Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/cqAgTy #

00:56 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/a6hFkK #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/cmxhgg #

00:23 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/cLbfIN #sqf #

18:14 England: Who will Fabio axe to make his perfect 23?: That’s the question we all want to know and on Tuesday we... bit.ly/927xM0 #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

England: Who will Fabio axe to make his perfect 23?

That’s the question we all want to know and on Tuesday we will finally discover who the Italian has charged with bringing home the World Cup. Capello has claimed he already has 20 names pencilled in for his final squad, leaving just three places up for grabs, but who will be the unlucky ones watching the greatest show on earth with us back in England?

Here are the seven names who I think Fabio will axe to make his perfect 23.

The first player for me who will miss out is Stephen Warnock. The Aston Villa defender has had a great season at Villa Park but has failed to push himself firmly into Fabio’s plans. And with Ashley Cole returning to fitness and Everton’s Leighton Baines presenting more attacking endeavour I think Warnock will be watching the competition at home like most of us.

The next player who I think will miss the cut is Sunderland marksman Darren Bent. Although he was given a chance to shine against Japan I think Capello has had his four main strikers in his mind for a while. Rooney is pivotal to England’s chances and will be on that plane no matter what. Then you have the aerial ability of Peter Crouch, the physical strength of Emile Heskey and the predatory instincts of Jermain Defoe. Bent was always going to find it hard to break into that pack but I think the experience will serve him well for future campaigns.

Bent will be joined back in Blighty by his former Spurs colleague Tom Huddlestone. The 23-year-old has played a blinder for Tottenham as they clinched fourth spot in the Premier League. He can ping 60-yard passes with ease and has the strength to hold players off, however he is not the quickest and his inexperience may count against him. He could well be back in contention for the 2012 European championships though.

The return of Jamie Carragher to the international fold has really put the cat amongst the pigeons defensively. The Liverpool stalwart was persuaded by Capello to come out of retirement and that must spell bad news for at least two central defenders, particularly as the 2005 Champions League winner can cover as right-back. With that in mind I think West Ham’s Matthew Upson and Tottenham’s Michael Dawson will be the ones to miss out. Upson has been in the international set-up for a while but his form for the Hammers this season is hardly worthy of a World Cup berth. As for Dawson, like Huddlestone, I think the World Cup has come too soon for him. He has been outstanding at White Hart Lane this season but Capello has yet to give him a start, which looks very telling.

In midfield England have a plethora of attacking talent in Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joe Cole and Adam Johnson. However, at least one of these players will miss out. Adam Johnson was a surprise inclusion in Fabio’s 30-man squad but reports suggest that the Manchester City man has been the star performer in training and his form in the latter half of the season has been superb so I’d be shocked if he wasn’t going to South Africa. As for the rest, they all face a battle to win over the Italian. There is a huge debate over whether Walcott deserves to go or not. His club form has been patchy and his final ball has led to many an Arsenal fan tearing out their hair but when he’s on song, as he was against Croatia, then he is unstoppable. Blinding pace and the ability to get to the byline make him a useful player and he would be great deployed as an impact player, but when was the last time he really produced the goods?

Nearer the end of the season Chelsea’s Joe Cole started to show the form that made him one of the most exciting English talents growing up but Fabio has concerns about his hunger. However, I’d include him in my squad as his experience and ability to do something unique sets him apart from the rest.

Aaron Lennon, like Walcott, has suffered with injuries this season but his final ball has improved no end when he has played and his link-up play with Defoe and Crouch could be crucial. He was given a chance against Japan to prove his worth but didn’t make the most of it in a disappointing game all round.

Then we have Shaun Wright-Phillips. His form at Manchester City has been sketchy and there have been question marks about whether or not Mancini actually wants him at Eastlands. He missed out on the 2006 squad for Germany and I think he may be overlooked again.

The last person to miss out for me would be Michael Carrick. He may have a number of winner’s medals in his trophy cabinet at home and play for one of the biggest names in world football but I don’t think he offers anything special. He is a wonderful passer of the ball but Lampard and Gerrard can do a similar job and much more. In my opinion, with doubts still remaining over Gareth Barry I would opt for the combative West Ham captain Scott Parker. He is a bundle of energy and his full-blooded challenges would inspire and galvanise the fans and team-mates, something that Carrick cannot do. However, Parker has failed to play any part of Fabio’s friendly plans and that may signal that the former Newcastle United and Chelsea man’s World Cup dreams are over.

Fabio could produce a shock or two by leaving out some high-profile players. Steven Gerrard has reportedly broken down twice in training this past week and didn’t look too comfortable at the end of the Japan game while Rio Ferdinand has missed huge chunks of the season with a back injury. Joe Cole isn’t assured of his position, nor is Theo Walcott, and Gareth Barry, although he is improving daily, may not be given the all clear by the doctors.

However, the players who I think Fabio will leave out are Warnock, Bent, Huddlestone, Upson, Dawson, Wright-Phillips and Parker, although personally I would love to see Parker given the nod over Carrick, but who would you leave at home and why? I’d love to hear from you.

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/9IERfF #

23:57 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/bpM5wK #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/dsnYFs #

00:38 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/aWhFuZ #sqf #

09:38 Fabregas has an itch - can Arsenal scratch it and retain him?: Many players seem to reach a point when they wa... bit.ly/c92Uzd #sqf #

10:40 sqF Mailbag: Sorry about the Villa/Silva typo.

Villa and Messi seem certain starters up front and assuming that B... bit.ly/9NXqX8 #

10:40 sqF Mailbag: David Villa at Barca, not David Silva.

Toure has already said he is not interested in a move to Arse... bit.ly/9K1iRc #

11:21 Why sponsor #ManUtd ? bit.ly/ce0iKY #

13:30 Although #ManUtd would pass the UEFA 'debt test' currently, that is only on the back of an unrepeatable £80m sale of Ronaldo. Mired. #

13:37 Debts at #Liverpool are £351m the owners won't sell for less; as 'football creditors' their money is safe. #

13:39 Will #Arsenal be this summers #Spurs and hang on for the best price for Fabregas - and leave it too late to replace him? #

15:32 #ManUtd debts are more than the debts of every English club forced into administration in the past 140 years put together. #

15:47 @therealfacup There is nothing too generic and lo-fi for me! Especially since Rik Mayall's 'song' tweeted about kissing me last night #

15:48 @therealfacup Will review/weep/facepalm/endure another batch of 6 or 7 songs over the weekend. #

17:22 #ff @therealfacup @twittinisti @aliverpoolthing @muscsa @nobleengland @tiathar @mcdonaldtaf @darrenphillipsj @paul_tomkins (via @ffhelper) #

17:27 Using FollowFridayHelper app to send #FollowFriday, #ThankYou and other tweets based on my tweet history! FollowFridayHelper.com #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Fabregas has an itch - can Arsenal scratch it and retain him?

Many players seem to reach a point when they want to move on - and when the good ones want to move there are only so many viable destinations. High profile recent examples of players who wanted moves include Cristiano Ronaldo who got his dream move to Real Madrid last summer and Thierry Henry who got his Barcelona call a couple of years earlier. So in some ways a move to Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas has an air of inevitability about it now that Fabregas has indicated a desire to move - if not yet a willingness to hand in a transfer request.

His comments that he is ready to let Arsene Wenger deal with the matter did sound like the comments of a man who is unhappy with having to shoulder the responsibility of the transfer - and that he would rather it was sorted out without him having to burn bridges. The old fashioned idea of not holding on to players who want to leave still holds - so what can Arsenal do?

Well the most obvious answer is to hold out for as much money as possible. This could be described as the Tottenham Gambit. When Spurs usually delay selling a player to Manchester United until they've wrung every last penny out of the deal. The fact is that this rarely leaves enough time to recruit a replacement and can derail an entire season.

Perhaps a cleverer ploy would be to loan Fagregas to Barcelona instead.

If Fabregas is intent on going, let him go and in return ask the Catalan club to loan a couple of players in the opposite direction with the intention of negotiating the transfer over the course of the season. With David Villa now at Camp Nou there is every chance that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be available (some people reckon he had a disastrous season but 16 league goals in a season when he often on the bench is not a bad return); and Yaya Toure is known to be available.

A swap loan deal that would see Toure and Ibrahimovic arrive at the Emirates and Fabregas given his shot at La Liga would strengthen Arsenal's squad, reduce the tension of an overhanging transfer and allow Wenger to concentrate on getting in a new goalkeeper and a centre-half.

During his year in Spain Fabregas would probably be fighting for a place with Iniesta and Xavi - not a battle that is certainly winnable. And unless Barca go mad they will certainly want one defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation. If Fabregas becomes indespensible then his value will rise and either Iniesta or Xavi may become surplus to requirements as a result - if not he could return to Arsenal a more complete player ready to prove himself again and with an itch scratched.

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/dkoKwP #

23:50 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:54 Squaref... bit.ly/arOyRV #sqf #

10:35 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #13 - England - Dulwich Ukulele Club - There May Be Glory bit.ly/9WfD5c #

10:49 sqF Mailbag: On Facebook there is the first minute of the song and on YouTube there is some coverage of the making... bit.ly/aVuwyY #

10:49 sqF Mailbag: OK Richard, Ill review the Dulwich Ukulele Club song! bit.ly/chFRiD #

11:01 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #13 - England - Dulwich Ukulele Club - There May Be Glory: This reworking of '... bit.ly/bbX0Nj #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #13 - England - Dulwich Ukulele Club - There May Be Glory

This reworking of 'Let's Face The Music And Dance' with a football theme from the Dulwich Ukelele Club is a lovely summery tune that glides along without resistance. The lyrics are somewhat predictable, but that is fine for a fun song that is not trying to break any moulds. I wasn't expecting to find two ukelele based England songs - is the instrument as particularly English as the desire for a second star on our shirt? Quite possibly.

Band: Dulwich Ukulele Club
Song: There May Be Glory
Best Line: Let's face the whole world and dance.

*Do you like this song? Are there any other World Cup songs we should look at - from England or any other country? Let us know!

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:54 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:31 Squaref... bit.ly/bgJkgy #sqf #

10:00 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #12 - England - The Get - Come on England bit.ly/cvmPaQ #

10:03 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #12 - England - The Get - Come on England: A punk style effort with a no-cost ... bit.ly/90nXPF #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #12 - England - The Get - Come on England

A punk style effort with a no-cost video cut-and-pasted from a Google image search by the look of it. Simple lyrics and instrumentals give this a very cut-down feel. Never quite sure if yet another song that has the lyric 'Come on England' at its core is worth reviewing, but this is a decent effort. Better than the Rik Mayall song.

Singer: The Get
Song: Come On England
Best Line: Come On England, Show Your English Heart, Fight With All Your Might, Show Your English Pride!

*Do you like this song? Are there any other World Cup songs we should look at - from England or any other country? Let us know!

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:31 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/squarefootball-diary-23.html #

23:33 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 00:19 Squaref... bit.ly/ctf99i #sqf #

11:09 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #11 - England - DiamondFormation - SexyFootballBack/England bit.ly/cAzLgo #

11:17 sqF Mailbag: Hey sqf, have you heard SexyFootballBack/England by DiamondFormation? Touting itself as Englands gra... bit.ly/d2onbn #

11:17 sqF Mailbag: I think bayern will beat Inter 1-0 because Munich have the greatest team in decisive games like this one bit.ly/d0cnSu #

11:44 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #11 - England - DiamondFormation - SexyFootballBack/England: Another good song... bit.ly/aoOyLH #sqf #

12:18 sqF Mailbag: Good song, now reviewed. bit.ly/c9DUZh #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #11 - England - DiamondFormation - SexyFootballBack/England

Another good song this time recommended by our reader, SexyFootballBack (the song not the reader), is a jaunty indie style sing-a-long that knows its history. Good lyrics delivered in a melancholy style like: "His English is pigeon.. We'll never know if he'd have stuck Wayne Bridge in" make it a song that is actually worth listening to to the very end - although the high point of the video is clearly the Beckham-esque top corner free-kick done with Subbuteo; which is far harder than any spectacular goal scored on a games console. Highly recommended.

Singer: DiamondFormation
Song: SexyFootballBack/England
Best Line: Its the World in Motion, the WAGS on tour, its the diamond formation, when the 3 lions roar.

*Do you like this song? Are there any other World Cup songs we should look at - from England or any other country? Let us know!

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

00:19 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/ahiKvK #sqf #

14:38 RT @optajoe: 68 - Since 2000, England have won 68% of their matches when Steven Gerrard has played, compared to just 38% without him. Vital. #

15:42 When this Nigerian contacted #Arsenal to buy shares, was it based on an inheritance that he got after a plane crash? bit.ly/9rAHBk #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/squarefootball-diary-21.html #

00:10 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/cNVTwm #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/aO9OIX #

23:43 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:31 Squaref... bit.ly/a98OTr #sqf #

17:16 Congratulations to Ian Holloway and Blackpool - oh I do like to be beside the seaside!! #

17:22 The Manchester United War of Words bit.ly/cuqHi5 <-- The Glazer family PR machine is somewhat clunky and ineffectual. #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:31 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/squarefootball-diary-19.html #

23:38 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:31 Squaref... bit.ly/aHQHGE #sqf #

00:39 Get on side and sport your colours for Shelter this World Cup: Shelter is calling on people across the country... bit.ly/aDcWlD #sqf #

10:00 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #10 - Holland - Gerrit & de Kokosnoten - Holland gaat aan Kop bit.ly/abCLzq #

10:24 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #10 - Holland - Gerrit & de Kokosnoten - Holland gaat aan Kop: Maybe its becau... bit.ly/axGoTm #sqf #

12:04 £20m for James Milner? £30m for Cesc Fabregas? Did I imagine reading that 25% of season ticket holders will now stop going due to cost? #

14:27 If Inter wi #

14:28 If Inter win the CL final it will be Milan's 10th title (7 Milan, 3 Inter) making it the most successful EC city ahead of Madrid (9) #

15:00 Our opinions on how the Inter vs Bayern Munich CL Final will go bit.ly/9jnkyR #

15:29 Our opinions on how the Inter vs Bayern Munich CL Final will go: The Champions' League final is bereft of eith... bit.ly/cG6z4t #sqf #

16:30 #ff @mcdonaldtaf @therealfacup @paul_tomkins @darrenphillipsj (via @ffhelper) #

17:09 sqF Mailbag: hello i think watching england win again is a really good song..plus when i added gaylord vincent as ... bit.ly/bLvXsq #

18:11 sqF Mailbag: Really? bit.ly/bSFzbj #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Our opinions on how the Inter vs Bayern Munich CL Final will go

The Champions' League final is bereft of either an English or a Spanish team for only the third time in a decade; in the last ten seasons there have been six Spanish finalists (Valencia x 2, Real Madrid x 2, Barcelona x 2) and six English finalists (Manchester United x 2, Liverpool x 2, Chelsea, Arsenal) - so the first Germany vs Italy final since Borussia Dortmund beat Juventus 3-1 in 1997 will be a pleasant change.

Last 10 finals:

99/00   Real Madrid         3-0 Valencia
00/01   Bayern München      1-1 Valencia                   [aet, 5-4 pen]
01/02   Real Madrid         2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
02/03   Milan               0-0 Juventus                   [aet, 3-2 pen]
03/04   Porto               3-0 Monaco
04/05   Liverpool           3-3 Milan                      [aet, 3-2 pen]
05/06   Barcelona           2-1 Arsenal
06/07   Milan               2-1 Liverpool
07/08   Manchester United   1-1 Chelsea                    [aet, 6-5 pen]
08/09   Barcelona           2-0 Manchester United

We've canvassed our prediction panel, and the vast majority are going for an Inter Milan win that would make a tenth title for Milan (7 Milan, 3 Inter) - making it the most successful European Cup city ahead of Madrid.

Sue Gardener: Bayern Munich v Inter Milan...toughie this one but think I'll go with 2-3 Inter Milan, why?? Well just going with who I think will win it rather than anything else, though the "special one" may feel his nose has been pushed out at the moment. Wonder why????

Dan Taylor: Bayern vs Inter 1-3

Chris Cox: Bayern Munich v Inter Milan 0 - 1 Inter know what they are doing and Bavern aren't good enough to stop them.

Peter Rendle: Bayern v Inter - close game could go either way by I think Inter have got the edge and will get two in hard fought tussle. 0-2 Milan.

Tony Ratton: Bayern Munich v Inter Milan 1.2

Dave Blackburn: This could go all the way to pens. I will stick my neck out and say 1-1 after 90 mins and extra time and Inter to win on pens. I don't think it will be an open game, very tactical and very tight. Jose will just shade it and show he is the master tactician. Don't get me wrong, Bayern did very well to beat United but over one game I think they will be 2nd best. It won't be a final for the purist, i.e if Barcelona had been there.

Andy Wakeman: This is a close call but Mourinho is a winner and the “special one” will once again prove just how special he is. Inter were pretty comfortable in beating Barca in the semi final and I think that tactically and psychologically he will get his team in the right frame of mind to win. Inter 2-0

Don McMahon: This one is very difficult to call but on Inter's league,cup and CL form I'd say they take it 1-0. It could go to extra halves and even penalties but I doubt that. Inter defend better than Bayern and have a more solid team.

Colin Illingworth: Bayern Munich 1 Inter Milan 2 This was supposed to be a repeat of last year's Champions League final wasn't it. Well that's what Manchester United and Barcelona fans thought before they were dumped out of the competition by Bayern and Inter. Mourniho's men have demonstrated their defensive skills time and time again while Bayern never know when they are beat. Jose has his eyes on a second Champions League medal and, like my missus says, it's hard not to fancy the special one.

Antony Melvin: I'm going with Bayern Munich on a hunch that Inter players will be expecting this to be easy by comparison to the Barcelona games, and will relax a touch as a result. Bayern may be feeling a bit aggrieved at the Ribery suspension and will certainly start as underdogs - a situation that may well suit the team. Bayern Munich 1 Inter Milan 0

*So that's our predictions - how do you think it will go?

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #10 - Holland - Gerrit & de Kokosnoten - Holland gaat aan Kop

Maybe its because its in Dutch, but a nonsense football song is much more fun if you can't really understand it! This is a chirpy little number, with the words on screen to sing along to (and surprisingly easy to translate!) and bounces along for a couple of minutes and then stops. None of the nonsense about archive footage that spoils so many of the English songs, just a song you can wave your beer glass along to while professing to be best mates with all and sundry.

Singer: Gerrit & de Kokosnoten
Song: Holland gaat aan Kop
Best Line: We juichen en we springen, Want Holland gaat aan kop!

*Do you like this song? Are there any other World Cup songs we should look at - from England or any other country? Let us know!

Get on side and sport your colours for Shelter this World Cup

In celebration of this year's FIFA World Cup, housing and homelessness charity Shelter are teaming up with Nationwide Building Society, Official England Team sponsor, to launch their fantastic footy fundraiser, Strip4Shelter.

Shelter is asking people across the country to replace their regular work gear with their club side or national team's strip during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, starting on 11 June, and support the charity by making a donation.

In the 90 minutes it takes to play a football match, over 39 households are threatened with homelessness. Money raised from Strip4Shelter will go a long way to support the work Shelter does with thousands of households struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

England captain Rio Ferdinand said: "I'm calling on the British public to not only get involved and support the team this summer, but also to get behind the Strip4Shelter fundraising campaign."

Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright added: "Join me in dressing up in a football kit for one day this summer, and help Shelter work towards a brighter future for homeless and badly housed people across the country."

There are loads of ways to get involved this summer: why not organise a World Cup sweepstake or a 5-a-side football tournament at work, or hold a World Cup party in the canteen and ask for donations to watch a match during work hours?

Shelter Chief Executive Campbell Robb said: "We are asking football fans following the World Cup to get on side with Shelter and strip down to their kits this summer. Every year, Shelter sees thousands of families across the country that are homeless or living in inadequate housing; bad housing conditions can affect a child's health, education and future prospects, but with your support we can end bad housing for the next generation of children."

For more information, fundraising ideas and free materials, including posters, please visit www.shelter.org.uk/strip4shelter

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:31 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/squarefootball-diary-18.html #

23:47 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/bYA80F #sqf #

00:55 sqF Mailbag: Ive scheduled a review of Lace Up Your Boots for Thursday - which may well be my favourite to date. bit.ly/a7B9Af #

00:55 sqF Mailbag: England World Cup demo Song Lace Up Your Boots. bit.ly/dynK1U #

10:00 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #6 - England - Joe Harley - Lace up your boots (and bring it home) bit.ly/b2ScS1 #

10:29 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #6 - England - Joe Harley - Lace up your boots (and bring it home): Quite like... bit.ly/a5ZFZF #sqf #

10:45 sqF Mailbag: I have to be honest, I really like that song. Slightly old fashioned, but then so was Amarillo and we... bit.ly/br1h2r #

11:00 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #7 - England - Denise Happy Mondays - Come On England bit.ly/9TUDbM #

11:32 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #7 - England - Denise Happy Mondays - Come On England: Not sure where to start... bit.ly/aVn5qS #sqf #

11:58 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #8 - England - The Skatoons - The World Cup's Waiting for you bit.ly/cJ1K3N #

12:33 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #8 - England - The Skatoons - The World Cup's Waiting for you: This is more li... bit.ly/a1LyJQ #sqf #

13:10 RT @optajoe: 228 - R Benitez has managed Liverpool for exactly the same no. of PL games as G Houllier, with a win % of 55% to Houllier's 49% #

13:16 @paul_tomkins 'Goal Involvement' - good thinking, offering content well beyond the norm is good for subscribers. #

13:34 The coalition Gov has promised a referendum if 1m voters petition on a single issue; compulsory shareholdings for fan groups? #

14:15 Coalition programme for government: We will encourage the reform of football governance rules to support ... #

14:17 ... the co-operative ownership of football clubs by supporters." Not enough for me: 25% for all supporters trusts. bit.ly/bxei0g #

14:46 sqF Mailbag: I think if I had a few beers in my belly, and in a pub, I would probably jump up and down. The Cliff ... bit.ly/aLqMjZ #

14:46 sqF Mailbag: yes i think Riks song is the best one ever... ... bit.ly/9nNKeO #

15:38 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #9 - Chenille Steele - Come On You Lions bit.ly/a0hiOl #

15:41 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #9 - England- Chenille Steele - Come On You Lions bit.ly/a0hiOl #

16:25 Since Fergie was appointed at #ManUtd 969 managers have been sacked in English football bit.ly/djm0yh #

16:37 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #9 - England- Chenille Steele - Come On You Lions: Pole dancer from 'Secrets' ... bit.ly/bb0jl4 #sqf #

16:39 @mcdonaldtaf Is this research (on EPL owner investment) or is there a single source for the numbers? #

16:49 sqF Mailbag: Hi Guys,

I liked your stuff really, Tels song is just retro 1972 Glam Rock Magic! Now were are me Pl... bit.ly/a3wCTU #

17:00 @mcdonaldtaf cheers. #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #9 - England- Chenille Steele - Come On You Lions

Pole dancer from 'Secrets' Gentlemans' Club breathily talks about kiss-n-tells with Frank Lampard, 'shagging-out' Ronaldo and so on is what should be a man-friendly internet meme by now. But as everyone is wearing a bikini with a big t-shirt over the top, this is less titilating that the average RnB video. Amusing for the best part of 10 seconds, once you realise that this is really more chaste than the average episode of 'Lewis' you are left with a tuneless Sex-and-the-City type dirge and some pretty, but overdressed strippers. I'm sorry, but I'd rather have the half a shandy offered by the voiceover-man-who-sounds-a-bit-like-Stringfellow-or-Vic-Reeves than buy this. Or two curly-wurlies.

Singer: Chenille Steele
Song: Come On You Lions
Best Line: Fabio told the team as a bonus, I'd take the whole bloody team up the bum!

*Do you like this song? Are there any other World Cup songs we should look at - from England or any other country? Let us know!

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #8 - England - The Skatoons - The World Cup's Waiting for you

This is more like it! A good fun ska track that bounds along with a catchy (if obvious) chorus. Very reminiscent of Madness in the early 1980s, but properly produced and one of the few songs I've reviewed so far that wasn't compiled by someone in marketing trying to tick a series of boxes. Easily the best to date.

Band: The Skatoons
Song: The World Cup's Waiting for you
Best Line: Maradona, with your hand of god, we don't want cheats in this squad

*Do you like this song? Are there any other unofficial England songs we should look at - or songs from other countries? Let us know!

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #7 - England - Denise Happy Mondays - Come On England

Not sure where to start on this one. It's a cover of Dexy's Midnight Runners School Disco dance floor filler 'Come On Eileen' - and although Denise has a great voice I do hope she got paid up front and isn't relying on royalties. The original song is perfect for a terrace chant. This cover, sadly, isn't.

Band: Denise Happy Mondays
Song: Come On England
Best Line: Now we're having tea, you can eat our bread and strawberry jam

*Do you like this song? Are there any other unofficial England songs we should look at - or songs from other countries? Let us know!

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #6 - England - Joe Harley - Lace up your boots (and bring it home)

Quite like this song which is lyrically different to the usual 'come on england' type chorus. The song is in a Billy Bragg style, with the vocals way in front of a simple guitar / drum backing. Not very chantable, but sung in a melancholic style its pretty memorable - and the video picture of a knackered Vauxhall Maestro was a subtle touch!

Band: Joe Harley
Song: Lace up your boots (and bring it home)
Best Line: I'll be eating spaghetti when England win the World Cup

*Do you like this song? Are there any other unofficial England songs we should look at - or songs from other countries? Let us know!

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/b1S6gZ #

00:06 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:31 Squaref... bit.ly/dnpPS9 #sqf #

10:01 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #3 - England - Gaylord Vincent and The Sweet FA Choir - Watching England W... bit.ly/cst7Yq #

10:46 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #3 - England - Gaylord Vincent and The Sweet FA Choir - Watching England Win A... bit.ly/bE0W98 #sqf #

11:07 #ManUtd have paid £87m per year (£437m to date) to fund Glazer takeover bit.ly/dvNgRq - Ronaldo last year, Rooney this? #

11:08 @therealfacup These spammy friends #

11:11 RT @therealfacup: Anyone else getting followed by WorldCupEveryBloodyTeamName - too many spam twitters, am writing an app to get rid of them #

11:16 @therealfacup To be honest its accounts like @Beautiful_Game that really irritate me - start off about football and then morph into spam #

11:18 @therealfacup 'WorldCupEngllnd'! LOL. Even WorldCupIngerland would have been better [scrambles to add account] #

11:20 RT @Goonersweb: No offers for Fabregas ... #Arsenal have yet to receive an offer ... <- Yeah because the clubs are always first to know #

11:23 RT @FanUnited: Gill: Season Ticket Sales As Normal bit.ly/91HMqD <- and its sunny* and theres no debt and plenty of transfer money #

15:20 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #4 - England - Cliff Portwood & England 1966 World Cup Squad - Up There O'England bit.ly/9qa4Xw #

15:36 sqF Mailbag: OK, Ill review that one. bit.ly/aGrLBu #

15:36 sqF Mailbag: A good song, but there are others that are better.

I saw this one this morning which I really like.... bit.ly/c8BhOA #

15:52 @therealfacup Dear god? That's the best one yet! Have you heard the Rik Mayall song? #

16:11 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #5 - England - Rik Mayall - Noble England: Another venture that has had some s... bit.ly/aPy8zH #sqf #

17:18 @mcdonaldtaf I read that last gasp Villa bid story - and it just said 'an English club, but not #Chelsea ' - what about #ManCity ? #

17:19 @therealfacup Will be doing any country that I can find a song for! #

17:22 @mcdonaldtaf LOL #Liverpool and #ManUtd - brothers in debt - I'll wait for the 'Bank of Mum and Dad' to bail them both out. #

17:25 @mcdonaldtaf I am expecting #ManUtd to once more 'not find any value in the market' and bid for players 'who have decided to go elsewhere' #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #5 - England - Rik Mayall - Noble England

Another venture that has had some some money thrown at it sees Rik Mayall (he of Young Ones and Bottom fame) come over all Henry V in managing a pub table football team to a famous victory; although the video is not as funny as that summary may have sounded.

There's a pub rock backing to match the theme and Mayall gets to amusingly mangle lines from Shakespeare's take on HV's battles at Agincourt and Harfleur whilst gurning his way through the track. I watched an episode of Bottom on Dave a couple of nights ago - it was far more coherent and entertaining than this.

Band: Rik Mayall
Song: Noble England
Best Line: Cry god and win for England and St George

*Do you like this song? Are there any other unofficial England songs we should look at - or songs from other countries? Let us know!

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #4 - England - Cliff Portwood & England 1966 World Cup Squad - Up There O'England

An old song (the chorus features England 1966 squad players) that has been remastered and re-released. A very laid back tune in the style of 'Back Home' but without the same discernable hook. According to the blurb some of the players involved were Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Ray Wilson, Roger Hunt, Martin Peters, Gordon Banks and Alan Ball, presumably the others were too drunk/sober.

Band: Cliff Portwood & England 1966 World Cup Squad
Song: Up There O'England
Best Line: Do whatever turns you on!

*Do you like this song? Are there any other unofficial England songs we should look at - or songs from other countries? Let us know!

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #3 - England - Gaylord Vincent and The Sweet FA Choir - Watching England Win Again

A slight departure for England World Cup songs this one, with a folksy, Country and Western tune and far too many lyrics this is almost like listening to a real song. I quite like the song itself, but it has far too many beats per minute to be chanted on a terrace (if you can find a terrace) and the rhyme scans are not obvious enough to suggest that it will be a big hit.

Band: Gaylord Vincent and The Sweet FA Choir
Song: Watching England Win Again
Best Line: Good ball control is nothing new.

*Do you like this song? Are there any other unofficial England songs we should look at - or songs from other countries? Let us know!

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:31 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/squarefootball-diary-16.html #

01:21 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/d6id1J #sqf #

12:56 sqF Mailbag: the reporter wants carmen electra in his bed ..thats a done deal ! bit.ly/9flbkp #

14:07 #WestHam want Avram Grant. Does he have experience of managing a relegation threatened, debt ridden club with maddening owners? #

14:51 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs - England - Alfie St George - Come Follow Me bit.ly/aNLmMv #

15:18 sqF Mailbag: Didnt like this much, have you guys checked out Tel Boys World Cup Song England its Your Time! Ha... ... bit.ly/9E6MOR #

15:18 Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs - England - Alfie St George - Come Follow Me: Alfie St George's 'Come Follow M... bit.ly/c9y9kc #sqf #

17:47 An England team not going to South Africa: The England preliminary squad of 30 players has been named, but the... bit.ly/axzGN8 #sqf #

17:48 sqF Mailbag: Will do - is it the one in the advert where theres something like a celeb choir in front of him. El ... bit.ly/9nka6f #

21:19 sqF Mailbag: Cheers Gill, you are entitled to your opinion! but do you have a link to the Tel Boy song so we can a... bit.ly/bqGubX #

Posted using LoudTwitter

An England team not going to South Africa

The England preliminary squad of 30 players has been named, but there are at least two more teams that could have been made up of players that for one reason or another probably felt they would be going to South Africa at some point of the season.

Ben Foster - Man United / Birmingham
Foster played back-to-back internationals six months ago but his club form fell away and he was dropped by Manchester United and subsequent lack of opportunities at club level certainly cost him his place in the 30 man squad. Poised for a £6m move to Birmingham City this week - if he had made that move a year ago he could well have gone to South Africa as England's number one.

Wes Brown - Man United
Another injury riddled season for Brown may have put paid to his last chance for a major tournament. He played the full match for England in the last game they played so he must have expected to make the 30 man squad at least.

Joleon Lescott - Man City
When he made his £24m switch from Everton to Manchester City to become the second most expensive England defender at the start of the season Lescott must have assumed that his star was rising. But indifferent form and niggling injuries pushed him away from contention months ago.

Sol Campbell - Arsenal
Many pundits were touting the Arsenal man to make the sentimental leap from League Two Notts County to the World Cup with England. But the big man has lost his pace, if not his power, and there are more than a few admirers of the former Tottenham man who are glad he's not going to South Africa for fear of how he might get found out.

Wayne Bridge - Man City
Team Bridge or Team Terry? Once the now former England captain lost control of his belt buckle whilst popping round for some milk, or something, Bridge was always going to be upset. His club form barely justifies an international inclusion in any event.

Ashley Young - Aston Villa
Seemed a certain England star a year ago, with blistering pace and ball control he seemed a perfect left-sided attacker. But links from clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool are suddenly absent as Young has had a frustrating season in a low-scoring Villa side.

Paul Scholes - Man United
Was offered a place in the England squad by Capello, but once again turned it down - this time to coach kids in Florida next month. Scholes is committed to moving into coaching children but his willingness to reject England still shocked some pundits - if not his manager. Something of a pity as his calmness and passing ability would have been useful in South Africa.

Owen Hargreaves - Man United
England's best player at the 2006 tournament was touted as a player who could come back despite only playing 30 seconds of football in the last 18 months. Are England really that desperate for holding midfielders?

David Beckham - LA Galaxy
Achilles snappage during his loan spell at Milan has probably ended Beckham's England career, as a player at least, and any hope he had of passing Peter Shilton's cap record.

Bobby Zamora - Fulham
But for repeatedly playing with injections, Zamora would have been in the preliminary 30 man squad with a shot at the final 23 man squad. But given Zamora's all-round improvement this season he could yet get an England cap or two.

Carlton Cole - West Ham
Ousting Michael Owen from even the possibles team, is Carlton Cole, who also played in March against Egypt to win his seventh cap in the last year. Even though Cole's caps were all from the bench, he must have been expecting a place in the preliminary squad at the very least - like Zamora though, he has been struggling through injury lately.

Subs: Paul Robinson, Phil Jagielka, Johnathan Woodgate, Gary Neville, Stewart Downing, Gabby Agbonlahor, Kevin Davies, David Bentley, Michael Owen.

Recently used players from EnglandFootballOnline.com.

Who have I missed that could have gone to South Africa, but missed out on the 30 man squad? Let me know!

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #2 - England - Alfie St George - Come Follow Me

Alfie St George's 'Come Follow Me' is released on 18 May (today as it happens) as the annoying advert that repeatedly pops up during the YouTube video points out. The song has a summery, Stock, Aitken and Waterman feel to it and features a toothy singer and both fat and nubile England clad video extras. Looks like a few quid have been spent on the video including a bit of green screening - but the song is a bit dull.

Band: Alfie St George
Song: Come Follow Me
Best line: Aint no lions gonna sleep tonight

*Do you like this song? Are there any other unofficial England songs we should look at - or songs from other countries? Let us know!

Prediction Panel Commentary Season 2009/10

As the English season finishes with Chelsea as League and Cup double winners, Manchester United left with the consolation of the League Cup and League runners-up we can look at the prediction panel's success over the past season. All the pundits mentioned below predicted at least 250 league games to derive these accuracy percentages - and weren't allowed to pick and choose during individual weeks which games looked more predictable.

On average the least predictable team this season was Everton, last season it was Tottenham; although both may well expect to be threatening 70 points next season. The most predictable teams are generally the very good or very bad ones, and for the past two seasons the Champion team has been the most predictable (especially as they generally win about 70% of their games).

We are looking for some new pundits for next season, as we have lost some panelists and we look to have at least one panelist from each club to provide some balance. Get in touch if you are interested - especially fans of Villa, Birmingham, Blackburn, Chelsea, Fulham, Man City, Wigan and Blackpool or Cardiff - and I'll let you know the score.

Correct Results, 2009/10 Season
The big competition saw Chris Cox as clearly the best pundit a clear 3% ahead of fast finishing Squarefootball Editor, Antony Melvin, who was the best pundit on the final weekend picking 8 out of the 10 results correctly. Last year's winner Dave Blackburn was pushed into third place. The pre-season target of an average of 50% of results being picked correctly was missed by 1%.

% Pundit
54 Chris Cox
51 Antony Melvin (sqF)
51 Dave Blackburn
51 Peter Lee
50 Dave Nash
50 Andy Wakeman
49 Peter Rendle
49 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
48 Mark Williams
48 Graham Enwright
48 Dan Taylor
47 Don McMahon
47 Tony Ratton
45 Sue Gardener
45 Colin Illingworth (sqF)
44 Chris Goodwin

Correct Scores, 2009/10 Season
Liverpool fan Mark Williams just outdid Manchester United pundit Peter Lee to pick the most correct scores each week, with Squarefootball editor, Antony Melvin in third. The pre-season target of more than 10% of scores to be correctly picked was exceeded by the regular pundits.

% Pundit
13 Mark Williams
12 Peter Lee
12 Antony Melvin (sqF)
11 Dave Blackburn
11 Peter Rendle
10 Dan Taylor
10 Tony Ratton
10 Dave Nash
10 Andy Wakeman
9 Chris Cox
9 Don McMahon
9 Sue Gardener
8 Graham Enwright
8 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
8 Colin Illingworth (sqF)
7 Chris Goodwin

Top pundits by team (this season)
Chris Cox confirmed his top pundit status by being the most accurate predictor of 7 teams - 3 of them with over 70% accuracy; Squarefootball's Hugh Larkin was the best for three teams.

7 Chris Cox (Arsenal, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Fulham, Manchester United, Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur)
3 Hugh Larkin (Chelsea, Liverpool, Stoke City)
2 Antony Melvin (Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers)
2 Mark Williams (Everton, West Ham United)
2 Peter Rendle (Hull City, Wigan Athletic)
1 Tony Ratton (Aston Villa)
1 Dave Nash (Manchester City)
1 Colin Illingworth (Sunderland)
1 Don McMahon (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

70% accuracy pundits
Three pundits picked over 70% of the results for certain teams correctly over the course of the season.

3 Chris Cox (Arsenal, Manchester United, Portsmouth)
2 Hugh Larkin (Chelsea, Liverpool)
1 Dave Nash (Chelsea)

Insider Knowledge
As usual no-one predicted the team that they support as accurately as supporters of other teams! So three honourable mentions for predicting results far better than anyone else for certain clubs. Peter Rendle picked 59% of Aston Villa's results (second place was 50%); Mark Williams picked 65% of West Ham's results (54% was second) and the biggest spread of all, Hugh Larkin picked 68% of Stoke's results fully 12% clear of any other pundit.

Arsenal
With a stack of home wins every pundit picked 50-70% of Arsenal's results - but some unexpected away performances didn't help.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
70 Chris Cox
68 Graham Enwright
68 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
66 Andy Wakeman
62 Dave Blackburn

Aston Villa
Tricky team to predict and only one regular pundit picked the results of more than half the games correctly.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
59 Tony Ratton
50 Peter Lee
46 Chris Cox
46 Dave Nash
46 Mark Williams

Birmingham City
Tipped by many to struggle, Birmingham were relatively simple to predict as they tended to go on long runs of form.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
66 Antony Melvin (sqF)
62 Dave Nash
60 Mark Williams
52 Peter Lee
48 Dave Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers
A good season for Blackburn who reasonably predictably won at home and lost away, although some big name scalps cost some pundits.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
62 Antony Melvin (sqF)
56 Chris Cox
55 Peter Rendle
55 Tony Ratton
51 Andy Wakeman

Bolton Wanderers
Bolton were struggling for a long time this season, but the upturn after Owen Coyle's arrival was accurately anticipated by the panel.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
58 Chris Cox
58 Antony Melvin (sqF)
57 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
54 Dan Taylor
54 Dave Blackburn

Burnley
Burnley started well and then went into freefall - and as such were largely predictable.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
68 Chris Cox
65 Don McMahon
61 Tony Ratton
60 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
59 Mark Williams

Chelsea
Hugh Larkin and Dave Nash were the best pundit on the champions, exceeding the 'back them to win every game' tactic of many people.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
76 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
72 Dave Nash
69 Andy Wakeman
65 Graham Enwright
64 Dave Blackburn

Everton
Only Liverpool fan, Mark Williams, was able to work out half of Everton's results in a season dogged by injuries.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
50 Mark Williams
45 Dave Blackburn
42 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
41 Andy Wakeman
40 Colin Illingworth (sqF)

Fulham
Chris Cox was the top pundit for the Europa League finalists, who proved tricky when unexpectedly winning games straight after long journeys.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
62 Chris Cox
57 Antony Melvin (sqF)
55 Dave Nash
52 Dave Blackburn
51 Andy Wakeman

Hull City
Relegated Hull were often better than many pundits expected - the final day draw with Liverpool being an example.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
60 Peter Rendle
57 Graham Enwright
51 Andy Wakeman
51 Dan Taylor
51 Tony Ratton

Liverpool
A dreadful season for Liverpool made them tough to pick, so 70% accuracy from Hugh Larkin was impressive.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
70 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
63 Chris Cox
60 Peter Lee
57 Dave Blackburn
57 Dave Nash

Manchester City
The richest club does not yet have a team worthy of the price tag, which fooled a lot of pundits along the way - next season will surely feature more consistent winning form.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
60 Dave Nash
55 Peter Lee
51 Antony Melvin (sqF)
50 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
50 Peter Rendle

Manchester United
With 70% of games won this season, most pundits would have been better served ignoring any other factor.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
73 Chris Cox
69 Dave Blackburn
66 Don McMahon
65 Graham Enwright
65 Hugh Larkin (sqF)

Portsmouth
Another win for Chris Cox picking 70% of the results of doomed Pompey.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
70 Chris Cox
66 Dave Blackburn
66 Don McMahon
66 Peter Lee
64 Antony Melvin (sqF)

Stoke City
Stoke defied second season syndrome, despite patchier late season form - never an easy side to back with certainty except at home.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
68 Hugh Larkin (sqF)
56 Tony Ratton
55 Andy Wakeman
54 Dave Blackburn
53 Chris Cox

Sunderland
Sunderland's season was a bad souffle, crispy on the edges and soggy in the middle - Squarefootball's Colin Illingworth was the only pundit who picked them consistently well.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
59 Colin Illingworth (sqF)
54 Peter Rendle
51 Sue Gardener
47 Andy Wakeman
45 Dave Blackburn

Tottenham Hotspur
The usually unpredictable Spurs are being made boringly accurate by Harry Redknapp, our panel has not quite picked up on this trend yet.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
61 Chris Cox
58 Graham Enwright
55 Antony Melvin (sqF)
52 Peter Lee
51 Dave Nash

West Ham United
West Ham skirted the danger zones of football and finance with very little to spare this season; Mark Williams being the stand-out predictor.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
65 Mark Williams
54 Chris Cox
54 Dave Blackburn
52 Peter Lee
51 Antony Melvin (sqF)

Wigan Athletic
Wigan seemed incapable of stringing results together - either good or bad - so it surprised me that any pundits got over 50% accuracy on their results.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
57 Peter Rendle
53 Chris Cox
52 Don McMahon
51 Antony Melvin (sqF)
51 Colin Illingworth (sqF)

Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves ran Everton close as the least predictable team - only two pundits got their results even half right.

% Name
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
50 Don McMahon
50 Graham Enwright
45 Peter Lee
44 Dan Taylor
43 Colin Illingworth (sqF)

Any thoughts on how to improve the panel for next season, more obvious club loyalties, more analysis, more pundits? Let us know!

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/dAXeIB #

00:03 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/aA0vW7 #sqf #

15:24 Robbo Robson's new blog (he's being axed by the BBC) bit.ly/al3r4Y - I would recommend the podcast! #

16:20 Unofficial England World Cup Songs - UkePunk - Come On England! bit.ly/dBbQDT #

17:08 sqF Mailbag: Id want Lambert because hes a very good manager and was a tremendous player in his days with Celtic. ... bit.ly/a09wvF #

17:08 sqF Mailbag: Finally some 1 with a bit of sense, He is a Rat we dont want Rats at Tottenhan, let him go to the Be... bit.ly/9zR5pR #

17:08 sqF Mailbag: if we can get him for the right price then yes we should bring him back. we have a good midfield but ... bit.ly/9jwfGy #

17:08 sqF Mailbag: My opinion is simple as far as I am concerned. Why spend valuable money on Carrick when we have alrea... bit.ly/aGItps #

17:08 sqF Mailbag: well hes good but no! we need a new left back, centre back and a new right back and a world class mar... bit.ly/9nUtDQ #

17:40 Unofficial England World Cup Songs - UkePunk - Come On England!: Without an official England World Cup song th... bit.ly/9Hv8mR #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Unofficial World Cup 2010 Songs #1 - England - UkePunk - Come On England!

Without an official England World Cup song there are dozens of indie songs flying on to YouTube and MySpace at the moment ready to catch the interest of everyone back home this summer. So with a month to go, to make sure we're on the ball, we're going to keep the world in motion with some reviews of unofficial England songs.

UkePunk's 'Come On England!' is an easy to chant and remember song that ticks all the right boxes for a terrace anthem. UkePunk is fronted by a tattooed ukelele player - not a sentence that is often written, admittedly - but the song is good fun and has an ear worm quality that suggests that it may not wallow in obscurity.

Band: UkePunk
Song: Come On England!
Best Line: Coz one gold star just aint enough.

There is also an earlier version without the polish, which I kind-of prefer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJRCckrwwIw

*Do you like this song? Are there any other unofficial England songs we should look at? Let us know!

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/aFD6a9 #

23:53 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/bhHCjG #sqf #

01:51 sqF Mailbag: So how about Defoe Keane, Kaboul ...... you mug !!!

Carrick was and has been the best central midf... bit.ly/aaSACX #

01:51 sqF Mailbag: Absolutely take him back at a cut price. Half of staying in the top four places is maintaining the w... bit.ly/bT0RC6 #

01:51 sqF Mailbag: Hes not that good anymore, dont need him. End of! bit.ly/d4fMir #

01:51 sqF Mailbag: i wouldnt welcome carrick back, i was glad he left constantly losing posession and too negative, let ... bit.ly/9Wxgcc #

01:51 sqF Mailbag: what we really need is a world class goalscorer and that is not huntelaar who has failed consistantly... bit.ly/9nglIJ #

13:43 sqF Mailbag: In plain English NO! once a rat always a rat, because he hasnt made it as big as he wanted at United,... bit.ly/bqQMFW #

13:43 sqF Mailbag: Amazed that so many rate Hudd better than Carrick. Hudd has great abilty with both feet and is great ... bit.ly/9fk2Ni #

13:43 sqF Mailbag: Spurs were offered the money for Carrick and accepted it. Carrick spoke to Man U and then came back ... bit.ly/aF3TxD #

13:43 sqF Mailbag: I think spurs would welcome back michael carrick but I also think spurs should only look to replace t... bit.ly/bL0VaD #

13:43 sqF Mailbag: Since he left Carrick improved initially, but in the last season has shown that he doesnt have the fi... bit.ly/aoNBFo #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/d2N471 #

23:54 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/a6qQ8I #sqf #

10:30 FA Cup Final: Can Portsmouth spring huge shock against the champions?: The Premier League champions take on th... bit.ly/ainxhF #sqf #

12:44 sqF Mailbag: No Friggen Way, Carrick is a Traitor Traitor are not welcome back at the lane,I would be absolutely ... bit.ly/d2GPU5 #

12:44 sqF Mailbag: i just wish pompey would slash the blues like hell but un fortunately its gona be the other way roun... bit.ly/aP33ht #

12:44 sqF Mailbag: we dont need him really. id rather spend big money on a world class proven goal scorer and a good exp... bit.ly/a4gNFC #

12:44 sqF Mailbag: Buy him if the price is right. Yes, we have Modric, Huddle, Kranjcar, Wilson etc. But if Huddle got i... bit.ly/diVz1O #

12:44 sqF Mailbag: yes carrick and cole but we do need 2 backs to cover for woody and king .but what happened to the st... bit.ly/bmln3i #

13:23 Tottenham Hotspur: Would you welcome Carrick back to the Lane?: Harry Redknapp is going to have a busy summer ... bit.ly/99E0b7 #sqf #

13:44 sqF Mailbag: Sorry but Carrick was no traitor, we took the money, when we could have offered him a better deal lon... bit.ly/aJZdtz #

13:44 sqF Mailbag: No chance, unless he accepts he will only be cover for thudd bit.ly/d9VN6B #

18:44 sqF Mailbag: Joe Cole yes Carrick no. Hudds the much better player. we need to spend the money on a rightback and ... bit.ly/bqGID0 #

18:44 sqF Mailbag: No ..... for two reasons - first: his readiness to chirp every time rednose asked him to - to say Sul... bit.ly/bZMC58 #

18:44 sqF Mailbag: If Carrick returns,what are the chances he will up and leave again.I do not thinnk he is improving an... bit.ly/9Mx3b7 #

18:44 sqF Mailbag: 7-0 and new FA cup final recordbreaker bit.ly/9Y11ZJ #

18:45 sqF Mailbag: Carrick wasnt a traitor. He said he was willing to see out the remaining time on his contract and th... bit.ly/a4RdTn #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Tottenham Hotspur: Would you welcome Carrick back to the Lane?

Harry Redknapp is going to have a busy summer ahead of him as he looks to bolster his squad in preparation for next season’s Champions League demands and one name that has been strongly linked with a move to White Hart Lane is former Spurs midfielder Michael Carrick.

The former Manchester United man looks odds on to be shown the door by Sir Alex Ferguson before the new season gets under way and the Press believe that Redknapp may be interested in bringing him back to the Lane in a cut-price deal. However the gaffer has publicly ruled out such a move, but then he also said that when he took Robbie Keane back so I don’t think it’s entirely out of the question. But the question I’m posing to you Tottenham supporters is; would you welcome the Champions League and three-time Premier League winner back to the Lane?

Carrick is one of the best passers of the ball in the country and you’re more likely to find Carmen Electra in your bed than see the former West Ham man lose possession. However, this past season has been a poor one by his standards and I’ve had Carmen in my bed quite a few times recently - well I like to imagine the Baywatch beauty is there until I roll over and find the usual dragon there snoring like a walrus!

Carrick has been ineffective in the United engine room and it’s a surprise to see him in contention for the World Cup squad. The return of the combative Owen Hargreaves looks like making the Newcastle-born star surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. But do Spurs really need him?

Redknapp already has the likes of the robust Wilson Palacios, the fabulous passing skills of Tom Huddlestone and the creativity of Luka Modric to call on in the middle of the park, not forgetting the up-and-coming Danny Rose and potential return of Jamie O’Hara. What does Carrick offer that Palacios, Huddlestone and Modric can’t? Well he has a glittering medal haul from his four years at Old Trafford and will have learned so much from the likes of Giggs, Scholes and Sir Alex. His experience could be crucial as Spurs try to cement their place as a top four side. Also if Spurs are to build on this season they will need a squad of top players to deal with injuries and suspensions.

Carrick worked with Redknapp during his formative years at Upton Park and if he is suffering from a crisis of confidence then there’s no-one better than Redknapp to get him back to his best.

United signed Carrick in 2006 for a fee in the region of £18 million, including clauses, but Spurs may be able to get him back for half that price, which would be a great piece of business seeing as he will turn 29 at the end of July. However, with the lure of Champions League football attached to joining Spurs now, would you prefer Redknapp looked abroad to bring in somebody younger who has more about them going forward?

There’s no doubt that Carrick is a fabulous striker of the ball but he doesn’t really get stuck in like the Scott Parker’s of this world, attack like the Cesc Fabregas’s or has an engine like Frank Lampard. And with Huddlestone earning rave reviews for his passing qualities, does Harry really want two similar players in the squad? Possibly because like I said earlier you can never have too many top players at your club and this would ensure that the players didn’t rest on their laurels.

Carrick knows the club inside out and he wouldn’t take long to settle back in to life in north London. He wouldn’t cost that much either and he’d increase competition for places. Personally I believe a return to White Hart Lane, at a fee of less than £10 million, would be a great bit of business for all concerned but what do you think?

· Calling all Spurs fans. Would you welcome Carrick back to the Lane? Do you think his title winning and Champions League experience will help the club or would you rather Harry targeted somebody else? Who do you think would improve your midfield for next season’s European demands, Joe Cole? Whatever your view, I’d love to hear from you.

FA Cup Final: Can Portsmouth spring huge shock against the champions?

The Premier League champions take on the Premier League’s basement boys at Wembley in the FA Cup Final this afternoon and most pundits are predicting a walk in the park for the champions. Chelsea will still be buzzing following their empathic 8-0 win over Wigan at the weekend to clinch the title and are huge favourites to claim their first ever double. However, Portsmouth go into the game with nothing to lose. They are millions in debt, will be playing in the Championship next season and it will be the final goodbye for the majority of the first XI.

Portsmouth manager Avram Grant, who was so shabbily treated by Chelsea, will have his boys fired up for this game, but can they stop the attacking threat of Chelsea and produce arguably the biggest cup final shock in history?

For those who are regular readers of squarefootball, you will know that at the weekend we have our special Premier League Prediction Panel – made up of fans who give their score predictions for the vital matches. Well, seeing as it is the FA Cup Final, I’ve contacted a few of our panellists and asked them not only for their score predictions but how they think the game will pan out.

Kicking off proceedings is Portsmouth fan Peter Rendle. Nobody is giving the 2008 winners a hope in hell of defeating the English champions but Peter, who will be watching the game in Australia, is hoping his boys can spring a shock.

“What can I say re Pompey v Chelsea? We've just come off an unjust 1-0 loss at Everton and Chelsea have just thrashed Wigan 8-0. Nah, I cannot put the mockers on my team by going against them so I predict a shock 1-0 win to Portsmouth.”

That view is shared by fellow Portsmouth supporter Dan Taylor who just can’t bet against his own team.

“I am going for a 1-0 win to Portsmouth. I have no faith but I can't predict a loss.”

The biggest FA Cup Final win was in 1903 when Bury hit Derby County for six. However, Wolverhampton Wanderers fan Chris Cox believes that record could be under threat.

“I think it will be Chelsea 5 Portsmouth 0. An embarrassment for Pompey looms . . . This has the potential to end up as the biggest final margin ever.”

This view is echoed by Middlesbrough follower Sue Gardener, who will be locking horns with Portsmouth in the Championship next season.

“I believe Chelsea will run out 3-1 winners against Portsmouth. Chelsea want this one more than Portsmouth do. Their goal this season was to out-do Manchester United and winning the cup will really rub the salt in the Red Devil’s wounds after losing the league title.”

And Bolton Wanderers supporter Dave Blackburn believes Portsmouth require a miracle if they want to win their third FA Cup.

“Sorry to Pompey but I think it will be one game to far. They have done brilliantly against adversity but a team as strong as Chelsea will be too strong and after clinching the title will be out for the double. I really don't think they will cock it up - I know Avram Grant has worked miracles but this will be one miracle too many! It will be Chelsea 3 Portsmouth 0.”

And there’s no let up in the support for Chelsea. West Bromwich Albion fan Andy Wakeman, who will be reacquainting himself with the boys in blue come August, just can’t see Chelsea losing.

“Chelsea will win at a canter. They have better players and will be keen to do the double. Pompey have had a good run and the siege mentality has carried them to the final. However class tells and Chelsea will have far too much for them Chelsea 4-0.”

Fellow panellist and Arsenal fan Don McMahon, who saw his team convincingly turned over by Chelsea this season, believes Portsmouth will score, but not as many as Chelsea in a high scoring cup classic.

“Chelsea will overwhelm Portsmouth, as they have been absolutely murderous in their last four games so I predict their 5-2 victory and an easy game for them.”

Squarefootball editor, Antony Melvin, is also siding with the Champions.

"I can't see past a Chelsea win, but not by a margin as some think.  This Portsmouth side has only been playing for pride since January so there may be a few goals against what could be a complacent Chelsea.  Chelsea to win 3-2 for me."

Personally I can only see one winner but this is the FA Cup and anything is possible. After all, who outside of Fratton Park would have predicted Portsmouth would have beaten high-flying Spurs in the semi-final? Granted, Chelsea have a lot more class and experience than Tottenham but that was a shock and the FA Cup throws up more twists and turns than an episode of EastEnders. Avram Grant is used to coming second where Chelsea are involved and I just can’t see him preventing Chelsea clinching their first league and cup double. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see the underdogs do it but I think Chelsea will run out comfortable winners, 4-1.

Wimbledon stunned the all-conquering Liverpool to win the FA Cup 1-0 in 1988, Coventry City famously beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in 1987 and Sunderland defeated the mighty Leeds United in 1973 to produce three of the biggest final shocks ever. However, if Pompey pull it off this afternoon – given their turbulent season on and off the pitch – it would surely eclipse those to be crowned the biggest cup final shock in history.

· Calling all Chelsea and Portsmouth fans. What do you think the score will be? If Portsmouth beat Chelsea today to win the cup will it be the biggest final shock in the history of the competition? How can Avram Grant get the better of the champions? Whatever your view, I’d love to hear from you.

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/cSjEv5 #

00:14 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squaref... bit.ly/d0Bkxg #sqf #

12:34 If Sol Campbell had stayed at #NottsCounty at least he would have won a League Two title winners' medal. Probably. #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/dvt8f6 #

00:35 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:31 Squaref... bit.ly/bAcwku #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:31 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/squarefootball-diary-10.html #

00:45 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:32 Squaref... bit.ly/byjMh6 #sqf #

07:52 West Ham United: Who will fill Zola’s boots at Upton Park?: After months of rumours and Press speculation the ... bit.ly/aYgg0S #sqf #

17:43 sqF Mailbag: Alan Curbishley let him finish the job he had the great escape when he took over then eggedd bought a... bit.ly/b1a8Wk #

17:43 sqF Mailbag: hi my name is dave im 12 and av a season tichet at west ham i think alltough slavan bilic is a good m... bit.ly/bgDlKS #

17:43 sqF Mailbag: Rule out Alex McCleish, he worked for Del and Rodney before and as any Blues supporter will tell you,... bit.ly/adxxec #

18:44 Fulham: Can the Cottagers win the Europa Cup?: Tonight’s game against Atletico Madrid is arguably the biggest ... bit.ly/de7eQF #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Fulham: Can the Cottagers win the Europa Cup?

Tonight’s game against Atletico Madrid is arguably the biggest game in Fulham’s history. They’ve disposed of crack Italian giants Juventus, UEFA Cup holders Shaktar Donetsk and German title winners Wolfsburg on their way to the final in Hamburg, but can they produce another scintillating 90 minutes of football to join the elite of English football by beating Atletico Madrid and getting their hands on a European trophy?

Those of you who are regular readers of squarefootball will know that we have a prediction panel of fans that aims to predict the scores in the Premier League. Well seeing as this is a massive game for Fulham I have asked a few of our panellists not only for what they think the score will be tonight but also a few words on how they think the game will pan out.

Kicking off proceedings is Middlesbrough fan Sue Gardener, who watched her team in a European final just four years ago, and she thinks Fulham will have more luck than Steve McClaren’s side did.

“I think the score will be Fulham 2 Atletico Madrid 1. I'm only going with this result due the fact that Hodgson’s men have nothing to lose and will go for it. However, I thought that about the Boro when they were in the same position but we froze on the day which I hope Fulham manage to avoid. Swartz knows the score on this so will help his team mates get through it all.”

This view is shared by Bolton Wanderers fan David Blackburn.

“I predict the score will be Fulham 2 Atletico Madrid 1. I think Fulham’s name has been on the cup with some of the results they have had in there recently and although Atletico do have a good, strong team I think that Fulham have enough to spring a surprise. It will be tense but I am looking forward to the final.

“In Roy Hodgson, they have a good manager and great motivator and the fact that some of the experienced heads have been there and done it with previous clubs will definitely help them. I expect them to do what Middlesbrough failed to do and that is bring the cup home. Good luck to Fulham.”

West Bromwich Albion supporter Andy Wakeman, who will be locking horns with Fulham next season in the top flight, is also expecting the Cottagers to come home triumphant.

“I think it is Fulham’s year. They have a solid side and have surprised better teams than Atletico this season. The key players in my mind are ex-Baggie Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora, who has finally learnt how to score. I predict Fulham will win 2-0.”

Portsmouth fan Dan Taylor believes Fulham will win 2-1 and squarefootball editor Antony Melvin predicts a single goal will be enough to win it for Fulham.

“I think it’s going to be 1-0 to Fulham. Atletico struggled at Anfield against an ordinary Liverpool side and were lucky to progress - although playing their under-11 goalkeeper evened things up somewhat. I think Fulham will be pleased to be underdogs and may sneak a couple of 'injured' players in. I'm not expecting too many goals though.”

However, Arsenal follower Don McMahon, who watched his team knock four past Fulham at the weekend, thinks Atletico’s experience will see them through.

“Atletico will probably win because they have a more balanced team than Fulham but it will be very close, probably 3-2 or even 2-2 to overtime and then possibly penalties.”

And Wolves fan Chris Cox believes Fulham’s adventure will come to a shuddering halt this evening.

“This may be a step too far for brave Fulham. Injuries to Duff and Zamora will take their toll and Atletico will be too much for them at this level. I say 2-0 to Atletico.”

And that just leaves me, Aberdeen supporter Colin Illingworth. Being a Dandy Don I’ve tasted European success before – twice in fact, the only Scottish team to have won two European trophies I’ll have you know! – and there is no better feeling than being crowned kings of Europe. However, as much as I would love to see Fulham win the Europa Cup I just can’t see it happening. With Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero leading the attack they will threaten every time the Spaniards have the ball.

A lot will depend on the fitness of the likes of Zamora, Duff and Hangeland. If they are cleared to play then Fulham have a great chance of creating a magical piece of European history. Given my awful record at predictions this season I hope this one goes with form as I’ll be as happy as the most diehard Fulham fan to see them lift the cup. I predict Atletico will win this attacking final 3-2, but I’ll be hoping that Fulham can prove me wrong.

Nobody envisaged Fulham would get past the group stages yet here they are in the final of one of Europe’s biggest club competitions. Roy Hodgson will always be remembered as a Fulham legend for his efforts at the club but winning the Europa Cup would be his greatest achievement ever in management.

· Calling all Fulham fans. What do you think the score will be tonight? Who are you looking to produce the goods tonight and write their names in Fulham folklore? How highly do you rate the threat posed by Atletico? What do you think of our Panel’s predictions? We are in search for a Fulham fan to represent the Cottagers in a revamped format next season. If you are interested in joining the Panel then please drop us a line. Whatever your views I’d love to hear from you.

West Ham United: Who will fill Zola’s boots at Upton Park?

After months of rumours and Press speculation the two Davids finally got their wish by axing Gianfranco Zola as West Ham United manager. The little Italian was always on to a loser when the former Birmingham duo arrived in January but he dug in and managed to preserve the Hammers’ top flight status in what was a terrible season for the East End club.

The former Chelsea striker left the club on Tuesday morning brandishing his trademark smile with his head held high, looking forward to a fresh challenge in the game. Meanwhile, the search for a new manager at West Ham United is under way and there is no shortage of big names being linked with the vacant post. There are also a few surprise contenders being touted for the job as well. Here I will assess some of the main runners and riders for one of the biggest jobs in English football.

Slaven Bilic

The Croatian manager has long been linked with the Hammers, could this be the time those rumours become reality? Bilic only spent one year at the club but he has always remained a huge hit with the fans. As a manager Bilic has shown that he has the right skills to succeed and plays football in an entertaining fashion, something that the West Ham fans demand. The former Everton defender has been in charge of Croatia for four years, maybe the time is right for him to get a proper day job. But could he cope with the behaviour of the two Davids?

Avram Grant

The former Chelsea and current Portsmouth manager is simple invincible. Nothing fazes him. He doesn’t care if the fans don’t like him. He doesn’t care if the owner doesn’t want him. Grant just gets out on the training field and gets the best out of his players. Shabbily treated at the Bridge, and with the rug pulled out from under him at Fratton Park, Grant carried on in the face of adversity and almost came up on top. He’s the bookies’ favourites for the Hammers job and his stock will rise higher if he wins the FA Cup this weekend. He could do a great job at the Boleyn Ground.

Mark Hughes

The former Blackburn Rovers, Wales and Manchester City boss is looking to return to the Premier League and the challenge of guiding the Hammers back to the upper echelons of the league could be one that he can’t resist. Hughes always builds his teams on a solid foundation at the back before letting the attackers loose and it’s a formula that has served him well. He also has a good record of buying relatively unknown players and making them stars. Some fans say they would rather follow Spurs than have Hughes at the helm but he is a decent manager who would move the Hammers away from the danger zone.

Alex McLeish

The Birmingham City boss has worked wonders at St Andrews and has history of working under the two Davids. Unfortunately I don’t think that relationship ran smoothly at all and I can’t see him leaving the safety of the Blues for West Ham. He is a born winner and would relish the chance to work with the talented youngsters at West Ham but I would be shocked if he did end up at the East End.

Martin Jol

The former Tottenham Hotspur boss has been making noises recently about having unfinished business in the Premier League, could he be about to leave the Dutch giants Ajax for another crack at the big time in England? Jol transformed the fortunes of Spurs and was unfortunate to be given the elbow in 2007. He had the boys from the Lane playing attractive football and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Champions League. The former West Brom and Coventry midfielder only signed a three-year deal with Ajax last summer and it would be a surprise to see him arrive at Upton Park.

Glenn Hoddle

I can’t figure out why his name is continually being linked with West Ham. It’s been four years since he left Wolverhampton Wanderers and hasn’t forged a way back in. Sure Hoddle was a fantastic player in his day and began his managerial career with a decent degree of success, even going on to manage England. However, that was more than a decade ago, what has he done since? He likes to play football on the deck but during his days at Wolves his side were one of the lowest scorers in the league. I don’t think his appointment would go down well with the West Ham fans.

Alan Pardew

Could the man who guided West Ham United back to the Premier League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006 make a sensational return to the Boleyn Ground? The decision to axe him in 2007 split the fans with a good section wanting to give him time to turn the club’s flailing fortunes around. Pardew has done a magnificent job at Southampton this season but there is speculation regarding his future at the club. I’m sure there would be a number of happy Hammers if he did return to the East End.

Other names in the frame include former West Ham ace Paolo Di Canio, Cardiff boss Dave Jones and former West Ham boss Alan Curbishley.

David Gold and David Sullivan said they always back their managers. Gianfranco Zola’s downfall was that he was not their appointment. It will be interesting to see how they carry themselves in public when they finally do appoint their own man. Who that will be is anyone’s guess. For what’s worth I think they will opt for someone pretty low key so not to attract too much attention away from them. That’s why I can see great value in Avram Grant currently being among the front runners. He gets his head down and doesn’t court attention. He may be ideal for the new Gold and Sullivan era at West Ham.

However, if you had the power to appoint the next West Ham United manager, who would you choose and why?

· Calling all West Ham United fans. Who would you like to replace Zola at Upton Park? What are your views on the dismissal of Zola? Was it time for him to go or do you think he deserved longer to prove his worth at the club? Who would you hate to see take over your club? Whatever your view, I’d love to hear from you.

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:32 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/squarefootball-diary-9.html #

23:45 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:31 Squaref... bit.ly/d9l63b #sqf #

11:33 What more Gianfranco Zola could have done with a club in turmoil - is this the same knee-jerk that did for Harry Redknapp? #

15:53 Cutting seven is easy enough in predictable England World Cup squad bit.ly/9zRKhQ #

16:11 @therealfacup Lol @ Eddie Howe - can't compete with that! Zola loses. #

16:13 RT @FanUnited: United to offer Vidic to land Benzema bit.ly/aqYL0V <-- at £10m Vidic = Smalling , surely some mistake? #

16:46 Cutting seven is easy enough in predictable England World Cup squad: The provisional England squad for the Wor... bit.ly/cR9Dv7 #sqf #

17:41 sqF Mailbag: I agree with Colin, The WC is all about who wants it most and with the determination of Parker alone ... bit.ly/coaY58 #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Cutting seven is easy enough in predictable England World Cup squad

The provisional England squad for the World Cup contains few surprises, with certainly nothing on the scale of Theo Walcott's inclusion last time. The inclusion of Carragher means that there is cover in the centre and at right-back and is a mild surprise given his international retirement; his inclusion could point to England travelling with just seven defenders to allow for a fifth attacker. As it is in attack that the squad looks thin.

To be honest cutting seven names is not difficult. The fact is that England will probably not use six or seven players that do make the 23 as there simply isn't a massive depth of high quality England players fit and available to Capello.

England's 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup finals:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.

England will take three goalkeepers - so barring injury these three are on the plane.

Making up the numbers: Hart.

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock.

Depending on the balance of the final 23 England will take 7 or 8 defenders. The probable first choice back-four of Cole, Johnson, Terry and Ferdinand appear certainties unless a back or knee flares up. Ledley King has looked phenomenal in recent weeks and Jamie Carragher wouldn't be in this squad if he weren't guaranteed to make the last 23 as well. Which leaves one or two places. You would imagine that a second left-back would be essential, with perhaps Baines ahead of Warnock. If Capello feels he needs a fifth centre-half then the dependable Upson will probably get the nod over Dawson.

Making up the numbers: Baines, Carragher.
Missing out: Warnock, Dawson and Upson.

Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Twelve midfielders, split roughly between central and wide players - with Milner crossing that divide - need to be chopped down to eight. Gerrard, Lampard and Milner are the only certainties as too many others have had injury interrupted seasons to be sure.

Gareth Barry would go if fit, but that seems far from certain - and I would guess that Michael Carrick will get the nod over Tom Huddlestone or Scott Parker as midfield cover given this doubt. On the wide right-hand side Aaron Lennon seems a likely pick; leaving Theo Walcott, Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips as the understudy choices - and I reckon that Walcott's natural ability is likely to outweigh a disappointing season. On the left Joe Cole's performance on the Capello Index (!?) points to his inclusion and with Johnson able to switch to the left perhaps he will be the surprise package of the final squad. Although if Barry is fit he could be considered a more steady left-sided option as well as bolstering the centre.

Making up the numbers: Carrick, Walcott, Johnson
Missing out: Wright-Phillips, Huddlestone, Parker and either Johnson or Barry.

Forwards: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney.

Fundamentally Rooney plays from the start of each match and Defoe comes on if England need a goal. Crouch or Heskey would offer support to Rooney - either from the bench (if Capello pushed Gerrard forward) or from the start. Bent is the wildcard, on the back of a lot of goals this season his inclusion seems reasonable. On the face of it he would offer direct cover for Rooney - he is also prolific at Sunderland alongside a muscular partner - and England cannot be sure that Rooney's groin, ankles, metatarsals or whatever will hold out.

Making up the numbers: Bent, Heskey.
Missing out: Possibly Bent.

*Is this the final 23, or is a player coming from the ones I've cut or from outside this 30 altogether? Let us know!

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:31 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/squarefootball-diary-8.html #

23:45 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:31 Squaref... bit.ly/bYqsFg #sqf #

00:18 @ALiverpoolThing Congrats on the big 1000! #

10:07 @aliverpoolthing You have targets! #

13:50 Next year ends in a 1, The Champions' League final is at Wembley - clearly a nailed on #Spurs win! #

15:28 Chelsea are clear champions - but next year? bit.ly/dl4nLr #

16:11 #Fulham started their Europa League odyssey on 30 July, will #Liverpool start in July? (The WC only finishes on the 11th) #

16:12 @paul_tomkins You do miss KopTalk though, really, deep inside? #

16:19 sqF Mailbag: For me its got to be Hughes. Gets the most out of teams, very unfortunate with Man City plus hes a fr... bit.ly/dpWyZH #

16:58 Chelsea are clear champions - but next year?: Rarely can a title race that was not decided until the final day... bit.ly/d8Pcll #sqf #

16:58 RT @paul_tomkins: Maybe it's also a generational thing, where everything on the net is free. But creators of content need to make a living #

17:15 @paul_tomkins I assuming 'I don't try to ... lure people in to the site with talk of supposed Insider news' had some history! #

22:29 sqF Mailbag: I discussed this with all the lads before the game on Sunday. As much as we all like Lennon, he just ... bit.ly/9YVWzX #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Chelsea are clear champions - but next year?

Rarely can a title race that was not decided until the final day of the season have been so clear cut. Chelsea scored 103 goals, a mammoth number that has simply not been given enough credit. And to win the title with an 8-0 home win that pushed the season's total beyond 100 goals, whilst the talismanic striker scored a second-half hat-trick to secure the golden boot would have been rejected as too outlandish by 'Roy of the Rovers'.

With the Cup final to come - against Avram Grant, who is used to coming second when Chelsea are involved - who can suggest that this is anything other than a great season? For next season, every leading team needs to improve their squad if they are not to fade away; this is expecially true of Chelsea's ageing team. But if Chelsea can rely on the improvements of Alex and Malouda, plus get more fitness from Ashley Cole and Michael Essien then surely only a couple of players need to come in to maintain an 85+ point team?

It is to Manchester United's credit that they pushed for the title for so long. That is the benefit of a driven manager and an ingrained memory of winning. United pulled of a series of scratchy late wins without ever being convincing. It is not surprising that United went backwards after selling Cristiano Ronaldo, the player who was the World and European Player of the Year at the time, and losing Carlos Tevez to Manchester City. These two players bagged over 70 goals between them for their new clubs - and Wayne Rooney's improvement was not enough to cover that gap. United's squad is thinner than it should be, with Fletcher and Carrick playing as defenders for several games suggesting that there is a gap in quality in the youth and reserve teams. United need reinforcements to tread water - the crucial question this summer will be around the finances - are they as buoyant as the owners would have us all believe? The talk at Old Trafford is of another fantastic crop of youngsters - which is would be convenient in these cash strapped times.

Arsenal looked good and faded (again) and with the debts declining it must be time for Arsene Wenger to spend big money on players that are gold plated certainties even if their wages and egos will need a lot more management than getting in dazzled teenagers. The retention of Fabregas surely requires a transfer statement of intent this summer. Arsenal can win the title - but they may have to buy it. Will Arsene Wenger risk his reputation by spending £50m on two or three stars?

Tottenham have a good squad which if they can keep together is capable of getting more wins next season than it did this season. But some of Spurs best performances may come in the Champions' League and so it seems unlikely that Tottenham can pick up the 15-20 more points required for a title challenge. A good season would surely be a repeat 70 point league season and reaching the Champions' League group stages - anything more would be a bonus.

Manchester City will spend money and without the Champions' League distraction will surely expect to pick up a chunky extra number of points as extra quality players and time for the team to gel finally pay dividends. Can City get over 80 points next season? It seems doubtful, but not impossible - especially given the transitory state of the top three teams.

It's difficult to know where to start with Liverpool, as Alan Hansen pointed out going from second to seventh is a lot easier than going from seventh to second. I would guess that three or four players in the £20m bracket would take this team a long way whether it was under Benitez or not - so a title challenge next season is probably predicated on takeover talks. The last time that Benitez was given £30m-£40m nett to spend he got Liverpool to second, without more money a tired looking team will struggle to finish higher than sixth.

All in all, Chelsea have proved to be clearly the strongest of a below average set of top teams - the Champions' League is the clearest indicator of the decline of standards at the top of the English game.

Next season it is difficult to see past the usual candidates at the top unless Man City gel early in the new season; if City were to employ Jose Mourinho that could well be a game-changer though. Chelsea will start next season as clear favourites and although Man United and Arsenal will be there or thereabouts, their biggest threat will be complacency in a very experienced team that has little to prove.

*Will Chelsea retain the title in 2010/11, or will complacency win out?

Squarefootball Diary

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:31 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/05/squarefootball-diary-7.html #

01:07 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:31 Squaref... bit.ly/a7zKCF #sqf #

07:59 West Ham United v Manchester City: Hammers seek winning end to campaign: Manchester City blew their chance of ... bit.ly/aa5Dsn #sqf #

08:29 sqF Mailbag: Well still have a good day, irrespective of how many we beat Chelsea by :) bit.ly/aIkGxV #

08:29 sqF Mailbag: Davies is not in the frame. Dont try to fool yourself or anyone else. The Celtic fans did not want hi... bit.ly/bshR5a #

08:29 sqF Mailbag: martin oniell bit.ly/a1kHh5 #

08:29 sqF Mailbag: Its got to be Mark Hughes, hes the man to take us forward bit.ly/bGpP5d #

09:44 Hull City v Liverpool: Rafa looks for the joy of sixth: Liverpool have never lost to Hull in a competitive gam... bit.ly/aK4dNl #sqf #

10:58 sqF Mailbag: Burnley 0. Spurs 0 bit.ly/c8SMTJ #

11:29 Everton v Portsmouth: Toffees eye Pompey payback: Last season’s beaten FA Cup finalists take on this season’s ... bit.ly/cBMBhL #sqf #

13:20 England: Barry’s injury could be good news for West Ham’s Scott Parker: Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barr... bit.ly/b0hN5Y #sqf #

14:54 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #Arsenal 2 #Fulham 0 bit.ly/bTwSpO #

14:55 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #AstonVilla 2 #Blackburn 0 bit.ly/bTwSpO #

14:55 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #Bolton 1 #Birmingham 1 bit.ly/bTwSpO #

15:05 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #Burnley 1 #Spurs 3 bit.ly/bTwSpO #

15:05 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #Chelsea 4 #Wigan 0 bit.ly/bTwSpO #

15:05 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #Everton 2 #Portsmouth 0 bit.ly/bTwSpO #

15:05 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #Hull 1 #Liverpool 2 bit.ly/bTwSpO #

15:06 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #ManUtd 2 #Stoke 0 bit.ly/bTwSpO #

15:06 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #WestHam 1 #ManCity 2 bit.ly/bTwSpO #

15:06 Squarefootball Prediction Panel: #Wolves 0 #Sunderland 1 www.squarefootball.net/Sections/Prediction.aspx #

16:04 sqF Mailbag: Im not all that sure about Parker ... English football is not exactly the same stage as the WC. Expe... bit.ly/cv3oqA #

16:04 sqF Mailbag: personally for me to have a realistic chance of winning the world cup we have to take king, joe cole ... bit.ly/alWAY9 #

16:04 sqF Mailbag: scotty should be a certainty for capello bit.ly/9kOL2F #

Posted using LoudTwitter

England: Barry’s injury could be good news for West Ham’s Scott Parker

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup in South Africa and his ankle injury is the latest in a long line of problems to have hit Fabio Capello’s plans.

Barry has become an England regular over the past few years thanks to his partnership with Steven Gerrard and the balance his left foot brings to the team. However, if Barry fails to recover in time there’s no need to worry as there is a ready-made replacement waiting in the wings to fill his boots . . . West Ham United’s captain marvel Scott Parker.

The former Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and Newcastle United midfielder has been the only West Ham player to have emerged from this season with any credit at all and if anyone deserves a late call up to the England set-up it is Parker.

Tenacious, strong, resilient and disciplined, I shudder to think what would have happened to the Hammers this season without their inspirational number eight. Parker puts his body on the line every time he crosses the white line and he’s the kind of guy you would love to be stuck in the trenches with.  

His last-ditch and crunching tackles are legendary in the East End but he isn’t just a break-up play merchant, he’s a top class footballer. He knows exactly when to deliver the ball, gets up in support of the attack and has the strength to shield the ball from opponents.

I’ve heard some commentators suggest that Manchester United’s out of favour Michael Carrick and Tottenham’s Tom Huddlestone could get the nod to replace Barry ahead of Parker but what more does the West Ham general have to do to prove his worth to an international boss? Sure Carrick and Huddlestone can play some Hollywood passes and have experience of playing in Europe but when was the last time you saw either of them risking a boot in the face in order to head the ball away while sprawled out on the ground like Parker did against Everton recently?

As for the other suggestion of Owen Hargreaves, come off it. The poor guy has played barely 30 seconds for Manchester United over the past 21 months. How is he going to be match fit to play against some of the best players on the biggest stage of them all? Sure he is a fantastic player and, like Parker, gives his all on the pitch, but after undergoing surgery on a series of career-threatening injuries it would be a massive gamble to take Hargreaves.

West Ham boss Ginafranco Zola and the two Davids don’t appear to agree on many things but they all hold Parker up in high esteem. Parker, 29, has always been on the periphery of the England set-up but this injury setback to Barry could well be the opening he has been waiting for.

Capello has always insisted that he would pick players on form. It will be interesting to see whether Parker makes it into the Italian’s provisional World Cup squad which is announced on Tuesday.

· Calling all England fans. Who would you take to the World Cup if Gareth Barry was unable to regain fitness in time? How impressed have you been with Parker this season? What more does he need to do to win an England call up? Out of Carrick, Huddlestone, Hargreaves and Parker, who would you choose and why? Whatever your view I’d love to hear from you.

Everton v Portsmouth: Toffees eye Pompey payback

Last season’s beaten FA Cup finalists take on this season’s FA Cup finalists in a game which means little in the grand scheme of things. Everton can’t qualify for Europe while Portsmouth are already looking at life in the Championship. However, Everton will still be smarting from the last time Pompey arrived at Goodison and left with a 3-0 win under their belts.

The grim financial situation at Fratton Park appears to get grimmer with every update and it’s widely believed that their whole playing squad is up for sale in the summer.

Everton made a terrible start to the season but David Moyes deserves great credit for their turnaround which almost saw them finish in a Europa League position. The Toffees have only won on the final day of the season once in the past 13 years but they won’t get a better chance of improving that statistic than here today.

Everton v Portsmouth; Kick Off 4pm 09 May 2010

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 0
Chris Cox : 3 - 0
Graham Enwright : 2 - 1
Sue Gardener : 2 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 3 - 2
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : 2 - 0
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 1 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 2 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 3 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : 3 - 3
Andy Wakeman : 3 - 1
Mark Williams : 2 - 0

Panel Verdict
The Panel believes it will be a happy end to the season for the hosts.

Home: 14; Draw: 2; Away: 0; TBC: 3.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!