Refusing to play for your club is a disgrace and the recent actions of Carlos Tevez have been heavily criticised by top figures in the game and many football fans. But, while nobody can condone what is thought to have gone on, could the situation in fact be a misunderstanding?
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is adamant Tevez will not play for the club again, but the player himself has denied allegations that he refused to come off the bench to play in the recent Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. The language barrier issue should not be forgotten as neither Mancini nor Tevez have a fantastic grasp of English, so maybe the situation has been blown out of proportion.
In previous seasons Tevez had been praised for his talent on the field, but has he overstepped the mark this time and lost the respect of the fans?
Many have vented their frustrations at what has gone on with a player, who last season captained the club and was held in high regard. There has clearly been some kind of misunderstanding and maybe Mancini should not have spoken publicly on the matter – neither party is blameless here. Perhaps City fans and those of other clubs should reserve judgement as the facts behind the dispute are not yet 100% clear.
If Tevez did indeed refuse to play, then it is an absolute disgrace. Footballers are paid ridiculously high wages and need to accept that competition for places is part and parcel of the game. Players obviously want to be out there on the pitch but, when their colleagues are in top form, they can’t take their place for granted and must accept it when they are left out.
Tevez wanted to leave the club for family reasons according to a statement he released over the summer. The striker looked set to join Corinthians but the Brazilian club pulled out because they could not finalise the deal before the end of the international transfer window. He must have known he wouldn’t be playing as regularly as in previous seasons. But that does not excuse any player from refusing to go out onto the pitch and do their job! It is also difficult for Tevez to be far away from his family, but that does not excuse this kind of behaviour.
If and when the full story comes out, it is likely that people will still believe Tevez to be in the wrong. Even if it is a misunderstanding, Mancini clearly felt Tevez had behaved wrongly and the striker needs to seriously consider his attitude. But I still believe we should reserve judgement on the former West Ham and Manchester United star for now.
The Argentina international has released an apology to City fans and insists he was ready to play against Munich and never refused to go onto the pitch. But the club have suspended Tevez for the maximum of two weeks while they investigate the dispute and the player’s alleged conduct.
Mancini has stood his ground and rightly took serious action by the fact Tevez seems unlikely to play for the club again. But he should really have dealt with the situation internally and not blabbed it to the media. That part was unfair on Tevez. Yes, he has acted wrongly and deserves to be punished but it should be dealt with privately and not in the public domain.
On the other hand, the club have worked hard to try and solve past issues with him. Although his game time has been limited, he has still had some opportunities to play since realising he wasn’t moving and he should focus on winning his place back. But his alleged actions will make this difficult and could even scupper a future move if other clubs don’t want to risk a repeat of the recent fiasco.
Whatever happens, this event is likely to have a monumental effect on Tevez’s career and he is going to have to work his socks off to get it back on track!
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Saturday, 13 August 2011
It’s Gunner be a long season, but let’s try and enjoy it!
The opening day of the new Premier League season has come to a close and I have been left with a familiar feeling of frustration following the goalless draw at St James Park.
But let’s start with the positives. We defended solidly and Thomas Vermaelen and Lauren Koscielny deserve credit for that. I thought Kieran Gibbs also had a good game at left-back and is a good ready-made replacement for Gael Clichy. But there was something lacking in the final third as we failed to find the killer goal. Gervinho looked lively on his debut and was certainly not afraid to take people on, although sometimes he did take a touch too many. However, his debut was tarnished by a silly red card in the second half. After watching it back, I think Gervinho acted a bit stupidly and maybe the red card was deserved. However, Joey Barton really should have followed him off for an early bath for grabbing his throat. But enough on Barton, I could go on forever ranting about him!
For all the frustrations thrown up in the game, a goalless draw at Newcastle is a decent result. Some would have expected Arsenal to claim all three points, but the Magpies are a tough nut to crack on their own patch as the Gunners, along with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, found out last season.
Also, when you consider that two major players – Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri – are set to leave Arsenal before the end of the transfer window, the starting XI that took to the field against Newcastle didn’t look too bad. Wenger does need to make one or two additions to add some much needed depth to the squad, but the current crop of players are capable of achieving something.
The summer has focused far too much on the futures of Fabregas and Nasri. Yes, it is very frustrating for Arsenal fans like myself to see two key players about to leave and no big replacements coming in as of yet. But people seem to forget what an incredible talent Jack Wilshere is and Aaron Ramsey and Alex Song are decent midfielders too. The key area to strengthen is of course centre-back, although Vermaelen and Koscielny did well against Newcastle which can only give us hope.
I’m not saying we are going to cause a big shock and definitely win the Premier League title, but I think those who have already written off any chance of us finishing in the top four are making very dangerous statements. All the Arsenal fans need to focus their energy on getting behind the team and cheering them on this season instead of giving off any negative vibes.
Some Arsenal fans have said they want Wenger out. While I can totally understand their frustrations of six trophyless seasons, I genuinely believe that Wenger needs to stay. It hasn’t exactly gone our way in recent seasons, but people also seem to have quickly forgotten all the great things Wenger did in the earlier part of his reign with the Gunners.
I cannot deny that this is going to be one hell of a tough season for us and August alone is going to be a huge test of our title credentials. But if we can collect at least four points from the next two league games against Liverpool and Manchester United, you never know what might happen. Having two games against Udinese sandwiched in between them is not ideal, but we just have to make the best of the situation.
I think people have also been too quick to write us off and we will be there or there abouts again this season…let’s just hope it ends with a trophy!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
But let’s start with the positives. We defended solidly and Thomas Vermaelen and Lauren Koscielny deserve credit for that. I thought Kieran Gibbs also had a good game at left-back and is a good ready-made replacement for Gael Clichy. But there was something lacking in the final third as we failed to find the killer goal. Gervinho looked lively on his debut and was certainly not afraid to take people on, although sometimes he did take a touch too many. However, his debut was tarnished by a silly red card in the second half. After watching it back, I think Gervinho acted a bit stupidly and maybe the red card was deserved. However, Joey Barton really should have followed him off for an early bath for grabbing his throat. But enough on Barton, I could go on forever ranting about him!
For all the frustrations thrown up in the game, a goalless draw at Newcastle is a decent result. Some would have expected Arsenal to claim all three points, but the Magpies are a tough nut to crack on their own patch as the Gunners, along with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, found out last season.
Also, when you consider that two major players – Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri – are set to leave Arsenal before the end of the transfer window, the starting XI that took to the field against Newcastle didn’t look too bad. Wenger does need to make one or two additions to add some much needed depth to the squad, but the current crop of players are capable of achieving something.
The summer has focused far too much on the futures of Fabregas and Nasri. Yes, it is very frustrating for Arsenal fans like myself to see two key players about to leave and no big replacements coming in as of yet. But people seem to forget what an incredible talent Jack Wilshere is and Aaron Ramsey and Alex Song are decent midfielders too. The key area to strengthen is of course centre-back, although Vermaelen and Koscielny did well against Newcastle which can only give us hope.
I’m not saying we are going to cause a big shock and definitely win the Premier League title, but I think those who have already written off any chance of us finishing in the top four are making very dangerous statements. All the Arsenal fans need to focus their energy on getting behind the team and cheering them on this season instead of giving off any negative vibes.
Some Arsenal fans have said they want Wenger out. While I can totally understand their frustrations of six trophyless seasons, I genuinely believe that Wenger needs to stay. It hasn’t exactly gone our way in recent seasons, but people also seem to have quickly forgotten all the great things Wenger did in the earlier part of his reign with the Gunners.
I cannot deny that this is going to be one hell of a tough season for us and August alone is going to be a huge test of our title credentials. But if we can collect at least four points from the next two league games against Liverpool and Manchester United, you never know what might happen. Having two games against Udinese sandwiched in between them is not ideal, but we just have to make the best of the situation.
I think people have also been too quick to write us off and we will be there or there abouts again this season…let’s just hope it ends with a trophy!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Saturday, 28 May 2011
THE FOUR FINALS – PART III
CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FINAL
With so much at stake, this has all the makings of a cracking game and one that is likely to be filled with high drama. Swansea and Reading will do battle as they look to earn a place in the Premier League in a match worth approximately £90 million to the winners.
Many neutral fans appear to be backing Reading and seem to be against having a Welsh team in the Premier League. But I do not mind either way and believe whoever plays the best football on the day deserves promotion. Swansea have never been in the Premier League so it would be a breath of fresh air if they do come up, but, Reading have had a terrific second half of the season and would be a good addition to the top flight.
Swansea will be in confident mood having already beaten Reading twice this season – both games ended 1-0 in favour of the Welsh side. The two clean sheets are proof of how strong their defence has been this season as the Swans conceded just 42 goals during the regular season.
Brendan Rodgers has done a magnificent job since taking over at the Liberty Stadium last summer, leading the club to a third-place finish in the Championship. Rodgers lasted just over six months as manager of Reading, but has proved his credentials with a magnificent first season with Swansea. The signing of Scott Sinclair, who scored in the win at Madejski Stadium, was an excellent piece of business by Rodgers. The forward has been one of the stand-out performers in the Championship, and will certainly be one to watch in the final.
But, while everything is looking good for Swansea, Reading certainly cannot be underestimated. The Royals were 12th in mid-February, so it is even more remarkable that manager Brian McDermott managed to lead them into the top six. After a goalless draw in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Cardiff, they were seen by many as underdogs as the second leg was away from home. Reading romped to a 3-0 success in Wales to show that they are a force to be reckoned with, especially with Shane Long up front and the excellent set-piece delivery of Ian Harte. The duo have netted 38 goals between them this season (two of Harte’s came during his time at Carlisle) and they will be key to Reading’s chances in this clash.
PREDICTION
It is yet another hard game to call and there is unlikely to be more than one goal between the sides at Wembley. I correctly predicted Swansea and Reading to win their semi-finals and I am going to stick with my gut instinct of the Welsh club coming out on top in the play-off final. I am predicting Scott Sinclair to be among the goal-scorers as Swansea record a narrow 2-1 win.
With so much at stake, this has all the makings of a cracking game and one that is likely to be filled with high drama. Swansea and Reading will do battle as they look to earn a place in the Premier League in a match worth approximately £90 million to the winners.
Many neutral fans appear to be backing Reading and seem to be against having a Welsh team in the Premier League. But I do not mind either way and believe whoever plays the best football on the day deserves promotion. Swansea have never been in the Premier League so it would be a breath of fresh air if they do come up, but, Reading have had a terrific second half of the season and would be a good addition to the top flight.
Swansea will be in confident mood having already beaten Reading twice this season – both games ended 1-0 in favour of the Welsh side. The two clean sheets are proof of how strong their defence has been this season as the Swans conceded just 42 goals during the regular season.
Brendan Rodgers has done a magnificent job since taking over at the Liberty Stadium last summer, leading the club to a third-place finish in the Championship. Rodgers lasted just over six months as manager of Reading, but has proved his credentials with a magnificent first season with Swansea. The signing of Scott Sinclair, who scored in the win at Madejski Stadium, was an excellent piece of business by Rodgers. The forward has been one of the stand-out performers in the Championship, and will certainly be one to watch in the final.
But, while everything is looking good for Swansea, Reading certainly cannot be underestimated. The Royals were 12th in mid-February, so it is even more remarkable that manager Brian McDermott managed to lead them into the top six. After a goalless draw in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Cardiff, they were seen by many as underdogs as the second leg was away from home. Reading romped to a 3-0 success in Wales to show that they are a force to be reckoned with, especially with Shane Long up front and the excellent set-piece delivery of Ian Harte. The duo have netted 38 goals between them this season (two of Harte’s came during his time at Carlisle) and they will be key to Reading’s chances in this clash.
PREDICTION
It is yet another hard game to call and there is unlikely to be more than one goal between the sides at Wembley. I correctly predicted Swansea and Reading to win their semi-finals and I am going to stick with my gut instinct of the Welsh club coming out on top in the play-off final. I am predicting Scott Sinclair to be among the goal-scorers as Swansea record a narrow 2-1 win.
THE FOUR FINALS – PART II
The Champions League final is obviously the big tie of the weekend, but try telling that to fans of Swansea, Reading, Huddersfield, Peterborough, Torquay and Stevenage. The six English sides are all competing for promotion at different levels but, no matter how good their previous form has been in the 2010/11 campaign, it all comes down to a one-off game and who is better on the day.
LEAGUE TWO PLAY-OFF FINAL
Both of my semi-final predictions were wrong as neither Shrewsbury or Accrington made it through to the final. Instead Stevenage will do battle with Torquay at Old Trafford for the right to earn promotion into League One.
The two clubs have made excellent progress this season as it was not too long ago that the duo were Conference rivals. But Torquay earned promotion into the Football League via the play-offs in 2009 before Stevenage won the 2010 title.
Stevenage, who claimed a 3-0 aggregate victory over Accrington, are seeking back-to-back promotions after defying expectations in League Two this season. Whatever the outcome in the final, Stevenage can look back at a fine first season in the Football League. But it will not be easy for Graham Westley’s men, who failed to win or score in the two meetings between the two sides this season.
Torquay have continued to make great progress under Paul Buckle and claimed a 2-0 aggregate victory over Shrewsbury in the semi-finals. The future of Buckle remains uncertain as he has been heavily linked to the post at Bristol Rovers, but hopefully that will not distract the players from the game. Buckle will be going all out for the win regardless of the speculation about his future and the tie looks very evenly balanced.
PREDICTION
If Torquay win, could it ensure Buckle stays at Plainmoor for the chance to manage in League One? Regardless of what the future holds for Buckle I believe the Gulls will claim a narrow 2-1 victory, although the crunch clash at Old Trafford could require extra time.
LEAGUE ONE PLAY-OFF FINAL
There is very little to separate Huddersfield and Peterborough as the League One season reaches its climax at Old Trafford. A lot of the build-up has centred on Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson, who began his playing career under the guidance of his father Sir Alex at Old Trafford, but in a one-off game anything can happen.
Huddersfield go into the game in fine form and are unbeaten for a club record of 27 league games, including the two play-off draws against Bournemouth. The Terriers beat Peterborough in this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and claimed a draw in the home league fixture, but Posh came out on top at London Road and this is likely to be another nail biting encounter.
Huddersfield battled hard to try and achieve automatic promotion before Southampton cemented second place in the final two games of the season. The Yorkshire side’s excellent unbeaten run deserves to earn them a place in the Championship and manager Lee Clark has done an excellent job in his second full season in charge.
The Terriers would more than deserve victory in the final after finishing eight points clear of their opponents in the regular season. But their defence is going to have to be on top form against Peterborough, the top scoring league club in the country with 106 goals.
Free-scoring Peterborough are likely to get a goal or two at Old Trafford, so how their defence handles Huddersfield’s attack could prove to be the key in this tie. This game seems to be written in the stars for Posh, with the manager being in his spiritual home and a star striker looking to go out with a bang.
Craig Mackail-Smith grabbed his 34th goal of the season in the second leg of the semi-final win over MK Dons. The Scotland international has been heavily linked with a move away from London Road, with Norwich among the club’s interested in his services. If this does prove to be his last game for Posh, Mackail-Smith will want to ensure he goes out on a high and two goals would see him reach 100 for the club.
But all these statistics and stories will go out the window when the game kicks off and it will all be about one game of football.
PREDICTION
After correctly predicting the two semi-final winners, I am going to stick with my original prediction of Huddersfield winning the final. It will be a close encounter, but I think Huddersfield will win 3-2.
LEAGUE TWO PLAY-OFF FINAL
Both of my semi-final predictions were wrong as neither Shrewsbury or Accrington made it through to the final. Instead Stevenage will do battle with Torquay at Old Trafford for the right to earn promotion into League One.
The two clubs have made excellent progress this season as it was not too long ago that the duo were Conference rivals. But Torquay earned promotion into the Football League via the play-offs in 2009 before Stevenage won the 2010 title.
Stevenage, who claimed a 3-0 aggregate victory over Accrington, are seeking back-to-back promotions after defying expectations in League Two this season. Whatever the outcome in the final, Stevenage can look back at a fine first season in the Football League. But it will not be easy for Graham Westley’s men, who failed to win or score in the two meetings between the two sides this season.
Torquay have continued to make great progress under Paul Buckle and claimed a 2-0 aggregate victory over Shrewsbury in the semi-finals. The future of Buckle remains uncertain as he has been heavily linked to the post at Bristol Rovers, but hopefully that will not distract the players from the game. Buckle will be going all out for the win regardless of the speculation about his future and the tie looks very evenly balanced.
PREDICTION
If Torquay win, could it ensure Buckle stays at Plainmoor for the chance to manage in League One? Regardless of what the future holds for Buckle I believe the Gulls will claim a narrow 2-1 victory, although the crunch clash at Old Trafford could require extra time.
LEAGUE ONE PLAY-OFF FINAL
There is very little to separate Huddersfield and Peterborough as the League One season reaches its climax at Old Trafford. A lot of the build-up has centred on Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson, who began his playing career under the guidance of his father Sir Alex at Old Trafford, but in a one-off game anything can happen.
Huddersfield go into the game in fine form and are unbeaten for a club record of 27 league games, including the two play-off draws against Bournemouth. The Terriers beat Peterborough in this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and claimed a draw in the home league fixture, but Posh came out on top at London Road and this is likely to be another nail biting encounter.
Huddersfield battled hard to try and achieve automatic promotion before Southampton cemented second place in the final two games of the season. The Yorkshire side’s excellent unbeaten run deserves to earn them a place in the Championship and manager Lee Clark has done an excellent job in his second full season in charge.
The Terriers would more than deserve victory in the final after finishing eight points clear of their opponents in the regular season. But their defence is going to have to be on top form against Peterborough, the top scoring league club in the country with 106 goals.
Free-scoring Peterborough are likely to get a goal or two at Old Trafford, so how their defence handles Huddersfield’s attack could prove to be the key in this tie. This game seems to be written in the stars for Posh, with the manager being in his spiritual home and a star striker looking to go out with a bang.
Craig Mackail-Smith grabbed his 34th goal of the season in the second leg of the semi-final win over MK Dons. The Scotland international has been heavily linked with a move away from London Road, with Norwich among the club’s interested in his services. If this does prove to be his last game for Posh, Mackail-Smith will want to ensure he goes out on a high and two goals would see him reach 100 for the club.
But all these statistics and stories will go out the window when the game kicks off and it will all be about one game of football.
PREDICTION
After correctly predicting the two semi-final winners, I am going to stick with my original prediction of Huddersfield winning the final. It will be a close encounter, but I think Huddersfield will win 3-2.
THE FOUR FINALS – PART I
With four big Finals looming and four massive prizes at stake, there is no margin for error in what is a big footballing weekend. All four ties are bigger than each other in their own way, but the mouth-watering tie that most people are eagerly awaiting is the Champions League final at Wembley.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
One of the best attacking sides of all time, Barcelona, will be looking to repeat the success of 2009 by again overcoming a tough encounter with English Champions Manchester United.
United have not been at their best this season but still managed to win the Premier League by 9 points, and at the same time secure a record-breaking 19th league title. But Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will need to improve their luck in London, having won just one of their league games in the capital this season. United lost away to Arsenal and Chelsea and could only manage a draw on their trips to Tottenham and Fulham. The only league victory in London saw United forced to come from two goals down to beat West Ham 4-2, so the omens in that respect are not good.
But even against arguably the best attacking side in the world Manchester United can never be written off. Not only do they possess quality players such as Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic, but their winning mentality and never say die attitude has helped them achieve so much success and gives them a great chance at Wembley. Dutch legend Edwin van der Sar will also be playing in his final game for United before retirement, and a victory would be a fitting end to the career of a goalkeeping great.
It doesn’t get much tougher than a game against Barcelona, a squad filled with immense talent and a side that we are all running out of superlatives to describe…yes they really are that good! The Spanish giants also possess one of the greatest footballing talents of our generation in Lionel Messi, who can change a game in the blink of an eye, so United will not be able to take their eye of the ball for a second if they are to have a chance in this one. The style of football played by Barcelona is simply a joy to watch and they will certainly be difficult to stop. But if the world class Vidic and the rest of the Manchester United defence can stay strong, the Spanish side can be beaten.
It is such a hard game to call. It could go all the way to penalties or Barcelona could run away with it by netting some quickfire goals. The first goal is likely to prove key and if United can get an early goal they would be confident of defending the lead. But they will have to be very careful because an early Barcelona goal could see the Catalan side run riot and go on a goalscoring spree. It will certainly be a dramatic contest and both sides would be worthy holders of the title ‘best team in Europe’.
PREDICTION
There are likely to be plenty goals on show and I think Gerard Pique can come back to haunt his former club by getting himself on the scoresheet in a narrow 3-2 victory for Barcelona at Wembley.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
One of the best attacking sides of all time, Barcelona, will be looking to repeat the success of 2009 by again overcoming a tough encounter with English Champions Manchester United.
United have not been at their best this season but still managed to win the Premier League by 9 points, and at the same time secure a record-breaking 19th league title. But Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will need to improve their luck in London, having won just one of their league games in the capital this season. United lost away to Arsenal and Chelsea and could only manage a draw on their trips to Tottenham and Fulham. The only league victory in London saw United forced to come from two goals down to beat West Ham 4-2, so the omens in that respect are not good.
But even against arguably the best attacking side in the world Manchester United can never be written off. Not only do they possess quality players such as Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic, but their winning mentality and never say die attitude has helped them achieve so much success and gives them a great chance at Wembley. Dutch legend Edwin van der Sar will also be playing in his final game for United before retirement, and a victory would be a fitting end to the career of a goalkeeping great.
It doesn’t get much tougher than a game against Barcelona, a squad filled with immense talent and a side that we are all running out of superlatives to describe…yes they really are that good! The Spanish giants also possess one of the greatest footballing talents of our generation in Lionel Messi, who can change a game in the blink of an eye, so United will not be able to take their eye of the ball for a second if they are to have a chance in this one. The style of football played by Barcelona is simply a joy to watch and they will certainly be difficult to stop. But if the world class Vidic and the rest of the Manchester United defence can stay strong, the Spanish side can be beaten.
It is such a hard game to call. It could go all the way to penalties or Barcelona could run away with it by netting some quickfire goals. The first goal is likely to prove key and if United can get an early goal they would be confident of defending the lead. But they will have to be very careful because an early Barcelona goal could see the Catalan side run riot and go on a goalscoring spree. It will certainly be a dramatic contest and both sides would be worthy holders of the title ‘best team in Europe’.
PREDICTION
There are likely to be plenty goals on show and I think Gerard Pique can come back to haunt his former club by getting himself on the scoresheet in a narrow 3-2 victory for Barcelona at Wembley.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Oh they do like to be beside the seaside…and in the Premier League, even if it is only for one season!
It may not have had the fairytale ending the fans wanted, but Blackpool’s time in the Premier League was one hell of a journey and one they can be proud of.
When teams get promoted into the top flight the usual remit is to avoid relegation and, although Blackpool ultimately failed to do that, they managed to catch the eye of several neutral fans, pundits and managers. Blackpool were a breath of fresh air in the 2010/11 Premier League and hopefully more of the future promoted sides can follow their example by showing great character and playing attractive attacking football.
Blackpool’s season has been a real roller-coaster so it is hard to know where to start. People are within their rights to say the Seasiders had a bad season in the top flight as they were relegated. But I still believe Ian Holloway has done an excellent job at the club. In the 2009/10 season Blackpool were among the favourites to be relegated from the Championship, so the fact they even spent one season in the Premier League, is a remarkable achievement. It was always going to be difficult for them to avoid relegation, but Blackpool were still in with a shout of staying up on the last day of the season.
Holloway is a vibrant jolly character, who always says it as it is. The Bristolian has his critics, like any other manager, but he is excellent at rising above things and taking the rough with the smooth. Understandably, he gets animated when decisions go against his side and then vents his frustration, but he is also quick to praise his players and the opposition.
After an emotional final day of the season, rather than simply wallowing in the sorrows of Blackpool’s relegation, he congratulated the sides – Blackburn, Wolves and Wigan – who had avoided the drop. But whether you love him or you hate him for what he says or does, Holloway has still done a remarkable job at Bloomfield Road. The fact he is often talked about or makes others laugh with his comments shows just what an impact he had this season….he will be missed.
Blackpool were not afraid to attack the opposition, even after some heavy defeats in the early stages of the competition. Holloway’s men scored 55 goals in the recently finished 2010/11 campaign, which is more than any other relegated side in Premier League history and definitely something to be admired.
Blackpool arguably had the toughest final-day assignment of the five sides battling for survival – a trip to champions Manchester United. Blackpool eventually lost 4-2, but two goals at Old Trafford highlights just what Blackpool are all about – showing no fear and giving it their all until the bitter end. They may have been relegated but I believe Blackpool proved a lot of people wrong this season – some people expected them to get one of the lowest ever points tallies but instead they fought hard until the final day of the season before eventually being relegated. I never thought I’d be saying this about a relegated side, but Blackpool really can be proud of their season.
It will not be easy for the Seasiders in the Championship, a division so tight that vying for promotion and being in the bottom half of the table are both realistic possibilities for next season. But if Blackpool do secure an instant return to the Premier League, we can look forward to more of Holloway’s wit in England’s top division.
Farewell Blackpool…gone but not forgotten. I think I speak for many neutrals when I say, I hope you return to the Premier League soon!
When teams get promoted into the top flight the usual remit is to avoid relegation and, although Blackpool ultimately failed to do that, they managed to catch the eye of several neutral fans, pundits and managers. Blackpool were a breath of fresh air in the 2010/11 Premier League and hopefully more of the future promoted sides can follow their example by showing great character and playing attractive attacking football.
Blackpool’s season has been a real roller-coaster so it is hard to know where to start. People are within their rights to say the Seasiders had a bad season in the top flight as they were relegated. But I still believe Ian Holloway has done an excellent job at the club. In the 2009/10 season Blackpool were among the favourites to be relegated from the Championship, so the fact they even spent one season in the Premier League, is a remarkable achievement. It was always going to be difficult for them to avoid relegation, but Blackpool were still in with a shout of staying up on the last day of the season.
Holloway is a vibrant jolly character, who always says it as it is. The Bristolian has his critics, like any other manager, but he is excellent at rising above things and taking the rough with the smooth. Understandably, he gets animated when decisions go against his side and then vents his frustration, but he is also quick to praise his players and the opposition.
After an emotional final day of the season, rather than simply wallowing in the sorrows of Blackpool’s relegation, he congratulated the sides – Blackburn, Wolves and Wigan – who had avoided the drop. But whether you love him or you hate him for what he says or does, Holloway has still done a remarkable job at Bloomfield Road. The fact he is often talked about or makes others laugh with his comments shows just what an impact he had this season….he will be missed.
Blackpool were not afraid to attack the opposition, even after some heavy defeats in the early stages of the competition. Holloway’s men scored 55 goals in the recently finished 2010/11 campaign, which is more than any other relegated side in Premier League history and definitely something to be admired.
Blackpool arguably had the toughest final-day assignment of the five sides battling for survival – a trip to champions Manchester United. Blackpool eventually lost 4-2, but two goals at Old Trafford highlights just what Blackpool are all about – showing no fear and giving it their all until the bitter end. They may have been relegated but I believe Blackpool proved a lot of people wrong this season – some people expected them to get one of the lowest ever points tallies but instead they fought hard until the final day of the season before eventually being relegated. I never thought I’d be saying this about a relegated side, but Blackpool really can be proud of their season.
It will not be easy for the Seasiders in the Championship, a division so tight that vying for promotion and being in the bottom half of the table are both realistic possibilities for next season. But if Blackpool do secure an instant return to the Premier League, we can look forward to more of Holloway’s wit in England’s top division.
Farewell Blackpool…gone but not forgotten. I think I speak for many neutrals when I say, I hope you return to the Premier League soon!
Friday, 13 May 2011
Play-off Predictions - Part III
LEAGUE TWO PLAY-OFFS
The League Two play-offs have thrown up several surprises this season. All four sides – Shrewsbury, Accrington, Stevenage and Torquay – more than deserve their place in the 2010/11 play-offs. But at the start of the season few people, other than perhaps the optimistic fans at three of these clubs, could have imagined that their seasons would end with a place in the top seven and a chance of promotion. Shrewsbury were expected to clinch promotion and, although they lost out on a third-place finish to Wycombe on the final day of the season, Graham Turner’s men must be strong favourites to come out on top.
TORQUAY VS SHREWSBURY
Shrewsbury will need a big performance if they are to avoid defeat in the first leg of their play-off semi-final. The Shrews will want to forget all about their last visit to Plainmoor, back in March, where they were thumped 5-0 by the Gulls. Torquay striker Jake Robinson, who is at the club on loan from Shrewsbury, netted twice in that game and will be looking to inflict more damage on his parent club. But Shrewsbury ended the season on a five-match unbeaten run and will be looking to continue that form into the play-offs.
Torquay ended the season with a 3-1 defeat at Rotherham, which left them level on points with nearest challengers Gillingham. But goal difference ensured Paul Buckle’s men clinched a top seven finish despite having been deducted one point for fielding Jake Robinson in February’s clash with Hereford. The Gulls still have a great chance of sealing promotion this season but a poor run of results at the end of the campaign leaves Buckle’s men needing a big upturn in fortunes if they are to clinch the big prize. Torquay failed to win any of their last five league games, although four of those ended in draws. The most positive point for Torquay is their recent defensive record; the Gulls conceded in just two of their final seven league games this season. If their defence can produce that kind of form again, they are certainly in with a shout.
The underdogs tag could work in Torquay’s favour as they can just go out and enjoy the occasion. But they cannot take their previous 5-0 win for granted as, with a much bigger prize at stake, this time around Shrewsbury are likely to be more fired up for this one. Shrewsbury will still feel aggrieved at having not sealed automatic promotion after finishing just a point behind third-placed Wycombe. Wycombe’s controversial point against the Shrews, back in March, ultimately earned them promotion at the expense of Turner’s men. The game ended 1-1 after the linesman ruled that Gareth Ainsworth’s effort had crossed the line when it clearly hadn’t. But Shrewsbury must forget about that and focus on the task at hand – beating Torquay.
PREDICTION
Torquay to claim a narrow 2-1 win at Plainmoor, but Shrewsbury will turn on the style and take advantage of having the second leg at home with a 2-0 win. That would give Shrewsbury a 3-2 aggregate win and book Turner’s men a place in the final.
STEVENAGE VS ACCRINGTON
Stevenage fans must be delighted with how their season has turned out and, even if they were to miss out on promotion, the 2010/11 campaign will still be viewed as a huge success. After winning the Conference title, some may have expected Stevenage to have been embroiled in a relegation battles as can often be the case with newly promoted sides. However, several sides coming up in recent years have proved they can more than hold their own in England’s fourth tier. Graham Westley has done a magnificent job to lead Stevenage to a sixth-place finish and, with just three league defeats at home this season, they will be a tough nut to crack.
But Accrington will certainly be no pushovers as manager John Coleman continues to improve the team year after year. The longest serving manager in the Football League has been at Accrington since August 1999 and gradually turned the club from a non-league outfit into a side that can more than hold their own in League Two. Last season Accrington finished 15th, which at the time seemed like a very respectable position for the Lancashire club. This makes this season’s achievement of finishing fifth and claiming a place in the play-offs even more remarkable. John Coleman really has done a fantastic job and deserves a lot of credit for what he has done at the Crown Ground. Considering the problems with unpaid wages that the players have had to face, they really have stood up to be counted and deserve huge praise for doing so.
Accrington claimed a 2-2 draw on their last visit to Stevenage back in February, which followed on from the 1-0 win over their rivals from earlier in the season. It is set to be yet another close encounter and there is no room for error in the first leg if either side wants their promotion bid to continue. Morecambe lost the first leg of their play-off semi-final to Dagenham 6-0 last season so, although they won the second clash, it was already too late. Accrington and Stevenage will both want to attack but will also be wary of what happened to Morecambe and want to avoid that at all costs.
PREDICTION
Accrington to claim a share of the spoils with a 1-1 draw in the first leg before saving their best for the home leg in a 3-1 win, which would give them a 4-2 aggregate victory and a place in the play-off final.
LEAGUE TWO PLAY-OFF FINAL
Before the League Two play-offs have even got underway I am predicting a Shrewsbury Vs Accrington final. Shrewsbury will be huge favourites to clinch promotion and will be looking to avoid the play-off heartache they suffered in the final against Gillingham back in 2009. But I believe Accrington will spring a surprise to win the final by a narrow margin and send the Stanley faithful wild.
The League Two play-offs have thrown up several surprises this season. All four sides – Shrewsbury, Accrington, Stevenage and Torquay – more than deserve their place in the 2010/11 play-offs. But at the start of the season few people, other than perhaps the optimistic fans at three of these clubs, could have imagined that their seasons would end with a place in the top seven and a chance of promotion. Shrewsbury were expected to clinch promotion and, although they lost out on a third-place finish to Wycombe on the final day of the season, Graham Turner’s men must be strong favourites to come out on top.
TORQUAY VS SHREWSBURY
Shrewsbury will need a big performance if they are to avoid defeat in the first leg of their play-off semi-final. The Shrews will want to forget all about their last visit to Plainmoor, back in March, where they were thumped 5-0 by the Gulls. Torquay striker Jake Robinson, who is at the club on loan from Shrewsbury, netted twice in that game and will be looking to inflict more damage on his parent club. But Shrewsbury ended the season on a five-match unbeaten run and will be looking to continue that form into the play-offs.
Torquay ended the season with a 3-1 defeat at Rotherham, which left them level on points with nearest challengers Gillingham. But goal difference ensured Paul Buckle’s men clinched a top seven finish despite having been deducted one point for fielding Jake Robinson in February’s clash with Hereford. The Gulls still have a great chance of sealing promotion this season but a poor run of results at the end of the campaign leaves Buckle’s men needing a big upturn in fortunes if they are to clinch the big prize. Torquay failed to win any of their last five league games, although four of those ended in draws. The most positive point for Torquay is their recent defensive record; the Gulls conceded in just two of their final seven league games this season. If their defence can produce that kind of form again, they are certainly in with a shout.
The underdogs tag could work in Torquay’s favour as they can just go out and enjoy the occasion. But they cannot take their previous 5-0 win for granted as, with a much bigger prize at stake, this time around Shrewsbury are likely to be more fired up for this one. Shrewsbury will still feel aggrieved at having not sealed automatic promotion after finishing just a point behind third-placed Wycombe. Wycombe’s controversial point against the Shrews, back in March, ultimately earned them promotion at the expense of Turner’s men. The game ended 1-1 after the linesman ruled that Gareth Ainsworth’s effort had crossed the line when it clearly hadn’t. But Shrewsbury must forget about that and focus on the task at hand – beating Torquay.
PREDICTION
Torquay to claim a narrow 2-1 win at Plainmoor, but Shrewsbury will turn on the style and take advantage of having the second leg at home with a 2-0 win. That would give Shrewsbury a 3-2 aggregate win and book Turner’s men a place in the final.
STEVENAGE VS ACCRINGTON
Stevenage fans must be delighted with how their season has turned out and, even if they were to miss out on promotion, the 2010/11 campaign will still be viewed as a huge success. After winning the Conference title, some may have expected Stevenage to have been embroiled in a relegation battles as can often be the case with newly promoted sides. However, several sides coming up in recent years have proved they can more than hold their own in England’s fourth tier. Graham Westley has done a magnificent job to lead Stevenage to a sixth-place finish and, with just three league defeats at home this season, they will be a tough nut to crack.
But Accrington will certainly be no pushovers as manager John Coleman continues to improve the team year after year. The longest serving manager in the Football League has been at Accrington since August 1999 and gradually turned the club from a non-league outfit into a side that can more than hold their own in League Two. Last season Accrington finished 15th, which at the time seemed like a very respectable position for the Lancashire club. This makes this season’s achievement of finishing fifth and claiming a place in the play-offs even more remarkable. John Coleman really has done a fantastic job and deserves a lot of credit for what he has done at the Crown Ground. Considering the problems with unpaid wages that the players have had to face, they really have stood up to be counted and deserve huge praise for doing so.
Accrington claimed a 2-2 draw on their last visit to Stevenage back in February, which followed on from the 1-0 win over their rivals from earlier in the season. It is set to be yet another close encounter and there is no room for error in the first leg if either side wants their promotion bid to continue. Morecambe lost the first leg of their play-off semi-final to Dagenham 6-0 last season so, although they won the second clash, it was already too late. Accrington and Stevenage will both want to attack but will also be wary of what happened to Morecambe and want to avoid that at all costs.
PREDICTION
Accrington to claim a share of the spoils with a 1-1 draw in the first leg before saving their best for the home leg in a 3-1 win, which would give them a 4-2 aggregate victory and a place in the play-off final.
LEAGUE TWO PLAY-OFF FINAL
Before the League Two play-offs have even got underway I am predicting a Shrewsbury Vs Accrington final. Shrewsbury will be huge favourites to clinch promotion and will be looking to avoid the play-off heartache they suffered in the final against Gillingham back in 2009. But I believe Accrington will spring a surprise to win the final by a narrow margin and send the Stanley faithful wild.
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