De Gea is the real deal…

Moments after Shane Long’s shot squirmed under the 6ft 4 frame of new Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, I was bombarded with text messages and tweets from people writing him off! I agree that it was his second mistake in 2 game which cost United a goal but it didn’t cost the team a result, going on to win both games (Man City and WBA).

Manchester United paid £18.3m for the 20 year old, people say that this fee is too much. If you look further than the fee, they have bought a goalkeeper who has huge potential and who many people within Spain think will be the next Spanish no.1 and I agree firstly he has to cement his place in England and he will do that by eradicating the mistakes. Also with a club like Manchester United comes with clubs asking for a higher fee than other clubs, plus it was common knowledge that United needed a goalkeeper to replace Edwin Van der Saar.

David De Gea is a fantastic goalkeeper in my eyes, I don’t watch much Spanish football, but it just seamed that when ever I did last year it was always Athletico Madrid, and before last season I always tried to watch him. As the story behind his rise from being third choice at Athletico and close to joining Wigan, to winning the Europa League with Athletico and joining the biggest club in the World is quite remarkable.

At the start of the 2009/10 season David was third choice behind Sergio Asenjo and Roberto. The manager didn’t see him in the first teams plans and was very close to letting him leave, since David joined United we have heard Roberto Martinez saying he nearly joined him at Wigan! An indifferent start from Asenjo and injury to Roberto meant that David De Gea made his Athletico debut aged 18 and also made his Champions League debut that season. Athletico ended the season winning the Europe League beating Fulham in the final, with David an integral part of the side, and then stared in the Super Cup win over Inter Milan saving a Milito penalty. He went on to play 57 times in La Liga over the 2 seasons he was a senior player at the club.

In Manchester United’s acquisition of De Gea they watched him over a dozen times, firstly Sir Alex’s brother Martin went over to watch him play, then goalkeeping coach Eric Steele went over to have a look at him. United had the pick of the worlds top goalkeepers, and the search was narrowed down to David and Manuel Neur who is the current German number 1, who was at Schalke at the time and who gave United a problem in the Champions League Semi Final first leg. But Manuel made it clear he wanted to join Bayern Munich and stay in Germany.

One thing that is a fact is that Sir Alex Ferguson very rarely gets a signing wrong! He has made some bad buys but out of the number of players he has bought, namely Tiabi, Kleberson, Miller, Djemba Djemba and so on…But even Juan Sebastion Veron who at the time was one of the best players in the world struggled to find the form which made Sir Alex shell out £28m for him.

The one thing that get’s to me is that in the UK people like to see people fail, the media are a nightmare (it was the media who stopped Phil Scolari taking the England job). They wonder why there is a bad relation between players and reporters, well it’s the simple fact that they look to catch you out and if you show a little bit of bad form you’re on the back page being talked about being ‘past it’. If you listen to football experts from different countries and journalist’s they wont run story’s like our country do after a bad performance or a mistake, they make our ‘experts’ look very unprofessional.

After David De Gea’s performance on Sunday, not one paper said on Monday morning; give him time, he will a great player, he needs to adapt. Not one, they were writing him off as not being good enough! Guillem Bague who is a Sky Sports reporter who covers Spanish football was speaking after the WBA game, and he said that by the end of the season De Gea will be being spoke about in the top 3 ‘keepers in the country, this is a man who has watched his development from his debut not 180 minutes of his Manchester United career.

People forget or don’t remember that when Peter Schmiechel joined the club he started off in the same form, made a few big mistakes and he went on to do alright out of the game!!

The one thing I think he will have to improve on is his build he will need to get stronger as when coming for crosses and balls in the air he will have to look after himself when playing against people like Drogba and Kenwynne Jones. And once his English improves communication will become easier.

United’s future is the present…

The 2nd half of last Sunday’s FA Community Shield offered a glimpse into the future of Manchester United. At just 26 years of age, Ashley Young was United’s oldest player in a team that had an average age of just 22 by the time the game had finished.

At half time with United two nil down, Sir Alex Ferguson introduced Phil Jones, Johnny Evans and Tom Cleverley, three players who United fans could not really expect to turn round a two goal deficit.

What was apparent in the second half was as good an attacking display as we have seen in the last twelve months from United against top class opposition inspired by the fearlessness of youth and based on the attacking traditions that Manchester United have always adhered to. Inspired by an attacking quartet of Ashley Young, Nani, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck United created numerous chances and played at a tempo that a more methodical and laboured City side couldn’t live with. United’s second goal was as good a team goal as we have seen at the new Wembley as City were ripped apart by United’s slick one touch passing and movement.

One player who shone for United during the second half was Tom Cleverley. Their comes a time in a young players career at Old Trafford when they simply have to stand up and deliver. This was Cleverley’s moment and he seized it. In the past, quality young players such as Ben Foster have failed to take this opportunity as a series of errors at the beginning of the 2009/10 season effectively cost him his Old Trafford career and he soon found himself at Birmingham. After impressing on United’s pre season tour to America, Cleverley knew that this was his opportunity to prove he was ready to play for United and stake his claim for a first team place. Cleverley’s performance in dominating a midfield which contained seasoned internationals like Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong showed he will be ready when called on and he can handle the pressure and demands that come with being a Manchester United player. There is no doubt that Cleverley along with Danny Welbeck have benefitted hugely from their year long loans at Wigan and Sunderland respectively and both have come back better players and are now ready to compete for first team places at Old Trafford.

It is unlikely that Jones, Smalling, Cleverley, Welbeck and to an extent the Da Silva twins will be the first names on Sir Alex’s team sheet this season but Ferguson knows that he can trust them to perform when called upon. As in the past, the likes of Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Carrick and Park will be departing Old Trafford when Sir Alex deems the time is right and he knows he has another talented generationm of players waiting to step up and take their place.

Over priced, over hyped…Golden Generation?

As the start of the new Premier League season sneaks up on us, most clubs have now returned from their money spinning summer tours, looking to put the finishing touches to their squads before August the 13th.

One thing that has become apparent since the transfer window reopened on July the 1st is the extortionate prices being paid for the next generation of English stars.

Since the window has opened we have seen Jordan Henderson join Liverpool from Sunderland for a fee reported to be around £20 million . Deals have also been struck for both Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing totalling £28 million and this comes less then six months after the Anfield side agreed to pay Newcastle £35 million for Andy Carroll. All this amounts to a total of £87 million spent on players who have less then 20 international starts between them. The blueprint is clear at Anfield, Kenny Dalglish and Damian Comolli are trying to bring young British talent to the club in an attempt to return the glory years back to Anfield, but at what price? At what point does paying over the odds for the player because he has a promising future and lots of potential become a foolish transfer policy. In the case of Henderson and Carroll, £55 million has been spent on players who have only made 72 Premier League appearances between them. Henderson, who had a great start to last season, was no where near as effective after he won his one and only England cap against France where he looked out of his depth. Carroll has undoubted talent and on his day is near unplayable but he has a poor fitness record and a very suspect temperament off the pitch.

Liverpool are not alone in spending large transfer fees on young players this summer. Sunderland have signed Conor Wickham from Ipswich Town for around £12 million. Wickham has scored 13 goals in 65 championship appearances for Ipswich which works out at a goal every 5 games. Hardly a strike rate to instil fear into opposing defences. 19 year old centre half Phil Jones has joined Premier League champions Manchester United for a fee of £16 million pounds after just 35 premier league games for Blackburn. When you compare this with the £7.5 million Manchester United paid Mexican club Guadalajara 12 months ago for Javier Henandez who after scoring 20 goals in his debut season in English football was a steal at that price, had he of been British tho you could more than likely double what Manchester United would of paid for his services.

Is it any wonder the majority of Premier League sides look abroad for their young talent. When United bought Hernandez he had made 64 domestic appearances (almost as many as Henderson and Carroll put together). Since signing for United, “Chicarito” as he is known has scored 20 goals in 45 appearances, starred for Mexico at the 2010 World Cup and has just won Player of the Tournament at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup scoring 7 goals. His market value has probably trebled in that time. What the above helps emphasize, is that buying young talent from abroad seems to represent much better value for English clubs. Arsene Wenger has been widely criticised for this in recent years but in the likes of Gael Clichy and Nicolas Anelka and Cesc Fabregas, Wenger has bought players for next to nothing, and subsequently selling them on for huge profits. It will be interesting to see, if in 12 months time, the likes of Henderson and Carroll have helped Liverpool to win trophies or spent large parts of the season on the substitutes bench, I personally think it will be the later.

The subject of the number of foreign players playing football in Britain is a very talked about subject, with Arsenal and Chelsea at times fielding sides without any British players involved. But you can’t blame the clubs for going over seas for young talent as home-grown players are too expensive.

You only have to look at some of this summers transfers to see the point trying to be made.

Downing to Liverpool for £20m 

Sanchez to Barcelona for £26m

If you compare these tranfers similar players; as in attacking wide men. Stewart Downing last season played 38 times last season scoring 7 goals and also assisting in 7 goals with a cross completion of 24% but Aston Villa finished a disappointing 9th. Sanchez on the other hand helped Udinese to qualify for the Champions League for the first time by scoring 12 goals and assisting in 18 goals with a cross percentage of 43%. I am by no means saying that Liverpool should of gone for Sanchez or that he would of chose Liverpool over Barcelona but if you compare the difference in fee of £6m to what you would get this just proves that British players are over priced.

chatting with Richard Lee, Brentford goalkeeper and ex Watford

Recently I managed to get the chance to talk to ex Watford and current Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee about his career as a footballer. And I asked him if their was any chance I could do a piece on him in this blog to which he agreed! 

Last season having left Watford after 9 years at the club and one loan spell at Blackburn, Richard joined Brentford in League One. Last season Richard was in fantastic form as the stats do not lie, in a team that finished 11th in the League, Brentford had the second best defence in the league with Richard conceding 32 in 33 appearances.

JD - After only making 92 League apps for Waford in 9 years at the club did you ever want to leave earlier in your career or did you think you would break in as first choice or was it loyalty to the club?

RL – I never wanted to leave as during my time I did have several stints as first choice, under Ray Lew before initially a broken arm, then a broken cheek, knee op and loan to Blackburn cost me my place, then under Aidy before again a knee injury pre season meant starting again as back up and finally a poor run of form cost me, perhaps I was slightly unfortunate that when things were going very well I did seem to pick up injuries, it was only on the last occasion that I was officially dropped and credit to Scott in that I never had a look in after that. It was then a case of not wanting to drift into goalkeeping obscurity and I knew I needed to move as the opportunity of playing became smaller and smaller.

JD – Who has been your biggest influence on your career from a coaching/manager perspective and another goalkeeper?

RL – Firstly I am incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive family, my parents have always backed me and allowed me the opportunity I’ve been given. Then initially from a coaching perspective Kevin Hitchcock was great for me at Watford. He saw something in me that he knew he could work with and he went above and beyond to ensure I progressed even to the point of taking me to Blackburn with him! At the same time and after that Alec has always been great for me on and off the field, someone I’ve always looked up to as a goalkeeper and the way he conducted himself as a pro. 

JD – Who in your opinion is the best goalkeeper around at the moment and why?

RL -Iker Cassillas displays the most important attributes needed for a GK, speed, agility, spring but most importantly mentally he is so so tough, v rarely makes mistakes and is so dependable, he has always been my idol and the frightening thing is that he is my age! A living legend.

JD – With you being 6ft and the stereo typical goalkeeper around 6ft 2 do you feel this effects your game?

RL – It doesn’t affect my game, my stats prove that I am a very capable goalkeeper – 32 conceded in 33 games last season, 2nd best in league one in a team that finished 11th, as well as 6 penalty saves. The issue only comes in that many still have the idea that a goalkeeper needs to be 6ft5 in order to have presence etc, this is a myth and has acted as the catalyst behind me setting my goalkeeping business gk icon, a project aimed at increasing goalkeeping knowledge in the UK and in time one that will allow the very best to shine through – not just the biggest!

JD – Do you have any pre-match superstitions?

RL – No, I used to but have since done an incredible amount of work on the mind, to the point of gaining a qualification in NLP (neuro linguistic programming) as well as attending seminars and reading countless books. The idea behind superstitions is using objects or actions to help get the mind in the optimum state to play a game, I now feel confident I can do that whatever happens to me prior a game.

JD – How do you prepare for a match, the night before and day of the game?

RL -I try to prepare as well as I can – sleep well, eat well and relax. I will do some imagery the night before and on game days then ensure that I peak mentally and physically at kick off and keep that focus for 90 minutes. Last season was the first time I’ve really utilised this and it worked well for me. You can never guarantee a good performance but I do believe that by preparing well and finding your most productive ‘game mindset’ you give yourself the best possible chance.

JD – You have had a great season at Brentford staring in two penalty shoot outs, what advice could you give to other goalkeepers in a penalty situation?

RL – A few key points – show confidence, this WILL affect the taker, so stick your chest out and bounce around if need me, perhaps even talk to him, put an element of doubt in his mind. If you are going to dive then make your mind up and then dive fully. If you go the right way you will have a great chance of saving it.

JD – With Pre Season just started and under a new manager in Uwe Rosler, does he have different ideas to say a British manager to how its treated ie running etc.. and how long do you stay with the outfielders in pre season untill you go to do your specialist training?

RL -Yeh he does, he is very keen on ‘getting fit with the football’, very little running involved and he’s allowed the GK’s go off and get fit while doing goalkeeping work which for me is fantastic and makes sense. He has also shown that he gives fantastic feedback and is forever talking with the players, he is also highly professional in his ways, he expects the highest standards from all players and staff. I’m not sure if this is necessarily a foreign thing but from what he has shown so far he has certainly impressed everyone at the club.

JD – I know your only 28 and hopefully no where near the end of your career, but what do you have planned when you finish, business? Or are you going to stay in football as a coach?

RL -I do have business interests that I will continue to pursue and expand, I do enjoy helping grow projects such as dr cap and gk icon, I love the thought of building several more over time. I will also look to get my coaching badges and may look at the possibility of management but hopefully not for a few years yet.

JD – Any advice for semi professional players who are still looking for a chance to make a career out of the game not just goalkeepers, players in general?

RL -Learn from someone who has greater knowledge than you, be a ‘sponge’ and keep soaking up what you can from those who are achieving. If you then believe you are genuinely good enough then let people know! Keep demanding that clubs come and look at you and work off the feedback you get, you have nothing to lose and all to gain! And lastly enjoy the journey, regardless of whether you ‘make it’ or not, enjoy giving everything in whatever you do and you will succeed. 

Just want to say thanks to Richard again for agreeing to answer these questions.

Richard’s has a website and a youtube channel where he shares his experience with tips and ways to help and improve you as a goalkeeper

www.gkicon.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/GoalKeeperGuru

Managers who ask for loyalty then have no loyalty of their own…

In a week where Alex McLeish joined Birmingham’s bitter rivals Aston Villa, and in a time where people ask for loyalty from players, how about a little bit of loyalty from this list of Gaffers! Each one of the men I am about to list would of preached that there is no loyalty in football, but then they go and join a bitter rival.

1) Ron Saunders, Aston Villa to Birmingham City

What happened? Having won the 1981/82 league title, bullet-headed Saunders clashed with Doug Ellis – who had been in exile during the title run – over control of transfer policy and walked out on Villa in February 1982 with his club in the European Cup quarter-finals. Nine days later he walked into St Andrews.

Fans’ reaction? Supporters on both sides were gobsmacked and largely sympathetic to Saunders, with Blues fans glad to have a winner on board and the Villa faithful beginning a hate-hate relationship with Ellis.

Was he a success? Though Villa went on to win the European Cup under Tony Barton, Blues endured mixed fortunes under Saunders’ guidance. After struggling for two seasons, they were eventually relegated in 1983/84, before being promoted the following year. Saunders jumped ship in 1986, this time moving to another Midlands rival, West Bromwich Albion.

2) Harry Redknapp, Portsmouth to Southampton to Portsmouth

What happened? After numerous clashes with former chairman Milan Mandaric, Redknapp quit as Portsmouth manager on November 24 2004. He appeared to be close to returning a week later, when Mandaric hugged him at a bizarre press conference called to clarify remarks about the manager he had made in another bizarre press conference after his resignation. But on December 8, having being caught on camera telling a Pompey fan “am I joining that lot down the road? No chance”, Redknapp became Southampton manager, leading them to relegation. Just under a year later, on December 7 2005, he was back at Fratton Park.

Fans’ reaction? Frenzied. Southampton had to hire a bodyguard for Redknapp, while Portsmouth fans waved ‘Judas’ signs and sported ‘Harry Scummer’ T-shirts when he returned to Fratton and sang ‘Judas, Judas, what’s the score?’as their team routed Saints 4-1. All was forgiven when he returned – with Soouthampton supporters largely glad to see the back of him. And winning the FA Cup with a side of highly-paid veterans helped make him a Freeman Of Portsmouth. Alas, the day before Redknapp picked up the award, he quit now cash-strapped Pompey for Tottenham and when the mayor of Portsmouth opened his speech by saying “I don’t really know what to call this man”, a disgruntled fan shouted, “How about Judas?” and was ejected from the ceremony.

Was he a success? His days at St Mary’s ended in miserable failure, with the club being relegated for the first time in 27 years, and then failing to mount a successful promotion campaign. On the other hand, his return to Portsmouth marked a golden era in the club’s history, with Redknapp managing to keep the club in the top flight, achieve respectable league finishes in successive seasons, and famously winning the FA Cup in 2008, with a 1-0 victory against Cardiff City.

3) George Graham, Arsenal to Tottenham

What happened? The Scot had led Arsenal to six major trophies during his nine years at Highbury before running into bung trouble in 1995. Having served a one-year ban, he returned to football to sort out Leeds United and took them into Europe, but was tempted by a return to North London with the Gunners’ greatest rivals in October 1998.

Fans’ reaction? Indifference on the Arsenal side as supporters were beginning to fall in love with Arsene Wenger’s football after years of pragmatism under Graham. Open dislike on the Tottenham side, with Graham unforgiven for his Arsenal links. Famously, fans never sang his name, leading to memorable chants like “bloke in a coast’s blue-and-white army”. Graham scoffed at calls for a return to “the Tottenham Way”, pointing out if had returned precisely one title in 40 years. And he called the influential Tottenham Action Group “professional whingers”.

Was he a success? Just five months after taking charge at Spurs, Graham led the club to victory over Leicester City in the ill-tempered 1999 League Cup Final – their club’s first trophy in eight years. Other than this, Graham’s side stumbled in mid table mediocrity, with a best finish of 10th, and few Lilywhites shed a tear when he was sacked over a contract dispute March 2001.

4) Terry Neill, Tottenham to Arsenal

What happened? After a 21-year playing career at Arsenal, Neill was an unsurprisingly unpopular choice to succeed Tottenham legend Bill Nicholson as manager in 1974. Two years later, having barely kept Spurs up in his second season, the Irishman walked out to replace another ledge, Bertie Mee, at Highbury.

Fans’ reaction? On the Spurs side, bemused but not really bothered as rumour had it that Neill frequently used a spiritualist to help with team selections. Gooners welcomed back their former idol with some misgivings – Neill was still only 34, and had hardly set White Hart Lane alight.

Was he a success? His seven-year stay as Arsenal boss was relatively successful. The Gunners reached three successive FA Cup finals and the UEFA Cup final but only won one. However, the side never really reached their full potential with star players like Malcolm Macdonald, Pat Jennings and Liam Brady failing to consistently perform under Neill’s tutelage.

5) Alan Ball, Portsmouth to Southampton to Portsmouth

What happened? After two spells at Southampton as a player, the World Cup winner joined Portsmouth as manager in 1984 and lasted five mostly successful years. Five years and two jobs later, he joined Southampton before quitting for a disastrous spell at Manchester City. Ball returned to Fratton Park in 1998 in what would prove to be his last job in management.

Fans’ reaction? Despite the history of hatred between Skates and Scummers, Pompey fans ddn’t blame Ball too much for joining Saints as he’d been forced out of Portsmouth in a personality clash with unpopular chairman Jim Gregory. Southampton fans welcomed him back with opoen arms, remembering his successful spells in red and white stripes as a player. However, his decision to return to Fratton Park in 1998 was met with a certain degree of antipathy by both sets of fans.

Was he a success? At Southampton, Ball coped well with the pressure of relegation, by managing to maintain the club’s Premier League status in the 1993/94 season. The following year, impressive signings, including Bruce Grobbelaar, together with the form of Matt Le Tissier, propelled the Saints into an impressive 10th position. Ball’s propensity for relegation battles was on show when he took over at Portsmouth, and masterminded a miraculous escape from the second tier’s drop zone at the end of the 1997/98 season while old club City went down instead .

6) Danny Wilson, Sheffield Wednesday to Sheffield United

What happened? A success at Wednesday as a player (three Wembley finals and a League Cup win) but a relative failure as an Owls boss, Wilson was appointed manager of their deadly rivals the Blades on May 27th 2011.

Fans’ reaction? The decision to appoint Wilson was greeted with derision and anger among Blades fans. supporters. He arrived at Bramall Lane to face a mob of 400 protesters, one carrying a banner reading ‘Love United, Hate Wilson’, and cries of “Wilson Out” could be heard during his introductory press conference, with fan John Whiteley telling the local papers: “It’s the worst appointment I’ve seen in the 45 years I’ve been a Blade.” The anti-Danny demo was duly recorded in the Sheffield Star under the genius headline ‘Wilson Picket’.

Success? Remains to be seen, but Wilson faces a very difficult job in managing to convince fans that he is capable of guiding the club back into the big time again.

7) Brian Clough, Derby to Nottingham Forest

What happened? The outspoken character enjoyed promotion and title success with Derby County, before a controversial departure in October 1973, charted with reasonable faithfulness in the book and film The Damned Utd. After brief and unsuccessful spells at Brighton and Leeds, he joined the Rams’ then-lowly East Midlands arch rivals Nottingham Forest in January 1975.

Fans’ reaction? Clough was an immensely popular figure at Derby, and his decision to take over at the City Ground was met with uproar by the Pride Park faithful. Not so at Forest, where fans had been circulating a petition to bring Old Big ‘Ead to the City Ground since his Elland Road dismissal in September 1974. Yet Clough continued to live in Derby and as Forest’s fortunes improved and the Rams declined, he achieved popularity even in the town which despises the Tricky Trees. Today, there are statues of the great man in both Derby and Nottingham.

Was he a success? Clough proved himself to be one of the world’s greatest manager during his 18 years in charge of Forest. He guided them to the First Division title, two successive European Cups, and four League Cups before a sad and booze-soaked relegation.

8) Peter Taylor, Derby to Nottingham Forest to Derby

What happened? Despite a feud with Clough over Taylor’s 1980 tell-all book, the Forest paid fulsome tribute to his loyal assistant when Taylor retired in May 1982. Yet six months later the “genius coach” was back in football with Forest’s deadly rivals and enraged Clough by buying winger John Robertson from Forest while Clough was on holiday. The pair never spoke again and for the next two years, with each living in in the other town, they drove past each other on the way into work every day without even exchanging a wave.

Fan reaction? The Forest faithful, stoked up by Clough, were outraged as Taylor’s betrayal of his former friend. Derby fans were grateful to see him stolen away from the enemy, although the attraction quickly paled when it became clear he would not take Derby back to the top flight.

Was he a success? Taylor managed to steer Derby away from the bottom of the old Division Two table and even beat Clough’s Forest in the third round of the FA Cup. But financial problems at the club meant he was never able to mount a serious bid for honours and when he resigned in April 1984 Derby were again back in the drop zone.

9) Radomir Antic, Real Madrid to Atletico Madrid to Barcelona

What happened? The man who kept Luton Town in the top flight with the goal which relegated Manchester City in 1983 got his second managerial job with Real in 1991, then had outstanding success with local rivals Atletico after a brief spell with Real Oviedo. He had three stints as manager there and returned to Oviedo before joining Barcelona.

Fans’ reaction? Remembered fondly by fans of all three teams, Antic is baffled by the increasing enmity between Real and Barca. He said recently:  “The rivalry between both clubs has gone too far. Football has continually been in the background and non-sporting issues have made the headlines. I really can’t understand this.”

Was he a success? Antic had his greatest success at Atletico, when he led the club to its first League and Domestic Cup double in 1996. He might have done similar at Real, where he signed Luis Enrique and Robert Prosinecki while converting Fernando Hierro into a midfielder, and Barca, where he blooded Andres Iniesta and moved Xavi into the hole. On both occasions, club politics led to his departure.

10) Leonardo, AC Milan to Inter

What happened? Citing conflicts with bunga-bunga enthusiast, Italian PM and AC Milan owner, the club’s Brazilian boss quit in May 2010, waving goodbye to the club he served with distinction as a player in the late 1990s. However, Leonardo was back at San Siro with Inter by December, replacing unpopular Rafa Benitez.

Fans’ reaction? Inter’s fans were not overjoyed about the prospect of a Milan legend becoming their new manager. However, this was offset by their disillusionment with Benitez’s performance and their craving for change. On the other side, AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said he “would never forgive” Leonardo, but later claimed he had been joking. Galliani also described Berlusconi as “not a self-serving person and he is not bossy”, so he’s obviously got a well-developed sense of humour.

Success? Leonardo started off fairly well in the blue side of the City, managing to finish runners up in the league (behind their rivals, unfortunately), and winning the Italian Cup with victory over Palermo. But he always seemed uncomfortable at Inter and left in June 2011 to join Paris St Germain.

What Ashley Young will do to United’s selection…

Sir Alex Ferguson has wasted no time in rebuilding his Manchester United midfield following their Champions League final humbling by Barcelona.

With his team good enough to win a moderate Premier League by nine points but lacking the quality required to rule Europe, Ferguson is taking the first step in a major overhaul of United’s midfield with the £16million signing of Ashley Young.

United have held lengthy talks with Young’s representatives in Manchester  and a deal is expected to be formally concluded when the winger returns from his holiday.

Not since 1995, when Paul Ince, Andrei Kanchelskis and Mark Hughes were offloaded, have United faced such a radical shake-up of personnel as Ferguson lays the foundations for the last great side of his Old Trafford reign.

The Scot is aiming to bring in as many as five players this summer, with defender Phil Jones having already been recruited from Blackburn for £16m and an £18m deal in place for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea to replace Edwin van der Sar.

But of most concern to Ferguson is midfield, where United were humiliated by Barcelona at Wembley a fortnight ago.It is the area of the team where the most significant rebuilding process must take place.

That process has begun with the acquistion of Young and will continue with the capture of Tottenham’s Luka Modric, Arsenal’s Samir Nasri or Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder, to provide the midfield guile and drive United were so lacking against Barcelona.

Ferguson is said to have bought Young with the intention of playing him through the middle, rather than as a winger – a role in which he excelled at Villa, but one where United already have an abundance of options, including Nani, Antonio Valencia and Ji-Sung Park.

Young made his name as a prolific striker at Watford, his favoured position until his move to Villa. He was deployed out wide there under Martin O’Neill, but when Gerard Houllier arrived he played him in a more central role off the main striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo went through the same evolution during his six-year spell at United, graduating from a wide player into a more central figure given freedom to roam and exert maximum influence on games.

How Young is utilised depends much on the identity of the United manager’s second midfield signing this summer – and whether Nani, who is said to be open to the prospect of a move, ends up leaving Old Trafford. Although Nani was voted United’s Player of the Year by his team-mates last season, the return of Valencia following six months out with a broken ankle saw him lose his place towards the end of the campaign.

The versatility Young offers, in being able to operate wide and through the middle, makes him a valuable acquisition for United, with Ferguson keen to inject more pace and fluidity to his midfield.

With Wayne Rooney having thrived in his new role just off Javier Hernandez last season, providing 16 assists in all competitions and being able to dictate the tempo of games, Ferguson may still choose to play Young on the wing.

With Valencia on the right and Young on the left, Rooney could retain his licence to orchestrate games in the classic No.10 role, with Hernandez playing on the shoulder of defenders as a lone striker.

Such an attacking quartet would be supported by a deeper-lying midfield duo of Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher, but it remains to be seen how Ferguson sees his fifth United side shaping up, with so many of his transfer targets still outstanding.

One player Ferguson is said to see as central to United’s plans next season is Anderson. The Brazilian midfielder arrived from Porto for £17million in 2007 but has yet to fulfil his potential. His progress hampered by a succession of injuries, Anderson has yet to undergo a proper full pre-season in his four years at United – something Ferguson hopes will change this summer with the tour of the US.

Ferguson will not be too dismayed that Anderson and twins Fabio and Rafael Da Silva were not named in the Brazil squad for next month’s Copa America, ensuring they can enjoy a lengthy rest before pre-season.

Top 10 Opening day fixtures…

With the fixtures coming out for the Premiership last week I thought this would be a very topical, as normally on the opening day there are few ‘epic’ games, so here is a list of the top 10 in my opinion since the Premiership started.

1) Sheffield United 2-1 Manchester United (15 August 1992):

What happened? Man United’s first game in the Premier League; a competition they would go on to dominate. However, things didn’t start well in a match which featured the first-ever Premier League goal, scored by Brian Deane, who then doubled the Blades’ advantage in the second half. Mark Hughes got a consolation for the Red Devils.

How the teams ended up: United recovered from the defeat and went on to claim their first title for 26 years, and the club’s first of many under Alex Ferguson. The Baldes’ season fizzled out and despite Deane contributing 15 goals, they only managed to finish 14th.

2) Crystal Palace 3-3 Blackburn Rovers (15 August 1992):

What happened? After a record-breaking transfer from Southampton, Alan Shearer’s first game for Rovers saw him score two second half goals in a thriller. But a late equaliser from Simon Osborn prevented the three points going back to Ewood Park.

How the teams ended up: Palace endured a miserable season and were relegated on the final day, leading to that rarest of things – a Steve Coppell resignation. Blackburn had a successful campaign under Kenny Dalglish, finishing fourth and as the league’s highest scorers with 68 goals.

3) Sheffield Wednesday 3-4 Tottenham (20 August 1994):

What happened? On his debut, Jurgen Klinsmann made himself an instant Spurs legend by scoring the winning goal and performing his dive celebration (suggested on the team bus by fellow scorer Teddy Sheringham) for the first time. Goals from Nick Barmby, and Darren Anderton for Spurs and Dan Petrescu, Colin Calderwood (og) and David Hirst for the Owls completed the day’s action.

How the teams ended up: Neither side flourished, with Spurs finishing seventh, Wednesday 13th and both sides losing their managers as Gerry Francis’ mullet replaced Ossie Ardiles and slow driver David Pleat came in for Trevor Francis.

4) Southampton 3-4 Nottingham Forest (19 August 1995):

What happened? In a classic encounter, Matt Le Tissier’s hat-trick for the Saints ultimately proved fruitless with Forest emerging with the three points thanks to goals from Colin Cooper, Ian Woan and a Brian Roy double.

How the teams ended up: The pre-season departure of popular manager Alan Ball to Manchester City created instability for Southampton but they managed to survive relegation through the virtues of goal difference on the final day as Ball’s City went down. Despite the departure of star striker Stan Collymore, Forest had a fairly successful season, finishing ninth and reaching the UEFA Cup semis.

5) Middlesbrough 3-3 Liverpool ( 17 August 1996):

What happened ? Silver fox Fabrizio Ravanelli wrote himself into Premier League history with an incredible hat-trick on his debut for the Teessiders.  The White Feather had his goals countered by strikes from Stig Inge Bjornbeye, John Barnes and Robbie Fowler. This game is also memorable for the Ecru coloured kit that Liverpool wore which was awful!!

How the teams ended up: Middlesbrough had a strange season, reaching and losing the FA Cup and League Cup finals, and then being relegated on the last day of the season having been deducted three points earlier in the season for deciding, without FA approval, not to turn up to a game in December against Blackburn. Liverpool, under the leadership of Roy Evans, led the league for most of the season until late March, but fell away by the wayside and finished fourth.

6) Charlton Athletic 2-3 Chelsea (17 August 2002):

What happened? Chelsea came back from two down to beat 10-man Charlton at the Valley. Paul Konchesky gave the Addicks an early lead before seeing red and Richard Rufus soon put Charlton 2-0 up. However, the Blues showed admirable resilience and responded thanks to goals from Gianfranco Zola and Carlton Cole, before Frank Lampard completed the comeback with a winner with just a minute to go.

How the teams ended up: The Addicks had a solid season considering their relatively small budget and finished in 12th. Chelsea continued their progress under Claudio Ranieri and secured a Champions League position for the first time in four years, setting up Roman Abramovich’s Russian revolution in the following summer.

7) Reading 3-2 Middlesbrough (19 August 2006):

What happened? Despite being 2-0 behind after goals from  Stewart Downing and Yakubu, Steve Coppell’s promoted Royals responded with real determination and goals from Dave Kitson and Steve Sidwell before Leroy Lita sealed the comeback early in the second half.

How the teams ended up: Reading had a great debut season, finishing eighth and also had the biggest win of the season, with a 6-0 victory over West Ham. Boro lost manager Steve McClaren to England and his successor Gareth Southgate could only take the club to 13th position in a mediocre season.

8) Everton 2-3 Blackburn Rovers (16 August 2008):

What happened? Paul Ince’s reign at Ewood Park started off well with a dramatic win over the Toffees at Goodison Park. An injury time winner from Andre Ooijer came after goals by David Dunne and Roque Santa Cruz which were initially countered by strikes from Mikael Arteta and Yakubu.

How the teams ended up: Everton recovered from the home defeat to finish a very creditable fifth and reach the FA Cup Final, with boss David Moyes named LMA Manager of the year. Blackburn were dogged by inconsistency, which saw Ince being sacked and replaced by Sam Allardyce in January, where he eventually secured Premier League survival by finishing 15th.

9) Everton 1-6 Arsenal (15 August 2009):

What happened? The Gunners produced a spectacular display to hammer Everton. Goals from Denilson, Vermaelen, Gallas, Fabregas (2) and Eduardo sealed a famous victory with the Toffees managing an injury time consolation through Louis Saha.

How the teams ended up : Everton failed to match their previous season’s achievements, but still managed to finish in a respectable eighth after a late-season revival. Arsenal failed to build on their opening day exploits, and came a disappointing third after a season which began with so much promise (where have we heard or read that before).

10) Wigan Athletic 0-4 Blackpool (14 August 2010)

What happened? Everyone had tipped the Seasiders to be down with the Christmas decorations, but they started off the season in style with an wonderful victory over Wigan. Goals from Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Marlon Harewood (2) and Baptiste ensured a convincing win.

How the teams ended up: The two clubs endured contrasting fortunes, with Wigan struggling but surviving on the final day of the season, and Blackpool riding high but being relegated after defeat to champions Manchester United. Latics manager Roberto Martinez turned down the advances of Aston Villa in the close season. Blackpool became the highest-scoring side ever to be relegated and now Ian Holloway’s men must prepare for a difficult Championship campaign.

 

Ginger, Half-Blind, Asthmatic and the best English midielder of our generation…

All things must pass – an apt epitaph for the career of a man who used the ball like Paul Scholes did in his pomp, a midfield hub that could ping a zephyr-like pass across the width of a crowded football pitch and land it on a pound coin 99 times out of 100. All known laws of the universe state that he should never have been able to make it as a professional sportsman in any capacity – what with his squinty short-sightedness and his oft-chronic asthma – though, by way of his immaculate footballing talent, Scholes systematically mangled the principles that govern our very cosmos like they were little more than Pablo Zabaleta’s right thigh.

Of course he couldn’t tackle for toffee, and became more and more of a dangerous liability the pinker his face became during a game (the ‘furrowed brow-to-impending doom ratio’, as it duly became known), but the stellar endorsements of his almost peerless creative craft are myriad and speak volumes on behalf of a man who rarely says a word. Along with the five Barcelona players that queued up to swap shirts with him after the Champions League final this year, fellow luminaries such as Zinedine Zidane, Edgar Davids, Xavi, Laurent Blanc, Pavel Nedved, Jose Mourinho, Bobby Charlton, Juan Sebastien Veron, Thierry Henry and Robbie Savage (this list goes on and on) have all lined up to champion the ginger runts’ mercurial talents at one point or another, and for good reason – put simply, Scholes is/was the finest English artisan midfielder of his, and probably several other generations.

Well played Paul Scholes!!

Players Available on a free…

Well with the transfer window opening very soon, you can expect alot of big money transfers but along side that here is a list my the top 10 players in my opinion who are available on free transfers therefor out of contract.

Miroslav Klose – Bayern Munich

The second all time leading goal scorer in World Cup history has had a indifferent season just gone, scoring just one yes just one goal in twenty appearances. 33 this year and wanting a two year deal from Bayern, he has only been offered a one year and does not seem to happy with that, time will tell.

Rumored Clubs – Tottenham, Valencia

Jay Bothroyd – Cardiff

Big shame for Cardiff who fended off aparent interest from Premiership clubs in January to keep hold of who at the time was very much in form, and also turning down a possible £3m fee is going to leave for nothing now. Cardiff thought holding onto him would get them promotion to the Premiership.

Rumored Clubs – Celtic, Everton and Aston Villa

Matthew Upson – West Ham

With West Ham going down he is unlikely to be offered a new deal and even if they did would he sign it? On his day a very good defender, just a shame this season those days have been few and far between.

Rumored Clubs – N/A

David Vaughan – Blackpool

Local boy (North Wales) David had been fantastic this season for Blackpool he scooped up their player of the year ahead of Charlie Adam. After such a good season highly unlikely he will return to the Championship. DJ Campbell and Charlie Adam have stole the headlines from Vaughan but anyone who has watched with interest would not of missed his performances.

Rumored Clubs – Sunderland, Wigan

Michael Owen – Man Utd

Personally I think Owen should get a new deal but it’s wether Sir Alex see’s it viable and if Michael Owen wants to waste another year of making 11 appearances. I think most clubs would be interested in Owen as if you keep him fit he has shown in 2 seasons at Old Trafford he will score goals still.

Rumored Clubs – Derby, QPR

Eidur Gudjohnson – Stoke

Eidur has won a fair bit in his career and is still oozing the class he has shown throughout his time in football. Mark Hughes has apparently offered him a deal to make his loan permanent.

Rumored Clubs – Fulham, QPR

John Carew – Aston Villa

Big John has had a semi successful loan move to Stoke, a handful for most defenders, due to his size and physique even having a poor game he is a threat.

Rumored Clubs – QPR, Stoke and West Brom

Sebastian Larsson – Birmingham

With Birmingham going down they claim they can keep their big names I doubt this myself, normally pops up with a set piece wonder goal throughout the season. Many clubs will be interested in the boy!

Rumored Clubs – Sunderland, Man City, Newcastle, Wigan

Kai Edwards – Wrexham

Great player, the flying full back has been on loan at Welsh Premier side Prestatyn and has been a revelation. Kai has been nominated for Young Player of the Year in the league and has had numerous nominations for Team of the Year.

Rumored Clubs – Prestatyn, Milan, Barcelona

Brad Friedel – Aston Villa

It was on twitter yesterday that Brad was in talks to return to Liverpool, I don’t know what role but I can’t see him playing to much with Reina being at the club. Been a great ‘keeper over his years in the Premiership, but some displays this season have shown his age maybe creeping in.

Rumored Clubs – Liverpool and West Brom.

Keeper Transfers…

As the Premiership season has drawn to an end, many goalkeepers will be looking at what position they now find themselves in. Be it in the Premiership or Sunday league, every footballer in the country may end up moving on this summer. Goalkeepers are no different.

Of course the glamorous transfers will happen in the Premiership, and there are many clubs on the lookout, and again many top Goalkeepers who will be looking for transfers!!

Who is On The Lookout?


Manchester United - Following the great Edwin Van Der Sar’s retirement. Fergie has got a hell of a job on his hands in replacing, in my opinion the worlds greatest and of goalkeeper of the season. Fergie’s plan A was clearly to groom Ben Foster for the number one spot, however that unfortunately has not gone to plan. Plan B (not the rapper) is to get in a top quality replacement. As previously posted, Kusczak is a joke, and Lindegaard is unproven.

Tottenham Hotspur - Following a fantastic season for Spurs, it has become blatantly obvious that there has been a weak link in their side, and this link is called Huerelho Gomes. High profile mistakes, in high profile games at high profile moments by the Brazilian have contributed to Spurs’ downfall this season. When your own crowd jeers your goalkeeper, that is always a problem. Good old ‘Ary seems to have lost faith in his number 1, and Cudicini is nowhere near up to scratch. A top Goalkeeper is undoubtedly top of Harry’s shopping list.

Aston Villa - Whilst Villa have had many problems this year, Goalkeeping probably has not been one of them. However the ageing Brad Friedel has shown signs of his age catching up with him, and it may be time for Villa to invest in longevity. Gut feeling is that Villa will invest in an English goalkeeper, however the decision will be in the hands of the manager – and we can’t be 100% sure on who that is yet.

Wigan Athletic - Following a highly successful loan spell for Ali Al-Habsi, the Oman national will undoubtedly be The Latics’ first choice to sign on a permanent deal. Whilst I am not a fan of his, I cannot argue that he has had a good season and will probably be heading to the DW this summer. However you cannot rule out the possibility of Wigan being gazumped by a bigger club.

Arsenal - Fabianski and Almunia both aren’t good enough. Some say that Szczesny is, however I dont believe so (see previous posts). It could well be that Arsenal will again try and sign a goalkeeper having baulked at Fulham’s £2m valuation of Mark Schwarzer or Shay Given.

Who is Available??


Ben Foster - Has had a fantastic season at Birmingham, and has been let own by his teams inability to score goals. Despite Ben not wanting to leave Birmingham, he and the club will have to seriously consider his future. He may end up staying, however there will be plenty of Premier League sharks.

Rob Green - Greeno is a goalkeeper who adheres himself to fans, however it looks certain that he will also leave West Ham following their relegation. West Ham will need him off the wage bill and I am sure that RG will not turn down the opportunity of a fresh start.

Shay Given - After a year on the bench, has Shay got comfortable sitting on his wages? If the answer is no, then surely a move must be on the cards this summer? Top class keeper wherever he has been, many would snap him up if they can afford his wages.

Ali Al Habsi - Surely Wigan bound? Bolton will not allow him to gazump Jussi, so surely it makes sense to sell. Probably a case of highest bidder wins.

Gomes -  Spurs will undoubtedly be looking to sell, however common sense dictates that Mr Tickle would like a move abroad. Would be very suprised to see a domestic switch.

David de Gea - Looks set to sign for Man United, don’t know much about him other than YoutTube clips as La Liga bores me.

Maarten Stekelenberg - Linked with Man U, Spurs, Arsenal. Would be no surprise if  he makes a Prem move.

Thomas Sorenson - Will he be happy being the cup keeper this season? Sense suggests not. Solid reliable premiership keeper.

David Stockdale - Performed admirably in Mark Schwarzer’s absence this year. Gut feeling tells me that a loan move would make sense.

Frazer Forster -  Had a great season on loan at Celtic. Will he be given an opportunity at Newcastle next year? Big decision for Alan Pardew.

Matt Gilks - Fraudster of the season is out of contract at the end of the season. Man City have apparently shown an interest in signing him as a backup. Will be a great move for him because he is pretty rubbish.

Richard Kingson -  Cant see him having much more of a future at relegated Blackpool. The Carphone Warehouse is probably a realistic transfer for Kingo.

Tomasz Kuszczak - Looks set to leave hopefully, following being non stop pathetic. I have no doubt that somebody will probably make the mistake of signing him.

So after all this talk I hear you ask yourself who do I think will go where?? Well below is a list of possible transfers, but please do not put any money on these happening as unilike Paddy Power I will not refund and losing bets! 

Ben Foster to Spurs - I believe that ‘Ary will be looking for a goalkeeper of big character to come in to the dressing room. With the added fact that Birmingham face life in the Championship I don’t think Foster will be happy to stay, when Spurs would offer European football.

De Gea/Stekelenberg to Man United - It looks clear that United are going to sign one of these. Think Fergie fancied Reina but Kenny has taken over he looks set to stay. Both will have the unenviable task of replacing Edwin, one of the true greats.

Rob Green to Villa - I thing Rob Green could be a good signing for Villa should they decide a replacement is necessary. Similar size club to West Ham and similar sort of spolight. Villa won’t need to break the bank for him. Think Birmingham may prevent Foster from joining Villa, Green is the next logical choice.

Arsenal to stick with Szczesny - Wenger is an idiot, and will put is faith in him. Arsenal will have another end of season capitulation. What a shame.

Ali Al-Habsi to Wigan - The deal has probably already been done.

Shay Given to Leave Man City - Not much of a prediction here, but I have no idea where he will go. Villa will be interested as will Arsneal,  but I think he will go this year, his last chance really.