played against them this season we've shown that we can compete physically with them, so I don't think they'll try to come and rough us up. Hopefully it'll be a good open cup-tie.”

2717: Arsenal: Is Theo Walcott Wenge

by : Sam Cullen

Theo Walcott has hit the big time faster than it takes to boil an egg. He had taken part in only 21 league games when Arsenal swooped for his signature in a deal which could become worth £12million. Arsene Wenger later went on record as saying it is the biggest gamble of his managerial career.

It is certainly true that Arsenal weren’t alone in courting the prodigal youngster, reportedly Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs were all interested. He however chose Arsenal due to their record with integrating youngsters into the first team.

Walcott however may or may not be aware of what appears to be a curse to Englishmen setting forth in Highbury since Arsene Wenger’s reign began. In May 1997 he purchased the promising young defender Matt Upson for £2million from Luton. 6 years later and with only 20 league starts to his name at the club, he left for £1million to Birmingham. Since then he re-established himself, even making 7 appearances for England. Ironically he also left the Gunners at a time where they looked very shaky at centre back, so the esteem that Wenger held him in must be questionable.

Jermaine Pennant was also a multi million pound teenager, arriving for £2million from Notts County in 1999. Once again, he was arguably denied the chance to jump up into the first team. He gave Wenger food for thought with an impressive hat trick in the final home game of the 02/03 season, against Southampton. Yet he ended up spending the whole of 2003/4 on loan at Leeds, and was one of the few bright sparks in their dismal relegation campaign. Despite this, he was again unable to make any in roads into the Arsenal side and after a successful(albeit jail interrupted) loan spell at Birmingham, he left the club permanently in the summer of 2005.

In the summer of 2001, Wenger recruited three highly rated English stars, Sol Campbell, Francis Jeffers, and Richard Wright. Campbell has had a largely successful spell at Arsenal, injuries aside, the other two recruits were less fortunate. As summarised in an article I wrote earlier this month, Wright spent a miserable season at Highbury where he struggled with form and eventually became the understudy’s understudy, before being packed off to Everton in July 2002.

Jeffers lasted longer, but with equally little success. His first season at Highbury was decimated by frequent injuries and he featured in only 6 league games, making him ineligible for a championship medal. He featured more frequently in 2002/3, making 16 league appearances, albeit 14 from the subs bench. He failed to live up to his “Fox in the Box” reputation, grabbing only 2 goals. His 2003/4 campaign at Arsenal consisted of a measly 13 minutes. Brought on as a 60th minute sub in the Community Shield he petulantly kicked out at Phil Neville and was deservedly sent off for a moment of stupidity. He was then packed off for a years loan spell at former club Everton, but was almost sent back mid season due to a bust up with manager David Moyes. Charlton bought the misfiring striker for £2million in August 2004, where he has again failed to impress.

Theo Walcott may be over the moon, and with good reason, at joining Arsenal. He and all Arsenal fans will be hoping he can break Wenger’s disappointing record with English signings. After all, it has been argued so many times an English spine is what is needed to win titles. Right now, the Gunners are distinctively invertebrate.

Sam Cullen
24 January 2006

2716: African Cup of Nations: Editor

by : Antony Melvin

"I don’t expect particularly flowing football. I think it will be a bit of a war of attrition, and hopefully our class can shine through. I think the Luton performance will still be fresh in the minds of the team, and that will probably help us if there was any danger of us taking this game ‘lightly’. I expect Portsmouth to come out all guns blazing, certainly first half, and to try and get in amongst us.”

And Dan is unlikely to be setting the video to record the game either.

“I don’t think this is going to be a classic encounter by any stretch of the imagination as we are playing some awful football of late. And while there’s often a need to scrap when you’re fighting relegation you really need to be on top of your game to beat a team like Liverpool, especially when they are in such a rich vein of form as they are. That said I hope I’m proved wrong and we put on the kind of display that saw us beat them last time round. That was a great day and a real battle.”

Dario Silva scored the winner for Portsmouth against Ipswich in the last round while Liverpool showed that you can never count them out with a stunning 5-3 win over Luton Town. Despite being 3-1 down, and having a penalty saved, the Reds showed their spirit to overcome the Hatters and Dan has been vastly impressed with the Anfield side.

“I tend not to pay much attention to other teams unless we’re playing them but you can’t help but sit up and take notice of players like Gerrard, Alonso, Cisse and Carragher. Even Kewell, who looked like claiming the wooden spoon for worst transfer of year when he signed for them, weighed in with a fantastic volley the other week and has been playing something like his old self. As to how you stop them, you don’t do it by playing pretty football. You need to stop Gerrard, who is so often the heart beat of the team, before you can think about countering the threat of Cisse and Crouch.”

Garreth, who felt that Lomano LuaLua caused the Liverpool defence a number of problems in his last outing, will be pleased that the former Newcastle striker will be captaining DR Congo in the African Nations Cup instead of lining up against Carragher and co. He is cautious though of the threat that the new signings Mwaruwari and Olisadebe may cause.

"I’ve not seen the new lad Mwaruwari so he’s something of an unknown quantity, although I’m sure Rafa’s been watching and knows what to expect. Olisadebe comes with a good reputation too.”

Liverpool, who last won the trophy in 2001, are joint third favourites with Arsenal to win the cup behind Chelsea and Manchester United and Garreth certainly feels that they have the players capable of adding their name to the trophy for the seventh time. But the FA Cup is third on his list of priorities.

"It’d be great to win the last Cardiff/first new Wembley final, but I think the Premiership and Champions League are higher priorities at the moment,” said Garreth.

Now I got my fingers burnt last weekend with two wrong predictions for both Portsmouth and Liverpool games so I’m handing it over to the fans for this one.

“I’ll have to say a Liverpool win, won’t I?” said Garreth. “I’d take a 1-0 but I’ve a feeling they’ll score and make things a bit hairy for us, so I’ll say 2-1 to us.”

And Dan said: “My heart says 1-0 Pompey but my head says 2-0 to Liverpool.”

A place in the fifth round is at stake and both teams, despite their current predicaments, will want to win. The fans may not be too overwhelmed by the encounter but it should prove to be an intriguing one.

Colin Illingworth
25 January 2006

Before the African Cup of Nations 2006 started we all got together at the Squarefootball Towers to offer our insight* into the outcome of the tournament. Due to a clerical error which was probably alcohol induced this was not published on time - so for what it is worth here it is!

CONSENSUS

Winner: Cameroon 4 votes, Egypt 2, Ghana 1 Runner-up: Tunisia 3 votes, Egypt 2, Morocco 1, Tunisia 1 Dark Horses: Togo 2 votes, Morocco, Guinea, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria all 1 vote Top Player: Samuel Et'o (Cameroon) 3, Mohamed Barakat (Egypt), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), El-Hadji Diouf (Senegal), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) all 1 vote.

So we were expecting Cameroon to beat Egypt or Tunisia in the final with goals from Samuel Eto'o - unless Togo sprang a surprise.

Hugh Larkin - 7 January

Winner= Cameroon- determined to get over the disappointment of not getting to Germany

Runners -up- Tunisia- hard to beat , well organised amd confident

Dark Horses- Morocco- got through the World Cup qualifiers unbeaten but still didn't get to Germany

Top Player- Samuel Et'o of Cameroon

David Hulott - 7 January

Winner: Egypt - home advantage (won twice in three attempts on home soil) and will be determined to succeed more than any other nation.

Runners-up: Tunisia - North African location will help, as will having the easiest group draw.

Dark horses: Wouldn't expect any major surprises, but Guinea might qualify alongside Tunisia at South Africa's expense from Group C.

Top player: Mohamed Barakat (Egypt)

Paul Grech - 9 January

Winners: Cameroon. They will be determined to succeed following failute to qualify for World Cup.

Runners Up: Egypt. Home crowd should spur them on.

Dark Horses: Ghana. Plenty of good young players.

Top Players: Samuel Eto. Boring choice but he is the top African player at the moment.

Antony Melvin - 9 January

Winners: Ghana - Essien and Appiah will create possibly the best midfield pairing at the tournament. And most modern tournaments are won from midfield. If Essien doesn't go then then hosts Egypt will probably look favourites.

Runners-up: Hosts usually make the semi-finals, but Egypt - with the inform Mido - have enough to push on further.

Dark Horses: Togo. The World Cup qualifiers have one of the best forwards at the tournament in Emmanuel Adebayor, and once the usual fallings-out start to happen the small, young squad that Togo possess will be one of the few to stick together.

Top player: Emmanuel Adebayor - Eto'who?

Alex Wolstenholme - 10 January

Winners: Cameroon - keen to bounce back from not making the World Cup and have a good draw in the group stage

Runners-up: Tunisia - winners last time out and still have the same coach and most of the same squad as then as well as a comfortable group.

Dark Horses: Ivory Coast - tough group to start with but will be confident after making the World Cup

Top player: El-Hadji Diouf (Senegal) - a much more disciplined player than a couple of years ago when he got banned for four games and should have a good partnership with Henri Camara

Bill Urban - 13 January

Winner: Cameroon, simply because I have a very soft spot for them based on provoking a huge brawl in a pub during World Cup 1990 by supporting them while they played England. Talented, with a point to prove, and willing to be as hard as necessary to win.

Runners up: Nigeria. Egypt are a popular runners up choice, but frankly, I can't see the home side losing in a Final. If Egypt get to the Final, they'll win. Nigeria are strange dark horses for this tournament, which may work to their advantage. They seem to be very much the African version of the Netherlands, brilliant players always liable to destroy any unity and teamwork by extended bouts of squabbling and an obsession with football as an art form rather than an athletic competition. But they have talent, and very little pressure, and that may see them through to the Final.

Surprise Package: Togo. Come on, nobody believed they would qualify for the World Cup, but they did, making them perfect sleepers to sneak through and upset more traditionally powerful sides.

Top Player: Samuel Eto'o. His game is sick, and that's a highly complimentary expression this side of the pond...

Fred Tarow - 15 January

Winners: Egypt; Playing at home will give a strong side the advantage they need.

Runners Up: Morocco; unlucky not to qualify for the World Cup, they will be very tough to beat.

Dark Horse: Nigeria; not as good as previous Nigerian teams but failing to qualify for the World Cup along with this being Jay Jay's international swansong should give them added incentive.

Top player: Didier Drogba; far better than most give him credit for, I reckon he might shine in the ACN.

Antony Melvin
26 January 2006

*The reason that none of us has made a fortune from carefully calculated bets is really quite obvious.

2718: Euro 2008: England's best and

by : Stephen Orford

It must be, ooh, seven weeks since we last had an international tournament draw, and that drought is about to come to an end with the draw for the qualification stage of the 2008 European Championships to be held in Austria and Switzerland.

As with last month’s World Cup finals draw England find themselves among the seeded teams, as the 50 nations attempting to qualify are split into six groups of seven and one of eight. Unlike in previous qualification tournaments there will be no play-offs this time around, with the top two from each of the seven groups joining both of the co-hosts in 16-team finals.

England’s presence in pot one means that they will not have to face several big names in qualifying, namely reigning champions Greece, Holland, France, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Sweden. However, this arrangement - hastily arrived at by UEFA on the usual criteria of performances in previous tournaments and the quality of match-day pies - means that there are still plenty of dangerous floaters awaiting in the other pots. And we’re not talking about anything that might exit the mouth of Samuel Eto’o either.

All of Germany, Italy and Spain sit ominously in pot two. Needless to say, any of this traditionally powerful football trio would be about as welcome in England’s group as Gary Neville at the Stanley Park Arms. If England can avoid them, then the prospect of meetings with Croatia and Turkey hold only slightly less fears, with Poland or Romania looking to be the favourable draw from this section.

Pot three contains those teams who are usually as unpredictable as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Nobody will fancy playing against Serbia and Montenegro who recently won a World Cup qualifying group which included Spain, and the former Soviet pair of Russia and Ukraine will also be dangerous. Perhaps the Scandinavian duo of Norway and Denmark are not currently enjoying the most glorious periods in their football history and could be a relatively soft touch, but with neither having qualified for the World Cup they will be looking for a renaissance. Making up pot three are Bulgaria and Slovakia, and it is either of these which should just about suit England best.

Having recently battled with both Wales and Northern Ireland in World Cup qualification England face the prospect of yet more all-British ties here. Scotland are in pot four and are currently making noises about how much they would like to draw the English. Walter Smith has overseen a vast improvement in the side since the dark days of Berti Vogts’ reign, but whether they are yet ready to provide a real test for whoever takes over from Sven Goran Eriksson is highly questionable.

More worryingly, Republic of Ireland could also emerge from pot four to face England. It could be argued that the team is in a transitional period under the newly-formed managerial dream-team of Laurel and Hardy - er, Steve Staunton and Sir Bobby Robson (did anyone else notice how none of the people at the Dublin press conference ever referred to Robson as ’Sir’ Bobby). Bit of politics, as a famous comedian once said. Transitional period or not, Ireland still possess genuine class in the shape of the likes of Shay Given, Robbie Keane and Damien Duff which is in itself enough to give Rio Ferdinand some serious concentration issues. Another to be avoided, surely.

Elsewhere in pot four there are altogether more favourable possibilities of ties against Bosnia-Herzegovina, a currently comatose Belgium, Latvia, Israel and Slovenia.

Wales fared considerably less well than most people imagined in the recent World Cup qualifying campaign, and John Toshack’s rebuilding process won’t get any easier from pot five. However, their British-ness perhaps makes them the ones to avoid in an otherwise lightweight section, completed by Hungary, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Albania and Iceland. Come to think of it, that list sounds a bit like a group that Wales would have a chance of qualifying from. Pesky UEFA and their pesky seedings and rules.

There’s a distinctly eastern European flavour to pot six, with Georgia, Macedonia, Belarus, Armenia and Moldova joining Northern Ireland and Cyprus. Again an all-British tie is something we could do without, particularly with Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over England in World Cup qualifying so fresh in the memory. However, Belarus have fared reasonably well in previous qualification campaigns without actually making that last step to reach a major tournament. Their position in pot six might be a little unjust, and as such England will want to stay well away.

Losing to any team in pot seven would be a national disaster on a USA 1950 scale. Herein you will find the Sunderland’s of European international football, the kind of nations for whom the term ‘whipping boys’ might be considered a compliment. They say that there are no easy games in international football any more, a theory which will no doubt be disproved by one or all of Liechtenstein, Azerbaijan, Andorra, Malta, the Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg and Graham Taylor’s friends from San Marino.

England’s group - best case scenario (based on seven-team group); ENGLAND, Romania, Bulgaria, Belgium, Iceland, Armenia, Malta (Azerbaijan is a long way away).

England’s group - worst case scenario (based on seven-team group); ENGLAND, Italy, Serbia & Montenegro, Republic Of Ireland, Wales, Belarus, Azerbaijan.

Stephen Orford
26 January 2006

2715: FA Cup Preview: Portsmouth vs

by : Colin Illingworth

It’s been a similar story this year, with many suggesting even before the season started that Curbishley might welcome a new challenge. Cliches about having taken the club as far as he can not withstanding, the opportunity to manage England could be just the challenge that he needs. Many would be more comfortable if he established his credentials with a Premiership giant first, but a vacancy does not seem set to crop up for the foreseeable future. Newcastle United might be on the lookout soon if Graeme Souness cannot stem the tide of fan power that is currently flowing into his ever-angry face, but they simply do not fit the criteria in their present state. And why stumble into the kind of mess that can only ruin managerial reputations in any case?

At the time of Eriksson’s appointment it was thought that his successor would be an Englishman. However, there are those including sports minister Richard Caborn who believe that the FA should consider another foreign candidate. With that in mind, the name of PSV Eindhoven and Australia coach Guus Hiddink is another which has cropped up in the tabloids.

The Dutchman performed a spectacular job in taking South Korea to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup, albeit on home soil and with the aid of a few refereeing decisions which would have made Uriah Rennie blush. However, since then PSV have emerged as a major force in European football under his guidance, prompting the Socceroos to place their first World Cup finals campaign for 32 years in his capable hands. No doubt the FA will wait and see what happens to the Aussies in Germany before they make a concerted effort to bring in Hiddink. Major tournaments, rather like Newcastle United, have a nasty way of destroying a manager’s credentials.

With other names like Stuart Pearce, Ottmar Hitzfeld and Martin O’Neill having been mentioned by the media, it seems that the FA do not have a first-choice candidate in mind at this admittedly early stage of proceedings. Still, the idea that the FA have not yet formulated a definite plan is about as surprising as the presence of a certain Swede on the front pages of your daily rag.

Stephen Orford
25 January 2006
When you reach the fourth round of the FA Cup the one thing you truly want is a home tie. But the last thing you want is to be playing the European Champions Liverpool, especially when you’ve just been annihilated by Birmingham City 5-0 the week before.

When Portsmouth fan Dan Taylor, secretary of the London Portsmouth Football Supporters Club, heard the draw announced there was only one thing that went through his head.

“Oh God not again,” and this was before the Birmingham game! “Could we not have at least drawn someone that rolls over and dies when they’re a goal or two down? Liverpool are fast becoming the comeback kings. At least if you’re getting tonked you can accept it and move on; but if you’re two goals to the good and your team then gets blown away it makes it so much more difficult to swallow. I love the FA Cup and there have been some classic encounters between the two teams, but this year there is less fight about Pompey and I’d rather have drawn a lower division team. Mind you that’s never a guarantee of success, look at Fulham.”

Fratton Park is always a tricky place to go and Liverpool fan Garreth Cummins, from the Liverpool website www.redandwhitekop.com, isn’t particularly looking forward to making the trip south.

"It’s miles away, and no disrespect but it’s a horrible away end and not especially my favourite away trip I’ve made in the last couple of years. I’d much rather been at home, or preferably up against some lower division opposition. This has only been compounded by the BBC shifting it to a Sunday tea-time slot. They have a bit of a habit of putting up a fight against us, too, so all in all there are other teams that I’d rather face.”

Portsmouth and Liverpool have met twice in the FA Cup before and both ties have gone to replays. Liverpool won the classic 1992 semi-final encounter on penalties while Richard Hughes was the Pompey hero two years ago in the fifth round. However that was only Portsmouth’s second victory over their Merseyside counterparts in the last 40 years and not too many people are putting money on them progressing to the fifth round this year.

Liverpool have been formidable in recent months and the six time FA Cup winners were unfortunate to leave Old Trafford last weekend without a point. However, they will not be overlooking the threat of Portsmouth after they suffered the humiliation of being knocked out of the competition by Burnley last year.

The FA Cup is a magical competition and you can never predict what is going to happen. Form goes out the window and a certain amount of luck is required to progress to the next round. Spurs and Fulham were victims of the cup’s magic in the last round but Garreth, 23, and a season-ticket holder at Anfield, hopes that this tie goes with form.

"There’s always the potential for the upset in the cup – Luton came bloody close,” said Garreth. “You only have to look at teams like Spurs who were 2-0 up and supposedly cruising to see that anything is possible. While my heart says we are favourites and should go through, you just never know. Hopefully this one goes with the form book!”

An air of optimism hung over Fratton Park at Christmas following Harry’s return and the introduction of the Russian millionaire Alexandre Gaydamak as co-owner, and many felt that they were favourites to escape the drop zone. But back-to-back defeats at the hands of Everton and Birmingham, and failing to hit the target in either game, have put the club back under enormous pressure. Currently 19th in the Premiership and five points behind Middlesbrough and West Brom some might claim that a cup run is the last thing that Pompey need. But Dan adores the FA Cup and would love to see the club embark on a great run.

“I might get panned for saying this but I’d take a cup run to the final over Premier League survival. The chance to see a club like mine in the cup final won’t come around too often and while the Premiership is the best place to watch attractive free flowing football I can take it or leave it. I’m not saying I want to see us relegated, but having a chance to win a cup final rather than fight for mid table mediocrity is always going to be my choice I’m afraid.”

“I remember listening to that semi-final on the radio when I was a kid, and it was fantastic to listen to; well apart from the penalties at the end. Listening to our fans blare out on the radio and the thought of going to Wembley made the hair’s stand up on the back of my neck. There’s something magical about the FA Cup when you go on a bit of a run. It really captures the imagination.”

There are not a lot people still around who remember Portsmouth’s only FA Cup victory back in 1939 against Wolverhampton Wanderers but there are plenty who remember the heartache of being knocked out by their fierce rivals Southampton at this stage last season. The furthest Pompey have been in the competition in recent years was the quarter-final two years after they had beaten Liverpool in the fifth round, only to be thrashed by Arsenal 5-1 at Fratton Park. A decent cup run could be the spark that the team requires to pull them to safety.

The good news for the home fans is that Portsmouth have only failed to score against Liverpool twice at Fratton Park in their entire history so they could have something to celebrate during the 90 minutes. However Liverpool have won three of the last four meetings Premiership meetings but despite that Garreth is not expecting Liverpool to have it all their own way.

2714: England: Manager candidates

by : Stephen Orford

Not before time, the FA have announced that under-achieving public relations liability Sven Goran Eriksson will be leaving the England manager’s post following this summer’s World Cup finals in Germany.

All of which leaves the game’s governing body with around six months to find a suitable replacement. Here, we take a look at some of the candidates to take over the stinking, poisoned chalice that is sometimes referred to as the biggest job in football.

Bookies favourite, and therefore the first name that has popped into their heads, is Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce. Not often the recipient of praise from this writer, Allardyce has, to his credit, established the Trotters as a permanent fixture in the Premiership, presiding over their first qualification for European football last term.

This is a monumental achievement, but was achieved with quite different methods than those required to satisfy the demands of international football and to placate the ever more vicious English football media. Bolton have been criticised by all and sundry for their physical, direct playing style seemingly since Fulham last won an away game. Some of it is a dull stereotype perpetuated by a media uncomfortable with the idea that the Arsenals and Newcastles of this world can be outfought and outplayed by a so-called smaller club on such a regular basis, and some of it has a degree of truth in it.

In addition, much of Bolton’s squad during their recent success has been made up of on-loan foreigners, something which is clearly an unavailable option to international managers. Were Allardyce to get the top job, gone would be the excuses about operating in a financial straight-jacket and in would come pressure to mould the country’s top stars into a winning unit. He could do it, but whether he could do it with the style required is open to question.

Allardyce is now a top-class coach, albeit one with a Russell Grant-sized persecution complex. His appointment would seem to smack of a distinctly Graham Taylor-like situation, which would be a shame for both Wanderers and England. Even if it did sell more Sun newspapers.

And so to the man supposedly being ‘groomed’ to take over from Eriksson over recent years, present number two and Middlesbrough manager Steve McLaren. If Eriksson had done the decent thing and quit following the shambolic surrenders against France and Portugal in Euro 2004 then McLaren might well have been an automatic choice. He had just guided Boro to their first ever piece of silverware, at the expense of Allardyce’s Bolton in the 2004 Carling Cup final, and was building a side which would soon break into the top six in the Premiership.

Eighteen months on and McLaren’s stock has fallen faster than Cristiano Ronaldo in a crowded penalty area. The Riverside club are just one place off the relegation zone in what has been a tortuous campaign so far, and there are real doubts about whether he can keep the club in the top flight this term. That said, it is unlikely that many would see him as the man capable of leading England into the 2008 European Championships and beyond. None of which will stop the bungling FA (no pun intended, honest) appointing him in all probability, but surely it is a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time for McLaren.

Alan Curbishley of Charlton Athletic is also in the frame. Even before Sam Allardyce managed it Curbishley was busy establishing an unfashionable club in the Premiership. His Addicks have become the model for all clubs aspiring to get in and stay in the top league, but his critics point to the fact that he has not been able to emulate Allardyce and even McLaren in pushing his side on to the next level. For all their Premiership stability Charlton have consistently failed to mount a serious challenge for European qualification through the league, often stumbling badly as Spring arrives.

2713: Do I Not Like That - 10 of the

by : Sam Cullen

Christian Gross-Spurs (Dec 1997-September 1998)

Arrived clutching his tube ticket proudly as a near on unknown, Christian Who? was the phrase most commonly heard around White Hart Lane. In his brief time as Spurs Manager, he saw his side only narrowly avoid relegation. His ineptitude continued into the next season and Alan Sugar wised up and gave him the boot out of Zone 6 and beyond.

Chris Hutchings-Bradford City (Jun 2000-November 2000)

When will chairman learn, appointing the last managers assistant as the new manager on the cheap will never work? Probably one of the least memorable Premiership managers due to his brief and insignificant spell at Bradford. He does have the dubious honour of being the last manager in England to “take a chance on Stan”(Collymore).This dead ringer for a used car salesman barely made it past the clocks going back before he got his P45.

Peter Reid- Leeds(March-November 2003)

Succeeding the equally awful Terry Venables, Peter Reid arrived at this club in crisis as a caretaker manager back in March 2003. They actually put together a decent run and staved off relegation, including a memorable 3-2 win at Highbury in May. When he took charge for 2003-4, it was a totally different story. Harry Kewell had been sold to Liverpool and Danny Mills packed off to Middlesboro after an argument with Reid. The replacements brought in verged from below average to downright abysmal with loan “stars” such as Camara, Olembe, Sakho, and of course, Roque Junior making a permanent imprint in all Leeds fans memories. After a 6-1 humiliation by Pompey, Reid was sacked. So were most of his signings soon after

Egil Olsen-Wimbledon.(June 1999 to May 2000)

There haven’t been many Marxist football managers in the Premiership, and even less that hail from Norway, step forward Egil Olsen. Olsen was a very bizarre yet unique character. However his odd methods and Scandinavian weren’t doing anything for the Crazy Gangs form and as relegation to Division 1 looked inevitable, he was sacked. Still, at least they still played in London then!

Steve Wigley - Southampton (August to December 2004)

It was hard to decide who was worse, him or Stuart Gray. Both were promoted from assistant job. Wigley, thanks to the timing of his appointment, was only able to make one signing, the undistinguished Andreas Jakobsson for £1million. Only managed to win one league game during his deeply uninspiring spell and made way for Harry Redknapp in December 2004 with Southampton deep in the relegation mire.

Ray Wilkins-QPR(November 1994 to September 1996)

Back during the early ‘90s, QPR were a regular staple of the premiership diet. In the summer of 1995, they had £6million burning a whole in their pockets thanks to Les Ferdinand’s departure to Newcastle. Wilkins made a pigs ear of it, recruiting Ned Zelic and Simon Osborn and the Premierships first Barbadian striker, Greg Goodridge. QPR went down with a feeble 33 points. They haven’t returned to the Premiership since.

Colin Todd-Derby(October 2001 to January 2002)

The warning signs were evident at Derby before Todd took over. Jim Smith had succumbed to one too many temperamental foreign recruit. Todd’s objective was to save them from relegation. He immediately set off on the wrong foot, adding another temperamental foreigner in the shape of £3million Francois Grenet. He didn’t even 5 months in the job before being replaced by the equally inert John Gregory. Unsurprisingly, they got relegated.

Peter Taylor-Leicester.(July 2000 to September 2001)

I hold no grudge against Taylor, and he did fine during his first season as Leicester manager. But what puts him here was his abysmal transfer record, his noteable failed attempts to hoist Division 1 players into the Premiership. This includes most memorably Ade Akinbiyi for £5.5 million, but also Junior Lewis and Trevor Benjamin. They shipped 9 goals in the first 2 games of 2001/2, and Taylor was sacked before October had begun. Many Leicester fans blame him for the perilous state the club was faced with following relegation, due to the big contracts the lower league journeymen were on.

Kenny Dalglish-Newcastle.(January 1997 to August 1998)

What a great coup the football world thought in Jan 97. The multiple league winner Kenny Dalglish coming to the nearly men of Newcastle. Surely this would propel them to the title. Well it appeared that since his brief sojourn out of the game since he left Blackburn, Kenny had lost his magic. He sold much of the Keegan squad in the summer of 1997, including Les Ferdinand, and then when Shearer got injured, was strapped for goals. His new signings failed to make any impact and the side slipped from 2nd to 13th. In true Newcastle style, he was sacked in August 1998, just AFTER spending the summer’s transfer kitty. But then again, considering one of his last buys was the abysmal Stephane Guivarc’h, its hardly surprising!

Jean Tigana-Fulham.(July 2000 to April 2003)

Tigana was probably the smoothest Premiership manager till Mourinho arrived. Al Fayed also was one of the biggest spending till Roman arrived. Both now look pale imitations. Another Tigana flaw was his distinct lack of managerial ability. With Mo’s Millions, he pumped Fulham to the heights of 13th in 2001/2. After another disappointing season almost lurched into relegation, the toothpick chewing French man was dismissed. Considering he spent £11million on Steve Marlet who barely hit double figures, Al Fayed seemed to have a taken a very rational course of action!

I have left it up to your discretion to put them into your own Worst 10, I found some of them hard to distinguish their inadequacies between.

Sam Cullen
18 January 2006

2711: Middlesbrough: Where has it al

by : Chris Sherrard

Middlesbrough this season have been something of a contradiction.

Traditionally, Steve McClaren’s Boro sides have been stubborn to the point of greed at the back but couldn’t score goals for love nor money.

How the roles have been reversed.

McClaren brought in some big-name forwards in the summer and, particularly in the form of Nigerian hotshot Ayegbeni Yakubu, the goals have flowed.

But it’s in defence where the real problems now lie for Boro - and it’s those difficulties which have seen the north-east club drop down the Premiership standings in recent times.

And yet, look at their European results.

The Riverside club continue to march on in the UEFA Cup and, most surprisingly, are yet to concede in the competition.

What is clear is McClaren needs to regain some of that defensive composure whilst maintaining an eye for goal.

That’s the trick for every side, of course.

But the anticipated return of superb England prospect Stewart Downing onto the left wing is a massive boost for everyone on Teesside.

The gap since his injury and Zenden’s flit to Anfield has been conspicuous this season.

So all is not lost for Boro supporters.

It has, however, been an uncomfortable roller coaster in Middlesbrough this season.

For a flavour of just what life’s been like, and what’s went wrong, we spoke to Robert Nichols from the highly respected Boro fanzine, Fly Me To The Moon.

Does Steve McClaren still have the faith of the Boro fans?

He came to the touchline once on Saturday v Wigan and was loudly booed.

I expect the ironic McClaren for England chants will become a feature for the rest of the season unless an immediate and complete revival kicks in.

Is there anyone who you would rather see in charge at the Riverside?

I'd prefer to defer all such thoughts till the end of the season. The thought of relegation haunts me. We've been through it all before at such cost. So, I can't even begin to think of anything other than escaping the trap door.

Is there any possibility that Steve Gibson would sack him?

Very little chance indeed. Steve McClaren has only recently signed a lucrative 4 year deal as have his backroom staff. Gibson has shown great loyalty to his managers in the past and it seems likely he will stake everything on McClaren being the man to dig the team out of the present crisis.

How would you rate this season so far?

We were so inconsistent up until December. One week we could annihilate Man United 4-1 (it should have been far, far more) the next we would fail miserably against Sunderland!

But at that time we still had prospects of a happy New Year. Poised in the Quarter final of the Carling Cup, in the last 32 in UEFA Cup having not conceded a goal and with the prospect of Stewy Downing returning from injury.

The wheels fell off in December with 2 defeats to Blackburn a crop of fresh injuries and then that hideous 0-7 drubbing at Highbury.

Confidence has hit rock bottom not helped by an appalling habit of regularly conceding last minute goals - not a good sign.

The strikers have scored but the defenders (traditionally the rock McClaren's teams have been based on) have crumbled.

2710: Middlesbrough: Testing Times A

by : Paul Grech

On the face of it, these are good times for Middlesborough. One of the best stadiums in the Premiership, a talented crop of young players, still in Europe and a manager who has won the first piece of silverware in the club’s history whilst constantly being touted as the next England manager.

The league table, however, tells another story. So too does Mark Schwarzer’s surprise decision to hand in a transfer request. Had the Australian keeper’s decision come after an enquiry by a club of the stature of Arsenal or Manchester United it would have been understandable. But with only Portsmouth expressing an interest, it hints at internal problems.

As captain Gareth Southgate admitted, “there have been a lot of problems for a little while now.”

Indeed Schwarzer’s decision is only one of the headaches that manager Steve McLaren is having to face as he struggles to pull the club clear of any relegation battle.

It won’t be easy. The squad is showing severe limitations yet there don’t seem to be any funds for McLaren to strengthen.

These problems have been apparent for quite some time. On the right side the team lacks quality whilst no one has been brought in to compensate for Bolo Zenden’s departure leaving the team lacking in creativity. Fabio Rochemback has failed to settle whilst the injuries to Stewart Downing and George Boateng have hit them hard.

There have been some positives. Ayegbeni Yakubu’s good form justifies the huge amount spent on him. It is a relief for McLaren that he won’t be going for the African Nations Cup. So too has the form of Chris Riggott, undoubtedly Boro’s revelation of the season.

Unfortunately, his defensive partners haven’t always played at a similar level. A change to a zonal marking system has caused visible problems and the end result is a number of goals conceded from set-pieces as well as only two clean sheets.

In the midst of it all McLaren keeps changing the side is search of the winning formula a policy that always leads to disjointed performances – as witnessed at Highbury last weekend – and doubts about the manager’s ability.

Despite signing a new four year contract earlier this season, McLaren has made no secret about his desire to eventually succeed Sven Goran Eriksson. But if that dream is ever to come true, he will have to show that he’s capable of getting Middlesborough out of the kind of problems they currently find themselves in.

Paul Grech
16 January 2006

2709: Manchester United: The midfiel

by : Antony Melvin

It is interesting how the gods of fate seem to watch over the Premiership and cackle. Over at Newcastle the manager can’t buy a win – but the opposition can turn up, and steal the points with an outrageous little push over the line from a deliberate hand ball. For England the FA finally find the nerve to dispense with the sexy Swede – only to find every candidate has feet of clay. Meanwhile at Manchester United, the football transfer gods must be wetting themselves.

Out of the title race and Europe, Manchester United nevertheless put up a valiant largely defensive effort to beat their old rivals Liverpool. But it is in the cups that any kind of salvage from a wrecked season can be made.

So the Blackburn match now represents the biggest game left in the season. Now is not the time to have a full treatment room – and certainly not full of midfielders. A month ago the defence was down to the bare bones so the Glazer’s checked down the back of the sofa and found enough cash to bring in two international defenders. Obviously leaving nothing to replace the yawning gap left by Roy Keane’s departure.

With the exception of the twelve players loaned out and therefore unavailable (including Irish international midfielder Liam Miller) there are only 7 midfielders left at Old Trafford. To boost this fairly week area ordinarily some of the trainees would step into the void – but with most of the best candidates (Jones, Jones, Eagles and Martin) on loan that is for next season. Whether this cost cutting measure is counter-productive is also one for the future.

On top of the seven midfielders there are two strikers (Smith and Solskjaer) and one defender (O’Shea) who have been asked to play out of position. So 10 internationals fighting over four spots can hardly be described as a weakness, except for the fact that none of them are world beaters and most are unavailable.

Ronaldo is suspended and Scholes, Park, O’Shea, Smith and Fortune will probably be out injured.

The remaining midfield options offer Blackburn a possibly unique opportunity to outclass the United midfield and inflict a second defeat on United at Old Trafford this season.

Unless there is some formation shift, Rooney is withdrawn to the wing or Rio Ferdinand pushed into midfield, then the only midfield left is one of Solskjaer, Giggs, Richardson and Fletcher. With Solskjaer and Giggs struggling to even complete a 90 minutes these days this is a weakness that a strong running Blackburn can and should exploit.

United may be heavy favourites on the eve of the match – but the midfield available doesn’t offer that much assurance. How have United gone from having the strongest midfield in Europe to such poverty in just five years? If another pot slips away this is a question that will require answers.

Antony Melvin
24 January 2006

2712: Forget Chelsea – Wigan Athleti

by : Sam Cullen

Are you confident of European progression this season?

It's ironic that we look rock solid in Europe and play like seasoned veterans in just our 2nd UEFA season. Ever!

But we will be really tested v Stuttgart. Even without our present crisis this was just about the most difficult tie we could have had.

But when all is said and done we have still to concede a goal in the competition this season and if we can keep that clean sheet record going in Germany we could be in with a shout of going through.

As much as we lack confidence in the Premiership we do have plenty of know how in Europe.

How much have you been missing Stewart Downing this season?

Massively. We failed to effectively replace Bolo Zenden. So when Downing broke down in August we suddenly lost our entire left side of midfield and attack. We also lost our main playmakers.

Without Downing the side had no pace and no natural crossers of the ball. We've struggled all season to fill his position. A whole variety of players have been press ganged out of position into the left wing role with very little success.

Downing is the big hope now. We're banking on his speed and ability to prize teams apart to help us fight our way above the relegation mire.

On the playing side of things, who has stood out for you so far this season?

Yakubu has been a massive success. He looks likely to break the 20 goal barrier which to my mind is the mark of a top striker.

Lee Cattermole made his debut in midfield in the white hot Tyne Tees derby at St James Park and was a revelation. His perpetual motion midfield style has won so many admirers since and he appears to get better by the game.

Who has been a let down?

The biggest let down had to Abel Xavier - we expected very little when he joined us but he was so powerful down the right and with that distinctive hair cut he looked like a super hero.

What a let down then when he was found to have taken a banned stimulant. And of course we couldn't replace him until the present transfer window.

Fabio Rochemback joined Boro at the same time in the final hour of the summer transfer window. He had a brilliant debut v Arsenal but his form initially patchy has nosedived since.

Probably not helped by quickly becoming a whipping boy of the local radio phone-in his confidence has crashed.

Can he win the fans back round? If he can play a leading role in helping rescue us from the drop then the answer I'm sure will be a big yes. That will be a massive ask.

Other disappointments - many of the senior player have flattered to deceive. Delivering in one game and then faltering in the next. We need them all to dig deep and show their mettle now.

Realistically, who would be your dream transfer window signing?

Difficult to say as we suddenly need inspiration but also just as importantly perspiration. We need someone who can have an immediate impact but also sustain it.

We need someone who can carry the heavy burden of being a messiah but who will mesh in with the team and not get too big for his boots.

We're certainly not looking for a Geremi to lead us on and knock us back. We're probably not looking for a 4th return of Juninho. It's a hard call. But a someone to bung up those gaps at the back would be a good start.

Chris Sherrard
24 January 2006
In the 119th minute of the fiercely contested league cup semi between Arsenal and Wigan, Jason Roberts smashed home a last minute goal to put the tie at 2-2 on aggregate. When the away goals rule came into play, it gave Wigan the advantage and they knocked out the FA Cup holders. This means Wigan have advanced to their first domestic league final since they joined the Football League in 1978.

Dave Whelan and Paul Jewell must be two of the happiest men in football after the result. Not only is reaching their first major final an event worth celebrating, they have yet more reasons to be cheerful. At the time of writing, Wigan sit proudly in 6th position in the Premiership table, acquiring 37 points along the way. Even if there is a major end of season collapse, they are so close to the 40 points safety line that relegation now seems a near on impossibility. At the start of the season, consolidating their premiership status was the majority of Wigan fans aspirations.

So far this has been without question a season where everyone’s expectations have been exceeded, maybe even Whelan’s too. Their progress obviously hasn’t gone un noticed, but perhaps one of the most unique pieces of praise was the Prime Minister Tony Blair identifying Arjan De Zeeuw as one of his players of the season so far when he spoke to the BBC’s Football Focus show in December. Say what you will about Mr Blair(and most people do), at least this showed he was more than just your arm chair fan picking a Chelsea or Man Utd megastar.

In addition to this they also remain in the FA Cup, where they have a juicy away tie at the inconsistent Man City. Wigan fans have plenty to be proud about. Being 6th in the premiership and in the league cup final would have seemed nothing but a pipe dream only 4 years ago, where they finished 10th in League One and yet again missed out on promotion to England’s 2nd tier.

Its been a great six months for Wigan fans, one that I’m sure many other Premiership Clubs fans will have envied, and Championship sides too. If they get into Europe that will be another milestone achievement, especially in their first season in the top league of English football. If they manage it, they should be viewed with more acclaim than Ipswich, because Ipswich had the heritage and past success in Europe and the League to back it up, Wigan only got out of the basement division in 1997.

Many people are already assuming that they will be facing Man Utd in the final, and as a result, don’t rate their chances. Firstly don’t under estimate the resourcefulness of a resurgent Blackburn side, but at the same time, should Wigan face them, they will be far from a push over either. They may run out at Cardiff as the underdogs, as they have done many times this season, but Man Utd or Blackburn should be aware, they have a real game on their hands.

Sam Cullen
24 January 2006

2708: Portsmouth: Harry 5 Oh!

by : Sam Cullen

Just under a month ago, I penned an article posing the question Harry Redknapp, con man or genius? However shortly after I wrote that, Redknapp and Portsmouth’s predicament changed in a way nobody could have foreseen or predicted. Earlier this month the Russian millionaire Alexandre Gaydamak bought a 50% stake in the club, giving Redknapp a previously unexpected windfall and a bumper transfer kitty

The papers suddenly were full of speculation and transfer tittle tattle. Marco Boogers was mentioned again in many a sport supplement but many felt that this injection of funds would only prove to have a positive impact on Portsmouth and their survival chances. In arrived 5 new players, Noe Pamarot, Sean Davies and Pedro Mendes from Spurs, Zimbabwean international Benjamin Mwaruwari and Polish striker Emanuel Olisadebe.

Before their arrival Redknapp had been constantly harking on about how he needed 4 or 5 new players to turn things around, and had been publicly bashing his existing squad. Surely with this influx of new personel, it would now be possible to judge Redknapp on his own merits as opposed to the wreckage left by Alain Perrin.

Since their arrival Portsmouth have been marginally less successful than the poor Thames Whale. They lost 1-0 to Everton at Fortress Fratton, and then most emphatically, a 5-0 drubbing at St Andrews. The dismalness of this result was further emphasised by the appalling run Birmingham had been on prior to this result and the fact they were the Premierships joint lowest scorers.

The only surprising thing about this turn of form is that surely it seemed patently obvious to anyone outside the Portsmouth training ground that Redknapp’s new recruits were hardly the type to reinforce a side’s premiership mettle. Also there was an edge of his hypocrisy too, he had bemoaned the nucleus of the squad being filled with foreigners, yet he has brought in another 4 so far this month. In addition to this, anyone who saw the Spurs trio in action last season would have seen there was a reason they weren’t featuring for Martin Jol’s side this season.

After Redknapp’s wheeling and dealing it is somewhat odd that the club find themselves in a weaker position than before! He has frittered away his Russian sugar daddies millions on Spurs misfits and the team are now perilously in the relegation mire. Anyone up for starting a sweep stake on what excuse he will use. Is the squad down to the bare bones again?

Sam Cullen
22 January 2006

2706: Chelsea: Enjoy it while it las

by : Jeff Gold

Half-time at Hartlepool and a deckchair appeared on the pitch. “That’ll be for Owusu” said the woman in the next row. It was actually a prop for the finest half-time entertainment seen outside Oxford but, having witnessed Lloyd Owusu‘s somewhat relaxed first-half performance, I could certainly see her point.

Owusu was playing for Sheffield Wednesday at the time, usually in the manner of Emile Heskey but without the grace, the agility or the confidence. On this particular evening he started brightly enough, but immediately after missing a sitter he disappeared for the remainder of the half. Owusu’s strike partner was Grant Holt, a fairly recent acquisition from non-league Barrow. Holt didn’t appear to do anything brightly and was struggling to make any kind of contribution in a Wednesday shirt. Together they formed the most unconvincing partnership since Renee and Renato.

That was back in 2003. Just a few weeks ago I watched Wednesday complete their seventh consecutive game without troubling the scorers. The players seemed resigned to never scoring again, while the fans were reduced to issuing a heartfelt “Oooooooooh” at a vaguely goal-ward header of such weakness that the Wolves keeper was forced to amble from his line to put it out of its misery. It was fairly desperate stuff.

I relate these events purely to provide some comfort and solace to those of you who have begun to tire of Chelsea’s dominance, especially Gary Lineker, who spent last week’s Match of the Day denying their existence in a valiant, but ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to infuse the day’s fixtures with the merest hint of meaning.

Fear not, young Lineker, for that same Saturday saw Wednesday notch for the seventh time in three consecutive league victories since that dispiriting display against Wolves. It also saw Grant Holt, two years after being shipped out for a “nominal fee” by Wednesday, score on his debut for Nottingham Forest after a £300,000 move from Rochdale.

My point is that, for teams and individuals, whether over the course of a single match, a whole season or a decade, fortunes change. It is completely natural. What may currently seem unthinkable will eventually, inevitably, come to pass. One day, Fulham will win away; one day, Newcastle United will be defensively competent and, one day, Chelsea will no longer be an all-conquering irresistible force.

The latter may not happen any time soon - and at eighteen months their reign is hardly yet dynastic - but, when it does, and when Manchester United, Arsenal or even Liverpool once more rule supreme, we might look back on the Chelsea years with a certain degree of fondness; their mere mention might elicit feelings of dewy-eyed nostalgia; we might cherish them as something fleeting, something precious, like childhood, or the fragile gift of life itself.

Or, for that matter, like decent half-time entertainment. Those champions of the genre, Hartlepool and Oxford, both embraced the tried-and-tested method of inviting random supporters to slam a ball into a net whilst sporting wholly inappropriate footwear. The participants at Hartlepool first had to embark on a Maradona-like dribble around an arrangement of beach furniture. Those at Oxford were spun around until dizzier than Zo Ball in a washing machine. They were then released, setting off at a speed that was almost as alarming as their direction, few of them even approaching the vicinity of the ball before they tumbled hopelessly to the ground, arms flailing. Not unlike Lloyd Owusu, really.

And what of Lloyd? Did his fortunes change on that cold autumn night in Hartlepool? He bagged within two minutes of the re-start. Naturally.

Jeff Gold
22 January 2006

2707: The Rise and Rise of Gretna

by : Hugh Larkin

In May 2002, Gretna finished a modest 7th in the Unibond Premier Division. The Black and Whites were not even in the top tier of English non-league football, yet just five years on the club could reach the Scottish Premier League – having once travelled to Farsley Celtic, their fans could enjoy away days at the Glasgow version instead.

In 2002, after two previous attempts, Gretna were awarded one of the places created to enable the Scottish League to establish a fourth division and increase the League’s membership outside the Edinburgh-Glasgow corridor. The club only made it to the senior ranks of the non-league game in 1982, after being founded in 1946 and playing much of the immediate post-war years in the Carlisle District Leagues.

The club made a solid start to life as a League side with 5th and 3rd place finishes but last season Gretna rocketed through Scottish Division Three, shattering records on the way. The club had promotion confirmed by March as they buried teams under a goal barrage and they’ve carried on in much the same vein in Division Two. It seems highly unlikely that any opposition can derail a second successive promotion.

Just to prove that the club can hold their own in Division One, the team are still in the Scottish Cup after removing St. Johnstone- currently second in that league- on their own park. In the CIS Cup it took a Premier League outfit to account for them and Dunfirmline only produced a 1-0 victory.

The astonishing rise of the club is down to businessman Brooks Mileson, ranked the 49th richest person in UK soccer by 4-4-2 magazine and Gretna’s own ‘mini-Abramovich’ in the making. His investment in the club has allowed manager Rowan Alexander to have players at his disposal who have performed much higher up the Scottish structure. To emphasise the gulf in class, this weekend the team smashed six past 3rd placed Partick Thistle.

Going through Division Three like a knife through butter wasn’t unexpected as most of the sides in the bottom tier exist on tiny crowds and can only offer their players semi-professional terms, while Gretna have had as many as 34 full-time professionals on the books. However in Division Two, the new contenders have mixed it with sides on a much more secure footing who have their own ambitions to force a way up the pyramid. Both Morton and Partick are used to operating in the top echelons.

Gretna have recruited players like midfielder Steve Tosh, who has played for Aberdeen and St Johnstone among others; centre-back Craig Innes has been an SPL regular at both Kilmarnock and Dundee United and striker James Grady has played at both Dundee clubs. Several others have come from the English lower divisions to weld a fearsome attacking side to back up star striker Kenny Deuchar who broke the Division Three scoring record last year.

Plans are in the pipeline for a 6,000 all-seater stadium to host SPL fixtures because Raydale Park can only accommodate 3,000 fans at the moment; but then Gretna doesn’t have that many people so the stadium has always been big enough up to now.

At the centre is the entrepreneur Mileson, whose story is different to so may of the self-made men who take over soccer clubs. An ME sufferer, he says his work at Gretna helps stave off the illness and his generosity is not limited to this one club- Carlisle and Dundee United are just two clubs who have also benefited from his enthusiasm. More unusually, he is much in favour of fan involvement and supporter representation.

When Inverness Caledonian Thistle cracked the SPL and Ross County reached Division One the Scottish administrators had vindication for their policy of widening the geographic community of Scottish League clubs in the North. But they could hardly have believed that Gretna would mount such a formidable challenge from the Deep South. The unlikely rise of the Black and Whites is a terrific story for Scottish football.

Hugh Larkin
22 January 2006

2705: England: Who is fit to replace

by : Simon Cole

Sven Goran Eriksson will now quit the England job after the World Cup in Germany - but is there an English manager who is ready to step up?

The main concern is that many of the people previously touted as the future England boss have recently fallen well short of the standards expected. There is little doubt that this time around, the FA have little choice but to appoint an Englishman. But all of the potential candidates have plenty of flaws, which is why Eriksson can’t be replaced right away. Here are the possible candidates, and why – at present at least – they are not cut out for the England job.

Steve McClaren

Middlesbrough manager and former assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Steve McClaren has seemingly been being “groomed” to replace Eriksson if and when the time is right. But Middlesbrough are now perched just above the relegation zone, and can’t seem to find points from anywhere. All of this despite McClaren splashing big cash on the likes of Yakubu (£6 million), Massimo Macarone (£7million) and paying big wages to the likes of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka. On top of this, McClaren will also always be associated with the Eriksson era, which - unless England do superbly at the World Cup – will be seen as a time of underachievement, uninspired football and scandal.

Steve Bruce

It wasn’t so long ago that Steve Bruce was the man that had turned Birmingham City from a mid-table team in what was then Division One, into an established Premiership side. But this season has been a disaster for Bruce, as Birmingham are deep in the relegation zone. Bruce can’t blame lack of funds, as he has managed to sign established players such as Emile Heskey and Mikkael Forsell, as well as rescuing talents such as Jermain Pennant and Matthew Upson from reserve team football.

Yet too many of Bruce’s signings – such as Mario Melchiot, Walter Pandiani and previously Jesper Gronkjaer – have underachieved, and only the manager can take the blame for squandered cash. Bruce also doesn’t come across as an inspirational motivator, which is what England need.

Alan Curbishley

For a number of years now, Alan Curbishley has been doing a sound job at Charlton Athletic, quietly establishing them as a key component in the Premiership. Recently their form has suffered and therefore his name doesn’t get linked with the top job in English football so much. The main negative against his name is that he hasn’t spread his wings beyond the Valley. If he does so successfully, then he could well be a potential candidate for the England hot-seat. Soon enough he may well realise he has taken Charlton as far as he can, and look for pastures new to further his impressive career.

Sam Allardyce

If the England job became available tomorrow, Sam Allardyce would become one of the bookies favourites. Despite a lack of funds, he has taken Bolton to the upper reaches of the Premiership and got them into the UEFA Cup along the way. However, with the dull football that the Eriksson era has so far produced, England fans may not take well to Allardyce’s way – physical, disciplined, long-ball football. He also wouldn’t be able to have a team full of 30+ year-old foreigners.

Stuart Pearce

Almost from the moment he stepped into the Manchester City hot-seat, “Psycho” Stuart Pearce has been touted as a future England manager, something he strongly refutes so early in his managerial career. And rightly so. The FA have already made the mistake of appointing Glenn Hoddle – a manager with huge potential – before he was ready for international football, and we all know what happened next. Pearce has the passion, enthusiasm and knowledge to be a future England manager, and the fans would love him. But he needs a good few years in club management before he is ready to step up to this particular mantle.

Paul Jewell

Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan – amid Eriksson’s latest scandal – was quick to put forward his manager Paul Jewell as a potential England manager alongside Pearce. Again though, the same problems arise. While Jewell in the first half of this season has achieved miracles with a side that doesn’t boast many household names, he still only has eighteen-months’ experience of managing in the Premiership (including his year with Bradford City). He is another one who potentially could have the credentials to take up the job, but at the moment it is just too soon.

So while there is a lack of an obvious replacement for Sven Goran Eriksson as England manager, it makes sense to keep faith with him in the run up to the Germany tournament. Hopefully his replacement will not forget the responsibilities that come with being the boss of the home nation of football.

Simon Cole
20 January 2006

(edited following the Eriksson announcement on 23 January)

2700: Arsenal: Get Some Steel And St

by : Hugh Larkin

Everton beat Arsenal and Arsene Wenger is quoted as saying ‘It wasn’t football.” When Newcastle turned the Gunners over in December he complained about Alan Shearer’s style; against Wigan in the Carling Cup he said his team had been out-muscled. And there are many other such comments from matches against the likes of Bolton, Blackburn and Manchester United.

Perhaps Wenger uses these comments to explain why his team have gone from unbeatable two seasons ago to losing every third league game so far this campaign. To listen to the Arsenal boss his team are only ever beaten when teams engage in physical assaults on his players- occasionally, he will grudgingly concede that the opponents played some decent soccer but generally he trots out the full curmudgeonly sulk.

The Arsenal boss’s complaints reflect the duality of the soccer business; on the one hand football is entertainment through sport but on the other it’s a tough, professional business. He should be aware of this because as a club Arsenal are not averse to using their muscle off the park when required; there are several clubs in Europe who are distinctly unimpressed with some of their tactics to bring young talent to Highbury.

On the pitch it’s plainly obvious that professional football teams who know that Arsenal have more talented players are not going to lie down and allow the Gunners’ stylists to pass the ball through them. Throughout the history of football superior teams have been confronted by opponents who use grit, defensive application and physical presence to equalise matters.

Without sides doing this, it could be argued we would have no league at all. The weight of quality amassed by the elite clubs would simply steamroller lesser sides in the manner of Middlesbrough’s debacle at Highbury last week. Failure to organise a side to counter Arsenal (and the other elite clubs) would be a dereliction of duty by highly paid managers and players.

Instead of bemoaning the grit of Everton, Bolton and others we - and Wenger - should be thankful of their resolve, otherwise we wouldn’t have a product that so many fans would turn up to watch. Even now, fans are switching off the FA Cup because they know that ultimately they don’t have the resources to win the competition over 5 rounds. They reserve their money for the League encounters when they feel their side can pull off a one-off result against the top sides.

There hasn’t been a great footballing team that weren’t able to look after themselves, or to mix it when they felt it was required. Some even acquired a reputation for toughness equal to their skill- Leeds United, Juventus etc, But even some of the clubs associated with whimsical attacking play could dish it out when required.

Manchester United had Best, Law, Charlton plus Nobby Stiles; Liverpool had Tommy Smith and recent vintage Manchester United deployed Roy Keane and Paul Ince. Someone once wrote of the great 70’s Ajax side - “ Don’t forget the Dutch invented the clog”. And of course Arsenal 1996-2005 had Patrick Vieira in the midfield; plus the likes of Manu Petit and Ray Parlour, none of whom were shrinking violets.

Either Arsene Wenger feels himself to be under some sort of mission to introduce a new brand of soccer based on only the purest virtues, or he’s engaging in blame slinging to cover the fact that he hasn’t got the right players and some of those he has got don’t fancy a legitimate physical challenge.

Whichever is the truth it really is time that he stopped moaning about it and sends out his teams with players who are prepared to sweat and fight for the shirt as much as their supposed inferior opponents, who give their fans value for money when they represent their teams. As that renowned hatchet man Claudio Gentile once remarked after virtually playing inside Diego Maradona’s shirt for an afternoon- ‘No senor, it is not dancing school.”

Hugh Larkin
22 January 2006

2702: Manchester City: Joey Barton f

by : Colin Illingworth

It’s every footballer’s dream to represent their country at the World Cup and Manchester City enforcer Joey Barton is no different. The 23-year-old has recently been quoted as saying that he would be prepared to be the water carrier for Sven’s men just so he could be involved in Germany. But after an impressive season at Eastlands, doesn’t Barton deserve a chance to be in the actual playing squad?

Barton has visibly matured on and off the pitch following his pre-season antics in Thailand which forced City chiefs to send him to Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic to sort himself out. He spent a week at the clinic and City have been reaping the rewards of the grown-up Barton ever since. The Huxton-born midfielder has been instrumental in driving City up the table and his battling and lung-busting performances have not gone a miss by those in the game.

Support for Sven to give the City ever present a call-up has been mounting throughout the season as he continues to give 100 per cent in every game. City manager Stuart Pearce knows what qualities Joey possesses and he believes that it’s up to Barton to force his way into the England set-up.

“Joey is improving, he has a willingness to learn and he is always one of the last off the training pitch," Pearce recently told the Daily Mirror. "He has to keep listening and learning from the coaches and senior players, and he has to keep his feet on the ground. He has had to learn his lessons very quickly and now he is more open minded and willing to embrace the things people have got to say. His football has improved on the back of that.

“I think there's a situation where it's very easy and quick for players to break into the international fold,” added Pearce. “It's certainly a lot easier to get into the England set-up than when I was playing, that's for sure. Whether Joe is good enough, we'll have to wait and see. He's got to keep working hard and remind himself he's not the finished article. If he keeps doing that then who knows where he can end up?"

Former Arsenal skipper Tony Adams has also tipped Barton to make the step up, although he told BBC Sport that the World Cup in Germany may have come too early for him.

"It's a question of when, rather than if, Joey receives international honours,” Adams said. “If any player puts in the kind of performances he has, they put themselves in contention for England. Realistically, the World Cup might be a bit soon for him. England have some outstanding midfielders and I think Sven already knows who he wants to take to Germany. But he's making a strong claim and can't be ignored."

England’s midfield is definitely one of the strongest in the world with Lampard, Gerrard and Beckham, but some fans and pundits have questioned whether Lampard and Gerrard can actually play together and even if the England captain deserves his place in the team. Personally I cannot see Sven dropping either of these stars who have served him so well over the years, and with Joe Cole filling in on the left it would be impossible for anyone to break into the midfield. However Barton has done everything right this season and thoroughly deserves to have his name thrown in the hat for a squad place at least.

Barton has always been prepared to put himself about on the park but he has managed to add a great level of composure on the ball to his game and has been more willing to test the opposition’s goalkeeper than ever before, which has resulted in five goals, a great tally for a young midfielder. (In fact he has scored more goals this season than he has in his entire professional career). His passing game has also improved by opting for the simple option instead of attempting something more ambitious.

Manchester City fan Simon Brown has watched Barton progress over the years and although he feels that Joey still has a lot of work to do he has been greatly impressed by him this season.

“Barton is by no means the finished article. Footballers age at different speeds to each other and Barton is still relatively green. He may be 23 but from the way he plays it is clear he still has some maturing to do. His tackling can be over-exuberant to the point of recklessness and ill timed and his distribution can be ill judged, although this is improving. Yet his positioning is spot on, his movement and enthusiasm always beyond doubt and his strength and resolve make him the back-bone of the City team along with the older, more experienced, Claudio Reyna.”

One of Joey’s best games this season came at the Valley in December when City went to Charlton, just days after his brother was jailed for his part in a racist attack. It must have been a difficult time for Barton but his performance on the pitch was one of a true professional and scored in a memorable 5-2 victory. Simon was particularly impressed with Barton’s “strong” display that day, and the way that he had conducted himself during the whole affair, which Simon claims is “testament to Barton’s talent, ability, application and focus”.

2701: Hearts: Rix’s Redemption?

by : Sam Cullen

Much of the media was focused on the sensational goings on at Tynecastle during the start of the season. First there was the sizzling start to the season made by the team, who racked up an impressive 8 straight victories. Secondly, there was the shock departure of manager George Burley and Chief Executive in October. The media waited on tenterhooks to see who was appointed to succeed him, with both Sir Bobby Robson’s and Claudio Ranieri’s name being touted.

It was with almost widespread universal distain that the former Chelsea coach Graham Rix was hired as the new boss. His CV hardly read as an exercise in managerial excellence, with indifferent spells at both Portsmouth and Oxford. Many people saw this moment as the turning point in the season where the Old Firm would once again re-assert its vice like grip on the SPL

Indeed, all the initial preconceptions and doubts seem to be realised with Rix’s first few matches in charge of the team. They went from all conquering to being barely able to win a game, picking up only 1 win in Rix’s first 5 games in charge. He had also managed to alienate Michel Pospisil and it looked bleak for the Edinburgh club.

Boxing day brought a late Christmas present in the form of a resounding 5-0 drubbing of Falkirk. To add further seasonal cheer to the Hearts fans, young prospect Calum Elliot grabbed 2 goals. He eventually wound up with the SPL December player of the month competition. The success appeared to be continuing into their crunch top of the table clash with Celtic, where they sped to an early 2-0 advantage, thanks to goals from Edgaras Jankauskas and Steven Pressley. However luck went against Hearts when defender Panagiotis Fyssas was sent off in the 76th minute, when the game was finely poised 2-1 in Hearts favour. Celtic eventually stole all three points with 2 late Steve McManus goals.

The team however bounced back in the best way, with an impressive 4-1 away victory at Dunfermline. Pospisil also showed the best reaction to Rix’s previous criticism by having an excellent game and scoring twice. These last three results have been encouraging for the Hearts faithful as the team has finally again seemed to regain elements of the confidence and composure they showed during Burley’s brief tenure there.

Rix has also shown ambition in the transfer market, bringing in Lithuanian defender Nerijus Barasa, as well as luring Neil McCann north of the border again. He has also recruited Lee Johnson from Yeovil. Whether or not these signings work out, at least it shows Rix has aspirations for the club.

I hold my hands up, I moaned louder than Victor Meldrew when I heard Rix had been appointed. I have chosen to give the man the benefit of the doubt, let the results and standing at the end of the season do the talking. For the benefit of Scottish football, I hope he makes me eat my words.

Sam Cullen
18 January 2006

2703: Manchester United: Sir Alex Fe

by : Antony Melvin

”Barton has grown up in the short period since the start of the season,” said Simon. “It takes more than a couple of months to really change the way you live and think – I for one wouldn't be surprised if he shows some childish petulance again, at some time in the future. But he seems to be getting plenty of positive reinforcement from the club and in players like Richard Dunne he has the ideal role model, demonstrating what can be achieved with regards to improving your life. Barton's passing has improved, he has become a little more realistic as to what he can do with a single pass and is doing the simple stuff better. He seems to be working on his decision-making – both on and off the field – and reaping the rewards.”

”Certainly Joey could be hotheaded at times when he was younger but the life coaching really seems to have worked. He seemed to be on a downward spiral following the infamous "cigar" incident last Christmas and the antics on tour in the summer. But with the life coaching he seems to have come of age.”

However, Simon, 29, shares the sentiments of Tony Adams that the World Cup has come too soon for the City star, and he hopes that Barton doesn’t have to leave Eastlands to pursue his international dream.

“I only pray that he doesn't have to move to a "bigger" club in order to earn the approval of the England manager and his first cap. My gut feeling is that Barton won't get his chance to contribute in the World Cup, barring injuries to those ahead of him. To play under the current England set-up you either have to play for a "big" club (one that's in Europe, preferably Champions League) or in London. We could have Rooney playing for us and he wouldn't get near the England set-up.”

If Sven is to be believed then there are three places up for grabs in his World Cup squad and the midfield area is one of the most competitive to break into. Spurs’ Michael Carrick is in the frame and Scott Parker, who has been immense at Newcastle United, is also being touted for a re-call. Other names in the hat include West Ham’s Nigel Reo-Coker and Bolton’s Kevin Nolan. Barton has never been involved in an England squad and Sven would probably rely on one of his regulars to fill the numbers ahead of Barton, even if the City star continues to put in man-of-the-match performances for the rest of the season.

But Barton’s displays have certainly caught the eye of fans and pundits alike and many believe that he has done enough to warrant a chance to show what he can do at the highest level.

Barton for England… what do you think?

Colin Illingworth
19 January 2006There has been one constant in The Graeme Souness defence of his latter days in charge at St James’ Park. That is that if he could put out his best team then he would have a top six team (I’m paraphrasing, he goes on an awful lot more usually). But if Souness had to field the current Manchester United midfield then he probably would find much more common ground with the fans over a weakened team.

Today Manchester United gave as good as they got against a theoretically far superior Liverpool midfield. United persisted with two strikers despite playing a threadbare midfield that was almost entirely out of position. It consisted of Ryan Giggs and John O’Shea in central midfield, Kieran Richardson on left wing and Darren Fletcher on right. A midfield of players brought through the trainee system. At half-time an injury to O’Shea forced another reshuffle – with Fletcher moving inside, Rooney dropping deeper and Louis Saha coming on as a third striker.

In moving to 4-3-3, United necessarily narrowed the game – and with Liverpool also content to keep things tight this was never going to make for attractive viewing. But with the midfield options being so poor, Ferguson decided that being hanged for a sheep was as bad as for a lamb. So a third striker went on and the game got more and more congested.

Ferguson could rightly point to missing much of his team for much of the season – but this has rarely been his refrain. Gabriel Heinze was the club player of the year and has been sorely missed in defence. Paul Scholes has blurred vision, Alan Smith an ankle knock, Roy Keane imploded and Ronaldo exploded.

So the team that Ferguson envisaged the season with, was only half available for a crunch game against the team with the best midfield in the top flight. The team Ferguson put out had an engine room that was second rate on paper – but combative in reality. Such has been the problems for Feguson this season in midfield, that Fletcher was the only player who played in midfield in this game and in the 1-0 win over Chelsea (O'Shea played in defence). He also played a role in the 0-0 at Anfield.

Fletcher has many critics at Old Trafford – but perhaps his coincidental presence when United prevail against good teams may eventually be recognised.

This is the true essence of how to get through an injury crisis. Build team spirit and watch your charges fight their way out of trouble.

None of this is to say that United played better than Liverpool – it was an awfully close match. But as the two tacticians moved their pieces around the board -cancelling out the better players on the opposition side - Benitez crucially withdrew Sissoko. The result of the move will be analysed endlessly; the result of the game was that the team that was out of form and fielding a technically inferior team won. Funny old game.

It is true that injury has robbed Newcastle United of many of the new signings leaving Souness with more or less last season’s team to play with. But still last season’s team underachieved and contained enough quality to force it’s way into the top eight if it could be applied.

Whether Graeme Souness is sacked this week or this summer – to my mind there is nothing to be gained in changing jockey with the transfer window about to be shut – he will be remembered as a Newcastle manager who should have won things. A man who failed in times of adversity. Ferguson’s legacy will involve triumph over adversity – whether he has much more time at the top level than Souness is nevertheless debatable.

Antony Melvin
22 January 2006

2699: Manchester United V Liverpool

by : Colin Illingworth

Arsenal v Manchester United and Chelsea v Liverpool may be the new grudge matches in the Premiership but they just cannot compete with the sheer passion and hatred that only a Manchester United v Liverpool fixture can produce.

The two teams are steeped in history and have been rivals since time began and if you ask any Manchester United fan which team they want to beat more than any other in the league then Liverpool tops the list, and it’s vice-versa for Liverpool fans too. There is no love loss between the two and the atmosphere at Old Trafford should prove to be electric as they battle it out for second place in the Premiership and the all-important bragging rights.

The revelations in the press revealing Sven’s desire to sell England down the river last weekend saved Fergie from a proper roasting after his four-letter rant at referee Steve Bennett following their defeat against City. It also saved him from a full investigation into the signing of Evra who if plays like that every week will be crowned the biggest turkey ever to have played in the Premiership. Fergie will be demanding a vastly improved performance today as United entertain the European Champions knowing that defeat will see them fall to third in the Premiership, having played two games more than their rivals as well.

Liverpool were unfortunate not to have bagged a hatful against Tottenham last weekend. Only a sublime volley from the rejuvenated Harry Kewell managed to get past Paul Robinson. But Liverpool are showing signs that they are getting back to their blistering form which conquered the game more than 15 years ago. Rafa Benitez has instaled a never say die attitude in the squad and they just never know when they’re beat. They showed it in their stunning Champions League victory back in May and again just a fortnight ago in the FA Cup against Luton Town. After a ropey start this season Liverpool are fast becoming the team to fear in the Premiership.

But if there is one team capable of turning over Liverpool then it’s United, especially at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have scored 16 in their last four outings at home, conceded just once, and only Blackburn Rovers have beaten them in the league this season. But it will all depend on the defenders and formation Sir Alex puts out on the day.

The reverse fixture in September promised so much but delivered very little as the two big guns cancelled each other out in a goalless draw. Despite that you still couldn’t take your eyes off the game and that is what these encounters so captivating. At the time the Premiership was being lambasted by fans and pundits for being boring but I can’t help feel that today’s clash will live up to the hype.

Liverpool actually have a decent record at Old Trafford in recent years having won three of their last five clashes, all of them 1-0 thanks to the current Charlton playmaker Danny Murphy. Silvestre was the unlikely hero in the last meeting at Old Trafford in 2004, which marked the return of Rio Ferdinand following his eight-month expulsion from the game after missing a drugs test, by bagging a brace. But the Frenchman is rumoured to be unhappy with life in Manchester and it’s not certain that he will get on the pitch let alone the score sheet this time.

The biggest fear for United and Fergie though comes from the fact that they are in danger of finishing third for the third season in a row. And although the Glazer family have apparently given Fergie his backing, it may be the fans that put the former Aberdeen boss under pressure to quit, especially if they finish trophyless again this season.

Manchester United hope to have Alan Smith back after an ankle problem while Paul Scholes and Park Ji-sung are definitely out – as is Cristiano Ronaldo, who is serving a three-match ban. Luis Garcia and Bolo Zenden are the only absentees for Liverpool.

Manchester United face a busy few weeks with the second leg of the League Cup against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday, they face Wolves in the FA Cup before visiting Ewood Park to play Blackburn for the third time in a month.

Liverpool travel to Fratton Park next weekend in the FA Cup before entertaining Birmingham at Anfield and their league credentials will be further tested with games against Chelsea and Arsenal.

A draw will be no good to either side as they desperately try to put pressure on the Champions Chelsea who, as I write, sit 13 points clear of United and 14 of Liverpool.

Manchester United have won five of their last seven meetings with Liverpool, home and away, and they are often at their best when they are up against it. Form says Liverpool but you can never count United out.

Forecast: Score draw (but remember I have been known to be wrong before!)

Colin Illingworth
21 January 2006

2697: Africa’s gift to the Premiersh

by : Sam Cullen

With the African Nations Cup just waiting to get into full swing, it will no doubt cause many Premiership fans to groan about losing their stars to the competition, although I’ll wager Portsmouth fans won’t get too down about losing Salif Diao. It will also cause some fans to question the impact imports from Africa make on the league, and if they are worth the risk.

Of course there are in numerous examples which would seem to suggest they struggle to adapt to the English game, such as the aforementioned Salif Diao, Eric Djemba Djemba and the criminally bad Ferdinand Coly. There are some who have made more of a dent on the scene, such as the sometimes sublime Jay Jay Okocha and the recently prolific Mido.

However to decipher just who the best African player to grace the premiership was, there should be very little debate involved. Lucas “the chief” Radebe, former South African captain, was at Leeds for 11 years. The centre back arrived after an auspicious past in his homeland, where he had been shot shortly before joining Leeds for £250,000 from Kaizer Chiefs. His first season wasn’t as successful as he would have liked, making just 12 league appearances. He was almost on the verge of waving the white flag and returning home, till he remembered how proud his family had been when he got his break at Leeds, so he decided to stick it out. His second season was much the same, although he did play in goal for most of a clash with Man Utd at Old Trafford due to Mark Beeney’s early red card. To Radebe’s credit, he played a blinder, and a scrappy game was only decided 15 minutes from time with a Roy Keane goal.

When George Graham arrived as Leeds manager in September 1996, it immediately signalled an upturn in Radebe’s fortune, as the Scotsman took a shine to him. He soon made him the team captain and rewarded his heroic performances with a new long term contract, as Leeds began to build for a new era. His progress continued under the managerial reign of David O’Leary as the young Leeds side climbed the premiership table. He started 31 matches in 1999/2000, where the side put up a credible title tilt and secured Champions League football for the next season.

Towards the end of 2000 it was rumoured Manchester United were interested in Radebe, a rumour that has since been confirmed by the man himself. Roma were also reportedly interested. In this season he was playing alongside two of England’s most promising young centre backs, Jonathon Woodgate and Rio Ferdinand, who no doubt learnt many tricks from “The Chief”. Sadly injuries took hold of Radebe and he missed the entire domestic campaign of 2001/2 due to knee injuries. It is testament however to his physical and mental strength that he was fit for South Africa’s 2002 world cup campaign, proudly leading them out as skipper on his international swansong. He even scored, in their 2-3 defeat against the Spanish.

By this time, the Leeds dream had rapidly deteriorated into the financial debt-ridden nightmare. Radebe, due to changing managerial personnel, and niggling injuries, only made sporadic appearances in Leeds final two Premiership seasons. Cruelly, he was injured in his 199th game for the club early in the 2004/5 season. Fate had kindly written the script and in Leeds final game, Radebe appeared from the sidelines to a mass standing ovation and his final, and 200th league appearance for the club, with the great man moved to tears.

The respect he has earned in the football fraternity was displayed in his testimonial, played out in front of over 37,000 people at Elland Road. Soon after he was awarded an honorary degree at the university of Cape Town, due to his humanitarian work with several charities. FIFA also recognised this when they awarded him their Fair Play Award in 2000 due to his work in fighting racism and his involvement in children’s charities. The man himself was humbled once, when meeting Nelson Mandela, when Mandela called him a hero. That just about sums up why he is the African Player of the Premiership, if not one of the Premiership all time stars.

Legend is an often over used epitaph in football , for Lucas Radebe, anything less would be an insult to one of the games true model professionals.

Sam Cullen
19 January 2006

2698: Pen Portrait: Emmanuel Adebayo

by : Chris Sherrard

Arsenal fans should be excited by the latest gem to be plucked from French football by Arsene Wenger.

Emmanuel Adebayor is equipped with all the assets needed in the English game – he’s quick, powerful and knows his way to goal.

Let’s just hope, for his sake, that being labeled as the ‘new Kanu’ by Wenger was a slip of the tongue.

For all the Nigerian’s fancy tricks and Chelsea-beating heroics of many moons ago, he failed to make the most of his talent at Highbury.

On the other hand, Adebayor, if you want a prediction, will be a sensation.

On first look, the comparison with Kanu is understandable.

Adebayor is tall, rangy with long legs. He thrives on his close control and his eye for a pass.

The 21-year-old has been lighting up the French league for a number of years now.

Adebayor was spotted by a scout from FC Metz at the age of 15 whilst playing for Togo at a youth tournament in Sweden.

Since moving to France, he has not looked back.

Making his professional debut in Ligue 1, aged barely 18, he played 10 games in his first season – scoring twice.

But despite his impact, he was unable to prevent his formative club being relegated.

As it turned out, Metz’s relegation proved something of a godsend for the young Togolese, who took full advantage of this spell at a lower level to impose himself and harness his skills.

In 34 matches played in the second rung of French football, he netted 13 times, making a name for himself across France. European clubs were starting to sit up and take notice, too.

His goals ensured Metz’s return to the top flight, and he was lured to Monaco at the start of the 2003/04 season.

Alongside the likes of Fernando Morientes, Dado Prso, and Ludovic Giuly, he continued his apprenticeship.

As Monaco went head to head with Lyon for the French title, the youngster chipped in with eight goals for Didier Deschamp’s charges.

His displays were also a key part of Monaco’s run to the final of the Champions League that season. Although he was an unused substitute as Jose Mourinho’s side clinched the cup.

Adebayor maintained his impact on the affluent club this season, attracting the attention of Arsenal and, reportedly, Juventus.

He opted for North London, signing for a deal rumoured to be worth more than £5million to Monaco.

Perhaps Wenger’s timing was perfect with his new striker set to appear in the upcoming World Cup finals in Germany after steering Togo through the qualification process for the first time in their history.

A good tournament in the summer would surely have seen the price for Adebayor double.

He bagged 11 goals during that qualification. Adebayor has been nominated twice for African Football of the Year.

And Gooners can get an early chance to see their new signing in action as he pulls on the shirt of his country for the African Cup of Nations, starting on Friday.

Chris Sherrard
19 January 2006

2696: Birmingham V Portsmouth – Defe

by : Colin Illingworth

Makes no bones about it, defeat today could spell disaster for either of these sides. They both sit in the bottom three cut adrift from safety, and a combination of defeat with West Brom and Middlesbrough victories will see the loser put in a perilous position and their Premiership status at risk.

Birmingham City have been a huge disappointment this season. In the summer there was an air of optimism around St Andrews with the signings of Butt, Forssell, Jarosik, Pandiani and Pennant and I even tipped Bruce’s boys to be challenging for Europe. Unfortunately, things just haven’t clicked at all and the dark clouds are hovering over Bruce’s head.

City possess one of the Premiership’s weakest attacks, they’ve won just four games all season and are six points away from safety. Last season after 21 games The Blues had 26 points in the bag, 10 points better off than they are this campaign.

However, there have been signs of improvement since the turn of the year. They put high-flying Wigan to the sword and avoided a potential banana skin in the FA Cup against Torquay. And Birmingham were apparently unlucky to have lost at The Valley last weekend with new signing Chris Sutton causing the Charlton defence a lot of problems. The former Blackburn and Celtic striker has a great physical presence and his experience will be vital in City’s fight to beat the drop. He could even do for Birmingham what John Hartson and Paul Kitson did for West Ham a few years back.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth’s recent impressive home form came to a sticky end last weekend at the hands of Everton and Harry Redknapp faces a huge task of guiding Pompey to their first away win since they thrashed Sunderland 4-1 back in October. The Fratton Park side has one of the worst away points tally in the Premiership (seven from a possible 33) and they’ve lost the same number of games on the road as Fulham, Newcastle and basement boys Sunderland (8). They also have the worst defensive record on their travels too so it’s hard to see them getting anything from this game.

However, Redknapp has been wheeling and dealing in the transfer window and former Spurs trio Paramot, Davis and Pedro Mendes could provide the spark they need to upset the form guide.

This is the proverbial six-pointer and defeat is simply unthinkable. However, a draw is no good to the two strugglers either as West Brom and Middlesbrough could extend their lead over the drop zone with wins over Sunderland and Wigan. Unfortunately history is pointing to a share of the spoils though. Eight out of the last 11 meetings have ended in a draw and the reverse fixture earlier this season at Fratton Park, when Nicky Butt was red carded for inexplicitly kicking out at Dario Silva, ended goalless.

At this stage last season Pompey had amassed 30 points, 13 better than where they are now. They were almost dragged into the relegation fight last year after a terrible second half of the season and Harry will be under no illusion that he will have to start to work his miracles now if he wants to avoid successive relegations with two south coast clubs.

Portsmouth last won at St Andrews in 1997 when Terry Fenwick was still in charge. They ran riot that day as Lee Bradbury, Mathias Svensson and Alan McCoughlin scored in a 3-0 victory but I’m sure Harry would be more than happy to sneak a 1-0 win to get the points in the bag.

Kenny Cunningham is expected to replace Martin Taylor in defence and Chris Sutton is set to make his home bow while Nicky Butt and Jamie Clapham have been ruled out for Birmingham.

Meanwhile Portsmouth will have skipper Dejan Stefanovic back after suspension and Benjani Mwaruwari is set to play his last game before heading off to the African Nations while Lomano LuaLua will miss the game as he has already teamed up with the Congo squad.

Life at the bottom is tough and looking at the immediate fixtures for both sides you can see why getting a result today is so important. Birmingham have two daunting fixtures with Liverpool away and Arsenal at home. And it isn’t any easier for Portsmouth either as they face Bolton and Manchester United at home with a long trek to Newcastle in between.

Victory will not be enough to lift either side out of the bottom three but it will go someway to helping them claw their way back in contention with the safety zone. This is not going to be pretty in the slightest and with so much stake it will not be for the faint hearted.

Picking a winner from this game is like finding a needle in a haystack. Everything points to a draw but that won’t help anyone. However, if I had to stick a fiver on it that's where my money would go.

Forecast: 1-1 draw

Colin Illingworth
20 January 2006

2661: England: The men eager to catc

by : Simon Cole

We are now into 2006, the year of the World Cup in Germany, where England arguably have one of their best opportunities ever of lifting the trophy.

Sven Goran Eriksson has assured us he knows not only most of his starting line-up, but also most of his squad for the competition that kicks off for England in Nuremburg on June 10. But for a few hopefuls there is still time to try and book their place on the flight to Germany, or even better, a place in the first eleven. Here are some of the hopefuls who will be looking to catch Sven’s eye over the coming months.

CHRIS KIRKLAND

Paul Robinson is now firmly established as England’s number one, but since David James’ fall from favour, nobody has really nailed down the back-up spot. Chris Kirkland has escaped the goalkeeping graveyard at Anfield with a loan move to West Brom and has looked mighty impressive. He looks extremely athletic and his towering height makes him a commanding force in his penalty area. But Eriksson will have two concerns over Kirkland: Firstly, he is currently uncapped and thus possibly unprepared to be thrown in at the deep end in the World Cup should Robinson get injured. But also, if you’re worrying about goalkeepers getting injured then Kirkland will be top of that list. He needs to finally shake off the “injury prone” tag to prove once and for all he is one of England’s finest goalkeepers.

JAMIE CARRAGHER

The Liverpool defender’s versatility means he is a near certainty to be on the plane to Germany. But many would argue that he deserves far more than a squad place. John Terry seems to have established himself as the top defender for Eriksson, but his partner – at present – seems to be a straight pick between Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell. Slightly unfair on Carragher given the inconsistent and unreliable form of Ferdinand over the past twelve months, and Campbell’s proneness to picking up injuries while not looking the commanding force of the past. The Liverpool man on the other hand, has been one of the most consistent centre-backs in the country over the past two years and was a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s march to Champions’ League glory in May. Carragher will be hoping that Eriksson finally realises this and gives him a place in the starting line-up alongside Terry.

LUKE YOUNG

Carragher was seen by most as the obvious back up to regular right-back Gary Neville, but injuries to left-back’s Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge allowed Carragher to fill that void, and gave Luke Young his chance at right-back in both of the key World Cup Qualifiers against Austria and Poland, as well as in the impressive friendly win against Argentina. Young did not look out of place and did an excellent job in the England team, despite the intensity of the games he played in, and a lack of any experience at international level. Now he has done nothing to deserve being dropped, but knows he must keep up his fine club form for Charlton Athletic to fight off the immense competition from the numerous high-class defenders available to England.

JON WOODGATE

Another man desperately trying to prove his worth to Eriksson is Real Madrid’s Jon Woodgate, whose multi-million pounds move to the Bernebeau has been a nightmare until recently. After nearly two years of injury, he finally made his debut only to put the ball in his own net and get sent off during a nightmare introduction to Spanish football. However, Woodgate has recently shown very impressive form and for once Real Madrid look like they might have made a step towards plugging an extremely leaky defence. With a hugely attack-minded midfield in front of him, Woodgate is guaranteed to be a busy man. This should give him the chance to prove that he is still a top drawer defender.

MICHAEL CARRICK

What more can a man do to catch the eye of an international manager? Tottenham Hotspur are flying high in fourth place, and their most instrumental player this season – and most of last – has been Michael Carrick. Despite impressing in last year’s controversial England tour to the USA, Carrick has still been overlooked on the whole. This seems particularly bizarre as Eriksson has often stated his desire to have a holding midfielder. Carrick has been doing this role superbly for Tottenham but Eriksson seems to prefer his club mate Ledley King – a defender by trade – in the withdrawn midfield role. While King has never let England down and is a class defender, Carrick is far superior in the sitting midfield role and his distribution is streets ahead. Even if he keeps up his form, will Eriksson take any notice?

2675: The Curse of the UEFA Cup

by : Hugh Larkin

At the climax of last season, as the race for European places became white hot, at least two articles appeared in Square Football questioning whether a UEFA cup place is worth the effort. Not only may it not be worth the effort, the recent record of English teams shows that it can be a positive menace. Since Liverpool’s win in 2001 it’s been a decidedly mixed blessing;

Chelsea 2000-2003

Pre-Abramovich, Chelsea had three successive seasons in the UEFA and won a single tie. Their conquerors read -St Gallen, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Viking Stavanger. Russian billions rescued them from such ignominy.

Ipswich 2001/2

The Tractor Boys were the ‘Wigan’ of the 2000/01 Premiership campaign and deservedly poached 5th spot and a UEFA cup berth. George Burley was considered the brightest of managers and initially the adventure proved exciting. They got through two rounds and then came an exciting tie with Internationale.

Once the European games were gone a few players seemed unable to adjust to the League and the season ended in 18th position and demotion.

Leeds United 2001-2003

Leeds fans had enjoyed their wonderful Champions League campaign at the turn of the Millennium but the team couldn’t get back into the premier competition and two campaigns in the UEFA Cup didn’t have the same sparkle. Lee Bowyer also managed to make the wrong headlines again, stamping on an opponent’s head.

They slumped to 15th in the Premiership in 2003 and a year later took the drop into the Championship.

Blackburn Rovers 2002-2004

Like Leeds, Rovers entered in successive seasons. They were beaten by Celtic in 2002/03 but still managed a decent 6th place that year in the league. However, in 2003/04 they went out first up to the obscure Turkish side Glencebirgli and plummeted to 15th. Next season Graeme Souness left for Newcastle with the team still in a decline, from which Mark Hughes has had to drag them.

Newcastle United 2003-2005

The Geordies are the only side to have had a decent run since Liverpool’s triumph. In successive seasons they have been to the semi-final and the quarters. However, last season’s exit from the last 8 was followed by failure to secure a return to Europe and only served to focus attention again on their endless trophy drought. And this season they failed to get through the Intertoto as well.

Southampton 2003/4

Everything seemed rosy for the Saints, back in Europe after two decades. A first round pairing with seasoned Steaua Bucharest was a bad draw and Gordon Strachan’s side never looked like beating the Rumanians. It’s been just about downhill ever since.

Manchester City 2003/04

City were awarded a lucky place in 2003/04- or that’s how it seemed at the time. The Blues staggered past Lokeren of Belgium only to be put out on away goals by unknown Polish outfit Groclin. The sheen started to come off Kevin Keegan’s management and the season ended in a poor 16th place. Next campaign he made way for Stuart Pearce.

Millwall 2004/5

Also in through the FA cup runners- up spot for their first crack at Europe. Ferencvaros of Hungary ended Dennis Wise’s hopes and the crowd behaviour issue made an unwelcome return to boot. Since that loss, players have been sold, Wise and other managers have come and gone and promotion hopes have been replaced by a grim relegation battle.

Everton 2005/6

The Toffees didn’t want to be in because it meant they were dumped from the Champions League. To add to the shock inflicted by Villareal, Dinamo Buchrest administered a crushing defeat that only set Everton’s season back even further before it had hardly begun.

Middlesbrough and Bolton 2005/6 ??

Boro enjoyed their first year in Europe last year and were moderately successful. However, it came at the expense of kicking on in the Premiership and though they scraped back into the UEFA Cup for this season, the team’s form is giving serious cause for concern.

Bolton appear to be enjoying the experience but it remains to be seen if they can avoid the UEFA Cup curse.

Hugh Larkin
11 January 2006

2694: Newcastle United: Individual –

by : Simon Cole

Graeme Souness continues to cling onto his job, despite major criticism and intense media scrutiny. But last weekends loss the Fulham must have moved the Scot’s head slightly closer to the chopping board, as Newcastle look to rescue their season.

2005 does not make pretty reading for the former Rangers, Liverpool, Southampton and Blackburn manager. Before you even look at performance statistics, you have to question just what the £50million he has spent in the calendar year has achieved.

Out of all of the players Souness has bought, only Scott Parker and Michael Owen – around £27million worth of talent – can be deemed a success. Meanwhile, the likes of Jean Allain Boumsong, Emre and Alberto Luque continue to be hit by a lack of form and a series of injuries.

The latter is something that Souness has been quick to point out – he is indeed missing many of his trump cards, and has suffered from a squad lacking fitness for the entire season. But this seems to be the case everywhere he goes and has to raise questions about the training ground techniques of both Souness and his backroom staff.

Barring injuries, the other problem continues to be an extremely vulnerable defence. While home-grown players Steven Taylor and Craig Ramage look to have plenty of potential, the rest of the back-line is nothing short of shambolic. The £7million acquisition of Boumsong looks to most like money thrown away, with the French international seemingly giving away more goals than he is saving. But then it can’t be easy playing alongside Titus Bramble. The fact that the Liverpool fans stood and applauded when Bramble was brought on during the boxing day clash at Anfield speaks volumes about the defender: opponents want to face him.

Celestine Babayaro has also failed to produce his best form and looks average at best, although you can sympathise with this due to the kind of player he is surrounded by. But on so many occasions, goalkeeper Shay Given is the saviour. The Republic of Ireland international has been nothing short of heroic for Souness and is one of the major reasons Souness is still in the job. A lesser ‘keeper would have leaked many more goals and would probably have cost Newcastle enough points to push Souness out of the exit door at St James’ Park.

Yet Given isn’t the last individual to save Souness his job. Liverpool’s lack of funds – coupled with the fact it is a world cup year – meant Owen’s best option was to move to Newcastle to ensure his form and fitness remained at the top level. And his form in itself has earned the Geordies several points, averaging well over a goal every two games. This prolific form has extended Souness’ stay of execution, but recent injuries to the England striker have once again left Souness under the cosh.

But, once again, there is another player lined up to save his job, and ironically it is a man who will surely one day be in the St James’ Park hot-seat himself. Local hero Alan Shearer has now equalled Jackie Milburn’s 200-goal record for Newcastle, and will any day now surely surpass it to make himself the club’s most prolific marksmen. This achievement in itself with grab all of the headlines on Tyneside, and should once again distract the attention from the fact that a massive club is floating around in the lower half of the Premiership.

Despite incredible financial backing from his chairman and boasting a squad of very talented players, Souness is failing to deliver. Jermain Jenas – a player he opted to sell to Tottenham in the summer – is excelling and developing quickly at White Hart Lane and looks a possible World Cup candidate. Yet he was released from a team lacking that bit of midfield drive.

If you look at the squad list, Newcastle’s midfield should – in theory at least – be outstanding. Alongside the impressive Parker read the names Kieran Dyer, Alberto Luque, Emre, Lee Bowyer and Amdy Faye, all players that most teams outside the top four would snap up in an instant. They also offer a good blend of attacking and defensive qualities. Yet Newcastle still continue to underachieve. Why has Souness spent £50million on the club, buying players for an already overcrowded midfield, and failed to improve one of the weakest defences in the Premiership?

Shay Given has earned a break from the hard work his back four put him through every week, but you don’t always get what you deserve. And while individuals have saved the manager’s head for some time now, the inevitable will catch up with Graeme Souness soon enough. It is just a matter of time.

Simon Cole
18 January 2006

2693: Manchester City: Robbie Fowler

by : Sam Cullen

At 2-1 in the dying moments of a tense, frantic derby (are there any other kinds), Manchester City probe the United one final time, Darius Vassell passes the ball to Robbie Fowler, a long serving United tormentor, and he smashes it home for their third and decisive goal. This was Fowler’s first Premiership goal of the season. A feat that seems less worrying when statistics reveal he has barely been on the pitch all season, just two brief substitute appearances prior to the derby.

Many critiques have been labelling Fowler past it and over the hill for several years now. Indeed his initial displays for Man City seemed to reinforce the assertion that he was nothing more than yet another expensive Keegan flop. He was struggling with fitness, form and motivation. It seemed to be such a waste as he was barely 30, especially at a time when evergreen ex-England players Teddy Sheringham and Les Ferdinand were still going strong. Many fans saw Fowler to be a pale imitation of his previous self and were saddened by such a lethal finisher reduced to an unfit, overweight drifter.

This was backed up by Fowler himself in his recent autobiography, where he states, after a particularly dismal showing for City in September ’04, he was substituted for Jon Macken, stormed out the ground and was seriously considering his Premiership future. This was a player who had in the past scored for fun, getting 27 league goals in the 1995/96 season. This was now a player who could barely hold down a place in a chronically underperforming City side. Fowler was at a critical crossroads in his career.

Luckily for City fans, and football on a whole, when Fowler got the edge, he looked up. He was a much transformed player in second half of 2004/5, getting his scoring tally into double figures for the first time since his Leeds days as well as looking far fitter and sharper. It was very reassuring for legions of football fans who thought they had witnessed yet another early demise of such a prestigious talent. In fact it had befallen many of the acclaimed Liverpool side of the mid 90s (see Jamie Redknapp).

It seems Fowlers luck was back out as he again struggled with injuries at the start of this season. This no doubt has caused many to once again believe his sell by date has been reached and his days are numbered, especially with the arrival of Andy Cole and Darius Vassell at Eastlands. Fowler grabbed a hat trick in the FA Cup against Scunthorpe, now obviously they are far inferior opponents, but a hat trick against anyone is a worthy achievement especially on the road back to full fitness. His sublime goal against Man United proved one thing. That lethal Robbie Fowler instinct is still there. The Toxteth Torpedo isn’t finished just yet. There are still many defences that have yet to be shot down.

Sam Cullen
18 January 2006

2691: England: Sven Goran Eriksson i

by : Fred Tarow

The News of the World this past weekend demonstrated how to simultaneously sensationalise the unsensational and how to shatter the panes of a glass house. Given the lengths that they went to in stinging Sven Goran Eriksson, one can safely assume that if Sven had spoken about nothing but the weather, the News of the World would have dedicated the front page to his plan to take Francis Wilson's job. The Swede gave them slightly more, but not much.

Still the set-up did what it was intended to do. The England manager has been roundly pilloried for his apparent stupidity, but the vitriol has been vented in the wrong direction. The News of the World, basking in a perverse moral superiority, has accused Sven of undermining England's World Cup campaign.

This is a publication that has gone to great lengths, mere months before a World Cup, to generate a story designed purely to sway public opinion further against Eriksson and in turn give themselves a stronger platform to lambaste the former Lazio boss, seek his dismissal and speculate wildly on who should be his successor. In other words, not only did Sunday's story drive sales for the weekend's edition but the fact that some of the nation have swallowed what amounts to a non-story, hook, line and sinker will sow the seeds of future scurrilous rumour mongering and Swede-bashing to increase circulation. It was a cynical attempt to mortify Eriksson and it's worked.

If any there is any negative impact from this story on the national team then it is the fault, almost exclusively, of the News of the World. They sought out the Swede, not he them, spun a web of deceit and led Eriksson right up the garden path before publicly trying him for minor offences dressed up as treachery. They were hardly expecting the FA to sack Eriksson, and even if they were and the FA did, who would replace Eriksson? Who could guide the side to World Cup glory with only 5 months until kick off? Perhaps Eriksson won't return with the trophy, but at this relatively late stage, he is the man best positioned to deliver it. Yet, The News of the World was willing to undermine the World Cup effort just to sell newspapers.

As for what Eriksson reportedly said, how much of it was really worthy of the front, or any, page? He suggested that Aston Villa may be the English team ripest for purchase, given Doug Ellis' age and declining health. Not really newsworthy, given that it has been common knowledge for some time. Only earlier this month there were talks of a takeover of the club.

He suggested that if England wins the World Cup he will step down as coach of the national team. If, and it's a big if, Eriksson were to win the World Cup with England, there would be only one way for his career to go if he stayed on. Professionally there would be nothing left for him to accomplish at international level. Why would he stay?

He reportedly said that may be interested in the Aston Villa job in the event of a takeover. Judging by the headlines you could be forgiven for believing that he had signed a contract there and then. Why people are so surprised is beyond me. If Trinidad, Paraguay and Sweden beat England in the World Cup the FA would dispense with Sven's services and the News of the World would be cheerleading his sacking, regardless of the extra two years on his contract. Sven is more than aware of the precarious nature of football management and is looking out for his own interests. What is so wrong with that? He never gave a definitive answer, but he merely kept his options open. What do people expect; Sven to spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week worrying about a job that may not be his come July anyway, regardless of whether he wants to keep it or not?

His relationship with David Beckham also came under scrutiny with Sven disclosing that the pair are very close. Hardly earth shattering news. The newspaper's assertion that Sven would consider "tapping him up" is perhaps the only newsworthy item from the whole farce. Yet it is a practice that all of football accepts is rife, as evidenced by the reactions to and analysis of the Ashley Cole saga. Admittedly that doesn't make it right.

His other comments about players amounted to nothing but, for the most part, concurrence with educated opinion. Rio Ferdinand is sometimes lazy? Don't go holding the back page on that one. Shaun Wright Phillips was overpriced at 24 million? 6 league starts out of 22 could hardly lead one to any other opinion. If Sven had said anything else, we'd be fitting him up for a straightjacket. Wayne Rooney's temperament problems are partly the result of his upbringing? Maybe a stereotype as suggested by Stephen Orford on this site yesterday (17/1) but I think that Eriksson, who has dealt with Rooney and met his family, is better placed to form an opinion on that than most. Michael Owen is "not really happy" (as opposed to unhappy) at Newcastle? It's public knowledge that his preferred destination was Liverpool , so that hardly registers on the Richter Scale either.

So what we essentially have is a story about a manager that is possibly considering switching jobs after the World Cup, is close to his captain and holds some pretty valid, if slightly unflattering, opinions about some of his players. He never meant them to be public knowledge but was the victim of an elaborate hoax orchestrated by the bottom end of the gutter press. Sven's guilty of naivety at the most, not of treachery or betrayal as alleged. The prosecution are the ones that should be standing trial on those charges.

Fred Tarow
18 January 2006

2692: Brighton: Mark McGhee – hardes

by : Sam Cullen

Championship high flyers Leeds couldn’t believe their luck when their running streak was ended by Brighton, of all teams, last weekend. Only 5 seasons ago, the gulf between the clubs was almost the length of the professional football structure itself, but Brighton have taken 4 points off Leeds this season and last.

As the plucky perennial underdogs who get the odd scalp or two, you could be forgiven for thinking Mark McGhee, the Brighton manager, has a rather nice little job lined up for himself on the south coast. Nothing could be further from the truth. Managing Brighton could be likened to attempting to manage with both hands tied between your back.

One of the first things visiting fans will notice about Brighton is their current “stadium” situation. Following the club being fleeced for everything they had by the then decidedly dodgy board of directors, the club were forced to ground share in nearby….Gillingham! Now its hard enough for Gillingham fans to stomach the trip to the Priestfield, but for Brighton fans on a fortnightly basis, it was no way for a football club to live. This was further demonstrated by the dismal turnout, with “home” games frequently barely topping over the 2,000 mark.

The club has been residing in its temporary home of “Withdean Stadium” since the start of 1999/2000. I use the term Stadium in the most loose sense, as it is simply an old athletics ground with a few temporary stands erected, some of which get hauled up for the Golf Open at St Andrews in the summer. For a championship club, a capacity of 7,500 is crippling, and the club must rue the lost revenue every week.

Unless you have been on Mars, you will have been privy to the clubs long battle for planning permission for a new stadium at Falmer, on the outskirts of Brighton. After several painful years of battling and procrastinating, permission was finally granted. During this time, the club have been paying for their barristers and legal teams through the nose. Now to add to this expenditure, nearby Lewes District Council have launched a High Court appeal against Mr Prescott’s ruling. The knock on effect is yet more delays and money going down the black hole of legal expenses.

With this totally tumultuous backroom situation, it is an amazement the club finds itself in the 2nd tier of English League Football. The club has been for several years operating on a shoe string budget, constantly forced to sell players and severely limited in who can be brought in. In recent years, in addition to Bobby Zamora, first team regulars such as Adam Virgo, Dan Harding, Darren Currie and Danny Cullip have all left in an attempt to balance the books. The Seagulls were very fortunate to win the Coca Cola competition to “buy a player”, or else they would have been even more thread bare this season.

So when Brighton beat Leeds, its less a case of plucky underdogs beating the big guns. Its akin to a man with a blunt penknife winning in a fight with a man with an AK47. As all the above has shown, Mark McGhee has one of the toughest jobs in football on his hands. He performed a miracle keeping The Seagulls in the Division last year. It looks touch and go this season, but if he does it again, then he will show himself to be a truly astute manager.

Sam Cullen
18 January 2006

2695: Manchester United Miss Butt an

by : Hugh Larkin

While the attention has quite rightly focused on the end of Roy Keane’s stellar career at Old Trafford, his exit has thrown fresh perspective on the departures of Nicky But and Phil Neville. Neither player was a Manchester United megastar but it’s a fair bet that Sir Alex Ferguson would like to be able to call on them just now.

The reason is that while pundits and fans alike have been criticising the performance of United’s back four- Ferdinand and Silvestere especially- the defenders have been operating without the sort of shield that John Terry, Jamie Carragher and Tal Ben- Haim can call on each week. The Red Devils don’t have a high quality defensive midfielder in their ranks any more.

For years Keane almost played as two men, making weighty contributions from box-to-box and covering huge amounts of ground. In his absences Nicky Butt filled in as a steadier but very effective replacement. This is player who Pele selected in his team of the 2002 World Cup, so not a bad substitute.

In recent years the often maligned Phil Neville made a transition from utility defender to sometime central midfielder with some success. His contributions were crucial to some of United’s critical games, in a more reserved role than Keane and Butt but highly effective and often very destructive.

Chelsea have Claude Makelele, Liverpool Momo Sissoko, Bolton Abdi Faye, Arsenal are trying to replace Patrick Vieira and Edgar Davids adds steel to Tottenham; each has a specific role within their sides to accept a greater part of the midfield’s defensive duties. United simply don’t have this kind of player.

The key attributes are reading of the play, excellent positional discipline, aggressive tackling, a good ‘engine’ to get to the action, the ability to use the ball well and a willingness to organise and push other into positions. None of the central midfield candidates at Old Trafford can perform all of all of these roles effectively.

Paul Scholes - great passer, inventive player but indifferent tackler and not a natural ‘sitter’.

John O’Shea - a converted defender with inevitable creative limitations and not a real organiser. Handy at cover and good on position.

Alan Smith - another convert, this time from up front, still effectively learning the midfield trade.

Darren Fletcher - often touted as a ‘water carrier’ but lacks authority to organise others and wanders from the centre of the action

Keiran Richardson - useful but really a left-sided player and natural attacker

Ji Sun Park - yet to convince in any position and just too’ heads-down’ for a central role

Quentin Fortune - possibly a short term answer when fit; likes a tackle, is disciplined and can look after the ball but probably can’t cover enough ground

There aren’t that many players around who can do this job. In Britain very few players want to be characterised as a ‘holding’ player, whereas on the Continent it’s seen as a vital role. All the players mentioned above at rival clubs are overseas signings. Even at England level it’s deemed necessary to convert defenders every now and then. (Ledley King, Gareth Southgate)

The situation explains some of the more unusual United team selections this campaign; abandoning 4-4-2 allows for an extra body in the middle of the park to make up the deficiency, hence the out of character 4-5-1 formations. On Saturday many wondered at Silvestre’s selection over Wes Brown but with Darius Vassall’s pace, United needed a speedy last man if the midfield couldn’t be relied on to close down City’s midfielders.

The best defenders in the world will get picked apart against high quality players if the midfield allows the opposition even a fraction too much time and space. United’s back players are lacking in confidence because they don’t receive enough protection in front of them.

Simply, this problem has to be dealt with. The club will still win a lot of games but the consistency to win Premiership and Champions League will be missing. A couple of seasons ago United had three players who could come in and shore things up and now they have none. The likes of Kleberson and Djemba-Djemba were tried but found wanting and the time has come to invest in a big name specialist.

Hugh Larkin
18 January 2006

2690: West Bromwich Albion: Where no

by : Stephen Orford

West Bromwich Albion became the third Premiership side to crash out of the FA Cup at the third round stage when they suffered a 3-2 loss at Reading on Tuesday (January 17).

What this means for Bryan Robson’s men is that there is only the business of avoiding relegation from the top flight to deal with in season 2005/06. While this is disappointing, many Baggies fans will gladly forego a good cup run to ensure another season in the big league.

This was reflected in Robson’s team selection for the visit to the Madejski Stadium. The former Manchester United and England captain went in without five of the squad which beat Wigan Athletic 1-0 at the JJB Stadium on Sunday (January 15), with Tomasz Kuszczak, Darren Moore, Paul Robinson, Steve Watson and Kevin Campbell all missing from the line-up. In addition, Diomansy Kamara is away at the African Cup of Nations while Zoltan Gera and Geoff Horsfield have not been involved this term as much as they were last.

If anything it was the manner of Albion’s defeat that will be most difficult to accept for their fans and manager alike, as they raced into a 2-0 lead against the Championship leaders by half-time. However, a second half hat-trick from the Royals’ former Bristol City marksman Leroy Lita denied Robson and his charges a fourth round Midlands derby with Birmingham City.

And yet one gets the feeling that missing out on this ordinarily mouth-watering prospect does not unduly concern Robson. He was laid back and rather emotionless in his post-match interview, as if he had bigger things on his mind than merely the most famous knockout competition in world club football. More and more this is becoming the prevailing attitude among the dozen or so Premiership outfits for whom survival in the top league is the be all and end all, and the FA Cup is one competition which is often sacrificed for what they see as a greater good.

Chelsea’s recent dominance in the Premiership has raised the profile of the competition in the eyes of the Manchester Uniteds, Arsenals and Liverpools of this world, but this in turn has taken away the belief of the Premiership’s middle and lower tiers that they can actually lift the trophy.

And so to concentrating on the league, as the old clich goes. West Brom are just five points above the relegation zone but their victory at Wigan lifted them above Middlesbrough into 16th position. It was their third win in seven Premiership outings following home victories over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in December. However, that run also includes defeats at home to Aston Villa and at Portsmouth, Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Baggies last drawn match was a goalless affair at home to Fulham on December 3, showing that they are developing something of an all or nothing culture at the club. If Robson can inspire his team to eek out a few draws here and there then he will go some way to securing Premiership football at the Hawthorns for another season.

There are signs, following last weekend’s results, that the bottom three of Portsmouth, Birmingham and Sunderland are being cut adrift of the rest. West Brom need to continue this trend if they are to enjoy a peaceful end to the season, starting with the visit of Mick McCarthy’s beleaguered outfit this Saturday (January 21). Three points are a must in what has to be seen as the easiest fixture that the Premiership currently has to offer, although the Black Cats put in a reasonable performance at home to the champions on Sunday (January 15).

Things get a little tougher for West Brom after that, with a visit to the Valley on January 31. The Baggies won 4-1 there last season with the help of a Robbie Earnshaw hat-trick, but the Addicks are showing signs of revival after suffering their mandatory slump earlier in the season than is customary. A home game with in-form Blackburn offers a real challenge on February 4, before the return fixture with Chris Coleman’s Cottagers on February 11 at Craven Cottage.

Considering the west Londoners’ home form, a point there would be hugely valuable, and would be a sign that the Albion have finally learned to scrap for the points that might eventually make their FA Cup exit easier to stomach.

Stephen Orford
18 January 2006

2678: African Nations Cup: D – Niger

by : Chris Sherrard

NIGERIA
SENEGAL
ZIMBABWE
GHANA

Deemed to be the obligatory "Group of Death", largely on account of the historic rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, but also taking into account the presence of a third West African power in Senegal.

Nigerian politics routinely have an adverse effect on the team’s preparation for major tournaments, with interference and financial irregularities of one kind or another all playing their part.

Ghana are a solid team who concede few goals, but are possibly lacking a cutting edge, while Senegal have failed to build on the promise shown in World Cup 2004.

Zimbabwe are the potential whipping boys, especially given the political situation at home being one that can only be regarded as a negative one in terms of their preparation.

NIGERIA

Coach: Austin Eguavoen

As with Cameroon, South Africa and Senegal, Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup leaves them needing to make a major impact here if they are to go some way to appeasing their supporters.

However, the Nigerians are renowned for their inability to prepare for tournaments when it comes to basic organisation.

Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins withdrew from the last finals to concentrate on his club career and it would be no surprise were key players to miss out again this time.

ACN Record
Winner: 1980, 1994
Second place: 1984, 1988, 1990, 2000
Third place: 1976, 1978, 1992, 2000, 2004
Appearances: 13 times
Host: 1980, 2000

SENEGAL

Coach: Abdoulaye Sarr

Having established themselves as a major force on the continent in recent years, Senegal will have been bitterly disappointed to have finished below Togo in their failed bid to qualify for Germany.

Given the quality and experience within the squad, complacency would appear to have been their major failing.

This is a tough group and they will need to be somewhere near their best to come through it, so much could depend on which El Hadji Diouf turns up.

Incidentally, the last game between Senegal and Nigeria was the 2002 semi-final, which Senegal won.

Goalkeepers: Tony Mario Sylva (Lille, France), Pape Mamadou Diouf (Jeanne d'Arc), Cheikh Tidiane Ndiaye (Rennes, France).

Defenders: Ferdinand Coly (Parma, Italy), Lamine Diatta (Lyon, France), Souleymane Diawara (Sochaux, France), Habib Beye (Marseille, France), Omar Daf (Sochaux, France), Pape Malickou Diakhate (Nancy, France), Nguirane Ndaw (Sochaux, France) Boukhary Dram (Paris Saint Germain, France).

Midfielders: Amdy Moustapha Faye (Newcastle, England), Abdoulaye Diagne Faye (Bolton, England), Pape Bouba Diop (Fulham, England), Dino Djiba (Metz, France), Issa Ba (Chateauroux, France).

Strikers: Diomansy Camara (West Bromwich Albion, England), Frederic Mendy (Saint Etienne, France), Rahmane Barry (Lorient, France), El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf (Bolton, England), Henri Camara (Wigan,England), Mamadou Niang (Marseille, France), Souleymane Camara (Nice, France)

ACN Record
Winner: none
Second place: 2002
Third place: none
Appearances: 9 times
Host: 1992

ZIMBABWE

Coach: Charles Mhlauri

Zimbabwe is quite possibly the weakest team in the tournament, with their main hopes resting on Auxerre striker Benjani Mwaruwari.

The coach and the team are both inexperienced at this level, while domestic problems can hardly have helped their cause.

Given the tough opposition in Group D, anything other than three straight defeats has to be considered as an achievement.

ACN Record
Winner: none
Second place: none
Third place: none
Appearances: 2004
Host: none

GHANA

Coach: Ratomir Dujkovic

Traditionally a major force at the African Nations Cup, Ghana might be less motivated than usual given that their World Cup debut in Germany is looming on the horizon.

However, coach Dujkovic named his squad early, with the likes of Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah and Samuel Kuffour all included, so they certainly shouldn’t be ruled out.

Goalkeepers: Sammy Adjei (Mohadon Sports Ashdod, Israel), George Owu (AshantiGold), Philemon McCarthy(Fetteh Feyenoord).

Defenders: Addoquaye Pappoe(Ashdod Tel-Aviv, Israel), John Painstil(Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), John Mensah(Cremonese, Italy), Issa Ahmed (Asante Kotoko), Aziz Ansah (Asante Kotoko), Dan Edusei (Egaleo, Greece), Sammy Osei Kuffuor (AS Roma, Italy), Francis Dickoh(Nordsjaelland FC, Denmark), Haminu Dramani (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro).

Midfielders: Stephen Appiah (Fenerbache, Turkey), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Hamza Mohammed (Real Tamale United), Laryea Kingston (Terek Gronzy, Russia), Sulley Ali Muntari (Udinese, Italy), Abubakari Yakubu (Vitesse Arnheim, Holland).

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Modena, Italy), Godwin Attram (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Joe Tex Frimpong (Enyimba, Nigeria), Matthew Amoah (Vittese Arnhem, Holland), Prince Tagoe(Hearts of Oak)

ACN Record
Winner: 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982
Second place: 1968, 1970, 92
Third place: none
Appearances: 14 times
Host: 1963, 1978, 2000

Chris Sherrard
5 January 2006

2689: Chelsea: It Is Just A Matter O

by : Victor Tay

After going through a fifty-year barren run, Chelsea look set to win their second Premiership title in quick succession. That is despite the stark fact that the season still has four more months to go!

It is certainly looking that way after the Blue soldiers of Jose Mourinho romped to another workmanlike 2-1 victory over Sunderland. It doesn’t matter that they were not impressive as the most important thing that Mourinho would probably point out to his critics is that the Londoners are now 16 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Manchester United.

Not that the Red Devils supporters would be disheartened as they had seen their club bounce back from the dead in the past to perform ‘Mission Impossible’ – against Newcastle United in the mid-nineties and Arsenal just a few years ago.

In those two instances, the good form of United eventually got to the team at the top, however, that is unlikely to happen this season. Simply because the current Chelsea team are just too good.

Too good to be true in fact for regardless of how they played to date, they would still end up with the desirable outcome and that is three points. To the extent that the players at Stamford Bridge are now looking just like a ‘machine’ which is well tuned to do an impeccable job on any given day.

No other explanation as this well oiled ‘machine’ in West London has conked up only twice in the Premier League out of 22 matches played so far. On those occasions, Man Utd managed to beat them 1 - 0 while prior to that Everton held them to a 1 – 1 draw, which was by all means lucky as far as the Toffees were concerned.

Otherwise, it was business as usual – be it with class or not – they would just go round to clock the three points. Understandably, it must be frustrating for the rest of the chasing pack, especially Man Utd and Liverpool.

At this stage of the season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is playing better than they did when they won the Premiership title on eight previous occasions but yet they are still finding themselves so far away from Chelsea.

In the case of Liverpool, only recently, they had just gone on a ten-game winning streak in the league. While they would still close the gap of Chelsea to 11 points if they are going to win their two matches on hand, but that is only hypothetical speaking.

For argument sake and say Rafael Benitez’s side does win those games, yet they must still pray that the Blues revolution drop points. But at the rate that Mourinho’s charges are going, it is hard to see that happening.

Conversely, the chances of Liverpool or United dropping points look higher. At least in the coming week this is going to come true as the two teams clad in red will be battling hard for the three points at Old Trafford.

At the meantime, Chelsea are expected to do the business against Charlton at home and take a step closer to securing the Premiership title for the second time in a row. In other words, it is just a matter of time before the Fat Lady sings in favour of the Blues.

Victor Tay
16 January 2006

2687: Bad football like bad sex is a

by : Dave McGuire

Assuming Chelsea scamper out of sight with the title again, the doom-mongers will appear before Easter, proclaiming the Premiership, and English football, boring. Don’t listen.

The popular view – in the media at least - is that once the Premiership title is decided, the real excitement is over for another year.

But that’s not the reality for most fans. Despite supporting a “big club” for a quarter of a century, I can’t remember a season that started with the expectation of a serious title challenge.

The thing is - although some might dismiss it as a traitorous lack of ambition - I don’t actually mind.

Don’t get me wrong: if a glorious, all-conquering season should come along, I’ll be cheering myself hoarse as the open-top bus goes by. But that forlorn hope isn’t the reason I follow the club, much less the reason I love football.

Fewer clubs have had a genuine Premiership title chance than Tony Daley has England caps. To suggest that this stops supporters of countless other teams enjoying their football, is frankly insulting.

So, for the benefit of fans accustomed to league glory, here are five simple pleasures the rest of us love about football…

1. Winning games

A game of football lasts ninety minutes, not nine months.

Teams in the title hunt start the season thinking about how many games they can afford to lose. Wins taken for granted, every defeat a potential crisis: I can think of nothing more joyless.

I support a club who have been blessed – and I DO mean blessed – with the propensity to self-destruct in the easiest-looking game; so even a workmanlike victory against meagre opposition gives a glow of achievement. I’m not sure I’d swap that feeling for starting as Premiership favourites.

2. Goals

I defy anyone to switch off a “goal of the season” competition; but it’s not just about the exceptional. For the supporter, every goal releases in one split second all the extremes of emotion football can bring.

At least three of the five most ecstatic moments of my life have been goals (and none of those went on to decide the game, let alone win a trophy). That flash of pure, undiluted joy is the biggest reason to follow a team over simply being a football enthusiast.

3. Talking points

I’ve never left a game with nothing to remember after even the result has faded: whether Gascoigne playing at centre forward for a nine-man Spurs or the Crawley “hard man” who dislocated a shoulder celebrating his goal at Chelmsford.

Characters (managers especially), referees (aside from the FA, does anyone really want consistency?) and juicy transfer gossip mean there’s always something fascinating to talk about. Just look around this site!

4. The cups

Considering the stakes, it’s understandable for clubs to concentrate on the league; but it’s a shame this now seems to be rubbing off on supporters.

Most fans would take Champions League qualification over a Cup win – they’re not stupid. But UEFA qualification via league versus cup routes? Give me silverware every time.

My cousin views Ipswich’s last UEFA Cup campaign as a costly distraction that led to relegation. He must be mad. What would he rather tell his children about: 17th in the Premiership, or his trip to see them play in the San Siro?

Hopefully the BBC’s enthusiastic coverage (as opposed to “The FA Cup on the BBC. Sorry, it’s all we could get.”) and the recent, televised thrillers will remind us why cup days are so special.

5. Football itself

It’s not called the “beautiful game” for nothing. Although people who like football without loving a team are missing out; but not half as much as those who are completely unable to enjoy a glorious game as a neutral.

None of my family support Everton or Villa, but crowded around the TV on Boxing day to watch a match that, come May, won’t decide anything. The reason is simple: it’s football. Bad football is a fallacy – much like bad chocolate or (for men, at least) bad sex. Yes, some matches are more important than others, but be honest, you’d still rather watch (and talk about) it than anything else.

Why else do you and 399,999 others read this site?

Dave McGuire
15 January 2006

2686: The Romance of the FA Cup is d

by : Fred Tarow

There's no escaping the teeth-marks of irony. Last weekend's FA Cup action has left me feeling like the main character in a Shakespearean play. I suppose that the pain I've endured has helped me to become a better person. The self-pity I've felt and emerged from has given me knowledge that didn't exist prior to public humiliation.

At 6pm on Sunday evening my apathy for the FA Cup was rapidly descending into contempt. Martin Tyler and the rest of the Sky Sports crew were polluting my ears with drivel about the "romance of the FA Cup" following Burton Albion's excellent draw with Manchester United. It was essentially a re-hash of what Lee Dixon and Gavin Peacock had spouted the night before when waxing lyrical on Match of the Day about the heroics of Nuneaton and Tamworth.

Whenever I hear the experts talking about the "romance of the FA Cup" and the competition's importance, it seems like it's themselves and not the audience that they are trying to convince.

The one-time occupier of second place on the wish list of most supporters has been raped of its appeal over the past ten years. Ever since it fell down the list of priorities behind fourth place in the Premiership, ever since Manchester United wiped its proverbial behind with the history of the competition in 2000 I've struggled to summon much enthusiasm for the FA Cup. I'm not the only one. Supporters of numerous clubs have abandoned the competition in their droves.

Its reputation was hammered further by not just the top teams, but the likes of Bolton and even Sheffield United fielding weakened teams in the competition.

The tainting of the "romance of the FA Cup" by money has been two-fold. Generally bigger clubs view it as an unwelcome interruption to the league programme and prefer to focus on either promotion to the Premiership, staying in the Premiership or qualifying for the Champions League; priorities all driven by the pound. Smaller clubs view the cup as their chance to hook big fish and exploit them for every available penny. In many ways the FA Cup has become the smaller club's Champion's League. Incidentally, I've yet to hear anyone talk about "the romance of the Champion's League".

Moreover, the media's habit of putting the same value on monetary gain derived from draws for smaller clubs against the top teams as they do to the result itself, while shoving both eventualities under the heading of the "romance of the FA Cup", is completely out of sync with the ideals that made the FA Cup arguably the best knockout competition in the world. During Burton's match in particular the financial implications of a draw were mentioned at every opportunity and the impression that a stalemate, rather than a victory was the best result for the club left a bitter taste in the mouth.

Forgive me, but when I think of romance in sporting terms and of the principals of knockout cup football that made the FA Cup great, before football clubs nationwide started worshipping at the alter of the Champions League and Premiership, I think of the little club humbling the big one for what it represents purely in sporting terms. Vulgar concepts such as financial gain shouldn't enter the romance equation. The glory of the unlikely slaying of a footballing giant is reward enough. Advancement to the next round and the possibility of going further again is what the "romance of the cup" is all about.

Now that is not always the case. Sunday's clash was a prime example of why not. For Burton it wasn't really about beating United; it was about taking the draw, the likelihood of a heavy defeat at the Theatre of Dreams and the money.

Their chairman Ben Robinson admitted in a post match interview that he was hoping for a draw and the big pay day rather than a win and a less profitable fourth round draw. One would be nave to assume that the thought of how beneficial a draw would be to the club, as opposed to a victory, hadn't crossed the minds of Nigel Clough and his players during the match itself.

Now before I'm accused of living in a land far removed from reality, I am more than aware that romance can't be deposited in Burton Albion's bank account; not even in my rose tinted world. I will accept that for businesses, which football clubs essentially are, cold hard economics override any notions of sentimentality. But please don't tell me that Burton's draw with United was a perfect illustration of the "romance of the FA Cup". It was no such thing.

So bitter, twisted and full to the brim with cynicism, I sat to watch my Tottenham stroll past Leicester City. By about 7pm all was going to plan; 2-0 to the Premiership high fliers against a bunch of clueless hackers from the foot of the Championship. I was anticipating four or five. If Paul Stalteri could net a goal, a hat-trick was surely around the corner for wee Robbie. As we all know, it didn't turn out that way.

By full time I was glued by shock to the couch with my head in my hands. My throat was sore from the amount of amplified abuse that had worn a path through it. Strangely my faith in the "romance of the FA Cup" had been reinstated. Because a team on its knees overturning a 2-0 deficit against a supposedly superior outfit, without any thought of how the result would affect their balance sheet is what the FA Cup should be all about. Yes the "romance of the FA Cup" is alive and well. You just have to look beyond the smoke and mirrors to find it. Shame it took the elimination of his team for this supporter to find it.

Fred Tarow
13 January 2006

2688: Liverpool: Window of Opportuni

by : Sam Cullen

This season Liverpool have frequently shown signs of displaying the pedigree they have been lacking ever since they won their last league title back in 1990. Since then the fans have endured the dour Souness years, the initial optimism of the Evans era before the Spice Boys got out of control(and who can forget those FA Cup suits!), and the confusion of the Houllier years. In Benitez though, it does finally seem they have got the right man for the job.

They currently stand at a crucial position. They are a few decent players off ousting Chelsea from top spot, but at the same time, the nucleus of the squad comprises many shining lights. Benitez’s moves now could either usher them into the echelons of greatness, or bog down the team with unsuitable flops.

Arguably they also found themselves in this position 4 years ago. Following the conclusion of the gripping 2001/2 title race, Liverpool finished 2nd, 7 points behind champions Arsenal. With the improving Carragher and Gerrard, alongside the solid midfielders Hamann and Riise, and being led by hot shot Owen, they were again little more than a few signings off reclaiming the League title.

Houllier responded to the challenge by making substantial inroads into the transfer market, bringing Senegalese duo Salif Diao and El Hadji Diouf as well as French midfielder Bruno Cheyrou for just under £20million combined. As opposed to firing Liverpool to the title, the signings failed to settle and were quickly branded flops. They also added to a growing amount of dead wood in the squad including a certain Mr Traore and Mr Biscan. 2002/3 could have been Liverpool’s season, Arsenal tamely surrendered the title after a strong start due to defensive instabilities and the arrival of Pascal Cygan to English football, seeing Man United win the title by default despite being far from their imperious best.

Looking at Rafa’s existing track record in the transfer market Liverpool fans shouldn’t be too alarmed. He has mainly succeeded in his dealings, and the occasional hiccups have been almost as quickly despatched as they were signed. With the youthful international defenders Jan Kromkamp (Holland) and Daniel Agger (Denmark) already snapped up and the potential for more signings yet to come, Liverpool fans have every reason to be cheerful. After all there can’t be another Titi Camara out there, or can there?

Sam Cullen
15 January 2006