Last week, I took a look at West Ham's fixture list and saw two of the most winnable games of the season; West Brom and Blackpool at home. I assessed that four points from these games would be enough to steer us away from the bottom three in the league, and assure me that our manager Avram Grant was capable of saving us. We ended up with two, and my patience has now run out.
Pundits over the years have praised Avram Grant for the spirit his teams play with, even in defeat. Well yes, they do, and he seems like a lovely bloke. But this ignores the fact that all he ever ends up with is a defeat.
In recent years he has been in charge of a Chelsea team that was on auto-pilot after losing Jose Mourinho, and a Portsmouth side that was resigned to relegation before they had even begun their season. Needless to say, nothing positive was achieved at either club. At West Ham, all he is expected to do is create a committed team that wins when it is supposed to, and he has failed to match even those meagre expectations.
Yes, we have had a run of 4 unbeaten in the league, and are currently on a string of three without defeat. But all but one of those games has been a draw, and we are talking about opponents like Stoke, Blackpool, West Brom, Birmingham and Fulham here. Grant keeps praising our 'great performance' but this is, unquestionably, relegation form.
The blame for this lies with the man in the dugout, regardless of how invasive the chairmen may be. Luis Boa Morte and Kieron Dyer continue to be paid vast sums of money and played ahead of more willing and capable wingers like Pablo Barrera and Junior Stanislas. Matthew Upson is out of shape and off the pace in defence, yet plays every game while Winston Reid, despite strong performances in the World Cup, kicks his heels. Radoslav Kovac is often preferred to Valon Behrami, and we rely on Frederic Puiqionne and Victor Obinna, two average strikers at best, to supply the goals.
Selling has not been a strong point, either. Letting a genuine creator and dead-ball specialist like Alessandro Diamanti go is ridiculously naive. Watching his recent goal for Brescia against Juventus is all the more depressing when you compare it to Carlton Cole hitting the post from a yard yesterday.
Yet despite all this, Grant keeps citing the positives and blaming the referee for not awarding us penalties. All the hallmarks of a loser. He must see that this is our worse ever start to a Premier League season, and that he has created a team that, bereft of the underrated Gianfranco Zola, no longer believes it can win football matches.
If Grant stays, I will wager the following: We will beat Man Utd in the Carling Cup and probably reach the final, but we will go down with about 25 points, most of them from draws. If you can be happy with that, you're not a football fan.
A new boss has to be brought in before the Christmas run and transfer window to give us any chance. Relegation, considering the amount of debt the club has, would take years to recover from, or annihilate us altogether. Please Avram, that will do now. That will do.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Top 10 wastes of football talent
There are few things more infuriating as a football fan than watching a player with unquestionable talent being dicked around by their club, and then going on to great things elsewhere. Here's ten examples of managers managing to balls up an absolute gem:
1. Javier Mascherano - West Ham
Spent his 6 months at the club behind Hayden Mullins in the pecking order. Next.
2. Robbie Keane - Liverpool
If you sign a striker for £20 million, why on earth would you use him as backup for when your slightly more expensive striker gets injured? I could have done the same job, for a fraction of the wages. As Ireland's all-time top goalscorer, he has been criminally under-used at club level.
3. Joe Cole - Chelsea
In his time at Chelsea, averaged 26 games a season; a great many of those off the bench. Yes, he won awards and the odd accolade, but these were the peak years of his career and we never got to see a full, stunning season from him.
4. Michael Owen - Real Madrid
Only started 15 of 41 games, and still scored 18 goals. Just think what he could have done if they had had a little faith.
5. Samuel Eto'o - Real Madrid
Another Madrid forward, and this one is even worse. Real had him for three years, sent him out on loan to three different clubs and played him precisely three times. Has scored 193 goals in 338 games since leaving.
6. Lassana Diarra - Chelsea/Arsenal
Went from occasional right-back at Chelsea to Carling Cup player at Arsenal. Then boom, he goes to Portsmouth and becomes one of the best deep-lying midfielders in Europe, and now wears the Madrid number 10 shirt. How Wenger could have used a player like him.
7. Gerard Pique - Man Utd
Inexplicably under-used at Old Trafford, and couldn't get away fast enough. The second he did, he won the Champions League, Spanish League, European Championship and World Cup and became probably the most expensive centre-back in the world. Sure Chris Smalling is destined for similar things, though.
8. Patrick Vieira - AC Milan
Made captain of Cannes while still a teenager, became one of the best midfielders in Premier League history at Arsenal, but between that had a season in the reserves at AC Milan, then coached by Fabio Capello. And was sold for £3.5 million.
9. Thierry Henry - Juventus
Central striker who had just won the World Cup. I know, let's play him on the wing. That'll work...
10. Carlo Cudicini - everywhere
Poor sod. Should have at least made the Italian squads over the last 15 years, but never did because he wasn't consistently played at Chelsea, or got injured when he started to get a run. Now 37 and playing at Tottenham behind Heurelho Gomes. Does life get any more frustrating.
1. Javier Mascherano - West Ham
Spent his 6 months at the club behind Hayden Mullins in the pecking order. Next.
2. Robbie Keane - Liverpool
If you sign a striker for £20 million, why on earth would you use him as backup for when your slightly more expensive striker gets injured? I could have done the same job, for a fraction of the wages. As Ireland's all-time top goalscorer, he has been criminally under-used at club level.
3. Joe Cole - Chelsea
In his time at Chelsea, averaged 26 games a season; a great many of those off the bench. Yes, he won awards and the odd accolade, but these were the peak years of his career and we never got to see a full, stunning season from him.
4. Michael Owen - Real Madrid
Only started 15 of 41 games, and still scored 18 goals. Just think what he could have done if they had had a little faith.
5. Samuel Eto'o - Real Madrid
Another Madrid forward, and this one is even worse. Real had him for three years, sent him out on loan to three different clubs and played him precisely three times. Has scored 193 goals in 338 games since leaving.
6. Lassana Diarra - Chelsea/Arsenal
Went from occasional right-back at Chelsea to Carling Cup player at Arsenal. Then boom, he goes to Portsmouth and becomes one of the best deep-lying midfielders in Europe, and now wears the Madrid number 10 shirt. How Wenger could have used a player like him.
7. Gerard Pique - Man Utd
Inexplicably under-used at Old Trafford, and couldn't get away fast enough. The second he did, he won the Champions League, Spanish League, European Championship and World Cup and became probably the most expensive centre-back in the world. Sure Chris Smalling is destined for similar things, though.
8. Patrick Vieira - AC Milan
Made captain of Cannes while still a teenager, became one of the best midfielders in Premier League history at Arsenal, but between that had a season in the reserves at AC Milan, then coached by Fabio Capello. And was sold for £3.5 million.
9. Thierry Henry - Juventus
Central striker who had just won the World Cup. I know, let's play him on the wing. That'll work...
10. Carlo Cudicini - everywhere
Poor sod. Should have at least made the Italian squads over the last 15 years, but never did because he wasn't consistently played at Chelsea, or got injured when he started to get a run. Now 37 and playing at Tottenham behind Heurelho Gomes. Does life get any more frustrating.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
The decline of the English centre forward
To draw 0-0 at home to Montenegro is not a good result by most international football team's standards. But what hurts most as an England fan is to see the dice that are thrown to try and resolve the situation. At no point in international football should a player like Kevin Davies be relied upon to nick you a goal.
Footballers like Davies, Emile Heskey, Zamora and Carlton Cole, have all been turned from lithe, pacey and somewhat prolific strikers into hench, elbow-wielding lumps designed to play the majority of the game with their back to goal. They concede more free kicks than they score goals. Other than Alan Shearer (who would always turn and shoot anyway), I can't think of another England generation that relied on these players. They preferred the likes of Sheringham, Linker, Ian Wright, Gascoigne and Beardsley. Les Ferdinand or Mark Bright never got much of a look in despite prolific domestic form. They just didn't have enough... skill for the top level. How times change.
Perhaps the Premier League has something to answer for here. They made these centre forwards this way. I remember when Kevin Davies played on the wing at Chesterfield, and scored goals too.
It's much easier to beef up and be a battering ram of a centre forward than shoulder the goalscoring burden, and for many teams having a player like this can help you out-think a defence at set-pieces. But at the top level the flaws of these guys are found out. You have to worry that young prospects like Andy Carrol or Connor Wickham, a teenager displaying enough touch, skill and eye for goal to grace a good Premiership team, will be moulded the same way.
So maybe Capello is playing to what some Premiership managers would deem our 'strengths'. But the fact is that in today's England side, players with the potential to be genuine creators are marginalised, and this is what holds us back against the best teams. Ashley Young made an exceptionally rare start against Montenegro, but Jack Wilshere sat the whole game out. Adam Johnson didn't make the world cup, neither did Theo Walcott. Gabby Agbonlahor may not be the best example, but it is still telling that a player who has pace and likes to run and shoot has been overlooked for almost two years.
No other top international sides seem to have this negative attitude towards centre-forward play. Spain's strikers are all midgets, the South American's mostly weigh 6 stone 7. Even Scotland leave Chris Iwelumo out more often than not.
Big centre forwards with the ability to score goals for fun - Drogba, Shearer, Mark Hughes, are incredibly rare. We have only one player who comes even close to this level in Peter Crouch, and picking anyone else to play the big number 9 role is simply defeatist. If we can't give players the chance to do what they are good at, and instead force them into a role that it is assumed we need to play, then we are going nowhere, and it won't be long before the excitement of being a goalscorer is extinguished altogether.
Footballers like Davies, Emile Heskey, Zamora and Carlton Cole, have all been turned from lithe, pacey and somewhat prolific strikers into hench, elbow-wielding lumps designed to play the majority of the game with their back to goal. They concede more free kicks than they score goals. Other than Alan Shearer (who would always turn and shoot anyway), I can't think of another England generation that relied on these players. They preferred the likes of Sheringham, Linker, Ian Wright, Gascoigne and Beardsley. Les Ferdinand or Mark Bright never got much of a look in despite prolific domestic form. They just didn't have enough... skill for the top level. How times change.
Perhaps the Premier League has something to answer for here. They made these centre forwards this way. I remember when Kevin Davies played on the wing at Chesterfield, and scored goals too.
It's much easier to beef up and be a battering ram of a centre forward than shoulder the goalscoring burden, and for many teams having a player like this can help you out-think a defence at set-pieces. But at the top level the flaws of these guys are found out. You have to worry that young prospects like Andy Carrol or Connor Wickham, a teenager displaying enough touch, skill and eye for goal to grace a good Premiership team, will be moulded the same way.
So maybe Capello is playing to what some Premiership managers would deem our 'strengths'. But the fact is that in today's England side, players with the potential to be genuine creators are marginalised, and this is what holds us back against the best teams. Ashley Young made an exceptionally rare start against Montenegro, but Jack Wilshere sat the whole game out. Adam Johnson didn't make the world cup, neither did Theo Walcott. Gabby Agbonlahor may not be the best example, but it is still telling that a player who has pace and likes to run and shoot has been overlooked for almost two years.
No other top international sides seem to have this negative attitude towards centre-forward play. Spain's strikers are all midgets, the South American's mostly weigh 6 stone 7. Even Scotland leave Chris Iwelumo out more often than not.
Big centre forwards with the ability to score goals for fun - Drogba, Shearer, Mark Hughes, are incredibly rare. We have only one player who comes even close to this level in Peter Crouch, and picking anyone else to play the big number 9 role is simply defeatist. If we can't give players the chance to do what they are good at, and instead force them into a role that it is assumed we need to play, then we are going nowhere, and it won't be long before the excitement of being a goalscorer is extinguished altogether.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
In support of the luxury players
Milan's summer signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has sparked debate over whether a flambuoyant, temperamental player such as this is worth his weight in one of Europe's biggest and most successful sides.
A similar argument is made of players such as Robinho, Dimitar Berbatov or almost every African/South American winger you can think of. By placing these gifted yet inconsistent players into your team do you compromise performances on the pitch, relations in the dressing room, and the ultimate success of the club? If so, do these players deserve the often enormous wages that they receive, simply for being a marquee signing?
My opinions have swayed back and forth over the years on this issue, but ultimately I can't ignore one crucial detail. Football is about entertainment. As a fan, you watch the games and attend the stadiums in the hope of being entertained. Watching a good game is of course the primary source of entertainment, but if this is achieved with style, trickery and a sense of fun, all the better. Why do Arsenal fans pay more than Chelsea or United to watch the games? Because they get more entertainment for their money.
Those players who entertain the most, therefore, get a bigger slice of the pie. The wages of Ibrahimovic, Berbatov and Robinho are based on the fact that, out of nowhere, they can go on a run beating seven players, play a killer pass without looking or volley one in from 30 yards and just shrug it off. Can Michael Owen do this, can Rooney or Torres, even? I wouldn't bet on it.
There is a qualifier, of course. Players with bags of tricks have to also be good at football. But more often than not, they are. Ibrahimovic scored 16 in 29 in his season at Barcelona, and has a career record of 147 in 300. Berbatov averages 1 in 2 and Robino 1 in 3. I don't care who you are, these are outstanding figures. The only issue is that, for the rest of the time, they appear to do nothing. But do they? In Man United's title-winning season, Berbatov covered more ground than Tevez. Ibrahimovic makes around 10 assists a season. For all the times they appear to be sulking around the halfway line, it is arguable that these guys are just biding their time before the next flash of genius makes a telling contribution. If they were defensive midfielders, they would be celebrated for approaching the game in this way.
I fear that my own beloved Hammers may realise the benefits of flair players too late, having sold Alessandro Diamanti for a third of the price we paid. Inconsistent he certainly was, but this is a player who got the fans talking, pulled incredible moments out of nothing and showed a fervent, if sometimes reckless, joy for the game. You can't replace that kind of impact easily. Certainly not with Kieron Dyer.
Football is a sport that is placing more and more emphasis on results, leading to a rise of teams in the Bolton, Stoke and Blackburn mould. They probably won't go down, but they probably won't make you happy either. However the game also needs to be entertaining in order to sustain its massive TV audiences, making players who can provide that spark of creativity essential. Perhaps it's only the bigger clubs who can afford the real mavericks, but the opportunity to play them is one that should be grasped with both hands. They are what football is all about. Now, if only we could find a couple who were English.
A similar argument is made of players such as Robinho, Dimitar Berbatov or almost every African/South American winger you can think of. By placing these gifted yet inconsistent players into your team do you compromise performances on the pitch, relations in the dressing room, and the ultimate success of the club? If so, do these players deserve the often enormous wages that they receive, simply for being a marquee signing?
My opinions have swayed back and forth over the years on this issue, but ultimately I can't ignore one crucial detail. Football is about entertainment. As a fan, you watch the games and attend the stadiums in the hope of being entertained. Watching a good game is of course the primary source of entertainment, but if this is achieved with style, trickery and a sense of fun, all the better. Why do Arsenal fans pay more than Chelsea or United to watch the games? Because they get more entertainment for their money.
Those players who entertain the most, therefore, get a bigger slice of the pie. The wages of Ibrahimovic, Berbatov and Robinho are based on the fact that, out of nowhere, they can go on a run beating seven players, play a killer pass without looking or volley one in from 30 yards and just shrug it off. Can Michael Owen do this, can Rooney or Torres, even? I wouldn't bet on it.
There is a qualifier, of course. Players with bags of tricks have to also be good at football. But more often than not, they are. Ibrahimovic scored 16 in 29 in his season at Barcelona, and has a career record of 147 in 300. Berbatov averages 1 in 2 and Robino 1 in 3. I don't care who you are, these are outstanding figures. The only issue is that, for the rest of the time, they appear to do nothing. But do they? In Man United's title-winning season, Berbatov covered more ground than Tevez. Ibrahimovic makes around 10 assists a season. For all the times they appear to be sulking around the halfway line, it is arguable that these guys are just biding their time before the next flash of genius makes a telling contribution. If they were defensive midfielders, they would be celebrated for approaching the game in this way.
I fear that my own beloved Hammers may realise the benefits of flair players too late, having sold Alessandro Diamanti for a third of the price we paid. Inconsistent he certainly was, but this is a player who got the fans talking, pulled incredible moments out of nothing and showed a fervent, if sometimes reckless, joy for the game. You can't replace that kind of impact easily. Certainly not with Kieron Dyer.
Football is a sport that is placing more and more emphasis on results, leading to a rise of teams in the Bolton, Stoke and Blackburn mould. They probably won't go down, but they probably won't make you happy either. However the game also needs to be entertaining in order to sustain its massive TV audiences, making players who can provide that spark of creativity essential. Perhaps it's only the bigger clubs who can afford the real mavericks, but the opportunity to play them is one that should be grasped with both hands. They are what football is all about. Now, if only we could find a couple who were English.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Is falling out of love with football possible?
Steve Coppell's resignation from Bristol City was surprising for me for one key reason. Aside from the fact he had been in charge for two games or announced his retirement, that is. When asked why he came to this decision, he said that he couldn't become passionate about the job.
Now, this is a successful coach who has experienced his best successes as manager of second-tier clubs pushing for promotion with a wealthy chairman's backing. Bristol City fits this bill perfectly. Plus he is given a rolling contract so does not have to commit long-term if results go bad, plus his yearly salary is likely to be around the million pound mark. He just signed England's world cup goalkeeper. Why on earth would you give that all up before even making a go of it?
The answer lies in the quote he gave. He just stopped caring.
This is a scary prospect to me. How can a high-profile manager, and ex-international footballer at that, come to the conclusion that they would rather be out of football than in it? This week has seen a number of professionals retiring from international football, but at least they have clubs to go back to. They say familiarity breeds contempt - but can professionals in the football business honestly suffer from the same malaise as teachers, bankers or plumbers? It's a fricking sport after all.
Examples of players retiring early are notably rare. Adriano made plans to quit football in 2009, Craig Bellamy claimed this was a possibility only last week. But neither came, or will come, to pass. Those who were forced to retire early, for example Dean Ashton last year, look straight away to pursue coaching careers. Even Kevin Keegan keeps popping up every couple of years, if only on ESPN.
The reasons for becoming disillusioned with football are various. It's been savagely commercialised, politicised and obsessed with tactics, media and technology. Simply playing the game almost seems secondary at times - and it's no wonder that many players retreat to lesser leagues in their autumn years simply to escape the pressure.
But play on they do. Look at David Beckham - a man under a sterner microscope than most, who will make himself available for England selection until the day he dies. Life without football would be a great deal easier for men like Beckham, Maradona, van Basten, but it isn't a choice they seem capable of making. In some cases it even keeps them alive.
In the lower leagues too - quitting entirely seems too much of a wrench. Gavin Strachan's recent blog on life in the football wilderness read like a prisoner on death row reminiscing about the smell of grass. These are people who commonly leave school far too young in order to pursue sporting greatness - where is there to go when the only life you ever knew starts to slip away? The enormous number of ex-pros becoming coaches, managers and analysts, even joining UEFA or FIFA - seems to provide the answer.
Ultimately, the modern day game will leave many wanting to walk away, but most will find the lure of the sport they gave their lives to remains too strong. One can only speculate as to what precisely is going through Steve Coppel's head at the moment - but I would be surprised if he doesn't realise what he is missing before too long.
Now, this is a successful coach who has experienced his best successes as manager of second-tier clubs pushing for promotion with a wealthy chairman's backing. Bristol City fits this bill perfectly. Plus he is given a rolling contract so does not have to commit long-term if results go bad, plus his yearly salary is likely to be around the million pound mark. He just signed England's world cup goalkeeper. Why on earth would you give that all up before even making a go of it?
The answer lies in the quote he gave. He just stopped caring.
This is a scary prospect to me. How can a high-profile manager, and ex-international footballer at that, come to the conclusion that they would rather be out of football than in it? This week has seen a number of professionals retiring from international football, but at least they have clubs to go back to. They say familiarity breeds contempt - but can professionals in the football business honestly suffer from the same malaise as teachers, bankers or plumbers? It's a fricking sport after all.
Examples of players retiring early are notably rare. Adriano made plans to quit football in 2009, Craig Bellamy claimed this was a possibility only last week. But neither came, or will come, to pass. Those who were forced to retire early, for example Dean Ashton last year, look straight away to pursue coaching careers. Even Kevin Keegan keeps popping up every couple of years, if only on ESPN.
The reasons for becoming disillusioned with football are various. It's been savagely commercialised, politicised and obsessed with tactics, media and technology. Simply playing the game almost seems secondary at times - and it's no wonder that many players retreat to lesser leagues in their autumn years simply to escape the pressure.
But play on they do. Look at David Beckham - a man under a sterner microscope than most, who will make himself available for England selection until the day he dies. Life without football would be a great deal easier for men like Beckham, Maradona, van Basten, but it isn't a choice they seem capable of making. In some cases it even keeps them alive.
In the lower leagues too - quitting entirely seems too much of a wrench. Gavin Strachan's recent blog on life in the football wilderness read like a prisoner on death row reminiscing about the smell of grass. These are people who commonly leave school far too young in order to pursue sporting greatness - where is there to go when the only life you ever knew starts to slip away? The enormous number of ex-pros becoming coaches, managers and analysts, even joining UEFA or FIFA - seems to provide the answer.
Ultimately, the modern day game will leave many wanting to walk away, but most will find the lure of the sport they gave their lives to remains too strong. One can only speculate as to what precisely is going through Steve Coppel's head at the moment - but I would be surprised if he doesn't realise what he is missing before too long.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
A post-golden generation England side
Had a discussion earlier about a new England team that may not only deserve to play at international level but, if given a chance, could be moulded into a team for the future.
Not surprisingly, almost none of them had anything to do with the World Cup. Thought I'd share:
Hart
Richards Cahill Dawson Gibbs
Rodwell Huddlestone
Young Wilshere A. Johnson
Rooney
Bench: Loach, Gosling, Onouha, Lansbury, Cork, Walcott, Agbonlahor, Carroll
So there we are. Honestly, how much worse would it have done? At least this has shape, passion and creativity. Make me manager, and this is what you get.
Not surprisingly, almost none of them had anything to do with the World Cup. Thought I'd share:
Hart
Richards Cahill Dawson Gibbs
Rodwell Huddlestone
Young Wilshere A. Johnson
Rooney
Bench: Loach, Gosling, Onouha, Lansbury, Cork, Walcott, Agbonlahor, Carroll
So there we are. Honestly, how much worse would it have done? At least this has shape, passion and creativity. Make me manager, and this is what you get.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
At World's End
Forget the disallowed goal. Nobody should give a shit.
Had Lampard's goal been given, we would have been no more likely to beat Germany today. A Germany team that, on paper, is definitely not as good as ours.
Today was the most embarassing example of old versus new that I have ever seen, and for a team from the world's best domestic league I can't for the life of me see why we play a formation that none of our best club sides would dream of.
Capello watches Chelsea, United and Arsenal 100 times a year, how can he not see that their systems provide the most effective football, home and abroad? If we'd have copied Germany's 4-2-3-1 we probably would have won, despite how badly we played.
I was optimistic about our system before the start of the tournament. We had won for fun playing it. But after twenty minutes of the USA game, I changed my mind. Fabio Capello didn't. Algeria was ten times worse and it became clear that, technically, we were massively inferior to other countries on the ball.
The only way to give the team a chance was to play them all in their best positions. That never happened. Instead the players got in a strop - attempted 40-yard shots and spectacular passes, and failed with it ninety percent of the time.
Capello's squad then has to be scrutinised, and in hindsight it looks conservative, backwards thinking and lacking imagination. Shaun Wright-Phillips is definitely a below-average winger at international level yet he was considered superior to players such as Johnson, Young and and Walcott, who had all had better seasons.
Emile Heskey has, for ten years now, been given a starting role for England on the premise that he brings the best out of the players around him. Bollocks. The manager is paid to get the best out of the players, the players are supposed to make an on-field contribution. The fact that we saw Heskey first as our number one striker, and second as a better substitute than Crouch, is nothing short of laughable.
This is a depressing conclusion, as three months ago it looked as though everything was perfect. Although the same could be said for Sven. Suddenly on the biggest occasion, the players lost belief, the manager lost ideas and we showed a complete inability to break down defences which, at club level, would be a walkover. Why does this always happen.
Is Capello a bad manager? No. Are England's players that bad? No. Can they work together? Not on that evidence. Unless a thorough tactical overhaul is carried out immediately, the FA's experimentation with foreign coaches is going to come to a very sharp end. And I can't say I hold out much hope.
Had Lampard's goal been given, we would have been no more likely to beat Germany today. A Germany team that, on paper, is definitely not as good as ours.
Today was the most embarassing example of old versus new that I have ever seen, and for a team from the world's best domestic league I can't for the life of me see why we play a formation that none of our best club sides would dream of.
Capello watches Chelsea, United and Arsenal 100 times a year, how can he not see that their systems provide the most effective football, home and abroad? If we'd have copied Germany's 4-2-3-1 we probably would have won, despite how badly we played.
I was optimistic about our system before the start of the tournament. We had won for fun playing it. But after twenty minutes of the USA game, I changed my mind. Fabio Capello didn't. Algeria was ten times worse and it became clear that, technically, we were massively inferior to other countries on the ball.
The only way to give the team a chance was to play them all in their best positions. That never happened. Instead the players got in a strop - attempted 40-yard shots and spectacular passes, and failed with it ninety percent of the time.
Capello's squad then has to be scrutinised, and in hindsight it looks conservative, backwards thinking and lacking imagination. Shaun Wright-Phillips is definitely a below-average winger at international level yet he was considered superior to players such as Johnson, Young and and Walcott, who had all had better seasons.
Emile Heskey has, for ten years now, been given a starting role for England on the premise that he brings the best out of the players around him. Bollocks. The manager is paid to get the best out of the players, the players are supposed to make an on-field contribution. The fact that we saw Heskey first as our number one striker, and second as a better substitute than Crouch, is nothing short of laughable.
This is a depressing conclusion, as three months ago it looked as though everything was perfect. Although the same could be said for Sven. Suddenly on the biggest occasion, the players lost belief, the manager lost ideas and we showed a complete inability to break down defences which, at club level, would be a walkover. Why does this always happen.
Is Capello a bad manager? No. Are England's players that bad? No. Can they work together? Not on that evidence. Unless a thorough tactical overhaul is carried out immediately, the FA's experimentation with foreign coaches is going to come to a very sharp end. And I can't say I hold out much hope.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Ten discoveries of the World Cup
The World Cup group stages are over, already. We've had the hilarious (France), the shocking (Slovakia) and the frustrating (everyone else) but through the fog of negative tactics, missed open goals and bizarre sendings off - some players have emerged from obscurity to tickle many a scout's fancy. Here's my pick of ten guys I wouldn't say no to:
1. Cristian Riveros - Paraguay
Just signed for Sunderland from the Mexican league, and looks another shrewd signing from the man who brought Wilson Palacios and Antonio Valencia to the English league. Central to Paraguay's excellent midfield and doesn't mind a shot at goal either.
2. Jong Tae Sae - North Korea
The only North Korean to emerge from the World Cup with much credit, and this is despite breaking down in tears during their first national anthem. A pacey and powerful forward who, at 26, could still have his best years ahead of him.
3. Mesut Ozil - Germany
Going to be a star, it just depends who gets him first. Give him the ball and he will make something good happen. Not your typical German player, but then he is Turkish.
4. Anthony Annan - Ghana
At 23 he is in the Norweigan league and ought not to be. A midfield destroyer in the mould of Michael Essien - he was rejected by Paul Ince while at Blckburn. Which means he's brilliant.
5. Elijero Elia - Netherlands
The super sub of the tournament so far, with that much pace and that eye for goal who wouldn't want him?
6. Alexis Sanchez - Chile
At 21 he has already played over 30 times for his country. Can play anywhere across the forward line, full of tricks and I don't think he misplaced a pass in any of Chile's 3 games. Nobody with that much diversity should play for Udinese.
7. Simon Kjaer - Denmark
He's 21 and looks 35, which is a good skill for a centre-back. He can also nail a 70-yard pass, get forward and dominate defensively from set-pieces. Pretty much ticks all the boxes.
8. Winston Reid - New Zealand
Don't laugh, he looks alright. He's 21, enormous and pretty agile. He scored one of New Zealand's two goals and was part of a defence that only conceded two. Get him out of the Norweigan league and he could develop.
9. Marek Hamsik - Slovakia
The captain of the tournamen's most surprising team. Only 22, idolises Pavel Nedved and that shows in his play. Tormented Italy, even if at times it looked as though you or I could have done the same.
10. Keisuke Honda - Japan
Rubbish analogy but the press will start to make it so I may as well: The Japanese Ronaldo. That free-kick was fricking superb, no matter how badly Sorensen dealt with it. And that turn in the box to set up their third against Denmark was as good as we've seen this World Cup. Could end up the tournamen's top goalscorer at this rate.
1. Cristian Riveros - Paraguay
Just signed for Sunderland from the Mexican league, and looks another shrewd signing from the man who brought Wilson Palacios and Antonio Valencia to the English league. Central to Paraguay's excellent midfield and doesn't mind a shot at goal either.
2. Jong Tae Sae - North Korea
The only North Korean to emerge from the World Cup with much credit, and this is despite breaking down in tears during their first national anthem. A pacey and powerful forward who, at 26, could still have his best years ahead of him.
3. Mesut Ozil - Germany
Going to be a star, it just depends who gets him first. Give him the ball and he will make something good happen. Not your typical German player, but then he is Turkish.
4. Anthony Annan - Ghana
At 23 he is in the Norweigan league and ought not to be. A midfield destroyer in the mould of Michael Essien - he was rejected by Paul Ince while at Blckburn. Which means he's brilliant.
5. Elijero Elia - Netherlands
The super sub of the tournament so far, with that much pace and that eye for goal who wouldn't want him?
6. Alexis Sanchez - Chile
At 21 he has already played over 30 times for his country. Can play anywhere across the forward line, full of tricks and I don't think he misplaced a pass in any of Chile's 3 games. Nobody with that much diversity should play for Udinese.
7. Simon Kjaer - Denmark
He's 21 and looks 35, which is a good skill for a centre-back. He can also nail a 70-yard pass, get forward and dominate defensively from set-pieces. Pretty much ticks all the boxes.
8. Winston Reid - New Zealand
Don't laugh, he looks alright. He's 21, enormous and pretty agile. He scored one of New Zealand's two goals and was part of a defence that only conceded two. Get him out of the Norweigan league and he could develop.
9. Marek Hamsik - Slovakia
The captain of the tournamen's most surprising team. Only 22, idolises Pavel Nedved and that shows in his play. Tormented Italy, even if at times it looked as though you or I could have done the same.
10. Keisuke Honda - Japan
Rubbish analogy but the press will start to make it so I may as well: The Japanese Ronaldo. That free-kick was fricking superb, no matter how badly Sorensen dealt with it. And that turn in the box to set up their third against Denmark was as good as we've seen this World Cup. Could end up the tournamen's top goalscorer at this rate.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
A positive vu on the vuvu
The vuvuzela - everyone's new favourite word, has sparked up more debate than anything on the pitch so far at the World Cup. The two best players in the world, plus Patrice Evra, hate them, Danny Jordaan would prefer to hear singing, and the BBC have even contemplated blending out the noise for their televised games. What a bunch of moaning old ladies.
There are many reasons why an African World Cup is good, and first and foremost is that it allows the continent to make its own distinctive mark on the biggest sporting event it has ever held. The vuvuzela is a massive part of that, and for us Westerners to go over there and try to get the things banned is nothing short of patronising.
What makes people feel they have the right to complain? Is hearing a bunch of tired old chants, like we do at English grounds, honestly preferable? The argument is raised that the noise can damage hearing. This never stopped anyone going to watch Formula One or an Air Show, and being in a stadium of 90,000 people is not likely to be a quiet affair either way.
Take away the vuvuzela, and you're left with the bloody brass band playing 'When the Saints come marching in' - people will always make noise at football because that's the only way to make it exciting to be at the ground. Does nobody else think it's good to have literally a constant buzz throughout a game?
Since the second round of matches has started, the 2010 World Cup looks to have taken off, and we may still get a truly memorable tournament to talk about in years to come. There may not be much to say about the African football, but the African soundtrack gives proceedings a unique, joyful feel, one that will be missed when we go back to Bloomfield Road and "You're not singing any more." So put some earplugs in if you must, and try to enjoy yourselves.
There are many reasons why an African World Cup is good, and first and foremost is that it allows the continent to make its own distinctive mark on the biggest sporting event it has ever held. The vuvuzela is a massive part of that, and for us Westerners to go over there and try to get the things banned is nothing short of patronising.
What makes people feel they have the right to complain? Is hearing a bunch of tired old chants, like we do at English grounds, honestly preferable? The argument is raised that the noise can damage hearing. This never stopped anyone going to watch Formula One or an Air Show, and being in a stadium of 90,000 people is not likely to be a quiet affair either way.
Take away the vuvuzela, and you're left with the bloody brass band playing 'When the Saints come marching in' - people will always make noise at football because that's the only way to make it exciting to be at the ground. Does nobody else think it's good to have literally a constant buzz throughout a game?
Since the second round of matches has started, the 2010 World Cup looks to have taken off, and we may still get a truly memorable tournament to talk about in years to come. There may not be much to say about the African football, but the African soundtrack gives proceedings a unique, joyful feel, one that will be missed when we go back to Bloomfield Road and "You're not singing any more." So put some earplugs in if you must, and try to enjoy yourselves.
Friday, 11 June 2010
Why I've got my St George crossed this World Cup
As the world's best thing gets started, I'm going to come out and say it: England can win the World Cup. At the very least, we will do better than the last couple of times. Here's why:
1) We have the right personnel at the right time.
Accusations that England's squad is too old fail to remember than when we talk about player's hitting their 'peak', we mean when they are in their mid-to-late 20s. Nearly every member of the England squad is just so. Some have had better seasons than others, some arguably shouldn't be there based on current form but the point is this: all of them have been part of a team that has done almost nothing but win for the past two years, and they have that to fall back on when things get hairy.
2) We are in damn good physical shape.
Looking at the 23, it's one of the most physical sides at the tournament. Even the flair players like Lennon and Joe Cole are pretty built. If we can harness this to translate to power at set pieces, we stand a good chance of getting past the likes of France, Spain and Argentina, nimble sides who may tire quickly and can, quite frankly, get fouled into submission.
3) We have a stable team.
Debates around 4-4-2 versus 4-2-3-1 are all very well, but as previously mentioned, we have been constantly performing, and winning, by lining up with two strikers and a four man midfield. Under Sven, we fannied around with team selection every single game and experimented with formations during qualifiers. As Spain proved in Euro 2008, consistency and familiarity can win you tournaments. Even if you do have Capdevilla at left back.
With largely the same players included in every squad, we have established an understanding of a system that, ultimately, gives a great deal of freedom to our most creative players, Gerrard and Rooney. They scored 12 of our 32 goals in qualifying. Our collection of centre-forwards, by contrast, managed 8.
4) The Africans quite like us.
A lot of South Africans came from the UK. Of their own free will. Most count England as their second team. This must count for something.
1) We have the right personnel at the right time.
Accusations that England's squad is too old fail to remember than when we talk about player's hitting their 'peak', we mean when they are in their mid-to-late 20s. Nearly every member of the England squad is just so. Some have had better seasons than others, some arguably shouldn't be there based on current form but the point is this: all of them have been part of a team that has done almost nothing but win for the past two years, and they have that to fall back on when things get hairy.
2) We are in damn good physical shape.
Looking at the 23, it's one of the most physical sides at the tournament. Even the flair players like Lennon and Joe Cole are pretty built. If we can harness this to translate to power at set pieces, we stand a good chance of getting past the likes of France, Spain and Argentina, nimble sides who may tire quickly and can, quite frankly, get fouled into submission.
3) We have a stable team.
Debates around 4-4-2 versus 4-2-3-1 are all very well, but as previously mentioned, we have been constantly performing, and winning, by lining up with two strikers and a four man midfield. Under Sven, we fannied around with team selection every single game and experimented with formations during qualifiers. As Spain proved in Euro 2008, consistency and familiarity can win you tournaments. Even if you do have Capdevilla at left back.
With largely the same players included in every squad, we have established an understanding of a system that, ultimately, gives a great deal of freedom to our most creative players, Gerrard and Rooney. They scored 12 of our 32 goals in qualifying. Our collection of centre-forwards, by contrast, managed 8.
4) The Africans quite like us.
A lot of South Africans came from the UK. Of their own free will. Most count England as their second team. This must count for something.
Friday, 4 June 2010
Rio's injury a blessing in disguise
I love Rio Ferdinand. For what he did at West Ham, for playing football the way he does, for bringing us that wind-up show and introducing the phrase 'you got mirked'. But if, as rumours suggest, he is set to miss the World Cup, I for one am not going to despair of our chances.
For one, Rio has been almost 100% injured this season. Let's say 90% injured - he played 13 premier league games. During that time, he managed to get in a stupid amount of trouble by hitting Craig Fagan in the face. At international level he has been, at best, shaky. With back and knee problems come a loss of pace and agility, that's what we are seeing with Rio and that's what we will continue to see. His career is now on the decline.
Now - Ledley King has knees made of tin foil and Upson is totally fat, so to say that they offer an improvement on the situation would be wrong. But we do have Jamie Carragher - a man so desperate to prove himself as a centre-back at international level that he would throw his child in the way of an attacker if it would stop a goal. I never like to see someone come out of international retirement - it smacks of loose principles - and he isn't the player he used to be, but on this occasion, all things considered, he could represent the fighter we need to survive the rough patches.
Which brings me on to my second point. Is Rio a leader? Is he a captain? Is he the man to inspire the lads on the brink of extra time or is he more likely to photoshop Capello into a red van and call it postman pat?
Gerrard has shown he can inspire his team on the big occasion, and with no time to prepare for his captain's duties he is less likely to get freaked out and balls it up.
So it actually looks like I'm saying that the Scousers can save our World Cup. Which I hope is true. Would be nice to stop them moaning for a couple of weeks.
For one, Rio has been almost 100% injured this season. Let's say 90% injured - he played 13 premier league games. During that time, he managed to get in a stupid amount of trouble by hitting Craig Fagan in the face. At international level he has been, at best, shaky. With back and knee problems come a loss of pace and agility, that's what we are seeing with Rio and that's what we will continue to see. His career is now on the decline.
Now - Ledley King has knees made of tin foil and Upson is totally fat, so to say that they offer an improvement on the situation would be wrong. But we do have Jamie Carragher - a man so desperate to prove himself as a centre-back at international level that he would throw his child in the way of an attacker if it would stop a goal. I never like to see someone come out of international retirement - it smacks of loose principles - and he isn't the player he used to be, but on this occasion, all things considered, he could represent the fighter we need to survive the rough patches.
Which brings me on to my second point. Is Rio a leader? Is he a captain? Is he the man to inspire the lads on the brink of extra time or is he more likely to photoshop Capello into a red van and call it postman pat?
Gerrard has shown he can inspire his team on the big occasion, and with no time to prepare for his captain's duties he is less likely to get freaked out and balls it up.
So it actually looks like I'm saying that the Scousers can save our World Cup. Which I hope is true. Would be nice to stop them moaning for a couple of weeks.
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Mourinho is the Real deal
What a revelation. A two-bit blog going on about how good a manager Jose Mourinho is. However, two points have been raised over the last 24 hours that I feel deserve attention. First, that to leave Inter would be a mistake, and two, that Real Madrid wouldn't like his style of play.
To the first point - Phil Minishull's latest blog claims Mourinho is leaving Inter prematurely. Why? The Italian league is rubbish - the teams who finished behind Inter include a Roma team who couldn't beat Fulham and a Milan side whose quickest midfielder is David Beckham. It's too easy. And any side who have enjoyed success recently have more often than not been found to be bribing referees. The fans may adore him, but that's because they know he's created the only genuinely good side from Italy in the last decade. Why limit yourself to walking Serie A each week; that's like Scorcese focusing solely on commercials. As much as I'd like to see that.
Second - the argument was made several times yesterday that Inter play dull football. Wrong.
Inter had barely 40% of possession last night, but still scored twice, had all of the meaningful chances and seemed to play totally within themselves. This season they have scored the most goals in the league and conceded the fewest. When they break, they do so in waves of five players and it looks like Barcelona. It isn't boring - it's effective. They won the treble.
Plus, what's boring about good defending? As the great (well) Julian Dicks once said, making a big tackle is just as thrilling as scoring a goal, a sentiment I totally subscribe to. In this light, Lucio and Samuel are Messi and Ronaldo. They would score 50 each a season.
If Mourinho does take over at Madrid - he will stop Ronaldo doing everything on his own, buy some giant centre-backs (sorry Pepe) and have Alonso slow the pace down in the big games, allowing the team to wear their opposition down. Will Madrid fans accept this? Well they scored 103 goals this season, finished with 96 points and won bugger all, so I don't see a choice.
The current Madrid manager Pellegrini has done a good job - apart from choking on the big occassion with a team of players who are supposed to get off on these games. Mourinho is hands down the best club manager in the world right now - and he wins for breakfast. And Barcelona hate him. If both Inter and Madrid can't see that he now belongs at the Bernabaeu, they clearly don't know as much about football as I do.
To the first point - Phil Minishull's latest blog claims Mourinho is leaving Inter prematurely. Why? The Italian league is rubbish - the teams who finished behind Inter include a Roma team who couldn't beat Fulham and a Milan side whose quickest midfielder is David Beckham. It's too easy. And any side who have enjoyed success recently have more often than not been found to be bribing referees. The fans may adore him, but that's because they know he's created the only genuinely good side from Italy in the last decade. Why limit yourself to walking Serie A each week; that's like Scorcese focusing solely on commercials. As much as I'd like to see that.
Second - the argument was made several times yesterday that Inter play dull football. Wrong.
Inter had barely 40% of possession last night, but still scored twice, had all of the meaningful chances and seemed to play totally within themselves. This season they have scored the most goals in the league and conceded the fewest. When they break, they do so in waves of five players and it looks like Barcelona. It isn't boring - it's effective. They won the treble.
Plus, what's boring about good defending? As the great (well) Julian Dicks once said, making a big tackle is just as thrilling as scoring a goal, a sentiment I totally subscribe to. In this light, Lucio and Samuel are Messi and Ronaldo. They would score 50 each a season.
If Mourinho does take over at Madrid - he will stop Ronaldo doing everything on his own, buy some giant centre-backs (sorry Pepe) and have Alonso slow the pace down in the big games, allowing the team to wear their opposition down. Will Madrid fans accept this? Well they scored 103 goals this season, finished with 96 points and won bugger all, so I don't see a choice.
The current Madrid manager Pellegrini has done a good job - apart from choking on the big occassion with a team of players who are supposed to get off on these games. Mourinho is hands down the best club manager in the world right now - and he wins for breakfast. And Barcelona hate him. If both Inter and Madrid can't see that he now belongs at the Bernabaeu, they clearly don't know as much about football as I do.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Gainfranco Zola: That's amoré
It has to be one of the most inevitable, yet brutal, sackings in Premiership history. West Ham have, quite possibly, discarded one of the finest young managers in the game today, but they would argue, in the cut-throat Premier League where we amassed our worst points total ever, he showed that he didn’t have the stomach for the fight. One undeniable fact, however, is that without Gianfranco Zola the Premiership is worse off.
Along with Dennis Bergkamp, it was Zola who brought the culture of foreign flair to the Premiership, upon signing for Chelsea in 1996. With more of a penchant for cheeky flicks, mazy runs and playing to the crowd than the Arsenal striker, Zola was almost instantly beloved by his own fans and those throughout the league, who began to demand their own clubs’ investment in overseas stars. I had the pleasure of watching him only once, in a pre-season friendly at Reading. I’d never seen anything like it. At the age of 12, here was a man barely my height, who could not be shrugged off the ball, always found a team-mate with his passes, made the ball vanish before re-appearing behind the centre-back, and enjoyed every second with an unforgettable smile.
He arrived at West Ham with barely any managerial experience to his name; an undeniable gamble. His squad had been chastised for failing to match expectations, while the board sold talent that the previous manager had wanted to keep hold of. For a club in crisis, this was an appointment few expected. Yet after one game against Newcastle, many were already changing their minds.
West Ham under Zola immediately had style; what the players lacked in quality they made up for in common sense – choosing the easy ball when under pressure, filling in when a team-mate stepped out of position, and always, always looking to go forward and create. Zola reacted to each and every goal by leaping into the air beaming; the crowd responded and roared for more, the players were infected by this enthusiasm and went for the jugular. More often than not they succeeded. Zola’s legacy of young British talent, the latest in a long line from our academy; Collison, Noble, Tomkins, Stanislas, will be a lasting tribute to his philosophy of letting the players simply play the game, enjoying themselves. Carlton Cole has become England’s fourth or fifth choice striker because the manager took the shackles off him, encouraged him to run at defenders, shoot on sight and showed him nothing but positivity and encouragement. Many Hammers fans will see this feat as nothing short of a miracle.
This season, the team started positively, convincingly dispatching Wolves. Defeats to Tottenham, Liverpool and Wigan happened despite universal agreement that we were the better side. Finding ourselves in the relegation zone, we ground out a win against Villa to highlight that we could mix style with substance. Where Zola’s achilles heel existed was in defense; the enforced sale of James Collins at the close of the transfer window left him with a six-month hole to fill, and he couldn’t quite do it. Sloppy goals conceded to Fulham, Sunderland and Hull cost us the points that would have lifted the club to mid-table. In the previous season, those teams would have been shut out.
Did Zola’s transfer activity help his cause? No. On one hand, he suffered hugely from the trail of inadequate, over-paid players brought in by the previous team; the board were now tightening their purse strings. But when money did become available, Savio Nsereko was not the way to spend £9 million of it. This one error, on a player recommended by Gianluca Nani, cost the manager much-needed funds last summer, when a centre-forward was badly needed. Second time around, he got it right, bringing in Alsessandro Diamanti who has proved one of the best foreign imports of the season. But more often that not, players did not hit the ground running as he would have liked.
The club’s takeover, as with any takeover, spelled doom for the manager unless he went on to take maximum points from the following 20 games. The team he had were already at sixes and sevens, suffering after reams of negative press following the bust-up with Millwall fans, and struggling to focus on the fact that their league position belied a style of football that took points from both Arsenal and Chelsea in previous months.
Our run-in was easy and the team should have walked to safety, but now the frighteners were on. Murmurings in the press questioned Zola’s competence. The players, who had been convinced they could do anything, paid this speculation too much attention. Zola’s spell over them had been broken, helped in no part by the new owners declaring that every single one of them bar Scott Parker were up for sale.
Still, when it really mattered, Zola delivered. Wins over Birmingham, Sunderland and Wigan were all alike in one way – both fans and players poured their relief and joy onto the manager’s head. Images of players running, pointing towards the dug-out followed by a team embrace with the coach, revealed that Zola’s influence remained as strong as it had in his brilliant first season, they just needed everybody else to realise it.
Our survival was ultimately comfortable, but by now it was clear that two East-End heavies were not going to get on with their bouncy Sardinian colleague. To his infinite credit, Zola never walked away from the job, choosing to wait for the chop to be delivered. His last two months in the job were the unhappiest of his career in football, yet he kept smiling through it all, kept translating his enthusiasm and joy for the game into his players, who will now need a serious motivator to rediscover the form they have shown over the last two years.
As he leaves the club, Zola’s integrity and talent is up there with the game’s top managers, and the future holds endless success. One can only hope that some of his fairy dust has been rubbed off in his time at Upton Park. We will be all the better for it.
Along with Dennis Bergkamp, it was Zola who brought the culture of foreign flair to the Premiership, upon signing for Chelsea in 1996. With more of a penchant for cheeky flicks, mazy runs and playing to the crowd than the Arsenal striker, Zola was almost instantly beloved by his own fans and those throughout the league, who began to demand their own clubs’ investment in overseas stars. I had the pleasure of watching him only once, in a pre-season friendly at Reading. I’d never seen anything like it. At the age of 12, here was a man barely my height, who could not be shrugged off the ball, always found a team-mate with his passes, made the ball vanish before re-appearing behind the centre-back, and enjoyed every second with an unforgettable smile.
He arrived at West Ham with barely any managerial experience to his name; an undeniable gamble. His squad had been chastised for failing to match expectations, while the board sold talent that the previous manager had wanted to keep hold of. For a club in crisis, this was an appointment few expected. Yet after one game against Newcastle, many were already changing their minds.
West Ham under Zola immediately had style; what the players lacked in quality they made up for in common sense – choosing the easy ball when under pressure, filling in when a team-mate stepped out of position, and always, always looking to go forward and create. Zola reacted to each and every goal by leaping into the air beaming; the crowd responded and roared for more, the players were infected by this enthusiasm and went for the jugular. More often than not they succeeded. Zola’s legacy of young British talent, the latest in a long line from our academy; Collison, Noble, Tomkins, Stanislas, will be a lasting tribute to his philosophy of letting the players simply play the game, enjoying themselves. Carlton Cole has become England’s fourth or fifth choice striker because the manager took the shackles off him, encouraged him to run at defenders, shoot on sight and showed him nothing but positivity and encouragement. Many Hammers fans will see this feat as nothing short of a miracle.
This season, the team started positively, convincingly dispatching Wolves. Defeats to Tottenham, Liverpool and Wigan happened despite universal agreement that we were the better side. Finding ourselves in the relegation zone, we ground out a win against Villa to highlight that we could mix style with substance. Where Zola’s achilles heel existed was in defense; the enforced sale of James Collins at the close of the transfer window left him with a six-month hole to fill, and he couldn’t quite do it. Sloppy goals conceded to Fulham, Sunderland and Hull cost us the points that would have lifted the club to mid-table. In the previous season, those teams would have been shut out.
Did Zola’s transfer activity help his cause? No. On one hand, he suffered hugely from the trail of inadequate, over-paid players brought in by the previous team; the board were now tightening their purse strings. But when money did become available, Savio Nsereko was not the way to spend £9 million of it. This one error, on a player recommended by Gianluca Nani, cost the manager much-needed funds last summer, when a centre-forward was badly needed. Second time around, he got it right, bringing in Alsessandro Diamanti who has proved one of the best foreign imports of the season. But more often that not, players did not hit the ground running as he would have liked.
The club’s takeover, as with any takeover, spelled doom for the manager unless he went on to take maximum points from the following 20 games. The team he had were already at sixes and sevens, suffering after reams of negative press following the bust-up with Millwall fans, and struggling to focus on the fact that their league position belied a style of football that took points from both Arsenal and Chelsea in previous months.
Our run-in was easy and the team should have walked to safety, but now the frighteners were on. Murmurings in the press questioned Zola’s competence. The players, who had been convinced they could do anything, paid this speculation too much attention. Zola’s spell over them had been broken, helped in no part by the new owners declaring that every single one of them bar Scott Parker were up for sale.
Still, when it really mattered, Zola delivered. Wins over Birmingham, Sunderland and Wigan were all alike in one way – both fans and players poured their relief and joy onto the manager’s head. Images of players running, pointing towards the dug-out followed by a team embrace with the coach, revealed that Zola’s influence remained as strong as it had in his brilliant first season, they just needed everybody else to realise it.
Our survival was ultimately comfortable, but by now it was clear that two East-End heavies were not going to get on with their bouncy Sardinian colleague. To his infinite credit, Zola never walked away from the job, choosing to wait for the chop to be delivered. His last two months in the job were the unhappiest of his career in football, yet he kept smiling through it all, kept translating his enthusiasm and joy for the game into his players, who will now need a serious motivator to rediscover the form they have shown over the last two years.
As he leaves the club, Zola’s integrity and talent is up there with the game’s top managers, and the future holds endless success. One can only hope that some of his fairy dust has been rubbed off in his time at Upton Park. We will be all the better for it.
Monday, 10 May 2010
England's final 30
If it fell to me to pick tomorrow's 30 man squad, god help us all. Nevertheless, I'd have a bash and go with the following:
Goalkeepers: (3) Green, James, Hart
The only three keepers in England who are actually any good, and even then the number 1 shirt should be given to the one who stuffs up the least in the friendlies.
Yeah but no: Paul Robinson, Scott Carson, Chris Kirkland
Defenders: (10) Terry, A.Cole, Ferdinand, G. Johnson, King, Upson, Jagielka, Baines, Richards, Dawson
The position of second centre-back alongside Terry is, in my opinion, open to all who fancy trying. Captain or no, Ferdinand has not shown himself to be fit enough to play more than a game a fortnight. If that stays the same, he won't get picked. Of my selections, Upson has played the most often for England, despite looking increasingly slow, indecisive and heavy, while King is in the best form despite his kneecaps being in constant risk of exploding. In which case, it may be time for Jagielka or Dawson to step up to the terrifying task of making international debuts in front of a gazillion people. They'd be fine, obviously.
Yeah but no: Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Jamie Carragher, Joleon Lescott, Sol Campbell
Midfielders: (11) Lampard, Gerrard, Lennon, Barry, Milner, J.Cole, Carrick, Walcott, Parker, A.Johnson, Huddlestone
If we get this right, it could turn us into genuine contenders. But a few things need to happen; Barry has to get himself fit otherwise we rely on an un-tested Scott Parker, Gerrard has to remember who he is and play like it, and we have to pick a genuine left-winger like Adam Johnson for when shape is essential.
Yeah but no: Shaun Wright-Phillips, Owen Hargreaves, Ashley Young, Stewart Downing
Forwards: (6) Rooney, Crouch, Defoe, Bent, Zamora, Heskey
Second biggest problem area. The jury's still out on whether Alex Ferguson should be crucified for bringing Wayne Rooney back two weeks early for the Bayern game. He isn't right yet, and without him we cease to be special. Two players who definitely deserve a chance, if not a final place, are Bent and Zamora. Pair them up against Mexico, and see what happens.
Yeah but no: Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carlton Cole, we have no other English strikers, umm..... Kevin Davies?
Whittling this down to 23 then becomes a daunting task, although I suppose this is a good problem to have. Two forwards, two defenders and three midfielders seems the best chop to make, and if Barry and King prove to be as crocked as I suspect, two of these changes make themselves.
It's not a frightening list of names, but it's all things and England side should be: solid, committed utterly unpredictable.
Goalkeepers: (3) Green, James, Hart
The only three keepers in England who are actually any good, and even then the number 1 shirt should be given to the one who stuffs up the least in the friendlies.
Yeah but no: Paul Robinson, Scott Carson, Chris Kirkland
Defenders: (10) Terry, A.Cole, Ferdinand, G. Johnson, King, Upson, Jagielka, Baines, Richards, Dawson
The position of second centre-back alongside Terry is, in my opinion, open to all who fancy trying. Captain or no, Ferdinand has not shown himself to be fit enough to play more than a game a fortnight. If that stays the same, he won't get picked. Of my selections, Upson has played the most often for England, despite looking increasingly slow, indecisive and heavy, while King is in the best form despite his kneecaps being in constant risk of exploding. In which case, it may be time for Jagielka or Dawson to step up to the terrifying task of making international debuts in front of a gazillion people. They'd be fine, obviously.
Yeah but no: Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Jamie Carragher, Joleon Lescott, Sol Campbell
Midfielders: (11) Lampard, Gerrard, Lennon, Barry, Milner, J.Cole, Carrick, Walcott, Parker, A.Johnson, Huddlestone
If we get this right, it could turn us into genuine contenders. But a few things need to happen; Barry has to get himself fit otherwise we rely on an un-tested Scott Parker, Gerrard has to remember who he is and play like it, and we have to pick a genuine left-winger like Adam Johnson for when shape is essential.
Yeah but no: Shaun Wright-Phillips, Owen Hargreaves, Ashley Young, Stewart Downing
Forwards: (6) Rooney, Crouch, Defoe, Bent, Zamora, Heskey
Second biggest problem area. The jury's still out on whether Alex Ferguson should be crucified for bringing Wayne Rooney back two weeks early for the Bayern game. He isn't right yet, and without him we cease to be special. Two players who definitely deserve a chance, if not a final place, are Bent and Zamora. Pair them up against Mexico, and see what happens.
Yeah but no: Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carlton Cole, we have no other English strikers, umm..... Kevin Davies?
Whittling this down to 23 then becomes a daunting task, although I suppose this is a good problem to have. Two forwards, two defenders and three midfielders seems the best chop to make, and if Barry and King prove to be as crocked as I suspect, two of these changes make themselves.
It's not a frightening list of names, but it's all things and England side should be: solid, committed utterly unpredictable.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Ten foreigners the Premiership could do without
At the end of another season, and with quotas for home-grown players on the horizon, here's ten players Premiership teams would most definitely not miss from their lineup, and their wage bill:
1. Mido
Inexplicably brought back from footballing purgatory (otherwise known as Zamalek) by West Ham, and has managed to contribute even less than his £1,000 a week deserves. Missed a penalty, fluffed a number of golden chances, then got injured. Has been on Middlesbrough's books since 2007 but has been loaned out to three clubs since. He must be sodding hard to shift.
2. Mustapha Riga
The most anonymous number 10 to be playing in the Premiership. Two league starts in two seasons, no goals. Meant to be an attacking winger and scored 1 in 4 for Levante. Now kept out of the team by the likes of Joey O'Brien.
3. Salif Diao
Why? Played for four top flight teams, including Liverpool, and all he seems to do is get booked. Signed on the back of Senegal's amazing 2002 World Cup, and expected to take the league by storm. But as with the rest of his countrymen (I'm looking at you Diop, Diouf) managed to prove everybody very wrong.
4. Johann Elmander
Eight million pounds. Eight goals. In two seasons. Has been on two separate goal droughts of 9 months and 11 months respectively. Absolute waste of time and effort.
5. John Utaka
Not technically a Premiership player any more, but it has to be noted that he earned a reported £80,000 per week. Which is more than Portsmouth probably earn a month. For that, you absolutely have to give more than the occasional burst down the wing. Newly-promoted sides, sign him at your peril.
6. Mikael Silvestre
Described as a 'geriatric' to Arsene Wenger who reacted angrily. Which is bizarre, as Wenger probably has a vastly superior reaction time, at the age of 60. Arsenal are meant to have a policy of cutting players when they get past 30. Come on Arsene, Alex Ferguson wouldn't have sold him to you unless he was going to have a bloody good laugh about it.
7. Michael Ballack
What's going on? Never mind the Premier League, he's the seventh highest earning player in the world. I read a comment that he has one good game in five. Since when did this country start being kind to German footballers? He makes one good pass in five games. Abysmal.
8. Luis Boa Morte
Reportedly earns more than the West Ham manager. Who despite being confined to the technical area, has managed to cover more ground than him. Part of the worst spending spree in the club's history, and I'm including the summer of Paolo Futre and Florin Radicioiu. If he isn't making his last Hammers appearance this afternoon I'm.... oh my god he just scored.
9. Emiliano Insua
One of the focal points for Liverpool fans' frustration this season. It was a toss up between him and Ryan Babel, but I feel the latter could be infinitely more effective if he was played consistently and in the right position. Insua is supposed to be a left-back; at least that's what he says.
10. Moustapha Salifou
Villa's Togolese midfielder has made no appearances this season. In one of the smallest squads in the league, how the hell do you not get picked for even one game. His sole contribution to the Premiership has been a rather good chant, Villa fans chant his name to the tune of Daddy Cool by Boney M. Athough they haven't even been able to do that for 18 months.
1. Mido
Inexplicably brought back from footballing purgatory (otherwise known as Zamalek) by West Ham, and has managed to contribute even less than his £1,000 a week deserves. Missed a penalty, fluffed a number of golden chances, then got injured. Has been on Middlesbrough's books since 2007 but has been loaned out to three clubs since. He must be sodding hard to shift.
2. Mustapha Riga
The most anonymous number 10 to be playing in the Premiership. Two league starts in two seasons, no goals. Meant to be an attacking winger and scored 1 in 4 for Levante. Now kept out of the team by the likes of Joey O'Brien.
3. Salif Diao
Why? Played for four top flight teams, including Liverpool, and all he seems to do is get booked. Signed on the back of Senegal's amazing 2002 World Cup, and expected to take the league by storm. But as with the rest of his countrymen (I'm looking at you Diop, Diouf) managed to prove everybody very wrong.
4. Johann Elmander
Eight million pounds. Eight goals. In two seasons. Has been on two separate goal droughts of 9 months and 11 months respectively. Absolute waste of time and effort.
5. John Utaka
Not technically a Premiership player any more, but it has to be noted that he earned a reported £80,000 per week. Which is more than Portsmouth probably earn a month. For that, you absolutely have to give more than the occasional burst down the wing. Newly-promoted sides, sign him at your peril.
6. Mikael Silvestre
Described as a 'geriatric' to Arsene Wenger who reacted angrily. Which is bizarre, as Wenger probably has a vastly superior reaction time, at the age of 60. Arsenal are meant to have a policy of cutting players when they get past 30. Come on Arsene, Alex Ferguson wouldn't have sold him to you unless he was going to have a bloody good laugh about it.
7. Michael Ballack
What's going on? Never mind the Premier League, he's the seventh highest earning player in the world. I read a comment that he has one good game in five. Since when did this country start being kind to German footballers? He makes one good pass in five games. Abysmal.
8. Luis Boa Morte
Reportedly earns more than the West Ham manager. Who despite being confined to the technical area, has managed to cover more ground than him. Part of the worst spending spree in the club's history, and I'm including the summer of Paolo Futre and Florin Radicioiu. If he isn't making his last Hammers appearance this afternoon I'm.... oh my god he just scored.
9. Emiliano Insua
One of the focal points for Liverpool fans' frustration this season. It was a toss up between him and Ryan Babel, but I feel the latter could be infinitely more effective if he was played consistently and in the right position. Insua is supposed to be a left-back; at least that's what he says.
10. Moustapha Salifou
Villa's Togolese midfielder has made no appearances this season. In one of the smallest squads in the league, how the hell do you not get picked for even one game. His sole contribution to the Premiership has been a rather good chant, Villa fans chant his name to the tune of Daddy Cool by Boney M. Athough they haven't even been able to do that for 18 months.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Keeping the Tories out (if you so wish)
Tomorrow concludes one of the tightest election races in history, and following a combination of media campaigning, ill-advised racial profiling of Northern pensioners and some quite convincing, if at times evasive, speaking in the TV debates, tomorrow seems likely to herald the beginning of another Conservative government. Unless.
The Tories are, rightly or wrongly, associated inextricably with profiteering; a government who will incentivise the rich to help reform the economy, while leaving the poor to fight over the scraps. Privatising, anti-European, upper-middle class; these are all words many can never shake off when thinking of the Conservatives. I know I can't.
With ballot boxes opening tomorrow, many who were brought up in Labour or Liberal households, where the ghost of Thatcher still looms large, are asking the same question: how can I stop the Tories getting in? The answer is simple; not many people like to adopt it but when even your local MPs are advocating it, you have to give it credence.
The vast majority of seats in the UK are contested between two parties; from these you will see posters, banners, leaflets and the like. If, like me, you live in an area of immense wealth; lots of private schools, weeping willow trees and nannies taking the kids out on their scooters, chances are one of the candidates will be Tory. And the other won't be Labour. In which case, you vote for the other guy.
In conversations building up to the election, I have been amazed by the amount of people who 1) don't know how the elctoral system works and 2) don't know how popular their preferred party is in their own constituency. So for their benefit:
1) You can only vote for your local MP, not the Prime Minister. Whoever wins your local seat adds one seat to their party's total.
2) Whose face is on the majority of the posters? Talk to your MP or your party of choice, are they actively contesting your area?
In my case, the neighbourhood has been dubbed 'Jeremy land', due to the huge following enjoyed by Jeremy Hunt, the man who made the monumental expenses claim of one pence last year. The Lib Dems, however, have enjoyed a surge in popularity over the last month, after the stright-talking Nick Clegg switched on a huge number of previously apathetic voters, people who aren't really into politics but like the idea of an extra 700 quid and seeing someone new have a go. The Lib Dems will run the Tories closest here. My hand is therefore forced.
Tactical voting is not an ideal, but in this case, where many would rather any type of government than a Tory one, it has to be adopted. It could be the key for Labour. Generally speaking, sympathies are stronger between Labour and the Lib Dems, meaning that a red voter ticking yellow or vice versa will not cause too many sleepless nights.
Here, in the depths of pleasantville, even this option is probably futile. A key marginal this certainly isn't. But in many other areas of the country, the opportunity remains for a generation who look past the spin, the headlines and the polls, and believe fundamentally in the values of tolerance, equal opportunity and fairness, to lay their vote on the line and opt against a government they were brought up to fear. It may sting a little, but dammit, it will make our parents proud.
The Tories are, rightly or wrongly, associated inextricably with profiteering; a government who will incentivise the rich to help reform the economy, while leaving the poor to fight over the scraps. Privatising, anti-European, upper-middle class; these are all words many can never shake off when thinking of the Conservatives. I know I can't.
With ballot boxes opening tomorrow, many who were brought up in Labour or Liberal households, where the ghost of Thatcher still looms large, are asking the same question: how can I stop the Tories getting in? The answer is simple; not many people like to adopt it but when even your local MPs are advocating it, you have to give it credence.
The vast majority of seats in the UK are contested between two parties; from these you will see posters, banners, leaflets and the like. If, like me, you live in an area of immense wealth; lots of private schools, weeping willow trees and nannies taking the kids out on their scooters, chances are one of the candidates will be Tory. And the other won't be Labour. In which case, you vote for the other guy.
In conversations building up to the election, I have been amazed by the amount of people who 1) don't know how the elctoral system works and 2) don't know how popular their preferred party is in their own constituency. So for their benefit:
1) You can only vote for your local MP, not the Prime Minister. Whoever wins your local seat adds one seat to their party's total.
2) Whose face is on the majority of the posters? Talk to your MP or your party of choice, are they actively contesting your area?
In my case, the neighbourhood has been dubbed 'Jeremy land', due to the huge following enjoyed by Jeremy Hunt, the man who made the monumental expenses claim of one pence last year. The Lib Dems, however, have enjoyed a surge in popularity over the last month, after the stright-talking Nick Clegg switched on a huge number of previously apathetic voters, people who aren't really into politics but like the idea of an extra 700 quid and seeing someone new have a go. The Lib Dems will run the Tories closest here. My hand is therefore forced.
Tactical voting is not an ideal, but in this case, where many would rather any type of government than a Tory one, it has to be adopted. It could be the key for Labour. Generally speaking, sympathies are stronger between Labour and the Lib Dems, meaning that a red voter ticking yellow or vice versa will not cause too many sleepless nights.
Here, in the depths of pleasantville, even this option is probably futile. A key marginal this certainly isn't. But in many other areas of the country, the opportunity remains for a generation who look past the spin, the headlines and the polls, and believe fundamentally in the values of tolerance, equal opportunity and fairness, to lay their vote on the line and opt against a government they were brought up to fear. It may sting a little, but dammit, it will make our parents proud.
Monday, 19 April 2010
If I had £30 million at Arsenal
here's how I'd spend it:
OUT: Almunia - probably good enough to be a number 1 and deserves to start every game. But not here.
Amount: £4million
OUT: Silvestre - absolutely useless. Only worth anything by virtue of the clubs he has played for.
Amount: £1 million
OUT: Rosicky - fans favourite but never stays fit long enough to hit form. Career in a rut and needs a fresh start in a slower league.
Amount: £5 million
OUT: Eduardo - Another player with undeniable ability but another that is probably not up to the day to day physicality. Could go to Italy and score 30 a season.
Amount: £8 million
OUT: Denilson - the worst of the creative midfielders. OK not the worst, the least brilliant. Cash in.
Amount: £ 6 million
OUT: Vela - come on. Next season, Simpson, Walcott, Bendtner will all be ahead of him. Let him have a go somewhere else.
Amount: £4 million
All of the above raises £28million, which along with the £30 million rumoured to be in the, um, Arsenal, gives a decent-size budget. Then it goes:
IN: Akinfeev / Lloris. Time for a big name between the sticks. Someone who can lead, and in turn be responsive to the defence. Joe Hart would drop one cross and then lose his confidence for the next 5 games, you feel.
Amount: £15-20 million
IN: Chamakh - already done. Useful in the air, which someone needs to be in this team.
Amount: Free
IN: Nigel de Jong - a kicker who can pass. Man City don't even play him. He's 25. Name one better option.
Amount: £10 million
IN: Luis Suarez - has scored 72 in 96 for Ajax, quick as lightning, and could play nicely off van Persie upfront.
Amount: £15million
IN: Leonardo Bonucci - centre back who can play on the right or left hand side. Recently capped by Italy for the first time, and is billed as the next Alessandro Nesta. Who, in 10 years time, will still be sharper than Campbell. This is a typical Wenger buy, and you have to allow him at least one.
Amount: £10 million
Job done. And all with a couple of million to spare, to spend poaching the next Carling Cup side from the rest of the world. It's big, bold, and sometimes obvious spending, but sometimes you can analyse football too much. Sometimes names win prizes as much as genius coaches.
OUT: Almunia - probably good enough to be a number 1 and deserves to start every game. But not here.
Amount: £4million
OUT: Silvestre - absolutely useless. Only worth anything by virtue of the clubs he has played for.
Amount: £1 million
OUT: Rosicky - fans favourite but never stays fit long enough to hit form. Career in a rut and needs a fresh start in a slower league.
Amount: £5 million
OUT: Eduardo - Another player with undeniable ability but another that is probably not up to the day to day physicality. Could go to Italy and score 30 a season.
Amount: £8 million
OUT: Denilson - the worst of the creative midfielders. OK not the worst, the least brilliant. Cash in.
Amount: £ 6 million
OUT: Vela - come on. Next season, Simpson, Walcott, Bendtner will all be ahead of him. Let him have a go somewhere else.
Amount: £4 million
All of the above raises £28million, which along with the £30 million rumoured to be in the, um, Arsenal, gives a decent-size budget. Then it goes:
IN: Akinfeev / Lloris. Time for a big name between the sticks. Someone who can lead, and in turn be responsive to the defence. Joe Hart would drop one cross and then lose his confidence for the next 5 games, you feel.
Amount: £15-20 million
IN: Chamakh - already done. Useful in the air, which someone needs to be in this team.
Amount: Free
IN: Nigel de Jong - a kicker who can pass. Man City don't even play him. He's 25. Name one better option.
Amount: £10 million
IN: Luis Suarez - has scored 72 in 96 for Ajax, quick as lightning, and could play nicely off van Persie upfront.
Amount: £15million
IN: Leonardo Bonucci - centre back who can play on the right or left hand side. Recently capped by Italy for the first time, and is billed as the next Alessandro Nesta. Who, in 10 years time, will still be sharper than Campbell. This is a typical Wenger buy, and you have to allow him at least one.
Amount: £10 million
Job done. And all with a couple of million to spare, to spend poaching the next Carling Cup side from the rest of the world. It's big, bold, and sometimes obvious spending, but sometimes you can analyse football too much. Sometimes names win prizes as much as genius coaches.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Political Parties as Football Teams
Couldn't resist the chance to combine football and politics. Below is my definitive list of Political Parties as Premiership Football teams.
Labour - Man Utd. After years in the wilderness has dominated its competition thanks to one charismatic leader, many of whom believe to be a tosser despite admiring his success. Most of their fans would like to see the current owners removed, and the rest of the country would like to see someone else in power. Its working class roots look more and more tenuous as the years go by.
Conservatives - Liverpool. Long spells of dominance, but in recent history have looked like they don't have a clue. Have a habit for not spending money where it needs to be spent. Believe themselves to be entirely different from their nearest rivals, despite being pretty much the same. Success may be finally on the horizon. Although we say that every year.
Lib Dems - Tottenham. See themselves as a genuine threat to the established order, but throughout history have come unstuck when placed into direct combat with them. Would like to think they have more fans than they actually do.
Green Party - Arsenal. Ultimately more interested in doing things the right way than achieving success. Still, everybody's second favorite.
UKIP - Bolton. New kids on the block who occasionally upset the odds when pitted against the big boys. Popular with people who remember the 'good old days' but are ultimately a bit too boring and British for most people's liking.
BNP - Stoke City. Achieving a surprising level of success, although nobody agrees with their methods.
Labour - Man Utd. After years in the wilderness has dominated its competition thanks to one charismatic leader, many of whom believe to be a tosser despite admiring his success. Most of their fans would like to see the current owners removed, and the rest of the country would like to see someone else in power. Its working class roots look more and more tenuous as the years go by.
Conservatives - Liverpool. Long spells of dominance, but in recent history have looked like they don't have a clue. Have a habit for not spending money where it needs to be spent. Believe themselves to be entirely different from their nearest rivals, despite being pretty much the same. Success may be finally on the horizon. Although we say that every year.
Lib Dems - Tottenham. See themselves as a genuine threat to the established order, but throughout history have come unstuck when placed into direct combat with them. Would like to think they have more fans than they actually do.
Green Party - Arsenal. Ultimately more interested in doing things the right way than achieving success. Still, everybody's second favorite.
UKIP - Bolton. New kids on the block who occasionally upset the odds when pitted against the big boys. Popular with people who remember the 'good old days' but are ultimately a bit too boring and British for most people's liking.
BNP - Stoke City. Achieving a surprising level of success, although nobody agrees with their methods.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Sullivan hammers home a key point
Not sure any of the players agree with me, but I was quite pleased to read David Sullivan's email last Wednesday - the night after the worst West Ham performance since a cold and unforgiving New Year's Day at the Madejski stadium. The less I remember about that day the better.
Irrespective of the arguments over whether the chairman should voice his opinions so publicly, he's bang on the money. We were atrocious, we did let Wolves appear far better than they actually are (which is still better than us), there is no cohesion, it was something to apologise for, we're not a good team.
The owners ought to stay away from the training ground and shouldn't try to influence team selection. It never helps. But it's hard not to sympathise that these two West Ham fans invest their money only to watch Faubert, Daprela and Mido do their best to cock up their best laid plans. There's talk about too much pressure being applied but if you ask me, if you can't handle pressure, you're not a West Ham player. In 16 years, I can't think of one season when pressure hasn't stalked us through every game - people usually cope with it.
Saturday is possibly the day that confirms our survival or demise, and we have to beat a team who would rather do anything than play football properly. West Ham only know how to play football properly - in short, it's the sort of game we lose. Then again, the team is at its best with stinging criticism still ringing in their ears, they reach new heights when they are accused of having nothing more to give.
What does this lead to? A draw - and the assurance that we will sweat every second through to the last day of the season. We wouldn't have it any other way.
Irrespective of the arguments over whether the chairman should voice his opinions so publicly, he's bang on the money. We were atrocious, we did let Wolves appear far better than they actually are (which is still better than us), there is no cohesion, it was something to apologise for, we're not a good team.
The owners ought to stay away from the training ground and shouldn't try to influence team selection. It never helps. But it's hard not to sympathise that these two West Ham fans invest their money only to watch Faubert, Daprela and Mido do their best to cock up their best laid plans. There's talk about too much pressure being applied but if you ask me, if you can't handle pressure, you're not a West Ham player. In 16 years, I can't think of one season when pressure hasn't stalked us through every game - people usually cope with it.
Saturday is possibly the day that confirms our survival or demise, and we have to beat a team who would rather do anything than play football properly. West Ham only know how to play football properly - in short, it's the sort of game we lose. Then again, the team is at its best with stinging criticism still ringing in their ears, they reach new heights when they are accused of having nothing more to give.
What does this lead to? A draw - and the assurance that we will sweat every second through to the last day of the season. We wouldn't have it any other way.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Time for gung ho Hammers
I've defended managers this season who have effectively thrown difficult fixtures by playing a weakened team, and I stand by it. Bugger the rules, you play to your strengths and if you're Wolves away to Man United, there's only so much you can hope for.
Last week, however, felt very different. West Ham lined up against Chelsea with undoubtedly our two best forwards, Cole and Diamanti, on the bench. Injured? No. Out of form? No. Writing off a difficult fixture? Definitely.
The difference between the two cases (and I'm aware of how this sounds) is that we are West Ham. We have a time-honoured tradition of getting points when we have absolutely no right to, and during our last relegation fight proved this with wins at Arsenal and United. Would we have got those 6 points with Stanislas coming off the bench instead of Diamanti? No. And Zola needs to remember this for today's trip to the Emirates.
With 9 games left, we have four winnable home games (Wigan, Wolves, Sunderland, Stoke) which would give us a maximum of 39 points. Enough to survive? I wouldn't bet on it. Therefore we have to look at the other five games: Man City at home, and Arsenal, Everton, Fulham and Liverpool away. Sodding difficult, and it may yet spell our doom, particularly if we slip up in one or more of the home games. But the point is this - we can do any of those sides, and frequently do when we're at our best. I predict that we'll need at least a couple of points from the 5 tougher games in order to stay up. So let's start today.
Arsenal is a fixture every West Ham fan looks forward to, because they go into in believing they can win. 3-2 at Highbury comes to mind, 1-0 at the Emirates, Marlon Harewood's last minute winner, this season's 2-2 draw after being 2-0 down. Today is another big chance, despite Arsenal's irresistible form, to get something off them. And if we maintain the tempo that we normally keep against the gunners, I think we'll scrape something.
Or maybe not. But one thing's for certain - there is no excuse for not having a go. If we play our first team, which is the best starting eleven in the bottom half of the league, we will stay up. Those are the rules. The West Ham rules.
Last week, however, felt very different. West Ham lined up against Chelsea with undoubtedly our two best forwards, Cole and Diamanti, on the bench. Injured? No. Out of form? No. Writing off a difficult fixture? Definitely.
The difference between the two cases (and I'm aware of how this sounds) is that we are West Ham. We have a time-honoured tradition of getting points when we have absolutely no right to, and during our last relegation fight proved this with wins at Arsenal and United. Would we have got those 6 points with Stanislas coming off the bench instead of Diamanti? No. And Zola needs to remember this for today's trip to the Emirates.
With 9 games left, we have four winnable home games (Wigan, Wolves, Sunderland, Stoke) which would give us a maximum of 39 points. Enough to survive? I wouldn't bet on it. Therefore we have to look at the other five games: Man City at home, and Arsenal, Everton, Fulham and Liverpool away. Sodding difficult, and it may yet spell our doom, particularly if we slip up in one or more of the home games. But the point is this - we can do any of those sides, and frequently do when we're at our best. I predict that we'll need at least a couple of points from the 5 tougher games in order to stay up. So let's start today.
Arsenal is a fixture every West Ham fan looks forward to, because they go into in believing they can win. 3-2 at Highbury comes to mind, 1-0 at the Emirates, Marlon Harewood's last minute winner, this season's 2-2 draw after being 2-0 down. Today is another big chance, despite Arsenal's irresistible form, to get something off them. And if we maintain the tempo that we normally keep against the gunners, I think we'll scrape something.
Or maybe not. But one thing's for certain - there is no excuse for not having a go. If we play our first team, which is the best starting eleven in the bottom half of the league, we will stay up. Those are the rules. The West Ham rules.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Why Hull have doubts over Dowie
Iain Dowie can't understand why Hull fans have reacted with a mixture of concern, scepticism or even anger at his appointment. Really, Iain, you have no clue? Well I'm going to help you out.
My head nearly exploded when Hull's great white saviour said, with no hint of irony, "I think my record's alright". Right, did he not expect people to check? Or remember?
His record in the Premiership:
Palace - Relegated
Charlton - Sacked after 15 games, having won just two
Newcastle (as Shearer's assistant) - Relegated
His best record is at Palace, where he won 50 in 123. His best result, beating West Ham in the championship play-off final. And you only got that result, Iain, because Pardew saw fit to bring on Don Hutchison in place of a striker and our defence forgot to mark Neil Shipperley.
Since that day, Dowie has courted failure. He can't help it. He has infuriated and insulted almost every club he has been involved with, and managed under 80 games while in charge of three clubs. He spent 2 million pounds on Djimi Traore. He came up with the word 'bouncebackability'. For God's sake.
Hull have nine games left to save their season, and their new manager has won nine Premiership games as a manager. Ever. Phil Brown was definitely in too deep, but why any club sees fit to make changes like this so late in the season is beyond me. Mourinho couldn't save Hull, let alone the man who was upstaged by Les Reed.
My head nearly exploded when Hull's great white saviour said, with no hint of irony, "I think my record's alright". Right, did he not expect people to check? Or remember?
His record in the Premiership:
Palace - Relegated
Charlton - Sacked after 15 games, having won just two
Newcastle (as Shearer's assistant) - Relegated
His best record is at Palace, where he won 50 in 123. His best result, beating West Ham in the championship play-off final. And you only got that result, Iain, because Pardew saw fit to bring on Don Hutchison in place of a striker and our defence forgot to mark Neil Shipperley.
Since that day, Dowie has courted failure. He can't help it. He has infuriated and insulted almost every club he has been involved with, and managed under 80 games while in charge of three clubs. He spent 2 million pounds on Djimi Traore. He came up with the word 'bouncebackability'. For God's sake.
Hull have nine games left to save their season, and their new manager has won nine Premiership games as a manager. Ever. Phil Brown was definitely in too deep, but why any club sees fit to make changes like this so late in the season is beyond me. Mourinho couldn't save Hull, let alone the man who was upstaged by Les Reed.
Monday, 15 March 2010
Becks footing the bill for LA move
Not much more of a depressing sight is there, a grown man sitting on the ground crying over broken dreams and the real prospect of premature retirement. He even had a cut under his eye.
David Beckham won't become the first English player to appear at four World Cups, and as much as his injury is probably down to plain bad luck, he did himself no favours by signing up for a schedule of non-stop competitive football over the last two years. Moving to LA Galaxy meant Beckham would always have to take a loan in Europe in order to prove himself worthy of an England place. In short he made a decision that's ruined what could have been the crowning glory of an incredible career.
Beckham moved to LA for a few reasons; money, PR, merchandise and (a very distant last) a feeling that he was out of the England picture for good. He must have known he would be back in the squad as soon as he'd scored his first free kick against Chivas or Red Bull Jazz. If he was just looking for a comfortable, slower league, he should've gone to Serie A. It ain't that different to the MLS.
Inevitably, the lure of playing for another of the world's greatest clubs took its toll and he found himself playing 6 months at Milan followed by 6 months at Galaxy. Ridiculous. For someone who takes their fitness so seriously, and has suffered injuries at the last two World Cups, why at 34 would you push your body to the limit and not give yourself any time off? Hardly leaves your achilles tendons in the best possible shape.
It's still bloody hard luck, and the three sides Beckham represents will miss him. But it cannot be disputed that he made this situation a far greater probability through a far-too-heavy workload. Why didn't he just stay at Milan? Because he made a load of speeches about helping Americans embrace football, and wasn't prepared to admit he had made a mistake.
The sad truth is that, unlike 2002, Beckham's errors will hurt him far more than it will the national side.
David Beckham won't become the first English player to appear at four World Cups, and as much as his injury is probably down to plain bad luck, he did himself no favours by signing up for a schedule of non-stop competitive football over the last two years. Moving to LA Galaxy meant Beckham would always have to take a loan in Europe in order to prove himself worthy of an England place. In short he made a decision that's ruined what could have been the crowning glory of an incredible career.
Beckham moved to LA for a few reasons; money, PR, merchandise and (a very distant last) a feeling that he was out of the England picture for good. He must have known he would be back in the squad as soon as he'd scored his first free kick against Chivas or Red Bull Jazz. If he was just looking for a comfortable, slower league, he should've gone to Serie A. It ain't that different to the MLS.
Inevitably, the lure of playing for another of the world's greatest clubs took its toll and he found himself playing 6 months at Milan followed by 6 months at Galaxy. Ridiculous. For someone who takes their fitness so seriously, and has suffered injuries at the last two World Cups, why at 34 would you push your body to the limit and not give yourself any time off? Hardly leaves your achilles tendons in the best possible shape.
It's still bloody hard luck, and the three sides Beckham represents will miss him. But it cannot be disputed that he made this situation a far greater probability through a far-too-heavy workload. Why didn't he just stay at Milan? Because he made a load of speeches about helping Americans embrace football, and wasn't prepared to admit he had made a mistake.
The sad truth is that, unlike 2002, Beckham's errors will hurt him far more than it will the national side.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
West Ham 2 Birmingham 0
What a good, good win that was. And something has been confirmed in my mind this evening. The new owners are definitely a good thing.
It took revelations about finances and drastic cost-cutting incentives to finally wake our team up. It took David Sullivan pissing everybody in the East End off to push Julien Faubert to play like a decent footballer. It took the bookies suspending all bets on Zola getting sacked for the players to wake up and bloody play for him. We are, or rather we should be, too good to go down playing like that.
I'm right with the manager on the financial news, such things should be kept in-house or at least discussed first. But West Ham do sometimes need a bit of ruddy drama in order to perform. Our best runs of form in recent years have coincided with the following events: fielding an illegal immigrant, facing a lawsuit from Neil Warnock, having a manager with a brain tumour. Maybe, just maybe, the new directors were hoping to light a similar fire under our arses with their newspaper comments this week.
Bollocks theory or not, I'm starting to feel tonight is the start of another little golden spell. Cole's back, Parker and Behrami belong in the Champions League and Alessandro Diamanti is the best Italian the Premiership has seen since Paolo Di Canio. And if it takes a the threat of administration to bring it out, let's get Boa Morte on a brand new contract and re-sign Savio.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
3-Diculous
This weekend, Sky will be showing their first ever live game in 3-D. Why on earth would anyone want to go through the effort.
I watched Avatar recently - it's amazing. The way that a special effects film like that can be enhanced in a cinema environment is absolutely mindblowing, and presents an experience that cinema-goers will return for again and again. This however, is football.
Firstly, most people watch it in a domestic setting. You text while it's on, you make a cup of tea and a sausage sandwich, you have a chat with your mates. You don't sit there like a Japanese tourist gawping at the people buzzing around you, and to assume that anyone gives their full concentration to a game of football, even if you're sat in the ground watching it, is absurd.
Secondly, does it honestly enhance the experience of watching the game. Avatar had flying stuff, people jumping out of trees and inter-planetary war. Nani might be able to do an impressive number of stepovers, but it hardly overloads the senses. Surely most people will just get bored of feeling like a feather floating above the pitch?
Thirdly, crowds at football grounds are already shrinking. Is it honestly time to present Dagenham v Shrewsbury in 3-D, so their fans can feel like they're at the game without actually getting off their arses and getting their wallets out? This week, Crystal Palace have gone into administration, Portsmouth's website has been shut down and countless others face a fight to survive this season with any players or staff.
The progression of Sky TV has coincided with the increased suffering of non-league teams, and if 3-D is as expensive as James Cameron makes it out to be, things only look like getting worse. A pretty gimmick this may be, but if the commodification of football seriously begins to enter the realm of the cinematic, there won't be much of a game to see behind those multi-coloured lenses.
I watched Avatar recently - it's amazing. The way that a special effects film like that can be enhanced in a cinema environment is absolutely mindblowing, and presents an experience that cinema-goers will return for again and again. This however, is football.
Firstly, most people watch it in a domestic setting. You text while it's on, you make a cup of tea and a sausage sandwich, you have a chat with your mates. You don't sit there like a Japanese tourist gawping at the people buzzing around you, and to assume that anyone gives their full concentration to a game of football, even if you're sat in the ground watching it, is absurd.
Secondly, does it honestly enhance the experience of watching the game. Avatar had flying stuff, people jumping out of trees and inter-planetary war. Nani might be able to do an impressive number of stepovers, but it hardly overloads the senses. Surely most people will just get bored of feeling like a feather floating above the pitch?
Thirdly, crowds at football grounds are already shrinking. Is it honestly time to present Dagenham v Shrewsbury in 3-D, so their fans can feel like they're at the game without actually getting off their arses and getting their wallets out? This week, Crystal Palace have gone into administration, Portsmouth's website has been shut down and countless others face a fight to survive this season with any players or staff.
The progression of Sky TV has coincided with the increased suffering of non-league teams, and if 3-D is as expensive as James Cameron makes it out to be, things only look like getting worse. A pretty gimmick this may be, but if the commodification of football seriously begins to enter the realm of the cinematic, there won't be much of a game to see behind those multi-coloured lenses.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
100k a week on...
Rumour has it that David Sullivan is about to dip into those audaciously large pockets and pull out the trump card that will save our season. A player who will be paid £100,000 a week. Someone who has been at the top. Has to be a striker - or a renowned goalscorer at least.
The early money is on Ruud van Nistelrooy, but for these kind of wages this ought to be a player who will play every second of every game, win every tackle, score every goal and become instantly adored by the fans. Two of Carlos Tevez basically. van Nistelrooy is (one... two...) none of those things.
I had to allow myself the fantasy of imagining who is actually available for free (or loan) and who matches Sullivan's criteria of 'very special'. If it isn't something akin to Aguero, Vagner Love, Higuain or Chamakh, then our beloved new chairman's first act will be to overhype and overspend.
In another, more fruitful rumour perhaps, Benny McCarthy is said to be on his way. Let's bloody hope so.
The early money is on Ruud van Nistelrooy, but for these kind of wages this ought to be a player who will play every second of every game, win every tackle, score every goal and become instantly adored by the fans. Two of Carlos Tevez basically. van Nistelrooy is (one... two...) none of those things.
I had to allow myself the fantasy of imagining who is actually available for free (or loan) and who matches Sullivan's criteria of 'very special'. If it isn't something akin to Aguero, Vagner Love, Higuain or Chamakh, then our beloved new chairman's first act will be to overhype and overspend.
In another, more fruitful rumour perhaps, Benny McCarthy is said to be on his way. Let's bloody hope so.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Sullivan/Gold take over West Ham
I'm not sure what to make of this really. From a business perspective, I don't think any West Ham fan can feel anything other than relief. Since the days of the egg man (Magnusson) we have either spent ludicrously or not at all, and results have taken their toll on a paper thin squad that seems to be overly relient on injury-prone players. Sullivan took over at Birmingham and pulled them out of administration and the Third Division, eventually making a nice profit and, on occassion, splashing the cash on the likes of Heskey, Forsell and Christoph Dugarry. They are both West Ham fans, and I know that if I could save the club with my savings, I would, so I have 100% faith that if a big purchase needs to get made, it will happen.
On the other hand, there is the matter of the actual football. Granted, there were trophies, championships and general progress under these two at Birmingham, but there was also the departure of Terry Cooper, a man who had just won Birmingham the title, shortly after the takeover. Boardroom disputes cost us Harry Redknapp, and the owners would do best to avoid the pubs on Green Street if the same thing happens to Zola and Clarke.
Then, clearly, you have to look at Birmingham's recent form. Consistently mid-table for a time, then two relegations with immediate promotions to follow. Investment dried up, save the odd Chuco Benitez-size splash, and it seems hard to ignore the fact that Birmingham have gone unbeaten since the new owners took charge. Let off the leash perhaps? We'll never know.
My main, and positive, consolation is that I think Gold and Sullivan, and probably even Karen Brady, know what kind of club they are running now. We don't sack our managers. We don't have anyone but the coach pick the side and make the signings. We give our fans a voice. We're not a yo-yo club.
Take all those things on board and everything will be just fine, fellas. And if Barry Fry comes within a hundred miles of the Boleyn you will have to just deal with the consequences.
On the other hand, there is the matter of the actual football. Granted, there were trophies, championships and general progress under these two at Birmingham, but there was also the departure of Terry Cooper, a man who had just won Birmingham the title, shortly after the takeover. Boardroom disputes cost us Harry Redknapp, and the owners would do best to avoid the pubs on Green Street if the same thing happens to Zola and Clarke.
Then, clearly, you have to look at Birmingham's recent form. Consistently mid-table for a time, then two relegations with immediate promotions to follow. Investment dried up, save the odd Chuco Benitez-size splash, and it seems hard to ignore the fact that Birmingham have gone unbeaten since the new owners took charge. Let off the leash perhaps? We'll never know.
My main, and positive, consolation is that I think Gold and Sullivan, and probably even Karen Brady, know what kind of club they are running now. We don't sack our managers. We don't have anyone but the coach pick the side and make the signings. We give our fans a voice. We're not a yo-yo club.
Take all those things on board and everything will be just fine, fellas. And if Barry Fry comes within a hundred miles of the Boleyn you will have to just deal with the consequences.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Micah Richards for the World Cup
If ever there was a player who needed a new manager to give his career a shot in the arm, it's Micah Richards.
About 18 months ago he was making consecutive appearances for England at right-back, scoring goals for club and country, and looking like a big-money move to one of Europe's best clubs was only a matter of time.
Then, under Mark Hughes, nothing. Nada. Couldn't even get a game sometimes. In one of the most spectacular losses of form since Socrates came out of retirement, both he and Richard Dunne were incapable of making any kind of impression on the strikers they were up against. Which, let me remind you, included Mamady Sidibe.
Now, in just three weeks under Mancini, he has made a screaming return to what he does best; bombing up the flanks, taking men out with tank-like tackling, exerting his pace and power at all times, and chipping in with the odd goal. With Man City also among the nouveau-riche of the league, top-level European football also looks to be on its way.
Surely, the time has now come for Capello to very quickly recognise the talent that Richards has always had, and get him into the England set up to replace Wes 'I'll play anywhere just not very well' Brown. Hell, if he plays to his capabilities he ought to be starting ahead of Johnson, and should be first or second choice reserve centre-back.
If I picked the England squad tonight:
GK: Green, Hart, James
DEF: Johnson, Richards, Terry, Ferdinand, Upson, A.Cole, Warnock
MID: Lampard, Gerrard, Barry, Lennon, J.Cole, Beckham, Parker, Downing
ATT: Rooney, Crouch, Defoe, Walcott, Heskey
About 18 months ago he was making consecutive appearances for England at right-back, scoring goals for club and country, and looking like a big-money move to one of Europe's best clubs was only a matter of time.
Then, under Mark Hughes, nothing. Nada. Couldn't even get a game sometimes. In one of the most spectacular losses of form since Socrates came out of retirement, both he and Richard Dunne were incapable of making any kind of impression on the strikers they were up against. Which, let me remind you, included Mamady Sidibe.
Now, in just three weeks under Mancini, he has made a screaming return to what he does best; bombing up the flanks, taking men out with tank-like tackling, exerting his pace and power at all times, and chipping in with the odd goal. With Man City also among the nouveau-riche of the league, top-level European football also looks to be on its way.
Surely, the time has now come for Capello to very quickly recognise the talent that Richards has always had, and get him into the England set up to replace Wes 'I'll play anywhere just not very well' Brown. Hell, if he plays to his capabilities he ought to be starting ahead of Johnson, and should be first or second choice reserve centre-back.
If I picked the England squad tonight:
GK: Green, Hart, James
DEF: Johnson, Richards, Terry, Ferdinand, Upson, A.Cole, Warnock
MID: Lampard, Gerrard, Barry, Lennon, J.Cole, Beckham, Parker, Downing
ATT: Rooney, Crouch, Defoe, Walcott, Heskey
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
January Transfer Window
As some old bastard once sang - it's the most wonderful time of the year.
The next few weeks will determine a few things.
1. If Chelsea will win the title or not
2. Who will sink to the bottom of the league, never to return
3. Who the stupidest chairmen are in the league
The first seems fairly straightforward, as Chelsea have to cope without Drogba and Essien for the terrifying prospects of Hull, Sunderland, Birmingham and Burnley. Twelve points and a bit of form from their squaddies should see them safely home.
Second, I see Burnley disappearing into the mire without Owen Coyle. In one of the stupidest moves of recent years, he has neglected the team he just brought up in favour of Bolton. It won't work for one main reason: at Burnley he had footballers he could get to pass and move. At Bolton he doesn't. Ten quid says Coyle's current and former club slip away quietly between now and May, along with Portsmouth who may not even be a club by then.
Finally, the Man City powers that be are sticking their necks out for twats of the month, in trying to sign Juan Veron, a man who cannot be arsed to pull his socks up, let alone run. Why the richest team in the world are looking at MORE central midfielders is beyond me, when they should be after two more defenders and attempting to gel the side they already have.
Rumours continue to suggest that Arsenal will bid upwards of 9 million for Carlton Cole - a superb signing for them that would be, but not one that would relegate us. We haven't put our best team out for about 3 years now, and still manage somehow. Can think of several huge sides who would benefit from the likes of Parker, Collison, Green and Upson - one just has to hope they don't read this blog.
If there's one thing West Ham could do with it's a ruthless striker with pace. Not many of those around, but I can think of one who scored a winner at Old Trafford last week. For a couple of million, why not? Anyone has got to be more potent that Freddie Sears..
The next few weeks will determine a few things.
1. If Chelsea will win the title or not
2. Who will sink to the bottom of the league, never to return
3. Who the stupidest chairmen are in the league
The first seems fairly straightforward, as Chelsea have to cope without Drogba and Essien for the terrifying prospects of Hull, Sunderland, Birmingham and Burnley. Twelve points and a bit of form from their squaddies should see them safely home.
Second, I see Burnley disappearing into the mire without Owen Coyle. In one of the stupidest moves of recent years, he has neglected the team he just brought up in favour of Bolton. It won't work for one main reason: at Burnley he had footballers he could get to pass and move. At Bolton he doesn't. Ten quid says Coyle's current and former club slip away quietly between now and May, along with Portsmouth who may not even be a club by then.
Finally, the Man City powers that be are sticking their necks out for twats of the month, in trying to sign Juan Veron, a man who cannot be arsed to pull his socks up, let alone run. Why the richest team in the world are looking at MORE central midfielders is beyond me, when they should be after two more defenders and attempting to gel the side they already have.
Rumours continue to suggest that Arsenal will bid upwards of 9 million for Carlton Cole - a superb signing for them that would be, but not one that would relegate us. We haven't put our best team out for about 3 years now, and still manage somehow. Can think of several huge sides who would benefit from the likes of Parker, Collison, Green and Upson - one just has to hope they don't read this blog.
If there's one thing West Ham could do with it's a ruthless striker with pace. Not many of those around, but I can think of one who scored a winner at Old Trafford last week. For a couple of million, why not? Anyone has got to be more potent that Freddie Sears..
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