Showing posts with label SEASON REVIEW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SEASON REVIEW. Show all posts
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
The very late season predictions review
Who will win the league?
Man City won the league after an extremely close title run, with the top four all having a chance well into March. Arsenal and Chelsea did die away and it was left to the final week where it was down to Liverpool and Man City. In the end the pressure got to Liverpool with defeat to Chelsea in a tactically naive performance and then a shocking draw at Crystal Palace after being three goals up. Man City were left just needing to beat West Ham at home on the final day.
John: Man Utd
Stephen: Man City
Ian: Manchester United
Sam: Chelsea
Champions league positions?
What happened: The top four having all performed well this season were never really in danger from the outside. Everton did cause a slight shock when they beat Arsenal but with some hard fixtures left to play I don’t Arsenal ever felt in danger of losing out on Champions league. Top four Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.
John: Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City, and……… Tottenham.
Stephen: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs
Ian: Man United, Chelsea, Man City, Spurs
Sam: Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd, Tottenham
Relegations teams?
Sunderland looked doomed all season but with the end of season heroics managed to escape relegation to be only the second team during the premier league era to be bottom at Christmas and escape relegation. Mid-season madness from Cardiff and Fulham didn’t help their pursuit of survival and Norwich not getting the best of their new recruits. Relegated teams Norwich, Fulham, Cardiff.
John: Crystal Palace, Hull, Newcastle
Stephen: Palace, Stoke, Cardiff
Ian: Hull, Crystal Palace and Stoke.
Sam: Stoke, Hull City, Crystal Palace
Overachievers of the season?
What happened: Well there is an extremely good argument for two candidates:
Crystal Palace: Tony Pulis took over in November and worked wanders with a team that looked destined to be relegated. They ended up being within four points of a top ten finish, with wins over Chelsea and a 3-3 with Liverpool are just some of the crazy results.
Liverpool: Not many people had Liverpool down as champions league contenders never mind title contenders. They came within two points of the title and at one point in the season it was hard to see anything other than Liverpool’s first premier league title.
John: Southampton will have a good season, which will send Ricky Lambert to Brazil. Special Mention to Aston Villa who I think will have a very good season.
Stephen: Southampton... again.
Ian: Aston Villa
Sam: West Ham
Under performers of the season?
You could argue that Newcastle would have been relegated in rock bottom if the season started in January. You could also look at Norwich and say they had bought some good players and failed to get the best out of them, which cost them their premier league status. You could also say Tottenham had a poor season after spending £100 million. However the only team I think you can look at who underachieved the most were Manchester United. After winning the league last season at a canter, they dropped to seventh in the table and finished a staggering 22 points off top and 15 points off the top four. I don’t think anyone expected Manchester United to challenge for the title during this transitional period for the club, but no one expected them to do this badly. A combination of things led to this mess; Moyes being over awed by the job, the clubs transfer policy not acting quick enough to sign the right players and the current playing staff did not play anywhere near the standard we have come to expect. David Moyes disastrous tenure at Manchester United has been well documented, but I don’t think the fans realise the huge task that Van Gaal has in trying to lift a team who have taken such a fall.
John: Newcastle
Stephen: Newcastle
Ian: West Brom
Sam: Man Utd (Well Done Sam)
Signing of the season?
I don’t think any particular signing really stood out as signing of the season, but there has been some very good buys; Wilfred Bony, Loic Remy, Dejan Lovren, pretty much all of Everton’s signings (Barry, Mccarthy, Lukaku, Deulofeu).
John: Nathan Redmond
Stephen: Soldado
Ian: Ricky van Wolfswinkel Or Simon Mignolet
Sam: Caulker
Worst signing of the season?
Quite easy this one Eric Lemala cost Tottenham £30 million and he ended his season with 327 minutes of league football to his name. He didn’t get dropped through injury, just poor form led to the exile of the once promising Argentinian. I hope this isn’t the end of his career because he looked excellent at Roma, but he needs to start re-building his career or face being remembered as a just another young player who had one good season. Other notable mentions Pablo Osvaldo, Iago Aspas and Ricky van Wolfswinkel. Andy Carroll is probably a worthy mention as well, but not a lot of people have talked about him as a terrible signing. He has had some solid performances but £15 million, 12 starts 2 goals and an injury hit season is hardly value for money.
John: Osvaldo and Willian
Stephen: There isn’t really any standout buys that look or seem that dreadful.
Ian: Aspas for Liverpool, looks a bit like Borini Mk II
Sam: I can't really see Osvaldo setting the world alight and £12 million is a lot of money.
First Manager to go?
Paolo Di Canio was the first to bite the dust after just a point in their opening five matches. The management issue this season was mental ten out of the twenty clubs sacked there manager. Fulham sacked their manager twice and went silly appointing Rene Meulensteen, Alan Curbishly and Ray Wilkins to all manage Fulham at the same time.
John: Alan Pardew
Stephen: Ian Holloway
Ian: Alan Pardew
Sam: Ian Holloway
Top Goal Scorer?
Suarez was top goal scorer with 31 goals and he was probably the best player as well.
John: Robin Van Persie, Daniel Sturridge will run him close.
Stephen: Robin Van Persie
Ian: Robin van Persie.
Sam: Van Persie
Championship Promoted teams?
In the end Leicester dominated and walked to promotion being by far the best team. Burnley finished second comfortbably relying on a good team spirit and arguably the best management performance of the season under Sean Dyce. QPR went through the playoffs but it was by the skin of their teeth. It also has to be mentioned that QPR spent more than most Premier League clubs.
John: QPR, Nottingham Forrest, Watford
Stephen: Nottingham Forrest, Watford, QPR
Ian: QPR (unfortunately), Watford, Wigan
Sam: Blackpool, QPR, Leicester
Championship Relegated Teams?
Yeovil, Barnsley, Doncaster
John: Yeovil, Barnsley, Millwall
Stephen: Barnsley, Yeovil, Millwall
Ian: Blackburn (they'll lose Rhodes to Newcastle), Yeovil, Barnsley
Sam: Yeovil, Barnsley, Doncaster
Champions League Winners?
Real Madrid
The other finalist was Athletico Madrid who until the 93rd minute led and it was just a case that they had ran out of steam towards the end.
John: Real Madrid
Stephen: KLOPP (Dortmund)
Ian: Real Madrid
Sam: Barcalona
FA cup winners?
Arsenal (finally a trophy for them)
John: Chelsea
Stephen: Liverpool
Ian: Tottenham
Sam: Chelsea
League Cup Winners?
Manchester City
Finalists Sunderland and it wasn't a walk over. Sunderland were in fact dreadfully unlucky and lead for some of the game.
John: Aston Villa
Stephen: Arsenal
Ian: Nottingham Forest
Sam: Man City
Monday, 2 September 2013
Season Review Predictions 2013/14
Who will win the league?
John: I am going to say that Moyes will have a stormer of a season and Man Utd will win their 21st title.
Stephen: difficult one... the weekends fixtures have thrown it up in the air, the man city defeat to Cardiff can be a blip but it also showed some major defensive issues. Neither Man Utd nor Chelsea looked willing to lay a stake on the title with that very dull affair and Man Utd’s defeat to Liverpool did show up a lot of weaknesses with Man Utd’s squad. I'm going to say Man City because of just sheer squad strength.
Ian: A difficult one, but I will go with Manchester United. Chelsea have strengthened but I don't think that Mourinho quite has what it takes on his return. Losing Mata would be a disaster for them. Man City look good, but not quite good enough.
Sam: Its a very tough one to call but I am thinking Chelsea at this stage. Not a great showing against Man Utd, but they have strengthened this Summer, something Man Utd have so far failed to do. Man City look vulnerable at the back, I thought this even watching them against Newcastle and was proven to be correct the following weekend against Cardiff.
Champions league positions?
John: Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City, and……… Tottenham. It will be closely run mind, with Arsenal and Liverpool added to the list. Tottenham have spent the Bale money well and I think Erik Lamela is an excellent replacement for Bale and Étienne Capoue looks good well worth the £12 million. I think Liverpool will have an excellent season and will finish ahead of Arsenal who will drop to sixth. This will be Wengers last season and will probably end up at PSG. Arsenal have not strengthened and their squad is bone bare, their bench against Tottenham was frightening. A bad crop of injuries and Arsenal will start to lose games. Liverpool have strengthened well and next season I can see them actually breaking into the top four, they have a lot of good young players and another season of development and a couple of quality additions next summer and they will easily get there, Rogers has done a very good job at Liverpool and he is proving to be a very good manager.
Stephen: One has to consider Liverpool after their unusually steady start, one rough spell and they're catchup though. Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs are my picks.
Ian: Man United, Chelsea, Man City, Spurs
Sam: Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd, Tottenham
Relegations teams?
John: It’s hard to look past Crystal Palace and Hull. That final spot could be anyone who didn’t finish in the top 6 last year. Particular mention to Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham, these teams will be around this area and have all looked extremely poor in their opening games. I am going to go with Newcastle. Sunderland and Fulham will sack their managers and strengthen accordingly in January, Newcastle will sack Pardew and appoint Joe Kinnear.
Stephen: Palace, Stoke, Cardiff, (Newcastle based on first three games but I think a good spell must come)
Ian: Hull, Crystal Palace and Stoke.
Sam: Stoke, Hull City, Crystal Palace
Overachievers of the season?
John: Southampton will have a good season, which will send Ricky Lambert to Brazil. Special Mention to Aston Villa who I think will have a very good season. Benteke looks like last season wasn’t a one off and Agbonlahor, Weimann, Lowton and Delph have all started very well. If they can maintain this level of performance and Benteke continues scoring goals I can see Villa finishing in the top half.
Stephen: Southampton... again.
Ian: I would say Southampton but I don't think finishing in the top half after spending £30m is an over achievement. So I'll go for Aston Villa - their young squad will be better for last years experience and can only improve.
Sam: West Ham
Under performers of the season?
John: I think Newcastle, I can see a massive circus of a season heading their way. The dismissal of Pardew early doors, they will then appoint Joe Kinnear as manager. West Brom look much weaker than they did last season and they will struggle bottom half.
Stephen: Newcastle
Ian: West Brom. They will struggle despite a good year last term. Their form since January has been woeful. Stoke too.
Sam: Man Utd - Haven't strengthened at all in comparison to their main rivals who have all spent well over 50million.
Signing of the season?
John: Capoue for Tottenham has looked very promising, but I am going to go for Nathan Redmond. He has looked excellent he scored a stunner against Southampton and he has looked really promising and for just £2 million this seems like a steal. I know he was signed last season but Villa keeping hold of Benteke was quite a coup and will prove to be well worth it this season.
Stephen: Soldado
Ian: Ricky van Wolfswinkel - If only for the name. Or Simon Mignolet. I don't think people realise just how good a goalkeeper he is, world class saves are the norm to him.
Sam: Caulker to Cardiff is a great signing, 8 million is a lot, but they now have a promising young centre back who has 2 years premier league experience.
Worst signing of the season?
John: Osvaldo looks very poor and £12 million I can’t see him paying much of that back. Willian for £30 million looks like a big waste of money as well.
Stephen: There isn’t really any standout buys that look or seem that dreadful.
Ian: Aspas for Liverpool, looks a bit like Borini Mk II
Sam: I can't really see Osvaldo setting the world alight and £12 million is a lot of money.
First Manager to go?
John: The writing has been on the wall for Pardew ever since Joe Kinnear was appointed
Stephen: I'd love it to be Hughes, but sharks look to circulating at palace, not really Holloway's fault.
Ian: Sorry Newcastle fans but Alan Pardew. I feel for him but he's so rigid (i.e. drop Debuchy) and under the thumb from Ashley and Kinnear that he just hasn't got the backbone to assert his authority.
Sam: Ian Holloway - There has already been rumours and I think if they are rock bottom by the end of October, they may look to a change.
Top Goal Scorer?
John: Robin Van Persie, Daniel Sturridge will run him close.
Stephen: Robin Van Persie
Ian: A good question and I shall be utterly boring and say Robin van Persie.
Sam: Van Persie
Championship Promoted teams?
John: QPR, Nottingham Forrest, Watford
Stephen: Nottingham Forrest, Watford, QPR
Ian: QPR (unfortunately), Watford, Wigan
Sam: Blackpool, QPR, Leicester
Championship Relegated Teams?
John: Yeovil, Barnsley, Millwall
Stephen: Barnsley, Yeovil, Millwall
Ian: Blackburn (they'll lose Rhodes to Newcastle), Yeovil, Barnsley
Sam: Yeovil, Barnsley, Doncaster
Champions League Winners?
John: Real Madrid
Stephen: KLOPP (Dortmund)
Ian: Real Madrid
Sam: Barcalona
FA cup winners?
John: Chelsea
Stephen: Liverpool
Ian: Tottenham
Sam: Chelsea
League Cup Winners?
John: Aston Villa
Stephen: Arsenal
Ian: I'm going to go really left field here and say Nottingham Forest
Sam: Man City
The Centre Circles does Europe:
John - Bundesliga: The Bundesliga is going to look very similar to last year. Bayern Munich will walk the division comfortably and Dortmund will finish in second. The loss of Mario Götze was not ideal for Dortmund but keeping Robert Lewandowski even for one more year is probably worth more than the £25million. Even if all it will achieve is not to strengthen their main rivals. Aubameyang and Jonas Hofmann look like very good signings for Dortmund. Leverkusen lost Daniel Carvajal and André Schürrle which will be felt, but have gained Son from Hamburg. This for me was a good signing and getting a partnership to develop between Son and Kießling is key. I think they will finish in third. Fourth place is anyone’s guess Wolfsburg have strengthened and will be looking to put a disappointing season behind them. The signing of Daniel Caligiuri who was very impressive for Freiburg last year, seems like a good piece of business and the signing of Luis Gustavo was quite a coup. Schalke have had a poor start but a 2-0 win over Leverkusen will put a lot of minds at ease and the signing of Kevin Prince Boateng will do much to improve their slow start. Werder Bremen could be a surprise contender for fourth after a promising start.
At the other end of the table Braunschweig although have played well look doomed already. Augsburg will probably join after being quite lucky last year with some end of season heroics. Hertha Berlin have started well but I expect them to be around that area come the end of the season. I also expect Nuremberg and Freiburg to be precariously close.
Stephen - Ligue 1: Monaco and PSG are really throwing money around and will be the teams battling it out at the top. Marseille have had a strong start but I expect them to struggle under the financial power of PSG or Monaco
Ian - Serie A: It promises to be an exciting season in Italy. Napoli have strengthened nicely (despite losing Cavani) as have Roma, who have also lost talent. Juventus will always be there or thereabouts and Fiorentina will look to kick on after just missing out on a Champions League place last term. The playing field certainly seems to be much more level this season.
Sam – Liga BBVA: Barcelona to win the title. They won it with ease last year and continued where they left off with an emphatic 7-0 victory against Levante.
To be relegated, my prediction is on Malaga, who are a team in turmoil and another victim of a bored billionaire. Elche and Rayo Vallencano will join them.
Three predictions for the coming season?
John:
- Kinnear to be Newcastle Manager, at some point
- Bale will not represent value for money
- Goal line technology will be a roaring success
Stephen:
- Southampton pushing Europa league
- Newcastle hitting rock bottom with the managerial appointment of Kinnear.
- Suarez having a clean season
Ian:
- Joe Kinnear will take charge of Newcastle in at least one game.
- Goal line technology will prove inaccurate and controversial
- Mark Hughes will be sacked by February in a desperate attempt to save Stoke by Peter Coates. His exit will herald interviews proclaiming he wasn't given enough time, it wasn't his fault and he's still a top manager.
Sam:
- There will be 3 managerial casualties by January
- Liverpool to finish ahead of Arsenal
- West Brom to get relegated.
~John Robert Lavery
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
~Ian Bendelow
~Samuel Lavery
John: I am going to say that Moyes will have a stormer of a season and Man Utd will win their 21st title.
Stephen: difficult one... the weekends fixtures have thrown it up in the air, the man city defeat to Cardiff can be a blip but it also showed some major defensive issues. Neither Man Utd nor Chelsea looked willing to lay a stake on the title with that very dull affair and Man Utd’s defeat to Liverpool did show up a lot of weaknesses with Man Utd’s squad. I'm going to say Man City because of just sheer squad strength.
Ian: A difficult one, but I will go with Manchester United. Chelsea have strengthened but I don't think that Mourinho quite has what it takes on his return. Losing Mata would be a disaster for them. Man City look good, but not quite good enough.
Sam: Its a very tough one to call but I am thinking Chelsea at this stage. Not a great showing against Man Utd, but they have strengthened this Summer, something Man Utd have so far failed to do. Man City look vulnerable at the back, I thought this even watching them against Newcastle and was proven to be correct the following weekend against Cardiff.
Champions league positions?
John: Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City, and……… Tottenham. It will be closely run mind, with Arsenal and Liverpool added to the list. Tottenham have spent the Bale money well and I think Erik Lamela is an excellent replacement for Bale and Étienne Capoue looks good well worth the £12 million. I think Liverpool will have an excellent season and will finish ahead of Arsenal who will drop to sixth. This will be Wengers last season and will probably end up at PSG. Arsenal have not strengthened and their squad is bone bare, their bench against Tottenham was frightening. A bad crop of injuries and Arsenal will start to lose games. Liverpool have strengthened well and next season I can see them actually breaking into the top four, they have a lot of good young players and another season of development and a couple of quality additions next summer and they will easily get there, Rogers has done a very good job at Liverpool and he is proving to be a very good manager.
Stephen: One has to consider Liverpool after their unusually steady start, one rough spell and they're catchup though. Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs are my picks.
Ian: Man United, Chelsea, Man City, Spurs
Sam: Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd, Tottenham
Relegations teams?
John: It’s hard to look past Crystal Palace and Hull. That final spot could be anyone who didn’t finish in the top 6 last year. Particular mention to Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham, these teams will be around this area and have all looked extremely poor in their opening games. I am going to go with Newcastle. Sunderland and Fulham will sack their managers and strengthen accordingly in January, Newcastle will sack Pardew and appoint Joe Kinnear.
Stephen: Palace, Stoke, Cardiff, (Newcastle based on first three games but I think a good spell must come)
Ian: Hull, Crystal Palace and Stoke.
Sam: Stoke, Hull City, Crystal Palace
Overachievers of the season?
John: Southampton will have a good season, which will send Ricky Lambert to Brazil. Special Mention to Aston Villa who I think will have a very good season. Benteke looks like last season wasn’t a one off and Agbonlahor, Weimann, Lowton and Delph have all started very well. If they can maintain this level of performance and Benteke continues scoring goals I can see Villa finishing in the top half.
Stephen: Southampton... again.
Ian: I would say Southampton but I don't think finishing in the top half after spending £30m is an over achievement. So I'll go for Aston Villa - their young squad will be better for last years experience and can only improve.
Sam: West Ham
Under performers of the season?
John: I think Newcastle, I can see a massive circus of a season heading their way. The dismissal of Pardew early doors, they will then appoint Joe Kinnear as manager. West Brom look much weaker than they did last season and they will struggle bottom half.
Stephen: Newcastle
Ian: West Brom. They will struggle despite a good year last term. Their form since January has been woeful. Stoke too.
Sam: Man Utd - Haven't strengthened at all in comparison to their main rivals who have all spent well over 50million.
Signing of the season?
John: Capoue for Tottenham has looked very promising, but I am going to go for Nathan Redmond. He has looked excellent he scored a stunner against Southampton and he has looked really promising and for just £2 million this seems like a steal. I know he was signed last season but Villa keeping hold of Benteke was quite a coup and will prove to be well worth it this season.
Stephen: Soldado
Ian: Ricky van Wolfswinkel - If only for the name. Or Simon Mignolet. I don't think people realise just how good a goalkeeper he is, world class saves are the norm to him.
Sam: Caulker to Cardiff is a great signing, 8 million is a lot, but they now have a promising young centre back who has 2 years premier league experience.
Worst signing of the season?
John: Osvaldo looks very poor and £12 million I can’t see him paying much of that back. Willian for £30 million looks like a big waste of money as well.
Stephen: There isn’t really any standout buys that look or seem that dreadful.
Ian: Aspas for Liverpool, looks a bit like Borini Mk II
Sam: I can't really see Osvaldo setting the world alight and £12 million is a lot of money.
First Manager to go?
John: The writing has been on the wall for Pardew ever since Joe Kinnear was appointed
Stephen: I'd love it to be Hughes, but sharks look to circulating at palace, not really Holloway's fault.
Ian: Sorry Newcastle fans but Alan Pardew. I feel for him but he's so rigid (i.e. drop Debuchy) and under the thumb from Ashley and Kinnear that he just hasn't got the backbone to assert his authority.
Sam: Ian Holloway - There has already been rumours and I think if they are rock bottom by the end of October, they may look to a change.
Top Goal Scorer?
John: Robin Van Persie, Daniel Sturridge will run him close.
Stephen: Robin Van Persie
Ian: A good question and I shall be utterly boring and say Robin van Persie.
Sam: Van Persie
Championship Promoted teams?
John: QPR, Nottingham Forrest, Watford
Stephen: Nottingham Forrest, Watford, QPR
Ian: QPR (unfortunately), Watford, Wigan
Sam: Blackpool, QPR, Leicester
Championship Relegated Teams?
John: Yeovil, Barnsley, Millwall
Stephen: Barnsley, Yeovil, Millwall
Ian: Blackburn (they'll lose Rhodes to Newcastle), Yeovil, Barnsley
Sam: Yeovil, Barnsley, Doncaster
Champions League Winners?
John: Real Madrid
Stephen: KLOPP (Dortmund)
Ian: Real Madrid
Sam: Barcalona
FA cup winners?
John: Chelsea
Stephen: Liverpool
Ian: Tottenham
Sam: Chelsea
League Cup Winners?
John: Aston Villa
Stephen: Arsenal
Ian: I'm going to go really left field here and say Nottingham Forest
Sam: Man City
The Centre Circles does Europe:
John - Bundesliga: The Bundesliga is going to look very similar to last year. Bayern Munich will walk the division comfortably and Dortmund will finish in second. The loss of Mario Götze was not ideal for Dortmund but keeping Robert Lewandowski even for one more year is probably worth more than the £25million. Even if all it will achieve is not to strengthen their main rivals. Aubameyang and Jonas Hofmann look like very good signings for Dortmund. Leverkusen lost Daniel Carvajal and André Schürrle which will be felt, but have gained Son from Hamburg. This for me was a good signing and getting a partnership to develop between Son and Kießling is key. I think they will finish in third. Fourth place is anyone’s guess Wolfsburg have strengthened and will be looking to put a disappointing season behind them. The signing of Daniel Caligiuri who was very impressive for Freiburg last year, seems like a good piece of business and the signing of Luis Gustavo was quite a coup. Schalke have had a poor start but a 2-0 win over Leverkusen will put a lot of minds at ease and the signing of Kevin Prince Boateng will do much to improve their slow start. Werder Bremen could be a surprise contender for fourth after a promising start.
At the other end of the table Braunschweig although have played well look doomed already. Augsburg will probably join after being quite lucky last year with some end of season heroics. Hertha Berlin have started well but I expect them to be around that area come the end of the season. I also expect Nuremberg and Freiburg to be precariously close.
Stephen - Ligue 1: Monaco and PSG are really throwing money around and will be the teams battling it out at the top. Marseille have had a strong start but I expect them to struggle under the financial power of PSG or Monaco
Ian - Serie A: It promises to be an exciting season in Italy. Napoli have strengthened nicely (despite losing Cavani) as have Roma, who have also lost talent. Juventus will always be there or thereabouts and Fiorentina will look to kick on after just missing out on a Champions League place last term. The playing field certainly seems to be much more level this season.
Sam – Liga BBVA: Barcelona to win the title. They won it with ease last year and continued where they left off with an emphatic 7-0 victory against Levante.
To be relegated, my prediction is on Malaga, who are a team in turmoil and another victim of a bored billionaire. Elche and Rayo Vallencano will join them.
Three predictions for the coming season?
John:
- Kinnear to be Newcastle Manager, at some point
- Bale will not represent value for money
- Goal line technology will be a roaring success
Stephen:
- Southampton pushing Europa league
- Newcastle hitting rock bottom with the managerial appointment of Kinnear.
- Suarez having a clean season
Ian:
- Joe Kinnear will take charge of Newcastle in at least one game.
- Goal line technology will prove inaccurate and controversial
- Mark Hughes will be sacked by February in a desperate attempt to save Stoke by Peter Coates. His exit will herald interviews proclaiming he wasn't given enough time, it wasn't his fault and he's still a top manager.
Sam:
- There will be 3 managerial casualties by January
- Liverpool to finish ahead of Arsenal
- West Brom to get relegated.
~John Robert Lavery
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
~Ian Bendelow
~Samuel Lavery
Friday, 24 May 2013
Recap on Predictions
Here we are the end of the season and with it a look back at some of our predictions we made at the start of the season.
Who will win the League?
What Happened: Manchester United won the league by eleven points in the end. All this didn't make good reading for Manchester City, who put up a pretty feeble defence of their title.
Predictions:
John: Manchester City
Sam: Manchester City
Stephen: Chelsea
Ian: Man Utd
Special Quote from Ian: I think it will be a lot closer this year, with Man Utd winning it – as Fergie will retire at the end of the season. Man City second and Chelsea a very close third.
It was on the centrecircle first.
Champions League positions?
What Happened: Tottenham fought hard to wrestle the final Champions League position away from Arsenal. In the end though it was the usual suspects who have been invited to Europe's top table next season.
John: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Sam: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal
Stephen: Manchester City, Manchester Utd, Chelsea and Everton
Ian: Manchester Utd Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Relegated Clubs?
What Happened: QPR and Reading were relegated pretty much from the start of the season, in fact you would have to go back as far as January when they looked like there was any hope of survival. Wigan at least, took it to the final three games and it left a lot of clubs including Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Norwich and Southampton all sweating over if they could perform the great escape again.
John: Norwich, Wigan, Aston Villa
Sam: Norwich, Southampton and Reading
Stephen: Villa, Norwich and Wigan
Ian: West Ham, Reading and Southampton
Surprise Package? (Team)
What Happened: It is a hard one to call this with how congested it was at the bottom and the top took a familiar look when the season drew to a close. West Brom will be happy with their eighth place finish and so will Swansea in ninth.
John: Everton, Swansea, Tottenham
Sam: Everton
Stephen: Everton
Ian: Everton - he actually said the following "I think Everton will “do a Newcastle” and break into the top echelons of the table. This is Moyesys final year before he heads off to Man Utd."
Underachiever of the season? (Team)
What happened: This one is hard to call again because of the way the season panned out. Manchester City will be very unhappy because of the way their season pit'tered out. I also think Europa league proved to much for Newcastle after they finished in a very disappointing sixteenth after a very good season last year. QPR also deserve a mention after the money they spent on players. Overall though it has to go to Newcastle after they fell 11 places and 24 points.
John: Arsenal, Aston Villa
Sam: Aston Villa, Tottenham
Stephen: Spurs
Ian: Liverpool
Top Scorer?
What Happened: It clearly had to be a man who scored thirty goals the previous season and then got a transfer to the best team in the land. Van Persie was excellent this year and proved to be instrumental in providing Manchester United's 20 top flight success.
John: Torres, Balotelli,Tevez.
Sam: Fernando Torres
Stephen: Giroud, Torres
Ian: Rooney
First Manager to Go?
What Happened: Roberto Di Matteo was the first man out the door in what was a controversial decision. He left after a very poor run of form, with Chelsea's champions league hopes hanging by a thread. He was replaced by Rafa Benitez who at first was very unpopular but he ended up getting Chelsea into third and winning the Europa League. Second manager was Mark Hughes who was sacked two days after Di Matteo after emassing a total of four points from his twelve games in charge - fully justified in The Centre Circle's opinion.
John: Mark Hughes
Who will win the League?
What Happened: Manchester United won the league by eleven points in the end. All this didn't make good reading for Manchester City, who put up a pretty feeble defence of their title.
Predictions:
John: Manchester City
Sam: Manchester City
Stephen: Chelsea
Ian: Man Utd
Special Quote from Ian: I think it will be a lot closer this year, with Man Utd winning it – as Fergie will retire at the end of the season. Man City second and Chelsea a very close third.
It was on the centrecircle first.
Champions League positions?
What Happened: Tottenham fought hard to wrestle the final Champions League position away from Arsenal. In the end though it was the usual suspects who have been invited to Europe's top table next season.
John: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Sam: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal
Stephen: Manchester City, Manchester Utd, Chelsea and Everton
Ian: Manchester Utd Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Relegated Clubs?
What Happened: QPR and Reading were relegated pretty much from the start of the season, in fact you would have to go back as far as January when they looked like there was any hope of survival. Wigan at least, took it to the final three games and it left a lot of clubs including Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Norwich and Southampton all sweating over if they could perform the great escape again.
John: Norwich, Wigan, Aston Villa
Sam: Norwich, Southampton and Reading
Stephen: Villa, Norwich and Wigan
Ian: West Ham, Reading and Southampton
Surprise Package? (Team)
What Happened: It is a hard one to call this with how congested it was at the bottom and the top took a familiar look when the season drew to a close. West Brom will be happy with their eighth place finish and so will Swansea in ninth.
John: Everton, Swansea, Tottenham
Sam: Everton
Stephen: Everton
Ian: Everton - he actually said the following "I think Everton will “do a Newcastle” and break into the top echelons of the table. This is Moyesys final year before he heads off to Man Utd."
Underachiever of the season? (Team)
What happened: This one is hard to call again because of the way the season panned out. Manchester City will be very unhappy because of the way their season pit'tered out. I also think Europa league proved to much for Newcastle after they finished in a very disappointing sixteenth after a very good season last year. QPR also deserve a mention after the money they spent on players. Overall though it has to go to Newcastle after they fell 11 places and 24 points.
John: Arsenal, Aston Villa
Sam: Aston Villa, Tottenham
Stephen: Spurs
Ian: Liverpool
Top Scorer?
What Happened: It clearly had to be a man who scored thirty goals the previous season and then got a transfer to the best team in the land. Van Persie was excellent this year and proved to be instrumental in providing Manchester United's 20 top flight success.
John: Torres, Balotelli,Tevez.
Sam: Fernando Torres
Stephen: Giroud, Torres
Ian: Rooney
First Manager to Go?
What Happened: Roberto Di Matteo was the first man out the door in what was a controversial decision. He left after a very poor run of form, with Chelsea's champions league hopes hanging by a thread. He was replaced by Rafa Benitez who at first was very unpopular but he ended up getting Chelsea into third and winning the Europa League. Second manager was Mark Hughes who was sacked two days after Di Matteo after emassing a total of four points from his twelve games in charge - fully justified in The Centre Circle's opinion.
John: Mark Hughes
Sam: Mark Hughes, Paul Lambert, AVB
Stephen: Lambert, AVB, Rodgers
Ian: Mark Hughes
What will be the story of the season?
What Happened: Story of the season by far is Alex Ferguson would retire as manager of Manchester United.
John: Mario Balotelli gets his own TV show...
Sam: Dunno what to make of this question? I dunno, Wayne Rooney and John Terry have a threesome with Roy Hodgson's wife?
Stephen: Everton playing champions league next season. At least one England international cheating on his wife.
Ian: Everton will be around the top of the table come Christmas and people will be talking about a title push. I'm actually really confident about this!
Individually who will be the best buy?
What Happened: Best buys of the season were definitely Michu who cost £2 million and scored twenty two goals in all competitions. Benteke who cost £7 million and scored twenty three goals in all competitions. A special mention to Robin Van Persie who for £25 million delivered everything his price tag suggests.
John: Michu
Sam: Hazard
Stephen: Adam Johnson, Hazard, Michu
Ian: Michu.
Individually who is the worst buy?
What Happened: The whole of QPR's buys will get a mention, especially Jose Bosingwa who looked at times to be actually trying to get QPR relegated. Podolski and Giroud didn't impress greatly this season for the amount of money paid for them. Adam Johnson never showed value for money this season, with performances lacking a lot of effort.
John: QPRs signings, Gaston Ramirez
Sam: Giroud
Stephen: QPRs signings
Ian: Podolski
Who do you Think Will get promoted from the Championship?
What Happened: Cardiff were by far the strongest team this season and won the championship with relative ease. The final automatic promotion spot went to Hull on the final day, it was very close and the sending off of Troy Deeney for Watford and Watford losing both first and second choice goal keepers for the game against Leeds was the difference. Crystal Palace used the play off to gain their birth in Premier league after beating Watford at Wembley in a tense finale.
John: Wolves, Cardiff, Leeds (Playoffs)
Sam: Wolves, Leicester and Leeds (Playoffs)
Stephen: Blackpool, Leicester, Leeds.
Ian: Leicester, Cardiff, Bolton
Who will get relegated from the Championship?
What Happened: The championship last season was an extremely tight league, 54 points got you relegated compared to the season before which would have seen you 14 points from safety. In the end it was Bristol City, Peterborough and surprisingly Wolves who took the plunge into League 1.
John: Birmingham, Milwall, Peterborough
Sam: Peterborough, Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday
Stephen: Peterborough, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton
Ian: Birmingham, Bristol City, Peterborough
Re Written by
~John Robert Lavery
~ Ian Bendelow
Answers from
~John Robert Lavery
~Sam Lavery
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
~Ian Bendelow
Ian: Mark Hughes
What will be the story of the season?
What Happened: Story of the season by far is Alex Ferguson would retire as manager of Manchester United.
John: Mario Balotelli gets his own TV show...
Sam: Dunno what to make of this question? I dunno, Wayne Rooney and John Terry have a threesome with Roy Hodgson's wife?
Stephen: Everton playing champions league next season. At least one England international cheating on his wife.
Ian: Everton will be around the top of the table come Christmas and people will be talking about a title push. I'm actually really confident about this!
Individually who will be the best buy?
What Happened: Best buys of the season were definitely Michu who cost £2 million and scored twenty two goals in all competitions. Benteke who cost £7 million and scored twenty three goals in all competitions. A special mention to Robin Van Persie who for £25 million delivered everything his price tag suggests.
John: Michu
Sam: Hazard
Stephen: Adam Johnson, Hazard, Michu
Ian: Michu.
Individually who is the worst buy?
What Happened: The whole of QPR's buys will get a mention, especially Jose Bosingwa who looked at times to be actually trying to get QPR relegated. Podolski and Giroud didn't impress greatly this season for the amount of money paid for them. Adam Johnson never showed value for money this season, with performances lacking a lot of effort.
John: QPRs signings, Gaston Ramirez
Sam: Giroud
Stephen: QPRs signings
Ian: Podolski
Who do you Think Will get promoted from the Championship?
What Happened: Cardiff were by far the strongest team this season and won the championship with relative ease. The final automatic promotion spot went to Hull on the final day, it was very close and the sending off of Troy Deeney for Watford and Watford losing both first and second choice goal keepers for the game against Leeds was the difference. Crystal Palace used the play off to gain their birth in Premier league after beating Watford at Wembley in a tense finale.
John: Wolves, Cardiff, Leeds (Playoffs)
Sam: Wolves, Leicester and Leeds (Playoffs)
Stephen: Blackpool, Leicester, Leeds.
Ian: Leicester, Cardiff, Bolton
Who will get relegated from the Championship?
What Happened: The championship last season was an extremely tight league, 54 points got you relegated compared to the season before which would have seen you 14 points from safety. In the end it was Bristol City, Peterborough and surprisingly Wolves who took the plunge into League 1.
John: Birmingham, Milwall, Peterborough
Sam: Peterborough, Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday
Stephen: Peterborough, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton
Ian: Birmingham, Bristol City, Peterborough
Re Written by
~John Robert Lavery
~ Ian Bendelow
Answers from
~John Robert Lavery
~Sam Lavery
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
~Ian Bendelow
Friday, 29 March 2013
Season Review 5
Who will get...
The Champions league places?
John:
Manchester United
Manchester City
Tottenham
Arsenal
Ian:
Man utd
Man city
Spurs
Chelsea
Stephen:
Man utd
Man city
Chelsea
Spurs
Sam:
Man utd
Man city
Chelsea
Spurs
Relegated from the premier league?
John:
Wigan
QPR
Reading
The Champions league places?
John:
Manchester United
Manchester City
Tottenham
Arsenal
Ian:
Man utd
Man city
Spurs
Chelsea
Stephen:
Man utd
Man city
Chelsea
Spurs
Sam:
Man utd
Man city
Chelsea
Spurs
Relegated from the premier league?
John:
Wigan
QPR
Reading
Ian:
Sunderland - I'm sorry I truly believe this will happen. It just feels like it's destiny.
Reading
QPR
Stephen:
QPR
Reading (Nigel Adkins needs a bit more patience, although he'll have a strong team in next year’s championship)
Wigan (it's their year)
Sam:
Wigan
QPR
Reading
Promoted from the championship?
John:
Cardiff
Watford
Hull (Playoffs)
Ian:
Cardiff
Hull
Palace
Stephen:
Cardiff for sure
Crystal Palace might have a strong finish. I'll go with them over hull.
Sam:
Cardiff
Hull
Playoff Crystal Palace
Relegated from the championship?
John:
Blackburn Rovers
Peterborough United
Bristol City
Ian:
Wolves - can't believe the mess they're in this season. A true shambles of a situation.
Peterborough
Bristol City
Special mention to Blackburn here y'all. I know it's their mission to achieve a brace of demotions, but they will just survive this season. No thanks to the owners. Incidentally did anyone see that Burnley fan that applied for the vacant position as a joke... and got an interview DESPITE saying it was his ambition to achieve back to back relegations. Honestly the Chicken farmers' idiocy is groundbreaking.
Stephen:
Bristol City
Peterborough
This is a long shot but I half expect Blackburn to get gobbled up
Sam:
Shef Wed
Peterborough
Bristol City
Who will...
Win the FA cup?
John: Manchester City
Ian: Chelsea. Are they still in it? BORING. In fact I'm going to say Millwall for a joke.
Stephen: I think Man City will get it, probably cutting Mancini a little bit of slack
Sam: Man Utd
Win the Champions league?
John: Real Madrid
Ian: Bayern Munich. They’ll make up for last years’ inexplicable performance in the final v Chelsea.
Stephen: I'd love to see Borussia Dortmund do it, I think the team they've created and the way they've done it deserves success. With the league out of their reach I think they might have a real good tilt at it.
Sam: Buyern Munich
Europa league?
John: Newcastle United
Ian: I’d like to say Newcastle but I won’t. Benfica. Their league form this season is ridiculous.
Stephen: Newcastle (they possibly could, it's not impossible)
realistically Spurs or Chelsea or Benfica, AVB has previous in the tournament and is known to take it seriously. Benfica and Chelsea are probably the most experienced teams left but lets say Spurs if they're at their best.
Sam: Newcastle
Wigan have built up a lot of support over the years trading off their plucky underdog status, pulling through in the face of adversity. However the events of the past week have cast them as the villains, with Dave Whelan's comments in particular being inflammatory and unapologetic - are they therefore in danger of losing much of this goodwill because of their behaviour?
John: Wigan have not covered themselves in glory over this issue. It was a horrible tackle and could have ended Haidara’s career. They should have held their hands up and said 'yes, it was a horrible tackle, but it was a mistake and McManaman will learn from this'. What Dave Whelan came out and said was completely obscene and instantly changed my mind about Wigan and I'm sure many others have changed theirs too. I hope they go down. I had a lot of time for Martinez and his Wigan side, but after this I think it’s done him and the club a lot of harm.
Ian: Frankly, yes. How Dave Whelan can defend that kind of tackle is beyond me. There is absolutely no defence to that sort of challenge. He’ll look back on the whole thing and think “maybe I was a bit hasty there.” I just hope that he is thoroughly ashamed of his comments.
Stephen: Well you can't hold them responsible for the good fortune they got against Newcastle but Dave Whelan did cast himself as a twat with the way he behaved afterward, it's not even a polarising tackle, it's a shit one and everyone knows it. An apology and some in house discipline would not have been difficult and would have encouraged the good will they generate. It's hard not to be bias now but I don't wish to see Whelan have any further success.
Sam: No I don't think it will. It was disgraceful what happened and I blame the feckless officials more than anything. Wigan were trying to defend their player, which right or wrong you would probably expect.
Michael Owen has finally retired. Will he be remembered for his goal scoring exploits or as a wasted talent?
John: Michael Owen had the potential to be one of the best strikers England had seen. He could have beaten Alan Shearer's record for goals in the Premier League and he could have gone on to cement his name in the annals of footballing history. Despite being an amazing striker, his year-on-year injuries took their toll and he was unable to fulfill his potential. I don’t think it was entirely his fault in the early part of his career however - he was often over used as a teenager both for England and Liverpool, which meant he couldn't recover properly from his injuries. This had a massive bearing on him and his future development. Later in his career, he made some poor choices which only added to his troubles - joining Real Madrid was an average choice and I think he owed Newcastle a year. Saying that, joining Newcastle in the first place was not the best idea, it was totally motivated by money. Overall Michael Owen will be remembered as a good English Striker but he could have been remembered as one of the best of all time.
Ian: He’ll be remembered for the latter part of his career. It’s what people recall – the last thing that happened. People don’t remember the results at half time in matches. It’s a shame really that he hasn't dropped down the leagues. He’d be a great Championship and League One striker. Clearly he thinks his interests lie elsewhere and that’s fine. It’s just frustrating that he had (or has) this inflated opinion of himself. Interesting how he admitted this week that he hadn't been fully fit for fourteen, that’s FOURTEEN years. Well you know what Michael, that’s what we've been trying to tell you. The boy has had blu-tacked hamstrings for nigh on eternity now.
Ryan Giggs on the other hand is the polar opposite – he will be remembered for his longevity. What a guy.
Stephen: Well for me he's a wasted talent, he doesn't have a single redeemable personality trait and he's made of glass. I personally wouldn't ever consider his name if I were thinking of great players. Time will forget Michael Owen.
Sam: In my eyes wasted talent. Brilliant at Liverpool, Sat on the bench at Madrid, injured at Newcastle and benched for Man Utd and Stoke. General annoying shit on Twitter.
Would you pick Rio Ferdinand for England again? Where do you think England's future lies in centre defence?
John: Rio Ferdinand’s England career is over. I think he deserved to be included in the current squad because of his good form, but I think that says more about the current options available to the English squad rather than his form, with England having to rely on someone who is thirty four and injury prone. The future of the English defence is probably Jones, Smalling and Caulker. Injuries and inconsistent form though doesn't help their cases to be included. Shawcross could be an option, but his club's current form might stop him from getting in the England squad and cementing his place there.
Ian: England’s future in central defence is a difficult one. Ferdinand would be in the Man Utd team every week if he was fit. So to suggest that he shouldn't be in the team ahead of two guys who aren't first team regulars (i.e. like against Montenegro) doesn't make sense. However, strangely I can’t convincingly say he should be in the team. The future for me lies with Smalling and Cahill. However these guys MUST be playing regular football otherwise it’s pointless. I’m all for England players playing for the top clubs – look at Man City’s team – but only if they’re getting a game. The likes of Milner, Cahill etc. have to be playing week in week out.
Stephen: No, No, never, I'd play a three legged cat out of principle.
Sam: I wouldn't have picked him to begin with for the recent squad! He's 34, best years are behind him and I honestly do not know where him getting picked again came from. I think players like Jagielka, Smalling, Jones, S Taylor, Cahill, Caulker are better than him anyway and should be considered.
Would you welcome Celtic and Rangers into the English league system?
John: I think it would be excellent for the English game to include Celtic and Rangers. They are two massive clubs and if they are managed correctly they could become powerhouses of the British game. There has been a massive gap created in England between the 'haves' and the 'have nots' and I feel the introduction of two clubs who have a massive stadium, a rich history and support all over the world would help bridge the gap in the English game. The Scottish game is fighting against a tide - it will eventually become a third rate league comparable to the Irish and Welsh leagues - and this will happen with or without Celtic and Rangers. Celtic and Rangers should act now so they don’t find themselves regretting it in the future.
Ian: On one hand: No. On the other hand: Yes.
No because it’s a patently ridiculous idea. Half baked, doesn't make sense and logistically impossible.
Yes because it’s something different, would add colour, interest and passion to a league that’s desperately in need of freshening up.
Who would you rather see your team play? Wigan at home or Celtic at home? I know what I’d prefer.
Stephen: I wouldn't actively campaign for it but I wouldn't be oppose to it if it were to happen, I think they could be incorporated and I think in the same way as it has happened with Wales it will destroy the SPL.
Sam: No. Scottish football is a joke.
~John Robert Lavery
~Ian Bendelow
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
~Sam Lavery
Sunderland - I'm sorry I truly believe this will happen. It just feels like it's destiny.
Reading
QPR
Stephen:
QPR
Reading (Nigel Adkins needs a bit more patience, although he'll have a strong team in next year’s championship)
Wigan (it's their year)
Sam:
Wigan
QPR
Reading
Promoted from the championship?
John:
Cardiff
Watford
Hull (Playoffs)
Ian:
Cardiff
Hull
Palace
Stephen:
Cardiff for sure
Crystal Palace might have a strong finish. I'll go with them over hull.
Sam:
Cardiff
Hull
Playoff Crystal Palace
Relegated from the championship?
John:
Blackburn Rovers
Peterborough United
Bristol City
Ian:
Wolves - can't believe the mess they're in this season. A true shambles of a situation.
Peterborough
Bristol City
Special mention to Blackburn here y'all. I know it's their mission to achieve a brace of demotions, but they will just survive this season. No thanks to the owners. Incidentally did anyone see that Burnley fan that applied for the vacant position as a joke... and got an interview DESPITE saying it was his ambition to achieve back to back relegations. Honestly the Chicken farmers' idiocy is groundbreaking.
Stephen:
Bristol City
Peterborough
This is a long shot but I half expect Blackburn to get gobbled up
Sam:
Shef Wed
Peterborough
Bristol City
Who will...
Win the FA cup?
John: Manchester City
Ian: Chelsea. Are they still in it? BORING. In fact I'm going to say Millwall for a joke.
Stephen: I think Man City will get it, probably cutting Mancini a little bit of slack
Sam: Man Utd
Win the Champions league?
John: Real Madrid
Ian: Bayern Munich. They’ll make up for last years’ inexplicable performance in the final v Chelsea.
Stephen: I'd love to see Borussia Dortmund do it, I think the team they've created and the way they've done it deserves success. With the league out of their reach I think they might have a real good tilt at it.
Sam: Buyern Munich
Europa league?
John: Newcastle United
Ian: I’d like to say Newcastle but I won’t. Benfica. Their league form this season is ridiculous.
Stephen: Newcastle (they possibly could, it's not impossible)
realistically Spurs or Chelsea or Benfica, AVB has previous in the tournament and is known to take it seriously. Benfica and Chelsea are probably the most experienced teams left but lets say Spurs if they're at their best.
Sam: Newcastle
Wigan have built up a lot of support over the years trading off their plucky underdog status, pulling through in the face of adversity. However the events of the past week have cast them as the villains, with Dave Whelan's comments in particular being inflammatory and unapologetic - are they therefore in danger of losing much of this goodwill because of their behaviour?
John: Wigan have not covered themselves in glory over this issue. It was a horrible tackle and could have ended Haidara’s career. They should have held their hands up and said 'yes, it was a horrible tackle, but it was a mistake and McManaman will learn from this'. What Dave Whelan came out and said was completely obscene and instantly changed my mind about Wigan and I'm sure many others have changed theirs too. I hope they go down. I had a lot of time for Martinez and his Wigan side, but after this I think it’s done him and the club a lot of harm.
Ian: Frankly, yes. How Dave Whelan can defend that kind of tackle is beyond me. There is absolutely no defence to that sort of challenge. He’ll look back on the whole thing and think “maybe I was a bit hasty there.” I just hope that he is thoroughly ashamed of his comments.
Stephen: Well you can't hold them responsible for the good fortune they got against Newcastle but Dave Whelan did cast himself as a twat with the way he behaved afterward, it's not even a polarising tackle, it's a shit one and everyone knows it. An apology and some in house discipline would not have been difficult and would have encouraged the good will they generate. It's hard not to be bias now but I don't wish to see Whelan have any further success.
Sam: No I don't think it will. It was disgraceful what happened and I blame the feckless officials more than anything. Wigan were trying to defend their player, which right or wrong you would probably expect.
Michael Owen has finally retired. Will he be remembered for his goal scoring exploits or as a wasted talent?
John: Michael Owen had the potential to be one of the best strikers England had seen. He could have beaten Alan Shearer's record for goals in the Premier League and he could have gone on to cement his name in the annals of footballing history. Despite being an amazing striker, his year-on-year injuries took their toll and he was unable to fulfill his potential. I don’t think it was entirely his fault in the early part of his career however - he was often over used as a teenager both for England and Liverpool, which meant he couldn't recover properly from his injuries. This had a massive bearing on him and his future development. Later in his career, he made some poor choices which only added to his troubles - joining Real Madrid was an average choice and I think he owed Newcastle a year. Saying that, joining Newcastle in the first place was not the best idea, it was totally motivated by money. Overall Michael Owen will be remembered as a good English Striker but he could have been remembered as one of the best of all time.
Ian: He’ll be remembered for the latter part of his career. It’s what people recall – the last thing that happened. People don’t remember the results at half time in matches. It’s a shame really that he hasn't dropped down the leagues. He’d be a great Championship and League One striker. Clearly he thinks his interests lie elsewhere and that’s fine. It’s just frustrating that he had (or has) this inflated opinion of himself. Interesting how he admitted this week that he hadn't been fully fit for fourteen, that’s FOURTEEN years. Well you know what Michael, that’s what we've been trying to tell you. The boy has had blu-tacked hamstrings for nigh on eternity now.
Ryan Giggs on the other hand is the polar opposite – he will be remembered for his longevity. What a guy.
Stephen: Well for me he's a wasted talent, he doesn't have a single redeemable personality trait and he's made of glass. I personally wouldn't ever consider his name if I were thinking of great players. Time will forget Michael Owen.
Sam: In my eyes wasted talent. Brilliant at Liverpool, Sat on the bench at Madrid, injured at Newcastle and benched for Man Utd and Stoke. General annoying shit on Twitter.
Would you pick Rio Ferdinand for England again? Where do you think England's future lies in centre defence?
John: Rio Ferdinand’s England career is over. I think he deserved to be included in the current squad because of his good form, but I think that says more about the current options available to the English squad rather than his form, with England having to rely on someone who is thirty four and injury prone. The future of the English defence is probably Jones, Smalling and Caulker. Injuries and inconsistent form though doesn't help their cases to be included. Shawcross could be an option, but his club's current form might stop him from getting in the England squad and cementing his place there.
Ian: England’s future in central defence is a difficult one. Ferdinand would be in the Man Utd team every week if he was fit. So to suggest that he shouldn't be in the team ahead of two guys who aren't first team regulars (i.e. like against Montenegro) doesn't make sense. However, strangely I can’t convincingly say he should be in the team. The future for me lies with Smalling and Cahill. However these guys MUST be playing regular football otherwise it’s pointless. I’m all for England players playing for the top clubs – look at Man City’s team – but only if they’re getting a game. The likes of Milner, Cahill etc. have to be playing week in week out.
Stephen: No, No, never, I'd play a three legged cat out of principle.
Sam: I wouldn't have picked him to begin with for the recent squad! He's 34, best years are behind him and I honestly do not know where him getting picked again came from. I think players like Jagielka, Smalling, Jones, S Taylor, Cahill, Caulker are better than him anyway and should be considered.
Would you welcome Celtic and Rangers into the English league system?
John: I think it would be excellent for the English game to include Celtic and Rangers. They are two massive clubs and if they are managed correctly they could become powerhouses of the British game. There has been a massive gap created in England between the 'haves' and the 'have nots' and I feel the introduction of two clubs who have a massive stadium, a rich history and support all over the world would help bridge the gap in the English game. The Scottish game is fighting against a tide - it will eventually become a third rate league comparable to the Irish and Welsh leagues - and this will happen with or without Celtic and Rangers. Celtic and Rangers should act now so they don’t find themselves regretting it in the future.
Ian: On one hand: No. On the other hand: Yes.
No because it’s a patently ridiculous idea. Half baked, doesn't make sense and logistically impossible.
Yes because it’s something different, would add colour, interest and passion to a league that’s desperately in need of freshening up.
Who would you rather see your team play? Wigan at home or Celtic at home? I know what I’d prefer.
Stephen: I wouldn't actively campaign for it but I wouldn't be oppose to it if it were to happen, I think they could be incorporated and I think in the same way as it has happened with Wales it will destroy the SPL.
Sam: No. Scottish football is a joke.
~John Robert Lavery
~Ian Bendelow
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
~Sam Lavery
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Season Review 4
Peter Odemwingie on Deadline day:
As I sat eating pizza enjoying the ridiculous transfer deadline day, this was the high point. It would have been the highlight of any transfer deadline day. Watching Odemwingie’s interview as he entered QPR’s training ground was the work of either a comedic genius or a raving idiot. I didn’t know whether to sing his praises or break down in tears in reaction to what has become of the beautiful game.
On a more serious note, the antics of Peter Odemwingie are the antics of a greedy and poorly advised man. It would be interesting to know who was the driving force behind him going to London to establish a move. If I were on the FA board I would be investigating this with West Brom and issuing appropriate punishments to both him and his agent.
Agents have too much power in the game and something needs to be done to regulate the money they earn. This is a FIFA issue - it has to come from the very top of football.
Balotelli has finally gone. Will he a) be missed and b) ever fulfill his potential
As a footballer, I don’t think he will be missed. He was the football equivalent of Jekyll and Hyde - we would either be presented with brilliance, such as his display at the European championships, or on the other hand presented with the stupid red and yellow cards with no redemption from any goal scoring. As a side story to football however, he will be missed. As much as I hate to admit it, I loved hearing about his ridiculous behaviour even if some of it wasn’t true.
Overall though, I don’t think he will be missed all that much as his footballing side didn’t overly impress, and ultimately that is why he we are interested in a footballer in the first place.
Southampton sacking Nigel Adkins and replacing him with Mauricio Pochettino:
A large part of me was annoyed and disappointed when Southampton sacked Adkins. He was just finding his feet, and I really believed if he signed a good centre back over January, Southampton could have really improved in the second half of the season. Another part of me can see why they did it however, as he had a very poor start and I think that it was during this period that the decision was made. In addition, Adkins didn’t seem to know his best team, constantly changing tactics and formation, and this was quite worrying for a team who will be fighting against relegation all season. Pochettino deserves a chance and only time will tell how successful he may be. His win against Manchester City helped him to win over most, if not all, of the doubters who were still a bit sore about Adkins’ dismissal.
QPR’s January:
‘Reckless’, ‘ill advised’ and ‘foolish’ are just some of the terms with which you can describe QPR’s January. If they do go down, which is highly likely, they will struggle with a wage bill that would crush even the largest of teams, never mind one in the Championship. I blame Mark Hughes who, as a consequence of his reckless spending, has destroyed his reputation as a manager. Fernandez has to share the blame because I feel he left it too long when making a decision on Hughes - the writing was on the wall in early October but he didn’t act until the end of November. I don’t see much changing under Redknapp either, as he seems to be basically signing his old Tottenham targets – the signing of Remy and Samba for ridiculous money suggests that there is a fundamental mentality within the club that needs to change. I also don’t understand letting Faurlin go out on loan to Palermo, then signing Jenas who is basically Faurlin, except he will be on more money and is more injury prone. I can see QPR being the next Portsmouth and it’s just a shame we have had to suffer another footballing casualty before the new rules come in about reckless spending.
Aston Villa performance over the transfer window:
Aston Villa performed absolutely shockingly to say the least. They are the team to do probably the least business whilst being the most in need of investment. For example, their first signing was a 24-year-old Striker who has never played in the premier league - his only experience comes from 11 games for Leyton Orient and two seasons with San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS. Their second signing was a 22-year-old midfielder who used to play in Ligue 2 for Clermont. These signings were meant as a practical joke, obviously, and in the careful planning and execution of this hilarious jest, Villa forgot to sign anyone worthwhile. The sooner Richard Dunne returns the better - Villa lack any players with real quality and it is shocking the way Randy Lerner is dealing with the finances when they surely must have some money. Why he financed a £24 million deal for Darren Bent nobody will ever know - it was never going to pay off. They have benefited financially on Young, Milner and Downing, but what Lerner is spending the majority of his money on is a mystery.
Aston Villa’s aspirations:
Not getting relegated is basically the top and bottom of Aston Villa’s aspirations. I will say that it looks highly unlikely that they will stay up. They may even finish bottom if QPR start winning. 102 years in the top division will be brought to a crushing end and I think Lerner will sell the club at the end of the season, making Villa’s promotion push even harder with the uncertainty of who the owner is.
~John Robert Lavery
As I sat eating pizza enjoying the ridiculous transfer deadline day, this was the high point. It would have been the highlight of any transfer deadline day. Watching Odemwingie’s interview as he entered QPR’s training ground was the work of either a comedic genius or a raving idiot. I didn’t know whether to sing his praises or break down in tears in reaction to what has become of the beautiful game.
On a more serious note, the antics of Peter Odemwingie are the antics of a greedy and poorly advised man. It would be interesting to know who was the driving force behind him going to London to establish a move. If I were on the FA board I would be investigating this with West Brom and issuing appropriate punishments to both him and his agent.
Agents have too much power in the game and something needs to be done to regulate the money they earn. This is a FIFA issue - it has to come from the very top of football.
Balotelli has finally gone. Will he a) be missed and b) ever fulfill his potential
As a footballer, I don’t think he will be missed. He was the football equivalent of Jekyll and Hyde - we would either be presented with brilliance, such as his display at the European championships, or on the other hand presented with the stupid red and yellow cards with no redemption from any goal scoring. As a side story to football however, he will be missed. As much as I hate to admit it, I loved hearing about his ridiculous behaviour even if some of it wasn’t true.
Overall though, I don’t think he will be missed all that much as his footballing side didn’t overly impress, and ultimately that is why he we are interested in a footballer in the first place.
Southampton sacking Nigel Adkins and replacing him with Mauricio Pochettino:
A large part of me was annoyed and disappointed when Southampton sacked Adkins. He was just finding his feet, and I really believed if he signed a good centre back over January, Southampton could have really improved in the second half of the season. Another part of me can see why they did it however, as he had a very poor start and I think that it was during this period that the decision was made. In addition, Adkins didn’t seem to know his best team, constantly changing tactics and formation, and this was quite worrying for a team who will be fighting against relegation all season. Pochettino deserves a chance and only time will tell how successful he may be. His win against Manchester City helped him to win over most, if not all, of the doubters who were still a bit sore about Adkins’ dismissal.
QPR’s January:
‘Reckless’, ‘ill advised’ and ‘foolish’ are just some of the terms with which you can describe QPR’s January. If they do go down, which is highly likely, they will struggle with a wage bill that would crush even the largest of teams, never mind one in the Championship. I blame Mark Hughes who, as a consequence of his reckless spending, has destroyed his reputation as a manager. Fernandez has to share the blame because I feel he left it too long when making a decision on Hughes - the writing was on the wall in early October but he didn’t act until the end of November. I don’t see much changing under Redknapp either, as he seems to be basically signing his old Tottenham targets – the signing of Remy and Samba for ridiculous money suggests that there is a fundamental mentality within the club that needs to change. I also don’t understand letting Faurlin go out on loan to Palermo, then signing Jenas who is basically Faurlin, except he will be on more money and is more injury prone. I can see QPR being the next Portsmouth and it’s just a shame we have had to suffer another footballing casualty before the new rules come in about reckless spending.
Aston Villa performance over the transfer window:
Aston Villa performed absolutely shockingly to say the least. They are the team to do probably the least business whilst being the most in need of investment. For example, their first signing was a 24-year-old Striker who has never played in the premier league - his only experience comes from 11 games for Leyton Orient and two seasons with San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS. Their second signing was a 22-year-old midfielder who used to play in Ligue 2 for Clermont. These signings were meant as a practical joke, obviously, and in the careful planning and execution of this hilarious jest, Villa forgot to sign anyone worthwhile. The sooner Richard Dunne returns the better - Villa lack any players with real quality and it is shocking the way Randy Lerner is dealing with the finances when they surely must have some money. Why he financed a £24 million deal for Darren Bent nobody will ever know - it was never going to pay off. They have benefited financially on Young, Milner and Downing, but what Lerner is spending the majority of his money on is a mystery.
Aston Villa’s aspirations:
Not getting relegated is basically the top and bottom of Aston Villa’s aspirations. I will say that it looks highly unlikely that they will stay up. They may even finish bottom if QPR start winning. 102 years in the top division will be brought to a crushing end and I think Lerner will sell the club at the end of the season, making Villa’s promotion push even harder with the uncertainty of who the owner is.
~John Robert Lavery
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Season Review 3
Who has been the most impressive team over Christmas and why?
Stephen: Well obviously Manchester Utd have taken ten from twelve and opened up their lead to seven points but I simply can't stand Ferguson or any of his players. I'm going to go with Spurs and AVB. Ten points from twelve and as things stand they are in third place, to think a lot of journalists and fans had him written off at the start of the season.
Ian: I'm tempted to say no one, but I'll go for Spurs, they've been excellent and have produced some great performances. They could have had ten against Reading and Villa and were well on top against Sunderland too. A couple of shrewd signings either now or in the summer could really set them up as title challengers.
Sam: Apart from their recent blip against QPR, I think that Chelsea were the most impressive. They have had some big results, especially with their 8-0 win over Aston Villa. Tottenham have also been very good over the Christmas.
John: On form, it has to be Manchester United. They are the only team to win all three of their Christmas games, which is a much needed response to what was a very average display against Swansea.
Manchester City and Manchester Utd are out in front at the moment, but Chelsea look resurgent. Can they challenge for the title?
Stephen: I would like to think so as the Manchester dominance is a depressing sight week after week... unfortunately I don't think Benitez is the man and I see at least one more wobble before the end, more likely to be battling with Spurs or Arsenal come the end, next season perhaps.
Ian: No. I barely think Man City can. City really didn't strengthen and the goal threat is not there like it was last season. Chelsea seems to be lurching from transition period to transition period in the Premier League, and have the added problem of replacing an ageing Lampard and Terry in the near future. Benitez probably wont be there next season and with that in mind I don't think he has the focus to get consistency to be able to challenge.
Sam: Personally I do not think they can. Tottenham are sitting in 3rd and they are 13 points off the top. Think 14 points will be too much to ask.
John: I think Benitez looks like a good fit at Chelsea and I would like to see him get more time. To be kept on next season, he will have to have won both the league and FA cup and challenged Manchester City and Manchester United all the way. Next season he will then have to win the league or he will be fired. I am not sure if he will challenge the Manchester clubs, but Bentitez could feasibly secure a strong third place finish - with Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal fighting for fourth place on the final day.
To answer this question – no, I don’t think Chelsea can challenge for the title. Just as he did at Liverpool, Benitez makes stupid decisions with his rotation policy such as last week when he dropped Hazard, Mata and Cole to play QPR at home. Already that’s a massive three points dropped on the two Manchester clubs.
Aston Villa have had a pretty terrible time of late and are not doing well at all. Is this down to Lambert or is it something engrained in the Villa side? Should Lambert have gone to Villa in the first place?
Stephen: Well given their Christmas run consisted of one point against the run of play versus Swansea and three defeats with an impressive goal difference...goals conceded seventeen goals scored two. When you look at their team it's hard to argue that Lambert should be doing any better, we don't know what's going on with Bent but I'm assuming it is Bent to blame as he is a dirty bastard. None of their other 'big names' are stepping up and their youth don't look ready or capable, Benteke has been admirable but not exactly prolific. I would think if Lambert had his choice again the decision may be different, although I imagine he is well recompensed for his poor decision making.
Ian: To take the first question, it's probably a mixture of both. Lambert has come in, introduced a young, inexperienced crop of players to the first team and while there is the enthusiasm, they've been left woefully exposed at times. The side they put out the other day was the youngest in Premier League history. Then again it was said you don't win anything with kids, so I'd hesitate to say you won't stay up with kids
Sam: I think it is the wrong time to go to Villa. For me there is obviously something going on behind the scenes and players such as Young and Downing have not been replaced with quality players. They will definitely need to sign in January if they are to stay up.
Stephen: Well obviously Manchester Utd have taken ten from twelve and opened up their lead to seven points but I simply can't stand Ferguson or any of his players. I'm going to go with Spurs and AVB. Ten points from twelve and as things stand they are in third place, to think a lot of journalists and fans had him written off at the start of the season.
Ian: I'm tempted to say no one, but I'll go for Spurs, they've been excellent and have produced some great performances. They could have had ten against Reading and Villa and were well on top against Sunderland too. A couple of shrewd signings either now or in the summer could really set them up as title challengers.
Sam: Apart from their recent blip against QPR, I think that Chelsea were the most impressive. They have had some big results, especially with their 8-0 win over Aston Villa. Tottenham have also been very good over the Christmas.
John: On form, it has to be Manchester United. They are the only team to win all three of their Christmas games, which is a much needed response to what was a very average display against Swansea.
Manchester City and Manchester Utd are out in front at the moment, but Chelsea look resurgent. Can they challenge for the title?
Stephen: I would like to think so as the Manchester dominance is a depressing sight week after week... unfortunately I don't think Benitez is the man and I see at least one more wobble before the end, more likely to be battling with Spurs or Arsenal come the end, next season perhaps.
Ian: No. I barely think Man City can. City really didn't strengthen and the goal threat is not there like it was last season. Chelsea seems to be lurching from transition period to transition period in the Premier League, and have the added problem of replacing an ageing Lampard and Terry in the near future. Benitez probably wont be there next season and with that in mind I don't think he has the focus to get consistency to be able to challenge.
Sam: Personally I do not think they can. Tottenham are sitting in 3rd and they are 13 points off the top. Think 14 points will be too much to ask.
John: I think Benitez looks like a good fit at Chelsea and I would like to see him get more time. To be kept on next season, he will have to have won both the league and FA cup and challenged Manchester City and Manchester United all the way. Next season he will then have to win the league or he will be fired. I am not sure if he will challenge the Manchester clubs, but Bentitez could feasibly secure a strong third place finish - with Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal fighting for fourth place on the final day.
To answer this question – no, I don’t think Chelsea can challenge for the title. Just as he did at Liverpool, Benitez makes stupid decisions with his rotation policy such as last week when he dropped Hazard, Mata and Cole to play QPR at home. Already that’s a massive three points dropped on the two Manchester clubs.
Aston Villa have had a pretty terrible time of late and are not doing well at all. Is this down to Lambert or is it something engrained in the Villa side? Should Lambert have gone to Villa in the first place?
Stephen: Well given their Christmas run consisted of one point against the run of play versus Swansea and three defeats with an impressive goal difference...goals conceded seventeen goals scored two. When you look at their team it's hard to argue that Lambert should be doing any better, we don't know what's going on with Bent but I'm assuming it is Bent to blame as he is a dirty bastard. None of their other 'big names' are stepping up and their youth don't look ready or capable, Benteke has been admirable but not exactly prolific. I would think if Lambert had his choice again the decision may be different, although I imagine he is well recompensed for his poor decision making.
Ian: To take the first question, it's probably a mixture of both. Lambert has come in, introduced a young, inexperienced crop of players to the first team and while there is the enthusiasm, they've been left woefully exposed at times. The side they put out the other day was the youngest in Premier League history. Then again it was said you don't win anything with kids, so I'd hesitate to say you won't stay up with kids
Sam: I think it is the wrong time to go to Villa. For me there is obviously something going on behind the scenes and players such as Young and Downing have not been replaced with quality players. They will definitely need to sign in January if they are to stay up.
John: I don’t think it was a bad move for Lambert to go to Villa - they are a better side traditionally than Norwich. It was rather bad timing however - Villa are a team on the decline and I think Martin O’Neil realised this when he left. The problem with Aston Villa is Randy Lerner - I think a pattern is starting to emerge amongst all the American owners in the Premier League. He came in, spent a lot of money, bought some good players and turned Villa into a top-six side. After a while he stopped putting money in, which forced Villa to gradually sell their good players and replace them with weaker ones and now they are fighting against relegation. Villa are actually my favourites to go down in 18th place, because I think Southampton will spend in January and start to perform, getting some good results behind them. I also think Wigan will have one of their end-of-season bursts, which will keep them up by a nose.
Continuing with matters at the bottom, does Harry Redknapp have a hope in hell of saving QPR?
Stephen: I can't see it happening, I'm expecting another defeat this evening at the hands of Chelsea.. quite a heavy one at that. I expect Arry to do very little, he may achieve 19th given Readings woes but that'll be the pinnacle. Hopefully this ongoing media fuss about Arry the emperors new clothes Redknapp will start to simmer down.
Ian: Well, if they had beaten West Brom and lost to Chelsea I'd have said no. Even though it was the other way round, I'll still say no. I just don't think the heart and fight - not to mention ability is there for QPR. They look like a bunch of strangers struggling against the tide. When that happens it doesn't matter how many Champions League winners medals you have on the mantelpiece.
Sam: A vital win for them last week against Chelsea. I think they will sign in January, but I am unsure they will be able to go on the sort of run that will be required for them to get to safety.
John: Nope, that team is finished. Hughes will manage again, but probably in Saudi Arabia where he can throw vast sums of money at the same sort of player he brought in at QPR. QPR have the basis of a decent team but they are missing key players – crucially, they don’t have a good leader who will inspire the players to play. They also lack a good defence - I could see Fabio perhaps having a place but really they need three players in those positions. Ryan Nelson has gone, Clint Hill, Anton Ferdinand and Nedum Onuoha are not good enough, meaning two centre backs and a decent full back are needed desperately. They also need a goal scorer - Cisse looks fed up and Jaimie Mackay is nowhere near the standard needed in the Premier league. Their midfield is ok and may be their saving grace but Redknapp needs to try and get the best out of those in the middle.
Daniel Sturridge has today signed for Liverpool - he's fast becoming a journeyman at the age of 23. Will he impress or will he fail? Is £12m worth it?
Stephen: I think it's a very good signing, if he gets the starts and a regular position in behind Suarez he could really find his form again, dare I say it could be a really important signing in context of Liverpool’s rebuilding. I did however think Henderson and Downing were promising signings and look at how rancid they are, nonetheless I'm excited to see Sturridge in red.
Ian: I think it will transpire that Sturridges' move to Liverpool was one of the most ill advised in Premier League history. At 23 he needs to be playing, and he just hasn''t played enough, or scored enough so far. Particularly in some of the best sides in the division. He very much flatters to deceive, and while Liverpool aren't the worst team in the world, a move to them either suggests that Sturridge's level is mid-table Premier League. Failing that, his career is on the slide and in five years time he'll rock up playing for Godmanchester Rovers.
Sam: I think this was a good move for Sturridge. Borini has not delivered. Even with only Torres there, he did not get a run in the side this season. Think 12m is pretty steep considering he hasn't exactly set the world alight yet.
John: I am not sure on this one - I think he will succeed, then a bigger better club will come in for him, he will demand a move for an inflated transfer and then he will fail because they won’t play him down the middle.
Which team needs to strengthen the most this transfer window?
Stephen: Liverpool have obviously started already with Sturridge but a few more could make a huge difference to their ambitions. Aston Villa could really use some good signings but Robbie Keane on loan is not one of them. It's pretty stupid to list the bottom teams upwards as budget restraints make big moves in the window somewhat speculative at best.
Ian: Reading. They really do need some Premier League quality in there and if they do get one or two game changers in, I think there's a chance they could stay up. The quality of teams like Villa, Wigan and Southampton are such that it is possible to catch them. I would also say QPR but surely they can't sign anymore people?
Sam: Newcastle & Villa
John: Two teams - QPR and Newcastle. Newcastle’s squad is laughable if you consider the FA cup team they fielded. Despite that, they have just signed Debuchy, and Ben Arfa, Taylor and Cabaye are all on the brink of returning, which will be a massive boost for the team. A centre back for Newcastle is a must and a replacement for Ba essential - although I think they should also get a striker in on loan just to provide adequate cover until the end of the season. QPR need a proven goal scorer - a move for Darren Bent would be a good signing. They also need to strengthen things at the back - two new centre-backs would be a sensible investment.
Give us three players who would be a perfect match for a particular club?
Stephen: Any player from any club that would suit any other club? or any realistic signing I think would be a good fit?
Stephen: As things stand I'm unable to access my original predictions, I am however aware that the season is not panning out how I'd thought. Citeh have seemingly struggled all season for consistency. Newcastle have languished without finding any form at all really. Liverpool are going about things slower but I'm not worried I'll be too far wrong come the end. Spurs success with AVB is at least coming to fruition. Even now I think the season is very hard to predict.
Ian: In a word, No. I'm an idiot.
Sam: A lot of my predictions are still on course, although a few were completely wrong! Overall I am happy with my predictions. Looking back now, I dunno why I put Torres to be top scorer! I am still holding out for the Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Roy Hodgson's wife threesome.
John: ‘Balotelli to finish top goal scorer’ looks unlikely, but I am happy with what I said about Tottenham claiming fourth spot. My relegation candidates of Norwich, Wigan and Villa look two-thirds right. Wigan and Villa look destined to be in these positions until the end of the season with one of them likely to go down. I don’t see Norwich being anywhere near however, but with three straight defeats over Christmas who knows. I am extremely happy with my prediction that QPR will struggle this season due to Mark Hughes’ awful job last summer.
Discuss your own club's fortunes. Are you jumping for joy or pulling your hair out with frustration so far?
Stephen: Well as a dirty turn coat who until very recently followed Liverpool more so than Newcastle this question gives me two answers. Newcastle don't have me too stressed, I'd prepared for the Europa league to mess with domestic form, a little lower than I'd like with a poorer brand of football than I'd like but nothing to be too alarmed about. Liverpool have had a hell of a lot written and spoken about them but after their terrible start I think Rodgers has a lot of fans feeling optimistic, a few good signings in January and a strong second half to the season could see them tickling Europe.
Continuing with matters at the bottom, does Harry Redknapp have a hope in hell of saving QPR?
Stephen: I can't see it happening, I'm expecting another defeat this evening at the hands of Chelsea.. quite a heavy one at that. I expect Arry to do very little, he may achieve 19th given Readings woes but that'll be the pinnacle. Hopefully this ongoing media fuss about Arry the emperors new clothes Redknapp will start to simmer down.
Ian: Well, if they had beaten West Brom and lost to Chelsea I'd have said no. Even though it was the other way round, I'll still say no. I just don't think the heart and fight - not to mention ability is there for QPR. They look like a bunch of strangers struggling against the tide. When that happens it doesn't matter how many Champions League winners medals you have on the mantelpiece.
Sam: A vital win for them last week against Chelsea. I think they will sign in January, but I am unsure they will be able to go on the sort of run that will be required for them to get to safety.
John: Nope, that team is finished. Hughes will manage again, but probably in Saudi Arabia where he can throw vast sums of money at the same sort of player he brought in at QPR. QPR have the basis of a decent team but they are missing key players – crucially, they don’t have a good leader who will inspire the players to play. They also lack a good defence - I could see Fabio perhaps having a place but really they need three players in those positions. Ryan Nelson has gone, Clint Hill, Anton Ferdinand and Nedum Onuoha are not good enough, meaning two centre backs and a decent full back are needed desperately. They also need a goal scorer - Cisse looks fed up and Jaimie Mackay is nowhere near the standard needed in the Premier league. Their midfield is ok and may be their saving grace but Redknapp needs to try and get the best out of those in the middle.
Daniel Sturridge has today signed for Liverpool - he's fast becoming a journeyman at the age of 23. Will he impress or will he fail? Is £12m worth it?
Stephen: I think it's a very good signing, if he gets the starts and a regular position in behind Suarez he could really find his form again, dare I say it could be a really important signing in context of Liverpool’s rebuilding. I did however think Henderson and Downing were promising signings and look at how rancid they are, nonetheless I'm excited to see Sturridge in red.
Ian: I think it will transpire that Sturridges' move to Liverpool was one of the most ill advised in Premier League history. At 23 he needs to be playing, and he just hasn''t played enough, or scored enough so far. Particularly in some of the best sides in the division. He very much flatters to deceive, and while Liverpool aren't the worst team in the world, a move to them either suggests that Sturridge's level is mid-table Premier League. Failing that, his career is on the slide and in five years time he'll rock up playing for Godmanchester Rovers.
Sam: I think this was a good move for Sturridge. Borini has not delivered. Even with only Torres there, he did not get a run in the side this season. Think 12m is pretty steep considering he hasn't exactly set the world alight yet.
John: I am not sure on this one - I think he will succeed, then a bigger better club will come in for him, he will demand a move for an inflated transfer and then he will fail because they won’t play him down the middle.
Which team needs to strengthen the most this transfer window?
Stephen: Liverpool have obviously started already with Sturridge but a few more could make a huge difference to their ambitions. Aston Villa could really use some good signings but Robbie Keane on loan is not one of them. It's pretty stupid to list the bottom teams upwards as budget restraints make big moves in the window somewhat speculative at best.
Ian: Reading. They really do need some Premier League quality in there and if they do get one or two game changers in, I think there's a chance they could stay up. The quality of teams like Villa, Wigan and Southampton are such that it is possible to catch them. I would also say QPR but surely they can't sign anymore people?
Sam: Newcastle & Villa
John: Two teams - QPR and Newcastle. Newcastle’s squad is laughable if you consider the FA cup team they fielded. Despite that, they have just signed Debuchy, and Ben Arfa, Taylor and Cabaye are all on the brink of returning, which will be a massive boost for the team. A centre back for Newcastle is a must and a replacement for Ba essential - although I think they should also get a striker in on loan just to provide adequate cover until the end of the season. QPR need a proven goal scorer - a move for Darren Bent would be a good signing. They also need to strengthen things at the back - two new centre-backs would be a sensible investment.
Give us three players who would be a perfect match for a particular club?
Stephen: Any player from any club that would suit any other club? or any realistic signing I think would be a good fit?
- I think Jarvis would have been an excellent signing for Newcastle, he's a great winger and crosser of the ball and Newcastle have/had three big target men up front, he'd certainly have been better than mongoloid alien head.
- Moutinho to Spurs seems like it would be a real nice fit... he's quite flexible as far as his role is concerned and as a creative replacement for Van der Vaart and/or Modric I don't think too many Spurs fans would complain.
- Lionel Messi to Wigan would offer them that real touch of quality that they don't always get from Di Santo and with the aforementioned being Argentinian you've got to imagine it'd make fitting in a lot easier.
- Nick Powell - from Man Utd to Wigan on loan.
- Johnny Heitinge to Newcastle
- Charlie Austin to Sunderland
- Think Remy will compliment Cisse very well, he is very fast and will create a lot for Cisse, who is more of a poacher.
- I think Michu would be a good signing for Arsenal, but cannot see him leaving in the transfer window.
- Sneijder to Man Utd, they have needed a CM for a while now and have really struggled to control a lot of games this season.
- Asmir Begovic to Manchester United – They need a goal keeper and he just so happens to be the best in the league right now.
- David Villa to Arsenal – He is a player with proven quality, who doesn’t seem to mind playing down the centre or out wide - unlike Theo Walcott who flatters to deceive, who is very average at finishing and does mind if he plays out wide.
- Darren Bent to QPR – They need a goal scorer and he can score goals.
- Peter Odemwingie to Newcastle – He is a proven, experienced striker, just what Newcastle need.
Stephen: As things stand I'm unable to access my original predictions, I am however aware that the season is not panning out how I'd thought. Citeh have seemingly struggled all season for consistency. Newcastle have languished without finding any form at all really. Liverpool are going about things slower but I'm not worried I'll be too far wrong come the end. Spurs success with AVB is at least coming to fruition. Even now I think the season is very hard to predict.
Ian: In a word, No. I'm an idiot.
Sam: A lot of my predictions are still on course, although a few were completely wrong! Overall I am happy with my predictions. Looking back now, I dunno why I put Torres to be top scorer! I am still holding out for the Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Roy Hodgson's wife threesome.
John: ‘Balotelli to finish top goal scorer’ looks unlikely, but I am happy with what I said about Tottenham claiming fourth spot. My relegation candidates of Norwich, Wigan and Villa look two-thirds right. Wigan and Villa look destined to be in these positions until the end of the season with one of them likely to go down. I don’t see Norwich being anywhere near however, but with three straight defeats over Christmas who knows. I am extremely happy with my prediction that QPR will struggle this season due to Mark Hughes’ awful job last summer.
Discuss your own club's fortunes. Are you jumping for joy or pulling your hair out with frustration so far?
Stephen: Well as a dirty turn coat who until very recently followed Liverpool more so than Newcastle this question gives me two answers. Newcastle don't have me too stressed, I'd prepared for the Europa league to mess with domestic form, a little lower than I'd like with a poorer brand of football than I'd like but nothing to be too alarmed about. Liverpool have had a hell of a lot written and spoken about them but after their terrible start I think Rodgers has a lot of fans feeling optimistic, a few good signings in January and a strong second half to the season could see them tickling Europe.
Ian: Well, Sunderland have shown they can get results against the top teams in the division, however it's ultimately been frustrating. We should have more points on the board and the bigger name players there are playing within themselves, which isn't good. On the positive side thought that means there's more to come from the team - and they certainly have shown that they are good enough to keep Sunderland in the Premier League.
Sam: Pulling my hair out! Some very good performances the last few weeks, but we simply cant defend. Teams look like they will score past us every time they attack. It is unfortunate that we have so many injuries, as I feel we would probably be between 7th-10th if we had players such as Stephen Taylor, Cabaye and Ben Arfa back. Think the signing of Debuchy is fantastic and means that we are only missing 1 defender now. Still feel we need a couple more players in the transfer window and definitely need to replace Ba.
John: As a Newcastle fan I am afraid it is the latter. I watched Newcastle vs Brighton and to be honest it was the worst performance I have seen from a Newcastle side since their relegation in 2009. Newcastle need investment in this transfer window, otherwise it could be a very disappointing season. Our only saving grace this season is the teams below us are just as awful. Villa, Southampton and Wigan look set to fight over that final relegation spot. I think Reading are as good as down - QPR could have a mild resurgence but it would be somewhat of a miracle.
Who's looking good in the Championship?
Stephen: Well other than Cardiff who seem to be the only team with a genuine consistency their are five teams that I follow with my weekly accumulators.. Hull, Palace and Leicester have obviously been strong if not reliable on the betting front and Middlesbrough have gone about their business quietly and efficiently. I always keep an eye on Leeds and Forrest as they are in my dream premier league but their form is about as unpredictable as form can be.
Ian: Hull City for me. I'm not the biggest fan of Steve Bruce, but he's done well there. They're about to push through a deal for David Meyler which is a cracking bit of business, and if they can maintain this run of form then promotion is a certainty. Also a mention for Watford - they've risen up the table of late and could challenge. Also well done to Peterborough, who are on an excellent run of form after being complete pony in the first few games this season.
Sam: Still think Cardiff will do it, since teams like Blackburn have backed off quite considerably. Hull have been very impressive. Bruce seems to have the right idea. I think he could keep them in the premiership should they get promoted.
John: Cardiff will definitely get promoted, they look very good. Hull have done well but I still think Crystal Palace have the edge to beat them to second place, because Palace will sell Zaha and then use that money to invest in two or three new recruits who will improve the depth and quality of their squad.
It wasn't long ago that we were talking about the arrival of Henning Berg, who has now of course been sacked. Who should replace him, and what on earth are Venkys playing at? Discuss.
Stephen: Henning Berg was never the right man nor did he stand a chance, from what he'd said before U-turning his way into being manager to his hopeless lack of experience, no harm done to him really, just a little smudge on his résumé. They just don't seem to have a clue, I listened to shebby Singh talk about this topic for 30 minutes and only when I thought back on the interview did I realise he didn't actually say anything other than reiterate that he has 'never taken a training session' which I'm sure is at least one small mercy on the Blackburn faithful. who'd be mad enough to take the job? a greedy, hungry Welshman could make a return?! I would find that very enjoyable.
Ian: I think that Phil Brown should replace him, just because I think it would be hilarious. An unmitigated disaster would ensue. Aside from the comedy suggestions I think Sean O'Driscoll would be a good shout. Just a quick thought - what were Forest thinking sacking him and getting McLeish in?! Dear oh dear oh dear.
Sam: Its difficult to say with Blackburn. I think right now they need stability. Maybe someone like Paul Jewell, might be able to get them stable for a couple of seasons as they will not want the job becoming a poison chalice. Do not know who would dare take it though! Not a clue what is happening with Venkys, if its not sorted soon, Blackburn could be soon be out of the Championship.
John: Blackburn are finished. I honestly think they are braced for an administration - they are just terrible. I said in the last review that Henning Berg was the wrong choice, like Steve Kean before him. Blackburn are in so much trouble and it is all because of their owners. The FA should be allowed to step in and force them to sell the football club because what they are doing is nothing short of criminal. I think we will be writing about Blackburn on these reviews for the rest of the season.
Three predictions for 2013?
Stephen:
Who's looking good in the Championship?
Stephen: Well other than Cardiff who seem to be the only team with a genuine consistency their are five teams that I follow with my weekly accumulators.. Hull, Palace and Leicester have obviously been strong if not reliable on the betting front and Middlesbrough have gone about their business quietly and efficiently. I always keep an eye on Leeds and Forrest as they are in my dream premier league but their form is about as unpredictable as form can be.
Ian: Hull City for me. I'm not the biggest fan of Steve Bruce, but he's done well there. They're about to push through a deal for David Meyler which is a cracking bit of business, and if they can maintain this run of form then promotion is a certainty. Also a mention for Watford - they've risen up the table of late and could challenge. Also well done to Peterborough, who are on an excellent run of form after being complete pony in the first few games this season.
Sam: Still think Cardiff will do it, since teams like Blackburn have backed off quite considerably. Hull have been very impressive. Bruce seems to have the right idea. I think he could keep them in the premiership should they get promoted.
John: Cardiff will definitely get promoted, they look very good. Hull have done well but I still think Crystal Palace have the edge to beat them to second place, because Palace will sell Zaha and then use that money to invest in two or three new recruits who will improve the depth and quality of their squad.
It wasn't long ago that we were talking about the arrival of Henning Berg, who has now of course been sacked. Who should replace him, and what on earth are Venkys playing at? Discuss.
Stephen: Henning Berg was never the right man nor did he stand a chance, from what he'd said before U-turning his way into being manager to his hopeless lack of experience, no harm done to him really, just a little smudge on his résumé. They just don't seem to have a clue, I listened to shebby Singh talk about this topic for 30 minutes and only when I thought back on the interview did I realise he didn't actually say anything other than reiterate that he has 'never taken a training session' which I'm sure is at least one small mercy on the Blackburn faithful. who'd be mad enough to take the job? a greedy, hungry Welshman could make a return?! I would find that very enjoyable.
Ian: I think that Phil Brown should replace him, just because I think it would be hilarious. An unmitigated disaster would ensue. Aside from the comedy suggestions I think Sean O'Driscoll would be a good shout. Just a quick thought - what were Forest thinking sacking him and getting McLeish in?! Dear oh dear oh dear.
Sam: Its difficult to say with Blackburn. I think right now they need stability. Maybe someone like Paul Jewell, might be able to get them stable for a couple of seasons as they will not want the job becoming a poison chalice. Do not know who would dare take it though! Not a clue what is happening with Venkys, if its not sorted soon, Blackburn could be soon be out of the Championship.
John: Blackburn are finished. I honestly think they are braced for an administration - they are just terrible. I said in the last review that Henning Berg was the wrong choice, like Steve Kean before him. Blackburn are in so much trouble and it is all because of their owners. The FA should be allowed to step in and force them to sell the football club because what they are doing is nothing short of criminal. I think we will be writing about Blackburn on these reviews for the rest of the season.
Three predictions for 2013?
Stephen:
- Could Mr John Terry have a full calendar year without any personal or professional controversy?!
- This one is based more in hope than reality but Man City closing the gap second year running, this time leaving it even later to shatter Manu hearts
- Lawro is finally uncovered in a 6 month sting operation as the leader of a high profile dog shagging ring. Not only is Lawro convicted of shagging dogs he is also found guilty of organising and funding quarterly dog orgy events at his merseyside home (designed to appear from the outside as a giant kennel)
- Man City will suffer a five goal defeat.
- Alan Pardew to be sacked before the end of the season.
- Chelsea to end 2013 in the bottom half of the table.
- The current bottom 3 in the PL to go down.
- Middlesbrough to get promoted (via playoffs)
- Norwich to be dragged into the relegation battle.
- Mark Hughes will get the Blackburn job.
- Jose Mourinho will be announced as the next Arsenal manager in June 2013.
- Newcastle will avoid relegation this season and by December 2013 they will be in the top six.
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
~Ian Bendelow
~Sam Lavery
~John Lavery
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
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:
-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: 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
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