Me and my mate ripping each others team off.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Gloomy rant.
I’m sitting here listening to the United v Coventry goal and City just scored, now they just hit the post. Thank God its not on TV I would have broken it by now.
Going back to Sundays game and there were some debatable decisions by the referee but SAF came out and said that the decisions were balanced throughout the game. I don’t want to get involved in this debate, all I can say that we got the three points and we deserved them because we dominated the game. Grants first game in charge was fantastic, I bet Roman is scratching his head thinking what he is going to do know. Rumors on the net today say that Chelsea approached Van Basten to join them but a statement from the club says this was not true.
My fantasy team has been dealt a major blow this week. 8 days after I put Owen in my team Newcastle come out and say he needs to have surgery again, there go another 4 points to transfer him out. I feel sorry for Owen he is a good player that has been plagued by injury for the best part of his career.
First half over. United 0 -1 Coventry.
I bet SAF wishes he had Rooney on the bench. He must give them a good talking to during the break.
3 minutes extra time called and united trail 2-0, the Coventry fans can’t believe what’s happening and neither do I. How can we lose to them at home? From the sound of it United had 2 good chances in the game and that’s it. End of the game and end of this post I’m going to sleep my depression off.
Going back to Sundays game and there were some debatable decisions by the referee but SAF came out and said that the decisions were balanced throughout the game. I don’t want to get involved in this debate, all I can say that we got the three points and we deserved them because we dominated the game. Grants first game in charge was fantastic, I bet Roman is scratching his head thinking what he is going to do know. Rumors on the net today say that Chelsea approached Van Basten to join them but a statement from the club says this was not true.
My fantasy team has been dealt a major blow this week. 8 days after I put Owen in my team Newcastle come out and say he needs to have surgery again, there go another 4 points to transfer him out. I feel sorry for Owen he is a good player that has been plagued by injury for the best part of his career.
First half over. United 0 -1 Coventry.
I bet SAF wishes he had Rooney on the bench. He must give them a good talking to during the break.
3 minutes extra time called and united trail 2-0, the Coventry fans can’t believe what’s happening and neither do I. How can we lose to them at home? From the sound of it United had 2 good chances in the game and that’s it. End of the game and end of this post I’m going to sleep my depression off.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Coaches and Managers
It is a well known fact that good players don't always make good managers, but there seems to be a strong case developing to extend that phrase to good coaches don't make good managers either. Now obviously there are a few exceptions, JoseMourinho and Guus Hiddink being two of the most obvious. But by and large there are very few good coaches that make the transition to being good managers. This long and infamous list includes some of the biggest names in the game as well as a string of previously respected coaches. Kevin Keagan, Ruud Gullitt, Roy Evans, Glenn Roeder, Brian Kidd and even Carlos Querioz are all a few of the names that have entered management and failed. Some to a greater degree than others. And it appears that this season, like most others, has already delivered a few more examples.
The first is Sammy Lee. The Anfield legend was a respected coach under Souness, Evans and Houllier at Liverpool, before moving on to become Sam Allardyces assistant at Bolton. Their success in turning the unfashionable Lancashire outfit into a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League is well documented and they deserved all the plaudits they got. But since Big Sam's departure, "Little Sam" seems to have struggled to stamp his own style on the team or to come to terms with the added responsibility. The other is Martin Jol. Yes, he has done well in guiding Spurs to fifth in the last two seasons, but that could probably be put down to good coaching rather than good management. His tactical naivety has been continually called into question over his time in charge and now that they are struggling, he really seems like he has absolutely no clue how to rally the team and get the best out of them. His treatment of Jermaine Defoe being a prime example of his inability to manage. It may take both of these men a long time to build up their confidence and reputation if they fail.
I also think that the next example will come sooner rather than later, and that it will be at Stamford Bridge. Avram Grant is apparently a very good coach, but will he have the ability to generate the same kind of loyalty that Mourinho did, or handle a group of players that are far superior to any he has been involved with in the past? I don't think so and don't be surprised if Roman's axe swings again soon.
It is also the reason that I don't think that Carlos Querioz will be the right person to take over from Sir Alex. He failed at Madrid, and he only had to worry about coaching the first team there. How will he handle that as well having to worry about other aspects of the club too?
Or maybe the days of the football manager are coming to an end in Britain? The European structure of allowing the first team coach to only focus on the first team seems to be becoming a lot more prevalent now. This structure would obviously mean that Queiroz could take over at Old Trafford, but I do not think it will catch on too quickly. Young managers like Keane, Southgate, Hughes and even Allardyce will be around for a long time to come, meaning the traditional British structure will continue. Arsene Wenger has also proven that managers from the continent can succeed in this environment.
The value of a good coach can and should never be under estimated, even Sir Alex has always relied on an assistant throughout his career. What the failure of those mentioned above shows is that once clubs have the good managers, they should do all they can to hold onto them.
The first is Sammy Lee. The Anfield legend was a respected coach under Souness, Evans and Houllier at Liverpool, before moving on to become Sam Allardyces assistant at Bolton. Their success in turning the unfashionable Lancashire outfit into a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League is well documented and they deserved all the plaudits they got. But since Big Sam's departure, "Little Sam" seems to have struggled to stamp his own style on the team or to come to terms with the added responsibility. The other is Martin Jol. Yes, he has done well in guiding Spurs to fifth in the last two seasons, but that could probably be put down to good coaching rather than good management. His tactical naivety has been continually called into question over his time in charge and now that they are struggling, he really seems like he has absolutely no clue how to rally the team and get the best out of them. His treatment of Jermaine Defoe being a prime example of his inability to manage. It may take both of these men a long time to build up their confidence and reputation if they fail.
I also think that the next example will come sooner rather than later, and that it will be at Stamford Bridge. Avram Grant is apparently a very good coach, but will he have the ability to generate the same kind of loyalty that Mourinho did, or handle a group of players that are far superior to any he has been involved with in the past? I don't think so and don't be surprised if Roman's axe swings again soon.
It is also the reason that I don't think that Carlos Querioz will be the right person to take over from Sir Alex. He failed at Madrid, and he only had to worry about coaching the first team there. How will he handle that as well having to worry about other aspects of the club too?
Or maybe the days of the football manager are coming to an end in Britain? The European structure of allowing the first team coach to only focus on the first team seems to be becoming a lot more prevalent now. This structure would obviously mean that Queiroz could take over at Old Trafford, but I do not think it will catch on too quickly. Young managers like Keane, Southgate, Hughes and even Allardyce will be around for a long time to come, meaning the traditional British structure will continue. Arsene Wenger has also proven that managers from the continent can succeed in this environment.
The value of a good coach can and should never be under estimated, even Sir Alex has always relied on an assistant throughout his career. What the failure of those mentioned above shows is that once clubs have the good managers, they should do all they can to hold onto them.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Good bye Mourinho, Good bye Mourinho.
A lot has happened this week, but the biggie must certainly be the
‘sacking/quitting/departing by mutual consent’ of Mourinho. Has he suffered the same fate as some of the players he has brought into the club. Either that or has he told Roman where he can go shove one of his expensive oil rigs.
If Roman was not impressed by last season’s results, or Chelsea’s last two performances, it must be a warning to future Managers of the Club. Roman wanted Sheva because he was his son’s favorite player apparently, and who ultimately ended up bearing that cross? Jose’s replacement Avram was the Director of football, and was involved down on the touch line. I’m sure Jose didn’t take to this well. You don’t pay a man Six Million Pounds per annum, and after missing the bull’s eye on one season give him a lashing and undermine his authority. The team hasn’t played well this season yet, but every team goes through that. Chelsea have lost one of the greatest Managers out there and he will be hard to replace. Ladbrokes have dropped Chelsea to fourth favorites to win the FAPL which isn’t much of a shock to me.
Future players of the club - be warned, this regime is ruthless and if Mourinho was sacked, he has followed suit to a couple of players Chelsea have had. If you don’t perform, there’s no second chance, you are booted out the door with your tail between your legs.
Chelsea fans be very weary of the dark future ahead. This is the first sign that this is no more than a game to Roman. There can’t be ONE Chelsea fan out there that thinks that this hasty move could be a good thing for the club. If by any chance there may a delusional die had Chelsea fan out there currently reading this blog with pie in the sky dreams, you deserve the Muppet of the Month award. Any team, fan and owner would bend over backwards for Jose (Unless you support the great United)
I’m grateful now, and so should all United fans be. We may have sold the club, but we sold it to a man who means business and ultimately has the same vision as us, and that is winning. Fergie has had a couple of bad runs since Glazer took over but he wasn’t sent packing was he? Glazer’s sons sit on the board of United, but they don’t get involved down on the pitch do they?
I would like to wish Mourinho the best for the future. He would have given SAF a run for the title for many years to come. But now he will be welcome at Old Trafford when the time comes for the greatest Manager of all time to hang up his tracksuit.
Saying all that, how fortunate are we that this happened 5 days before Chelsea come to Old Trafford? We were comfortable 1-0 victors before all this, and now we are going to destroy a one eyed, three legged and demodulated Chelsea squad.
Score prediction, 3-0.
‘sacking/quitting/departing by mutual consent’ of Mourinho. Has he suffered the same fate as some of the players he has brought into the club. Either that or has he told Roman where he can go shove one of his expensive oil rigs.
If Roman was not impressed by last season’s results, or Chelsea’s last two performances, it must be a warning to future Managers of the Club. Roman wanted Sheva because he was his son’s favorite player apparently, and who ultimately ended up bearing that cross? Jose’s replacement Avram was the Director of football, and was involved down on the touch line. I’m sure Jose didn’t take to this well. You don’t pay a man Six Million Pounds per annum, and after missing the bull’s eye on one season give him a lashing and undermine his authority. The team hasn’t played well this season yet, but every team goes through that. Chelsea have lost one of the greatest Managers out there and he will be hard to replace. Ladbrokes have dropped Chelsea to fourth favorites to win the FAPL which isn’t much of a shock to me.
Future players of the club - be warned, this regime is ruthless and if Mourinho was sacked, he has followed suit to a couple of players Chelsea have had. If you don’t perform, there’s no second chance, you are booted out the door with your tail between your legs.
Chelsea fans be very weary of the dark future ahead. This is the first sign that this is no more than a game to Roman. There can’t be ONE Chelsea fan out there that thinks that this hasty move could be a good thing for the club. If by any chance there may a delusional die had Chelsea fan out there currently reading this blog with pie in the sky dreams, you deserve the Muppet of the Month award. Any team, fan and owner would bend over backwards for Jose (Unless you support the great United)
I’m grateful now, and so should all United fans be. We may have sold the club, but we sold it to a man who means business and ultimately has the same vision as us, and that is winning. Fergie has had a couple of bad runs since Glazer took over but he wasn’t sent packing was he? Glazer’s sons sit on the board of United, but they don’t get involved down on the pitch do they?
I would like to wish Mourinho the best for the future. He would have given SAF a run for the title for many years to come. But now he will be welcome at Old Trafford when the time comes for the greatest Manager of all time to hang up his tracksuit.
Saying all that, how fortunate are we that this happened 5 days before Chelsea come to Old Trafford? We were comfortable 1-0 victors before all this, and now we are going to destroy a one eyed, three legged and demodulated Chelsea squad.
Score prediction, 3-0.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Everton 0-1 United
Today was the 6th game in the FAPL and I still have not been wowed by a United performance yet. We went to one of the most progressive team’s home and we beat them but that doesn’t justify our poor form in front of goal. It’s happened the whole season, we don’t allow them to shoot, we dominate the midfield and we can’t put the ball into the net.
What about SAF’s team choice for the game? Saha on the bench, why didn’t he start him he got a full 45 minutes in two weeks ago and has since been resting due to internationals. Patrice Evra on the Left, nothing was wrong with Nani. To be honest thought Evra was causing more problems for Everton than Ronaldo.
At least we won and now we equal with Liverpool, Chelsea and 2 behind the Gunners. It’s good to see Wenger has proved his critics wrong once again. He has a very good team and they are title contenders. The Big 4 are the Big 4 once again but if United put on there shooting boots one of these days it will be the Big 1. WE have got a more solid team than any of the other 3 we just need to gel. When will that happen?
UWS
What about SAF’s team choice for the game? Saha on the bench, why didn’t he start him he got a full 45 minutes in two weeks ago and has since been resting due to internationals. Patrice Evra on the Left, nothing was wrong with Nani. To be honest thought Evra was causing more problems for Everton than Ronaldo.
At least we won and now we equal with Liverpool, Chelsea and 2 behind the Gunners. It’s good to see Wenger has proved his critics wrong once again. He has a very good team and they are title contenders. The Big 4 are the Big 4 once again but if United put on there shooting boots one of these days it will be the Big 1. WE have got a more solid team than any of the other 3 we just need to gel. When will that happen?
UWS
Friday, September 14, 2007
Hatrick of wins comming our way
This weekend we visit Goodison Park. I enjoy this fixture for some reason maybe it because Everton hold the record for most number of years in top flight and it’s great to beat a team with that record. Last year we played them on the 28th of April and I was sitting at work and had to watch it somehow. So I found a way to stream it. Thank God I did this because this was a fantastic game 2-0 down and United coming back to score four, this was almost as good as our come back at White Hart Lane a few years ago. I was so worried that we could have thrown away the league on that day and then United Magic came into action proving why we deserved to win the FAPF last year.
The good news is that Rooney is in the squad for tomorrow’s game, remember last year he scored the goal to put United ahead. Another must win game for us and let’s hope we can complete a hatrick of victories. Everton haven’t lost at home since we been them in April.
The history between the teams is in our favour. We have met 173 times won 74 and lost 61. In the EPL our record against them is very good, played 30 won 23 and lost 3.
I can’t find to much team info but this could be a full strength squad bar Gary Neville.
Score Prediction 1-0 to the legends
GGMU.
The good news is that Rooney is in the squad for tomorrow’s game, remember last year he scored the goal to put United ahead. Another must win game for us and let’s hope we can complete a hatrick of victories. Everton haven’t lost at home since we been them in April.
The history between the teams is in our favour. We have met 173 times won 74 and lost 61. In the EPL our record against them is very good, played 30 won 23 and lost 3.
I can’t find to much team info but this could be a full strength squad bar Gary Neville.
Score Prediction 1-0 to the legends
GGMU.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The best of the best.
Since the premiership has firmly established itself as the greatest league in the world I thought that I would try and make my own premiership starting eleven with four subs. This proved to be very difficult as I am a United Supporter and it could come out very bias so no offense to supporters of other teams. Lets see how close we can get to perfecting this list.
Keeper
Peter Schmeichel
Petr Cech
Defense
Sol Campbell
Jaap Stam
Colin Henry
Stuart Pearce
Tony Adams
Midfield
Patrick Vierra
Steven Gerrard
Roy Keane (Captain)
Ryan Giggs
Eric Cantona (Although could be classed as a striker)
Foward
Tierry Henry
Alan Shearer
Ruud Van Nistlerooy
Tell me what you think and post suggestions. I’ll post the final verdict on this later this month. The hardest part was the defenders as they don’t get remembered as much, but I tried my best to get as close as I can.
UWS
Keeper
Peter Schmeichel
Petr Cech
Defense
Sol Campbell
Jaap Stam
Colin Henry
Stuart Pearce
Tony Adams
Midfield
Patrick Vierra
Steven Gerrard
Roy Keane (Captain)
Ryan Giggs
Eric Cantona (Although could be classed as a striker)
Foward
Tierry Henry
Alan Shearer
Ruud Van Nistlerooy
Tell me what you think and post suggestions. I’ll post the final verdict on this later this month. The hardest part was the defenders as they don’t get remembered as much, but I tried my best to get as close as I can.
UWS
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