Logan Holmes's Blog

Posted by Logan Holmes

Champions, Manchester United, will come under severe pressure from last season's runners-up, Chelsea, in the battle for the Premier League title. As the new season opens these two clubs will again be the teams to knock off the top spot. The only other likely contenders are Liverpool and Arsenal but they may again find it difficult to put in a sustained campaign against the strongest clubs in England. No other club seems capable of breaking into the 'top 4'.

A Spent Force?

Arsenal have lost a number of important players and may struggle to meet their own high standards. However, at the start of last season the London club was also written off but started well and it was only after Christmas that their season fell away. Having failed to add to their squad, manager Arsene Wenger, will be relying heavily on younger players.

Unimpressive

Liverpool have strengthened their team with the acquisition of Robbie Keane to form an exciting partnership with Fernando Torres. However, Liverpool were unimpressive in their opening Champions League game last night.

Up to the Challenge

Chelsea have strengthened their team and retained their best players so with new manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari in charge, they will be expecting to put in a sustained challenge for United's title.

Injury Problems

Manchester United have injury problems as Cristiano Ronaldo is recovering from an operation and Wayne Rooney is doubtful with a virus. Sir Alex Ferguson has, so far, been unable to strengthen his team by signing Dimitar Berbatov to give him his dream strike force of Ronaldo, Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Berbatov. If United get off to a poor start without Ronaldo it might give Chelsea the opportunity to steal a march on their closest rivals.

Manchester United have vast experience but Chelsea might just pip them to the title by next May.

Posted by Logan Holmes

England's failure to qualify for Euro2008 caused much soul searching and brought about the downfall of their coach, Steve McLaren. Questions were continually asked as to why England's best squad of players had failed to reach the finals of the European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.

Players who performed at the highest level with their clubs, reaching the latter stages of the Champions League, but failed to perform for their country. The coach took his share of the blame and was sacked, to be replaced by Fabio Capello.

However, while their was much disappointment in England, the rest of Europe got on with the football and had a very successful tournament.

Euro2008 Without England:

• Without England, there wasn't the constant threat of hooliganism and the need for city centres to become like 'war-zones' with police on high alert to control the fans.
• Without England, there wasn't the WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends) craving media attention as they tried to outspend each other on their numerous and lavish shopping trips. There was no distraction from the football.
• Without England, on the field, their wasn't the usual overstating of their prospects, only to disappoint at the crucial moment.

Victorious Spain:

In Euro2008, the best team, Spain, won, not always something you can say at the end of a major tournament. However, the other teams which qualified for the latter stages of the tournament were able to put up a good performance, not overawed by the weight of expectation as so often happens to England. When faced with a top team in the later stages of the tournament, England rarely display of their best. This year teams who finished second in their group showed no fear and raised their game to meet the challenge, enabling Russia, Turkey and Germany to defeat Croatia, the Netherlands and Portugal with some inspiring football.

Posted by Logan Holmes

Germany have again reached the final of a major international competition. Not the best team in Euro2008, but they have overcome all odds to reach their sixth European Championship Final. Defeated by Croatia at the group stage and unimpressive against a poor Austrian team, they defeated undefeated Portugal in the first knock-out game before scoring a late goal to secure semi-final viictory over Turkey who were under-strength through injury and suspensions.

Spain Impress in Euro2008

Spain have been much more impressive in their route to the final. They opened the competition in style with a comprehensive win over Russia and then defeated Sweden and Greece. With three victories in the group stage, they were the only group winners to progress to the semi-finals. In the first knock-out game they held their nerve in a scoreless game against Italy to win on penalties and then recorded another impressive victory over Russia in the semi-final.

Spain's Route to the Final

Spain have an unfortunate record of starting World Cup and European Championship competitions impressively, winning through to the knock-out stage, only to disappoint and fail to reach expectations. This Spanish team looks to be different and have the confidence and the skill to go on to win Euro2008 and claim their second success in the competition, after a forty four year wait, having defeated the holders, USSR, in the second tournament which they hosted in 1964.

Spain to Win?

In the final in Vienna, Germany will try to stifle the Spanish skill to claim their fourth title but on the overall performance in the competition, Spain would be worthy winners.

Posted by Logan Holmes

Football is a game loved and supported around the world but it does itself no favours with some of the activities associated with it and all in the name of winning.

My Top 4 Hates:

1. Bad Losers

Successful teams have a winning mentality instilled into them by the manager and coaches but they need to learn to become gracious losers on the rare occasion that a result goes against them. So often when the team loses, it's the fault of the referee, they were unlucky and didn't deserve to lose - there must be someone to blame, unable to accept defeat. Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez are all past masters at this art of self promotion and deception.

2. Time Wasting

When teams set out to waste time from the very start of a match, slowing it down at every set-piece and stoppage, they are depriving spectators of the game for which they paid. Taking the ball to the corner flag in the final moments of a game only enrages their opponents and is liable to lead to serious injury or an incident as tempers boil over.

3. Diving and Conning the Referee

Players who cheat should be exposed for their claims for penalties and and free-kicks that were not merited. Retrospective decisions should be taken by the authorities where referees have not been aware of the cheating.

4. Weakened Teams

Managers should be required to select their strongsest available team regardless of any future fixture. Manchester United and liverpool regularly field under-strength sides ahead of Champions League games. This demeans the competition, their opponents and the paying public. Manchester United lost at Chelsea in a crucial Premier League game as Christiano Ronaldo started as a substitute.

Football must improve.

Posted by Logan Holmes

One week on from England's unimpressive international display against France in Paris, the Premier League's four representatives in the Champions League continue to impress with probably two and possibly three clubs in the semi-finals.

Champions League Success:

Following their two goal victory over Roma in Rome, Manchester United are all but assured of a semi-final place and either Liverpool or Arsenal will join them while Chelsea must overcome Fenerbahce of Turkey.

England's International Failure

However, the England team which failed to qualify for this summer's European Championships under manager Steve McLaren has failed to show any significant improvement in their performances under new manager Fabio Capello.

England's Talented Squad:

The England team with one of their most talented squads in years, fail to bring their exciting and talented performances to international football. Steven Gerrard, the mainstay of Liverpool, Frank Lampard who scores prolifically from midfield for Chelsea and Wayne Rooney an integral part of the Manchester United success story both domestically and in European competitions are found wanting in the international arena.

While motivated at club level, the players appear to lack passion and commitment for the England cause.

Where does the problem lie?

• too many foreign players in the Premier League - the Arsenal team regularly has no English players.
• club managers have greater influence over their players and how they play.
• there is little competition for the top players as few young players are coming through allowing David Beckham the opportunity to make his 100th appearance against France even though he is playing his football in America with LA Galaxy.

While the top Premier League teams go from strength to strength because of the financial rewards from participation in the Champions League, the England team are struggling to make an impression presenting Fabio Capello with a major task ahead of the World Cup qualifcation matches.

Posted by Logan Holmes

This season eight Premier League clubs have changed their managers but it hasn't always brought about an improvement in results.

Chelsea

Chelsea were the first club to surprisingly change manager early in the season. Jose Mourhino was replaced by Avram Grant in spite of the success he had brought to the club. As Chelsea challenge on three fronts, Grant has maintained the style and ethos of his predecessor although they lost the Carling Cup Final to Tottenham, only their second defeat since he became manager.

Juande Ramos

Tottenham Hotspur replaced Martin Jol with Juande Ramos who has brought the club their first trophy in nine years, defeating Chelsea at Wembley. His record shows the greatest improvement of any of the new managers, although today's defeat at Birmingham won't have helped.

Birmingham City

Alex McLeish had initial success at St. Andrews, defeating Spurs in his first game in charge but today's victory over the same opponents is only his third win in three months as his side battles against relegation.

Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce switched from one difficult post at Birmingham to another at Wigan but has maintained their position outside the relegation zone.

Derby County

Paul Jewell took on an impossible task at bottom club, Derby County, and is still awaiting his first victory.

Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United

The most high profile change was the return of Kevin Keegan to Newcastle United to replace place Sam Allardyce. Supporters recalled Keegan's previous success at St.James Park and were looking forward to a similar revival. It hasn't happened. After more than two months in charge, Newcastle still await their first win under Keegan. Statistics show Keegan to have had the least influence of any of the new managers in the Premier League as Newcastle slip towards the relegation zone.

Posted by Logan Holmes

Ambition, belief, commitment, determination and endeavour - qualities that the players from the lower leagues have shown in this season's FA Cup competition. While the Premier League players have been dreaming of overseas games, Champions League football and European competitions, the teams from the Championship and Divisions 1 and 2 have embarrassed their internationally renowned colleagues.

Only three Premier League clubs are through to the quarter finals of the competition - Manchester United, Portsmouth and Chelsea. Only one other team, Middlesbrough, remains in the Cup but they have to overcome Sheffield United in a replay at the Riverside. The Blades have already defeated Sven Eriksson's Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers in the previous rounds.

3rd Round Knockout

From the earliest Rounds the lower league clubs have shown greater commitment to the competition and knocked out Premier League teams.

In the 3rd Round Blackburn Rovers suffered a humiliating defeat at home to Coventry City and Everton also lost at home to Oldham Athletic.

Bristol Rovers from Division 1 who now play West Bromwich Albion have already defeated Fulham and Southampton.

Liverpool Defeated

Liverpool having struggled in the previous Round to defeat non-League side Havant and Waterlooville at Anfield, probably suffered the most embarrassing of defeats when a last minute goal put Barnsley through to the quarter-finals where they will meet the Cup holders, Chelsea. Rafa Benitez's disappointing season continues.

Portsmouth who meet Manchester United beat Preston North End in the last minute through a last minute own goal and also needed goalkeeper, David James, to save a second half penalty kick. Preston had beaten Derby County in the last round.

For the first time in many years one of the non-top four sides might make an appearance in the FA Cup Final at Wembley in May.

Posted by Logan Holmes

Some football fans travel to every game to support their team – be it Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle United. Whatever the weather, whatever day or kick-off time, no matter the cost those supporters will be there.

Work, family and holiday arrangements are fitted around their beloved team.

Rosie's Story

Rosie is a Spurs’ supporter. At considerable cost he travels the world to watch Spurs. He has been at every Premier League and Cup game over the past number of seasons, he supports the club in Europe, attends all pre-season friendly games and overseas tours, having been to South Korea and South Africa in recent seasons and any friendly or testimonial match can be assured of Rosie’s presence. He even finds time, around his work, to attend reserve, youth games and other football matches. Dedicated to the very last, whatever the result, it is guaranteed that Rosie will be at the very next game.

Rosie enjoys the camaraderie and friendship of other travelling supporters but now the Premier League are proposing to play an additional game in some far away part of the world for the benefit of overseas supporters but ignoring the claims of supporters who attend matches every week. The cost of travelling to China, Los Angeles or wherever hosts the extra game would be prohibitive to all but a few dedicated supporters.

The Premier League would appear to once again be putting their desire for money ahead of the ordinary supporter.

Prohibitive Costs

Admission charges and associated costs are already extremely high for supporters attending matches regularly. Loyal supporters with family and work responsibilities simply can not afford to take off on a world trip to follow their team in one more match - hence the opposition from supporters around the country to the Premier League’s proposals.

Posted by Logan Holmes

England manager, Fabio Capello decided against including David Beckham in his squad for the friendly international against Switzerland at Wembley.

Beckham currently on 99 appearances for his country had been hoping to be selected to enable him to join the elite group of players who have won 100 caps for England.

Lack of Fitness

Capello expressed concerns over Beckham’s fitness as he has played little competitive football since moving to LA Galaxy last summer. His appearances were restricted due to injury and the new football season has yet to commence in America.

Beckham had been training with Arsenal in an attempt to prove his fitness for the international but the manager was less than impressed.

Capello's DilemmaBeckham is a continuing dilemma for Capello. The former captain who was part of Capello’s title winning team at Real Madrid has been an excellent player and ambassador for his country and it would be a fitting tribute for him to make his 100th appearance. However, the manger is looking to build a team for the future which will not include Beckham.

Every time Capello selects his squad, the Beckham question will arise in the media frenzy that surrounds the former captain. It may have been better if he had chosen him for this match, where he could have received a warm reception from the home fans at Wembley, enabling everyone to move on to a new era without Beckham.

Future England MatchesEngland’s next international is in France at the end of March and any future games at the end of the season will be an important part of Capello’s preparations for the World Cup qualification games which commence in September.

The opportunity for Beckham to win that elusive cap is rapidly receding.

Posted by Logan Holmes

Fabio Capello, the new Englanfd manager has a distracting decision to take as he announces his squad for the friendly international against Switzerland - should he select David Beckham?

Beckham's 100th Cap

The Football Association have been trying to raise interest in this game so that Capello's first match in charge isn't played out in a half-empty Wembley. They see Beckham's 100th cap as a way of generating interest in the game and drawing the media circus that inevitably follows him.

Resigns as England Captain

After the 2006 World Cup in Germany Beckham resigned as captain and was omitted by Steve McLaren, the immediate successor to Sven-Goran Eriksson.

McLaren made the decision to dispense with Beckham, preferring to give younger players experience. However, little over a year later he regretted that decision as his team struggled in their qualifying group.

A year ago Beckham's career was at a low point - struggling with injury at Real Madrid and out of the England team, he decided to join LA Galaxy. His manager at Real Madrid, Capello, announced that Beckham would not play for the club again and there seemed no way back.

Real Madrid Champions

However, he regained fitness and proved his doubters wrong. He returned to the Real Madrid side which made a late run to win the La Liga title and also regained his England place.

His move to America was hindered by injury and as his attempt to help England reach the European Championships failed, he ended up with ninety nine International appearances.

Beckham has served England well and has been an outstanding ambassador for English football so should be honoured with his 100th cap to allow Capello to focus on fashioning his team for the World Cup qualifying games.

Posted by Logan Holmes

Newcastle United have appointed their new manager - former player and manager, Kevin Keegan. The supporters disliked the style of play adapted by their previous manager, Sam Allardyce, and made their views known.

Numerous names were proposed in the media - Harry Redknapp turned down their offer, Alan Shearer was a fans' favourite but lacked experience, Gerard Houillier was suggested along with Didier Deschamps but in the end, Keegan accepted the position.

Immediately the supporters recalled the successful and exciting football played by Keegan's Newcastle team of the mid-1990s. Euphoria and optimism erupted on Tyneside - the 'glory' days were to return.

However, has Keegan been wise to return to the scene of his former success?

That's not always a sensible thing to do. Obviously, the financial package on offer would have been very attractive and tempting to lure Keegan out of retirement.

Will he be able to re-create the success of his previous time as manager?

The Premier League is totally different to when Keegan last managed Newcastle. It is now dominated by four clubs and they all have the finanacial backing to retain their position.

The players at Newcastle United are below the standard required to challenge those top clubs and he doesn't have a 'talisman' goalscorer like Alan Shearer. While the fans may appreciate his previous success and regard him as a 'legend', the players will not be so impressed.

Money will be available for transfers but he may not find it easy to attract top class players - they only want to play for clubs which guarantee success and European football.

Many have tried to retrace their steps, both as players and managers, by returning to former clubs where they had achieved success but have found it very difficult the second time round.

Keegan may have the same difficulty this time.

Posted by Logan Holmes

Sam Allardyce has been sacked by Newcastle United having being appointed last May. After less than eight months in charge the players, supporters and directors united to replace the manage whose methods and style of play was not to their liking.

Allardyce had a successful style of play at Bolton Wanderers where his players worked hard and battled for their success. It had served him well there, keeping Bolton prominently in the Premier League. It was obvious that he was going to bring this successful format to his new position at St. James' Park. However, he was not given the opportunity to develop his team at Newcastle.

At Tottenham earlier in the season, Martin Jol lost his post because there was the feeling that he couldn't take the club any further than the successive fifth places that he achieved in the Premier League - their best position since 1990.

Bolton Wanderers sacked Sammy Lee in October, Wigan Athletic replaced Chris Hutchings in November and Lawrie Sanchez lost his post in December. All of those appointments had been made last summer.

The two most successful managers in English football are Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. They are also the longest serving managers. Wenger was an immediate success at Arsenal but Ferguson had initial difficulties at Old Trafford but the directors persevered with him and he brought first the FA Cup and then continued success in domestic and European football.

Constant demands for success at whatever level, either trophies or survival, is putting impossible demands on managers - they need to be given time to succeed and the authorities should consider imposing a regulation that clubs should not change managers in mid-season - then directors would have to back their own judgement and their managers.

Posted by Logan Holmes

The first weekend of January is most exciting day of the football calendar - the 3rd Round of the FA Cup when all the top clubs enter the competition and face the possibility of losing to a club from a lower division. It's a day when every fan believes that this will be the year when their club will win the coveted trophy.

But that's not the case where players and managers are concerned. They view Premier League survival and the vast amount of money associated with that as more important and so many plan to send out weakened teams in order to rest the players for future league games.

Steve Coppell sent out a weakened team at Old Trafford last season and gave United quite a fright over two games before United came out on top. Again, this year he intends to play reserve and squad players at White Hart Lane in Saturday's game against Tottenham Hotspur. This is supported by his star striker, Dave Kitson, who scored twice as Reading lost 4-6 in a terrific contest at the same ground a week ago. He says he doesn't care about the Cup, he's too tired and wants a rest for the next league game.

Gone are the days when playing at Wembley in the FA Cup Final was the pinnacle of every player's career. Kitson, like the rest of his profession, is exceptionally well paid but he's not bothered about playing in this competition.

A sad reflection on the modern footballer but every fan spends large sums of money to support their team and enjoys the excitement of the knock-out Cup games. I hope to see a full blooded Cup tie at White Hart Lane where the 'Magic of the FA Cup' is still something that is valued, by the supporters, at least.