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The Geordie Homecoming?

17 Jul

Since Brendan Rodgers joined Liverpool last month, everyone knew that their footballing style will change to the more possession-dominated style he had emulated at Swansea. The truth is, the current crop of Liverpool players probably aren’t the complete article with respect to ‘tika-taka’ football, but it’s a work in progress. However one man sticks out like a sore thumb – Andy Carroll.

It was a tough day for Newcastle United fans (myself included) when Carroll left the North East to join Kenny Dalglish’s supposed revolution at the Kop. A number 9 is much heralded in these parts, even more so when the holder of the shirt is a Geordie born and bred, and to see him leave under suspicious circumstances hurt even more. To delve into whether he was pushed or not is a story for another day – and probably will never be clarified.

Andy Carroll – back in black and white?

Now, 18 months on rumours are rife that Carroll is set to leave Anfield after Rodgers decided he was not the ideal frontman in his newfound footballing ways – instead opting for new signing Borini. It was always going to be unlikely that Rodgers would prefer lampooning the ball towards the head of Carroll and play direct football, but what isn’t mentioned is he’s not a bad player with his feet, he just hasn’t been given the opportunity to show it. All in all, Andy Carroll has been allowed to leave, with his former club Newcastle United being front-runners in the race to sign him.

Now, if this does come through and Andy Carroll returns home, it would provide a masterstroke for Mike Ashley and co. having taken £35 million from John Henry and friends, a return to St James Park for a minimized fee would see the Anfield club take a massive financial hit. But the Liverpool board may want to cut their losses right now – possibly an indication to their faith in Rodgers regardless of this seasons performances.

As a fan, I’m pretty impartial to the so-called ‘homecoming’ of Andy Carroll. Regardless of what happened in January 2011, he could have refused a contract at Liverpool and opted to stay despite the supposed pushing of the Newcastle board. On the other hand, I will always support anyone who wears the black and white shirt, whether it be Titus Bramble or Yohan Cabaye – and Andy Carroll at the top of his game is an extremely attractive proposition for us, particular with Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse in the ranks.

So, could this be a big welcome home for ‘Wor’ Andy Carroll? Possibly – but either way, it’s never dull on Tyneside.

Comments welcome.

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Van Persie’s Final Goodbye

7 Jul

Cast your mind back to 10th December 2011. The scene was a chilly winter’s night at the Emirates Stadium, North London. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, a furnace brew commemorating Arsenal’s 125th year of existence. A raking cross-field pass from Alex Song found Robin Van Persie skirting the 18-yard line and the result being almost predictable. With the likes of Thierry Henry in the stands, and Van Persie in white-hot form, greats of Arsenal new and old were in a jubilous mood as the Gunner’s took home 3 points.

Van Persie – On his way out of North London

Six months on, Arsenal fans are crestfallen.

As we know, Robin Van Persie this week stated that he would not be renewing his contract at Arsenal effectively calling time on his Arsenal career. Eight years have passed since Wenger shed £2.75 million for him yielding 96 goals in 194 games.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the last 18 months proved to the world that when fit, Van Persie is one of the most feared strikers on the planet. However, the sparsity of his appearance have led many Gunners riling his decision. This last season was the only one in the last 8 years he managed to play in over 30 league games. Perennial injury records coupled to playing second fiddle to the likes of Thierry Henry and Emmanuel Adebayor have led many to believe he owes a lot more to the club before leaving. But the question is, does he?

Sure the appearance statistics do not lie in favour of the Dutchman, but a sheer lack of success in recent years may have pushed the boat out too far. Turning 29 in August, Van Persie has no more than three to four years of top class football remaining in him, so understandably he’d want to move to fulfil his ambitions. And with greatest respect to Arsenal, I personally cannot see a massive influx of trophies at the Emirates.

If however, this latest twist in the tale is a ploy to engineer a pay-day elsewhere, then not only will Arsenal fans be gritting their teeth, but most neutral fans will be too. Far too many players sell their dignity for an extra few zero’s at the end of their already saturated bank statements. Take Christopher Samba as an example – remember him? Remember the hype and media exposure into his contract disputes? Well he now plies his trade in Anzhi, Russia. Earning £100,000 per week. Ahem.

A lot of rumours are claiming that Manchester City are indeed tapping up Van Persie, but that can, and probably won’t ever be proven. Whether Van Persie would agree to a move, knowing that he’d lose all respect of the fans that loved and adored him previously is another question. To delve further and question the motive – whether finance or ambition is something only he will know; that’s you Samir Nasri.

The acquisitions of Podolski and Giroud should soften the blow for Arsenal fans, but they should be all too used this. Henry, Vieira, Cole and Fabregas all left for pastures anew in recent times, yielding successful careers since. The club have been labelled a ‘selling club’ – but Arsenal haven’t necessarily collapsed without them.

One player doesn’t make a team – Arsene Wenger knows that all too well. And just as the motto emblazoned on the base of the club’s unique 125th year emblem states – the club will continue to move ‘forward’, with or without their talisman.

Comments very much welcome.

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Twitter Twits

31 May

Twitter – causing the controversy.

As the concept of networking grows, so does social media. Global brands such as Twitter and Facebook have grown in such large proportions such that Facebook floated on the stock exchange lastweekend at a valuation larger than Walt Disney and Amazon. With social networking ever-growing, so has its accessibility – even reaching out to the most media-friendly football players.

This is where the problem starts. Twitter and Facebook are  great to keep in touch with friends and such, and even for celebrities and sportsmen to be more accessible for their fans. And if used in the right manner its great. But when its not, well that leads to a whole host of issues.

Let’s take one main culprit for example – Joey Barton. The QPR captain has never been shy to outlay his opinion, on or off the pitch. And at numerous times has got him in trouble. His recent implosion at the Etihad Stadium coupled with his rant at Alan Shearer(how dare he) have led fellow tweeter’s heckling him with abuse. Louis Saha, Spurs’ on-loan striker has recently been in hot water with his own fans after congratulating Chelsea’s Champions League win – a victory that prevents Spurs from participating in next years competition.

Racial abuse is also highlighted on social networking sites. Danny Simpson was recently abused by fellow tweeter’s calling him the ‘N’ word, a theme that has seen other footballers face similar abuse.

I know certain manager’s have it as a club policy such that social media outlets are banned within the club. I tend to agree with this rather vigilant stance, as one slip-up is picked up by the tabloids to the point that Twitter has become a vulture’s feeding zone.

Why would a professional footballer put certain aspects of their personal life into the public eye? Even if the thoughts or comments may be harmless within their friend-circle, once it is in the public domain its a different ball-game. Of course there are many who use the social media platform’s to great effect, but they will always be running the risk of saying something deemed stupid by some readers. Unfortunately (or fortunately)  we’ve seen many footballers leave twitter due to constant abuse of their opinions, or more often – because of recent performances.

I think it would genuinely help footballers if every club were to adopt a ‘no-social-networking’ rule. So, follow me on twitter @beautifulgame9.

Comments and views welcome.

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The Future of Football

21 May

With Manchester City winning the league in an enthralling game at the end of the season, and Chelsea’s ‘backs-to-the-wall’ job at the Allianz Arena this weekend, it goes to prove an aged footballing belief. Money does bring success.

Chelsea have had relative success domestically in the Abramovich era, yielding three League Titles and three FA Cup trophies since the Russian took over. But not until Saturday’s penalty shootout had Chelsea claimed Europe’s top prize – the Champions League, the one trophy that Roman Abramovich had long-craved. This, coinciding with Man City having their name on the Premierleague trophy illustrates how these money-men can flex their financial muscle and claim whatever they want. The question is, what will this do to football as we know it?

Chelsea – Champions of Europe 2012

One must remember that it wasn’t too long ago that Manchester City were plying their trade in the lower divisions of the British leagues – a far cry from lifting the trophy on Saturday. I’m not one of those fans that despises a club just because of their financial clout – I understand that having a uber-wealthy ownership could happen to any club. For example, in the 90′s under the Hall family riches, Newcastle essentially tried to bring home success to no avail. Manchester United successfully achieved this, with their extended period of dominance. And I’m sure that another club will feature in the limelight soon enough – despite the introduction of the Fair-Play rules.

My understanding is that these rules would probably hinder the clubs who don’t produce enough revenue to go out in the transfer market and upgrade their squads without selling their best assets. The likes of Chelsea and Man City will forever have the global income from advertising and public-profile to generate cash, thus probably not needing to prune their outlays.

I just wonder what will happen when these sugar-daddies get bored with football and move onto other things. Where does that leave the fans? Many of these clubs are amassing enormous debt to their owners, so in any case of a pull-out, the club’s will be put into a financial vacuum – and the people who suffer most will be the true die-hard fans that have witnessed their club in a much poorer position than they are now.

Unfortunately football has become a rich-man’s toy. Look across the globe – Qatari ownership at both Malaga and Paris Saint-Germain,  Kerimov’s ownership at Anzhi Makhachkala, not to mention Manchester City and Chelsea.

It’s my belief that these sugar daddies look to invest in football for one of two reasons. One – due to investment. Just like the Venky’s at Blackburn, or the previous Hicks and Gillett era at Liverpool – it is an opportunity to advertise and generate money. Or two, more profoundly as a vanity project to showcase their wealth across a global audience. The problem is, the heart and soul is being ripped out football, being replaced by massive cash injections.

Nevertheless, I must congratulate Chelsea and Manchester City on their respective success’. The player’s on the pitch still have to deliver the goods regardless of who paid their wages, and the men representing both of these clubs did so on their respective platforms.

Again I must state I’m not envious in the slightest of another teams wealth – I’m more than happy being in love with my club just the way it is (despite its roller coaster rides). Football has succumbed to being a playground for the rich. Sadly, the truest fans probably cannot afford to see their team play.

Heart and soul? That is long gone.

Comments welcome.

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Why The Next Appointment Is Crucial

16 May

Kenny Dalglish, manager of Liverpool FC.

Kenny Dalglish – a forlorn figure.

As we know, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was sacked last night along with members of his back room team – just a short 18 months since his arrival. Fenway Sports Group, headed by J. Henry in Boston, felt that a meagre 8th place finish, albeit a Carling Cup victory, was unsatisfactory and decisions had to be made.

I stated a few months ago that Dalglish shouldn’t be sacked, particularly if you are to invest so much into him. We saw towards the end of the season that Liverpool could actually play half-decent football despite blowing between £100-140 million on new acquisitions. Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez began to find some consistency between them – a partnership that could blossom next year. However that won’t be overseen by the Liverpool great that is ‘King’ Kenny.

Whoever follows the steps of Kenny, will have a big task on their hands. Not just because it is Liverpool, but instead it is a Liverpool club that could potentially be teetering towards years of ambiguity and misfortune. Another season of mediocre football and poor achievements could see some of the larger names leave the club – which they have every right to do so. And unless European football is secured again, replacing these big names could be more difficult than first presumed.

Kenny Dalgish was previously in-charge at Newcastle United, after the Kevin Keegan ‘entertainers’ era. And despite finishing 2nd, he was sacked the following year after finishing in 13th place – prompting the loss of the likes of Les Ferdinand, Peter Beardsley and Lee Clark, players that were essentially never replaced. The following appointment at that time was crucial with Ruud Gullit taking the helm, and unfortunately the club has never been the same, with mainly mid-table finishes all the club had to show for since.

Rumours are rife that Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is the favourite to secure the Anfield hot-seat. To be fair, he has never been at a ‘big’ club but that isn’t to say he won’t be able to manage it. If indeed Martinez does take over, it could be a promising thing. Decent football under a very stringent budget at Wigan have led some quarters to believe that he was always destined for greater things. And lets not forget that Brendan Rodgers is probably thanking Martinez for the way he left Swansea – it was actually him that initiated the possession game ethos seen at the Liberty Stadium.

However if Martinez, or whoever replaces Dalglish, fails to invigorate a true sleeping giant of the game, unfortunately Liverpool could be facing a long hard road back to being amongst the highest echelons of European football, and taking off my Geordie-bias glasses, that would be a true shame. And as for Kenny himself, despite his failings in NE1 – I have utmost respect for a true legend of the game and his failings this season shouldn’t sour the name he had earned himself at Liverpool.

It would be a sad day if Liverpool ever become associated with the likes of Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa. Clubs that once were giants of the game – clubs that will unlikely ever be the same.

Comments welcome.

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The Magic of the Cup

6 May

Taking todays results away from the main stage, yesterday marked the 131st FA Cup final. Aside from the largely lacklustre Liverpool performance at Wembley yesterday (although not too surprising), there were a few striking issues that hit me.

The FA Cup

The obvious would have been the scheduling of the cup final – a week before the end of the league season. This is odd very odd considering the FA Cup final is usually the end of the domestic season. The changing of the date had something to do with the Champions League final, or so I assume. If this is the case, it’s quite difficult to understand. It seemed to me that it was a ploy to favour the larger teams in the league, who may have been participating in a Champions League final 2 weeks later.

An end of season FA Cup final was usually the last piece of domestic footballing action before the passports come out, and the summer rumour mill goes into over-drive. A long-lasting tradition of English football, just like the Saturday 3pm kick-off, shouldn’t be  tampered with. And the beautiful game is now getting very much diluted by TV companies and favouritism to the larger clubs.

The atmosphere at the game yesterday also seemed very much dead, and I don’t think this was due to the two sets of supporters – instead, the amount. Rumours were that 40,000 tickets were given to corporate seating, and the rest split between the two sets of fans. I find it disheartening that many true fans who would die to see glory for their club, couldn’t get a ticket due to the lack of availability.

So much so, that the FA Cup final was unfortunately the 3rd most important game of the weekend a true shame, for once the most glorified cup competition on the glove.

The romance of the cup? Definitely gone.

Comments welcome.

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Poll: Goal of the Season

4 May

It’s that time of the year where we start looking at just which goal was the best scored this season. Here are my top league goals this season – I’ve tried not to be bias. (VERY difficult). Vote in the poll:

Video’s below.

HATEM BEN ARFA vs Bolton – a game deadlocked at 0-0 with Bolton seemingly more than content with loading their box to prevent anything passing meant it required something really special to break it down. And it did. Receiving the ball inside his own half with a delicious turn, Ben Arfa evaded the attentions of 4 Bolton defender’s before sliding it past the on rushing Jussi Jaskeleinen. He scored an even better one in the FA Cup.

PAPISS CISSE vs Swansea – Swansea bossed this game with the possession steeped in the favour of the south Wales outfit, but both chances created, the clinical Senegalese striker put away. The second of which was a delight; ball moving away from goal, he opened his body up before curling an absolute pearler in the only place it could go. All this off-balance.

PETER CROUCH vs Manchester City – since his move to Stoke this season, the big man hasn’t had the media attention he had at Spurs. Let me tell you, had he scored this in lily-white, the southern media would be orgasmic for days. On the volley, 30 yards out, Crouch struck and absolute beast of a shot darting into the far corner.

LUIS SUAREZ vs Norwich - The 3rd of his hat-trick, the mercurial Uruguayan evaded the attention of his marker on the half way line. What happened next was pure ingenious quick thought and technique. A lovely 50 yard chip over the keeper whilst on the move wheeled him away for his first Liverpool hat trick.

PAPISS CISSE vs Chelsea – this lad doesn’t score tap-ins, and with his current record of 13 goals in 12 appearances, he’s already had a few belters. But without doubt, the strike at Stamford Bridge was right up there. Steeped in injury time, a throw in fell back to Cisse on the angle of the area, 30 yards out. He hit it first time with the outside of the boot, eliciting a ‘banana’ shot reminiscent of that Roberto Carlos strike – with the ball whistling over and passed Petr Cech, going in off the goal frame. The thing is, he could have 2 or 3 more contenders.

ROBIN VAN PERSIE vs Everton – we’ve been used to the Alex Song – RvP partnership this season, and this was a delight. A flighted diagonal from deep via the right boot of Song glided over the shoulder of Robin Van Persie , before directing it on the volley into the back of the net. Stunning technique.

SEB COATES vs QPR - Who knew a centre-half has this kind of agility. A goal mouth scramble led to the ball being flicked into the air, before Coates applied the finish. With aplomb. 
So what’s your choice of goal of the season (providing there isn’t any more), vote in the poll!

Comments also welcome.

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Manager of the Year

29 Apr

Well, after the recent Player of the Year Awards, the gong for the manager of the year will probably go to Harry Redknapp. Just thought I’d get out of the way. (Please note the sarcasm)

Paul Lambert - Contender.

Unlike the the PotY, the manager’s are probably easier to decide. A style of play, working from sparse resources and to still maintain a respectable or better, league standing are all attributes that must play a factor in this decision.

As far as individual candidates, Paul Lambert will definitely  be one. Norwich, coming up from the Championship have shown a real grit and steel within their ranks, winning games comfortably, thus sitting in mid table. Some of their players have even been mooted with the England Euro’s squad ie Grant Holt, showing just how far they’ve come this season.

Another obvious contender is Brendon Rodgers. The Swansea manager has stablised the Welsh outfit in the comfort of midtable whilst playing a manner of football alien to many in the Premier league – commendation for that. The likes of Joe Allen and Leon Britton have particularly impressed, keeping the Swansea engine room continiously moving.

However, putting all bias aside there cannot be any arguement why Alan Pardew should be the manager of the year. Losing top players such as Barton, Carroll, Nolan and Enrique, and to replace them with young, hungry European players is always a risk – which paid off. All in a net spend that most of the league would be purring at. A team spirit and family like atmosphere has been instilled at the club, with the likes of Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Cisse and Ba all flourishing, Newcastle sit 4th (as i am writing) with an opportunity to break into a previously unheard of Champions League spot. Bright times ahead in black and white.

Steve Kean - acting in dignity.

A special mention should go to Steve Kean, the much maligned Blackburn manager. You almost feel sorry for him in the way that he has been abandoned and protested against by his supposed fans, and acted in real dignity in maintaining them a chance of survival. Despite the loss of key players such as Chris Samba, he has more than held his own – taking the brunt of much of the supporters discontent. To be fair the supporters have had a reason to be disgruntled, but the point I’m making is that it is almost remarkable that Kean gets his players fighting week in week out for the cause – well, bar today.

But that’s just my take, what are your views?

Comments welcome.

 

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Stalling Contracts

28 Apr

Delaying contract talks – why do players do this? I know it’s supposedly a long, drawn out process in which the club and player (with/without the agent) negotiate a salary, add-ones, clauses and the length etc. But surely it’s not something that takes the best part of a year to agree upon. Some players openly come out and proclaim that ‘there will be discussions at the end of the season,’ essentially putting themselves in the shop window.

Van Persie - Crunch talks.

One high-profile contract saga currently in the open is with regards to Arsenal hitman Robin Van Persie. The Football of the Year has been in irresistible form this season, with his most productive outlay in his Gunners career. This seasons form has led some to feel that he is probably the best centre forward in the world today, with supposed moves to Barcelona in the pipe-line in the summer. But his contract situation is such that discussions will take place in the four days between the final game of the season and him joining the Netherlands camp for the Euro’s. Four days. Surely he could have found four days or so during the last year to have talks about renewing his deal before, instead of leaving Arsenal in the precarious position they are now.

However, Robin Van Persie has been pitching in at Arsenal for 8 years now, when he was supplementing the likes of Thierry Henry and Emmanuel Adebayor in some formidable Arsenal attacks. Yet interestingly, the flying Dutchman has never managed a 20-league-goal season, with his best season yielding only 18 last season.

Some may say that he has had a perennial injury record that may yet come back to scare him, and Arsenal, at anytime. It can also be argued that by not being deployed as the main centre-forward as he is now, he couldn’t get the goals, i.e. being played in a withdrawn position supplementing the likes of Adebayor.

But Arsenal have never been so reliant on him as they are now. So if he feels that any contract Arsenal are offering is coming up short – he seriously needs to think about the club that paid his wages whilst he lay on the injury table for many months at a time. Too many seasons have been curtailed early for Van Persie, and Arsenal fans would be gutted to see another one of their superstars leave after a sustained period of form. This could be related to Samir Nasri, who jumped for the money, and to some extent Cesc Fabregas – both departures that had led some amongst the footballing echelons to believe Arsenal were coming more of a ‘selling club’. If Robin Van Persie leaves, then serious doubts about whether Arsenal will ever challenge again will resurface.

Without doubt he is the player of the season, and his goal return this season has gone someway to repay the club that has stuck by him. However one swallow doesn’t make a summer. If his form continues next season, then he should have the negotiating power, but for now – it would be a real kick in the teeth if he were to pack his bags and leave the ones who stuck by him.

Comments welcome.

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Clash of Manchester

24 Apr

I wrote an article about 2 weeks ago that the title race was all but sewn up and returning back to the Old Trafford trophy cabinet. That may have been a little preempted.

Initially it was City’s to lose – to which they did. Manchester United’s advantage meant that they were clear favourites for the title – and they haven’t grasped their opportunity.

Ferguson and Mancini - clash of the titans.

My point? Not one club this season has had a firm grip on the league title, unlike in previous years, where the eventual winners had begun to run away with it some point in the Spring.

Thus the magnitude of Mondays clash at the City of Manchester stadium is so large in proportions such that it has ultimately become winner takes all. Man United win? Then it doesn’t look like they’ll let a 6 point lead slip this late on. A City win would allow them to regain top spot on a superior goal difference, a spot that they surely can’t lose.

Fergie can’t play an understrength team at City, he’ll know that the midfield that was deployed against Wigan previously will be overrun. He’ll also be aware of his sides defensive collapse against Everton, and how Rafael’s performance may leave the Citizens rubbing their hands. Although the upcoming fixtures post City include a seemingly routine trip to Sunderland and as host to Swansea, three points have to be earned in both of those games.

But Mancini needs to ensure whoever starts up top has to get them goals. Whether he selects Tevez or Aguero, or a combination of both, they need to know not to get overawed by the occasion – particularly Carlos Tevez. City travel to Newcastle and then host QPR – two sides who also require wins for their own agendas.

This will be tight, no doubt. Anything short of a victory for City may mean that it’s too late to catch their local rivals. However, if Man United fail to pick up anything, the initiative will be handed to City. A draw? Well, that just makes predictions that much harder.

I’m going to stick with my previous assumption in that Manchester United may just edge the title, by playing out a draw at the Etihad – but it wont be as easy as it first seemed. City should have had the league wrapped up by now, but then so should have United.

Who said the league was getting boring? Messrs Mancini and Fergie, its in your hands now.

Comments welcome.

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