It was a game of brinkmanship well worth playing, as Ian Holloway wasn't alone in thinking the Premier League would actually fine him for fielding a 'weakened' team against Villa last autumn.
But now they have, Holloway has been true to his word and offered his resignation, though I'm sure he knows it won't be accepted. At least then he can save face as he stuck to his word.
I do feel sympathy for him though, it is an absolutely ludicrous decision given all the players were contained in Blackpool's named 25 man squad. Plus it wasn't as if they lost 5-0 to Villa, they went down 3-2 thanks to a last minute goal. Those who bet on Premier League weekend games wouldn't have been upset by Holloway's choice.
As Holloway said - who are the Premier League to decide who fits in Holloway's strongest side?
And why, following Wolves' fine last season, is it just the 'small' clubs who have been punished, excluding those at the top of the division who have been doing it for years - Hull v Man United 2008 anyone?
Oh that's right, it's called squad rotation at that level.
The football betting suggested that Blackpool would be rooted to the bottom of the table, but the fact they have done so well shows that their manager has earned the right to make his own decisions.
I truly hope Holloway doesn't leave, though I would admire his principles. He has been a breath of fresh air in the division this season and a great ambassador for the Premier League. He has every right to feel let down by the authorities who are supposed to act for the good of the game.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Can City really win the title this year?
Emmanuel Adebayor has backed Manchester City to win the Premier League title. The Togo striker has just sealed a loan move to Spanish giants Real Madrid from the Eastlands outfit and was speaking at his official unveiling.
City have not won the league title since 1968 but this is arguably their greatest opportunity to end this barren spell. They currently sit third in the Premier League, six points behind bitter rivals Manchester United. However, City have also played one football game more.
Despite this, Adebayor believes City have a "big chance" of securing the title. Asked about this possibility, he said: "Of course, why not?
"I think Manchester City have a big chance to win the league this season, with all the players that they've bought, Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko, they've got a big squad...
"And at the minute they are playing good football, so they have a chance to win it. It's not going to be easy, don't get me wrong, but I think they will do everything to achieve that because it's a dream of the club."
This will not concern Adebayor, however, whose main goal is now to help Real wrest the La Liga crown off current holders Barcelona. They are currently four points behind the Catalan giants but this is effectively five points due to Barca's vastly superior goal difference.
City have not won the league title since 1968 but this is arguably their greatest opportunity to end this barren spell. They currently sit third in the Premier League, six points behind bitter rivals Manchester United. However, City have also played one football game more.
Despite this, Adebayor believes City have a "big chance" of securing the title. Asked about this possibility, he said: "Of course, why not?
"I think Manchester City have a big chance to win the league this season, with all the players that they've bought, Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko, they've got a big squad...
"And at the minute they are playing good football, so they have a chance to win it. It's not going to be easy, don't get me wrong, but I think they will do everything to achieve that because it's a dream of the club."
This will not concern Adebayor, however, whose main goal is now to help Real wrest the La Liga crown off current holders Barcelona. They are currently four points behind the Catalan giants but this is effectively five points due to Barca's vastly superior goal difference.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
United face challenge to replace Van Der Sar
With the news that Edwin Van Der Sar will retire at the end of the season the task is on for Man United find a replacement for the 40-year-old Dutchman.
The former Ajax stopper has been a cornerstone of United's success in recent years, helping them win three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League since joining from Fulham in 2005.
The six year previous to that though saw Sir Alex Ferguson scramble around, desperately trying to find a replacement for a another United goalkeeping legend – Peter Schmeichel.
The Dane left the Red Devils in the summer of 1999 but the club continually failed to find a goalkeeper good enough to fill his boots and anyone who followed the Goalwire livescore at the time will remember there were more than a few upsets.
Aston Villa star Mark Bosnich was the first to try, signing the same summer Schmeichel departed, but after a few shaky performances he faced competition from Italian Massimo Taibi.
Taibi, whoever, proved a disaster, making a number of high profile mistakes including letting a Matt Le Tissier pea-roller though his legs. He was sold soon after.
Monaco's Fabien Barthez was signed in the summer of 2000 and for a few years looked to be a solid replacement for Schmeichel.
But he was always prone lapses in concentration and erratic behaviour, resulting in more gaffes – not least at Highbury when he conceded a goal by Thierry Henry after trying to dribble the ball out of his own penalty area.
Wigan 'keeper Roy Carroll was next in line, though he will be best remembered for fumbling a 65 yard shot from Spurs' Pedro Mendes over the line, only for the lineman not to see it. It's a goalwire live match score that Spurs fans still moan about.
By that point American Tim Howard had joined the club but he and Carroll regularly swapped places in the starting line-up as neither could go a few games without making mistakes.
Portuguese Ricardo, Andy Goram, Paul Rachubka, Nick Culkin and Raimond van der Gouw also wore the gloves between Schmeichel's departure in '99 and Van Der Sar's arrival in 2005.
United fans will hope it doesn't take another six years and 10 'keepers to replace the Dutchman.
The former Ajax stopper has been a cornerstone of United's success in recent years, helping them win three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League since joining from Fulham in 2005.
The six year previous to that though saw Sir Alex Ferguson scramble around, desperately trying to find a replacement for a another United goalkeeping legend – Peter Schmeichel.
The Dane left the Red Devils in the summer of 1999 but the club continually failed to find a goalkeeper good enough to fill his boots and anyone who followed the Goalwire livescore at the time will remember there were more than a few upsets.
Aston Villa star Mark Bosnich was the first to try, signing the same summer Schmeichel departed, but after a few shaky performances he faced competition from Italian Massimo Taibi.
Taibi, whoever, proved a disaster, making a number of high profile mistakes including letting a Matt Le Tissier pea-roller though his legs. He was sold soon after.
Monaco's Fabien Barthez was signed in the summer of 2000 and for a few years looked to be a solid replacement for Schmeichel.
But he was always prone lapses in concentration and erratic behaviour, resulting in more gaffes – not least at Highbury when he conceded a goal by Thierry Henry after trying to dribble the ball out of his own penalty area.
Wigan 'keeper Roy Carroll was next in line, though he will be best remembered for fumbling a 65 yard shot from Spurs' Pedro Mendes over the line, only for the lineman not to see it. It's a goalwire live match score that Spurs fans still moan about.
By that point American Tim Howard had joined the club but he and Carroll regularly swapped places in the starting line-up as neither could go a few games without making mistakes.
Portuguese Ricardo, Andy Goram, Paul Rachubka, Nick Culkin and Raimond van der Gouw also wore the gloves between Schmeichel's departure in '99 and Van Der Sar's arrival in 2005.
United fans will hope it doesn't take another six years and 10 'keepers to replace the Dutchman.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wenger hopes to end trophy-less run
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is hopeful of ending the clubs trophy-less streak after beating Leeds 3-1 to move into the fourth round of the FA Cup last night.
The Frenchman has been at the helm of the North London club since 1996 and led the club to their most successful period in the Premier League, winning the league three times and lifting the FA cup four times.
But that success has become a distant memory as the last piece of silverware to enter the Arsenal trophy case was the FA Cup in 2005.
Now Wenger is keen to build on the progress his side have made this season – bigfreebet see his side as amongst the favourites for the title with the Gunners sitting just two points off league leaders Manchester United – and bring the glory days back to the Emirates Stadium.
He said: “The team goes from strength to strength and we have shown again tonight we are hungry.”
Wenger’s side face a tough task of adding the Carling Cup to their impressive haul under Wenger however; they currently trail Ipswich 1-0 after the first leg at Portman Road, although big free bet will still likely see them as favourites to progress after the second leg on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Wenger and club-captain Cesc Fábregas have moved to deny any rift after reports this week suggested Arsenal player Denilson was unhappy with Fabregas’s style of captaincy.
“We have a shared leadership in our team but I believe Fábregas is an outstanding leader, especially when you consider he's 23 years old, with personality and character, and Van Persie (club vice-captain) as well.” Commented the Arsenal boss.
Fábregas had earlier posted a picture of himself with Denilson in an attempt to diffuse any speculation surrounding the pair.
The Frenchman has been at the helm of the North London club since 1996 and led the club to their most successful period in the Premier League, winning the league three times and lifting the FA cup four times.
But that success has become a distant memory as the last piece of silverware to enter the Arsenal trophy case was the FA Cup in 2005.
Now Wenger is keen to build on the progress his side have made this season – bigfreebet see his side as amongst the favourites for the title with the Gunners sitting just two points off league leaders Manchester United – and bring the glory days back to the Emirates Stadium.
He said: “The team goes from strength to strength and we have shown again tonight we are hungry.”
Wenger’s side face a tough task of adding the Carling Cup to their impressive haul under Wenger however; they currently trail Ipswich 1-0 after the first leg at Portman Road, although big free bet will still likely see them as favourites to progress after the second leg on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Wenger and club-captain Cesc Fábregas have moved to deny any rift after reports this week suggested Arsenal player Denilson was unhappy with Fabregas’s style of captaincy.
“We have a shared leadership in our team but I believe Fábregas is an outstanding leader, especially when you consider he's 23 years old, with personality and character, and Van Persie (club vice-captain) as well.” Commented the Arsenal boss.
Fábregas had earlier posted a picture of himself with Denilson in an attempt to diffuse any speculation surrounding the pair.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Centre back decision could make or break Arsenal's season
Arsene Wenger has rightly earned himself a wide range of compliments for the manner in which he has attempted to grow rather than buy a football team at Arsenal, but he has also shown in the past that he is unable to reflect upon his side's own frailties, instead often bemoaning bad luck rather than focusing on the reality of a given situation.
One frailty that he has ignored for far too long is the fact that his squad is horrendously injury prone, something that has undermined the wealth of talent present in the squad and has stopped the Gunners from challenging realistically for the Premier League title for the last few seasons.
With Thomas Vermaelen now out for an indefinite period of time, Wenger can show that he recognises his squad's limitations by going out and purchasing a central defender for his side, something that would in the process hand the fans a huge boost as they look for their side to build on the momentum that they have managed to create for themselves this season.
However, if Wenger reverts to type and decides that he has enough cover at the back, only to find himself in a situation where his squad is stretched too far to be able to compete with the very best in the Premier League, then once again Wenger will be accused of failing to act when he could have splashed a little cash in order to increase the chances of his side ending its trophy drought and the betting reflects this.
With the transfer window rapidly drawing to a close, Arsenal fans will be becoming increasingly nervous that their manager is going to once again blow the chance to capitalise upon a really strong start to the season.
One frailty that he has ignored for far too long is the fact that his squad is horrendously injury prone, something that has undermined the wealth of talent present in the squad and has stopped the Gunners from challenging realistically for the Premier League title for the last few seasons.
With Thomas Vermaelen now out for an indefinite period of time, Wenger can show that he recognises his squad's limitations by going out and purchasing a central defender for his side, something that would in the process hand the fans a huge boost as they look for their side to build on the momentum that they have managed to create for themselves this season.
However, if Wenger reverts to type and decides that he has enough cover at the back, only to find himself in a situation where his squad is stretched too far to be able to compete with the very best in the Premier League, then once again Wenger will be accused of failing to act when he could have splashed a little cash in order to increase the chances of his side ending its trophy drought and the betting reflects this.
With the transfer window rapidly drawing to a close, Arsenal fans will be becoming increasingly nervous that their manager is going to once again blow the chance to capitalise upon a really strong start to the season.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Wolves boss not thinking about relegation
Mick McCarthy remains assured that his Wolves side will avoid Premier League relegation this season.
The veteran manager sees his side sitting second bottom of the table after going down 4-3 to title-chasing Manchester City. Wolves put up a great fight to come back from 4-1 down however it was not enough to stop the side going down to yet another defeat.
One thing in Wolves' favour is how tight the bottom of the Premier League is this season, as they are still only one point from safety despite winning only six games all season, although the football odds indicate this sort of form will not be good enough.
McCarthy claims Wolves could have "had something" from the weekend's game, but is confident the side he has put together at Molineux is good enough to avoid the dreaded drop.
He claims to be "more than happy" with the squad he has and has faith in the team he oversees, despite their struggles this season and the fact the Premier League betting suggests they are in trouble.
"We've got a fabulous team spirit and big hearts in the team and that will keep us up, no question. They don't leave anything on the pitch. Of course we can stay up with this set of players - and we will," stated McCarthy.
McCarthy made his first piece of transfer window business last week by ensuring Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne will remain on loan at Wolves for the rest of the campaign to bolster the club's Premier League relegation battle.
The veteran manager sees his side sitting second bottom of the table after going down 4-3 to title-chasing Manchester City. Wolves put up a great fight to come back from 4-1 down however it was not enough to stop the side going down to yet another defeat.
One thing in Wolves' favour is how tight the bottom of the Premier League is this season, as they are still only one point from safety despite winning only six games all season, although the football odds indicate this sort of form will not be good enough.
McCarthy claims Wolves could have "had something" from the weekend's game, but is confident the side he has put together at Molineux is good enough to avoid the dreaded drop.
He claims to be "more than happy" with the squad he has and has faith in the team he oversees, despite their struggles this season and the fact the Premier League betting suggests they are in trouble.
"We've got a fabulous team spirit and big hearts in the team and that will keep us up, no question. They don't leave anything on the pitch. Of course we can stay up with this set of players - and we will," stated McCarthy.
McCarthy made his first piece of transfer window business last week by ensuring Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne will remain on loan at Wolves for the rest of the campaign to bolster the club's Premier League relegation battle.
Is Bent the missing piece in the jigsaw for Aston Villa?
Considering Martin O'Neill quit Aston Villa just a week before the season due to an apparent lack of funds it is surprising to see Randy Lerner digging out £20million in order for O'Neill's successor, Gerard Houllier, to buy Darren Bent.
I'm guessing the threat of relegation means such an investment is worthwhile – Lerner would lose far more if Villa dropped into the Championship.
Plus Houllier may have convinced the American that Bent could be the final jigsaw in a side that just a few years ago was knocking on the door of the Champions League.
A quick scan at the Villa team and it is clear where their problems lie. They have two attacking wingers in Stewart Downing and Ashley Young and a creative central player in Marc Albrighton, players whose effectiveness is only really felt when there is someone there to finish off the moves they create and people who follow the livescore football action will be fully aware of this.
Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey are both hard-working but not the 20-goal a season forward Villa need while John Carew looks to be on his way out. They need someone to put the ball in the net, simple.
Bent has shown he can do that – he has scored 81 goals in the Premier League since 2005, only Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney have scored more in that time. He is certainly in esteemed company.
His downfall at Sunderland has perhaps been his inability to work with Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck this season. But at Villa he would have no such issues – just convert the midfielder's crosses and he will be doing his job. Don't be surprised to see his name cropping up time and time again on the live scores goalwire over the remains of the season.
Villa are certainly paying a premium for the striker because he is English, it seems any home-based players has £6million lumped on his price tag. Plus I'm sure Bent will do well out of this deal as well.
The 'mercenary' tag will no doubt but slapped on him by the disgruntled Black Cats support who see a player swapping a European push for a relegation battle in order to get a 30 per cent pay rise.
But given their precarious league position and the level of service begging to be finished off, Bent could prove to be a perfect fit at Villa Park.
I'm guessing the threat of relegation means such an investment is worthwhile – Lerner would lose far more if Villa dropped into the Championship.
Plus Houllier may have convinced the American that Bent could be the final jigsaw in a side that just a few years ago was knocking on the door of the Champions League.
A quick scan at the Villa team and it is clear where their problems lie. They have two attacking wingers in Stewart Downing and Ashley Young and a creative central player in Marc Albrighton, players whose effectiveness is only really felt when there is someone there to finish off the moves they create and people who follow the livescore football action will be fully aware of this.
Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey are both hard-working but not the 20-goal a season forward Villa need while John Carew looks to be on his way out. They need someone to put the ball in the net, simple.
Bent has shown he can do that – he has scored 81 goals in the Premier League since 2005, only Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney have scored more in that time. He is certainly in esteemed company.
His downfall at Sunderland has perhaps been his inability to work with Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck this season. But at Villa he would have no such issues – just convert the midfielder's crosses and he will be doing his job. Don't be surprised to see his name cropping up time and time again on the live scores goalwire over the remains of the season.
Villa are certainly paying a premium for the striker because he is English, it seems any home-based players has £6million lumped on his price tag. Plus I'm sure Bent will do well out of this deal as well.
The 'mercenary' tag will no doubt but slapped on him by the disgruntled Black Cats support who see a player swapping a European push for a relegation battle in order to get a 30 per cent pay rise.
But given their precarious league position and the level of service begging to be finished off, Bent could prove to be a perfect fit at Villa Park.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Two new Celtic transfer rumours for Monday
+ Jan. 17, 2011 - Glenn Loovens to leave Celtic?
+ Jan. 17, 2011 - Celtic now after Everton's James Vaughan
+ Jan. 17, 2011 - Celtic now after Everton's James Vaughan
Friday, January 14, 2011
2010-11 UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Preview: Lille vs. PSV Eindhoven
Check out this player-focused preview of the Lille/PSV Round of 32 match-up.
+ Lille vs. PSV player preview
+ Lille vs. PSV player preview
Arsenal need to show they are not a twenty minute team
Arsenal are often described as a team that can pop up with a goal in the last ten minutes of games. However, in recent times, they have shown that they are simply a team capable of displaying a twenty minute blitz that, if survived by the opposition, seems to leave Arsenal without the confidence or creativity to damage their opponents.
The Gunners are not in a situation in which they can stand back and hope that their opponents in the title race start dropping points, they need to start showing that they are capable of picking up victories against teams that are prepared to sit back and absorb the pressure that Arsenal put on them in the way that Manchester City, Leeds United and Ipswich Town have done in recent games. Most people made Arsenal football betting tips to win the Carling Cup, but their poor performance this week has left them facing elimination.
Although the season is reaching a crucial point and the football betting reflects this. The Gunners seem to have suddenly fallen out of form at exactly the wrong time of year. However, with this slump occurring largely in cup competitions, rather than in the Premier League, the Gunners know that their match against West Ham United at the weekend can provide them with the sort of self-belief required to take a team from the level of contenders to that of champions.
If the Gunners fail to secure an early breakthrough against West Ham, they will have the perfect opportunity to show that they are a ninety minute side, rather than a side which needs to make an immediate impression or else lose their belief.
The Gunners are not in a situation in which they can stand back and hope that their opponents in the title race start dropping points, they need to start showing that they are capable of picking up victories against teams that are prepared to sit back and absorb the pressure that Arsenal put on them in the way that Manchester City, Leeds United and Ipswich Town have done in recent games. Most people made Arsenal football betting tips to win the Carling Cup, but their poor performance this week has left them facing elimination.
Although the season is reaching a crucial point and the football betting reflects this. The Gunners seem to have suddenly fallen out of form at exactly the wrong time of year. However, with this slump occurring largely in cup competitions, rather than in the Premier League, the Gunners know that their match against West Ham United at the weekend can provide them with the sort of self-belief required to take a team from the level of contenders to that of champions.
If the Gunners fail to secure an early breakthrough against West Ham, they will have the perfect opportunity to show that they are a ninety minute side, rather than a side which needs to make an immediate impression or else lose their belief.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
2011 MLS SuperDraft: Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps exclusive content
We have some reactions from MLS draftees.
+ Toronto FC draftee Demitrius Omphroy
+ Toronto FC draftee Junior Burgos
+ Vancouver Whitecaps draftee Jeb Brovsky
+ Toronto FC draftee Demitrius Omphroy
+ Toronto FC draftee Junior Burgos
+ Vancouver Whitecaps draftee Jeb Brovsky
2011 MLS SuperDraft: Short Interview with Toronto FC's Demitrius Omphroy
A great, quick read... This defender looks to have a bright future.
+ Demitrius Omphroy - 2011 MLS SuperDraft Interview
+ Demitrius Omphroy - 2011 MLS SuperDraft Interview
2011 Major League Soccer -- MLS SuperDraft Live Blog
Our good friends at Match Fit USA now hosting...
+ MLS SuperDraft Live Blog
Please go there for round 2 and round 3 coverage. Some solid soccer minds talking the game over there right now.
Cheers.
+ MLS SuperDraft Live Blog
Please go there for round 2 and round 3 coverage. Some solid soccer minds talking the game over there right now.
Cheers.
Sporting Kansas City selects CJ Sapong, see our 2011 MLS Combine Interview
We spoke with CJ prior to the Major League Soccer Combine. See it here.
+ CJ Sapong -- 2011 MLS Combine Interview
+ CJ Sapong -- 2011 MLS Combine Interview
The Akron Treble at the 2011 Major League SuperDraft
The University of Akron with three former players selected back-to-back-to-back:
Pick #2 Overall -- Darlington Nagbe -- Midfielder -- Portland Timbers
Pick #3 Overall -- Perry Kitchen -- Midfielder/Defender -- D.C. United
Pick #4 Overall -- Zarek Valentin -- Defender -- Chivas USA
Pick #2 Overall -- Darlington Nagbe -- Midfielder -- Portland Timbers
Pick #3 Overall -- Perry Kitchen -- Midfielder/Defender -- D.C. United
Pick #4 Overall -- Zarek Valentin -- Defender -- Chivas USA
Dzeko angers United as he joins Manchester club with “most fans”
First there was Carlos Tevez. The giant blue advertisement screamed “Welcome to Manchester” as the sky blue poster stuck up two fingers to the red half of Manchester and signalled their arrival in amongst the big players in the Premier League.
Then came Sir Alex Ferguson and his infamous “noisy neighbours” remark which incensed followers of Roberto Mancini’s Manchester revolution.
Petty squabbles have ensued since but it’s taken new Manchester City signing Edin Dzeko to stoke the fires properly once more.
The Bosnian completed his £27 million move earlier this week and wasted no time in declaring “I have heard a lot about the fans and that most of the people from Manchester are Manchester City fans,".
The move will no doubt anger those in replica Man United shirts and be viewed as another example of their impetuousness, while City fans will see it as a claim to be taken seriously amongst their league rivals.
But are City in a position to be making such bold claims?
The Blues have found themselves thrust into the limelight since Sheikh Mansour’s millions bankrolled their signings of top class players such as Mario Balotelli, Yaya Toure and now Dzeko.
Their cross-city rivals have had a much quieter period in the transfer window but currently sit two points ahead of Manchester City with two games in hand.
The signing of Dzeko will surely signal the intent of Roberto Mancini’s side to the rest of the league, but while statements like the Bosnians can be forgiven as an eagerness to impress, the club will know deep down that, whether Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United choose to admit it or not, they are now big time players in the Premier League.
The league title can only be a matter of years off, and Edin Dzeko will look to lead the front line in the charge to become the biggest club in Manchester. All is to play for.
Then came Sir Alex Ferguson and his infamous “noisy neighbours” remark which incensed followers of Roberto Mancini’s Manchester revolution.
Petty squabbles have ensued since but it’s taken new Manchester City signing Edin Dzeko to stoke the fires properly once more.
The Bosnian completed his £27 million move earlier this week and wasted no time in declaring “I have heard a lot about the fans and that most of the people from Manchester are Manchester City fans,".
The move will no doubt anger those in replica Man United shirts and be viewed as another example of their impetuousness, while City fans will see it as a claim to be taken seriously amongst their league rivals.
But are City in a position to be making such bold claims?
The Blues have found themselves thrust into the limelight since Sheikh Mansour’s millions bankrolled their signings of top class players such as Mario Balotelli, Yaya Toure and now Dzeko.
Their cross-city rivals have had a much quieter period in the transfer window but currently sit two points ahead of Manchester City with two games in hand.
The signing of Dzeko will surely signal the intent of Roberto Mancini’s side to the rest of the league, but while statements like the Bosnians can be forgiven as an eagerness to impress, the club will know deep down that, whether Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United choose to admit it or not, they are now big time players in the Premier League.
The league title can only be a matter of years off, and Edin Dzeko will look to lead the front line in the charge to become the biggest club in Manchester. All is to play for.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Today's transfer rumours from around the football globe
Transfer rumours and official moves from today:
+ Moroccan Youssef El-Arabi tracked by several clubs
+ Club Olimpo adds Dominguez
+ Dutch club player loaned
+ Moroccan Youssef El-Arabi tracked by several clubs
+ Club Olimpo adds Dominguez
+ Dutch club player loaned
Saturday, January 8, 2011
2011 Major League Soccer Player Combine Day One - January 8th
We'll update the combine news and notes as much as possible here during the day so stay tuned.
+ Per @MLS_Insider "Don't forget that Game One of the #MLS Combine will stream live at MLSsoccer.com today at 1:45 EST. Tell a friend." ~That's really outstanding news.
+ ESPN.com's Scott French talking about the six SoCal MLS Combine prospects
+ Meet SMU's Leone Cruz via MLSInsider
+ A Family Affair via MLSInsider
+ Dustin gets brotherly advice via MLSInsider
+ Omar Salgado remembers Portland fans Geoffrey C. Arnold via Oregonlive.com
+ Perry Kitchen gathering information on Portland Geoffrey C. Arnold via Oregonlive.com
+ MLS Combine player try to impress Geoffrey C. Arnold via Oregonlive.com
+ 2011 MLS Combine: U20 Practice (Friday) Joe Mauceri at Pro Player Pipeline
+ Soccer By Ives 2011 MLS Mock Draft (version 2.0)
+ Combine presents unique challenges Jeff Lemieux, Staff Writer Revolutionsoccer.net
+ MLS Combine Levi Houapeus profile Charm City Current Soccer Blog
+ Previewing 2011 MLS Player Combine Kyle McCarthy at Goal.com
+ Per @MLS_Insider "Don't forget that Game One of the #MLS Combine will stream live at MLSsoccer.com today at 1:45 EST. Tell a friend." ~That's really outstanding news.
+ ESPN.com's Scott French talking about the six SoCal MLS Combine prospects
+ Meet SMU's Leone Cruz via MLSInsider
+ A Family Affair via MLSInsider
+ Dustin gets brotherly advice via MLSInsider
+ Omar Salgado remembers Portland fans Geoffrey C. Arnold via Oregonlive.com
+ Perry Kitchen gathering information on Portland Geoffrey C. Arnold via Oregonlive.com
+ MLS Combine player try to impress Geoffrey C. Arnold via Oregonlive.com
+ 2011 MLS Combine: U20 Practice (Friday) Joe Mauceri at Pro Player Pipeline
+ Soccer By Ives 2011 MLS Mock Draft (version 2.0)
+ Combine presents unique challenges Jeff Lemieux, Staff Writer Revolutionsoccer.net
+ MLS Combine Levi Houapeus profile Charm City Current Soccer Blog
+ Previewing 2011 MLS Player Combine Kyle McCarthy at Goal.com
Friday, January 7, 2011
Liverpool in limbo as Hodgson clings on
Roy Hodgson seems like a decent, honest and honourable man. And because of that he needs to be put out of his misery at Liverpool.
His appointment never really caught the imagination with the supporters in the first place, but with each passing defeat anger and despair at the club’s slide from greatness has increased, culminating in the angry, vitriolic reaction by supporters at Blackburn on Wednesday and the ‘Hodgson out’ graffiti dubbed outside the club’s training ground the following morning.
Those following the Livescores note that Hodgson is carrying the can for the club’s fall from grace and although not all of it is his fault – the chaotic ownership of Hicks and Gillett and (whisper it quietly in front of Reds fans) the final throws of Rafa Benitez’s tenure sent Liverpool on a downward curve. But Hodgson has only succeeded in accelerating the decline to almost humiliatingly low levels for a club of their stature.
He was only ever seen as a caretaker for the role anyway - A safe pair of hands while the take-over was completed. The fact a manager of his experience is considered a caretaker is humiliating enough for the former Fulham boss, but it also meant he was never going to get the time and patience afforded to any of his predecessors and indeed his successor, whoever that may be.
He was up against it as soon as results started to dip, although home defeats to Northampton, Blackpool and Wolves as well as a run of just one away win all season is hard to defend.
Whether a change in boss will revive Liverpool’s fortunes remains to be seen. A distinctly average and bloated squad will take a while to refresh and the apparent lack of definitive action from the new owners so far in the January transfer window has got the fans restless.
But they are certainly better than the football live scores have shown in recent weeks.
And as nice a bloke as Hodgson is, it is time for Liverpool to get nasty if they are to move up the table.
His appointment never really caught the imagination with the supporters in the first place, but with each passing defeat anger and despair at the club’s slide from greatness has increased, culminating in the angry, vitriolic reaction by supporters at Blackburn on Wednesday and the ‘Hodgson out’ graffiti dubbed outside the club’s training ground the following morning.
Those following the Livescores note that Hodgson is carrying the can for the club’s fall from grace and although not all of it is his fault – the chaotic ownership of Hicks and Gillett and (whisper it quietly in front of Reds fans) the final throws of Rafa Benitez’s tenure sent Liverpool on a downward curve. But Hodgson has only succeeded in accelerating the decline to almost humiliatingly low levels for a club of their stature.
He was only ever seen as a caretaker for the role anyway - A safe pair of hands while the take-over was completed. The fact a manager of his experience is considered a caretaker is humiliating enough for the former Fulham boss, but it also meant he was never going to get the time and patience afforded to any of his predecessors and indeed his successor, whoever that may be.
He was up against it as soon as results started to dip, although home defeats to Northampton, Blackpool and Wolves as well as a run of just one away win all season is hard to defend.
Whether a change in boss will revive Liverpool’s fortunes remains to be seen. A distinctly average and bloated squad will take a while to refresh and the apparent lack of definitive action from the new owners so far in the January transfer window has got the fans restless.
But they are certainly better than the football live scores have shown in recent weeks.
And as nice a bloke as Hodgson is, it is time for Liverpool to get nasty if they are to move up the table.
Has he gone yet?
Although this seems a little like a broken record that nobody can quite be bothered to turn off because the tune still brings a little joy to some of those in the room (while admittedly bringing depression and misery to those who are sick of it and want it turned off as soon as possible), it seems bizarre that Roy Hodgson still has a job. After all, no one now makes Liverpool football betting tips to reach Europe this season.
Despite having never succeeded at the top level, Hodgson was given a fairly decent contract and a fair bit of cash (given how poor Liverpool were at the time he took over) upon which to stake his Liverpool career hopes. Halfway through the season and his hopes and dreams have crashed and burned before he has even really had a chance to sit up and enjoy a really big victory. The football predictions suggest he will be gone sooner or later.
With the vultures already circling, the fact is that he has never been able to connect with the Liverpool faithful. Add to this the fact that his players don't seem to be as bothered about him staying as the Chelsea team appeared during their short-lived joy at taking the lead against Aston Villa and you begin to realise just how temporary they see their boss as being.
Having said all this, things could be worse. Had the British tabloids had their way, Hodgson could have been managing England, while Fabio Capello stood back and laughed as England started to play in the manner Liverpool are doing now.
Despite having never succeeded at the top level, Hodgson was given a fairly decent contract and a fair bit of cash (given how poor Liverpool were at the time he took over) upon which to stake his Liverpool career hopes. Halfway through the season and his hopes and dreams have crashed and burned before he has even really had a chance to sit up and enjoy a really big victory. The football predictions suggest he will be gone sooner or later.
With the vultures already circling, the fact is that he has never been able to connect with the Liverpool faithful. Add to this the fact that his players don't seem to be as bothered about him staying as the Chelsea team appeared during their short-lived joy at taking the lead against Aston Villa and you begin to realise just how temporary they see their boss as being.
Having said all this, things could be worse. Had the British tabloids had their way, Hodgson could have been managing England, while Fabio Capello stood back and laughed as England started to play in the manner Liverpool are doing now.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
2011 MLS Player Combine News: January 6, 2011
+ Final Rosters Announced at MLSsoccer.com
+ MLS Insider with Foreign Non-Collegians Preview
+ 10 seniors to watch via Travis Clark MLSsoccer.com
+ MLS Combine article at USA10Kit
Interviews/Profiles
+ Steven Perry (Notre Dame)
+ CJ Sapong (James Madison)
+ Tommy Drake (Clemson)
+ Rich Balchan (Indiana)
+ Curtis Ushedo (UAB)
More to follow throughout the weekend...
+ MLS Insider with Foreign Non-Collegians Preview
+ 10 seniors to watch via Travis Clark MLSsoccer.com
+ MLS Combine article at USA10Kit
Interviews/Profiles
+ Steven Perry (Notre Dame)
+ CJ Sapong (James Madison)
+ Tommy Drake (Clemson)
+ Rich Balchan (Indiana)
+ Curtis Ushedo (UAB)
More to follow throughout the weekend...
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