15/01/07 - Galaxy waits for a Star to fall

The world of football has witnessed fundamental changes in the game in the last 20 years. Significant incidents have turned the game into big business. The launch of a Premier League with Sky TV in England gave the elite clubs lucrative rewards.

In Europe and the rest of the globe the Bosman ruling for free transfers on the back of contract expiry allowed players’ salaries to rocket as larger sums would be offered as wages rather than transfer fees. This in turn welcomed the wealthy such as Russian Billionnaires to take a commercial interest in a South West London club without a great deal of glorious history.

When the most famous club in the world with the most prestigious cabinet of trophies signs a player not to improve a dream team dazzling with world players of the year but to predominantly increase commercial activities in Asia, you know football has sold out.

Hailed as one of the best footballers in the world by much of the English media, David Beckham arrived at Real Madrid hoping to add to the medal haul achieved at Manchester United. This his boyhood club that he was forced out of due to Sir Alex Ferguson’s dislike for the focus on fashion before football.

Real Madrid offered the glamourous spotlight for an icon as Beckham had become even though he did not wish to leave Old Trafford. The team who had become known as the galacticos having won another European Champions League for the unrivalled record umpteenth time, added a star which would help Real regain its status as the wealthiest club in the world too, ironically from Manchester United.

And although it started off so well with Beckham playing in a victory in the Spanish Super Copa, after 4 years in Madrid, the trophy cabinet is yet to have been reopened. There has been mismanagement with many faces coming and going from the Bernabeu but from being the best team in the world to no silverware in 4 years, it shows a decline that coincides with Beckham’s stay and also the prime focus of the decision makers. The importance of commercial matters off the pitch took priority over keeping an eye on the ball on the pitch – something that may also have applied to Beckham himself in recent times.

That said, Real Madrid is now back as the richest club in the world according to reports but this will not be classed as an achievement for the ex-England captain who failed to make an influential impact on the fortunes of the Spanish giants for football reasons.

Indeed, on the international scene, England under his leadership continued to fail at major tournaments even though Beckham should be remembered for key moments for his country such as the last-minute free-kick against Greece in qualifying for the World Cup 2002 after which he was the English media’s golden boy. But just as the Real Madrid team turned from heroes to zero, the number 23 has suffered a parallel fall from grace.

As it happens, the team struggled to successfully accommodate Beckham either wide or in the middle of midfield. By contrast, in Luis Figo, the man the English media claimed Beckham was there to replace, there was a teammate who could play on either wing, with either feet as well as beat players. And ironically, Figo was actually an ally of the former Red Devil, being traditionally a number 7, a set-piece taker and international captain as well as continuing to learn English.

Unfortunately the parallels ceased there as 2 years later Figo fell out with then failing coach Luxemburgo who played without wide men. Before Wanderley’s wingless wasters ended another season without success and another sacking, Figo eventually left to win a Serie A championship with Inter Milan. This came after reaching a major International final and World Cup semi-final in which he was influential and this was a fitting international swan-song for the former World Player of the Year who has now moved to the Middle East in the twilight years of his career.

Many of the best players in the world have in the past moved to nations where standards of football are less competitive yet lucrative before retiring. However, Beckham’s money-spinning transfer to America comes much earlier than any of the greats – Pele, Zico, George Best. And for all his set-piece and shirt-selling qualities, Beckham is no Beckenbauer if only because he has certainly not left any legacy as comparable.

But this move should not be such a surprise given that Beckham no longer features in the Real Madrid team plans and would not return to England to play for anyone other than his beloved Manchester United.

United are also a famous club who haven’t achieved the heights of previous success achieved but this has come from the emergence of Chelsea as a bankrolled force as well as the end of the career of the inspirational Roy Keane for instance. Therefore calls heard in recent years for Beckham’s return to Old Trafford would sound embarrassing now given the fantastic form of new number 7, Cristiano Ronaldo and the comparatively limited contribution Beckham would give to the league leaders.

But had his bank balance not been further boosted by his move to the States, how Beckham would love to return to the Theatre of Dreams. As glamorous a life as he has, Beckham always showed a passionate care for England to achieve, so much he was prepared to pass the captaincy for the good of the future of the team.

For his country to have turned its back on him completely will have been shattering. Sure, he may not have made the first team selection but certainly deserved at least a final friendly farewell in recognition of Beckham’s fine efforts for England who now only has the American Dream to believe in, playing the same quarterback balls he became famous for originally.

David Beckham is the finest example of how the beautiful game has finally had its heart ripped from its soul to be marketed and sold for profit in the pocket. There will surely be a huge hole in his pocket with the earning figures reported. But perhaps one day there may be a huge black hole left when the bubble bursts with a big bang across the football galaxy. - Paul Martins

13/12/06 - Red & White Godfather flying high again this Christmas

‘Tis a season that comes but once a year but it must feel like Christmas every pre-season in the summer for the fans and manager of Champions Chelsea who seem to have an open chequebook to sign the most fantastic players in the world. The thought of signing players for £30 million was until recent times only applicable to fantasy computer games, popular with football followers as well as armchair fans everywhere.

Now, not only is the manager of the club used to endorse these PC products but Jose Mourinho has unlimited spending power to select a dream team that makes these virtual games a reality. And he doesn’t pay for these extravagances on his American Express. These commercial contracts in turn further promote the brand of the plc that expects to be the most dominant force in world football by a set year as claimed by Peter Kenyon.

Arsene Wenger may be quite right to class this prediction as premature as Christmas Trees in October. But despite having found a winning formula, and his attempts to push buttons harder and faster, Mourinho has found that the game has gone up a level and a worthy adversary has re-emerged to test the Dream Team.

And what happens when the £30 million striker who has all the ratings to be impressive with records on a computer doesn’t score and the chairman expects him to play regardless? Since when does the owner pick the team on the fantasy games? Time to get real and the reality check has arrived in the form of Manchester United’s excellent form this term, with Cristiano Ronaldo especially rejuvenated while reviled.

Sir Alex Ferguson has endured a horror in assaults on the Premier League since the nightmare of failing to sign a certain Ronaldinho. However a trick and a treat has come from the alternative signing of the Portuguese winger who has defied his critics from all angles to deliver outstanding performances. His contribution to a team including the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs showing leases of lives that filled the trophy cabinet, has placed Ferguson, the Godfather of British football, back on top of the tree at Christmas.

The old saying goes that all football professionals want for Christmas are 3 points. The 3 wise men in charge of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal may not all be looking for Jesus in this seasonal period (and Wenger would do well not to confuse Thierry Henry as the same figure nor to be led astray by the star).

However, they will all be focussing on beginning the New Year with intent, just as they did at the start of this campaign. The new season brought gold (Expensive World Cup stars Shevchenko and Ballack), Frank intense (with his poor form for England and the arrival of the German captain) and slur (on the back of tapping up Ashley Cole) to Stamford Bridge. As the end of the year approaches, Mourinho is unlikely to venture into the January sales but this may depend on Abramovich’s own wish list.

As materialistic as Peter Kenyon is, as minted as after dinner chocolate as Roman Abramovich is, and no matter how arrogantly successful Jose Mourinho has been, they would be wise men not to forget that if they’ve been naughty boys, all they’ll get this year is Cole: Cashley Cole. - Paul Martins

01/11/06 - Time warp halts Rocky Hammers Horror Show

As Halloween arrives, Alan Pardew will be one man who has endured more of a nightmare than most recently on the back of the West Ham’s 8 consecutive defeats. This harrowing downward spiral towards the bottom of the table has been alarming but the Hammers boss has not been alone in being haunted by the sack race as similar slumps at Charlton and Manchester City have also given Iain Dowie and Stuart Pearce food for fear.

But the Irons could not go on forever blowing bubbles, many of which have now burst having been eliminated from the UEFA Cup at the hands of Palermo and the Carling Cup last week at Chesterfield. This is a far and chilling cry from the heights of mid table status and the FA Cup final almost won after securing a return to the top flight via a play-off promotion.

Some might say Pardew has been a victim of his own success last season but it is fair to say that while expectations may have been raised in the East End, performances this season have been far from up to scratch at Upton Park. This has coincided with the shock arrival of 2 World Cup stars that have been easy targets claimed to have unsettled team spirit while attempting to settle themselves in the Premier League.

While not having quite set the league alight, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez were hailed as the signings of the century as the transfer window closed. As it did, the fresh air that filled the proud puffed-out chests suddenly disappeared as a foul stench emerged amongst tales of take-overs in the boardroom. How much these rumours have caused a distraction to trickle down to the dressing room will have been debated in many an East End pub but the prime concern for fans must be on matters for matchdays.

Without a trick or treat from Tevez on his appearances in claret and blue, the Hammers faithful will surely have compared the Argentine’s fearsome demeanour with that of a mercenary vampire, sucking the life blood that pumped through the veins of a Nigel Reo-Coker surging run last season. That this has no longer been evident since from their young captain was not the fault of new talented arrivals. But the buck must stop with the manager who must inspire his players, particular those who he chooses to be his eyes and ears on the field.

The ultimate example of someone with such international experience with leadership as well as vision could be found from within. So when Pardew turned to Teddy Sheringham, he could rely on the valiant veteran to timely turn the clock back with another ageless and inspired display as his scoring contribution against Blackburn, just when it was needed the most. How Stuart Pearce could do with his old Nottingham Forest teammate now and how Iain Dowie may well rustle around for the boots he hung up.

While struggling managers may feel in the dark as to how to turn poor form around they could do worse than to ask Red Devil Wayne Rooney after his hat-trick at Bolton. The days are getting shorter and fewer before chairmen become monsters, sick of the dawn of the deadpan performances, forcing them to wield the axe and seek new blood. Withstanding the high pressure - boil, boil, toil and trouble for those who dare to remain in the relegation graveyard for too long.

Perhaps on different grounds, Psycho and Dowie are respectively renowned as frightful characters in their own rights. They are also 2 relatively young, honest, hardworking professionals who have enjoyed early success. For these reasons they possess qualities capable of overturning bad spells. So it would be a horror if they were to vanish like ghosts bumped in the night, overnight.

Currently they are the phantoms of the opera created by the media but with their fighting spirits, the career curtain will not fall until the fat lady or the chairman sings. - Paul Martins

25/10/06 - Royals rage as loyal engage

Regardless of the team or sport you follow, it is immaterial when compared to the health and safety of fellow human beings. So when incidents occur where someone is seriously injured be it in the street or the football field, they are met with sympathy and sadness on a general scale. Compassion may often be shared after such mishaps.

So when Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech clashed with Reading’s Steve Hunt and needed hospital treatment to attend to a fractured skull, his manager Jose Mourinho would have every reason to be concerned. This was apparent when he expressed how the Champions League encounter with Barcelona in midweek had little relative significance to life or death. And of course in this context, Mourinho would be right. However, the most cynical may have seen this as a valid claim but at the same time one that may have also prepared further understanding if his team were to have lost against their European rivals and nemesis of recent years.

Make no mistake, there will have been no love lost between Mourinho and his former employers for this game as for all the others between the two clubs. As a result, Chelsea did come out on top, be it in the name of Petr Cech’s wellbeing or simply courtesy of a solid display and an excellent finish by Didier Drogba, almost made the forgotten man at Stamford Bridge after the arrival of Andrei Shevchenko. While Drogba is enjoying a run of form, the £30 Million summer signing has suffered a barren-scoring spell before his goal against Portsmouth.

But for a deflected goal at the Madejski stadium, Chelsea would have been frustrated just as title-rivals Manchester United were by the Royals. Sitting pretty in their first season in the Premier League above the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, Reading have been remarkably resilient under the guidance of Steve Coppell. While they may not boast the most high profile players, they have worked hard and had to challenge that little extra against the talent of the top flight.

Despite the over-zealous contest for the ball made by Steve Hunt with Petr Cech, there can be no conclusive evidence that one player attempted to purposely fracture the skull of another. The extent of the seriousness of the injury alone would suggest there could be no humane motive whereas the action of Ben Thatcher’s elbow directly at Pedro Mendes would have resulted in an arrest for a repeat offender had it occurred in any pub car park.

That Mourinho dared to compare the two incidents embarrasses his credible achievements that have built his reputation as one of the most competent managers with a no nonsense approach. Regrettably, a man not afraid to speak his mind should not add insult to injury by feeling the need to criticise the professionalism of the paramedics in getting to treat the unfortunate victim. Suggesting that everyone including the health service is against Chelsea in turn suggests he may be feeling the strain as well as the shame his club brings upon itself.

It is with such arrogant behaviour that such an antipathy has been created, on a par as that held by many for Manchester United on the basis of their success. However, this loathing of Chelsea, the brand, the plc, and essentially the football club may be rooted deeper than for the fact of their recent domestic domination because of the method in which this success has been achieved.

Through the needless purchases of £20 million substitutes whose talent is bought rather than developed at the club, much resentment is generated. The perfect example of this scenario is Shaun Wright-Phillips who already seems surplus to requirements now despite having emerged as a future favourite for England with Manchester City before signing for the Champions. Arguably it was a costly decision for sporting reasons as the player lost his place in the World Cup squad. This instance advocates how with so much at stake for clubs financially, the sporting element of the game may sadly be fading.

This means that the landmarks reached by Paul Scholes after 500 games and Steven Gerrard after 350 games when their respective clubs met this weekend are especially significant. Football fans and those who follow in the proud tradition of their famous clubs whose successful histories has been founded on heroes playing for the shirt will find this refreshing given the current commercial climate. Even the fiercest rivalry does not detract from the sporting tradition shown by the fans engaged for example with the ovation at Anfield for United’s Alan Smith after his leg break last year.

Respect is also rightfully received through the home-grown loyalty shown by the likes of Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville at Old Trafford and likewise Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher at Liverpool, all these previous European Champions. Jose Mourinho is a previous European Champion too as are Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira with FC Porto and Andrei Shevchenko who played in the last AC Milan side to be Champions of Europe with Paolo Maldini.

However, the Champions League and the world adulation that these clubs hold is the ultimate goal for Chelsea but they may just find it takes more sporting pride rather than healthy pay cheques to go down in history with respect. - Paul Martins

25/09/06 - Coward bungers retreat back into their shells

You must remember this, a hiss is still a hiss, a lie is just a lie. So who is telling the truth and where is the evidence? This week’s Panorama documentary on the BBC had a higher billing than the excessive fees the agents within the game earn from large lucrative deals. This much is true and was not uncommon knowledge before the revelations that were claimed would rock football.

Although not entirely surprising, it is understandable how some may have found it quite astonishing. Despite a history of diverse signings, how Harry Redknapp could be interested in Andy Todd would have stretched the imagination of most viewers. Equally the offer of a trip to the World Cup would have been well received by anyone so why not a football manager? But for expressing this along with the possibility of signing a player renowned for criminal tackles, does not make Redknapp Dirty Harry.

However, speculative journalists set the stage and saw the Portsmouth supremo as ideal to put up on screen with an undercover make-up that did not go deep enough and barely touched on the surface of the caked world of agents in football who all seek larger shares of the pie.

This was created by too many cooks who seemed to over-egg the pie with boastful claims of how they could be influential with their contacts given the right price. These were the same kind of assertions that double-glazing salesmen use but the problem here was that it was unclear how transparent the agents’ services would be in the transfer windows.

However, talk is cheap while the transactions of top level players are not which means there is money to be made by snakes willing to stick their tongues out to open negotiations. The discussions recorded in secrecy gave the venomous impression that the self-important impresarios could simply offer an incentive to Premiership managers who would in-turn sign their players for a bite of the fee.

The most mentioned source of potential for this opportunity was at Bolton Wanderers which seemed to be a Lancashire hotpot for agents licking their lips. This stemmed from the agents’ acquaintance with fellow agent Craig Allardyce, who was repeatedly keen to emphasize how he was his father’s son.

Months ago, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce threw his hat in the ring for the coveted role of England manager. But any talks with the FA will now involve questioning of a different kind in light of the new controversial allegations. Sam may well have pulled his hat over his eyes on viewing the Panorama programme which did not feature the man himself, but the naïve boasts of his son who has since quit as an agent on the FA’s registered list.

If Allardyce Senior is innocent, he has little to be afraid of because the documentary offers no concrete evidence that he was involved in dodgy dealings, especially because he was never filmed himself which cannot be said for Frank Arnesen at Chelsea.

The only issue is the link with Allardyce’s son Craig who in attempting to attract opportunities for his own gain, selfishly bragged of an unfounded influence through his dad who will now have to suffer the consequences of being implicated with malpractice. Big Sam does have a renowned robust character embodied by his team who have offered their support, and he has instructed his lawyers to act accordingly.

The agents themselves have been cowardly retracting the claims they made on camera in fear of being recriminated. They alleged there were perhaps 6 to 8 top-flight managers who they believed would be susceptible to a bung. However, other than Allardyce (just through acquaintance with his son) and Redknapp (who happened to express a mere interest in the availability of a player alone), no other names were broadcast by the BBC. Surely more names would have given further credibility to the claims. Now, the BBC must assist the FA or be liable to legal action.

While it is true, football has become victim to the commerce it has become with the ludicrous investment involved, it is equally true that a great deal of media hype has infested itself into the grass roots of the game. As much as agents can earn a fortune from constructing a deal with their clients, journalists can also earn fame and money from constructing a story from a sting even without incision.

Those of us who love football will know that although in the game’s development, large amounts of cash cause questions, the sentimental things apply, as time goes by. - Paul Martins

11/09/06 - Cole mines for gold

The rivalry between two of London’s top clubs increased a further few notches still since the exchange of players and accusations. A week on from the transfer deadline day and still the war of words wages on between Chelsea and Arsenal.

If tensions between the teams were already rife given the dark clouds under which both players left their respective clubs, the climate intensified after allegations that William Gallas threatened to score an own goal if forced to play came from a Chelsea statement.

This was the official response by the Champions deemed necessary to assure fans that the versatile defender had to leave the club. It seems hard to believe this kind of behaviour would occur on a schoolyard let alone the stadiums at Premiership level. If such fibs were told in the schoolyard, it would surely be liable to receive punishment by rulers. However, the FA are likely to turn a blind eye to these inflammatory comments.

With the healthy pay rises accompanying a new term, there have been fewer pupils bigger than those of Ashley Cole who during his time away from preparing for a new season has had his head in the books as well as up his own behind. It is fashionable for young footballers of today to release autobiographies due to their lucrative nature. Yet Cole insists he is not a greedy pig.

And the timing of these books is key. Cashley’s England teammates Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney as well as new club colleague Frank Lampard have also released books. This venture should be so successful for the latter because his title of Totally Frank has instantly become popular in the East End as cockney rhyming slang for something rubbish, to put it politely. Undoubtedly unmentioned within the literature, this description may be apt given Lampard’s performances of late and another missed penalty on the weekend.

While these distractions have occupied the headlines and the focus of the two title challengers, it seems like business as usual on the pitch for league leaders Manchester United. Manager of the Month Sir Alex Ferguson has had the renaissance of Player of the Month Ryan Giggs and a resilient Cristiano Ronaldo in scintillating form. Both have ensured that the League Cup holders have sped out of the blocks even without Paul Scholes and Rooney, winning 4 games from as many matches.

Ronaldo himself was central to the summer headlines and like Ashley Cole strongly linked with a move. However, it is refreshing to see a World Cup player defiantly put uncertain times behind him and now concentrating on proving his worth to the club that has developed him into the international class act that entertains fans watching the Premiership across the world. This is how respect is earned and Cole claims that Arsenal did not give him enough of this.

With all respect, a player who negotiates a move from the club he claims to love, that he supported as a boy and who is a direct competitor for trophies, clearly does not have much, especially for the fans who held him as one of their own.

Cole states he did not leave for the money. No, because he already earned £70,000 a week at Arsenal which should have sufficed even for the most lavish of lifestyles of his and his popstar wife. So it was not for the money but for more money because it is not for historical prestige or even level of ambition that the Champions League runners-up are far behind Chelsea - but only for financial possibilities.

So how could he possibly leave the club so long so close to his heart? Reporters at a press conference asked him if he would still support Arsenal to which he replied “you can’t expect me to say I support Arsenal when I am at Chelsea. It’s not right is it?”

You can’t expect an International player in the Premiership to be paid a vast fortune, to play for a top successful competitive club that has helped him achieve many trophies as well as his dreams from a child when he supported the club through and through, to be loyally content. It’s not right is it?

Arsene Wenger has said “time always helps you to see who helped you in life or not, and one day Cole will see.” The player himself acknowledges from witnessing Sol Campbell’s experiences that he will receive a “caning” from his old school. But he also maintains he is out to gain all he can. Let’s hope Cole gets all he deserves. - Paul Martins

04/09/06 - Smells like Argentine Spirit

Another international player may soon be spotted along the Kings Road on his way to Stamford Bridge as king of the bling Ashley Cole finally joined Chelsea from the club he claimed to have supported as a child. It was renowned how our Ashley was Arsenal through and through. The club he loved, grew up with and that developed him into the player he is today.

So it was for this heart-wrenching reason that he felt so betrayed by the board at Arsenal for almost forcing him out of the club, the same way Wayne Rooney claimed to have been at Everton before his lucrative move to Manchester United. Cole’s attempts to make Gunner’s chairman David Dein out as the Lex Luther of football will not be embraced by the fans who have for years chanted the name of one of their own favourite sons. What Ashley will have forgotten is that for all his millions and glamorous popstar lifestyle that make tabloid headlines, he is not any kind of Superman.

For all his attributes and achievements, Cole was certainly not more important than the club as Arsene Wenger addressed. Chelsea will feel they have struck a good deal having a strong addition to the squad for which they paid just £5 million for a player valued at £25 million whilst also dispensing of a disruptive influence in William Gallas.

But while Gallas may not quite reach the estimation of £20 million, he is a versatile and robust defender with proven experience who will relish playing in the same team as his international teammate Thierry Henry. Whether he will play in his preferred position of centre-half alongside Kolo Toure and Philippe Senderos as he returns from injury is uncertain because Wenger knows he is perhaps the most versatile of the 3.

Wenger himself has said the best thing about it all is that it has finally been resolved which allows for a focus to the new season’s aims. However, many Arsenal fans will carry the disbelief of how one of their own moved to their direct competitors and feels himself aggrieved at the club for treating him like an outcast after catching him negotiating his betrayal and finally selling out. If ever the Gunners would be able to come close to imagining how their neighbouring Spurs supporters felt on the move of Sol Campbell, it is now.

Sometimes there comes a time to move on and now Arsenal can truly begin a more settled life in their new Emirates Stadium which incidentally welcomed 2 newcomers to the Premiership on the close of the transfer window as Brazil met Argentina. The signatures of 2 young World Cup stars by West Ham will naturally have raised a few eyebrows. Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez were part of the impressive Argentina squad this summer and were originally due to join Juventus from Corinthians before the bribery scandal relegated the Italian giants stripped of their championship title and Serie A status.

However, MSI, the company who own the rights to the South American stars, happen to be considering a takeover bid for the East End club. Rumours are rife that there are clauses in the contracts which say should the right offers be made come next summer, the players could move on again to bigger clubs who have been previously linked to the pair such as Manchester United and Chelsea.

This surprise and exciting move smells of a story behind the scenes related to investments and financial incentives, yet more evidence of how the beautiful game has sold out to the money makers. Just what would Roy Keane say about the increase in prawn sandwiches? Well, as it happens he’s also been welcomed back to football and has already made a few investments of his own. One thing is for sure, the calibre and characters of the likes of Mascherano and Tevez should only add further passion and spirit to the Premiership. - Paul Martins

01/09/06 - Thatch why they call it the Blues

A new dawn and a new day for the Premiership full of a list of new signings whose accumulated total value sets a record for spending by the top flight. Amongst the big spenders, it has been a prosperous period for Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp. His survival efforts on a shoe-string budget last season re-won over the hearts of the fans and a new contract with a bundle of money invested by the new owner, just as another Russian chairman has constantly done over recent years.

The season began with the excitement naturally created by the new additions acquired: Chelsea finally looking to conquer Europe and Pompey looking to push for Europe based on the ambition shown in intelligent signings such as Sol Campbell who seemed to lose his way to Fenerbahce you know.

While many clubs like Portsmouth are reaching for the stars, some will of course come crashing back down to the ground, or into an elbow and an advertising board for poor Pedro Mendes after just the first few games of the season. The initial encounters have left Harry with happy days and one of his key players just in a daze albeit with a philosophic outlook considering.

Another man who has had to be down-to-earth in his approach and made his team a tough nut to crack has been Martin O’Neill who has begun the revival of Aston Villa without having added to his pool of players. For a club renowned as a sleeping giant that had been so dreary under David O’Leary it had been close to a coma, O’Neill has instantly got to grips with the talent in the squad and made the best of tough games at Arsenal and against Newcastle.

Arsenal also lost points at Manchester City who will take some pride for the right reasons after the bad publicity caused by Ben Thatcher’s thuggish antics. The incident is rightfully the biggest talking point discussed amongst fans because of the unprecedented level of vile viciousness involved. Premiership players are the heroes of young kids watching as role models to look up to. Thatcher himself would or should have looked up to the likes of his blues boss Stuart Pearce: a tough tackling but fair, committed left back.

But after the ignorant actions of Thatcher who has hardly ever been the epitome of good football let alone good sportsmanship, the difference between one man and another poor excuse for one is as incredible as the shocking elbow itself.

This was not the only mindless act of violence unfortunately as another repeat offender, Chelsea’s Michael Essien was seen pulling the hair of an opponent! In this case, the referee reprimanded the Chelsea midfielder correctly whereas a mere yellow card was dished out to the could-be criminal.

Unfortunately the opening Saturday was a particularly dark day for the men in black as amongst other errors, Watford were penalised for a non-existent handball by Chris Powell which may be crucial points lost for the play-off winners. The Hornets have played fairly well however, under the strict guidance of a young enthusiastic manager who demanded even more still after the performance against Manchester United.

With Cristiano Ronaldo defying the critics, the league leaders have made their intentions clear, speeding out of the blocks and capitalising on Chelsea’s surprise slip to an ever inconsistent Middlesborough finding their feet under new boss Gareth Southgate. Of course with the resources they have, it should not be long before Chelsea are seen playing the winning football that has seen the blues win back to back championships. One must hope the blues remain much longer for a certain thug by way of suspension. The FA should be arranging a sentence longer than any Thatcher could ever muster, at least in his defence. - Paul Martins

02/08/06 - Special ones follow six of the best

Influence is something every great player has and this pre-season has seen the arrival of 2 World Cup captains under the bridge influence of another kind – the money of Roman Abramovich. We will perhaps unequivocally learn that Michael Ballack’s favourite English player was always Peter Osgood and admiring the goalscoring skills of Kerry Dixon throughout his childhood was Andriy Shevchenko.

In any case, they have signed for a club they believe will have a decent chance of emerging amongst the major trophies. Especially under the guidance of Jose Mourinho who (with and without the aid of big name players) has collected much silverware over a limited if respected number of recent years in management.

Mourinho felt the services of Damien Duff, unfortunate with injuries last season, were expendable and he duly departed to Newcastle who are beginning to assemble a group of top quality midfielders and forwards. The Chelsea manager has never been afraid to make bold statements and the latest being how the signing of Shevchenko is the most important for the Premiership having attracted his calibre after 3 years of trying.

After the match-fixing scandal which resulted a little more leniently on the clubs involved, the departing stars of Serie A (what was commonly regarded as the best league in the world for the previous 2 decades) largely chose La Liga with Real Madrid and European Champions F C Barcelona. However, the talents of some of the players that have appeared in the Premier League have been of the highest level, courtesy of the investment made. However, this is not new necessarily.

Jurgen Klinsmann seems to have just begun a new revolution in German International football this summer and similarly he was one of the first foreign imports to arrive in England many summers ago having met in Monaco with then Tottenham Hotspur chairman Sir Alan Sugar. The ex-Inter Milan forward had a fantastic reputation for scoring as well as flamboyancy for falling as if shot – perhaps Sugar would tell him even then: you’re fired!

But Klinsmann has charisma and spearheaded a new-look Spurs forward line that breathed air into the Tottenham tradition of attractive football. For this, his dynamic finishing, and for good-humoured celebrations (unheard of from the stereo-typical German), he is fondly remembered for the impact he made.

Another to arrive in London from Serie A a little later was Gianfranco Zola whose amiable personality off the pitch matched his gentle touch and balance on the field which formed the inspiration for a new wave of unprecedented success for the Blues in Europe. Of course, the club is now at the top of the tree thanks to the nurturing of a Russian billionnaire but Zola’s vision helped plant the seeds of success turning the little Italian into the fans’ favourite he still is now.

But not all the great arrivals had experienced popular spells in Serie A as Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry can vouch for. However, despite starting slowly at Highbury after 10 terrific years, the ice man cooled his career after supplying the creative ammunition for the likes of Ian Wright and then Henry, twice footballer of the year, to become record-breakers at Arsenal, confirming his and their own legend status’.

Bergkamp’s input played a strong part in winning trophies and will continue having made an impression on Robin Van Persie’s generation of young Gunners coming through led by Thierry Henry, arguably the most scintillating striker the Premier League has seen.

Indeed, it is not only from Italy that foreign players have come and made their name. Arguably the most influential goalkeeper in the 1990s was Peter Schmeichel who Sir Alex Ferguson signed from Brondby. Not only was the Danish giant a rock who seemed impossible to beat even and especially when faced one-on-one, he constantly made important saves at crucial times, giving confidence to the teams that won numerous cups and championships domestically and even on the International scene.

Schmeichel formed a backbone at Manchester United that would inspire an era of historic achievement and this included a certain Frenchman. We are not talking of loaned centre half William Prunier but rather of an ooh ahh Eric Cantona. Never has one player been such a pivotal part of a team, a club and a generation since the creation of the Premiership.

Not just for the incredible goals Cantona created and many memorable goals he himself converted at countless key moments (top-of-the-table clashes, FA Cup Finals). Also and essentially for the inspirational aura he gave to his teammates (many of them forming the basis of the best group of youngsters to go on to play for England). People will always point to the infamous kung-fu kick on a racist spectator but it was only when Cantona served a long-term suspension that the Red Devils failed to win a trophy at the end of the season. Call it coincidence if you will, but the gallic genius had a flair unforeseen.

Mourinho, the self-proclaimed “Special One” would surely be glad if Shevchenko, while also making the number 7 his own, made half the influential impact on the Premiership as Cantona and these top 5 previously. Unfortunately though, the level of money involved seems to be taking the je ne sais quois of the beautiful game away from the fans who were given romance and imagination by the special one number 7 with the collar up. But football is a business and media attention is ever hintense. So “when the seagulls follow the trawler… - Paul Martins

18/07/06 - Spectacle if Superman returns to battle Incredible Bulk

Any hangovers or headaches from the celebration and commiseration of an event-filled World Cup have well and truly kicked in. And for many members of the newly crowned World Champions, the harsh return to reality from the honeymoon will hit home harder than ever before.

Italian authorities have shown an admirable assertiveness, ever associated with their matchday police in terms of their approach to football irregularities. Should allegations prove concrete, la dolce vida for the giants of il calcio, that have stood as pillars in European standing, will turn sour, leaving a taste in the mouth harder to swallow than a Marco Materazzi verbal volley.

Italy were the only World Cup competitors to have all home based players in their side and many of these stars will now ponder kissing goodbye to Mamma’s homemade cooking and experiencing a foreign menu to provide their rich bread and butter. And paella may be the most preferred dish of the day for most with former Juventus manager Fabio Cappello having joined Real Madrid for his second spell. Tempted by the maestro will be his inspirational captain and namesake Cannavaro whose agent is also keen to involve Chelsea in the bidding to raise the juicy financial stakes.

Having an established international centre-half depart, Arsene Wenger would have been alerted to replace Sol Campbell with another. However, signing Cannavaro who scored at Highbury in the Champions League last season, would only be affordable for a select few clubs, claims the Arsenal supremo. La Liga in Spain has been chased by the Premiership for the right to claim to be the best league in the world and this has been possible with the huge increase in spending, most emphatically by Chelsea.

Buyers will peruse players in the shop windows of Rome, Turin, Florence and Milan. This is where the most fashionable accessories having won the World Cup will not only be hand-picked as able to sell shirts (which Cappello already has with the most commercial magnet in Madrid: the best a man-ager can get), but be of a high quality made of sturdy stuff.

As well as Cannavaro, especially sought after are Andrea Pirlo, Francesco Totti, Alessandro Nesta, Gianluca Zambrotta and of course the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, Gianluigi Buffon. However, a man who covers every blade of grass in every game: a midfield general with a tank that never seems to run on empty would be the best bargain for value.

Gennaro Gattuso has naturally attracted great interest from a host of top clubs around Europe and happens to have experience of the British game and humour having played with Paul Gascoigne at Glasgow Rangers. He also has a winning energy and drive not seen at Old Trafford (where he displayed a winning virtuoso performance winning the Champions’ League with AC Milan) since Roy Keane, a player much missed and arguably irreplaceable.

But few would argue with Gattuso either, because he could be the ideal combative influence to form an irresistible resistance for Sir Alex Ferguson against the domestic dominance of the transfer market by Chelsea who have contracted yet another two stars of world football: Michael Ballack and Andrei Shevchenko.

What is more is Gattuso has stated in the past his preference for prestige to join Manchester United rather than the Blues. Harder to muster may be the useful signing of former Gunner and rival Patrick Vieira. In any case, Sir Alex Ferguson needs to rescue the domestic situation. This may be possible with the irrepressible Gattuso, having helped save the world for Italy, if Superman returns to British soil to combat the incredible bulk of Roman Abramovich’s pocket. - Paul Martins

10/07/06 - Bleating over cheating offers escape to victory

What a furore. It must be stopped. No, not the violence seen after a penalties defeat. Not just the Argentinian argument with Germany but the media exaggeration looking for a scapegoat to blame for another England exit. Not even the violent conduct from Daniele De Rossi, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and certainly not Wayne Rooney. No it has been the diving by Portugal (and for Portugal, see Holland, Argentina, France, Italy…) that has been given super attention.

The team who have now beaten England and dumped them out of 3 of the last 4 major tournaments have been the target of a hysteria that matches that which built up a poor performing long ball team. Incapable of keeping the ball and playing the kind of attractive creative football that the team who eliminated them again as well as most teams in the World Cup play, it shows an inability at large to recognize that a team is not as good as it was claimed.

But consistent is exacerbating the need for a culprit. No-one cheated England but the sour grapes needed there to be a reason. Who wouldn't be up in arms if a team-mate had been kicked in the tomatoes?! Needless to say, Cristiano Ronaldo was a threat and scoring the winning penalty too was too much to accept. So let's not condemn the golden boy Rooney for violent conduct, let's disguise his stupidity by over inflaming a situation where anyone would have done the same.

The referee who was so influenced by Ronaldo, did so well he was chosen as the best official for the final between France and Italy – another team labelled as having diving "in their game", as described by the great and honourable Mr Alan Shearer. A guy so fantastic at backing into defenders to win free-kicks as for scoring on the big stage himself – those penalties from Michael Owen's dives against Argentina remain long in the memory of many. Shearer reckons divers should all be sent off. Well that would have made sense. Then Portugal or Holland would have had even fewer players available to face England. To make it clear: no-one condones simulation to con referees. Then again, we all want to see decent football too. But that's another con altogether.

However, how would giving referees harsher rules to apply make for a better game? It was evidently ridiculous enough in the early stages. Although heavily criticized at first, refereeing has certainly improved in the latter stages as the standard of the officials has been such, that play-acting has been ignored without spoiling the game with more cards than at Christmas. Perhaps Mr Shearer would like penalties to be abolished too to aid England's progress. That really would be like a white Christmas. As harsh as it may feel, it's simply a state of mind and the fairest way to decide a game.

The truth hurts sometimes and the vitriol directed at designated scapegoats – this time the Portuguese (whoever eliminates them) – seems just typical of a desperate denial of the failure for the performances that just never came - just like the lack of mention of the impressive Florent Malouda's continuous simulation in the final showpiece. And they talk of consistency.

However, performances have come from another team under the spotlight. Italy were the most impressive side for guile and style along with Argentina. They have mixed resilience on and off the pitch with a technical attacking flair when unexpected.

Player of the tournament, Fabio Cannavaro has been their talisman with the biggest inspiration. So when the label of cheating is being all so easily bandied about, the corruption that threatens to ruin Italian domestic football as we know it, may well have been the catalyst for the national side finding an escape to victory in the World Cup. This after going behind to a French penalty from a blatant dive, passed without comment. What would have been spouted had it been Portugal?

But ending on the positives, Martin O'Neill, whom many wanted to succeed as England manager, was only man enough to give Portugal "credit where it's due for good passing attacking football", that which inspired one of the greatest goals ever, scored at this World Cup by Argentina. No arguments there.

But what was the best moment of the World Cup? That goal? Zidane's performance against Brazil? Ronaldo's record-breaking goals? Germany's amiable hospitality? Sure these are up there. But for me, after she couldn't understand that Kolo Touré was not the salt pot, it has to be my girlfriend explaining during the final how Luca Toni may not have been offside as it was given for Del Piero. She deserves the Mastercard because that was priceless. - Paul Martins

03/07/06 - Goodnight as Sven turns off bedtime Lamps

So let’s cut to the chase. Who or what is to blame for England’s exit from the World Cup? Why should anyone or anything be to blame? Because for every tournament, football is supposed to come home.

England expects. But does it expect too much? Partly no, because the players who line up play at the top level week in week out, likewise earning the highest pay packets week in week out as may have been observed through the latest accessories displayed by the latest fashionable group: the wives and girlfriends.

Without wishing to bore you as much as you may have already felt having witnessed one laboriously poor performance too many this summer, there must be a more direct route to the answer than the boring long route one attempts employed yet again.

In fairness, although never brilliant, England did raise their game in terms of keeping possession in the quarter-final against a Portugal side adept at passing. That became more difficult after going down to 10 men. Well that sounds unfair. How did it happen? The refereeing standard has been very poor and not helped by the new orders demanded by FIFA. In any case, Cristiano Ronaldo has been the easy scapegoat to criticize for expressing natural disgust for the foul that saw Wayne Rooney sent off. Otherwise, anyone would credit the referee for his position right on the spot and then for seeing for himself that stamping on the testicles of an opponent does not need to be detailed in the rule book to merit an ASBO, let alone a sending off.

So much was made of Wayne Rooney’s foot before the tournament that the state of his hot head was ignored. As Rooney went loony again, England’s cause was not helped. However the team could be proud of a handful of other individuals who were outstanding. Often an unsung hero, Gary Neville made a welcome return and carried himself with great dignity on and off the field.

David Beckham who squeezed the side and his free-kick through the last 16 round and assisted for goals when called upon, was also gracious defending Rooney from the media frenzy after the horrific abuse he suffered after his sending off in 1998. But his replacement Aaron Lennon was also in his element and as mentioned here before, will no doubt feature in future plans with and without the skipper who has stepped down.

Another man also at the end of an era has been at the centre of all criticism. And although Michael Carrick showed solid passing play against Ecuador, Sven Goran Eriksson’s decision to field a player booed by his own fans was proven worthy. Eriksson should have taken Jermain Defoe and not made a schoolboy error. But in hindsight, his competitive record is outstanding and he was right to play Owen Hargreaves who deservedly received the man of the match accolade continuously breaking up attacks with a spirited performance that is typical of Steven Gerrard. Gerrard may have missed his penalty but did play his part with 2 well taken goals in earlier games. No-one could question the Liverpool captain’s heart.

Maybe then it was just that England are not strong at penalties. But Paul Robinson is certainly the best goalkeeper the three lions have had in years. Anyone can lose at penalties because it is a lottery. But how will this tournament be remembered by England fans? It has to be Joe Cole’s dazzling goal against Sweden that stands out most fondly. Cole always looked relatively sharp although that didn’t take much alongside Chelsea team mate Frank Lampard.

While there were dire performances that such celebrated names should not have given, if fingers are being pointed, it’s difficult to conjure up what Lampard contributed at all. Fans paid crazy money to see him and the team play at Cologne and Frankfurt, even more than they would at Stamford Bridge.

So to see him pose around the centre circle as if back on the Kings Road must have felt like an insult. If only Lampard had cared enough to stick his finger out and pop his ever-hanging tongue back in, the team may all have contributed just enough. He just so happened to miss his penalty too. And sure it is a hard way to go out as sadly seen with Ferdinand’s tears. But quite frankly Rio, this is no prank show because you’ve been “merc’d” by your old mukka Lampard. Not good enough. If England were cheated, this is only how. - Paul Martins

27/06/06 - All About the Angols

Every World Cup creates memorable moments that go on to live in the football folklore forever. The most vivid recollections from the tournament tend to emerge from the fact the event is so universal involving so many diverse countries and cultures which allow for a colourful spectacle. Many look at Italia ‘90 as the last great World Cup possibly because as England progressed further, excitement naturally increased.

But it was not only about England, Gazza’s tears, Lineker’s penalties or even Chris Waddle’s mullet. It was not even John Barnes’ rap that captured the imagination alone. It was the sight of Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita rushing out to play sweeper, Claudio Cannigia showing long locks and athleticism that would be an inspiration to Argentina’s hurdlers, and of course Roger Milla dancing with the corner flag. As vibrant as the Cameroon shirts and as bright as the smile on Milla’s face which was shared by a world watching on.

Indeed it is often the African nations that provide the colour to many World Cups, and not in just making up the numbers as Cameroon showed 16 years ago and indeed Senegal just 4 years ago. This year seems to be the time of Ghana who have impressed by eliminating a decent Czech Republic team.

That said, the celebration is not only for those who progress. Teams that have played attractive attacking football such as Brazil, Spain and also a refreshed host nation have advanced with a way of entertaining while gaining results. The stereotype German national team would play physical and organised but Klinsmann has taken a no nonsense approach but directed a positive energy into going forwards and scoring goals which has helped give the World Cup an exciting buzz.

A few same old idiots apart, the tournament has been well received not only by the money-makers but by the fans embracing the game and importantly, each other. Flags should not be banned or held with disregard providing there is a tolerance and respect for those of all nations. This clearly does not permit the despicable display of swastikas to provoke trouble. Germany has had a difficult history and rather than being viewed with ignorance, many will now see an optimistic nation and rightly commend it’s hospitality this summer.

Other than the small error of the Korean national anthem being played twice (Togo will just have been pleased to have had a manager), there has been no mockery of the anthems. Although this respect would seem like common courtesy to most people, this can only be positive for international relations during a time when the world is not entirely at peace.

For instance, some spoke of whether Iran should be banned from the World Cup for not complying to certain political conditions. What nonsense. Football should be an escape from war and politics and an opportunity to open people’s minds in a united sense rather than be used as a vehicle for national extremism and violence (as sadly some groups still attempt). Countries that have been represented at the World Cup having overcome adversity through relatively recent civil wars such as Angola, and those who have played the game in the right way are the winners from the World Cup just as much as Brazil may often be. Passing and moving in small triangles is the way forward and so it is true – it’s all about the Angols and the Angolans. - Paul Martins

05/06/06 - Two Big Rons Don’t Make A Wright

In recent weeks this column has championed the skills and spirit of a special player in Steven Gerrard. Indeed, it was difficult to find any fault as there seemed to be nothing the Liverpool captain could not do after his heroic two weeks of winning player of the year and lifting the FA Cup in dramatic style. The birth of his second child in that fortnight time frame and scoring a goal for England against Jamaica on his own birthday on Saturday topped a period that could not have been dreamed of better.

It would all have been sweeter or at least in better taste if his horrific dive for England’s penalty against Hungary in the other friendly prior to the Jamaica game had been avoided. That Frank Lampard missed the spot-kick or that it was only a friendly or that England went on to score more goals anyway matters not. What emerged as the most horrifyingly significant memory of all was the commentary.

The English game has an honourable reputation for being honest and fair and their fans (hooligan element apart) are renowned for being committed to their team. So really, only John Motson was concerned that Hungary’s goalkeeper was taking a split-second longer in the friendly. While appreciating Motson deep down is merely a fan too, the BBC recognises the importance of impartiality in its reports, at club level as well as to uphold their international standing.

The man in the sheepskin coat has been the first-choice commentator for a number of years and so no one will know the importance of delivery at key moments more than Motson. So perhaps he can be forgiven for paying extra attention to detail to even the goal kicks. But this seriously attentive approach just makes it more difficult to comprehend the lack of comment given to the key point in the game when Gerrard earned a penalty for England.

Earned rather than cheated because Motson has always been keen to educate us how only players on the continent or elsewhere would con the referee. Incidentally John, some of the most memorable World Cup moments for England in recent years, especially against Argentina, have been the result of penalties earned by Michael Owen.

Motson’s silence at that point was golden. One of his colleagues back in the studio who struggles to ever be quiet or sit in his chair without twitching is the over-excitable Ian Wright. Let’s get one thing straight, aside from also appearing to promote positive BBC race relations, Wrighty’s enthusiasm is infectious and gives the commentary team a sense of balance alongside the constructive if direct criticisms of Alan Hansen’s knowledgeable assessments.

However, the enthusiasm sometimes bubbles over and the comments that came from the former England striker’s mouth were widely acknowledged as those from an unbalanced mind. How ironic that a man intended to bolster race relations for the BBC as well as give an educated opinion made such a blunder that even left Gary Lineker, already matching the feat of Big Ron’s rotten orange, red-faced.

The ludicrous claim was that Gerrard’s dive was “OK because they would do it to us”. Wright was not given enough time on air for Lineker to ask whom he was referring to by “they” but it didn’t take an expert or a racist to imagine what he meant. Perhaps it stemmed from years of listening to Motson so who would fault him for trying to learn from the best, allegedly. Let’s suppose some players do go down easily. Two wrongs do not make a right. Surely promoting a good example of fair play to the many kids watching would be better than tolerating the diving of England players and condemning the rest of the world.

Wright may still be suffering from the hangover of natural disappointment with the non-selection of his step-son Shaun Wright-Phillips from the England World Cup squad. However, to suggest Owen Hargreaves was only playing because “he must know one of Eriksson’s family secrets” was an embarrassing insult to the injury already caused to the BBC’s dignity by his earlier comments. Two wrongs certainly do not make it right for the viewing public.

While it is a pity that Wright-Phillips’s early promise has not been extended, this is partly due to the emergence of Aaron Lennon whose Tottenham teammate has suffered the biggest injustice in Jermain Defoe’s exclusion. Defoe will go to Germany with the squad but chances are he will not play a part in proceedings with the much-awaited return to fitness of Wayne Rooney. While much of the talk has been of Theo Walcott, it still seems unwise and unfair to deny Defoe’s place or at the same time ignore the progress of Peter Crouch. His hat trick albeit against a disjointed Jamaica will give him confidence and the public the novelty stupid dance for the summer.

Such stupidity and that of ignorant comments for instance is caused from the hype surrounding a man too brash and a man too tall. Lest not forget, the bigger you are, the harder you fall. England is not going to war and when looking for sensible peace, the excitement will build but perhaps consider turning the sound off the telly to fully enjoy the spectacle. - Paul Martins

30/05/06 - Wonders of the world come from wide

The greatest stage for any footballer returns and the event that makes heroes as well as unfortunate villains (and actors of pizza adverts) looks set to be no different this year as the most skilful stars on the planet descend on Germany.

All eyes will no doubt be on the team that has consistently produced the most elegant and electric of performances throughout the history of the tournament having (literally at times) walked away with the gleaming prize for a record 5 times. Favourites on and off the pitch, Brazil aptly personify the distinguished colours of their famous apparel with an infectious style of play. This has always shaped many smiles but none more acknowledged than that of their leading young character who will grace the number 10 shirt as many of his predecessors have.

The young man plays with the same expression found on many an impoverished street of Rio de Janeiro, portraying an unimaginable happiness to that lived by those with the cold glum face of a London Stockbroker on a rush hour tube. A man who has likewise made much wealth through his trade, remains rooted to the soul of his passion for the game that turns the heads of the world and tunes them into the World Cup, the Champions League or La Liga.

For the corporate follower, Ronaldinho has recently overtaken David Beckham as the wealthiest face in football. If his face may not market the smoothest shave or the prettiest image, it does promote the most-sought commodity of happiness and prove that skilful ability is more admirable a quality even for selling football shirts. It is therefore no surprise that the Brazilian national shirt is the most sported in history.

Over recent years, significant players that have stood out have tended to be those who have taken centre stage in the heart of the park. Before Ronaldinho, Pavel Nedved and Zinedine Zidane were commonly considered the outstanding players, especially the latter. Another Brazilian starlet has emerged in AC Milan’s playmaker Kaka who also plays central. So what a fantastic feast lies in store for aficionados of fantasistas.

However, quickly overlapping alongside the central protagonists is a supporting cast of wing players who will be the ones to watch who should set the tournament alight. Not since Luis Figo in his peak has a wide player made the kind of impact on the international stage that has brought significant recognition.

But this year, it may well be the turn of the kind players who tend to be closest to the fans, both physically and emotionally. Those who have the skill, speed and audacity to take on defenders and create a bit of magic with trickery leaving those in the stands on the edge of their seats or on their feet that will bring the sparkle to the world’s greatest spectacle.

Indeed Pelé, the greatest ever player, enjoyed the beautiful game with another compatriot who played with the same carefree enthusiasm as the current samba king. Garrincha was arguably the first genius winger who bedazzled opponents and audiences (and women) alike, and with him and Pelé in the team, Brazil never lost a game.

The new generation is in good stead and wide boys are back in fashion. Even ex-England and Liverpool winger John Barnes has been getting in a bit of practice of late with his appearance in the Soccer Aid charity match. Who could forget his advice on a certain World Cup song, to hold and give but do it at the right time, you can be slow or fast but you must get to the line. Both he and Chris Waddle were diamond lights as natural left wing players for England. As they should have done back then, it may now be best to leave it to the new kids on the block. Aaron Lennon is impressive and if not given the chance this time out, he and Shaun Wright-Phillips are exciting future prospects.

The wondrous wingers certain to start will be Cristiano Ronaldo who at 21, already bears the weight of expectation for Manchester United and Portugal. Also on the Iberian Peninsula, Joaquin of Real Betis has superb dribbling skills and stands out within a strong Spanish side. Not long ago, he was on the verge of a move to Stamford Bridge where he would have been a team-mate of Arjen Robben, another wide player who will need to be on the top form shown in the Premiership if Holland are to progress.

Another domestic champion with Bayern Munich is home favourite Bastian Schweinsteiger who has a bag of tricks and an energy to inspire the hosts. Watch for Schweinsteiger to play a starring role for Germany as they look to make the most of home advantage and wing it. - Paul Martins

22/05/06 - Hand that rocks the cradle and the nation

It is often said that the best managers are not necessarily the most gifted but the luckiest. And if this rings true then England have been very fortunate to have had Sven Goran Eriksson as their coach as the solid competitive record enjoyed by the Swede will be tough for Steve McClaren to beat just as the team have been.

Public feeling has long gone cold for Eriksson’s visually cool approach with failure being attributed to him after defeats to Brazil and Portugal in the last two major tournaments. Far from being remembered for his successes, the former Lazio supremo will depart this summer, ironically with a determining match against his native Sweden and leaving a legacy of getting his leg over.

Although outfoxed by Luis Felipe Scolari’s Brazil the last time England met the yellow and blue Scandinavians in the World Cup and by the same adversary’s tactical moves for Portugal in Euro 2004, Eriksson will have learned from these experiences. He will hope his players, from a team that has picked itself more often than not, will have grown from these too.

Naturally there is one player oblivious to any of this, although it is because lessons learned from previous occasions have resulted in him being thrown into the spotlight. Scolari’s Brazil went a goal down but still possessed enough quality to tame a three lions side lacking ideas. However when the boot was on the other foot, the World Cup winner took a similar decision to Graham Taylor’s replacement of Gary Lineker with Alan Smith at Euro 1992 which saw the sad end of a national hero’s career on the international stage. In substituting former world player of the year and national icon Luis Figo for the out of form Helder Postiga, the brave Brazilian boldly took a risk and this courage was rewarded as the former Spurs striker poached the equaliser. Fortune favours the brave.

Despite courting controversy off the pitch, Sven has been happy to play safe and often name the same side which has ultimately included the best players available. This has been seen as naturally negative by the same media that have chastised him for not being adventurous enough with the nation’s expectations.

Renowned for taking his trousers off perhaps through strip poker with the players on the England bus, Sven has not gambled with the hopes of the fans. That is until now. Lessons taught by Brazil and Portugal have made Eriksson go for broke with his multi-millionaire players by including an off the wall shot in Theo Walcott. The Swede has had to have a cool head over selection having played his cards close to his chest. However, he should now carry a heavy heart as the joker denying the deserving dreams of Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent for a kid yet to kick a Premier League ball in anger or teenage tantrum.

This is furthermore a greater risk since Eriksson needed to reshuffle the three lions pack after the unfortunate break in Wayne Rooney’s metatarsal. Although unfairly compared to Pele as a teenage sensation, it is still no surprise that Sven is being patient to play his ace in Rooney. But holding out for a hero, the England manager knows how significant the street-wise Hercules is. He’s got to be strong and he’s got to be fast but he’s also got to be fit and fresh for the fight, as David Beckham may advise from his footloose exploits in Euro 2004. As Eriksson plays his last hand, damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t, he has nothing to lose especially if faith in youth comes up trumps. - Paul Martins

16/05/06 - Finally Football Wins

The magic of arguably and probably the greatest cup competition in the world (at least probably when it was sponsored by Carlsberg) was highlighted by this year’s showcase FA Cup final that shared all the excitement played out by young kids in any park for hours on end (without getting cramp).

Some so-called experts will argue that many finals of recent times have made for numb bums but even the most ardent critic would have failed to remain slumped in their seat as much of this very open game triggered fans and neutrals alike to the edge.

A fast-paced, frenetic final was fought between two teams as steeped in FA Cup tradition as the old steps climbed for years at Wembley were and renowned for playing in a glorious fashion. Although the new national stadium was still unable to provide a historic return as venue, this occasion will be memorable for rolling back the years when six-goal final thrillers were almost the norm for such a spectacular showpiece to the end of the season.

In all fairness, Liverpool always seem to play a part in the most thrilling finals in memory. Those recent to recall being the 5-4 UEFA Cup victory against Alaves and of course the ultimate comeback to capture the European Champions League from 3 goals down to AC Milan. Whereas they were the underdogs that night, the Reds were certainly strong favourites on Saturday, at least for a defeat when the Hammers were stoppage time minutes away from raising the roof with an upset for the Upton Park faithful.

But rewind to the night of arguably their greatest European success, when Liverpool were virtually out for the count, one player obviously wasn’t counting from the same score sheet nor reading from the same scripted song sheet.

Just as then, when the Italians could have called the cops to report the shock theft of their trophy by the spirited scouse, lightning struck again a year later in another final. Steven Gerrard fired home 2 equaliser shots more potent than that of any police force to arrest his team’s decline to definite defeat while forcing irons fans to drop to their knees in despair at the injury time hammer blow.

After penalties were taken, with hearts in the mouths, Gerrard and his Pacemakers could ferry the Cup back to Merseyside because this land is the place he loves and where he has stayed. Home is where the heart is and there are few with bigger than player of the year Steven Gerrard.

Personifying romantic Roy of the Rovers stuff and just as Roy of the United was a Keane midfield general, sporting many medals, Gerrard has achieved similar hero status in a style that dares followers to believe in the beautiful game.

It is Gerrard who has also inspired Thierry Henry this season as expressed in a recent television interview. The Frenchman who is also in the midst of contractual negotiations as his Liverpudlian counterpart was, must also be dreaming of what might be as he and Arsenal prepare for the biggest game in his life and the club’s history, where Henry is already deeply routed with personal records.

Although Arsenal has been his adopted spiritual home at Highbury, whether he will commit to the club after the Champions League final in his home city of Paris is still in the balance. Indeed the odds of upsetting favourites Barcelona are weighed against the Gunners but on the basis of a one-off game, outcomes are equally unknown.

One thing is for sure, whoever wins on Wednesday and however, be it through Henry’s guile or Ronaldinho’s magic and smile, football will win too as this season will be admired and remembered for style.

So when Thierry should next ask: Hey Bobby, what’s the French for va va voom?, although the patron Saint of West Ham could not help them on Saturday, Sir Moore may just nod approvingly from the heavens to those returning the beautiful game to its spiritual home: the people’s hearts. - Paul Martins

08/05/06 - Many trainers deserve the prize for 'best turned out'

This week, much of the discussion has been regarding the Grand National but now that management role has been decided by the FA, the Premiership boasts plenty of runners and riders for the prestigious personal career accolade of being named Manager of the Year.

Throughout a long hard season, there are many hurdles for a manager to overcome before finally crossing the line, and one whip-cracker in particular made the most remarkable comeback as a survivor having avoided going down.

Harry Redknapp took over the reigns at Portsmouth a long way off pace and adrift of the pack fighting relegation but has made strides to turn the club’s fortunes and his own having been rewarded with a new £6 million 4-year contract. Redknapp has also been vocal about another lucrative position.

England fans across the nation could rest assured as FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick applied the logic of approaching his second preference before revealing Steve McClaren as his first choice for the job. Englishmen are not that similar to mad dogs if Mr Barwick, after returning from the sun with reporters going round in circles chasing their tales, expects them to wag their happy tails and eat any old silly sausage story.

But all’s well that end’s well and although McClaren may not display a blatant bulldog expression as Luis Felipe Scolari or even Sam Allardyce, he is more likely to naturally adjust better to the heat of the hot seat. No doubt he also shares and acknowledges the nation’s pride with the appointment making him “the proudest man in the land”.

If Barwick is to be believed rather than the barbar(w)ic(k) reception he has received, the managers of all the top 5 teams in the Premier League would not have been in line for arguably the most scrutinised international responsibility in football. However, they must be strongly considered for the prize of Manager of the Year.

Jose Mourinho will be bitterly disappointed that Chelsea struggled to match their aspirations with early elimination from the Champions League and failure to reach any major finals domestically. However, over 38 games home and away, Chelsea have been the most consistent team, as in most years the manager of the Champions has warranted the award. Sir Alex Ferguson is accustomed to this norm and Manchester United have shown Championship form as well as adding the League Cup to a large trophy cabinet. Rafa Benitez has also tightened the defence at Liverpool resulting in a vast league improvement prior to their FA Cup final showing next week.

Nevertheless, achievement should not be measured by trophy success alone as the bosses of the finalists in the League Cup and FA Cup have acquired recognition for their hard work which has surprised many. Paul Jewell’s Wigan Athletic were not expected to stay up let alone manage a top-half finish and a cup final. Likewise Alan Pardew’s West Ham were in a similar boat and are due a flashback to the club’s fêted hey-day when they travel with their Welsh contingent to Cardiff on Saturday. Former Wales manager Mark Hughes has proven himself too. Blackburn Rovers were becoming used to relegation fights before this season Hughes led them to push for Europe while his ex-Old Trafford colleague counterparts have struggled for survival.

Rovers will be joined in the UEFA Cup by Tottenham Hotspur who after a jolly fantastic season have claimed the European qualification through league status for the first time in 23 years. Theirs is a young talented squad that has rejuvenated Spurs into the top six as naturally expected of a club with such a glorious history. Martin Jol and the new board have provided the impetus for exciting times at the Lane which almost saw them enter the Champions League.

Their rivals along the Seven Sisters Road also share the philosophy for good football and have been a joy to watch despite faltering form early on in the season which saw them lose ground on the league leaders. Arsene Wenger was doubted but also has a young team of dark horses emerging that have galloped with style and va va voom to the final of Europe’s most glittering prize.

Although the Gunners’ home stables will move from Highbury to Ashburton Grove this summer, Wenger has ensured continuity at the club on the pitch and should David Dein have had any influence amongst the FA, few would have argued with Arsene’s astute selection for England.

Wenger has been flattered with talk linking him to the post but recognizes that the international position does not test a manager’s technical ability to improve a group of players through practice of skills over a period but highlights their tactical and motivational skills. His own forte has been in overseeing the development of the likes of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry which is why it is no surprise he would prefer to remain in club management.

However, another Premiership manager who will also be looking forward to a major European final, having worked with international players while introducing young potential talent, will also be hoping to ensure England enjoy the same progression that Wenger has assured at Arsenal. Regardless of who the manager of the year is, regardless of passport, at this stage, it would be unfair to deny Steve McClaren as the most natural and progressive choice for England. - Paul Martins

03/05/06 - Same old nonsense as English go abroad with reputation

They had been planning on revealing a Brazilian as they head for the beaches this summer not only to taste the water in Majorca but just like old Blighty did in Normandy half a century ago as everywhere you look, a battle in and with Germany begins again. It’s not another war actually, it’s the World Cup.

National pride is at stake so get ready for your country needs you to sing out loud especially because despite the relentlessly sung boast, Britannia has not ruled the footballing waves since before man landed on the moon. Black and white flashbacks to 1966 feel like a space age away but the Jules Rimet trophy can only gleam for so long for a nation that lays claim to inventing the game.

Perhaps this is why astronomical expectations & high hopes are sent crashing back down to Earth with such a heavy bump after each major tournament exit. The bigger you are, the harder you fall. The media has a lot to answer for the strength of this gravity. However, if the success of the official World Cup song matches that of the band’s hit Gravity, then England could embrace a feel good factor generated by the Three Lions track a decade ago.

Back then, an Englishman was in charge of the team and recently there has been a lot of support for a return of one to the reigns despite the dismal period under the direction of another England legend. At the time of appointment, there was no faulting the choice of a certain foreigner whose intelligence and expertise calmed the nerves of fading World Cup qualification (which featured the greatest away victory over Germany which tends to mean so much more) with a cool composure that with time, having enjoyed an excellent record of results, has quickly become forgotten by fickle fans. Many blame a lack of passion that could only come from the bulldog spirit of a native.

They say only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun and FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick did the equivalent as he approached Iberian coasts this week to seek another candidate crazy or greedy enough to take on the most scrutinized job in the world of football. This was seen as essential, despite the blatant disregard to Luis Felipe Scolari’s current role which lends its focus to the fast-approaching World Cup, one which should be shared by the FA to their own team’s preparations, indeed arguably to their own countrymen too.

There is certainly enough support from the nation and several candidates have emerged that may warrant the opportunity, with Steve McClaren being the natural progressive choice having experience at international level if that is what the others lack. While you cannot fault the FA for seeking the best pedigree, it is difficult to justify the selection of another foreign manager after the current has now become almost as unwelcome as a criminal immigrant.

While no-one could question Scolari’s track record (having consecutively eliminated England) and emotion for the game, Felipão would feel like a Big Phil in a small goldfish bowl if he arrived on these shores. It would have been interesting to see how he would adapt to the enormous media intrusion suffered by Sven Goran Eriksson for instance; having once backed one of his players while at Palmeiras by saying he himself would sort reporters out with punches if they ever encroached on his personal life.

One English manager, Steve Bruce has said they would not have an Englishman as coach of Brazil, but then again that would mostly be because of a different playing style on the ground but essentially because unfortunately there may be a lack of stand out quality amongst the field of English managers. But this should not mean a Premier League manager with European experience who knows the workings of the FA and the team inside out (as well as his secretary), having long been understudy to the role could not be successful, given the chance.

A product of the over-hyped nasty media circus surrounding the job, Birmingham City chairman David Gold has gone as far as to say he would kill himself if another foreigner was appointed, and as City have now gone down too, we may well see buried gold in England’s green and pleasant land. Extremity such as this is ludicrous and dangerous as seen with terrorists, as important as the tournament is.

The World Cup however could be a beam amidst a world clouded by times of war. So how about celebrating Germany this summer - don’t mention the war, this is football. - Paul Martins

25/04/06 - Usual Suspects Lined Up for Final Showpiece Showdown

There were no real surprises when the nominations for the prestigious annual player awards were announced a month ago although arguably few this season have been outstanding in all competitions. But perhaps this may appear so only due to the superb standards set. Last year, John Terry’s consistency leading Chelsea to their first Premiership title earned him the individual accolade.

However, many others last season also emerged as contenders. While there is no detracting from Terry’s fantastic contribution (apart from his disallowed goal this weekend), instead it was the captain of Chelsea’s conquerors Liverpool, who rose head and shoulders above all the others over the whole season.

Jose Mourinho may be correct that for the Reds to be a threat to the English Champions, the 5 time European Champions would need to be competent throughout, over the 40 odd league games. The same should apply when the awards are handed out.

Steven Gerrard pulled Liverpool, the players and the whole club by the laces of the infamous Anfield boot room through 60-odd games (including appearances for England) which may have disappointed in league results but never in personal performances. So much it was said that even if he played left back he would still be the best player on the pitch. Not even Jose Mourinho could argue with that having attempted to lure Gerrard in pre-season himself. With the amount of quality at Stamford Bridge, he may even have been asked to play left back.

However, the midfielder was brave to turn down a lucrative move and his courage was to be rewarded. Walking on with hope in his heart with Liverpool, he was the determined driving force behind the impossible: inspiring an average side with Djimi Traore (at left back incidentally) winning the greatest prize in European football with arguably the finest of final comebacks.

After such envied achievement, how could Gerrard not be given the annual accolade he deserved? Unfortunately, these PFA awards are based on votes made by fellow professionals as early as sometime in February each year rather than after all the trophies are won. This term, Arsenal seem to have followed a similar suit to Liverpool’s success in the Champions League with the sublime Thierry Henry as the instigator.

While the Frenchman has got Gunners’ fans going nuts (apparently the squirrel was actually Cesc Fabregas who has also come out of hibernation this spring) regardless of nationality, the pride of Chelsea’s three English lions John Terry, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole have also been in consistent form again. The latter has impressed for England too, explaining why he is Sven Goran Eriksson’s choice for player of the year.

Recently Wayne Rooney was strongly touted for the main award as well as young player of the year (although he faced quality competition from Cristiano Ronaldo, fellow hotshot Darren Bent and young Hotspur Aaron Lennon). The difference is that there are several players in the team who have contributed to Manchester United’s cup success and great form as many other players have to Chelsea too.

However, Henry stands out as a class apart having been the difference at Arsenal as Gerrard has at Liverpool. The neutral may see that as these two look to skipper their teams at major finals soon, they deserve to be considered as the top dogs. And every dog should have his day and at the end of the day. - Paul Martins

18/04/06 - Calmer Seas in Pompey as resurrection helps Easter pressure

A time to repent after lent and celebrate religious faiths could come with a viewing of The Greatest Story Ever Told and for many, also a trinity of Match of the Days from an extended weekend full of fixtures.

It is also a time when those who like to rabbit on will tell you that Harry Redknapp is the prodigal son hailed as the Messiah on the south coast having revived hopes of coming back from the dead. Portsmouth seem to have seen the light at the end of the tunnel since the darkest hours of their Premiership lives and their fans now have faith in the second coming.

The manager’s miracles are helping to forgive the sins of the former Saint which may also return the halo to Harry’s head. Reputation is King in careers like these. His Royal namesake could only pray for such rapid redemption.

The head of steam created from an excellent run of form came unstuck as Pompey’s ship passed through the Valley on Bank Holiday Monday. Yet there can be no time for neither relaxing nor relenting as momentum is key when destinies are decided at the close of a long hard season. So it will be important how Redknapp’s team respond to the first hiccup at Charlton. Likewise, Birmingham City will need to react to their derby defeat dealt by local Villains at the weekend and it would be criminal not to.

Already relegated Sunderland stole a point for pride at Old Trafford on Good Friday to hatch the cliché that there are no easy games at this time of the season. Unfortunately, while this result should inspire the unexpected to add excitement, it has also led to the predictable conclusion of the Championship bankrolling to Chelsea who have yet again shown the defensive shell of a hard egg to crack (as much as many would have loved to see them scrambled).

Still all to play for is the dramatic unfolding of Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to foil archrivals Arsenal by nicking the fourth Champions League spot. Despite a sticky away trip to the Toffees at Everton, Spurs came away with a sweet taste of success that maintained a 4-point cushion over their local adversaries.

The Gunners overcame an Albion equaliser to beat West Brom who slipped further into trouble after a trademark Dennis Bergkamp goal. The day was dedicated to the non-flying Dutchman who is to retire this season. Arsenal however hope the youngsters coming through are just the tip of the iceberg inspired by the cool touch of Bergkamp.

Spurs will be disappointed that they were not able to rob anything from the rich when Manchester United visited White Hart Lane before they now travel across North London for their last ever game at Highbury. If anything, they gifted United’s second goal and dare not to do similarly when they match up with Arsenal next weekend. This derby will prove to be a bigger crunch game than the meeting of the top two that promised so much when the fixture list was first announced last summer.

But as the Bank Holiday draws to an end and there remains much work to be done, it is not all doom and gloom. Excitement comes as Barcelona play AC Milan in the Champions League this week while Arsenal and also Middlesbrough are set to continue their European exploits. What a turn around it has been for Steve McClaren from having pieces of a furious fan’s season ticket thrown at him, to being on the verge of being England Manager as favourite with the bookies.

Again, fortunes have also changed for Harry Redknapp who when deliberating with son Jamie whether to return to Portsmouth after much personal abuse, may have been told: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And if Portsmouth hold their heads afloat after this Easter break, that will surely feel as good as walking on water. - Paul Martins

11/04/06 - All for one to the Arsenal

From the clown with the frown to the talk of the town, Arsene Wenger’s season has seen more than its fair share of ups and downs illustrated by his own comments this week referring to the criticism aimed at his decisions earlier in the term.

With the hopes of Gunners’ fans blossoming this spring to appear rosier than the shade of the latest home shirt, Wenger is reaping the rewards from the seeds he has sown that have grown up so quickly that they are starting to emerge alongside the Lilywhites. With both sides virtually neck and neck, the much-awaited meeting of the prides of North London will make for an extra intense derby not seen since the return to White Hart Lane of Sol Campbell.

Spurs have gone from strength to strength since their former skipper no longer lined-up at the Lane and in truth, Campbell has very much been a lost Sol, having not featured in the Arsenal team for much of the season either. Lacking his presence and the absence of England colleague Ashley Cole, Arsenal were left as exposed by large holes, as the missing members were themselves by off field allegations and revelations in the media.

Such defensive frailties offered further farce, making the sale of former Arsenal captain and midfield rock Patrick Vieira more prominent. This intensified pressure on Wenger who found his managerial skills being questioned for the first time since his arrival at the club.

Regardless of a defence-less depression from dropping priceless points early in the season, Wenger has stuck with his guns and the return of Kolo Toure from the African Nations Cup gave respite despite the distinct degree of damage done to league form. It was Toure to the rescue and Arsenal are now firing in the Champions League also thanks to Real Madrid and Juventus being put to the sword by a famous hero akin to a French Musketeer.

Thierry Henry is the first to grab the headlines and the first to acknowledge this week (especially since being given captain’s duties) that the team effort is the essence of the fantastic results achieved by Arsenal and several teams in the Champions League. Next opponents, fellow semi-finalists Villareal may have punched above their “on paper” weight as have another team from the same group that saw Manchester United off early on.

Benfica also beat European Champions Liverpool (who overcame all expectations last year just as FC Porto did the year before that) both home and away, before making their quarter-final tie competitive until the last minute against favourites Barcelona. While fortune favoured the brave Benfica, it is no surprise that with a club motto of “All For One” (E Pluribius Unum) and an attitude of fighting for each other that teams having shown such spirit such as Arsenal have made a difference.

Lyon also suffered late goals after a fine performance deserved to see them through against an AC Milan who relied on slight errors and the brilliance of individuals, in particular Andrei Shevchenko, to get them out of jail (Mr Berlusconi take note..). None come more special than Ronaldinho and so the meeting of his Barcelona and the Italian giants promises to be a feast for football.

Although Wenger has still received criticism for fielding an all-foreign side, few English fans outside Tottenham would begrudge Arsenal a final appearance and even if he decides to leave for sunnier climbs this summer, Henry intends to lead the cavaliers giving their all for one final glory. - Paul Martins

04/04/06 - Red Sea Waves wind in Blue Tide

Having thus far luxuriously cruised the Premiership again this season, Chelsea have sailed at the top and the Special One has managed to keep the blue flag flying high on the Russian built star ship.

However, it has been plain to see it has been ruffled recently especially through stormy waters along the river at Putney as well as on the Catalan coast as this season’s European dreams were tossed and blown in the same way addressed by Liverpool last time out.

And Chelsea have not walked alone as Manchester United have domestically pursued them where many other outfits waved the white flag. Or in the case of Arsenal, they have paved another direction en route to success and discovered some previously unearthed gems within their team.

Although they have not completely lost their way, Chelsea have certainly been drifting along with their form while the Manchester reds have been in devilish mood, making waves with an attitude of full steam ahead. This in the wake of lacking an engine room in the absence of former captain Roy Keane where at Stamford Bridge, Claude Makelele has been the staunch anchorman. Fellow Frenchman Louis Saha has finally begun to return the faith and cash invested in him by Sir Alex Ferguson and the attacking approach, as also seen in the style shown by Arsenal, has been popularly received by many having fuelled fans’ imaginations.

It is this appreciation for goals and excitement (the essence for which the Premier League has earned world-wide admiration) that has made neutrals turn on their screens for the likes of the Gunners and United rather than the predictable if effective football of the arguably less enticing Champions.

Of course, an outspoken often-arrogant manager (whose target date for winning the Championship has had to take an April shower rain check) does not always aid them in the popularity stakes. Nor has the increasingly frequent theatrical antics of key team members who have developed a reputation for diving.

As the sun is setting on the Premiership, while these negative tremors should not rock the boat, the journey has been far from as smooth as Jose Mourinho’s own demeanour. The end is nigh and the tide is high as are the stakes, which is why Mourinho could be forgiven for fearing seasickness as Manchester United emerge on the horizon. However, despite alleged disputes with blue Peter Kenyon over the G14, Mourinho has no reason to jump ship and chances are he will still be blowing his own trumpet with his band of men even if their Titanic team was to go down sunk by a red sea.

One man familiar with both red and blue and the difficulties of the sea breeze down along the coast is Harry Redknapp who has thrown Portsmouth a lifeline with every chance of keeping them afloat if they can maintain their recent resurgence. It would be a remarkable comeback, almost on the same level as the Champions elect in terms of form over the last month, and offer a thrilling finale to the season.

Whether United and Pompey are to continue with gale force lengths, nobody knows. It shall all depend on any way the wind blows. But this is why the Premiership is perhaps the most exciting league across the seven seas. - Paul Martins

27/03/06 - Dolly bird must take flight from plight

It’s grim up North so it goes but it is especially glum in Brum currently and nobody knows it more than Steve Bruce. Birmingham City’s low spirits reflect their low standing in the Premiership. Although based in the Midlands at the heart of the land, it is heart that will be needed now if they are to keep their heads above water as the sinking feeling begins to creep in at St Andrews’.

The good news is that they still have players of reputable Premiership experience in Maik Taylor, Kenny Cunningham, Muzzy Izzet, Nicky Butt and David Dunn. But even in the final third, strikers including the likes of Mikael Forsell (who was recommended to be recalled to Chelsea at the beginning of the season) have not shown a shadow of their previous form.

What has not helped the manager have been injuries, and of his own doing, Bruce’s persistence with much maligned Emile Heskey and the gamble on DJ Campbell has not proved fruitful. The inclusion of his own son also raised eyebrows but this would not have mattered had results been positive. Club owner David Sullivan has given ample support but his investment in blue tits of a different kind, this time has not been as successful as desired.

So where has it all gone wrong? In recent seasons, Birmingham held strong defensive records that saw them soar up the Premiership as one of the toughest outfits to beat. The defence needs to be spruced up by Bruce again. At a time when young English managers are being given a candle of hope for the dream job as national coach, Steve Bruce may once have been mentioned in the same bracket of possibilities.

Fans of former club Crystal Palace will be glad all over, especially having held onto Andy Johnson who could well have solved the striking problems of his hometown club. But Johnson could soon be in the Premiership again along with former Palace favourite and Steve Coppell who has led Reading up while also being touted within the England frame.

Times are indeed rocky for Bruce who could also have been a contender. But the former centre-half’s nosebleeds from a career of countless broken noses seem to have influenced his centre forwards who have certainly lacked the eye of the tiger. The fans need to be in their corner if Birmingham are to be a survivor in the relegation dog-fight. However, it can be done and a prime example of this is the way Liverpool, who struck Birmingham with a magnificent seven in the FA Cup last week, became bloodthirsty after a desperate drought.

As expected, Birmingham took nothing from Manchester United this weekend and nor did Bryan Robson the weekend before. Bruce's opposite number at Birmingham’s fellow local relegation rivals West Brom, notoriously labelled Bruce and his defensive partner Gary Pallister as Dolly and Daisy. He will not want to be remembered neither for this nor for relegating Birmingham and fonder memories recall Daisy’s late headed goals for Manchester United at Old Trafford that helped them secure a first championship for 27 years. That day, Brian Kidd even flew himself, on the pitch in celebration.

But now there is no kidding about the threat of the drop and Bruce may well go down on his own knees to pray for a similar salvation right at the death if the race goes to the last game of the season as expected. It’s tough at the top, but even tougher at the bottom and I guess that’s why they call it the blues. - Paul Martins

21/03/06 - G Force Sing Out Space Oddity

An exciting proposition lands for fans as extended showings of FA Cup games come to our screens this week. Usually the BBC would show a couple of the latest round’s games on the weekend but 3 out of the 4 quarter-finals will come accompanied by the expert assessment of Mark Lawrenson or at least they should at some point with Alan Hansen.

This from a view to keep the season as short as possible to allow for the recuperation of players prior to the World Cup. This does pose a fixture congestion when the reasoning behind the FA’s idea to stage all these games during midweek was to avoid burn-out. They may even be starting to sweat further along with the national associations of France and Holland who all appealed to FIFA to allow the date of squad submission to be extended.

Sven Goran Eriksson would certainly approve of this move, which would improve the chances of key players such as Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole and Michael Owen to each recover from injuries and issues as well as having a few games under their belts. After admitting he would find it more difficult to select Jermain Defoe if he is not playing regularly at Tottenham, Eriksson’s life would be made even more stressful without the availability of the Arsenal pair and the natural first-choice striking partner for Wayne Rooney.

FIFA are unlikely to be bowing to this after Sepp Blatter confirmed that the date should not be changed although the usual procedures for replacing injured players would remain. However, football’s governing body has recently concerned itself with the G14 union of the most financially established clubs in Europe.

Essentially self-proclaimed as merely a pressure group reflecting the interests of its members, the G14 have been rumoured to be threatening a breakaway from the Champions League format as it stands now. This could result in a deference from domestic leagues too, and the stars of the game who thanks to wages out of this world already have a life (but not as we know it) would also play in unfamiliar dimensions.

As well as sponsors, television firms may encourage this spectacle, as through sales, revenues would rocket. The Champions League is already worth sky-high amounts of income to football clubs, and the FA Cup also offers European football for teams like West Ham and Man City who this weekend fielded supposedly weakened and defeated sides as they vie for a place amongst the European money-spinners. This has cost them in the league so although criticised, these teams have every right to prioritise as in previous years Champions League competitors have done similarly.

Armchair fans will welcome extra terrestrial television viewing of games this week but the bigger picture for proposals involving the G14 may also create a dangerous black hole for those who follow their local lesser clubs. As the richer look to become richer in a new space oddity, those clubs left behind will feel the force and by contrast, crash back down to Earth with a hard bump. This cash crater would be a void much deeper albeit similar to that caused by the collapse of the ITV contract.

Those who do survive may discover deals as satellite clubs for the giants of the G14. This is grass roots to major teams. Ironically, Chelsea does not belong to the elite group despite their wealthy ambitious Russian. Roman Abrahmovich’s aspirations are to shine across the globe until planet Earth is blue and there’s nothing we can do.

However, for world domination, first they must exterminate defeats closer to home such as that to Luis Boa Morte’s goal at Craven Cottage. Fulham’s own affluent chairman has been nervous of their form of late. However, Chris Coleman coolly dismissed this as “not personal, it’s just business”. After such a commendable result, you could forgive him for dancing the hokey-cokey, but when Coleman mentions football being business - that’s what it’s all about. - Paul Martins

13/03/06 - Development from the Turnip to the Swede

Much has been made of the managerial race to fill Sven Goran Eriksson’s shoes (the professional kind rather than any slippers he may have parked under the beds of Faria Alam or Ulrika Jonsson). This frenzy has inevitably arrived from a media that has been focussed on Sheiking him up and out of the hot seat which he will vacate this summer.

England is a hotbed of football, renowned across the world for it’s passion and fast-paced game with many goals. Eriksson has often been accused of showing more passion for scoring off the pitch rather than on it. However, lest it be forgotten, it was only during his predecessor’s reign that the scenario was contrary.

Kevin Keegan, a very different character, was dumped out of Euro 2000 in the group stages and left an ageing England team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup crumbling, mirroring the situation of the stadium for his last game in charge.

Just as Wembley has been developed and transformed to be one of the most glamorous stadiums across the globe, so, it is fair to say, has the outlook of its national team, currently including players who have equally become infamous on the world stage.

Essentially, the man who took over from an International legend (who while not lacking in charisma may be more fondly remembered for his bubble perm than tactical nous) was cool, calm and collected enough to get England out of the jam and to the World Cup. An escape to victory: from defeat against Germany to arguably the most unthinkable and emphatic success on foreign soil. For many, this will remain an unforgettable night and so fans should not be so fickle as to forget Eriksson’s considerable contribution.

But as an English saying goes, all good things must come to an end and Sven, once hailed for his cool approach, is now reviled for not having enough passion, deemed culpable for the team not having advanced further in recent large tournaments.

However, it is another saying that goes you cannot make omelettes without eggs. As much as his players have been good eggs the disappointment was hatched as they were found lacking against strong technical sides in World Cup winners Brazil and Euro 2004 finalists Portugal.

Conversely, while many will argue that to wear the three lions on the shirt should more than compensate for any lack of passion in players, the blame has been laid at the door of the manager’s composed persona. This even though England’s placing at these tournaments have not been a disgrace. In fact, Eriksson’s recipe for success has produced a taste for winning results with just 3 defeats in 33 competitive matches.

So should nationalities matter, or the success of the team? This is something Arsene Wenger (previously approached for the position in question) has argued this week in response to Alan Pardew’s ignorant criticism of the young gunning conquerors of Real Madrid not being English. If the FA is to elect an Englishman as suggested by media reports leaking their meeting with Alan Curbishley, who would be the best choice?

Should Pardew be offered it, he could rest assured that all his players would be English. But there are stronger candidates than the West Ham boss. Curbishley has worked wonders at Charlton as has Sam Allardyce at Bolton and for passion, Stuart Pearce has it in abundance if not as much managerial experience. So it is no surprise these gentlemen have been touted for the role. Perhaps it should be time to reward the talents of these honest Englishmen, especially since there have been times in history where others similar.

Some say the greatest manager England never had was Pearce’s influential gaffer Brian Clough who also had an outstanding record of club football. It is therefore timely that while the FA ponder an Anglo alternative, a play is announced celebrating the life of Brian.

So where old big ‘ead never did, maybe Big Sam should (regardless of David Beckham’s opinion for the new appointment’s pre-requisite of Champions League experience). However, it is unfortunate perhaps that Allardyce appears in the mould of another theatrical boss, the comical Mike Bassett, England Manager, with his northern brogue and moustache. One thing is for sure, Allardyce’s playing style may not be as enjoyable to watch as the comical film, however his football would be effective and managers should rightly be judged on results.

Winning would naturally make life much easier as the England boss also needs to handle the same media that cruelly reduced another coach with a good club record, Graham Taylor to a turnip.

All this should deservedly highlight Sven Goran Eriksson’s achievements for England. This is because if he was not the right man, foreign or not, the FA now face a more laborious task than the problematic and expensive construction of the new stadium where the new appointment will lead the team out for a new era. As England manager, they will not only be leading the three lions but will also no doubt be fed to the lions of expectation. Fortune favours the brave. - Paul Martins

07/03/06 - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Bent

Who said England friendly games were pointless and boring? This week, a tough Uruguayan test met the three lions team at Anfield, a stage historically reserved for football greats over the years where the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, John Toshack, Kevin Keegan and co are still revered as giants on red Merseyside.

The latest to emerge popular amongst the Kop is another giant who would have done well as a tall fan in the stand behind the goal back when Liverpool teams were the cream of the crop as well as the Kop. Ironically, this giant in altitude bears the name of Crouch. Perhaps Peter even has to mind his head from the “This is Anfield” sign as he walks down the tunnel.

But after his goals against fierce adversaries Manchester United and in red for England on Wednesday, Crouch seems to have a head for heights. His elevation onto the International stage has not come without criticism but without a doubt he is the diverse sizeable option up front: a Liverpool echo of jolly green giant Niall Quinn, often the International hero for the Republic of Ireland.

Indeed England’s striking options offer high hopes for the World Cup. But even if Crouch isn’t to score the winning final goal but on history, more likely miss a penalty, at least the bigger he is, the harder he could fall back on an advert for a famous pizza chain as some gamely have done. Surely an advert for Marmite would be most ideal because people seem to either love him or loathe him as a player. Gareth Southgate and Stuart Pearce have not done too badly since and the latter is even being linked to the hardest job in the world. However, the FA may have reservations about employing another Psycho after the escapades of Eileen Drewery.

Another familiar with the world of advertising if little else is David Beckham. The England captain suggested this week that the ideal candidate to succeed Sven Goran Eriksson this summer needs to have Champions League experience. Somehow though, it seems unlikely that Christian Gross will get the call ahead of English candidates. This despite his recent Champions League experience with Basle, his knowledge of the English language and the London transport system as well as having coached a team in white who are now earning their Spurs striding towards the Champions League themselves.

Beckham may be influential in the FA’s appointment decision and has always maintained strong communications with Eriksson as well as Vodafone. So it would be no surprise if he called International teammate Ashley Cole this week although whether the left-back would have been able to answer is arguable. He was a busy bee beginning a lawsuit against tabloid allegations. No doubt he would have appreciated a buzz from Beckham behind him.

Some might argue that a player in Cole’s position should focus in getting back into the Arsenal back-line rather than drawing unwanted attention off the pitch. Beckham himself has both endured and enjoyed much media attention regarding his tattoos, hairstyles, dress sense, and even his own children's names.

So when all these footballers’ choices can be hard to understand yet as players they be respected, why must a footballer hide his homosexuality? For instance, some might say Marcus Bent is an unfortunate name for a macho sportsman. However, surely it would have been celebrated with pride that his Charlton team-mate and namesake Darren became the first Bent to play for England even if on performance, it was Crouch the tiger, hidden was Bent.

Football has become the new rock’n’roll so if national idols can wear long hair and sarongs, look after their skin and still head the ball, what would it matter if the beautiful game tolerated sexual preference? After all, bent referees allegedly have been. FIFA have just announced consideration for introducing two referees this week but perhaps modern attitudes on racism and human rights should accompany advances in new rules and technology.

The private lives of say Ashley Cole or David Beckham need not be understood as they are likely to be a world away from most anyway. But even if off-the-pitch, individuals are and were misunderstood (such as geniuses Diego Maradona, George Best, Paul Gascoigne even), the on-the-pitch understanding of the universal language of football that unites rather than divides, is what should matter. - Paul Martins

28/02/06 - Bridging the gap

The Champions League this week witnessed the return of the giants with the meeting of some of the biggest names in European football history. Media royalty Real Madrid came unstuck against King Henry’s Arsenal who fought gallantly with a galleon of their own Spanish young guns in Cesc Fabregas and Juan Antonio Reyes. A pity this form could not be transferred on Saturday to Ewood Park where Mark Hughes has transformed Blackburn Rovers’ fortunes post Graeme Souness.

Likewise, Benfica nodded ahead of Liverpool thanks to a late headed goal in what was largely an uneventful game apart from Momo Sissoko’s potentially serious injury. While all fans will be glad to know he will regain his sight, it has been hard to see how Sissoko has previously played with any vision or by looking where he’s going.

Further controversy followed the build-up to the mouth-watering match up between Chelsea and FC Barcelona after the infamous furore of last season’s meeting. Last time out, the storm started at the end of the game, involving both benches, which caused a strongly stirred Samuel Eto’o to then compare José Mourinho to excrement. The horse variety of which may well have aided the state of the pitch, at the core of much of the row this time around.

A war seemed to have developed despite pacifying messages such as Ronaldinho’s of there being no revenge mission from the Camp Nou. This may have given hope that both camps would meet at a Stamford Bridge over troubled water. On the contrary, on a sand-soaked muddy surface, matters became messy themselves with Mourinho accusing Lionel Messi of defrauding the referee (similarly to his legendary compatriot Diego Maradona who rated the young Argentine as his heir this week). This came after Asier Del Horno was sent off for an unforeseen lunging challenge without considering the ball. What made it particularly shocking was that Del Horno was not renowned for having symptoms akin to Sissoko’s.

The Chelsea maestro’s own history at Barça allowed him to suggest Messi could follow in the footsteps of his British namesake Lionel Blair into entertainment by acting at the city’s many great theatres. Despite this defeat, Stamford Bridge isn’t falling down and although the Catalans have the upper hand, the second leg should be a great game as own-goalscorer John Terry pointed out, naturally keen to make amends.

In left-back Del Horno’s absence as well as that of injured defender William Gallas, Mourinho, having let him leave the Bridge, may indeed turn to Wayne Bridge on loan at Fulham to fill the void. The England man who earned an international recall this week may well be recalled as Chelsea plot the great escape. However, to overturn two away goals in two weeks’ time while keeping Ronaldinho, Deco, Eto’o and co at bay may just be a bridge too far.

Talking of the football from this glamour tie is refreshing given the soap opera the saga has become. Perhaps then it was a timely return for Footballers’ Wives to terrestrial television screens this week. With suspension looming for Del Horno, he may well be asked to feature in a cameo soon, after his own shocking acting in the same incident which led to his sending off. The television show, which has been filmed on location at Stamford Bridge and perhaps inspired, both Del Horno and teammate Arjen Robben, who seem to have been practising in recent weeks and so their mobile phones have been vibrating off the ring.

One thing is for sure, DJ Campbell wasn’t waiting for the call when it arrived to take him from non-league football to Premiership Birmingham City within 18 months. Footballers’ Wives and similar series’ such as Dream Team seem as extremely false as they are ludicrous. But Campbell will really have been watching himself on Match of the Day. This only adds to make the Roy of the Rovers story of Emile Heskey’s new strike partner, appeal to the everyman fan’s dream, so here’s to Steve Bruce’s gamble.

Whether DJ Campbell will bridge the gap in quality is debatable. However, without question, it will not be without endeavour. Bruce himself has experience of being humbled at the Nou Camp by a brilliant Brazilian. Then it was Romario, now it is Ronaldinho and Mourinho needs no telling of how important endeavour is to achieving success. - Paul Martins

20/02/06 - In sickness but in wealth

There are fewer rivalries in British football more intense than that between Liverpool and Manchester United – two clubs that have dominated English football in the last few decades. Incidentally both consistently produced teams predominantly of young talent, developed within the ranks from grass roots. Of course, times change just as the game has seen commercial upgrades.

Arguably the most passionate and fiercely contested derby in world football is that which crosses political, historical and cultural divides with pig-headed pride and high pitch fever between the most renowned Spanish institutions of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

This week it was announced that Real Madrid are the wealthiest club in the world. This is not such a shock, for the club has such a glorious history especially in the European Cup. They last won the trophy with a team featuring the crème de la crème of stars in Zinedine Zidane along with fellow world players of the year Ronaldo and Figo joining established home favourite Raul and World Cup winner Roberto Carlos. However unsurprising, how significant is it that Real Madrid are at the top of the financial tree if not of La Liga?

Los galácticos have lost their bearings along the Milky Way, which brought such title success both at home and abroad. While their Catalan adversaries bear the bright white teeth smile of success, personified by the skills and cheerful demeanour of world player of the year Ronaldinho, Real Madrid seem to have taken their eye of the ball and focused on the requirements of the board. Many coaches have come and gone since their last European glory and investments in the team have evidently not been effective according to results in recent times.

So taking the title of wealthiest club in the world represents the only Real success since the taking of merchandise magnet David Beckham also from Manchester United and the Supercopa, the equivalent of the Community Shield, won that same summer three years ago. This season, like Arsenal (who ironically they meet this week at the San Bernabéu), they are adrift of champions Barcelona in La Liga, crashed out of the Copa Del Rey against Real Zaragoza and have only the Champions League as a hope for silverware.

Similarly, only the League Cup final is a saving grace for Manchester United to win a trophy this season. Also, with unpopular American entrepreneur Malcolm Glazier having taken over the reds in the red, the odds are stacked against success as his spitting image John McCririck could point out. In the past, Sir Alex Ferguson has trusted his backing of horses and attacking forces such as Ruud Van Nistelrooy. However, the Dutch striker’s fantastic European record holds no further bearing this season and the long face has been shared by United fans alike. Chances of silverware are remote and the only remote many of them have been accustomed with is the television kind.

It has been the mass coverage of television that has been the source of money to football clubs across the board. It was a revolution when Sky Television took control of the television rights at the birth of the Premier League. Recently, Rupert Murdoch announced on national radio that although levels of money within the game are currently astronomical, it was Sky that saved football. The financial investment allowed for improved conditions which led to the introduction of all-seater stadiums with fantastic facilities and a better experience for fans to enjoy football compared to what it used to be like going to a game.

However, some might argue that while families have been encouraged to attend, there used to be a closer-knit atmosphere generated on standing room only areas. Manchester United supporters have been criticised for continuous standing at matches but few would blame them for standing up in protest against Glazier. The tycoon’s investment in the club is less like the Buccaneers and more like Buckaroo as there’s only so long before the old carthorse can take no more and everything goes up in the air. It’s certainly a kick in the teeth for the loyal fans. Sir Alex Ferguson’s loss of Roy Keane for instance proves to be as significant as Arsene Wenger’s lack of Patrick Vieira at Arsenal as they save for a new stadium.

So when clubs seem more concerned with their marketing position than success on the pitch, how long before we see prizes awarded based on wealth?

On the other side of the coin, how refreshing it is to see a club with a glorious history and a continuing tradition of attractive football playing in white (and it’s not Real Madrid) investing in the team. This instead of a previously proposed new stadium too. The youngsters of tomorrow are seeing their chances of achieving their dreams of playing football professionally decreasing dramatically as more clubs face going out of business thanks to the cut-throat commerce that football has become. To do is to dare and this investment in young players places Tottenham Hotspur both healthy and wealthy for a bright lilywhite future. - Paul Martins

15/02/06 - For Club or Country

With the African Nations Cup reaching it’s exciting climax this week with the dramatic final shoot out, Didier Drogba would not have found much better fortune back here. And even if Jose Mourinho had chosen to use the absence of the Ivory Coast hitman as an excuse for the defeat without return at Middlesbrough, he would hardly be validated considering the number of International resources at his disposal.

However, while Chelsea’s recent success has not been unexpected, another manager who has employed a similar strong team ethic has found unpredicted and unprecedented success this season at a much more unfashionable club. Who would have said Wigan Athletic would be playing for Europe instead of their Premiership lives?

Paul Jewell has worked wonders with shrewd signings and a number of tough team performances that have seen them well into the top half of the table and reach a cup final having dismissed Arsenal at Highbury. One thing’s for sure, the manager deserves respect as does the club, as one International player will no doubt get to realise this week after Jewell showed his displeasure at his no-show after the narrow defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

Whereas Mourinho could have no reason for complaint as Drogba helped his team to the final, Jewell duly expected the return of Senegal striker Henri Camara in time for the visit of his hometown club (following the African Nations Cup 3rd place match on Thursday evening). No surprise at Henri being caught offside, but by camera (excuse the pun) in a Parisian night-club, no wonder any manager would be angry.

“I want players who want to play for the club” Jewell stressed at a post-match interview, a statement not dissimilar to one made by his Chelsea counter-part in his first Premiership year too. He is right to want players who have passion for the team and are proud to wear club colours but who would not be proud to represent their country? If Camara had understood he was expected back with his employers but defied instructions in order to party the night away then it certainly shows a high lack of regard.

In many cases, such as that of Nolberto Solano, players desperately want to play for their country, especially if they are based in a foreign league, while also playing their hearts out week in week out on a Saturday (or whichever day it could fall on depending on television). However, it is becoming increasingly common for professional footballers to announce their International retirement long before the end of their careers, often with the reason being to delay hanging up their boots. While there can be no question of Ryan Giggs’ loyalty and commitment to Manchester United for instance (especially on a European Night at Old Trafford), some have questioned his dedication (or lack of) to Wales’ International friendlies, having been deemed injured on so many occasions.

Could it be that players appreciate playing for their clubs more than their country? Not necessarily for pride but possibly for playing for the colour of money, and representing your club is no doubt more appreciated by the bank manager too. But then again, ask someone like Peterborough’s Northern Ireland International Jimmy Quinn and you may find a different attitude. Although some might say the club pays your wages so you are contracted to it first and foremost, surely players can be respectful to their employers as well as serving their national team with prestige?

Inevitably, the levels of money within the game have become as astronomically high as the satellites positioned to broadcast it around the world. Indeed the eyes and hearts of all true admirers will converge on Germany this summer to celebrate International teams uniting to compete for the most revered prize in sport – the World Cup. For thousands of prawn sandwich fans, the World Cup will be courtesy of sponsor Mastercard but for genuine fans, it really is priceless. - Paul Martins