There’s a fair bit to catch up on with my beloved Coventry City since my last post. From financial troubles to transfer embargoes to yet another managerial change. For now though, let’s take a look at our three best players, all of which are out of contract in June. Caretaker manager Andy Thorn was recently given the job full time and made it his first job to personally offer all three players new contracts.
Kieren Westwood
Goalkeeper. A lot of pundits are in agreeance that our number 1 is the best goalkeeper outside the Premiership (in English football of course). At one point this season, we were sitting 7 points above the relegation zone, 7 points that Westwood had undoubtedly saved the side with his performances between the posts. An excellent shot stopper, with superb reflexes have recently caught the eye of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trampattoni, making him national number two behind Shay Given. In recent seasons his kicking has been a little suspect, often going wayward or straight to the opposing forwards, but he seems to have worked on it well and has improved greatly this season.
A lot has been reported over the contract offer. I have to ask though, why leave it until the very last minute to tie down one of the best goalkeepers in the league? Well, if you believe the club, they never did. They told us a while back that they offered Westwood a new deal before a ball was kicked this season, with the player telling the club he would not be signing. Although the goalkeepers side tells a different story. Westwood insists that there was no offer on the table, despite asking the club for an extension to his current deal. So who to believe then?
One thing is certain in my mind, Kieren Westwood will not be a Coventry City player next season. At the end of the last home game of the season against Reading, the players did their annual routine of completing a “lap of appreciation.” Once that had finished, Westwood went round again, this time on his own, waving to the fans. In my eyes, that was his final goodbye. I say good luck to him though, not once has his commitment to the club dropped in this final season, and if it means improving the standard of football he will be playing and at a higher level, I wish him the best of luck.
Teams said to be interested - Leicester, Ipswich, Norwich, Sunderland, Celtic, Everton
Aron Gunnarsson
Midfield general. Signed from AZ Alkmaar in 2008, the [now] Icelandic international is a real fans favourite at the Ricoh Arena. A stunning first season in English football saw Premiership sides such as Blackburn sniffing around, with reports of a £3m bid having been rejected. In that first season, he won the club’s Player of the Season award. His second season wasn’t so good, rarely finding the form that impressed the Championship the previous year. However, glimpses of a return to that form this season has seen Andy Thorn’s intention to keep him. Never prolific, he has only scored 7 goals in his 3 years as a Coventry City player, but it’s his determination and tireless work rate that has seen him win over the fans and coaching staff alike. A dog in midfield, he also has the ability to turn creator, taking up the position of the point in Thorn’s recent midfield diamond. A perfect box-to-box midfielder that the club needs to keep if we are to move forward.
Nothing has been made of any contract offers throughout the season, at least publicly. The first the fans have known anything about the situation was recently, when Thorn announced that he had offered the 22 year old a new deal. Listening to a recent interview, he comes across as if his time at Coventry has come to an end: “I have obviously enjoyed my time here. It has been three years and I am used to it and if we don’t get anything sorted then I will have to take it as a learning experience.” But then in another sentence, he hints at his desire to stay: “I am still young with a long time to go in my career so I don’t see any harm in staying here because I am still learning and I feel I can learn a lot of things under Andy Thorn.” Make your own mind up there.
Out of the three, I would say that Gunnarsson is the one we have the biggest chance of keeping, although I’m still not sure he will agree to the new deal. As with Westwood, I would wish him the best of luck should he decide to move on, however I believe it would be more to do with the money if he did.
Teams said to be interested - none as yet
Marlon King
Everyone knows who Marlon King is. The Joey Barton of the Championship, everybody hates him aside from the fans of the club he plays for. All season he has been getting stick from opposing fans, and I have to admit that if I was on the other side I would be doing the same. Should a player who has been to jail get another chance at playing football? That’s a debate for another day, the fact being that then manager Aidy Boothroyd gave him his chance with a one season contract shortly after the August kick off.
Starting off slowly, King finally started to show what he could do in the second half of the season, finishing the campaign top goal scorer with 13 in all competitions. Such a good player, you could tell he was a class above everyone else in a City shirt this term. His control of the ball is instant, and his finishing ability is there for everyone to see, it doesn’t take long to find out why Wigan paid £5m for his services not that many years ago. The one aspect of his game that has really impressed me this season though, is his determination to never give up. Chasing the ball across the opposing back four, putting them under pressure and often drawing mistakes from the inexperienced or tired legs. King has undoubtedly given nothing less than 100% for the club and it will be a sad day should he decide to move on.
Out of the three, King is the one that I would most like to keep. A goalkeeper, a dogged midfielder, positions that you can replace, but an out and out goal scorer is hard to find, especially at Championship level. He himself has admitted that it’s a question of whether he should listen to his heart or his head, his heart wishing to stay at the Ricoh, to repay the faith we have shown in him and the open arms that the fans have welcomed him with. His head however, asks if he will get another chance at the big time, the Premiership. Now 31, his playing days are numbered, with another season at Coventry only decreasing his chances of that higher calling. I, along with Coventry fans everywhere, will be hoping he goes with his heart.
Teams said to be interested - Leicester
The deadline that Andy Thorn set the players for making a decision on their new deals was up over a week ago now, although the players officially have until their current deals run out to decide. Either way, Thorn needs to know sooner rather than later so he can plan who he needs to bring in before next season kicks off.
27 May 2011
21 May 2011
Survival Sunday
So, first of all we had Super Sunday, then it was Grand Slam Sunday, followed by Helicopter Sunday and now Survival Sunday. With just one point separating 15th from 19th, it’s going to be a tense afternoon for five teams and their fans. Sky couldn’t have wished for a better day. With the top of the table all but sorted, they needed something on the final day to rake in the viewers. With nothing to play for anywhere, where would the interest come from? As it is, they are screening no fewer than three games, all featuring those teams in trouble at the bottom. Not only will they attract viewings from the fans of six teams, but also millions of neutrals up and down the country, waiting with baited breath to see which two teams will join West Ham United in relegation to the Football League Championship. But it’s not just clubs that are looking to survive, there’s also a number of managers who will kick off their games tomorrow not knowing if they will still be in charge of the same squad come the start of next season. All is previewed (with opinions and predictions of course) below.
15th - Blackburn Rovers
Barring a strange sequence of events, Blackburn Rovers should still be a Premiership club come the end of play tomorrow. Just one point above the teams in the relegation zone, they also have the best goal difference (-14) out of the five teams in trouble. Their opponents will be fellow survival hopers Wolves in what is likely to be a very tight game with neither side wanting to give anything away. I’d like to say it’s going to be open, with both sides looking to win, but for these two it’s more about not losing than actually winning. Having won only one in their last thirteen though, it could be a nervy day for all involved with the club.
Permutations:
Win - survival guaranteed
Draw - Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan would all need to win to send them down
Lose - two out of Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan would need to win to relegate them
Odds to be relegated - 12/1 (Paddy Power)
16th - Wolverhampton Wanderers
With six goals in his last nine games, it is Steven Fletcher that Wolves have to thank for taking such a promising position going into the final day. An equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Tottenham and two goals in a 3-1 win against West Brom have been hugely important in his sides bid for survival. Before the two recent 3-1 wins (the second being against Sunderland) Wolves were sitting second from bottom, one point from safety and with the worst goal difference in the whole league. Now, they have their fate in their own hands as they host Blackburn tomorrow.
Permutations:
Win - survival guaranteed
Draw - two out of Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan would need to win to see Wolves relegated
Lose - if they were to lose by three goals, it would only take draws from Birmingham and Blackpool to send them down. Otherwise two out of the three below them (Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan) would need to win.
Odds to be relegated - 8/1 (William Hill)
17th - Birmingham City
Away to Tottenham, Birmingham possibly have the hardest game out of the five as Spurs still need to cement 5th place and with it, Europa League football. To do that, they need a win. Early on it appears that they will be without star performer Rafael Van Der Vaart, but they still have plenty to worry Birmingham with and have the ability to seriously dent their survival hopes. After two difficult away games at Chelsea and Liverpool - losing 3-1 and 5-0 respectively - Birmingham had three winnable games to guarantee safety before this weekend. A 1-1 draw with Wolves was followed by two defeats against Newcastle and Fulham, taking them from 14th and five points clear of relegation before the Chelsea game, to their current position of 17th, level on points with Blackpool. Even a victory in tomorrow‘s game at White Hart Lane may not be enough, although it’s unlikely that Blackpool will beat Man Utd by two more goals than what Birmingham beat Tottenham by, and even less likely is Wigan to win by three more goals.
Permutations:
Win - as good as safe, providing Blackpool don’t win by two more goals or Wigan by three more goals than what Birmingham win by
Draw - a win from either Blackpool or Wigan would see them relegated, providing Wolves don’t lose to Blackburn by two goals, in which case Birmingham would be safe
Lose - a draw or a win from either Blackpool or Wigan would again see them relegated, although even if they both lose Birmingham could still go down if Tottenham produce a hammering
Odds to be relegated - 7/10 (bwin)
18th - Blackpool
Strange game this one, away at Old Trafford. Man Utd are already crowned as champions, and so have nothing to play for. What’s more, just 6 days after the tie, Man Utd have a little game against Barcelona in the Champions League Final which they have to prepare for. Despite Sir Alex Ferguson stating that Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov, Patrice Evra and Edwin Van Der Saar will all play in tomorrow’s game, you wouldn’t expect them all to be playing at 100%. With a place in the starting line-up against Barcelona on their minds, the last thing they will want is an injury. There will be no unnecessary stretches for the ball, no unnecessary fifty-fifty challenges, everyone will want to come out of the game unscathed. This gives Blackpool a little bit of hope, and you can bet Ian Holloway will be trying to take the game to the champions to get that all important win. As for recent results, before the epic 4-3 victory over Bolton in their last game, Blackpool hadn’t won in nine games. Stark contrast compared to the early season form that seen them take up 8th position moving into the new calendar year.
Permutations:
Win - if either of Blackburn, Wolves or Birmingham draw or lose, Blackpool would survive. Otherwise, relegation
Draw - only way they could survive is if Wigan draw or lose and Birmingham lose. Otherwise, relegation
Lose - relegation, unless Birmingham lose by two more goals than what Blackpool do
Odds to be relegated - 2/5 (Unibet)
19th - Wigan
The most difficult of all situations. They may be on the same points total as the two teams above them, but with the worse goal difference, Wigan really have the odds stacked against them tomorrow. They are however, facing a Stoke side who have nothing to play for, although Tony Pulis’ side will want to banish memories of last weekends FA Cup Final loss by finishing the season with a win. If Wigan manager Roberto Martinez needed something inspirational for his team talk, he could show them the league table as of the 9th March. After the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, they were rock bottom, four points away from safety. Since then, their form reads W-L-D-D-W, with the latest win coming in that extraordinary game at the DW Stadium in which Charles N’Zogbia scored a last minute winner to relegate West Ham and give Wigan a fighting chance on this final day of action. Eight points from five games is an impressive total for a side at the wrong end of the table, and if they take that momentum to Stoke tomorrow, they may well get the result they need. However, even a win may not be enough, they would still need results in other games to go their way.
Permutations:
Win - would still only survive if two of Blackburn, Wolves, Birmingham and Blackpool draw or lose. Otherwise, it’s back to the Championship
Draw - would need Birmingham and Blackpool to lose to survive. Could also survive should Blackburn or Wolves lose heavily, but unlikely
Lose - relegation, unless both Blackpool and Birmingham end up on the wrong side of a big result, although again unlikely
Odds to be relegated - 4/5 (Coral)
My prediction is that Wigan and Birmingham will join West Ham in relegation to the Championship. Tottenham will be too much for Birmingham and I think that Blackpool will get a draw against United, with Stoke beating Wigan.
As mentioned at the start of this piece, there are also a number of managers looking to survive on Survival Sunday:
Carlo Ancelotti
Despite taking Man Utd to the penultimate weekend of the season before officially losing out in the title race, Ancelotti is under pressure from the Chelsea board. We all know just how ruthless owner Roman Abramovich can be, and a season without a trophy could prove fatal to the Italian manager. Winning the league and cup double last season should be enough to secure at least another year, but I think he will be relieved of his duties, with up and coming Porto manager Andre Villas-Boas installed as his replacement.
Roberto Mancini
Having an unlimited amount of funds isn’t always easy. You’re pressured into spending, into buying the best players from around the world, but getting those superstars to perform as a team isn’t always easy. With so many different nationalities comes communication problems, not to mention different cultures and interests off the pitch. Regardless of this, with great money comes great expectations, and despite delivering the FA Cup and Champions League football for the first time in City’s history, Mancini is under pressure for not delivering more. The talk of a dismissal has gone away recently, but only temporarily. Expect more talk of an exit and possible replacements right up until the billionaire owners come out and confirm his future. And don’t expect that to happen at all. Continuity is key to building a football team, a club and as with Ancelotti, I think Mancini should keep his job, and I think he will, for next season at least.
Steve Kean
Kean claims that he has met the new owners of Blackburn Rovers, and they have told him his job is safe whether he survives the drop or not. I would personally like them to come out and say that publicly before I believe it. If they do survive, the owners may then decide to start building the club and throwing money at it. If that’s the case, Kean could find himself unemployed as they look for a more experienced man at the helm to aid the construction of the club.
Ian Holloway
I think the outspoken manager is safe in his job, I can’t see the Blackpool board getting rid of him anytime soon. What he has done for them is nothing short of amazing, especially if he manages to guide them to safety. However, with everything that has happened this season, from the Charlie Adam affair to the FA charges, it really wouldn’t surprise me if he was to resign, particularly if they are relegated tomorrow.
Roberto Martinez
The Wigan manager could be in trouble should his side fail to do what is needed tomorrow, and despite turning the side around in recent games, Dave Whelan would argue as to why they were in the situation in the first place. The never say die attitude he has installed in his players is one of admiration from me, and I only hope Whelan feels the same.
So that’s my take on tomorrow’s football. Now all that’s left, is to sit back and enjoy the days action.
15th - Blackburn Rovers
Barring a strange sequence of events, Blackburn Rovers should still be a Premiership club come the end of play tomorrow. Just one point above the teams in the relegation zone, they also have the best goal difference (-14) out of the five teams in trouble. Their opponents will be fellow survival hopers Wolves in what is likely to be a very tight game with neither side wanting to give anything away. I’d like to say it’s going to be open, with both sides looking to win, but for these two it’s more about not losing than actually winning. Having won only one in their last thirteen though, it could be a nervy day for all involved with the club.
Permutations:
Win - survival guaranteed
Draw - Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan would all need to win to send them down
Lose - two out of Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan would need to win to relegate them
Odds to be relegated - 12/1 (Paddy Power)
16th - Wolverhampton Wanderers
With six goals in his last nine games, it is Steven Fletcher that Wolves have to thank for taking such a promising position going into the final day. An equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Tottenham and two goals in a 3-1 win against West Brom have been hugely important in his sides bid for survival. Before the two recent 3-1 wins (the second being against Sunderland) Wolves were sitting second from bottom, one point from safety and with the worst goal difference in the whole league. Now, they have their fate in their own hands as they host Blackburn tomorrow.
Permutations:
Win - survival guaranteed
Draw - two out of Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan would need to win to see Wolves relegated
Lose - if they were to lose by three goals, it would only take draws from Birmingham and Blackpool to send them down. Otherwise two out of the three below them (Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan) would need to win.
Odds to be relegated - 8/1 (William Hill)
17th - Birmingham City
Away to Tottenham, Birmingham possibly have the hardest game out of the five as Spurs still need to cement 5th place and with it, Europa League football. To do that, they need a win. Early on it appears that they will be without star performer Rafael Van Der Vaart, but they still have plenty to worry Birmingham with and have the ability to seriously dent their survival hopes. After two difficult away games at Chelsea and Liverpool - losing 3-1 and 5-0 respectively - Birmingham had three winnable games to guarantee safety before this weekend. A 1-1 draw with Wolves was followed by two defeats against Newcastle and Fulham, taking them from 14th and five points clear of relegation before the Chelsea game, to their current position of 17th, level on points with Blackpool. Even a victory in tomorrow‘s game at White Hart Lane may not be enough, although it’s unlikely that Blackpool will beat Man Utd by two more goals than what Birmingham beat Tottenham by, and even less likely is Wigan to win by three more goals.
Permutations:
Win - as good as safe, providing Blackpool don’t win by two more goals or Wigan by three more goals than what Birmingham win by
Draw - a win from either Blackpool or Wigan would see them relegated, providing Wolves don’t lose to Blackburn by two goals, in which case Birmingham would be safe
Lose - a draw or a win from either Blackpool or Wigan would again see them relegated, although even if they both lose Birmingham could still go down if Tottenham produce a hammering
Odds to be relegated - 7/10 (bwin)
18th - Blackpool
Strange game this one, away at Old Trafford. Man Utd are already crowned as champions, and so have nothing to play for. What’s more, just 6 days after the tie, Man Utd have a little game against Barcelona in the Champions League Final which they have to prepare for. Despite Sir Alex Ferguson stating that Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov, Patrice Evra and Edwin Van Der Saar will all play in tomorrow’s game, you wouldn’t expect them all to be playing at 100%. With a place in the starting line-up against Barcelona on their minds, the last thing they will want is an injury. There will be no unnecessary stretches for the ball, no unnecessary fifty-fifty challenges, everyone will want to come out of the game unscathed. This gives Blackpool a little bit of hope, and you can bet Ian Holloway will be trying to take the game to the champions to get that all important win. As for recent results, before the epic 4-3 victory over Bolton in their last game, Blackpool hadn’t won in nine games. Stark contrast compared to the early season form that seen them take up 8th position moving into the new calendar year.
Permutations:
Win - if either of Blackburn, Wolves or Birmingham draw or lose, Blackpool would survive. Otherwise, relegation
Draw - only way they could survive is if Wigan draw or lose and Birmingham lose. Otherwise, relegation
Lose - relegation, unless Birmingham lose by two more goals than what Blackpool do
Odds to be relegated - 2/5 (Unibet)
19th - Wigan
The most difficult of all situations. They may be on the same points total as the two teams above them, but with the worse goal difference, Wigan really have the odds stacked against them tomorrow. They are however, facing a Stoke side who have nothing to play for, although Tony Pulis’ side will want to banish memories of last weekends FA Cup Final loss by finishing the season with a win. If Wigan manager Roberto Martinez needed something inspirational for his team talk, he could show them the league table as of the 9th March. After the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, they were rock bottom, four points away from safety. Since then, their form reads W-L-D-D-W, with the latest win coming in that extraordinary game at the DW Stadium in which Charles N’Zogbia scored a last minute winner to relegate West Ham and give Wigan a fighting chance on this final day of action. Eight points from five games is an impressive total for a side at the wrong end of the table, and if they take that momentum to Stoke tomorrow, they may well get the result they need. However, even a win may not be enough, they would still need results in other games to go their way.
Permutations:
Win - would still only survive if two of Blackburn, Wolves, Birmingham and Blackpool draw or lose. Otherwise, it’s back to the Championship
Draw - would need Birmingham and Blackpool to lose to survive. Could also survive should Blackburn or Wolves lose heavily, but unlikely
Lose - relegation, unless both Blackpool and Birmingham end up on the wrong side of a big result, although again unlikely
Odds to be relegated - 4/5 (Coral)
My prediction is that Wigan and Birmingham will join West Ham in relegation to the Championship. Tottenham will be too much for Birmingham and I think that Blackpool will get a draw against United, with Stoke beating Wigan.
As mentioned at the start of this piece, there are also a number of managers looking to survive on Survival Sunday:
Carlo Ancelotti
Despite taking Man Utd to the penultimate weekend of the season before officially losing out in the title race, Ancelotti is under pressure from the Chelsea board. We all know just how ruthless owner Roman Abramovich can be, and a season without a trophy could prove fatal to the Italian manager. Winning the league and cup double last season should be enough to secure at least another year, but I think he will be relieved of his duties, with up and coming Porto manager Andre Villas-Boas installed as his replacement.
Roberto Mancini
Having an unlimited amount of funds isn’t always easy. You’re pressured into spending, into buying the best players from around the world, but getting those superstars to perform as a team isn’t always easy. With so many different nationalities comes communication problems, not to mention different cultures and interests off the pitch. Regardless of this, with great money comes great expectations, and despite delivering the FA Cup and Champions League football for the first time in City’s history, Mancini is under pressure for not delivering more. The talk of a dismissal has gone away recently, but only temporarily. Expect more talk of an exit and possible replacements right up until the billionaire owners come out and confirm his future. And don’t expect that to happen at all. Continuity is key to building a football team, a club and as with Ancelotti, I think Mancini should keep his job, and I think he will, for next season at least.
Steve Kean
Kean claims that he has met the new owners of Blackburn Rovers, and they have told him his job is safe whether he survives the drop or not. I would personally like them to come out and say that publicly before I believe it. If they do survive, the owners may then decide to start building the club and throwing money at it. If that’s the case, Kean could find himself unemployed as they look for a more experienced man at the helm to aid the construction of the club.
Ian Holloway
I think the outspoken manager is safe in his job, I can’t see the Blackpool board getting rid of him anytime soon. What he has done for them is nothing short of amazing, especially if he manages to guide them to safety. However, with everything that has happened this season, from the Charlie Adam affair to the FA charges, it really wouldn’t surprise me if he was to resign, particularly if they are relegated tomorrow.
Roberto Martinez
The Wigan manager could be in trouble should his side fail to do what is needed tomorrow, and despite turning the side around in recent games, Dave Whelan would argue as to why they were in the situation in the first place. The never say die attitude he has installed in his players is one of admiration from me, and I only hope Whelan feels the same.
So that’s my take on tomorrow’s football. Now all that’s left, is to sit back and enjoy the days action.
19 May 2011
Bloggers Team Of The Year
The idea
A Premiership team of the year, as voted for by football bloggers up and down the country.
How it will work
Each blogger wishing to take part names their own personal Premiership team of the year, puts it on their blog and mails me to let me know, linking the blog. Then the amount of votes each player receives is added up, giving an overall bloggers team of the year. This team would then be put on all blogs for everyone to see, with info on who voted for who.
If you’re interested in taking part, either leave a comment below, contact me on Twitter (@Pricep87) or through email (pricep87@gmail.com) It’s only going to be worth doing if we get enough bloggers to take part, so let’s get an idea on numbers…
A Premiership team of the year, as voted for by football bloggers up and down the country.
How it will work
Each blogger wishing to take part names their own personal Premiership team of the year, puts it on their blog and mails me to let me know, linking the blog. Then the amount of votes each player receives is added up, giving an overall bloggers team of the year. This team would then be put on all blogs for everyone to see, with info on who voted for who.
If you’re interested in taking part, either leave a comment below, contact me on Twitter (@Pricep87) or through email (pricep87@gmail.com) It’s only going to be worth doing if we get enough bloggers to take part, so let’s get an idea on numbers…
18 May 2011
Managerial Up's And Down's
Date: Wednesday 21 May 2008
Location: Luzhniki Stadium Moscow
Time: 23:35 (local time)
Event: UEFA Champions League Final
What’s at stake: An illusive Champions League title and, evidently, Grant’s job
Situation: Possibly Avram Grant’s most important half time team talk to date
Having already lost in the League Cup Final, the pressure was on Avram Grant to deliver some sort of silverware to the Chelsea hierarchy. This was his last chance, the final game of the season, the one trophy that Russian owner Roman Abramovic wanted most, the Champions League. Grant had the chance to turn himself from zero to hero in the space of a single match.
It’s coming up to half time, you’re team have been outplayed for most of the first half, 1-0 down, barely still in the game thanks to some outstanding saves from your Czech goalkeeper. You’re planning your inspirational team talk, what can you say to the team to lift them for the second half? Then, Frank Lampard equalises, suddenly everything’s changed. You’re back on level terms before the break, what to say now?
Whatever he said worked, to a degree at least. Chelsea were resurgent in the second period, pinning Man Utd back and taking the game to them. The only thing they couldn’t do was score. Extra time came and went. The lottery of a penalty shootout. Chelsea lost, and Grant was sent packing.
Fast forward three years…
Date: Sunday 15 May 2011
Location: DW Stadium Wigan
Time: 16:50
Event: Wigan V West Ham 6 pointer at the bottom of the Premiership
What’s at stake: Survival/relegation and possibly Avram Grant’s job
Situation: Another half time team talk. Maybe not as important as the Champions League Final, but try telling that to Hammers fans
Sitting bottom of the Premier League, Avram Grant’s West Ham are 6 points from safety, 3 points away from their opponents on the day Wigan. Win, and they see another week of Premiership action. Draw or Lose, and they are relegated from the Premiership.
A great first half from Grant’s side, as a brace from Demba Ba see’s them take a 2-0 lead into the break. 45 minutes of football left to play, and all West Ham need to do is stay in the lead. Grant again takes his players into the dressing room for the all important team talk. Keep going? Sit back and absorb pressure, maybe make a defensive substitution to shore up at the back?
His words didn’t have the same effect as they did back in 2008. 12 minutes into the second half Charles N’Zogbia had got one back for Wigan, who were level just over 10 minutes later. With West Ham struggling under pressure, the killer blow came as late as the 94th minute. N’Zogbia with his second of the game, cutting in and somehow slipping it under Rob Green’s body to relegate West Ham to the Championship. Avram Grant was relieved of his managerial duties before he even left the stadium.
Two contrasting games in which Grant managed a team who were in need. Neither time he managed to get the result he was after, although I’m not reading into that here. What this post is all about, is the highs and lows of football management and how quickly it can all turn around, for better or worse. Take Steve McLaren for example; from “wally with the brolly” to Dutch league champions, to a (very brief) unsuccessful stint in Germany with Wolfsburg. The fact is, with so much at stake in football these days, it’s a cut throat business where chairmen, directors and even fans demand results. If those results don’t come, you’re out of the door without a question asked. There’s no continuity, not enough time for a manager to actually build a squad and getting them to gel together. If the results don’t come immediately, it’s goodbye, and you’re only ever as good as your last job, your last result.
Anyway, back to Grant. With three clubs in three years, he has reached a League Cup Final, an FA Cup Final, a Champions League Final (losing all three) and relegated two of the three teams, although to be fair to the Isreali, Portsmouth did have a 9 point deduction, not helping his chances whatsoever. Nice man that he seems, I can’t see him having too much trouble getting his next job, although not necessarily a top one. As for West Ham, a big club that I always wanted to survive. I hope they bounce straight back next season. Manager wise, if you want someone to come in and get the best out of your team, Martin O’Neill’s your man. Would he be interested in a Championship job though, only the man himself can answer that.
For now though, I look forward to seeing you at The Ricoh Arena next season.
Location: Luzhniki Stadium Moscow
Time: 23:35 (local time)
Event: UEFA Champions League Final
What’s at stake: An illusive Champions League title and, evidently, Grant’s job
Situation: Possibly Avram Grant’s most important half time team talk to date
Having already lost in the League Cup Final, the pressure was on Avram Grant to deliver some sort of silverware to the Chelsea hierarchy. This was his last chance, the final game of the season, the one trophy that Russian owner Roman Abramovic wanted most, the Champions League. Grant had the chance to turn himself from zero to hero in the space of a single match.
It’s coming up to half time, you’re team have been outplayed for most of the first half, 1-0 down, barely still in the game thanks to some outstanding saves from your Czech goalkeeper. You’re planning your inspirational team talk, what can you say to the team to lift them for the second half? Then, Frank Lampard equalises, suddenly everything’s changed. You’re back on level terms before the break, what to say now?
Whatever he said worked, to a degree at least. Chelsea were resurgent in the second period, pinning Man Utd back and taking the game to them. The only thing they couldn’t do was score. Extra time came and went. The lottery of a penalty shootout. Chelsea lost, and Grant was sent packing.
Fast forward three years…
Date: Sunday 15 May 2011
Location: DW Stadium Wigan
Time: 16:50
Event: Wigan V West Ham 6 pointer at the bottom of the Premiership
What’s at stake: Survival/relegation and possibly Avram Grant’s job
Situation: Another half time team talk. Maybe not as important as the Champions League Final, but try telling that to Hammers fans
Sitting bottom of the Premier League, Avram Grant’s West Ham are 6 points from safety, 3 points away from their opponents on the day Wigan. Win, and they see another week of Premiership action. Draw or Lose, and they are relegated from the Premiership.
A great first half from Grant’s side, as a brace from Demba Ba see’s them take a 2-0 lead into the break. 45 minutes of football left to play, and all West Ham need to do is stay in the lead. Grant again takes his players into the dressing room for the all important team talk. Keep going? Sit back and absorb pressure, maybe make a defensive substitution to shore up at the back?
His words didn’t have the same effect as they did back in 2008. 12 minutes into the second half Charles N’Zogbia had got one back for Wigan, who were level just over 10 minutes later. With West Ham struggling under pressure, the killer blow came as late as the 94th minute. N’Zogbia with his second of the game, cutting in and somehow slipping it under Rob Green’s body to relegate West Ham to the Championship. Avram Grant was relieved of his managerial duties before he even left the stadium.
Two contrasting games in which Grant managed a team who were in need. Neither time he managed to get the result he was after, although I’m not reading into that here. What this post is all about, is the highs and lows of football management and how quickly it can all turn around, for better or worse. Take Steve McLaren for example; from “wally with the brolly” to Dutch league champions, to a (very brief) unsuccessful stint in Germany with Wolfsburg. The fact is, with so much at stake in football these days, it’s a cut throat business where chairmen, directors and even fans demand results. If those results don’t come, you’re out of the door without a question asked. There’s no continuity, not enough time for a manager to actually build a squad and getting them to gel together. If the results don’t come immediately, it’s goodbye, and you’re only ever as good as your last job, your last result.
Anyway, back to Grant. With three clubs in three years, he has reached a League Cup Final, an FA Cup Final, a Champions League Final (losing all three) and relegated two of the three teams, although to be fair to the Isreali, Portsmouth did have a 9 point deduction, not helping his chances whatsoever. Nice man that he seems, I can’t see him having too much trouble getting his next job, although not necessarily a top one. As for West Ham, a big club that I always wanted to survive. I hope they bounce straight back next season. Manager wise, if you want someone to come in and get the best out of your team, Martin O’Neill’s your man. Would he be interested in a Championship job though, only the man himself can answer that.
For now though, I look forward to seeing you at The Ricoh Arena next season.
17 May 2011
I'll See Your 4-2-3-1, And I'll Raise You...
I read a great piece on a blog recently about the 4-2-3-1 formation. The article received several comments on how to counter the formation. I was planning on commenting but then ran away with the typing somewhat, so decided to put my thoughts here. The original piece can be found here.
I think you have to be careful when talking about countering an opponents formation. All to often you can be too committed to stopping the opposition playing rather than actually playing yourself. You have to give them as many questions about how to deal with you as they have about how to deal with them. However, I know that wasn't the point of the original post, nor the comments, so here is how I would counter the 4-2-3-1...
First of all, the wide men. You need to research and know what they do when they receive the ball. Are they going to charge down the touchline, heading for the byline to whip in a cross, or are they going to cut inside and run across the defence, aiming to get a shot off. If it's the former, then standard full backs are needed, and they must be told to stick to position. A flat back four is key. They also shouldn't push forward to match the wingers deep position. Maintain your position and wait for them to come to you. Pushing up and pressuring them straight away will result in a good winger easing past you with yards of space and time to pick out the cross. If it's the latter (inside forwards) then you want to be tucking your fullbacks in, almost as if you're playing with four centre backs. Not only does this show the opposition down the outside and onto their weaker foot (inside forwards tend to play on the opposite wing to their favoured foot) but also ensures that when they do cut in, they will be running into traffic, minimising the space with which to work with.
Next up the attacking midfielder. Again it would help to know exactly what sort of role he is playing to help yourself counter against his talents. The most obvious way to deal with him would be to man mark him. Put a defensive midfielder on him with the sole responsibility to stop him from playing. You would effectively lose this player completely in an attacking sense, but if the AMC really is that good, it is a worthwhile sacrifice. You could also play a high defensive line. Moving your defence closer to your midfield restricts the space he has to work with and he can become suffocated very easily. This could be suicidal though, as you are leaving a lot of space behind your back line for a potentially pacy striker to exploit.
A bit further up the field, you don't really want to be matching their DM's one for one. I would play a central 3 in front of their 2, again waiting for them to come to you rather than pushing forward. The majority of the time the DM's will be receiving the ball from the back line, so there's no real need to jump on top of them, depending on the match situation of course. The outer 2 can also track wide if needs be, as the wingers drop deep to collect the ball. Up top I would go with a pair of strikers, with one buzzing around the other in an almost "false nine" role.
Played right, you could dominate the game with your central 3, keeping possession and frustrating the opposition. I'd also be quite confident in dealing with their attacking threat.
Of course though, all of this becomes irrelevant if they have far superior players to yours. It wouldn't work playing this against Liverpool if you were Coventry City.
On a final note, I think it's far more important in modern football to look at each individual player and their respective roles rather than their positions on a pitch. If you know the personal traits of your opposition, it's going to be far easier to deal with them.
Just my thoughts...
I think you have to be careful when talking about countering an opponents formation. All to often you can be too committed to stopping the opposition playing rather than actually playing yourself. You have to give them as many questions about how to deal with you as they have about how to deal with them. However, I know that wasn't the point of the original post, nor the comments, so here is how I would counter the 4-2-3-1...
First of all, the wide men. You need to research and know what they do when they receive the ball. Are they going to charge down the touchline, heading for the byline to whip in a cross, or are they going to cut inside and run across the defence, aiming to get a shot off. If it's the former, then standard full backs are needed, and they must be told to stick to position. A flat back four is key. They also shouldn't push forward to match the wingers deep position. Maintain your position and wait for them to come to you. Pushing up and pressuring them straight away will result in a good winger easing past you with yards of space and time to pick out the cross. If it's the latter (inside forwards) then you want to be tucking your fullbacks in, almost as if you're playing with four centre backs. Not only does this show the opposition down the outside and onto their weaker foot (inside forwards tend to play on the opposite wing to their favoured foot) but also ensures that when they do cut in, they will be running into traffic, minimising the space with which to work with.
Next up the attacking midfielder. Again it would help to know exactly what sort of role he is playing to help yourself counter against his talents. The most obvious way to deal with him would be to man mark him. Put a defensive midfielder on him with the sole responsibility to stop him from playing. You would effectively lose this player completely in an attacking sense, but if the AMC really is that good, it is a worthwhile sacrifice. You could also play a high defensive line. Moving your defence closer to your midfield restricts the space he has to work with and he can become suffocated very easily. This could be suicidal though, as you are leaving a lot of space behind your back line for a potentially pacy striker to exploit.
A bit further up the field, you don't really want to be matching their DM's one for one. I would play a central 3 in front of their 2, again waiting for them to come to you rather than pushing forward. The majority of the time the DM's will be receiving the ball from the back line, so there's no real need to jump on top of them, depending on the match situation of course. The outer 2 can also track wide if needs be, as the wingers drop deep to collect the ball. Up top I would go with a pair of strikers, with one buzzing around the other in an almost "false nine" role.
Played right, you could dominate the game with your central 3, keeping possession and frustrating the opposition. I'd also be quite confident in dealing with their attacking threat.
Of course though, all of this becomes irrelevant if they have far superior players to yours. It wouldn't work playing this against Liverpool if you were Coventry City.
On a final note, I think it's far more important in modern football to look at each individual player and their respective roles rather than their positions on a pitch. If you know the personal traits of your opposition, it's going to be far easier to deal with them.
Just my thoughts...
16 May 2011
I'ts Been A While
Nearly 6 months to be exact. But now that my other blog has come to the end of it’s shelf life, I have some new found free time to come back here and give my thoughts on what is going on around the world in the game of football. I have also set up a Twitter account (@Pricep87), not least to post updates and links to this blog and to try and promote it as much as I can.
To any new readers of this page, the words you see will mainly be of my own opinions rather than reports, and forgive me for not sitting on the fence as all of this is typed up around my 50 hour working week. After all, football is nothing without debate, so please feel free to leave your own opinions and comments. For anyone returning, as you can see I’ve give it a bit of a clean up, removing all old posts on gaming to turn it into a football only blog.
I’m not a professional writer, I’m just a 24 year old lad from Coventry with a lot on my mind. I do hope you enjoy reading
To any new readers of this page, the words you see will mainly be of my own opinions rather than reports, and forgive me for not sitting on the fence as all of this is typed up around my 50 hour working week. After all, football is nothing without debate, so please feel free to leave your own opinions and comments. For anyone returning, as you can see I’ve give it a bit of a clean up, removing all old posts on gaming to turn it into a football only blog.
I’m not a professional writer, I’m just a 24 year old lad from Coventry with a lot on my mind. I do hope you enjoy reading
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