When League Managers Association Chief Executive, Richard Bevan, claimed certain foreign owners of Premiership teams had muted the possibility of scrapping relegation he opened a major can of worms where the lid was severly slammed shut on the idea. Every now and then a proposal to change our game surfaces but most often comes to nothing. You have to wonder why Mr Bevan even mentioned it at all. Either he was so concerned about the prospect that he wished to out it and nip it in the bud before it developed further between those involved, or has been advised to plant the seed of the idea into the public domain, thereby making such a move easier when it comes to plan.
I think most football fans would be against the idea of a model based on Rugby League where franchises are offered at the top table for 3 years at a time. There are simply too many big clubs outside the Premiership at the moment that cannot be ignored. Alex Ferguson made reference to there being at least 8 teams in the Championship with great history. I would suggest that nearly every team in the football league (with the exception of MK Dons of course) has 'great history' and to take away the carrot of Premier League football, however remote that possibility might be, would as Dave Whelan puts it "kill the game".
To his credit Whelan came out straight away on the offensive; "It's the most stupid suggestion I've ever heard in my life," Whelan said on TalkSport Radio. "If it was to happen I would resign Wigan from the Premier League and go back and play in the Football League." "It's a worrying thought that if we get 14 or 15 foreign owners, they come up with some mad idea and it gets voted through. It would ruin and kill English football." I think it is to his great credit that he vociferously adopts this stance. In a way it is easy for Ferguson to dismiss the idea, after all, no one in their wildest dreams could ever see Manchester United in a position where they could be relegated, but Wigan are down there every year.
The day after Premier League Chief Peter Scudamore came out to dismiss the claims as 'nonsensical'. In any event were such a move to be made there would have to be at least 3 or 4 years notice, and that would be sure to create a crazy round of impetuous buying as clubs like Derby, Leeds and Forest desperately tried to get into the elite before the door slammed shut.
Apart from that, in many seasons the main focus at the end has more often than not been about the relegation scrap rather than who wins the league or who (yawn) get's the European places. It's a major factor in the popularity of the league, and to get rid of it would sound the death knell not just for clubs outside the Premier League, but those in it as well. Who is going to go and watch Wigan vs Norwich if those two are bottom of the league but safe? It simply cannot work in my opinion.
Wayne Rooney learned his fate today from the UEFA overlords, a quite unbelievable 3 game ban for his petulant kick out in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro. Quite how UEFA have come to this decision is anybody's guess, but it smacks of retribution towards England and the FA for what was nothing more than a kick out we have seen hundreds of times before from other players, none of which I can ever remember receiving a staggering 3 match ban. The ban means that Rooney will miss ALL of England's Euro 2012 group games. Cynics have claimed that will mean he misses the tournament altogether such is the low expectation of success for the England team.
Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic certainly made a 7 course banquet out of the incident. Quite what players like Ron Harris, Jack Charlton and Franny Lee make of this debacle is anyone's guess, but has the game really gone so soft that action of this kind merits a 3 match ban? Times certainly have changed, particularly in the last 10 years. If proof were needed witness this challenge by Roy Keane on Neil Pointon back in 1994 and watch Pointon's reaction to a challenge which if Rooney's is worth 3 games then Keane's could have been 10!!
Here we go with a brand new season and my preview kicks off with a look at League 2 which welcomes new boys Crawley Town and AFC Wimbledon in what promises to be a wide open league. In these previews I'll stick my neck on the line by attempting the impossible task of predicting all 4 league winners and backing up my views with cold hard cash. Crawley are many peoples tips to win promotion to League 1 mainly because of their financial clout. AFC Wimbledon may struggle at this level, manager Terry Brown admitted that his side had been 'battered' in their Carling Cup preliminary round clash which ended 3-2 to Crawley. Swindon, with their new controversial manager Paolo Di Canio are fancied by many to make an immediate return. It is little over a year since they lost in the League 1 play-off final to Millwall, since then they have nose-dived and will be hoping that Di Canio can give them a well needed boost. Perennial under-achievers Bradford City under former Huddersfield stalwart Peter Jackson are bidding to finally start their ascent and the signing of central defender Guy Branston should bolster their ranks. The well-travelled stopper has been immediately installed as captain.
Predictions
Champions - Swindon Town Runners-up - Bradford City 3rd - Oxford United Promoted through play-offs - Crewe Alexandra
There is a real mix of teams in League 1 this season. The two Sheffield clubs United and Wednesday will both fancy their chances as they compete in the 3rd tier of English football together for the first time in 31 years. Following on from their nightmare play-off final defeat to Peterborough, Huddersfield under Lee Clark are many peoples' tips to bounce back and clinch promotion. I'm not so sure that they have what it takes to succeed. True, they had a magnificent 27 games unbeaten run at the end of the season until their crucial game at Old Trafford but there really are so many contenders in this division. Preston under Phil Brown must be considered as well as Charlton and Scunthorpe. My team Oldham had a dramatic dip towards the end of last season falling from the play-off zone to eventually finishing 17th. I'm backing Paul Dickov to continue his good work and improve dramatically on last seasons' finish.
Predictions
Champions - Sheffield United Runners-up - Charlton Promoted through Play-offs - Oldham Athletic
The relegated teams West Ham, Birmingham and Blackpool all have claims here. Blackpool have already started well, winning at Hull City on Friday night and although they have lost Charlie Adam I still feel that they can maintain a sustained challenge and buck the trend of unfancied teams fading away following relegation from the Premiership. West Ham will be strong and if they can hang onto Scott Parker will be a real force, although Chairman David Gold was on Radio 5 almost touting Parker around, claiming he was surprised that they had not received any bids for him but hoped they could keep him! Leicester City are another fancied to escape, and certainly have the money behind them to try and achieve their aim. Sven Goran Ericsson is a class act and their run at the end of last season suggests they could be up there in May. Dark horses could come in the form of Brighton at their new Amex Stadium and Nottingham Forest under Schteve Mclaren.
Predictions
Champions - West Ham Runners-up - Blackpool Promoted through play-offs - Nottingham Forest
And onto todays all-score bet. Both teams to score
Bristol City vs Ipswich Town Middlesbrough vs Portsmouth Carlisle United vs Notts County Oldham Athletic vs Sheffield United Rotherham United vs Oxford United
Imagine if you will, a situation where Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal face a 2-legged relegation play-off against a team such as Hull or Cardiff, only needing a draw on aggregate to stay in the Premier League.....and losing! This is exactly what has happened to the famous River Plate, the most successful domestic team in Argentinian football history have been relegated to the Primera B Nacional following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Belgrano de Córdoba. What makes this even more remarkable is that relegation from the Primera División is decided over the results of 3 seasons, a heavily criticised format which smaller clubs in Argentina believed was brought in to protect the bigger clubs such as River and Boca Juniors.
At the end the game had to be stopped 1 minute early and there were scenes of unbridled grief and anger. Fans rioted, most were in shock. The players were escorted from the field by police under siege from a barrage of missiles and a threatening pitch invasion. Water cannons were used to try and control the crowd and violence continued outside the stadium. It was a sad and disgraceful end to 110 years of continuous top flight football at the Monumental Stadium. According to the Argentian press over 65 people were hurt with 20 of those being police officers. A punishment by the Argentinian FA must surely follow. National newspaper Clarin stated that "No-one, absolutely no-one, will be able to forget this day." and that River had gone "From hope and euphoria to sadness and violence"
It was as if the heart and soul had been ripped out of the club, almost like a death. Argentinian legend and World Cup winning captain in 1978, Daniel Passarella, has been the focal point for this anger throughout the season. The current president of River Plate is under serious pressure to resign.
The Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires
There is no guarantee that River Plate will come straight back up. The club is in serious debt, an estimated $19m (£12m), and most recently were forced to sell prize asset Javier Saviola and other young players. While there is no doubt that they will one day return this has been a sorry story in River Plates' proud history and judging by the fans reaction a spell in the second division might do them some good, there can be no excuse for the thuggery and violence that occurred and if they are not hit with a massive fine and/or points deduction, then that will intensify the belief that corruption still runs deep in South American football. As an aside this is a warning to big clubs around the world that you can take nothing for granted in football!
There are times in football when you just have to hold your hands up and admit to logic flying out of the window. Aston Villa fans were up in arms over the appointment of Alex McLeish from fierce city rivals Birmingham. There are few instances I can think of, of such a brazen move between local teams. McLeish has taken a big gamble in taking over the Villa hot-seat. If he doesn't start well the pressure will mount immediately. Some Villa fans are already talking in worried tones about the possibility of relegation under McLeish. He did after all take Birmingham City down twice in his spell there and seemed unable to focus Birmingham following their Carling Cup win over Arsenal back in February.
It's always difficult being the new boy
McLeish is not a man to cow down in the face of such vocal anger. "Let me prove myself and I will win the fans over. I'm the man for this job." he said at the press conference signalling his arrival. "Am I fazed by it? No. Have I had it before? Yes. I've got thick skin and I'm ready for the challenge." So, any thoughts Villa fans might have had of a u-turn have been quickly dispelled there. McLeish is a man on a mission, determined to grab this opportunity and provide Villa with the success their fans have long craved for. He has the backing of Gabriel Agbonlahor, but in losing Ashley Young to Man United he is already under pressure to bring in new faces to give the fans optimism for the new season, something which is in short supply at the moment. One fan claimed "He's not good enough for this club, if we've got ambition and direction in this club, we would not think about employing him." Another described him as "a joker" with several other fans threatening to 'boycott' Villa Park and not renew their season tickets. Good luck Alex!
This is just the start!
At 52 this is a big move for McLeish. If he gets it wrong here, it could be a crushing blow to his career. The one time Rangers manager has discovered just how tough life can be in England. Randy Lerner the Villa owner is also at an impass, you feel. These two men have staked a lot on this decision, and will have backed themselves into a corner if Villa don't start well.
5 mins before kick-off in McLeish's first game?
Having said all this and with all due respect to Birmingham, Villa have always been a bigger club, with better finances and pedigree. it's hard to see them following Birmingham into the Championship. Birmingham have suffered 3 relegations from the Premiership and like neighbours West Brom and Wolves are one of those classed as a 'yo-yo' club. There is no doubt they will be contenders to come straight back up next season. More likely for Villa is a season of stability in mid-table and then we will see whether McLeish can really take them forward.
Where do you start with the events of the last week at FIFA? Amidst accusations of bungs, bribes, double-dealing and skull-duggery at 'back-stabbing central', emerged Captain Sepp Blatter, intact and determined to steer his ship through the storm via a sea of smoke and mirrors. To suggest the whole parade is a farce is an understatement. Blatter, the self-styled man of the 'FIFA Family' (a phrase that can't help but conjure images of the Corleones), reacted to accusations that the ship was sinking in much the same vein that former Iraqi Information Minister, Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf (Comical Ali), did when confronted with uncomfortable questions. "Football is not in a crisis, only some difficulties," said the Fifa president. "Crisis? What is a Crisis?"
The day before, a news conference had been held, advising that Mohamed Bin Hammam and Jack Warner had been suspended pending further investigation into corruption claims. The ethics commitee were satisfied however that Sepp Blatter had done no wrong. A particularly terse FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, seemed entirely confrontational throughout most of the questioning by the media. He too was put under scrutiny following comments he made on a leaked email by Jack Warner in which Valcke apparantly suggested Bin Hammam had "bought" the 2022 World Cup finals for Qatar.
Jerome Valcke and Petrus Damaseb just love these press conferences!
Jack Warner or Mr Turncoat as he should surely be known, said on the 28th May "I tell you something, in the next couple days you will see a football tsunami that will hit FIFA and the world that will shock you."
This 'tsunami' was comprised of emails sent from Valcke to Warner on Bin Hammam: 'MBH (Mohamad Bin Hammam), I never understood why he was running. If really he thought he had a chance or just being an extreme way to express how much he does not like anymore JSB (Joseph Sepp Blatter).' Another email quote: 'Or he thought you can buy Fifa as they (Qatar) bought the WC (World Cup)'. Warner then accused Blatter of giving gifts of computers and an unauthorised $1m to Concacaf officials.
More of a splash in a puddle than a tsunami to the majority of delegates voting in the FIFA Presidency election which went ahead on Wednesday 1st June. Following on from his desperate attempts to keep his position Mr Turncoat was at it again, in a letter to members of the Caribbean Football Union he urged them to vote for Blatter "At our last meeting we agreed as a union to support the incumbent Joseph Sepp Blatter in his quest to regain the Presidency," wrote the squirming Warner in the letter distributed by his staff. "I wish to assure you nothing has changed – our mandate was set then and despite it all we must fulfil it."
Warner & his best mate Bin Hammam
Despite protests from the English and Scottish FA's, which was backed up by 15 other confederations with a further 17 abstentions on a vote prior to the presidential elections, Blatter quite clearly has the vast majority of smaller associations in his pocket and was given the mandate for the charade to continue in the one-horse race later that day.
I could write all day on this circus, what of Chuck Blazer, General Secretary of Concacaf who was told he had been sacked by Lisle Austin, the acting president of Concacaf? Austin clearly had taken exception to Blazer's accusations of bribery against Warner and Bin Hammam, but laughably had to back-track when Concacafs' executive commitee advised that Austin did not have the authority to make this decision and that Blazer would continue in his current role.
What of the Northern Ireland FA's refusal to throw their hat in with England and Scotland? According to Jim Boyce, Sepp Blatter is "a friend of football in Northern Ireland", and "anything he has ever been asked to do, he has done it very willingly". Is it a coincidence that Mr Boyce has now been elected as a Vice President of FIFA? Blatter likes to reward his friends.
This is the captain of your ship, calling!
Many people would be understandably concerned about an election with only one candidate but not Sepp Blatter, who took the result as an endorsement of his leadership, "I thank you for your trust and confidence from the bottom of my heart" he said without a hint of irony. "We will put Fifa's ship back on the right course in clear, transparent waters. We need some time to do it, but we shall do it." he added. "Today something marvellous happened and I'd simply like to tell you I'm deeply moved and honoured. It's a challenge, a new one for me, and I accept it."he gushed, clearly reveling in having 4 more years to waltz around as footballs' emperor.
The whole of FIFA is run as an empire and that's the problem. Despite prominent protestations from England, Scotland and Germany (regarding the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar), the FIFA bandwagon lumbers on, backed up by the footballing powerhouses of Benin, Cyprus, Congo and Fiji. The smaller associations are on too much of a good thing to cause problems and isolate themselves. Pressure from giant sponsors Coca Cola and Adidas has no substance in it, they are on far too much of a good thing to pull out and risk one of their rivals taking over their spots. A complete overhall of FIFA is required. Blatter's concession to alter the voting system to one vote per FA for the allocation of World Cups has given him a little time and breathing space to plan his next move. As usual he will surround himself with people he can trust to support him when the going gets tough. Michel Platini stands in line as a potential candidate for 2015, until then he will be Blatter's ultimate yes man, (Oui man?) and will not rock the boat.
Confusing? Nor 'arf, this is politics in football. A voting system as democratic as the European Song Contest and just as unfathomable. The only way forward could be for Europes' main associations to threaten a breakaway which would destroy FIFAs income through television and sponsorship rights and force their hand. The question is, who has got the balls?
Proof if proof were needed who are the best club side in Europe was given in devastating fashion on Saturday evening at Wembley as Barcelona dominated Manchester United. The stats speak for themselves; 13 shots on target to United's 1, 68% of possession, 6 corners to United's 0. Even the most ardent United fan couldn't argue a case for Barcelona being anything but deserved winners. Ardent United fan Terry Christian suggested that Barcelona eased off after their 3rd goal out of respect for their opponents not getting involved in petty challenges. It seemed a little unfair that United equalised although it was a quality goal from Wayne Rooney on a rare moment of joy for the Red Devils. That it was United's only effort on target tells you all you need to know. Barca's sublime passing and intelligent movement was exhilirating to watch, the 3rd goal in particular was real quality, al la Brazil vs Italy in 1970.
Much has already been written about Messi et al and how they could dominate for years to come. In sport people love the champions, and football has not had it's Tiger Woods or Roger Federer for a very long time, but could Barcelona be football's version of the Harlem Globetrotters? Well, in 1995 the Globetrotters’ 8,829-game consecutive winning streak came to an end, the loss was the first since January 5, 1971. The comparison is unfair of course as many of the Globetrotters games were exhibition matches, but the point I am making is that no team can ever really dominate in modern football. There are so many strong teams that it makes a period of continuous winning very difficult. Bayern Munich are the last team to win the European Cup 3 times in a row, from 1974-76 but I would make a case for Liverpool being the last great team to really dominate in Europe. They won in 1977, 78, 81 and 84 but crucially lost the infamous final of 1985 following the terrible scenes at Heysel. Playing the game after such a tragedy would probably not be an option in todays game but there's no doubt it affected the result and in the subsequent years when English clubs were banned from Europe who knows how many times Liverpool might have won it again?
Barcelona lost two league games all season, a fantastic record, but one that shows that they can be beaten. Time will tell if this Barcelona side go on to be remembered as one of the all-time greats. If they win the next 2 Champions League titles that might just happen, but for the moment they remain a very very good team!
Watching the final day of Premiership action on final score yesterday I couldn't help pining for good old Jeff Stelling and Sky Sports. I don't much care for the banal nature of the pundits on the BBC sofa and the lack of attention to detail which Jeff provides so admirably. The previous week saw the final raft of fixtures in the football league and all the drama that brings with it, or does it? Well, not on the BBC it doesn't. Gabby Logan has to be one of the most disinterested presenters of a football show I've ever seen. I get the feeling this is just another job for her.
Take the battle to avoid relegation to the Blue Square Premier. While Lincoln were capitulating at home to Aldershot, Barnet were managing to hang on to a 1-0 lead at home to Port Vale. Logan summised that with 5 minutes remaining Lincoln were 'all but relegated'. This simply was not true, a goal for Port Vale would have changed everything, instead of which we were treated to Steve Claridge babbling on about QPR who had already had quite a lot of coverage that day. Even worse, as the penultimate games affecting the bottom of the Scottish Premier League entered the last 15 minutes there was absolutely no mention of the consequences of Hamiltons' and St. Mirrens' results which saw Hamilton relegated.
The 'Dream Team'
I only have Freeview but I'm pretty sure Jeff had his finger on the pulse over on Soccer Saturday. With Jeff I almost feel like he is rooting for my team, Oldham. I'm sure other fans feel the same way. He is always interested in every result, the little nuances and has the facts at his fingertips, and rarely forgets which team is playing at home, unlike Gabby who frequently comes out with slips like 'There's been a goal at the Stadium of Light!!' in that high-pitched shrill, when in fact Sunderland had just scored at Bolton. Now, I'm not one of those people who don't want women involved in football (I even think one day we will see women players in the professional game), but Logan clearly is a big-league Charlie (Charly?) who couldn't care less what's going on at Gigg Lane or Sincil Bank.
I think they should give the job permanently to either Mark Chapman or Lizzie Greenwood, they seem to have an enthusiasm for the game sadly lacking at the moment. To further dismay, Garth Crooks (the only man who never asks questions when interviewing!) is an ever-present on the sofa of dirge. He's the annoying guy in the pub you avoid like a dose of syphallis, clearly a candidate for ADD and adding nothing of value to any analysis.
We'd all be feeling good if SS came back to Freeview
So, on Sunday we learned that it would be Blackpool and Birmingham joining West Ham in the Championship. One of the most exciting relegation battles of recent years came to a conclusion, and the Premiership has lost 'breath of fresh air' Blackpool and the always entertaining Ian Holloway. His quote about members of the FA beaming down from 'Planet Zarf' a particular highlight. Football needs the characters, the people with passion who care and are prepared to say what they think. Speaking of which...
Saturday 21st May 2011 was the day that the supporters of AFC Wimbledon finally got back their league status after just 9 years rising through the leagues. AFC Wimbledon started out in the Premier Division of the Combined Counties League after holding trials for new players for 3 days on Wimbledon Common in June 2002. What has followed is nothing short of remarkable, with Saturdays' 4-3 victory on penalties over Luton Town their 5th promotion in 9 seasons.
Formed when Wimbledon Football Club relocated to Milton Keynes, AFC Wimbledon see themselves as the continuation of Wimbledon FC and refute the right of MK Dons to the claim of Wimbledons' Football League place. Indeed in 2006 the MK Dons returned all trophies (including a replica of the FA Cup won in 1998) and effects relating to Wimbledon FC to the London borough of Merton so that they be held in the Wimbledon area. Some AFC fans are still unhappy with them using 'Dons' in their name and will not rest until that little hint to the past is erased. The club itself is a real community club and fans bought shares in it to help raise funds to buy the Kingsmeadow ground when Kingstonian ran into financial trouble and had their assets stripped. AFC Wimbledon is a success story built on a strong sense of togetherness and community. The club itself lays out it's agenda on its own website.......
"The supporters of AFC Wimbledon believe that our club is a continuation of the spirit which formed Wimbledon Old Centrals in 1889 and kept Wimbledon Football Club alive until May 2002. We consider that a football club is not simply the legal entity which controls it, but that it is the community formed by the fans and players working towards a common goal. We therefore reproduce the honours won by what we believe was, and will always be, "our" club, in our community."
AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons could have met each other in the 2nd Round of the FA Cup this season but both lost their 1st round replays to deny supporters the opportunity. It is inevitable that these two sides will meet and the level of animosity against MK Dons is sure to make for a tense atmosphere. The League cup is a possiblility as is the Johnstone's Paint Trophy next season. Of course it could be that the rise of AFC Wimbledon continues and they enjoy parity with MK Dons in League 1. MK Dons failed to get to the League 1 play-off final losing 4-3 on aggregate to Peterborough and they must almost be able to feel the weight of history pulling on them as AFC breath down their necks like the Lion stalking it's prey.
Peter Winkelman, the MK Dons chairman, is not the most popular man in football. His incredible arrogance and sickening enthusiasm for his club has demonstrated scant regard for former supporters of Wimbledon FC. Indeed it was not the first time he had tried to re-locate a football club to Milton Keynes, the record producer had previously tried and failed to lure Luton and QPR there. He has been shown that it was possible to start way down in the non-league pyramid and build a team from Milton Keynes which the town could have been proud of. Instead the whole club is illegitimate, a sham. By stealing the league place of Wimbledon FC it has sealed it's position as pariahs of the football league. The community that had shown no interest in football had a shiny new club while the people of Wimbledon were left with nothing. The FA once again have to accept responsibility for another series of terrible decisions.
AFC Wimbledons' remarkable rise is an outstanding achievement of fan power and genuine love of football. When they and MK Dons do play each other I know who I'll be supporting!
Oldham Athletic announced on Wednesday 27th April that they were changing the club crest, which they had used since 1983, to a new design. This was the long-awaited 'evolution' fans had been waiting for according to the club. The immediate reaction was not good. Fans were not consulted at all in the process and many only knew about the decision following the announcement. Some people say that it is only a badge while other fans see it as an important symbol of their club and community. I'm not sitting on the fence here, I don't like it and want to keep the old badge. The new badge looks like one of those crappy NHL badges you get on Pro-Evolution Soccer (I'm not knocking the game BTW, it's top), and to say I was disappointed is an understatement.
After the months of wrangling over the proposed ground at Failsworth which was rejected by the Charities Commission, to a dramatic slump in form on the pitch, dwindling crowds, talk of administration and even the possibility that we wouldn't be able to play at Boundary Park next season, what we Latics fans needed was a shot in the arm. It seemed that this new 'Evolution' could provide it. Then, come the evening of unveling what did we get? An owl that looks like it's had 10 pints of Stella on a night out on Yorkshire Street and wants to kick someone's arse.
So what can be done? In 2005 Coventry Citys' announcement that they were changing the club badge provoked fury amongst supporters. Over 5000 fans wrote and emailed to the Coventry Telegraph who then mounted a successful campaign to save the current badge. The parallels are uncanny, even down to the shield design. In 2005 Coventry City chairman Mike McGinty stated "Our existing crest has been in use for over 20 years and while it symbolises much of the tradition of our past, we felt that a change was needed to symbolise our future. This is not a decision we arrived at lightly and we are aware of how much the badge means to our supporters. I hope that given time they will take this new badge to their hearts."
Here is how the club broke the news to supporters on the official website back then....
Look and sound familiar? Here is the old and new Oldham Athletic badge.
Oldham Athletic Chief Executive Alan Hardy stated that he hoped fans that didn't like the new badge would grow to like it, or something like that. I can't be sure because for whatever reason this particular quote has been removed from the club website. Clearly the club are not going to change their decision unless the fans pull together and strongly object as 'the Cov' did back in 2005.
A Facebook group has been set up to garner support for preserving the current badge.
Fan power can work as illustrated by Coventry City and I urge anyone who dislikes the new badge to join this group, and write letters to the Oldham Chronicle and the club.
I cannot recall ever hearing a manager say that his team cannot win. Even when non-league 'minnows' are drawn against Premier League giants the manager will often say that his team has a chance if they defend well and take what little opportunities come their way. This week though, following Real Madrid's 0-2 home defeat to Barcelona in the 1st Leg of the Champions League Semi-Final, manager Jose Mourinho stated 'We face a score that is practically impossible to overcome and if by chance we score a goal before Barcelona that could leave the 2nd leg a little open and they will kill us again.' From the outside it appears that Mourhinho is trying to galvanise his players and create the 'us against the world' mentality, but I wonder whether his words will backfire on him. As a Real Madrid player, to be told by your own manager that you cannot win a game is unlikely to fill you with confidence.
Mourinho is a great manager and I believe will be seen as one of the very best throughout history in years to come. He is a thoughtful, charming manager who is an obsessive tactition, and a great motivator of players. I just wonder whether this time he has made a mistake.
This week's All-Score Bet
With over half an hour to go on Monday I just needed 2 goals. At full-time I still needed 2 goals!! Hopefully this weeks selections will deliver;
Both teams to score
Blackpool vs Stoke City Doncaster Rovers vs Leicester City Sheffield United vs Barnsley Brentford vs Southampton Bury vs Wycombe Wanderers
The odds are approx 17/1
Only a short one for today. I'll be back tomorrow to reflect on Saturdays results, try and make the promotion and relegation issues clear and also comment on the uproar surrounding Oldham Athletics' new badge.
If the past is anything to go by, at this time of the year we can expect some strange results as we enter the last 3 weeks of the football season. The wave has started already I believe with some teams at the bottom making a late charge for safety and pulling off some surprise results. Witness Sheffield United beating Bristol City 3-2, Plymouth winning away at Dagenham & Redbridge and almost certainly doomed Stockport scoring a late winner at Play-Off chasing Port Vale when they simply had to. Stockports' win sets them up for an all or nothing clash today at home to Northampton. A draw would see them effectively relegated with too big a gap on goal difference to make up, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if they picked up the 3 points today and kept their hopes alive.
For the betting people amongst you this makes predicting results even more difficult. Teams at the bottom find that little extra effort as if they have woken from a dream and realise they are in a nightmare, while for teams still in with a mathematical chance of promotion or the play-offs, they can find the will to win when form suggests they won't.
Todays' games could produce similar shocks. I wouldn't rule out Preston at home to Cardiff today. Thumped 4-0 at Millwall on Saturday it would take a brave man to predict a victory for North End, but that's football, and what I'd be considering for a punt today. QPR are so close to promotion and could take it today with a win against Hull City. Even a draw or defeat could do it for them depending on other results, while Hull themselves sit 3 points outside the Play-Offs. Again, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Tigers get something from that game, especially as QPR have drawn the last 2.
In League 1 Swindon could be relegated today while Plymouth are right on the edge. Both will need to show grit and determination today and I think they will, although whether they will have enough to win a game of football remains to be seen. I'll blog about the ups and downs shortly.
There is a type of football bet I do called the 'All-score' bet, or 'Both Teams to Score in the Match'.
Here's what I'll be going for today
Both Teams to Score in the Match
Leicester vs Watford Sheffield Wednesday vs Swindon Plymouth vs MK Dons Wycombe vs Crewe Chesterfield vs Bury
The odds on an accumulator are a tasty 17.5-1
The 'All Score' bet means that you could be in with a chance right up until the final whistle. I must stress that I wouldn't encourage betting, but it does make the fixtures more interesting if you've got something on them :-D
As a side bet I'd recommend a treble on Preston, Swindon and Stockport to win. The odds are around 30-1.
Coupon-busters from the past
Manchester United 0 West Ham 1 - Old Trafford, 13th May 2007
In a crazy end to the 2006-07 Premier League season, West Ham had to win and hope Sheffield United didn't. Carlos Tevez kept his cool when one-on-one with Van Der Sar and Wigan popped up at the last minute to save themselves and send Sheffield United down. The ensuing legal battle that followed gave Sheffield United financial compensation but losing their Premiership place has sent them on a downward spiral that will surely include a tour of League 1 next season. West Ham themselves could also be staring at relegation this season. It's a funny old game Saint.
Aston Villa 0 Oldham Athletic 1 - Villa Park, 2nd May 1993
Oldham were doomed. They had to win at Villa Park or they would be relegated. They needed at least 7 points from the last 3 games (9 as it turned out). Aston Villa were 2nd and could still catch Man Utd at the top but needed a win. Nick Henry scored on 27 minutes, Villa hit the crossbar and Oldham survived one more season in the Premier League. They followed this with a 3-2 victory over Liverpool and 4-3 over Southampton on a nail-biting final day which saw Oldham stay up on goal difference following Crystal Palace's 3-0 defeat at Arsenal. Earlier in the season Oldham had beaten Manchester United 1-0 at home and Villa boss Ron Atkinson sent Joe Royle a case of champagne. When Oldham secured United's first title for 27 years by beating Villa, Alex Ferguson did the same. Happy days!
Bradford City 1 Liverpool 0 - Valley Parade, 14th May 2000
Bradford secured their Premiership survival under Paul Jewell, at the expense of Wimbledon, with a victory over Liverpool, courtesy of David Wetheralls' rare goal. 11 years on and they are near the bottom of League 2! Football eh? Bloody hell!
A preview of one of the most exciting weekends in the football calendar, the FA Cup Semi-Finals plus a look back at some classic games at this stage of the competition.
Alex Ferguson claims it will be 'absolute chaos' in London this weekend and he may well have a point, but in my opinion this is the most highly anticipated Manchester derby in my lifetime. Paul Scholes has today poured a vat of petrol on the fire by claiming United don't see City as one of their main rivals; "Our main rivals are obviously Arsenal and Chelsea. I think City are just a rival because of where they are (in terms of geography) and Liverpool the same." You can't fault his reasoning though, City need to prove that they are capable of being a top-four side and competing for major honours regularly. Until they can win games like this then they will always be in United's shadow.
It will be only the second time City and United have met on a neutral ground in a competitive fixture (the first was a 3-0 FA Cup Semi-Final success for City played at Bramall Lane in 1926) and it goes without saying that the stakes are high. For City, a victory will bring them a first major cup final since 1981 (discounting the 4-5 defeat to Chelsea in the Full Members Cup final of 1985) and give them a chance to finally end the 35 year wait for a major trophy. For United, a win would see them one step closer to a second 'treble' as well as putting their 'noisy neighbours' in their place yet again.
United are without Rooney, suspended following his outburst at Upton Park, but more importantly City are without Tevez, injured in a lacklustre display at Anfield on Monday night, who is so crucial to their success. City have also only won once in the last 8 meetings and have lost 6 of those. For City to win it's crucial that Gareth Barry and Ya Ya Toure get a grip on midfield, Balotelli and/or David Silva will also need to finally produce and City must concentrate at the back. For United if Nani is on form and can reign in his petulance, they should have enough with Berbatov, Giggs and Hernandez to win the game. Darren Fletcher suggested this week that this game would be more open and entertaining than the two league encounters this season, however I take United to win 1-0 or 2-0 in this one. I hope it's a classic game but I think City will struggle to score against United's solid back line without the inspirational Tevez.
Prediction: Man City 0 Man Utd 2
Although undoubtedly taking second billing to the Manchester derby this weekend the 2nd semi-final could prove to be the most engaging. Bolton are safe and with Stoke 6 points above the relegation zone this is a fantastic distraction for both clubs.There's no doubt both will have been glad to avoid City and United in the draw and with the death of Nat Lofthouse this year Bolton fans are dreaming of a fitting tribute to their hero.
Bolton last appeared in the semi-finals in 2000 when they lost on penalties following a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. You have to go back to 1972 to find Stoke's last appearance, a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in a replay at Goodison Park. Whichever club makes it will almost certainly be guaranteed european football next season so there is an extra incentive to win.
Bolton's style of football has improved significantly under Owen Coyle but they can still mix it, and they will need to against a robust and direct Stoke side who are capable of matching any team on their day. Will the wider Wembley pitch reduce the impact of Rory Delap's long throw-ins? It's an incredibly hard game to predict but I'll go for Stoke to win 3-2, possibly after extra time.
Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 2 Stoke City 3
A look back at some classic semi-finals.
Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2 - Goodison Park 1985 Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2 - Replay at Maine Road
Twice United led and twice Liverpool equalised, first Ronnie Whelan's screamer in the 87th minute then Paul Walsh's tap-in following a Rush header in the last minute of extra time. What an atmosphere at the old Goodison Park! You can also find the replay on You Tube. Bryan Robson's stunner and a Mark Hughes finish taking United to Wembley once again.
Leeds United 2 Coventry City 3 - Hillsborough 1987
The noise is incredible on this video. Leeds took the lead then came back from 2-1 down to take the game into extra time. Dave Bennett scored the winner for the sky blues. The Video is of the 2nd half of normal time, where you can see an Andy Ritchie with hair!
Oldham Athletic 3 Manchester United 3 - Maine Road 1990 Oldham Athletic 1 Manchester United 2 - Replay
The video is of the replay at Maine Road. Bittersweet misty water-coloured memories for me of course, although I clearly remember Nick Henry's shot that hit the crossbar and bounced over the line which seems to have been omitted from this vid. Robins scored the winner, Ferguson kept his job and the rest is history!
Crystal Palace 4 Liverpool 3 - Villa Park 1990
Probably the classic FA Cup Semi-final in my view. Palace had been humiliated 9-0 at Anfield and lost 2-0 at Selhurst Park in the league that season. When Rush scored after 7 minutes it looked like business as usual for the reds. I still buzz off the two Palace equalisers.
Chesterfield 3 Middlesbrough 3 - Old Trafford 1997
Chesterfield 0 Middlesbrough 3 - Replay
It could have been Chelsea vs Chesterfield in the FA Cup Final of 1997, but it wasn't thanks to both the David Elleray and linesman failing to spot that Jon Howards' shot bounced well over the line. Middlesbrough won the replay 3-0.
In light of the Richard Keys/Andy Gray episode, you've got to laugh at Andy Grays' advice for the Chesterfield penalty taker Sean Dyche: "The only words I can offer are, Just smash it". If only it could have been Richard Keys rather than Martyn Tyler exclaiming "He's smashed it alright!"
Today could mark one of the great comebacks in the modern era. If Brighton & Hove Albion can win against Dagenham & Redbridge this evening they will achieve promotion to the Championship. Brighton fans must be pinching themselves as it appears that the nightmare of the last 14 years will be consigned to history with a new 22,500 capacity stadium at Falmer ready to host Championship football for the 2011-12 season.
New Amex Stadium - Copyright Clare Chapman
From surviving relegation to the Conference on the last day of the 1996-97 season at Hereford on goal difference to successive promotions and further relegation, including two seasons at Gillinghams' Priestfield Stadium, it's been a rocky ride for the Seagulls.
Brighton & Hove Albion originally submitted an application for planning permission back in October of 2001. When John Prescott got involved in 2005 it seemed the drama would finally end but an error with regard to car parking spaces in the revised application pushed the development back again, after a judicial review was forced by Lewes District Council, until work finally began in 2008.
Most Brighton fans and away supporters have never been happy with the Withdean Stadium. Supporters are too far from the pitch and the ground, an athletics stadium, is distinctly non-league, with only one permanent stand and not really suited to football. Credit then to the fans who continue to back their club in numbers and are finally about to receive their rewards. The team this season under Gus Poyet have performed consistently well. They have been in 1st place since going top of League One back on the 25th September and look unlikely to relinquish that position.
There is a lot to look forward to, the return of the 'derby' with Crystal Palace, plus games against Portsmouth and possibly West Ham. The new purpose-built football ground is a world away from the Withdean, its' striking design and modern facilities are sure to attract much bigger crowds and there is even the facility to alter the decor for the away fans section depending on which team is playing!
The Goldstone Ground 1976 - Copyright Steve Daniels
Everything appears to be in place for the good times to return for Brighton, increased expectations are inevitable and it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that a return to the top flight of English football could be on the cards in the near future. The last time Brighton graced the top division was 1983, their relegation coupled with their only appearance in an FA Cup Final.
Everyone remembers their first football match. It’s ingrained in the memory for most football fans, the anticipation, the excitement and noise, the cigarette smoke, the throng of the crowd, the chanting and at times, the coarse language. It’s a heady mix for a young football fan, feeling part of something different. Football is tribal, more than any other sport I think and all the better for it. My first experience was back in 1985, Oldham Athletic vs Hull City. I’ve been hooked ever since. I love the architecture of the stadiums, the club colours, history, stories of resolve in adversity and quirks of this glorious sport. Although football has changed a lot since my first game it still retains the ability to surprise, shock, and leave grown men and women in tears. Moments of glory, controversy and despair are all part of being a football supporter.
Whether your football team is involved in competing for honours, fighting relegation or sat in mid-table obscurity there is always plenty to savour as we approach the end of the season, not least the upcoming FA Cup Semi-Finals which I’ll preview later in the week. I'll keep it brief for now. This is my first foray into the blogging world, so thanks for reading and your comments are always welcome.
