This Is Soccer USA Podcast #2

Topics covered in episode two;

The FA Cup, Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Avram Grant, Alan Curbishley, and much more.

The podcast is available on the right hand side of this page (under profile).

FA Cup 6th Round Hitlist

Hits

Barnsley 1 Chelsea 0
When any team knocks out two of the top four sides in England it's deemed a great cup campaign, let alone that team is 19th in the Championship! The Liverpool result was a shock, yet this result even blows that out of the water! This was just an amazing game, The Billionaires vs. The Underdogs, David vs. Goliath, call it what you like, this result is the biggest upset this season. How the Barnsley defense managed to keep Chelsea at bay still puzzles me, the Alamo had nothing on this! Like most football fans I'm hoping they go all the way, surely it's the least they deserve!

Middlesbrough 0 Cardiff 2
If it wasn't for the Barnsley result, this result would have drawn a lot more attention then it has. Cardiff made Boro look like a Championship side, as Wheater and Huth struggled to deal with the experience of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. It's just ironic that Cardiff are going to Wembley, and not the Millenium Stadium (in Cardiff), as they would have done a couple of seasons back.

Harry Redknapp
Harry proved that lightening can strike more than twice, as for the third time in his managerial career, Harry knocked out United. Portsmouth are now the clear favorites for the cup, and have the chance to land Harry his first major silverware in a long managerial career.

Misses

Avram Grant
This guy simply has no idea! What drove him to play only one striker against a team that is struggling so badly in the Championship is baffling. He looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders as he stood on the touchline. I honestly hope Chelsea do not win the Champions League as this would only prolong what should be the inevitable.

Sir Alex Ferguson
His rant about referees was pure and simple a case of sour grapes. He talked about he fears for Cristiano Ronaldo, yet I did not witness one career threatening challenge on him. Someone should show him the Roy Keane tackle that ended Alf Inge Haaland's career maybe that would shut up his hypocrisy or maybe a touchline ban might do the trick.


fa+cup, soccer, football, chelsea, Championship, barnsley, portsmouth, avram+grant, sir+alex+ferguson, cardiff+city, wembley

Born in the UK - Managing in La Liga

Whilst messing around with Wikipedia I noticed something very interesting; how many UK born people have managed in La Liga. Whilst the names Terry Venables, John Toshack, and Sir Bobby Robson quickly come to mind, the list is far more expansive than that.

So here is a list just for information, it’s quite fascinating (note; I‘ve also included other clubs they have managed in Spain).

Colin Addison - Celta Vigo (1986-87), Athletico Madrid (1988-89), Cadiz (1989-90).
Ronnie Allen - Athletic Bilbao (1969-71).
Vic Buckingham - FC Barcelona (1970), Seville (1972).
William Garbutt - Athletic Bilbao (1935-37).
Jack Greenwell - FC Barcelona (1917-24, 31-33), RCD Espanola (1924-1930), Valencia (1933-34), RCD Mallorca.
Howard Kendall - Athletic Bilbao (1987-89).
Ralph Kirby - CE Europa (192x-2x), FC Barcelona (1925-26), CE Europa (1930-xx).
*Patrick O’Connell - Racing de Santander (1922-29, 47-49), Real Oviedo (1929-31), Real Betis (1932-35), FC Barcelona (1935-37), Seville (1943-45).
Fred Pentland - Racing de Santander (1920-21), Athletic Bilbao (1922-25, 29-33), Athletic Madrid (1925-26, 27-29, 34-35), Real Oviedo (1926-27), Spain (1929).
Sir Bobby Robson - FC Barcelona (1996-97).
John Toshack - Real Sociedad (1985-89, 90-94, 2001-02), Real Madrid (1989-90, 1999), Deportivo La Coruna (1995-97), Real Murcia (2004).

Many of the names listed above are unheard of, and never mentioned as pioneers in the history of the game. Many do not receive the recognition they so richly deserve. For example, Fred Pentland masterminded Spain’s victory over England in 1929, handing England their first defeat on foreign soil. He also was in charge of the Athletic Bilbao side that dished out FC Barcelona’s heaviest defeat in their history, 12-1. Jack Greenwell is another; he joined FC Barcelona as a player from Crook Town! This lead to the two sides playing a series of friendly games during the 20’s and 30’s.

It’s a shame that some of their stories go untold, yet at the same time it’s great that a little search on Wikipedia can bring up some real golden moments from history.


*born in Ireland - but listed for information sake.

Carling Cup Final Hitlist

Hits.

Juande Ramos: Ramos is a winner, and his tactical approach helped Spurs win their first trophy in almost a decade. The introduction of Tom Huddlestone, and switching Aaron Lennon to the left wing proved how much Ramos was switched on tactically throughout the game. It is defiantly an interesting time at White Hart Lane, and it will be interesting to see how far Juande Ramos can take them.

Jonathan Woodgate: I bet Woodgate was pleased to join Spurs ahead of Newcastle, given the fact that Newcastle were on the receiving end of a 5-1 thumping from Man United. Woodgate showed that he has the ability and the potential to be a regular for England, if he can stay match fit. Woodgate rose to the occasion (literally), and already looks to be paying of the gamble Spurs took in signing him.

Alan Hutton: Just like Woodgate, Hutton showed us exactly why he has the ability and the potential to become a Spurs great. He has looked impressive for Spurs since joining from Rangers, and he excelled during this final.

Ledley King: King showed us what Tottenham have being missing, during his time out injured. The King and Woodgate pairing not only could be a strong pairing for Spurs, but maybe for England, if they both can stay fit, and that’s the key to any future success for club and country.

Misses.

Avram Grant: Whilst I cannot heap enough praise of his counterpart, Juande Ramos, the same cannot be said of Grant. He got everything wrong, from his tactics, to his starting eleven, to his substitutions, he got it all wrong. If you are going to pair Anelka and Drogba upfront then logic says to go 4-4-2, instead Grant went 4-3-3, with Wright-Phillips as the third forward. Why exactly did he gamble with John Terry instead of Alex, who has been impressive for Chelsea whilst Terry has been out? Why did he leave it so late to bring on Joe Cole, infact why didn’t Cole start? What about Michael Ballack, who in recent weeks as looked to be at his best. These questions are just baffling, and Grant bungled big time. If Chelsea do not add any silverware this season, and finish poorly in the league, then don’t be surprised to see Grant moved upstairs/replaced in the summer. His poor decisions lead to a poor performance from his side. I wonder how much Abramovich wished Mourinho back.

This Is Soccer USA Podcast #1

Topics covered in episode one;

Champions League, UEFA Cup, and a preview of the Carling Cup Final.

The podcast is available on the right hand side of this page (under profile), or click here to download.

Harry To The Rescue!

It seems that AFC Bournemouth future could be secured, thanks to Portsmouth manager, Harry Redknapp. Redknapp, who played and managed Bournemouth, has pledged to help the club who are currently £4m in debt.

Let me begin by saying this, as much as I don’t like Redknapp for what he did at the club I support (Southampton), this indication of generosity is what the game needs.

Whilst clubs like Chelsea, Man United, Liverpool, and others, can splash crazy sums of money on players, they are clubs like Bournemouth who face an uncertain future. Add in to the equation the fact that the rights for Premiership games is set to increase, and your left with some very ‘fat cats’ indeed.

So what’s the solution to all this?

The game in general needs to take a serious look into how the money that becomes available is invested. The game owes it to clubs like Bournemouth. I understand that there is a business side to things, but without your lower league sides, the game in England will suffer.

No more Barnsley like heroics; no more stories of clubs, players, and managers working their way up the football pyramid, It would be a shame if all that were to come to an end due to some kind of financial meltdown, when the resources where available to help.

Will we eventually be left with the Premier League, and a Premier League Lite? Possibly, but let’s hope that there are more people like Redknapp who will do what it takes to save clubs like Bournemouth.

football soccer harry+redknapp money bournemouth premiership premier+league

http://thisissoccerusa.blogspot.com/ - a football fans thoughts

Excellent Scouting Network?

The following comes from worldsoccer.com;

"I (Gavin Hamilton, editor of World Soccer magazine) got a phone call this morning from an English Championship club (I will spare them the embarrassment of naming them) who have just signed a foreign player who had been out of contract since the summer, having previously played for a number of well-known clubs in a major European league. Did I know anything about the player, as his Wikipedia entry only ran to a few lines?

Apparently, the player had impressed enough during a trial to be offered a short-term deal".

After I read this, I went to the bbc site to see if any Championship side had signed any oversea player, this is what I found;

"Norwich have signed right-back Juan Velasco on a free transfer, subject to international clearance.
The 30-year-old has impressed Canaries boss Glenn Roeder while on trial with the Carrow Road club and has earned a three-month contract.

Velasco played 279 games in La Liga during his time with Sevilla, Celta de Vigo, Atletico and Espanyol, from where he was released in 2007.

He has earned four full caps for the Spanish national team".

Looks like the pieces of the puzzle might fit to me.

soccer football world+soccer Juan+Velasco Norwich+City Championship la+liga

http://thisissoccerusa.blogspot.com/ - a football fans thoughts

FA Cup 5th Round Hitlist

FA Cup Hits.

Barnsley win at Anfield: This is without doubt the shock result of the FA Cup so far this season, the fact that the win came at Anfield makes it even more special. The Barnsley defense was magnificent in the second half, as they gave their heart and soul for the cause. This result proves that the FA Cup is alive and kicking, roll on Chelsea for the Tykes.

David James: This has been a great season for James, as he has reestablished himself as England’s number one. His performance against Preston NE on Sunday saw his side navigate their way to the Quarter-Finals. He still is prone to his little moments but he has done enough this year to justify the reports linking him with a move to Spurs, possibly in the summer.

Luke Steele: Whilst David James is going through resurgence in his career, on Saturday we possibly saw the emergence of a keeper who put in one of those performances that will be talked about for years, and on debut. Steele kept the Liverpool attack at bay, time after time, and would have caught the attention of maybe some topflight scouts.

Five Star Albion: This was just the result West Brom needed as they put recent form to one side. Okay it was against a manager less Coventry City side, yet the result and the manner they went about it was impressive.

United destroy the Gunners: As poor as Arsenal were, Man United were simply superb at times. They totally outplayed Arsenal; as Nani caused the Arsenal defense all kinds of problems. Wayne Rooney was always a threat upfront and could, should, have added to his goal tally during the game. Has this result rekindled the fight for the Premiership title, only time will tell, but with that kind of performance the Red Devils have to be favorites to win the cup?

Bristol Rovers overcome the Saints: On another day this result would have stood out more, but due to the Barnsley result it hasn’t received the kind of attention it duly deserves.

FA Cup Misses.

Liverpool’s performance: When you look back at the game, Liverpool in all fairness should have destroyed Barnsley, yet Saturday just wasn’t to be. Liverpool started with nine internationals, and even had the luxury of bringing on two more, one being a certain Steven Gerrard. Maybe they had one eye on the Champions League game against Inter, but that does not excuse them going out against who they did.

soccer football fa+cup liverpool manchester+united arsenal barnsley premiership

http://thisissoccerusa.blogspot.com/ - a football fans thoughts

Ronaldo - End of the line?

So the career of one of the games greatest goal scorers could well and truly be over. The news coming out of France is that the knee injury he suffered against Livorno could call time on the Brazilians career.

Despite his well publicized weight problems, Ronaldo has to go down as one of the all time greats. His goal ratios are phenomenal; 12 goals in 13 games at Cruzeiro, 42 goals in 46 games at PSV, 34 goals in 37 games at Barcelona, 49 goals in 69 games at Inter, 83 goals in 127 at Real Madrid, and 9 goals in 20 games at Milan, his record speaks for itself.

Let’s not forget that he is the all-time top goal scorer in World Cup history.

For some strange reason when you discuss the greatest strikers not only of all-time, but in modern day time, his name is hardly mentioned. Why I’m not sure, but when you seriously look at his career he has to be up there, or at least thereabouts.

Not only was the amount of goals he scored impressive, but also all that he won during that time as well; FIFA World Player of the Year: 1996 (youngest winner), 1997, 2002, World Soccer Player of the Year: 1996 (youngest winner), 1997, 2002 , European Footballer of the Year, Ballon d'Or: 1997 (youngest winner), 2002 ,Onze d'Or: 1997, 2002 , UEFA Most Valuable Player - 1998 , UEFA Club Football Awards: Best Forward - 1998 , FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1998, 2002 , European Golden Boot: 1997, Copa América 1999: Top Scorer , Spanish League Top Scorer: 1996-1997, 2003-2004, Dutch League Top Scorer: 1994-1995 , Intercontinental Cup MVP: 2002 , and the GoldenFoot Award: 2006.

If this is the end for Ronaldo, I hope that he receives the recognition that he deserves. The jokes of his weight, and ‘that World Cup final’, pale in existent compared to what he actually did on the field of play.

You can email your thoughts to thisissoccer@gmail.com

soccer football premiership la+liga serie+a mls premier+league

http://thisissoccerusa.blogspot.com/ - a football fans thoughts

Italians have right idea

Catania have lodged an appeal against their 2-0 defeat against Inter on Sunday, after the Italian league leaders included Marco Materazzi in their starting line-up.

Materazzi had pulled out of Italy's friendly clash with Portugal last week, but he then played for Inter just a few days later, which is against league rules in Italy.

I wonder if the Premiership would ever consider enforcing such a rule. It’s a rule that for one makes perfect sense and obviously benefits the national team, in that players are more reluctant to pull out, unlike in England.

Let’s hope that the Italian football authorities carry out on their rules.

You can email your thoughts to thisissoccer@gmail.com

soccer football premiership la+liga serie+a mls premier+league

http://thisissoccerusa.blogspot.com/ - a football fans thoughts

The Scotsman, the Englishman, and the Italian

Did you hear the one about a Scotsman, an Englishman, and an Italian?

They were all apparently in the running for the vacant Ireland job.

If the reports are true, then Billy Davies, Terry Venables, and Giovanni Trapattoni were all at one point considered for the job, with Giovanni Trapattoni seemingly coming out on top, with an expected appointment this Wednesday.

If this is the case, then I firmly believe that they are making the wrong decision in Trapattoni. Now let me make this clear, Trapattoni is an exceptional coach, his record speaks for itself. Yet, how much does he know about Irish players? His fellow Italian, Capello, brought up the fact that in the Premiership about 39% of the players are actually English! What does that mean for the amount of Irish players applying their trade in the Premiership?

With that in mind, Trapattoni will have to scour the Championship, and possibly lower, to be able to select the kind of squad he has in mind. The backbone of the side could possibly be made up from Premiership players. However, as far as squad members go, could you imagine Trapattoni at Bramall Lane on a cold spring afternoon watching Paddy Kenny in goal?

My mind boggles at the fact that Terry Venables was even considered for the position. This is a manager whose last successful stint in management was in 1996, whilst in charge of England, even then (as harsh as this may sound) failed to deliver on home soil.

Since then he has done virtually nothing, except maybe helping Middlesbrough avoid relegation, when Bryan Robson was in charge. The game has changed since then, and believe it or not has progressed further then some like to agree on. All you need to do is look back at Venables tenure at Leeds United to see that he is so far out of touch; the simple fact that some of the English media suggested Venables for England was laughable at best.

That leaves the Scotsman; Billy Davies as the last option. Okay, he didn’t fair too well in his limited time in the Premiership, yet the work he had done at Derby County and before that, Preston, was outstanding. The reason Derby struggled is because they were ahead of the timeframe that Davies had laid out, instead of reaching the Premiership in five seasons as Davies had planned, they reached it in just over one.

When you look back over Ireland’s history and pinpoint their most successful manager, only one really stands out above and beyond all others; Jack Charlton. This was someone who had not delivered any kind of results in ‘top flight’ management, yet he turned Ireland into a team who were difficult to beat, as Italy will testify.

Billy Davies could easily fit into the Jack Charlton type of mold; he also holds a vast amount of knowledge regarding the Premiership, Championship, and the game in Scotland.

Trapattoni could well and prove doubters (like me) wrong, time will only tell.

You can email your thoughts to thisissoccer@gmail.com

soccer football premiership la+liga serie+a mls premier+league

http://thisissoccerusa.blogspot.com/ - a football fans thoughts

That's Entertainment!

Aston Villa 4 Newcastle United 1
Newcastle United 1 Middlesbrough 1
Arsenal 3 Newcastle United 0
Arsenal 3 Newcastle United 0
Newcastle United 0 Bolton Wanderers 0

When you look upon those results, entertaining would not be the first words out of a Newcastle United fans mouth, yet this is the reality of King Kevs appointment. The truth is if things do not approve then a relegation battle is on the cards, a fact that for many Geordies will be hard to digest.

When Keegan arrived back the optimism amongst fans was as high as it was during his last tenure at the club, yet within a week and the appointment of Dennis Wise, questions began being asked, of which no clear answer has been produced.

If the return of Keegan is to be a success then the blueprints of his last time in the hot seat needs to be copied to a certain degree. The bases of the blueprints should be the season that United almost won the Premier League title in 1995/96.

When you look at the axis of the team, you can get a clearer picture of the kind of team that Keegan needs to re-build. Granted, the Newcastle defense of that season left a lot to be desired, and in all fairness probably cost them the title, but it’s really the midfield and forward line that should be examined.

In midfield you had Lee Clark, Rob Lee, Keith Gillespie, and David Ginola. These four would be later joined by David Batty, and probably Keegans most controversial signing, one that many believed cost him the title, Tino Asprillia.

When you look closely at that midfield, it was a strong, yet exiting midfield. You had the exiting young talent, and local boy, Lee Clark. Clark had an exceptional season in 95-96 and was unlucky to lose his place in the team when David Batty arrived. For Keegan this time around he needs someone who will work hard for the team and give everything for the cause, just as Clark did. Right now, Newcastle lacks that type of player. Joey Barton could be the answer, yet too many off field troubles keep him from being that type of player, United so desperately need.

Alongside Clark you had ‘Mr. Dependable’ Rob Lee. Rob Lee is one of the Premierships most underrated players ever. He made that midfield tick, not only with his work ethic but the way he would put in performance after performance, week in, week out. Newcastle just doesn’t have a Rob Lee type of player. Nicky Butt has been the same since he left Man United, and Emre has struggled ever since his arrival. Keegan needs to bring in someone he can rely on, just as he did with Rob Lee.

During the 1995-96 season, one of the most exiting things about Newcastle was their use of wingers, in particular Keith Gillespie and David Ginola. These two alone created so many chances for the Newcastle forward line. With their pace and attacking flair, United where a joy to watch. Compare that with present day Newcastle and it’s a stark contrast. Damien Duff has struggled to find the kind of form that made him one of the Premierships most feared wingers. His constant injury problems have hampered him, and he looks less effective with every passing game. James Milner has failed to live up to hype that surrounds him. He just not comes across as a winger that will create the chances needed. Charles N’Zogbia is however someone who could revive Uniteds attacking play from midfield. He is a major threat, and a talented young player, when played in his correct position (i.e. not left back).

Upfront for Newcastle United during the 95/96 season where Peter Beardsley and Les Ferdinand. In Beardsley you had a seasoned campaigner, who was still being picked for England. He was probably having one of his best seasons, since his Liverpool days. Ferdinand was a major goal scoring threat, who fully complimented Gillespie and Ginola’s wing play. The duo seemed to gel up until the arrival of Asprillia, when the team was shuffled around to accommodate the Colombian. At this present time, Newcastle do not have a strike force that has gelled, which comes as a surprise considering they have Owen, Martins, Viduka, and Smith to choose from. Granted, due to injuries, and the African Cup of Nations, Keegans only options have been Owen and Smith. The quicker he can find the solution, the better.

Now I could carry on and examine the 1995/96 and present day Newcastle defense, yet the obvious stands out… they both can’t defend!

It came as a surprise that Keegan didn’t bring in anyone during the January transfer window, he will be hoping that this doesn’t come back to haunt him and a true rebuilding of the club can begin in the summer, if he is around come then.

You can email your thoughts to thisissoccer@gmail.com

soccer football premiership la+liga serie+a mls premier+league

http://thisissoccerusa.blogspot.com/ - a football fans thoughts

Money Talks

It was announced today that the Premier League is considering plans to extend the season to 39 games by staging some games abroad.

Plain and simple this is a case of the rich getting greedy and the poor being left behind. If you were to visit the BBC website you would notice that this is the lead football story for obvious reasons, yet a smaller headline reads ‘Bournemouth enter administration’, there is something truly wrong with today’s game.

Whilst clubs like AFC Bournemouth, and Luton Town, enter the obscurity of administration, and face the possibility of closing their doors for good, the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and others, lick their lips at the prospect of not only expanding their ever growing fan base but literally sell their souls for extra income.

The main aspects of the plans are:

- An additional round of Premier League fixtures, extending the season to 39 games, from January 2011

- Four clubs to travel to one of five host cities, with two games taking place in each venue over a weekend

- Cities would bid for the right to become a host, not for individual matches

- Points earned from the games would count towards the final Premier League table

As we’ve seen with television companies bidding for the rights to the Premier League the amount of money being offered is crazy. This will be the case with cities bidding for the rights to host those games.

Now, I’m all for playing some type of exhibition game, like the Community Shield abroad, but to hold actual league games in a far off country is ludicrous.

The game nowadays is evolving faster than some may like, and it seems that money is the main culprit of this. Chairman’s can longer give a manager the luxury of time. Instead it’s deliver the goods or be axed.

Remember, these are just ideas at the moment, let’s hope for the good of the game that this stays that way.

soccer football premiership la+liga serie+a mls premier+league

http://thisissoccerusa.blogspot.com/ - a football fans thoughts