Coaching For The Brave

How long can the despair continue? There is something very wrong at Manchester United. Following Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United was always going to be difficult. Whoever took over, under whatever circumstances would never be able to measure up to his 25 years of success.  We all knew that but what we didn't know was the level of incompetence Sir Alex was managing to paper over. His ability to coax the title back from City now looks nothing short of a miracle.  It's only when Sir Alex surprised everyone and decided to leave that this incompetence has been laid bare for everyone to see.  It could even be argued that some of the blame must lie with Sir Alex but we can't really be sure. For some time, this blog has bemoaned Ferguson's lack of quality signings towards the end of his tenure. This was particularly evident in Midfield. A midfield that has looked lightweight and lacking quality for more than 5 years. Ferguson was never able...

Our new Saviour? It's great to see Roy blooding some new talent in this weeks friendly against Sweden. Our "Golden Generation" needs replacing. However, I have a couple of problems with one of those about to be blooded. Step forward Mr Wilfried Zaha. Our new, self appointed saviour. Zaha is indeed a very exciting prospect and one who I hope goes on to fulfil his potential and I love a player who is confident in his ability but who on earth does he think he is? Rather than accepting his call up with humility, his first act is to let everyone know how good he feels he is.  "I want to come up against defenders who will properly test me," he said to the Guardian. Well he already is being tested week in week out. After his 17 starts this season he's scored a measly 4 goals. Maybe he should try to test himself first. "I'd never look at someone and think he's better than me, unless it's Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. When I ...

After a superb summer of sport with distractions galore, it's time to turn our mind to the "real deal" Yep the Premier League explodes back on the scene this weekend and as ever, we have a mouth watering season ahead of us. Here's why we'll all be glued to the action over the coming months. 1. Let's start with last season. Don't tell us you've forgotten what a fantastic day the final games gave us. Survival for some, despair for others. Glory for City after years of struggle and heartbreak for United. Anything that can produce that level of drama and excitement will do for us! 2. Eden Hazard should light up the Premier League. Not all imports come good in our league but he has genuine class and Zidane rates him highly. Pre-season hasn't been great for him but if he gets his head right he will be one to watch. 3. We have always thought that Brendan Rodgers is a bit of a genius and last season showed what he can do with a footba...

The transfer window will soon be open and we thought it would be good to look at the Premier League's big boys and dissect it's transfer needs. As ever feel free to disagree.  We love to hear from you. Arsenal Most Gunners will agree that last season would have been a disaster without RVP. That's why they are so frightened at the prospect of him leaving this summer. After losing Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy the loss of RVP would signal a club in decline. However, let's work on the assumption that Van Persie stays and is assisted by Podolski. In that case, Arsenal then need to be sure Wilshire is going to be back from injury. If so, they should spend money on some top quality defenders. having missed out on Cahill they should make a quick move for Jagielka.  Chelsea Be careful. If Di Mateo is in place he needs to guard against upsetting the ageing, but crucial superstars. That done, and with Hazard in the bag they need to replace Drogba. There are plenty bein...

Mancini with his reward This is why we love Football and this is why we love the English Premiership! Manchester City have been crowned champions of England after an unbelievable afternoon of high drama. Back in August 2011 many pundits backed the title race to be a contest between United and City but no one could have imagined how close that contest would have been.  For years the Premiership has been labelled as predictable and  boring and when fans look back at 2012 they'll just see the headline: League Champions Manchester City but the days events, the twists and turns and the knife edge outcome should not be forgotten.  Anyone who tuned into the TV or radio broadcasts will have sat riveted as Football gave us the very best it has to offer. At the start of the day most opinions were clear cut. QPR were woeful away from home and City awesome at the Etihad Stadium. A home win was assured. So with that result sorted we also knew were the league wa...

After a packed, hectic weekend of football we now look closer to having to place a new chair at the Top Table. Manchester United's noisy neighbours are one game away from crashing the party. Worryingly, they also have the means to stay there for years.  City looked to have blown the title race a month ago but after United's very own wobble the Blues have taken charge and could seal a famous victory over their local rivals on Sunday. City fans will revel in their victory and rightly so. Fans elsewhere will bemoan the unfairness that money brings to the game.  Michel Platini will use the win as vindication of his quest to "level the playing field"  Something he never cared about when he played for the most successful and wealthiest clubs on the continent.  This is a modern, regular gripe that raises it's head at times like this. The argument goes something like this: "Out of touch Sugar Daddy, usually foreign, invests heavily in team that i...

Tonight’s Manchester Derby is tantalising for various reasons. Possible title decider, local bragging rights and Top Dogs against Noisy Neighbours. It’s also a great example of Fergie’s long-standing problem, his Central Midfield.  Take a look at tonight’s team sheet and you will see, in black and white, a problem that has haunted United for years and is due to get worse as the years drag on. Whereas City’s Centre Midfield will look strong and dependable with touches of genius, United’s will look old slow and at least 5 years out of date. United’s monumental success over the last 20 years has been built on the stability and quality of his midfield schemers. Namely Paul Scholes and Roy Keane. This was supplemented with able recruits Nicky Butt and Michael Carrick.  The sheer force of nature that these two players were almost guaranteed United points and Championships.  Fergie knows he was lucky to have the 2 together for such a long time. However, he has ne...