Season Review 2

Manager of the month?

John:  Mark Hughes…

Well on form I’d say Alex Ferguson they have won their last five league games and have looked very comfortable. The defeat to Norwich wasn’t ideal, but Manchester Utd have played well in the other games. The team is great but it is a team he assembled, so my Manager of the month will go to Alex Ferguson. A special mention to Steve Clarke and Sam Allardyce, As long as they keep their teams in the top half of the table they will always be contenders for Manager of the month.

Sam: For me it's between Chris Hughton and Roberto Mancini. Manchester City went top after their convincing win against Aston Villa. They are also still unbeaten this season and have won six of their last seven matches. I think a lot of people had Norwich written off after the opening weekend of the season following that 5-0 hammering, they received at the hands of Fulham. They were still looking for their first win after seven games but something changed. A 1-0 win at home against Arsenal was the first in a run of five games without loss with three resulting in victory. The way in which Hughton has sorted their defence is nothing short of spectacular. Clean sheets against Man Utd and Arsenal and a run of five games where they have only conceded once.

Stephen: Steve Clarke, three wins from three including their 2-1 win against Chelsea, West Brom are currently lying fourth going into December.

Ian: Steve Clarke has been superb this month. He really seems to have galvanised the team into a patch of good form, and crucially has maintained it. This seasons' Newcastle? I think so.

Also Chris Hughton has done well - victories against Arsenal and Manchester United have been impressive, moreover because they kept clean sheets in both.

Finally it pains me to say it, but Sam Allardyce has done rather well too. Boo.


Player of the Month?

John: Dimitar Berbatov has been very good this month, he was excellent against Arsenal, but has looked very accomplished in pretty much every game. Special mention to Luis Suarez if he wasn't such a wanker I’d have put him as player of the month. Also it was mentioned on this very blog by yours truly that if Saurez improved his finishing he would be one of the best strikers in the league. He’s still a wanker though.

Sam: Has to be Luis Suarez, he has scored 5 in 4 matches and is currently top of the Premier League goal scoring charts with 10. Has proved how valuable he is to Liverpool as well as reminding us how much of a w****r he is in the process.

Stephen: Suarez has been very impressive, he's scoring goals at last and Liverpool’s fortunes are turning round with his.

Ian: Suarez, for two reasons. One is that the headlines about diving are getting fewer - and they really were tiresome. Secondly he's banging the goals in. Now I'm not sure how legitimate it is to say he's done it "under the radar" but if you asked a lot of people who was the top scorer in the league, I bet many wouldn't know wee Luis was that man.

Special mentions to Kevin Mirallas and Sebastien Bassong, both have been in superb form this month.

Blackburn have appointed Henning Berg, without looking on Google tell us what you know?

John: He’s Norwegian and managed Lillestrøm SK and was fired for his efforts. That’s about all I know of the Norwegian league as well. As a player he played for Blackburn in the mid-90s, I think he may have been part of their league winning campaign. Right, that is it that is all I know about Henning Berg.

Sam: I know he wasn't Blackburn’s first choice, he is from Eldsvolle, Norway and his middle name is Stille.

He has a dog called Patches.

Stephen: well it would seem unfair to spit on the man before he's started but it's an odd appointment for a man with mixed experiences in a way less difficult league... Also a man who stated earlier in the year, that the Blackburn job was a poison challis. I'm sure his reasons involve a dirty dirty amount of cash. He'll fail to do anything positive.

Ian: Things I think I know about Henning Berg:

- He played for Blackburn and Manchester United, where he won a number of titles.
- He's Norwegian.
- He previously managed Lillestrom but got sacked.
- Before that he was at Lyn Oslo, where he did quite well.
- He's blonde.
- He has a tattoo of a snake eating a crocodile on his left leg.
- If I don't look on Google can I look on Yahoo?

It has been rather fashionable this month for the championship teams to change their manager. So who do you think has done well and can you see the manager making a massive difference at the following clubs: Crystal Palace, Bolton, Blackpool, Blackburn, Burnley, Ipswich, Blackpool?

John:

Crystal Palace: This happened very quickly and I think it is an amazing signing for Crystal Palace. I was disappointed Dougie Freedman left Palace but Ian Holloway is an excellent replacement. Under Ian Holloway I can see Palace getting promoted.

Bolton: Not sure why Dougie Freedman left Crystal Palace, yes Bolton have slightly more money but only slightly. I think it’s a bit of a sideways move for the manager and if he had waited I think he may have had a Premier League job in the form of QPR, Reading or Southampton. From Bolton’s point of view it’s an excellent signing, maybe not this season but next season I think Bolton will be fighting for promotion.

Blackburn: Henning Berg? I don’t think anyone really saw this. Blackburn are currently a bit of a joke and they will struggle to attract a manager with any sort of pedigree, which is what they have settled for in Henning Berg; totally unproven and with no great experience. He deserves time, but I can’t see anything happening. Blackburn stink of a financial meltdown and I can see that happening next season.

Burnley: I think Sean Dyche will basically do with Burnley what he did with Watford, a solid team, who will finish lower mid table.

Ipswich: I think it’s a good appointment, Ipswich will get out of the relegation zone under McCarthy but I don’t think he will take them any further.

Blackpool: Michael Appleton is a promising young manager who did very well at Portsmouth under difficult circumstances. He has a good team at Blackpool and I think it could turn into an interesting appointment.

Sam: All of the clubs have made some good appointments considering their current situations.

Crystal Palace: They needed to bounce back quickly with the loss of Freedman who I feel is a very good up and coming manager. By signing Holloway I feel that Palace have signalled their intent of really pushing for a promotion place this season. Holloway is a good manager and should they get to the Premier League, they will not be going down without a fight! They have a strong, young team who can only improve with each season they play. Big problem for Palace will be keeping hold of these players should they not gain promotion.

Bolton: I really could not understand this move. On Bolton's part I feel it is a fantastic appointment but I really struggle to see what Freedman is getting from it, especially as his Palace team are currently sitting top!

Blackpool: I think Appleton did great things at Portsmouth for what is an impossible job at the moment with their current predicament. I believe he has inherited a very strong Blackpool side who I think have the ability to be up there at the end of the season.

Blackburn: I feel the owners have done well by getting Henning Berg. After the disaster that was Steve Kean, I believe that the owners needed to get a manager who would be popular with the fans. What better way to do this than to sign an ex-player who I am sure Blackburn fans would class as a legend. Berg played a vital part in Blackburn's Premier League winning season and has had a promising start. It wouldn't be Venky's and Blackburn if their wasn't some element of comedy to the deal, with senior Blackburn officials saying that Berg was not their first choice and Berg coming out and openly criticising Venky's and the credibility of any manager that would take the Blackburn job, just days before Berg actually took the job himself.

Burnley: I don't know an awful lot about Sean Dyche but from what I gather he did a good job at Watford before being unfairly dismissed by the club's new owners. Could be a good appointment but hasn't exactly got off to the best of starts.

Ipswich: The new "Rochdale" in the sense that they seem to have been stuck in Limbo for the past however many seasons they have been in the Championship and not challenging for promotion. Roy Keane was a poor appointment and was actually the start of their troubles. As for Jewell, he can be hitty missy with clubs either having great success or catastrophe. Unfortunately for Jewell and Ipswich Town it was the latter. McCarthy is the type of guy I believe Ipswich need right now. He is not afraid to tell people how he feels and has a lot of experience in turning clubs around and making them into promotion contenders. The only concern is that McCarthy doesn't know how to keep a team in the Premier league. Results have picked up a little however with two wins in the last four matches but the other two matches in that four have seen them lose both and concede a total of eleven goals. I still believe they will survive this season.

Stephen:

Crystal Palace: good appointment but I'm sure they'd rather not have needed to make it. You've got to imagine they'll be near the top towards the end.

Bolton: Don't know what Freedman had running through his head… money.

Blackpool: Well I think it's not what they would've wanted, the same as a few other appointments.

Ipswich: With time I could see Ipswich pushing for promotion again, I think this is the best appointment of the bunch.

Burnley: Don't think there is that much to say, it's not got that much about it...

Ian:

Crystal Palace: Well Holloway always has the ability to perform wonders in spells at clubs, his time at Blackpool the most notable. Now he's been given the chance to take charge of a team already on the up so it'll be a challenge of a different type. Last time he took charge at a "big" club in the Championship was at Leicester - and he got them relegated. That wasn't so long ago either.

Bolton: Ooo well that's an interesting one. Freedman will probably tread water for the rest of the season at Bolton (despite my predictions) and next year it really is sink or swim.

Blackpool: The appointment of Michael Appleton means that Blackpool are probably happy to slide into Football League obscurity. They'll be a middle of the road Championship club for the foreseeable future now.

Blackburn: I don't think this is Rovers' year. And that could have a real effect on them, with a big summer outlay meaning success is demanded at the first opportunity. Henning Berg has been a handy manager in his native Norway in sorts, but never really pulled up any trees there. There is no evidence to say he will be successful with Blackburn, but there is hardly damning evidence to suggest he won’t be either - it's just no one knows. 

Burnley: Burnley will sell Charlie Austin in January and get dragged into a relegation battle. The new gaffer Sean Dyche sounds like he smokes 40 a day - and he'll probably need more than Ron Benson and Tony Hedges of Mike Bassett fame to keep Burnley in the league.

Ipswich: Well big Mick sort of started well... then it's gone a little ropey since, a narrow win against Burnley sandwiched between two bum buggerings from Leicester and Palace. It's what you'd call a mixed bag, but I think McCarthy will pull the Tractor boys away from trouble

While on the subject of Managers Mark Hughes may as well be mentioned. He is probably the most written about person on the blog. A short summary: If you're Fernandes do you stick or twist?

John: Twist, I am writing this while watching QPR vs Southampton and Southampton are currently three one up. I watched the games against Arsenal, Reading and Stoke and they looked ok and there are positives to be taken. However its wins you want not positives and twelve games no wins and some ridiculous signings, Hughes should go. QPR are in trouble but if Fernandes acts I don’t think it’s too late.

Sam: I am not a fan of getting rid of managers too soon and Hughes has been there less than a season, but with the money spent and players brought in, I can't see it ever working. If you can't beat Southampton or Reading at home then there has to be major concerns. I do not think the players that were signed were the right type of players and the fact that they are still searching for their first win of the season says it all for me.

Stephen: I think he's bust either way, Mark Hughes has assorted a squad of players that pretty much everyone agreed were over paid journeymen or perhaps more accurate - individuals who never looked like part of a team plan. Any manager to come in is going to have to be busy in January and start the process again, Mark Hughes being a total berk in the transfer window has left it really unclear as to what the answer is.

Ian: I'd twist so hard that I snapped in half. Problem is can Fernandes afford to sack him? I'd guess "no". So really, what I would have done is a) not appointed him in the first place, and b) not sanctioned the massive spending splurge on a bunch of journeymen mercenaries. Expect most the squad to pop up in Syria sometime soon fighting for whoever pays them the most.

Do you feel that it is fair to say that Nigel Adkins, despite back to back promotions, has an uncertain future at Southampton?

John: Any team in the relegation will have a manager under pressure. As for Adkins there is a few things that have to be called into question. His signings have not been great for example they need a goalkeeper and a solid centre back. So why spend twelve million on another striker when you have a perfectly capable striker in Billy Sharp. Gaston Ramirez is a good player with tonnes of quality, that is clear to see, but the team would have benefitted more if the twelve million was spent elsewhere. Although that was a poor piece of management back to back promotions into the premier league was not and I think Adkins can turn it round and really establish Southampton in the league.

Sam: Honestly, I do not have a good feeling about Nigel Adkins' position at the club. I think he is a great manager and really think Southampton should stick with him, but the grumblings you hear in the media about the security of his job can't help but leave a bad feeling the gut.

Stephen: Well it depends, I don't think his future should be under any pressure, I personally thought they'd be higher up but when you consider back to back promotions it's not so surprising that they're struggling. They’re definitely not the basket case Derby were when Davies was fired but look at how little Paul Jewell did. Nigel Adkins should have the full season relegation or not.

Ian: No he doesn't, he should be as solid as a rock. Even if they go down he's really well placed to bring them up again. No matter what happens this season they will be stronger financially and playing squad-wise for the future. As long as they haven't put that boy Gaston Ramirez on £100,000 bats a week.

Even at this moment in the season, the three teams in the drop zone look vulnerable. Will the current bottom three be the same in May or can one (or more) turn it around?

John: If QPR sack Hughes they can get out of it. I am not convinced Southampton can, which would be a shame because Nigel Adkins has done an excellent job to them into the Premier league. Reading don’t possess the quality to do this, I will back them to finish bottom. I can see Aston Villa and Wigan being very close to the drop if not in it at the end of the season. The above mentioned teams will be the teams that are in the bottom five but the order could be any combination of them, they are miles behind the required quality and I can see a ten point gap between these teams and fifteenth place.

Sam: I think it too unpredictable to say. A few weeks ago people saw Norwich as favourites for the drop and now they are on a fantastic run of form. If QPR sack Hughes, we all know that a new manager can have a phenomenal effect on team morale. Therefore I feel it is too soon to say.

Stephen: Far too early to draw conclusions, I don't think the bottom three will remain the same but then wouldn't be surprised if they did, it's hard to even nail down a dead certain relegation.

Ian: I think the current three look really poor. None have the ability to put a run together. Southampton maybe the best placed to do this, because they're scoring goals. A lack of goals for promoted sides is always the killer. Teams that could get dragged in to it? Stoke maybe...

Sunderland are really struggling, what do you think the reason is? Would a change of manager solve things?

John: This would not be good for Sunderland, O’Neil will sort it out. It is poor individual performances that have caused this slump. Creative players like Sessegnon and Johnson need to start performing to ensure Sunderland create more chances in front of goal. If this happens then I think Sunderland will be upper mid table come the end of the season.

Sam: It must be disappointing for Sunderland fans as every season seems to be going the same way, the last few years have resulted in a finish between 15th and 10th. It is not through lack of investment either. I think they will turn it around eventually but a change in manager would just be ridiculous.

Stephen: Good win at the weekend and it's frustrating but they don't have anything to really panic about... they'd be bat shit mental to get rid of Martin O’Neill

Ian: Good Lord what a ridiculous question. Of course a change of manager wouldn't change things - Martin O'Neill is class. God prays to Martin every night, that's how great he is.

On a serious note though the reason for the struggles are probably because of a lack of a second, decent striker. However the result against Fulham shows there's more about them than people might have thought.

Is there another league you are following this season? And Why?

John: I have been following the Bundesliga very closely this season and I must say it’s an excellent league. The style of football is very similar to the English style and it makes for a very exciting watch. I have kept an eye on it the past couple of season but this season I have really submerged myself in it. I have found myself looking at Bundesliga news websites, watching their version of match of the day and really getting involved. I am not sure if this much football is good for the brain but I haven’t seen any noticeable side effects, as of yet.

Sam: I always keep a close eye on La Liga. I like Valencia and I am always interested in seeing how they are doing. I also think that it’s hard not to watch it when you have the two most exciting players in the world playing in it.

Stephen: Bundesliga; loving my ITV4 servings of Bundesliga highlights, I hope Bayern Munich don't get too far ahead, I think it's a great league and a hell of a lot healthier than ours.

Ian: To be honest I'm not really following any other league closely.

Football has been in the headlines for almost anything but football recently - mainly racism related. It's all rather depressing, but what have you been pleasantly surprised by this month?

John: These stories are never good for the game and I believe tougher punishments should be dished out to the perpetrators. The media do make it far worse than it needs to be however, they just want any excuse to print anything that isn’t related to kicking a ball. Well what have been surprised with so far? Not a lot, Bad decisions and unrelated issues still dominate the headlines.

Sam: There hasn't been anything, just more stories about how football is going to hell.

Stephen: Absolutely nothing, I am sick to death of this on-going charade, nobody helps anyone else. What help the society of black lawyers think they are imparting is mysterious. For a collection of intelligent men to make such ridiculous allegations is crazy. Aaaaagggghhhh

Ian: I haven't seen nor heard a squeak from Joey Barton. It's been great.

Hearts have been handed a winding up order and according to reports Sporting Lisbon are the brink - do you think football will ever change or do you think it’s just part of football now to see high profile clubs go out of business?

John: Financial Fair play rules will be key to changing the attitude of football clubs. Rangers was certainly not the last club to go out of business, there is more in the pipe line, Hearts probably the next big one. The trouble is the prize is so great that it is easy for teams to gamble on a football club’s future, especially in England with the new TV deals. I find football wants to be treated like a business but want all the perks of being a football club. In what world does a business spend 70% of their revenue on wages? I think there is so much in football that needs changing for example Agents, wages, the cost of going to a game and Debt. It’s a fine line but I feel all these things have attributed to the detriment of football and it seems to be that only the super-rich can survive it. I hope the financial fair play rules change the way clubs act. I still think it will be the start of more problems and just more rules that can be broken. I feel UEFA won’t in force these rules on the elite, because it will be to the detriment of their competitions.

Sam: I think football bodies are trying to change the way in which clubs are run but there is no quick fix for this. Teams have to be run at a profit and no corners can be cut. Every aspect of the club has to be reviewed if clubs are to save money and start turning profits. It is sad to see clubs destroyed at the hands of financial decline, but if you run a business that way then there is nothing else to expect.

Stephen: It's a shame to be a fan of one of these teams but they need to start making examples as things aren't sustainable.

Ian: Football will never change because there are always fans to pay the money, rich businessmen to pump millions in and keep wages inflated. I'd love to see the bubble burst, but I just don't think that's realistic. I am interested to see the new fair play rules and what clubs will do to try and circumvent them.

Three predictions for next Month?

John:

-Mark Hughes to be sacked 

-Man City to be knocked out of the champion’s league (mathematically) 

-Borussia Dortmund to get second in the Bundesliga

Sam:

-Mark Hughes to be sacked 

-Ipswich to be out of the relegation zone 

-Lee Clark to be given the sack

Stephen:

-Racist allegations coming out after a black player is substituted, "premier league managers are constitutionally racist" claim the society of black lawyers

 
-Man city losing their first premier league game 

-Liverpool moving into the top seven

Ian:

-Newcastle to have a dramatic drop in form - so much so that "eight more years" Pardew is questioned.

-Mark Hughes is finally sacked. Not much of a prediction, but he's like one of those sheep you see in Lorries on the motorway on the way to slaughter. I went past one this morning and I'm sure I saw him bleating in the back, with Tony Fernandes preparing the bolt gun in the drivers' cab. This is all metaphorical, you understand?

-A new corruption scandal erupts, probably to do with agents, or FIFA, or the Society of Black Lawyers. Basically whatever it is will dominate the headlines to such an extent that we don't talk about football for two whole weeks.

~ John Lavery

~ Sam Lavery

~ Stephen Wrigglesworth

~ Ian Bendelow