From The Terraces. . .

Will Fergie ponder a switch back to 4-4-2 as he looks to build a team around multiple talents- not just one?

2009-06-30T18:16:00.003+01:00

As the football press dither around trying to find a Cristiano Ronaldo replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson, they may have over-looked the potential of him initialising a complete change in the Manchester United shape.

He has changed formations before, as the modern game has slided into new tactical trends and the responses needed to counter-act them, using a revolving forward three. But in Cristiano Ronaldo, a rare breed of wide player crafted in the mould of a center-forward, he had an icon to build this shape around, however thick the veil of Ronaldo contempt is that hides that notion. Ferguson did so though- even crafting Wayne Rooney, the epitome of an all-round, English striker into a wide left player.

Without the Portuguese star however, he may look to revert back to 4-4-2. With this, Wayne Rooney can return to his much preferred central role up top, and clear a path for a second striker and a more conventional winger to fill the Ronaldo void- with two players arguably needed to do such a job.

This could also provide an opportunity for Dimitar Berbatov to finally realise some of his lost potential, a player who perhaps only shone as he did at Tottenham with the gust of Robbie Keane as propulsion. Ferguson should have known Berbatov's lack of work-rate to compete as a lone CF, as want of the ball on a plate.

Another striker to compete with Rooney and the Bulgarian is needed is essential, especially considering their shared temperament. Karim Benzima is the talked about target, though a rumour devoid of any concrete sources.

Underrated

2009-02-05T10:35:00.006Z

With all the attention whirl-winding around the recent home-comings at Tottenham, the gust of Roman Pavlyuchenko has been subtly undermined.

Frank Praverman of the Times Online has sarcastically cut the excitement at a partnership between the Russian international and new strikers Robbie Keane and Jermaine, asking "who would be?".

But the reality is that Spurs potentially have a Champions League duo up front.

Pavlyuchenko is a top striker and there are a number of reasons why.
Firstly, he has scored 12 goals in all competitions so far this season, the same number as Dimitar Berbatov in his first season at White Hart Lane.
Glimpses of the Bulgarian's skill and lethality in front of goal have also been shown by the Russian. His goal in the Carling Cup semi-final home leg against Burnley was an undoubted touch of class.

Pavlyuchenko is also a member of a short list of foreign strikers to make an immediate impact in the Premiership.

The Positives of Man City Wasting Money

2009-01-22T15:26:00.003Z

Manchester City today signed the dutch defensive midfidler Nigel de Jong from Hamburg SV. Despite the player requiring only £2.3 million to activate his release clause in four months time, the Sky Blues splashed out £17 million for his services. So how can any optimisms be drawn from giving rare gold away?

Depending on where the worlds best young talent comes from and how long exactly the pro-homegrowing manager Mark Hughes remains at Eastlands, City's investments could support numerous financially challenged clubs across England, Europe and the world.

The emergence of quality minors such as Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Jack Wilshere and Ashley Young from academies below those of the top-tiered clubs should divert the attention of Man City's long-term future.

If they hope to become a European and world super-club then the development of excellent youth ablity must be an integral part and clubs most hold out for the maxium sum in dealing with the Manchester club.

Potentially, inflated sums could provide vital support for the stability of lower league teams especially if deals involving sell on clauses from Coca-Cola league sides are conduted intelligently.
Non-league Torquay United recently received essential payment from Chesterfield for the selling on of striker Jamie Ward to Sheffield United, for example.

Is the future of management in short-term contracts?

2008-12-12T00:03:00.007Z

Gabriele Marcotti has discussed on the Times website today that football club Chairmen "do not need to be held hostage by greedy managers who demand multi-year deals and multi-million pound wages."

He concludes on the back of Real Madrid's appointment of Juande Ramos, after they sacked Bernt Schuster following a poor start to their La Liga season, giving the former Spurs manager a six-month contract.

The respected journalist goes onto say that "but what if he does well? Won't he bolt and join a bigger club? Where's he going to go? Manchester United? Barcelona? AC Milan? I don't think so. If he does well, he'll want to stay and they'll hammer out a better deal for him."

This could be true of the super-clubs like Real Madrid and the top Premiership quartet, but the same cannot be said for clubs suffering further down their leagues and looking for a quick resurgence of results. Across the board, as proved by Spains most prestigious club, even managers at the very summit cannot be sure of their success and job security.

For example, if Harry Redknapp had been appointed at Tottenham on a short three to four month contract and dragged the team up the league, would he remain to continue this accomplishment? Or if a more lucrative deal was waved in his face at a suffering Champions League front-runner then would it be an opportinity too good to turn down? Tottenham or whoever else would lose all they'd achieved.

As we have seen in the Ramos affair that led to the sacking of Martin Jol, like players, managers can be pinched behind the bars of a long-term contract and short-term measures will provide no relief from this. In fact, it would arguable be made easier, without pay-offs or compensation packages.

The revolving door that is football management worldwide these days cannot be solved by short term contracts and few managers, unless paid nicely by a La Liga giant, will be willing to accept one just as a player would not.

The answer is careful planning and consideration in your appointment, on the basis of their personality aswell as coaching and tactial prowess, and sticking by the choice. Even with great managers like Ramos and Schuster, winning teams and trophy legacies take time to build. You cannot transist a team in just a few months. Not even Rednkapp's Tottenham are now by any means a potential silverware collector.

Image Source: theTimes.co.uk

What's He Running From?

2008-12-05T12:08:00.010Z

Does anybody really know why Roy Keane resigned as Sunderland manager yesterday? The former mortar in Manchester United, head-strong and sure of himself has lost his way in a world which is way out of his depth.

It seems Keane may have arrogantly undermined the world of top-flight management, under the illusion that he could become his previous mentor in no time at all. But if he honestly deluded himself that Sir Alex accomplished with relevant ease then he truly has a lot to learn about life, not just football and management.

But his apparent solitude at the moment is something to think about. You'd think his pride would count above everything, and he would hold his head up high out of the door. Not inform Niall Quinn of his departure via a text message, as is rumored the case. Which would leave us to look into a more personal crisis. Whether he should be embarrassed by his team and late record or not, we know enough of his personality to think he wouldn't ever cower away. Only something out of the ordinary happening in his life, could spark such a sudden change in character.

Sunderland haven't won in seven league games, something Tottenham couldn't achieve in the early stages this season and now West Brom have to claw their way out of and yet, although Ramos was eventually sacked, neither clubs managers showed signs of quitting- infact their resolution to resolve the situation has been even stronger under the pressure.

However, the former Republic of Ireland international has failed to cling on to the composure and energy he thrived upon under times of strain when he played. Maybe it's because, ultimately at Old Trafford, the buck didn't stop with him. The manager will always be, in the near future at least, the first accused and heavily burdened.

Keane has obviously cracked, and its context, relatively quickly and easily, so where will that leave his coaching future? Punditry?

Like a captain, the manager has to be the light that never goes out. He must remain unbeaten himself, something the Spurs players never even questioned in Ramos's final days there.

Image Source: CBBCNews (Getty Images)

The Next Rule in Football: ‘Implementation of Common Sense When Needed’.

2008-12-01T16:23:00.003Z

Christiano Ronaldo received the fourth red card of his United career and second against Man City yesterday, for what is perhaps one of the most trivial sendings off in Premiership brainlessness.

The 23-year-old leapt to a defensive challenge at a corner and, thinking he’d heard a whistle, raised his arms in at attempt to catch the ball. Did Howard Webb believe the midfielder deliberately handled in order to stop a passage of play then?

This palpable negative attitude is typically English and must be squandered. It’s amazing how anybody, especially the match officials, would think a top professional would sense that he could get away with it, let alone that he could process the idea in such a quick instance.

A reflex, ‘an involuntary action; automatic: without volition or conscious control’, could happen in such a flash of the brain however.

In his early playing career Sam Allardyce, the former Bolton and Newcastle manager, caught the ball in similar fashion, smiled and the game was continued in humorous delight of such a rare event.

Last night though, the City manager Mark Hughes asked,

“If he thought the ball was going to hit him in the face, why didn’t he head it?”

Because, Mark, the unwritten reflex to protect oneself is the raising and use of the hands. I’m sure he himself once threw his arms to protect his groin from a Miss who just caught him pulling her hair at school.

How baffling the absence of common sense in Hughes’s remarks and how annoying also the absence of the same in refereeing and the rules that bind the job. It is essential in these rare moments of bizarreness.

Of course, the rules of the game state: ‘A player is sent off if he prevents a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball. This punishment arises not from the act of the player deliberately handling the ball but from the unacceptable and unfair intervention that prevented a goal being scored.’

Obviously, the referee’s are simply doing their job but when will common sense become a rule in itself? Perhaps its inclusion would render the game fairer as a result? Lets see.

Ronaldo stays on the field. United, having dominated the game, score a second, with the Portugese winger skinning two City defenders and steering the ball into the far corner. United win a more comfortable 2-0. Fair?

Hughes’ verbal history may suggest otherwise but the fact remains Ronaldo should only have been sent off if ‘he prevents a goal or obvious goal scoring opportunity.’ Does a corner count as an obvious goal scoring opportunity? City’s record of scoring from set pieces this season would also suggest not. Ronaldo, also, would not have to miss what could have been a crucial tie if not for luck of up and coming fixtures.

But what about players being booked for taking off their shirts or celebrating with the crowd?

Ridiculous. Which homophobic, paranoid, kill-joy came up with these two unnecessary inclusions into the game’s rules? The exceptional instance in which a player chooses to celebrate with the crowd is the fois gras of football supporting and not something paying customers should be denied.

And as far taking shirts off, if their chests are tattooed with right wing symbols or they’re wearing a Cannibal Corpse t-shirt then so be it- send them off. But in all honestly, who cares?

Image Source: theTimesOnline.co.uk

Fabregas is Not the Right Choice; No-one is.

2008-11-24T17:18:00.007Z

Cesc Fabregas, the 21-year-old Spanish midfielder, was named as the new captain of Arsenal today after William Gallas was stripped of the privilege before their defeat to Man City on Saturday. The experienced Frenchman has surfaced as the wrong choice, after what could be seen as mutinous comments against his team-mates were publicised, and Fabregas will be the next one.

The truth is the youngster is Wenger's only choice; with the squad lacking any experienced, strong personalities who know the psychologies of the game and the men that play it, and their duty as the field-leader of all these things.

The 59-year-old manager has claimed their is no place for a single leading entity in a premiership squad of players due mainly to the speed of the game but be it or not an excuse to cover the fact he has failed to recruit one. Wenger's history of excuse making is also a matter of debate.

Fabregas is too young and too inexperienced. During his time at the Gunners, he has only won one F.A.Cup and cannot begin to comprehend the mental frailties that will plague a side in crisis, or a side in competition for that matter. But where else does the manager have to look? Without the intelligent, level-headed Henry, Wenger's fresh-cheeked innocents have only his leg to huddle around.

Maybe Wenger is looking to a Beckham-esque captain; one of example and leadership playing through out-skin and out-of-mind endurance to spur a spur up the arse of his team. But again, Fabregas is far too hollow and can often go missing himself, especially in times of importance. In last seasons Carling Cup semi final defeat at White Hart Lane, the youth did by no means incite his side to any sort of a fightback and remained in the pockets of Jermaine Jenas and Didier Zokora.

Or perhaps this is simply a last ditch rub of the shoulders to Cesc, who has flirted with a return to his Spanish tutors at Barcelona. It could be the only way Wenger can hang on to his beloved apprentice, unlike Ferguson, perhaps one of the only youngsters to really prosper under his teaching.

Image Source: theTelegraph.co.uk

Arsenal Ready to Fall

2008-11-21T12:11:00.012Z

For the last several seasons, Arsenal's security as a deserved member of the top four has gradually broken.
After the fourth week of this year's expanding cracks, the opportunity to take fourth is indisputable.
It seems though, that amongst the clubs you would expect to stalk them it is only Aston Villa that could be playing in the Champions League next year.

The teams tapping on the door in recent seasons have dipped in and out of consistent form, with Man City on the slip and Tottenham clawing their way back up the bottom-half.
A gap of six points seperates tenth from bottom, with Villa sitting another six points above them.
Teams who've dependably scrapped for the lower European places and that fourth spot have suffered the effects of rapid changes throughout their systems and, instead of a battle for Europe, we could well have a battle for survival which could include up to ten teams.

Blackburn, who've achieved sixth and seventh in two of their last three seasons have been dragged back to their foundations with a new, unproven manager. Paul Ince has to pick at a strong and popular legacy left by Mark Hughes, with an obvious air of cynicism and dismissal born of a steadier time under their previous boss.

Portsmouth, eighth and ninth since 2006, have also now lost their inspiration for over-achievement. After a solid start, an uneasy time will loom over them until January, when it will be revealed the players loyal to the club or Harry Redknapp. The annexation of Joe Jordan will also leave Tony Adams in the dark over a number of issues his inexperience will fail to solve.

Another club that have been discussed as a potential rival to the Gunners is Hull City. Phil Brown's tactical aptitude has made them an outfit that must not be overlooked. With real European-worthiness lacking however, the Tiger's must rely on confidence and acute performance to convert Browns thinking, but it remains to be seen if they can reclaim the form that achieved that historic win at the Emirates.

Tottenham, with two fifth place finishes since 2005, need not be discussed which leaves us with Villa.
Debatably, although Spurs have been discussed as more technically gifted than Chelsea, the north Birmingham side are potentially more lethal going forward than any other in the league.
Martin O'Neill has gathered a squad similar to that of Jol's in 05/06 which remained fourth until the final day of the season; with a spine of young English talent ambitious and full of self belief.
Gareth Barry is his Carrick, Ashley Young his Aaron Lennon and Gabriel Agbonlahor is displaying similar form to Jermain Defoe in that year. But with a more continental four-three-three involving Young, Agbonlahor and Carew, Villa are emulating the system's success shown by United and Chelsea. There balance and conviction is what's missing from many sides tipped to push the higher places in the division and it could be the difference between them and even Arsenal.

Arsenal dont have the self- assurance, with bickering evident in today's news stories. They don't have the balance, with no real holding midfield player and without a proven finisher heading the formation, with Adebayor and Eduardo injured.

Image Source: theDailyMail.co.uk

Ignore the Rumours, Redknapp Will Not Replace Gomes

2008-11-21T00:31:00.013Z

Rumours continue to circulate today linking Spurs to a number of predominantly English keepers to replace 'error-prone' Heurelho Gomes. Must gossip mills consistently miss fact and quote?
It seems the reality that Redknapp has solidly backed his number one, who signed from PSV Eindhoven for £7 million in the summer, has been completely ignored.
Based on this and the Spurs boss's history of sustenance for his players, including previous calamity magnet David James, there will be no replacement for the Brazilian international in January.

In his post match interview following his side's away defeat to Fulham, Redknapp said,

"I believe in him and we have to believe in him. He's our number one keeper.

"Obviously he is disappointed with the weekend but his record tells you he is a world-class goalkeeper."

The 61-year-old was persistent in playing James during the height of his press criticism for a number of errors on England call-ups. His determination to stand firmly behind his player and help him through difficult times is a rarity, especially amongst managers with more virtuous squads.
After conceding 10 goals in two games earlier this season, and with fans fearing the return of his blunders, Redknapp lept to James' defence,

"Jamo has had a bad week like a lot of us but he's entitled to that for what he's done here.

"This club would just not be sitting where it is today without him."

The England veteran goalie has also credited the former Southampton and West Ham boss for saving his career. In an interview with the News of the World in October James said,

"There is no doubt Harry has played a major part in my revival.

"Before I left Manchester City I was thinking of playing in the lower leagues, possibly the Championship."

Image Source: Goal.com

The ‘Lads’ Dressing Room Still Vital in Scope of Cosmopolitan English Football

2008-11-13T16:32:00.012Z

Spurs drew second blood on the face of the Reds last night, as they remain the only team to surmount an otherwise unbeaten Liverpool.

With the best start to a managerial reign at Tottenham for over a century, Redknapp continues to justify his sickeningly clichéd title of ‘Harry Houdini’. But how does he account for the team’s magic sweep from destitution to revolution?

The answer is team spirit. Team spirit, a collected ‘lads’ dressing room and the sense of feeling wanted. A skeleton of English talent holds White Hart Lane’s home dressing room together, from the experienced Jonathan Woodgate to boyish Jermaine Jenas, and it’s the room for lads culture that is still vital in the super serious, almost over-the-top professional game. Harry is a lad and most importantly a London lad who has the roots of Spurs and their meaning trailing from his trouser legs. The prolish essence of London’s antique clubs is not just heard or seen, but smelt and the generations descending from Redknapp to David Bentley have this instilled into them by nature.

Don’t get me wrong; the former Portsmouth manager is an experienced principal of flowing, passing football who can spot and use individual strengths to their utmost potency.
But with a collection of footballers that have been discussed as more technically gifted than Chelsea; personal and team motivation, the right psychotherapy and a sense of real worth is what was needed to fill the cracks in a Spanish ‘Extremadura’*.
Redknapp has relaxed the players into a living room atmosphere where they do not have to eat with a Poyet Industries robot hawking over every low-calorie mouthful. They can loosen up before a game without a sudden, tourettes-like outburst of “No Sauces!” from a hushed, uncommunicative manager.

Under Ramos, the squad seemed to be held above a cliff, ready to be flicked off with conceit and without remorse if the job wasn’t done to the nth degree. Complicated instructions in a foreign dialect seemed only to spawn confusion boiled to the point of outspoken cries for help by an unrepeated first eleven. Or was it that an under-educated English contingent was simply not smart enough for the European’s vision?

Nevertheless, Juande’s methods coupled with Comolli’s failures didn’t work, but Harry Redknapp’s are. Tottenham Hotspur’s will is only ever to be successful and proud through sleak, stylish football and if there is a means to an end then the club will accomplish it at any rate. Redknapp is all three things but has brought the silent extras of man-management and man-companionship.

Image Source: TheGuardian.co.uk