Leave Lower League Terraces Alone!

It was a shock to read an article on the BBC Sport website this morning, reporting that Scunthorpe United would be forced to convert their ground to an all-seater stadium under Football League rules. Should the Iron stay up this season, it will be their third season in the old Second Division which would automatically activate the ruling that every club in the top two divisions must have an all seater stadium.

Glanford Park is a real match-box of a ground. With a capacity of just over 9,000, it is surprising that a local MP's call for Scunthorpe to be allowed to keep their terrace is likely to be overturned by the blazers at the Football League.

In the aftermath of the tragedy at Hillsborough, Lord Taylor's report that recommended all-seater stadia and the abolishment of mass terraces has caused a fallout that is still felt nearly 20 years on.

Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin makes two valid points. Firstly, the one terrace at Glanford Park is hardly akin to the vast expanses of terrace we used to see like The Holte End at Villa Park, Highbury's North Bank (pictured right) or Old Trafford's traditional Stretford End. Secondly, Scunthorpe's attendences even in the Second Division are a touch over 6,000 - a number of supporters that some clubs would take to away games.

Hillsborough was probably the biggest tragedy to hit football but is it now time to be sensible. Clubs on the continent use a mixture of terracing and seating depending on the magnitude of the game. Borussia Dortumund are a fine example of how to manage large crowds. The Westfalen Stadion has the largest terrace in Europe yet they manage to avoid any sort of trouble.

Terraces have a long-standing, almost romantic association with the beautiful game. With a lot of the hooligan element now gone is it time to trust supporters again? Grounds like Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium are now far too developed to introduce any sort of terracing again but in the lower leagues and particularly at places like Glanford Park, it would be of no benefit to anyone see such a small terrace shut just for the sake of the do-gooders.

Click Here to read the afore-mentioned article

(Pictures: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ and http://www.goonersworld.co.uk/

Lion Ousted By Promise Of Russian Bear

As the dust settles on what has been a hectic World Cup bid, many English football fans are now screaming for the head of Sepp Blatter and the rest of the FIFA voting commitee that awarded the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals to Russia and Qatar respectively.

FIFA has a long history of wincing whenever it comes to dealing with English football and this, combined with the accusations of corruption and collusion appears on the face of it to have done significant damange to England's bid. According to sources inside the auditorium in Zurich, there were rumours that the media furore over the bid was a contributing factor and, in all honesty it is hardly a surprise that this sort of excuse has been found.

But the selection of Russia as a host nation is certainly an interesting choice. Many are angry that, compared to the other four 'finalists', the Russian bid was the weakest and presented the highest risk (in FIFA jargon), therefore were not deserving of such an honour. The only flag the Russians had flying in their favour was the opportunity for FIFA to broaden their horizons and award the finals to a nation that had never previously hosted a European or world football tournament before.

This, I beleive is the key point for everyone to understand. The Iberian bid were said to have quipped that they could host the tournament next month had FIFA desired and, in all honesty, the same can be said of both the English and Belgian/Dutch bids too. Russia have yet to build the infrastructure that would support such a grand tournament which immediately puts them at a disadvantage. With freezing, harsh winters gripping the country for almost half the year, it won't be easy to ensure construction goes smoothly. However, like him or loathe him, Sepp Blatter's vision for FIFA is commendable. Football has such a global appeal that it can help heal the deep scars Russia still carries over from the Soviet era.

The beautiful game simply has to spread its wings. Let's hope that the Russians can deliver their promise of a truly memorable and history-making world cup.

(Picture: http://www.toffs.com/)

Brilliant Barca Sparkle For 'El Traductor'

Supporters of many teams in the UK have a chant that ends with "are by far the greatest team, the world have ever seen". Largely taken with a huge pinch of salt, it can only be the supporters of FC Barcelona who could belt out that particular song with a degree of accuracy. Their complete demolition of eternal rivals Real Madrid in the superbly named 'El Classico' proved precisely why.

Not normally an encounter for anyone of weak heart and mind however, with the added spice of the return of 'The Translator' bearing the Real club crest on his blazer ensured that the usual pre-match hype had a little more to it than usual. Jose Mourinho actually said post match that the prospect of him and Real turning up together at the Nou Camp was never going to go down well with an already partizan home crowd.

The match itself was as pure an exhibition of the beautiful game that you could hope for (save for a few silly and needless moments of play-acting nonsense that one expects when it comes to watching continental football). Xavi and Iniesta were their usual impressive selves: combined with the steel of Sergio Busquets, the trio controlled the midfield with seemingly effortless ease. David Villa proved precisely why he is seen as one of the world's finest marksmen in front of goal with two expertly taken goals. As for Lionel Messi? His performance so mercurial that there is no known superlative to describe the footballing talent he possesses and displayed on Monday. From back to front, la Blaugrana dovetailed seamlessly to dismantle Mourinho's generation of Galacticos.

The anticipated clash between Messi and Ronaldo never happened. The former Manchester United winger was never given the necessary time and space to weave his magic and, like many of his team-mates (particularly the exciting Mesut Oezil) his off-day was seized upon by Pep Guardiola's men to devastating effect.

After the match, the self-pronounced 'Special One' was keen to stress it wasn't a humiliation. He said that only one team turned up and that this match was never going to decide the final destination of this season's championship trophy. Like him or loathe him, the man is seen as a master of his trade for a reason - because he is right. Real know that their performance was not a true reflection of their potential, so let's judge them at the end of the campaign.

As for Barca? So long as they keep producing this mesmerising brand of football then they'll keep me and many others like me, glued to their television screens and especially the feet of that special little Argentinian, for years to come.

(Picture: AFP via www.bbc.co.uk/sport)

£100 Tickets Signal Beginning Of The End

An article published by The Guardian newspaper has highlighted another negative aspect of the ever-changing world of modern football. They reported that Arsenal are set to make history next season by offering supporters the first ever £100 non-corporate matchday ticket The club have refused to comment on the claims but simply said that ticket prices were subject o change. This rise in fee would correlate with the VAT increase to 20% in the new year and if indeed the rumours are true, this could be start of a worrying trend for football clubs. (See article here)

Ever since their move to Ashburton Grove or the Emirates Stadium as the sponsors demand, Arsenal have been laden with nearly £400 million worth of debt and have operated with a very shrewd transfer policy ever since then, much to the frustration of their supporters who have not seen a trophy delivered since 2005. In fact, Arsenal are known for passing on the deficit to their supporters: the cheapest season ticket costs a massive £893. A sum of money that would be enough to buy FOUR equivalents at Blackburn Rovers. Even Chelsea, who have a fabled association with high ticket prices only charge £560 for a similar ticket.

If they do introduce this £100 ticket then where does that leave supporters? In this country many clubs over-charge for tickets in a culture that has seen prices rise gradually over the decades. It is easy to look back and see supporters paying pennies to watch the great Liverpool sides of the 1970s and 80s but it was a different era back then. Clubs now rely on income from ticket sales just to stay afloat but the level of inflation in recent years is quite simply appalling. Unfortunately, I am guilty of playing this mug's game and have travelled to grounds like Carlisle and Brighton only to stand on uncovered terraces in howling wind and rain, watching awful football and pay over £20 for the pleasure. For some, it's a ritual and almost a way of life. For others (like me for instance) it simply boils down to clocking up life experiences: doing it to say "I was there".

On the other hand, it is hardly surprising that fans are voting with their feet and refusing to pay £20 plus to watch Third or Fourth Division football. Bradford City, relegated to the bottom tier a couple of seasons ago have gone about things the right way: the board lowered ticket prices and encouraged fans to buy season tickets to such an extent that they now boast over 12,000 season ticket holders. Most clubs in the bottom two divisions can barely pull in that sort of total attendence once a season, let alone a regular turnout of just season ticket holders.

Recently, in Germany, supporters of Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund boycotted their derby over plans by Dortmund to raise the price of an adult ticket to 20 Euros. A mere 20 Euros to watch top-flight German football. Even the average price of a season ticket at clubs like Dortmund and Bayern Munich are a little under £200. No wonder these clubs play in grounds that are full to the rafters week in, week out.

While events on and off the pitch dominate the headlines, it appears that increased ticket prices have slipped under the radar in this country. For the sake of football as a spectator sport, let's hope that clubs start to see the benefits of doing what Bradford City have done and that we see less of what Arsenal plan to do.

(Picture: http://www.skysports.com/)

Scotland Ref Strike Unveils Deeper Problems

The decision by Scotland's top referees to threaten strike action over the weekend has the potential to be a watershed for the game not only in Scotland but further afield. Referees have long been figures of ridicule for players, managers, fans and pundits alike but I can never remember such a backlash from the men in the middle, especially at such a delicate time when it comes to the future of officiating. One could even argue that their actions could send shockwaves all the way to the top of the football hierarchy.

The situation north of the border has escalated to the point where referees are facing death threats from supporters. It has been well documented over the past few weeks that Celtic Football Club have been the main driving force behind the criticism that has faced referees. Ever since Dougie MacDonald overturned his decision to award a penalty kick in their match against Dundee United, manager Neil Lennon as well as senior members of the club (Chief Executive Peter Lawell and Chairman John Reid) have aimed a barage of criticism at the officiating system in Scotland.

It's worth pointing out that while Celtic may be at the forefront of this, it is not just they who are complaining. To many this may seem like Celtic sour grapes but let's look at the situation from a wider point of view. Since the advent of the Premier League and the culture of big money that has accompanied it, refereeing decisions are under much greater scrutiny than before. Strip away the veil of referees being abused and there lies a much larger ticking time bomb. That's why this landmark action could signal a watershed for the game, providing authorities with a choice of which way to go.

Firstly, they could back referees and give them much more help when officiating. Whether that be through video technology or other such means, officials quite simply need the extra eyes and ears provided by television coverage. On the other hand, authorities could completely revamp the system. Make referees as professional as the players with constant training and education to drive up standards. Even if such changes were to be made there are still many fans and even officials at FIFA who believe that refereeing controversy is part and parcel of the game.

This argument seems to be redundant in this day and age. Sports like rugby, cricket and tennis have embraced technology to the extent where one cannot imagine a match without the aid of equipment like HawkEye. So, instead of the pointless back and forth between clubs and governing bodies regarding standards of refereeing, why not trial the use of video technology? That way, everything is completely clear-cut and no-one can argue against a decision.

While strike action may help or hinder their cause, Scotland's referees have the fundemental right to flag up the levels of criticism for all to see. No human being should be subjected to abuse over the simple matter of a game of football. Whichever way the whole saga pans out, I get the feeling that the course of football in the UK is set to change. Whether for better or for worse, we shall just have to wait and see.

(Picture: www.bbc.co.uk/sport)

Not Good Enough: England Given Lesson In 'Je Ne Sais Quoi'

Once again after all the hype of a post World Cup re-birth, Capello's England fall flat on their faces. The 2-1 scoreline suggests it was a closely fought game but Laurent Blanc's new French charges showed a renewed 'joie de vivre' as they passed England to pieces at a sodden Wembley.

France were simply the better side and no pundit (armchair or otherwise) can deny that they outplayed England from the first whistle and would have perhaps scored more had Blanc not seen enough and hauled off his two goalscorers with a little over half an hour to play in favour of a more defensive formation. They passed the ball like true masters of their craft; Yohan Gourcuff the architect in the middle of the park. There was fluid movement, creation of space, players not panicking when under pressure: quite simply magnificent to watch. Their ability to spring from defence to attack in the space of three simple passes would have impressed even the staunchest football purist.

So why the gulf in class? Both sides were suffering from the proverbial World Cup hangover, both sides introduced new, younger players into the squad, so where did it all go wrong? Unfortunately the answer lies the other side of the whitewash. France have completely re-vamped their international selection policy whereby every player must now sign up to a code of conduct which, among other things, states that they must sing the national anthem as it's played before each match. Crucially, this new structure has been combined with the introduction of a new, upcoming, dynamic coach in Laurent Blanc. A World Cup winner in 1998, he spent 3 years transforming the fortunes of Girondins de Bordeaux, culminating in an appearance in the quarter-finals of the European Cup and appears to be doing the same with the national team.

Now look at the set-up for England: no changes since South Africa. The FA seems quite happy to watch the same, stale football being produced every game. The same 'indespensible' players who have failed at numerous tournaments, the same tired formations that deny creative players any license to do what they do best, players playing out of position, I could go on.

The most striking thing about England's performance was the lack of passion and ideas. Steven Gerrard, yet again, proved that he is quite simply the best candidate for captain with another committed and combative performance in midfield. On his debut, Andy Carroll was the victim of a criminal lack of service. Jay Bothroyd came on and might even have scored but for an athletic save from Hugo Lloris. His introduction adding a sense of urgency that proved me (and many others who doubted his inclusion) wrong.

Clearly things need to change behind the scenes. With noises being made about friendlies against the likes of Argentina and Ghana, I would not be at all surprised to see them lead England a merry dance on their own patch like the French did on Wednesday. If the blazers at the FA find this sort of display acceptable then only God himself can help the future of English football.

(Picture: www.bbc.co.uk/sport)

England's Andy-Man Deserves Friendly Start

At last it seems Fabio Capello has come to his senses and given England's emerging youth a chance against France on Wednesday. Andy Carroll will make his England debut at Wembley; just reward for what has been an impressive season so far for the 21-year old. Despite problems in his private life, on the pitch he remains one of the players who has continually impressed me this campaign.

Given the iconic number 9 shirt following promotion from the Championship last season, Carroll has grown into the role of the big target-man up front. More than anything his inclusion makes sense: of the usual selection of Rooney, Bent, Crouch, Defoe and Heskey, Peter Crouch is the only player who is both fit and playing well for his club. Disappointingly, Kevin Davies missed out after being capped last time out and it appear he would have to move Heaven and Earth to get a place in Capello's team again. Also I feel Carroll's club-mates Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton deserve a chance in the England team.

Returning to Carroll, I have rarely seen a player in the Premier League who I would watch purely because of his ability to head the ball. He also has the ability to take players on and score with either either foot - the perfect fit for England and an ideal opportunity to try him out against the French. Let's hope he doesn't let me down!

(Picture: www.bbc.co.uk/sport)

Cook Yet To Prove Ashes Worth

With just over a month before the first Ashes test, England's bowling attack have been sent to Brisbane to acclimatise to the humid conditions. It seems however, as if the management are more worried about the form of their bowlers than they are with the form of the top-order batsmen.

Alastair Cook's 111-not out against South Australia in last week's warm up game appears to have papered over the cracks in the Essex opener's form. Alarmingly it now seems as if with this single good performance with the bat that many pundits believe Cook is now back to his sparkling best.

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell's only concern with this England squad was the form of Cook going into the tour: "It wouldn't surprise me one little bit if Cook fails in the Tests." he said. "He has got a lot of flaws in his technique and they are going to be exacerbated under Australian conditions."

It is hard to look past this assessment of England's opener and it is a surprise that the selectors have not called up a third opener in case Cook does falter with the bat.

It is important to remember that it is a long, arduous tour down under. If Cook can't get to grips with the Kookabura ball on the flat, hard-baked Australian pitches then who could replace him?

The only positives to take from all this? It seems the Aussies don't quite know what they're doing selection-wise either...

(Picture: www.bbc.co.uk/sport)

Noisy Neighbours Trip On Title Challenge Road

Arsenal's convincing 3-0 win at Eastlands on Sunday could be seen as the start of the decline in City's early season form. Despite picking up points and staying with the early pace-setters, many armchair pundits were keen to stress them not having yet played "a proper team". Even though their record against the traditional "Top Four", now reads played three, won 2 and lost 1.

For any team with title ambitions you cannot ask for a better record. Admittedly, all three games have been at home for City and perhaps a real test of their credentials will come at the Emirates in the reverse of Sunday's fixture and their first visit to a "Top Four" side on the 5th of January.

Despite the result, there are still many positives to take from City's start to the season. It may have seemed like deja vu when they set about signing players who were arguably of the 'big fish, little pond' variety, much like Chelsea did when Mr Abramovich was getting his feet under table at Stamford Bridge. However, the signing of players like Carlos Tevez, Adam Johnson and David Silva, has given the blue half of Manchester their own "Champagne Trio" of attacking players.

All three have taken to life at City like the proverbial duck to water and they give Mancini's men a slightly lopsided look. While they have a top-class goalkeeper, everything in between Joe Hart and the frontmen falls is either barely average or simply awful.

Brian Clough famously believed in a spine of quality players running through the team like an iron rod. At City, that rod seems to fall limp in the middle. First and foremost, they need at least one world class centre-half. Any combination that includes Lescott and Toure is set for disaster. Boateng at full back is an exciting prospect and with Micah Richards and the injured Aleksandar Kolarov vying for the other two slots that seems to be sorted.

In midfield, James Milner, once he settles, could strike up a partnership with his ex-Villa team-mate Gareth Barry or Nigel De Jong. Perhaps we may see Michael Johnson make a reappearance after some fine performances under Sven Goran Eriksson. Finally, they need to get rid of Shaun Wright-Phillips and buy another decent winger and at least one other world-class striker; Emmanual Adebayor and Mario Balotelli simply appear to be expensive bench-warmers.

Mancini is a shrewd operator but he must ditch the driftwood if he is to construct a side truly capable of winning the title. Manchester United visit Eastlands in just over a fortnight. If they come through that and still have title aspirations, with visits to all of the "Top Four" teams to come, they'll have to do it the hard way.

(Picture: www.mcfc.co.uk)

Malcolm Allison: An Icon of a Golden Period

While Liverpool celebrate what they hope is the beginning of the end of their recent ownership troubles, it was the end of the line for one of English football's most iconic managers.

Malcolm Allison was half of the famous double act that presided over Manchester City's most successful period. Assistant to Joe Mercer then later manager at Maine Road, Allison was renowned for his flamboyance and infectious nature.

Take away the trademark Fedora hat and occasional glass of expensive champagne accompanied by a Monte Cristo cigar in one hand and a beautiful lady in the other and you find a brilliant tactician who loved football to his core. His views on player conditioning have lasted to this day with clubs' huge emphasis on a player's fitness. Under his tutelage players like Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee and Tony Book flourished as players and are idolised at Eastlands in their own right.

In his prime at Man City, Allison was up there with the George Bests of this world: footballers who lived their lives to the full. He appealed to the common man - something that is lacking in this day and age. People have described him as the original 'Special One' and his passing has reminded me of how few real characters there are in the game now. Blackpool's Ian Holloway is the only Premiership manager that keeps me glued to the post-match interviews on Match of the Day and the affect must have been similar with Big Mal.

For me, he was one of the icons of a golden era (and my particular favourite era) of English football. Sadly, with the weighty expectations of the modern game it is unlikely that we shall ever see his kind again.

(Picture: www.bbc.co.uk/sport)

Levein March To Mediocrity Accompanied By Skirl of Tartan Army Pipes

When Craig Levein was named manager of the Scottish national team, it was heralded by many as a step in right direction. A young, upcoming and above all, Scottish manager, he was seen as the ideal candidate to lead the Tartan Army further away from the doldrums of the Bertie Vogts years, away from which managers like Walter Smith had managed to drag the Scots kicking and screaming.

However, after their complete surrender to the Czech Republic in their Euro 2012 qualifier, many are spouting cliches like "rudderless ship" in their descriptions of the Scottish national side. Levein's ultra-negative 4-6-0 formation in Prague backfired spectacularly in front of approximately 10,000 away supporters, many of whom could hardly believe what was happening before them.

While Scotland may not enjoy a reputation on the world stage like the bigger nations they still boast a proud footballing legacy. The Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers are two of the biggest clubs in the world; Celtic alone claiming over 9 million REGISTERED fans and who knows how many millions more world-wide. On the other side of the whitewash, there are a whole host of Scottish managers who have had tremendous success at club level. Somewhere down the line, the combination of passion for the game and managerial guile seem to have avoided each other, leaving the Scots in a vacuum of footballing mediocrity. They may never again savour the heady days of the 1960s and 70s when Scotland's pool of players was vast in its range of talent. Since my first experience of Scotland at Euro '96 and at France '98, they have slipped unceremoniously down the world rankings and into football oblivion.

Returning to Friday's fiasco in Prague, I have two questions in mind: Is Levein the right man for the job? or is it quite simply that Scotland are not producing the same calibre of players as 10-15 years ago?

On paper you would certainly think so. Darren Fletcher aside, there are few players that can stake a claim at any of England's "top 4" Premier League clubs. Levein's decision to include Jamie Mackie in the starting line-up is proof of how far down the pecking order Scottish talent has sunk. Queen's Park Rangers may be flying high in the Championship but the manager took a huge gamble on his selection. By all accounts, Mackie didn't impress, which begs the question; why start him when Kenny Miller is in the form of his life yet had to be content warming the substitutes bench.

If Levein was picking players purely on their club form then why not start with Blackpool's Charlie Adam alongside Graham Dorrans? The midfielder ran the show for the Seasiders at Anfield last weekend and has been key to everything good about them this season. Surely he deserves a place above a striker who has been scoring goals albeit at an inferior standard of football. The same applies for Barry Robson, part of a struggling Middlesborough side, was brought on in search of a goal when both Adam and Shaun Maloney, arguably two far more creative players, were overlooked.

This then prompts the question of Levein perhaps feeling the pressure of such a high-profile position where every decision is analysed to the last detail. One thing is for certain: Scotland will find it ten times as hard against Spain next time out. Prague presented an opportunity for Scotland to distance themselves from the Czechs and firmly establish themselves as contenders for qualification. After three abject performances and a home tie against the World Champions to come, it will be interesting to see how far the blazers at SFA allow their patience to be tested before considering Levein's position as Scotland manager.

(picture taken from www.bbc.co.uk/sport)

Rise of the Trequartista

Jack Wilshere's recent run in Arsenal's first team has highlighted his potential importance to any success enjoyed by both the Gunners and England in years to come. Seen as the long-term replacement for Cesc Fabregas in an Arsenal shirt, his last few performances have impressed both fans and pundits alike.

His performance in the Carling Cup against Tottenham Hotspur was nothing short of magical and it was hard to come to terms with the fact that the boy is in fact just that: only 18 years old. Even against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon he hardly put a foot wrong. Although he didn't make the impact he perhaps would have liked against the champions, he didn't look out of place in an Arsenal side that just couldn't penetrate an iron Chelsea defence.

Analysing Wilshere's game from the few games in which I've seen him play, he is quite simply a delight to watch. There have been many great passers of the football down the years and there is no reason why this boy can't be up there with the best of them. Undoubtedly there are aspects of his game that could be improved: clearly he's not yet an accomplished ball winner. However, when he has the ball at his feet then his skill is a joy to behold. His technique and range of passing is not far off the standards enjoyed by Barcelona and their supporters. Coupled with the vision and eye for a pass, it's no wonder that Arsene Wenger is playing him regularly in the first team.

For many years the FA's proposed football centre at Burton has been shelved countless times while money has been thrown at a host of expensive short term solutions that have failed. One of the reasons why Germany were so successful at the World Cup in South Africa was a heavy investment in youth over a decade ago. Mesut Ozil was the star of their run to the semi-finals and his example (along with the academies championed by Barcelona and Wenger at Arsenal) proves once and for all that the cultivation of talented youth is the only way forward for this country.

Whilst Wilshere may not be the next Messi/Pele/Maradona, surely people can see how this young player has been developed and how Arsenal are reaping the rewards. It's high time the blazers at the FA took a long hard look at themselves and made a decision: investment in youth for a stable future? Or wheeling out old, past-it players headed by yet another expensive, ineffective foreign import.

20 Years of Hurt Shows No Signs of Shifting

As the final whistle blew at the end of the 1989 FA Cup Final, fans of both Liverpool and Everton could never have envisaged that their respective teams were going to be struggling and trophy-starved twenty years down the line.

For Liverpool, everything was well with the world. Just over a decade of total dominance over the domestic game would be replaced by the new order being constructed in the bowels of Old Trafford by Alex Ferguson. Everton, suffering from UEFA's ban of English clubs from European competition in the aftermath of the Heysel disaster, resulted in the blue half of Merseyside not realising their potential in Europe at the height of their powers. Although not as successful as their neighbours, Everton have as yet never returned to the dizzy heights of the 1980s.

Fast-forward to 2010 and Merseyside has a distinctly bleak outlook for its footballing giants. Both teams struggling in the league and knocked out of the League Cup at the first hurdle; taken all the way to penalties by comparative minnows. The legacy of Shankly and Paisley was well and truly washed away in the rain on Wednesday night as Liverpool were knocked out at Anfield by lowly Northampton. Roy Hodgson has well and truly got a job on his hands as he seeks to repair the hurt and wounded Liver bird.

A stuttering start to the Premier League season has only served to

highlight the vast chasm between Liverpool and the rest of the so-called 'Top Four'. Problems off the field combined with a mis-firing team whose confidence is torn to pieces mean that Liverpool now, realistically, face a period of re-building and mediocrity if they are to re-create the successes of a quarter of a century ago. The sooner the club is sold the better. Without a stable ownership and regular funding, the vicious circle that currently hangs around Anfield will continue to blight the club's fortunes. The ticking time bomb of Fernando Torres's future will also do more harm than good untill the club has a stable foundation once again.

David Moyes has done a superb job in the 8 years he has steered the Everton ship and perhaps is the victim of circumstance as his team goes in the search of their first win of the season in all competitions. While their crisis may not be as pronounced as the one across Stanley Park, the Toffees find themselves in the relegation zone with a measley two points from five games. Bill Kenright has publicly stated that the extent of his finances means he has taken his beloved club as far as he can and that new investment is needed in order to breach the top four. However, Moyes has an academy at his disposal that has produced the likes of Wayne Rooney and Jack Rodwell with the latter emerging as a force for club and country.

The key to any success for both clubs will be continuity and confidence. It's non-sensical to lay the blame at the feet of the manager already particularly in Hodgson's case. As Manchester City look to wrestle the mantle of England's best Blues from Chelsea and sit alongside Manchester's Reds as the UK's two leading clubs, it appears that Merseyside must rebuild in the shadows of their great rivals before they can return to the heady days of that May day in 1989.

Franchise or Not to Franchise?

The decision to convert Rugby League's top-flight to a franchise system divided opinion across the sport. However the exploits of Crusaders under Brian Noble has proved the benefits of abolishing promotion/relegation and enjoying added financial security.

Seen as the whipping boys when they joined the league two years ago, it appeared to be a step up too soon. A shaky 2009 season ended with the deportation of 6 players for breaching visa regulations before encountering financial problems off the field.

After little success in South Wales, the club was sold and relocated to Wrexham in the north. The move seems to have re-ignited Welsh passions for the lesser-known code of their beautiful game. Crusaders attracted over 20,000 more supporters than their first season including a five figure attendence for the visit of Leeds Rhinos.

On the field, the combined management guile and tactical nous of Brian Noble, Iestyn Harris and Jon Sharp have guided the Welsh club to their first ever play-off campaign having finished rock-bottom of the table the year before, only winning three games along the way. Bringing in the likes of Jarrod Sammut to build around players like experienced former British and Irish Lions captain Gareth Thomas and club skipper Ryan O'Hara has transformed the no-hopers into an attractive, points-scoring, winning team.

Seen by many pundits and fans alike as a minor miracle, Crusaders have managed to break into the top half of Super League following in the wake of Catalan Dragons who were last season's surprise play-off package. In the process they have proved in just two seasons how much franchising levels the playing field. Although the heavyweights of Wigan, St Helens and Leeds still dominate, the gap between top and bottom is narrowing all the time.

Is this an example for mainstream sports like football to follow? There have been rumblings in the past suggesting the creation of a franchised European super league that would displace the incumbent Champions League. With Super League pioneering the idea for European-based sport, could others soon follow suit?

Talking 'Bout My Generation

England's convinving despatch of Bulgaria on Friday night should be a watershed for the national team.

Fabio Capello's promises of change and revolution have been met with cynicism in some quarters not least in the eyes of this keen observer. England have for too long relied on the talents of the 'golden generation' of Terry, Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard and co. The time has come for a new order of youth and attacking flair.

Joe Hart has shown domestically and at international level that he has what it takes to hold onto the England number one jersey for years to come. A commanding presence and calm, assured shot-stopping skills provide sturdy foundations on which Capello and future England managers can build a formidable defence.

In front of him, the partnership of King and Dawson at Tottenham Hotspur has long been overlooked partly down to the 'untouchable' status of Terry and Ferdinand. Players like Phil Jagielka and Garry Cahill put in weekly shifts for their respective clubs so why not try them at an international level. Cahill in particular proved himself adept at slotting in when needed when he replaced Dawson. Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole have made the full-back slots their own with the prospect of the talented Kieron Gibbs champing at the bit.

The midfield is where the most talent lies. Adam Johnson is the most exiting player in the England squad at the moment. It's fantastic to see a player who possess all the traits of an old fashioned winger: someone who wants to take on players, beat them and whip in a deadly cross. Nurtured properly, he could be the creative and penetrative spark that England have been lacking since the days of John Barnes and Chris Waddle. Theo Walcott has also proved in recent weeks why he should have been in South Africa and looks set for a regular spot on the right of midfield. With Johnson on the other wing, England could have a pair of irresistable, creative and goal-scoring flanks.

James Milner and Tom Huddlestone are also players who have exciting international prospects but need to be given a chance. Of the current crop, Gareth Barry has made the holding role his own and, looking further ahead, Jack Wilshere, under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger will certainly take over from Gerrard/Lampard as England's Trequartista in the heart of midfield.

Jermaine Defoe looks to be settling in alongside Wayne Rooney as the goal-getters up front with strikers like Darren Bent waiting in the wings with a string of fine performances domestically.

Here's hoping that so long as Signor Capello sticks with this new blend, that the young guns provide successful, attacking and above all, an attractive brand of football.

Old-Gold Fever

Getting back into the swing of writing regularly is something that I've decided must start now. An entire summer rich with sporting action and not one blog! I deserve nothing less as a journalist than to be put in the stocks and mocked till the cows come home. Failing that, it might be appropriate to reflect on what has so far been an explosive start to the 2010/11 season.

Swindon Town's indifferent start to the season aside, it's already apparent that pre-season expectations are already starting to crystalise; Chelsea have thus far been in an imperious and ruthless vein of form. Manchester United still rely on the sage-like influence of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs and Liverpool are still wobbling as Roy Hodgson's stewardship is yet to take flight. At the other end, all three promoted sides have settled nicely; a heavy defeat and a morale-boosting win already under their respective belts. The problems at Aston Villa and West Ham are already having an effect on their campaigns but it's another club in the West Midlands that deserves a mention.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, under the guidance of Mick McCarthy, appear to have slipped under the radar. Following promotion as champions of Division One (oh ok, The Championship for all you perfectionists), they were widely expected to plummet straight back down into the Football League. As was predicted, the stars of the previous season failed to shine. The likes of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Michael Kightly, so pivotal in promotion were left floundering out of their depth in the top-flight.

Wise old Mick however, brought in players like Kevin Doyle, Michael Mancienne and Nenad Milijas to stabilise the squad, adding the elements of experience, flair and penetration to the blend. This careful combination of hard-work, desire and creativity was responsible for keeping the famous old club in the Premier League.

Now the squad has had time to gel, coupled with the addition of Steven Fletcher and Stephen Hunt, Wolves have an added dimension to their play. Their start to the season was exemplified by their performance at Everton: penned into their own half for large periods of the game, a quick break in the second half ended with Ebanks-Blake stealing his side a point in a classic away performance.

It's still early doors as far as the season is concerned but with a sturdy spine through the team and Ebanks-Blake appearing to be coming back into form, the famous old-gold shirts of Wolverhampton Wanderers get my vote as the surprise package of the season. Watch this space..

Winter Games Yet To Warm British Hearts

On Saturday morning, whilst listening to BBC Radio 5Live, I heard something that genuinely shocked me: One of the panelists on Colin Murray's mid-morning show denounced the Winter Olympics as a "posh, middle-class sport". 

Since my first introduction to the winter games in 1998 (Nagano), I have always looked forward to the games and had no idea as to how other people received it.  

In truth, I suppose events like downhill skiing have never really caught the imagination of the public in the UK simply because of the fundemental lack of sustained snowfall. Ironically the snow this winter combined with the anticipation of the Vancouver game may have prompted more people to turn to winter sports.

Going back even to Calgary games in 1988, the antics of Eddie the Eagle in the ski-jumping only captivated the public because of the utter hopelessness of his participation. 

The comment seemed to me to be an utter damnation of not only skiing but every other winter sport. Maybe it's just me being an absolutely devoted disciple of sport in general that has led to it irking me so. 

Sir Steven Redgrave said that winter sports in this country need more funding if Team GB is to reach its medal targets. One medal (albeit a gold one) is hardly a decent return for all the effort put in by all the British competitors compared to the USA's total of 37. 

Even South Korea managed to accrue 14 medals, all of them in speed skating, an indoor winter sport. Is this the way forward for Team GB?     

Skiing and outdoor sports aside, there can't be any excuse for Team GB having an expert speed-skating team and especially a world-beating curling team. I was shocked to find that there is only ONE dedicated curling centre in England.

The whole issue boils down to one crucial problem; is there enough interest in winter sports in general to justify an increase in funding? 

(Photograph taken from www.bbc.co.uk/sport)

Don't Fence Me In

Andy Robinson's defence of his decision to deny Wales the luxury of closing the Millenium Stadium roof is one that could help his battered and beaten Scotland side that were so helplessly crushed by France last Sunday.

In his column for the BBC Sport website, flanker John Barclay admitted that the defeat had been like smack in the face. He said: "we let the supporters down and ourselves." adding, "We know that you don't become a bad team on the strength of one result."

It's hard to argue with such a synopsis. Despite the hype and the build-up to the game the Scots failed to make the French sweat let alone give them a game. Hardly a change from previous championships you might ask but for once, I sense that the bagpipes may be stirring a revivial for Caledonian rugby.

Since winning the last ever 5 Nations championship in 1999, the Scots have often been fighting at the wrong end of the table, failing to reproduce some of the great players that guided them to their last Grand Slam in 1990 and a semi-final appearance at the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Now however, there is a growing optimism that Scotland could be about to start punching their weight amongst the big boys.

Ironically, the man at the helm is an Englishman and Andy Robinson was well within his rights to decline Wales' request to shut the Millenium Stadium roof for their game on Saturday. The home of Welsh rugby is undeniably a tough place to go for any team when the crowd are in full voice. This is exacerbated when the roof is shut and gives that little bit of edge to Wales with such a vociforous crowd behind them.

Is Warren Gatland so perturbed by the Scottish wounded jackal so much so that he tried to give his side by requesting that the roof be shut? Wales have not lost to the Scots on their own patch since a 27-22 defeat in the 2002 championship and after losing at Twickenham last week, Gatland is clearly looking to boost his team's confidence.

It's not surprising: Robinson's arrival has certainly sparked something north of the border after his rather unfortunate spell in charge of England. After masterminding Scotland's 9-8 win over Australia at Murrayfield in the Autumn Internationals, I feel it's time they started flexing their muscles in the 6 Nations.

Hats off to Chris Patterson who will recieve his 100th Scotland cap on Saturday. There is no doubt that he will be buzzing and with the rest of the squad itching to bounce back after their opening day defeat, could we see the Scots show the rest of the home nations that they mean business?

The Curse Of The Late Goal Strikes Again

It was another disappointing Saturday for Swindon Town as visitors Charlton Athletic snatched a dramatic late leveller to earn a share of the spoils.

Since thumping Leeds United 3-0 last Tuesday, Town have dropped points in their last two league outings courtesy of last minute goals.

As a reporter on the club's official website here is my latest match report:
http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10341~47958,00.html


After Kevin Amankwaah (pictured) turned in his third goal of the season, things seemed to be looking rosy for the home side. However, we've seen it one too many times this season at the County Ground: the last minute switching off that leads to a late goal.

It's not only been confined to home matches either. Charlton's 9 men found a late goal in the meeting between the two sides on Boxing Day. Added to games like Southend last weekend and at Oldham way back in August, Danny Wilson's men have dropped points far too many times this season.

You can't help but feel that had the Town held on to record those points then, coupled with the current points tally, they would have been edging towards the summit of League One rather than sitting pretty in the play-off positions.

Tuesday's fixture against the afore-mentioned Oldham Athletic really must yield three points in order to keep the nearest challengers at arms length.

Football Shirts Are The Least Of Society's Problems

Earlier this week, Celtic and Rangers signed a £1.5 million-a-year shirt sponsorship deal with Tennent's Lager.

As is usual in these situations, there always seems to be somebody available to complain. The article in The Scottish Sun quoted Jack Law, the chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland.

One particular line that stood out was "Players don't drink alcohol before a game to ensure peak fitness but during the match itself they wear a top which promotes alcohol" I read this and wondered whether this had been a mis-print. Under what circumstances would anyone go to a football match and come away from the ground brainwashed into buying alcohol? It just simply doesn't happen!

In France, the authorities have banned the advertising of alcohol on club shirts but there is little evidence to suggest that this would work in Scotland. This is just another classic example of the do-gooders winning the PC battle. In fact, just to make the connection between players not drinking before a game then going out with an alcohol advert on their jersey potentially stimulating alcoholism is almost beyond belief. Seeing AIG on the front of a Manchester United shirt doesn't flick a switch in peoples' minds telling them to start banking.

Snooker's long association with Embassy Cigarettes was cut short when the smoking ban came into force a few years ago. Any sports fan of a certain age would agree that the fact that Embassy sponsored the World Championships had nothing to do with whether or not they smoked.

People will continue to smoke and drink regardless of an alcohol or cigarette company sponsoring a major sporting event. With money playing such a huge part in modern sport, banning advertising is just pointless, even if I do harbour a yearning to see the return of the sponsor-less football jersey...


(Photograph taken from www.mirrorfootball.co.uk)

Murray In The Shadow Of A Genius

Andy Murray's dream of a first Grand Slam was well and truly crushed in Melbourne on Sunday. There is no doubt that Roger Federer is by far the greatest man to play the sport and despite all the hype and build-up to both this final and the US Open final at Flushing Meadows last year, Murray has been blown away on both occasions.

Sunday's three set defeat served as yet another reminder of how far the Scot has to come before being anywhere near the standard of the all-conquering Federer.

The Swiss star even admitted in his post match interview that Murray was too good not to win a slam title at some point in the future and the 22-year old does appear to be Britain's best hope of claiming that first title since Fred Perry. Unfortunately for him and every other professional at the moment, they take to the court in the shadow of a genius.

Murray's defeat came as no surprise to many who tuned in on Sunday morning. Despite being a marmite player (you either love him or hate him), there is no denying that he has reached a standard rendering him capable of not only winning a Grand Slam but has the potential to improve in the future. Regularly knocking out players like Rafael Nadal can do no harm at all to his game and reputation.

Behind the tears you could see a man who will be itching to bounce back and prove all the doubters wrong. He might just have to wait until a certain Roger Federer puts his raquet away for the last time before clinching that first title win.

(Photograph courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk/sport )

A Slap On The Wrists?

In the current state of our 'litigation-mad' society, I'm sure it won't be long until the role of England captain in the modern game will come with a government warning and disclaimer. John Terry is the latest of a number of England skippers embroiled in controversy over one thing or another.

Even the immortal Bobby Moore faced allegations of theft on the eve of the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico and, alongside the constant trials and tribulations of David Beckham and Tony Adams in more recent times, Terry appears to be in good company.

The Chelsea centre-back wrote himself onto every back page when he scored the winner at Burnley on Saturday evening, a welcome change to what will no doubt be written on the front pages. Many pundits and journalists alike are suggesting that the 29-year old will be stripped of the armband with less than 5 months to go untill the World Cup kicks off in South Africa.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8488890.stm

Ultimately, Fabio Capello will have the final say in such a high profile decision but here are a few items for his consideration:

Yes, what Terry did in his private life is seen by many as unacceptable and the very fact that the injuction put in place at his request has been lifted may or may not set a precedent for similar cases of privacy in the future however, the key factor in whether or not Terry keeps his role as England captain at the World Cup is that the decision MUST be made in footballing terms.

Terry's club manager Carlo Ancelotti said that Terry would never lose the trust of his team-mates and I, for one, agree with him. Rio Ferdinand would supplant Terry as captain for the World Cup should Capello wield the axe, something which I fear would do more harm to team morale than good.

When all is said and done, John Terry is England captain for a reason. The man is a natural leader on the field and has shown his credentials as skipper despite the presence of David Beckham in and around the team. Everyone knows and respects him as captain and therefore the blazers at the FA would do well to overlook his personal life for the good of the team.

If England really want to win the World Cup then there must be a finely mixed cocktail of the following ingredients: a strong squad, a good work and team ethic, a little bit of luck and finally, a strong, inspirational leader. In simple terms, John Terry without the armband can hardly have the same effect as John Terry with the armband.

(Above photograph courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk/sport )

Kick Off

Welcome to my brand new blog devoted EXCLUSIVELY to the rapidly evolving world of sport.

This blog will serve as a supplement to my main blog as a student journalist currently in my second year of study at the University of Winchester. If you get a sudden urge to read something a little more sophisticated then please feel free: the link can be found at the top of the links box on the right hand side.

There's nothing much else to say apart from enjoy and please, please, PLEASE comment on my posts - it's always nice to know other people's opinions!