James Rowe European Football Blog

Hail to the 'real' King

2012-01-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

Ledley King is the greatest English centre half of the modern era . A true world class defender in ever sense of the word.

Rio Ferdinand , John Terry who have both received more plaudits then Ledley King without showing half of his talent are not literally fit to lace his boots.

Although he has been plagued by injuries in recent years and has a special training regime including swimming and running even not appearing to train to the maximum level required of a modern footballer . When he plays it's as if he has trained to the maximum his body allowed him to.

My favourite memory of Ledley is when he played for England against France in Euro 2004 football championship . He was up against the then best in the world and in my opinion the greatest footballer of the modern era Zinedine Zidane . Zidane was the most feared playmaker in Europe . But Ledley kept him quiet .He positioning of limiting Zidane to time and space on the ball and reading the danger was remarkable . After such an outstanding performance he was then dropped for the proceeding group game against Switzerland in favour of John Terry.

Subsequent England managers did not pick him for the national time on a regular basis due to his injuries and perhaps their ignorance . But he is the best we have got in that position when fit and I believe at international level you pick the best players in their best positions for the good of your country.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have always been aware of Ledley King's ability and worth . England and the world have ever only seen glimpses . His knee injuries have been well documented . Having played over 250 games for Tottenham .When Ledley was honoured with this accolade, His response was as happy as he is to have reached such a landmark .He feels that it should have be more''.

In modern football where the art of defending and a good tackle appears to go unappreciated. When I see a defender who can read the game and tackle well that is as impressive to me as a striker who has his sights on goal.

Born in Stepney ,London in October 1980 .Ledley rose through the Tottenham ranks ( He made his debut in May 1999 in a 3-2 away defeat to Liverpool). his ability was clear for all to see from the beginning.He went on to become captain and symbol of the club. He won the League Cup with Tottenham in 2008 ( Captaining the club to victory against Chelsea )

King is in the last year of his contract at Tottenham ( Who knows what will happen as regards to an extension ) .I just hope he gets what he deserves for his talent and his efforts over the years . As an Arsenal fan at risk at angering Spurs fans I say to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger try to get him to sign up for red half of North London .( Pat Jennings did it in 1977 also giving 13 years service to Spurs .Exactly the same amount as Ledley at this current moment in time , Coincidence ) any chance of a repeat in 2012.

Tottenham Hotspur have been very luck to have Ledley King and they know it . He would have not looked out of place as an Englishman abroad by Real Madrid or AC Milan . All hail Ledley ''King of White Hart Lane''.

Give it to Roy, Alan or Steve Please !

2011-11-20T12:24:00.001-08:00

I have often been called a mercenary for distancing myself from my national team and not supporting them due to my stance of being against the fact that we have a foreign manager . The last time I wore an England shirt was during the world cup in 1998 . I got the shirt as a present from my sister.

I have never wavered in my stance and what with Fabio Capello departing after Euro 2012 . I wish to submit my list of candidates for the England manger .They are all English . Their teams have played fantastic free flowing football and they have all left a legacy at their clubs . The mandate that I have just described in the previous paragraph is one the no FA board in the last 10 years has endorsed . They all have gone with the big name foreign manager and thrown cash at them ,thinking that a big name manager a club level who has been successful will surely win something with England . Well an estimated 50 million pounds down the drain in contract fees and payoffs with Sven Goren Eriksson and Fabio Capello and all has amounted to nothing. 3 quarter final appearances and a last 16 appearance in South Africa 2010( In the last 4 major international tournaments ) . Hardly a return on your money is it ? .

I propose 3 mangers who could bring some respect, structure and pride back to our national team as well as being their own men and not suffering fools . Roy Hodgson , Alan Curbishley & Steve Coppell . I will not get my wish as at Soho square they don't really think outside the ''we need success now box'' If Einstein theory of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results is true well in that case The FA should be brought to book . Rumours of a government invention into their dealings 11 years too late Mr Cameron I might add.

We are now building a national football centre in Burton .It's 2011 . Clairefontaine in France and Coverciano in Italy are national football centres that have been around for years in their respectful countries .We are just so far behind it's untrue .But we console ourselves by telling the world that we have the best league in the world . We do not in my opinion . In terms of commercial revenue yes .But not in terms of footballing skill and quality . You cannot have simultaneously have the best league and the best national team . You focus on one or the other and we focused on the wrong one.

Roy Hodgson has been successful at club and international level winning a total of 7 league titles in Sweden and Denmark . ( People dismiss this as nothing) .But it is a massive achievement to win outside your own country .He also lead Fulham to the Europa League Final in 2010 . A unique achievement just as impressive as Man Utd's treble in 1999 in the fact that nobody would have thought that it could be possible .He also guided Switzerland to the last 16 in the 1994 world cup and also at the time 3rd in the FIFA World rankings . This at a time when there were hardly any English coaches working abroad let alone the national coach of another country.Did you know that Roy was due to be offered the German national team job .Our Roy from Croydon being offered the most prestigious job in German football. I sincerely hope that Roy's misfortune at Blackburn & Liverpool will not hinder his chances .He is a credit to his profession and is now helping West Brom to retain their Premier League status and push on and become established.

Alan Curbishley . 15 years pulling Charlton Athletic up from the 3rd division into an established premier league outfit.Creating stability, Providing longevity . Always having a good squad .It's no surprise the when Curbishley left Charlton Athletic suffered 2 relegation in 3 years .He moved on to manage boyhood club West Ham . Where he got ''The Hammers'' playing the most scintillating football since the days of Geoff Hurst , Bobby Moore,Geoff Hurst & Martin Peters .He resigned due to disagreements with the chairman and players being sold without his consent .He felt that he was not in control of his club anymore . I think you have to admire his principles . He has stayed out of the spotlight leaving that to others .He also has not taken any old job for the sake of it.

Steve Copppell first became a first team manager at 28 at Crystal Palace . He got them to the FA Cup final in 1990 which they lost unfortunately . When in charge at Reading they broke the Championship points record of 106 points on their way to promotion to the Premier League coupled with a 33 match unbeaten run in the same season. The following season he kept them up in the Premier League . Although he can be erratic resigning at Man City & Bristol City after extremely short spells 33 days at Man City and 4 months at Bristol City. He has an degree in economics too . What annoys me is that it is claimed if he had more ''charisma'' .He would have been considered before for the England Job .Since when did charisma become a prerequisite for the most important job in English football ? .

This is a plea for change .Let's pick the right man for the job . Give him time and get behind him and the team .Rome was not built in a day . 1966 was the last tournament we won .If we put things in place and get our own house in order . We can win an international title again and above all be proud of our national team .

Greenwich made journeyman is Seven Sisters new hero

2011-11-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

Journeyman is a terminologly much millined in football . But Scott Parker is a journeyman that has made it all the way to international football . The hard way

Like a fine wine this player had matured with age . He started his career with Charlton Athletic where he put his stamp on the team from the offset . He was a real marauder . Commanding his midfield with such passion and scoring sublime goals which helped to make Charlton an established Premier League outfit at the time .

Under Chelsea's new regime of Roman Abramovich in 2003 .Parker caught the eye and signed for Chelsea . He chances were limited as he struggled to get in the first team .He was 24 .There were indeed flashes of his brilliance .But the results driven Chelsea had no time to stand and admire or show their full faith in him . The needed results and opted for more internationally experienced players in their starting line up such as Arjen Robben and Thiago . Parker's hunger to succeed and become recognised again as he was at Charlton saw him leave Chelsea after just 1 season and he signed for Newcastle United .

In the North East Scott rediscovered his form and although he only scored 4 goals in 55 games .He toughened up and became a tough tackler and added another string to his ever growing bow

I don't know if he missed London . But he was lured to West Ham by his former manager at Charlton Alan Curbishley who always believed in Scott's ability to influence a game . Scott flourished heavily influencing West Ham's brand of scintillating football especially at Upton Park . In my opinion at that time .They were playing the best football in the league . Scott Parker scored a sublime goal against his old club at Stamford Bridge . A dipping volley right into the arc of the goal in front of the Chelsea Shed section . Although West Ham experienced manager turmoil after Curbishley's resignation ( 3 mangers in 20 months . Scott ploughed on with passion and guts to become a great captain and embodied the spirit of West Ham . In the year West Ham were relegated Parker was named the PFA( Professional Football Association's ) player of the season by his piers in testament to how well he has played . West Ham were bottom for almost the whole of the season .Parker's modesty summed in in this quote ''This award means nothing if we go down'' .He scored a real cracker of a goal against Liverpool shortly after the death of his father . He evaded 3 tackles,played a 1 ,2 and then curled the ball out of reach of the on diving Pepe Reina into the bottom left hand corner . He then dedicated the goal to his Dad ( Mick ) by gesticulating to the cameras and to where his family were sitting and mouthing ''That's for you Dad'' . A real touching moment .

Having already broken into the England fold the previous season on a reuglar basis Scott's desire to stay there came first hence after only playing 3 weeks of the 2011- 2012 championship season he transferred to Tottenham Hotspur on the last day of the transfer window . He has already improved Tottenham . Their midfield looks awesome .His performances have led to manager Harry Redknapp making comparisons with Spurs legend Dave Mackay . What more higher praise can you get for a man who has only played 9 games so far for the club.

Scott Parker is now a regular in the English national team and is enhancing his ever growing reputation . Everyone is England is aware how good he is . He has so much heart and passion and gives absolutely everything when he pulls that 3 lions shirt on . He embodies the English spirit perfectly .He is now the engine of our national team motoring towards Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012. Next summer Europe's finest players line up for the battle in the European Championship . I think Scott Parker will stand his ground .He may be up against more renowned players .But weather they can match his fight and spirit remains to be seen . Note to Xavi , Sneijder and Nasri Lambeth's Scott Parker is coming for you.

Arsenal v Sporting Braga

2011-10-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed before the Arsenal v Sporting Braga last September . Here is my thoughts on Arsenal Wenger

Joe Cole from London N5 to Lille 59000

2011-10-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Joe Cole one of the most naturally gifted footballers of recent years decided to try his luck across the channel in France and what an impact the man is making . All of England knew Joe had talent in abundance and now France does too . On deadline day 2011 he choose to swap Liverpool for Lille . Having signed for Liverpool in August 2010 he was due to be the fulcrum of Roy Hodgson's side . But he was plagued by injuries and only played a bit part . When he returned from injury the manager that signed him was sacked (unfairly in my opinion) . Kenny Dalglish did not seem to trust in Joe and seemed to overlook him .

On his induction in France his teammates were treated to a rendition of 'maybe it's because I'm a Londoner' by Joe who had such a smile on his face while performing. He has always been passionate about London and England in general . He debut goal against Lorient had everyone talking .A 25 yard shot placed perfectly in the top right hand corner he then followed that up with rave displays in Europe and another goal last weekend against Lyon . LOSC ( Lille) appear to be impressed with our man from Islington . London N5

Steve McManaman commanded a lot of respect when he learnt Spanish and achieved fluency in the 4 years he was at Real Madrid . Joe Cole has already proclaimed that he is willing to learn French and will do his utmost . He is learning well apparently and when asked his favourite French word . He replied Croissant . I laughed when I heard that . But you can see that he has desire to learn and make an impression on and off the pitch in France . That is commendable in my book . That is the measure of the class that Joe has.

Joe,his wife and daughter Ruby are now living in Lille and are adapting well . Joe has made an incredible start to his professional career abroad . Few English players try it and even few succeed . The media are now talking up Joe's chances of inclusion into the England squad for next summers European Championships . He must go .He must . I believe that with Joe Cole in that starting lineup it will give England a chance to do well in the tournament.

The boy who attended Haverstock school in Chalk farm in north London is now casting his spell over France and Europe . England made Joe and Joe has never forgot it . West Ham , Chelsea & Liverpool have all witnessed his talent at first hand .I am delighted that he is getting more recognition abroad . He has always played football because he loves it . He is also a great role model and deserves the current praise that is being lavished upon him .

I can't wait for him to get even better and hopefully win trophies with Lille . I wish him all the best . Well done Joe !. Who would have thought that you would be in this position when you were playing football in the playground of Haverstock school . England is proud of the number 26 that oozes class .But we also know ''you can take the boy out of London . But you can't take London out of the boy''

Arsenal v Birmingham City

2011-10-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed before the Arsenal v Birmingham City game last October . Here are my thoughts on the English Premier League.

CLOCKWORK ORANGE ON THE WIND DOWN

2011-08-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Het Nederlands Elftal ( The Dutch National team ) are heading into the world cup this summer after a 100 percent qualifying campaign winning all 8 games at canter either results wise or possession wise . Granted they were in a group with Scotland , Iceland, Macedonia , & Norway . Also they played only 8 qualifying games in total as there were in the smallest group hence why they ensured qualifying for South Africa a year early in June 2009.

Former Feyenoord coach Bert Van Marwijk took over the reigns from Marco Van Basten and has seemingly yet to put he own stamp on the team . He has called up a lot of players or ex players from Feyenoord which has received criticism from Wesley Sneijder . He ( Van Marwijk) appears to be very relaxed . Maybe a bit too much .

Unlike England . The Netherlands always appoint a National coach from their country . After Marco Van Basten went to manage Ajax . The KNVB ( The Dutch FA ) opted for the best Dutch coach around at that time hence why Van Marwijk got the job . Selection wise things will have come full circle for him . He selected Robin Van Persie in a November friendly against Italy . Van Persie got injured during the game and was out for 5 months for his club Arsenal . Not that Foreign national coaches are obliged to do the top clubs favours by not picking their best players for friendly games . But when Van Marwijk called up Theo Janssen of FC Twente and Nigel de Jong of Manchester City and other fringe players . Why risk playing one off your best strikers in a meaningless friendly game . But Arsene Wenger’s loss has become Bert Van Marwijk’s gain and I think that will prove evident in South Africa.

The Netherlands are in a world cup group with Denmark , Cameroon & Japan . I see them coming from the group without any problems but after that its anyone’s guess . In house fighting amongst players will also rear its ugly head . The Dutch press do not really help . They often publish columns of different players on a regular basis . One that springs to mind is Wesley Sneijder’s comment after the Euro 2008 defeat to Russia about Robin van Persie which was ( If I’d have taken that free kick in the last minute instead of Robin .We would have gone on to play the final ) .

The immense pool of talent that Van Marwijk has at his disposal is impressive Robben , Sneijder , Van Bommel . Attacking left back Gregory Van de Wiel and many more . But for all the fruits of talent Van Marwijk remains irritated by Edwin Van de Sar’s decision not to come out of international retirement . There was an interesting article in the Dutch newspaper De Pers ( The Press ) from Van der Sar where he stated . Van Marwijk has rang me so many times . That’s it I am chucking my phone in the river . But I think that Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg will do a very good job ( He is deaf in one ear don’t you know ) .

The expectancy level in The Netherlands is always high and with the KNVB chief executive Henk Kessler demanding at least a semi final place . The national team can ill afford to be complacent . I predict a quarter final finish from The Netherlands and then soon after a change of manager especially if Louis Van Gaal wins the Champions League with Bayern Munich . As it is quite apparent that he (Van Gaal) would like to avenge his failure as national team coach to qualify for the 2002 world cup and coach a national team again Het Nederlands Elftal ( The Dutch National Team ) will no doubt light up the world with a glittering array of attacking football only to succumb to an eventual defeat at the hands of a top football nation .( Like against Brazil in France 1998) .But lets hope that in 2010 strength of character and togetherness will also ooze out of those men in the orange shirts.

James Rowe 22/04/2010

Arsenal v Partizan Belgrade

2011-07-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

'>http://I was interviewed before the Arsenal v Partizan Belgrade game on December 8th 2010. Here are my thoughts on Arsenal and European football

Half Way Review Of The Season

2010-01-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Everybody

Sorry about the long delay since the last blog .For those who dont know I now live in Madrid . So therefore my blog has been put on the back burner . But I have decided to write a review of the first half of the Season in England , Spain , Italy & Holland.

FA Premier League

Manchester United have claimed top spot and are now leading the way in a 3 horse race to win the Premier League fighting it out with Chelsea & Arsenal for the ultimate trophy in English Football . The longevity of Sir Alex Ferguson helps Manchester United to always compete for the title . His hunger even after 25 years in charge at Old Trafford is remarkable and can only be compared to that of Arsene Wenger .They are the 2 best managers in the League and their principles and beliefs about running they run their respective clubs puts them so far ahead of their peers .Its truly unbelievable . Carlo Ancelotti has started very well as manager of Chelsea . His English is very good in my opinion better than that of our national team manger Fabio Cappello . I thought it was quite unfair that Ancelotti was labelled as a poor tactician . I believe that he has improved on a tactical level since the debacle of AC Milan squandering a 3-0 in the Champions League Final in 2005 . Credit to must also go to stoke City who have once again consolidated their position in the Premier League in great fashion . By playing to their strengths and realizing that you do not have to be afraid opponents in the League and that you are supposed to play against them . I commend the work that Tony Pulis has done . He unlike other managers who have been promoted to the Premier league has not tried to adapt to the style of play . Tony Mowbray ( Ex Manger of West Brom got promoted with West Brom tried to play neat attacking football pleasing on the eye rather than have the intention of winning the games to earn enough points to stay in the League . Pulis asserts himself well and he has the aura of a more than competent manager who will surely keep Stoke in the Premier League for many years . The fans of Stoke City are a credit to the League . They are the loudest fans who get behind their team . Something that a lot of fans of premier leagues teams don't do often enough . Birmingham City have been the surprise package of the season . Sitting comfortably in 8th place they are well on course for Europe . With a workman like quality of taking the fight to all team and earning points off Liverpool & Manchester United . Much of the attention has been focused on the financial side of Birmingham and the level of investment that many people have overlooked what Birmingham have been doing on the pitch . I underestimated Alex McLeish at the beginning but now his steel as manager has impressed me . He quietly goes about his work and the results speak for themselves .

La Liga

FC Barcelona are top at the halfway stage . Pep Guardiola carrying on the fantastic work from the magical season from last year . I believe his behaviour and attitude combined with his intelligence makes him easily the best young manager in the world . He is only 39 years old having already achieved so much his best years surely lie ahead of him . If he makes the transition to the Premier League or Seria A . I have no doubt that he will succeed there too . FC Barcelona are unbeaten so far the season and with a core of players such as Leo Messi & Dani Alves backed up by the tub thumping nature of club captain Carles Puyol it appears that La Liga will be staying in Barcelona for at least another year . Its a different story in Madrid . Real Madrid are not struggling but they have failed to beat teams like Athletic de Bilbao & Sporting Gijon . I don't believe there are many problems within the squad . I just think that the buying policy of Florentino Perez went to far with the purchase of Karim Benzema . That coupled with the fact that players like Kaka & Cristiano Ronaldo play at their best when they are individually the hub of the team . With both players being played out of position its only natural that frustrations would set in . Real Madrid are only 5 points behind FC Barcelona which Valencia closing in on Real Madrid they need to up their game and go on a good run if they are to even try to compete with FC Barcelona . Valencia CF are 3rd in La Liga and playing ever so well in form David Silva and goal machine David Villa pulling the strings there . A mention too for manager Unai Emery who is doing a fine job . I think he is very underrated indeed . He has dragged Valencia up to the rightful position in La Liga with have heavy financial restrictions on him imposed by the club after the debacle of Ex manager Ronald Koeman's tenure and Valencia's inability to sell their current stadium Mestalla in order to finance a new Stadium. The award for the most precocious talent of La Liga this season goes to Racing Santander's Sergio Canales . His exuberance in front of goal this season has been extraordinary to see , Chipping his way over Goalkeepers and has captured the hearts and minds of Spanish football fans everywhere . Finally a mention for for European big hitter Deportivo La Coruna . They are 6th in La Liga with Juan Valeron turning back the clock and producing the fine form that made the club for Coruna with inhabitants 245.000 people League Champions for the first time in 2000.

Seria A

One Man has lit Seria A alight this season Ronaldinho is back . After 2 seasons of disappointing performances . He is back with a bang . He appears to be enjoying his football again and Milan are reaping the benefits . I think its understandable that Ronaldinho had a dip in form . He has had a lot to contend with in his life . His father died in a swimming pool accident and he moved to Paris from Brazil at aged 20 . It must have been a great culture shock . Yes there have been rumours that he likes the party animal lifestyle and wants to go to clubs and be surrounded by beautiful women all the time . But he now has found a balance between his two passions . The jury was out on Leonardo after a bad start to the season . But since AC Milan's 3-2 win in the Bernabeu . Milan season has lifted off and is now heading into orbit . Across town in Milan neighbours Inter are being lead by an attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder . I think that Sneijder is still hurting from being rejected by Real Madrid . That he wants to show the world and in particular Real Madrid that he is a player who deserves to be playing at the highest level in Europe . Jose Mourinho is under a lot of pressure to win the Champions League . But I think its quite clear that Inter will win Seria A again . That for Mourinho is enough . In the capital AS Roma are 3rd in Seria after a surge in form . Affable and respected coach Caludio Ranieri is doing a sterling job of instilling confidence back in AS Roma . He is also helped by the fighting spirit of the 2 roman gladiators Daniele De Rossi and the golden boy of Rome Frencesco Totti . Palermo are in 6th position in Seria A . They have been a constant thorn in the side of many clubs . They play with such passion and togetherness . A mention 2 for Napoli who are in 4th position . Manager Walter Mazzarri ( Ex Sampdoria is enhancing his reputation as a miracle worker ) .

Eredivisie

PSV Eindoven are top of the League . Their business like nature of winning games that they should helps them stretch their lead in the Eredivisie to 3 points . Manager Fred de Rutter who laid the foundation at FC Twente is a manager on course for bigger and better things in the future . I think it is quite apparent that PSV will become Champions of Holland for the 22nd time in their history . In Enschede Steve McClaren's FC Twente are second . FC Twente play good attacking football but have not had many stern tests in the past few weeks . The fixture list has been very kind to them . They are still yet to play Feyenoord , PSV & Ajax away . I think that will be there undoing . Ajax are stuttering of late and are now 12 points behind PSV . After a bright start to the season . They floundered a little drawing with teams like NAC Breda , Sparta Rotterdam & Roda JC .Maarten Jol has consolidated Ajax but they still rely heavily on top scorer Luis Suarez .Ex Feyenoord manager Gertjan Verbeek now in charge of Heracles Almelo who are 5th is rebuilding his reputation after being the victim of player power when he was ousted by Feyenoord players last Season . But he will have the last laugh though .On a lighter note VVV Venlo Champions of the Dutch 1st Division lasy season look like they will be staying in the Eredivisie after being a yo yo club these past few seasons . Manager Jan Van Dijk is a good manger who will no doubt go to a bigger club eventually . But the best thing about VVV Venlo staying up is that it will rebuff attempts to amalgamate Roda JC , Fortuna Sittard & VVV Venlo into one club and name the after the province that they are in Limburg in South Holland . Beacuse if such a thing was to happen . Many a Roda JC ,Fortuna Sittard & VVV Venlo fan would suffer . Generations of fans of these clubs would be loss in the abyss and forced to search for a new club to support .

Around The Leagues 12 / 13 December

2009-12-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

FA Premier League

Wolverhampton Wanderers won for the first time in 30 years in the nations capital and the first time in 26 years at White Hart Lane 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur . Former Reading Striker Kevin Doyle dinking a header in from a cross 2 minutes into the game . Its a result that will surely give Wolves even more belief that they can stay up . Its also fine to see a team steeped in tradition holding their own in the top flight . Arsenal put the final nail in Liverpool's title challenge and also a serious dent in their European Football aspirations for next season . Its just goes to show that off the field incompetence with Club Owners and Loans being taken out to susidise club debts will often result to the downfall of a club on the field off play.Andrey Arshavin's wonder goal being the winner in a tense game . Arsenal are now back in the title race . I believe it will be a 3 horse race for the title . I also believe that the African cup of nations will take more than they think out off a fairly small Chelsea Squad . The goal of the weekend perhaps the season already was scored at Stoke's Britannia Stadium . After a break down in attacking play . Wigan were awarded a free kick after there midfielder was impeded . Maynor Figueroa's quick thinking free kick from 55 yards out having seen Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen off his line . The ball rocketed in the postage stamp of post and bar . Such accuracy that was very impressive indeed . The Game finished in a 2-2 draw Bolton Wanderers fought toe to toe with Man City . twice taking the leading in the game to pick up a point a home . For all of Man City's expensive purchases . One does wonder where this will all lead to ? . Everton suffering from poor form off late earned a credible draw away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge . Louis Saha scoring the equalizing goal just after the hour mark .

La Liga

Real Madrid won a thrilling game in Valencia 3-2 . Gonzalo Higuain scoring twice . Valencia are a very dangerous side . Real Madrid without Kaka have show that they have more steel this season and are not so lightweight against the big hitters in La Liga as they were in previous seasons . Villarreal won 2-1 away in Madrid against Athletico to move into the top 10 . Joseba Llorente scoring . ( The Ex Valladolid striker is consolidating his position in the Spanish national squad quite nicely with a view to the World Cup next Year ) . Racing Santander won a relegation battle at home to Xerez 3-2 . Its seems strange to use that sentence when reffering to the ever seasoned club from Santander . Mallorca won away at Osasuna 1-0 . They are a top 6 side again after a few years of underperforming . They are as hard as nails and that should bode well for the coming months of the campaign . Barcelona won the City Derby against fierce City rivals Espanyol ( Whose literal translation means Spanish ) 1-0 due to a dubious penalty won by Xavi Hernandez and converted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Seria A

AC Milan floundered at home to Palermo . The Club from Sicily who have proved a thorn in the side of most established Seria teams since they were promoted to Seria A in 2004 for the first time in 22 years . Palermo won 2-1 in the San Siro . Lazio eased tension by winning 1-0 at home to Genoa . What with all the rumours surrounding the club and players these past few weeks . It helps that they have won at home . Chievo Verona won 2-1 at home to an inform Fiorentina . Chievo Verona are now an established in Seria A who do not hit the haedlines very often . They became instantly dismissed when they were first promoted in 2002 and are a good example for all clubs being promoted from Seria B . AS Roma picked a a vital point in their quest for Champions League Football . They drew 0-0 with early pace setters Sampdoria . Claudio Ranieri is doing a fine job of pulling the financially doomed club up by the boot laces . Inter Milan has Wesley Sneijder sent off and conceded a late equalizer in Bergamo against Atalanta . But due to Milan dropping points and Juventus losing away at Bari . Inter Milan still lead Seria A by 5 points.

Eredivisie

Ajax won at home in convincing fashion 3-0 against NEC Nijmegen . Luis Suarez scoring again and upcoming attacking midfielder Siem De Jong also on the score sheet . Heracles Almelo won 4-1 in Den Haag against ADO Den Haag . Manger Gertjan Verbeek ( Ex Manager of Heerenveen who had a nightmare when he stopped to coach Feyenoord ). He was the victim of player power . But with Heracles he is doing a sterling job and they are now in 6th position in the League . PSV won in Eindhoven 1-0 against 10 men AZ Alkmaar . PSV are still 2 points behind FC Twente who came from behind to win at home against NAC Breda . ( Ex Zenith & Glasgow Rangers coach Dick Advocaat is no in charge of AZ Alkmaar after they sacked Ronald Koeman last week . Questions have been raised about Advocaat as good a coach as he is . It seems almost impossible to be a coach of the Belgian National Team and Interim Coach of a Dutch Football Club side at the same time . I am not doubting his ability . But I mean in the realms of giving 100 percent concentration to each seperate job . Only time will tell . FC Utrecht continued a wretched bad habit of conceding a goal in the last few minutes of games which in turn stunt their growth in terms of climbing the table and progressing .They drew 2-2 away against Vitesse Arnhem . Feyenoord are sitting pretty in 4th position in the table after a 2-0 away win in Heerenveen . After a few seasons of underperforming . It seems that European Football will be coming to De Kuip ( The Tub ) again next season .

Around The Leagues December 5 / 6

2009-12-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

FA Premier League

Aston Villa's fine form continues as the surge up the league in contention for Champions League places for next season by beating Hull City . James Milner who is a fantastic proper winger who dances his way past defenders with such grace and skill . Never mind Aaron Lennon. James Milner is England's man for the right wing position and next summers World Cup . There also appears to be a fantastic unity within the team and squad . Martin O'Neil is doing a wonderful job . Building on his reputation that he built up at Leicester City & Celtic . I also believe that Aston Villa will win the League Cup this season and finally place a trophy in their dusty Trophy Cabinet . Man City won at home to Chelsea . Adebayor scoring at both ends . I find that the behaviour of manager Mark Hughes pathetic . He is a small time manger who thinks he is bigger than he is . His rude gesticulations about Arsene Wenger on the night of the League Cup Quarter Final to the television camera's just sums him up . Take nothing away from his team . But I think he is on borrowed time and I think that nobody will take Man City as a serious domestic or European threat until the get a better class of manager . Avram Grant's side Portsmouth won again 2-1 at home to Burnley . A deserved win . Burnley's away form is worrying . They cant win away . Only their home form at Turf Moor is their only hope of staying in The Premier League . Man Utd thumped West Ham 4-0 away at Upton Park . The depth that they have in their squad ensures that they will be competing for the title right to the wire again this season . A mention too for Birmingham City who are up to 9th position after a 3-1 away win at Wigan Athletic .

La Liga

David Villa's marvellous scoring record continues as he scored again against Athletic Bilbao to put Valencia in 3rd position behind Barcelona & Real Madrid . Unai Emery ( The Ex manager of Almeria ) is doing a great job in dragging Valencia back up the League after the Ronald Koeman debacle . Racing Santander won 4-0 away at Espanyol proving that a change of manager can sometimes provide instant results and an new lease of life for some teams . Villarreal fought hard to win at home to Getafe 3-2 . Santi Cazorla scoring again after being out for a long time with an knee injury . The best left back in Spain Joan Capdevilla scored twice for Villarreal who after a dreadful start are now climbing the table . Real Madrid won 4-2 at home to Almeria . Cristiano Ronaldo being sent off in the final stages in the game for a second book able offence ( He took his shirt off when he celebrated his goal . That's what lead to his red card . Its clear that Real Madrid are finding their feet as a team . Kaka has admitted to being unsettled on a professional level and players being frustrated at how long it is taking the team to gel and become familiar to each other . Yes Madrid are 2nd but easy home fixtures again lesser sides in La Liga have contributed to that . I think the President Florentino Perez went to far with his buying policy . There was no need to sign Benzema in my opinion - That's 35 million wasted . Rayo Valladolid deserve praise for earning a draw away at Sevilla with only 10 men . Rayo Valladolid are becoming the thorn is some big teams sides in La Liga this season .

Seria A

Il Derbi della Capital ( The Derby of the Capital ) was won by AS Roma (1-0) against SS Lazio . Roma had David Pizzaro sent off in what is always a fiery encounter . Where both teams fight literally for the pride of the city on a football pitch . SS Lazio woes continues . Promising manager Davide Ballardini who done so well at Palermo is now staring at the possibility of not being in a job this time next week .Juventus won at home in Torino against Inter Milan to shut Jose Mourinho . This has injected a doze of excitement in the Italian media that there may well be a title race in Italy this year . As in previous years the Gap between Inter Milan & the rest has sadly been there for all to see . City Neighbours Milan are on great form after a bizare start to the season . All the top players are geling together Pato , Ronaldinho & Borriello . Aswell as the unsung hero of Milan Clarence Seedorf . To see how loved this man is in Milan is amazing . Also that racism still apparant in Italy ( Bearing in mind that it is only 6 & a half years ago that the first black player ever played for the Italian National Team Ex Lazio Player Fernando Liverani ) . Seedorf's conduct as a professional is exemplary . He is for me the ideal example of how to become successful when plying your football trade in another country . To hear him speak Italian too is also a joy to behold .Parma held Genoa away (2-2) to stay in 4th position . They only got promoted this season after being in Seria B for far too long . Palermo won 2-1 at home to Cagliari ( Danish left back Simon Kjaer scoring . I predict he will enhance his reputation at the World Cup next year and then secure a move to a Big European Team Manchester United or AC Milan.

Eredivisie

The big news here in Holland this weekend is that only after 7 months Ronald Koeman is sacked as manager of reigning Champions AZ Alkmaar . The news came shortly after AZ 's defeat at home to Vitesse Arnhem a game in which they were 1 nil up after 10 minutes . Koeman's who has managed 5 teams in the last 6 years without leaving his mark on any of them needs to reflect on his standing as a manager . He was an awesome player . But his greed as a manager is astounding . He took jobs at Valencia & Benfica & PSV Eindhoven without ever thinking long term .I believe that that is a vital quality that all great managers have the ability to look & think long term to set goals and achieve them Ronald Koeman did not do any of those things . FC Utrecht sprung a surprise by winning 2-0 at home to Ajax . That result leaves Ajax 9 points behind FC Twente with the pressure growing on manger Martin Jol . FC Twente remained 2 points clear of PSV Eindhoven by winning away at NEC Nijmegen 4-3 scoring the winning goal in the 88th Minute . There luck will run out soon . I am sure of it . Experience of knowing how to win the league title will surpass flitting cases of luck that FC Twente appear to have had in spades so far this season . Feyenoord won 3-1 at home at home to FC Groningen . Roy Mackaay & John Dahl Tomasson both on the score sheet . Feyenoord have been stabilized this season . I believe that they will only serve to perform at the top of the Eredivisie after years of mid table mediocrity . Heracles Almelo won 3-1 at home to Heerenveen . Heracles have consolidated well since promotion in 2005 . That sets the standard for all promoted teams since then who have only surfficed to go straight back to the Jupilier League ( Dutch Division 1 ) . PSV Eindhoven won again in Waalwijk against RKC (2-0) . After a few good results RKC Waalwijk have dipped in recent weeks . But luckily the gap between them and other relegation candidates is only 5 points .

Around the Leagues November 28 / 29

2009-11-30T07:51:00.000-08:00

FA Premier League

Chelsea despatched Arsenal with a 3-0 away win at The Emirates . Didier Drogba keeping up his fantastic scoring record against The Gunners . His 2 goals took his tally to 9 goals in 11 matches in all competitions against Arsenal . Arsene Wenger's side now need to lift themselves for the tricky visit of Stoke City this Saturday after failing to win or even score in the previous 2 games . The Merseyside Derby was won by the red half of Liverpool a fortuitous strike from Javier Mascherano that deflected off Everton defender Joseph Yobo ensured that Liverpool had luck on their side . Everton are struggling . But with so much talent in their squad One would think that tey will climb the table in the coming months into their usual top 8 position by the end of the season . Hull City earned a point at Man City Jimmy Bullard's equalizing Penalty and then much enjoyed and humorous goal celebration ( By re enacting the antics of Manager Phil Brown On the pitch rollicking that his Hull City side got at Eastlands last Boxing Day ( Most Mangers take their frustration out in the privacy of the Changing Room) . Bullard is a wonderful football character . Who deserved more plaudits and international caps . Its no surprise that Hull have picked up more points now that he has returned from a knee injury I feel he has just as much to offer in an England shirt as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard . But because he is not a household name . He will never get beyond them . I would love to see him leading the charge from midfield in South Africa next summer . Birmingham City continued fine form by winning away at Wolves . Poor Wolves under the guidance of Mick McCarthy appear to lack any cutting edge whatsoever and that will not help them in their quest to stay in the Premier League . I feel they will come up short . Finally a goal fest at Upton Park West Ham winning 5-3 against Burnley . Burnley's wretched away form continues and will West Ham ever keep a clean sheet with England's Number 1 Robert Green in Goal . A mention to for Jack Collison who scored again . The young Welshman suffered the personal loss of his Father in a Motorcycle accident in October . But continues to make his Father proud by enhancing his growing reputation .In my opinion he is the best young player in the country .

La Liga

Barcelona won in the Camp Nou El Clasico 1-0 against arch rivals Real Madrid . Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring the only goal of the game a fantastic volley from a Dani Alves cross .Pep Guadiola already the Darling of Barcelona has nearly become immortal in the fans eyes by winning all 3 Clasico's against Real Madrid . He knows exactly what it means to the people of Barcelona . Manuel Pellegrini on the other hand suffered a blow in this game . This now means that Real Madrid have lost to the 2 best teams they have played till now ( Barcelona & Sevilla as well as drawing away at Sporting Gijon . One does hope that he will last the season . But the impatience of the Madrid Directors & Fans who demand success it does'nt look likely and this is a shame for a coach who became during his time with Villarreal the longest serving manager in La Liga . Other results Scarf wearing grandon of famous Flamenco dancer Lola Flores. Quique Sanchez Flores saw his side thump Espanyol 4-0 in El Vicente Calderon . Athletico with Forlan & Aguero 2 goals also managed to keep a clean sheet . Wonders will never cease . They way they were shipping goals at the start of the season this would not have been thought possible . I believe that Flores will turn things around a maybe win the Copa Del Rey this season . You heard it here first . Malaga secured an impressive point in Sevilla although it will surely feel like a defeat . They were 2 nil up until Luis Fabiano rescued things for Sevilla with 2 goals . Sporting Gijon beat a beleaguered Villarreal 1-0 at home . Consolidation is they name of the game . Gijon are doing a Stoke City punching above their weight and knocking Big names on the floor along the way . Real Mallorca stole a point to take back home from in form Valencia . Mallorca are in the Top 6 . Did you know its 7 Years since they last played Champions League Football . It seems the curse from the mirror that they smashed just might be lifted this year .

Seria A

It was long overdue but Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored his first to goals from AC Milan in stoppage time against Catania may have saved his career and reputation in Milan . It was rumoured that he would be sold in the January transfer window . But he has just given himself a lifeline and a springboard to further success . AC Milan are now up into second . Who Says they cannot win the Scudetto . Claudio Ranieri 's Roma won in 2-1 Bergamo against Atalanta . Roma appear to have found their feet a little in the last few weeks . They have always been a dangerous side . But with so many talented players Totti , Mexes , Perrotta . They should have achieved more than 1 League title since 2002 . City rivals Lazio drew at home to Bologna . What started out as a fresh , determined Lazio has gone a little stale ( They have only score 9 goals all season in 14 League games . Fan unrest and boardroom disagreements have destabilized the club . Davide Ballardini who built such a marvellous team at Palermo is finding it tough to replicate his success at the Capital's Club . If Lazio let him do his job they may just be able to rise to the top end of Seria once again . But rumours are already circulating that former Lazio player Sinisa Mihajlovic who is a fans favourite and legend at Lazio il Derby Della Lanterna ( The Lighthouse Derby ) between Genoa & Sampdoria was played too last weekend . Genoa won 3-0 . It will rub salt in the wounds of Sampdoria who after a fantastic start have lost their way a little bit . Genoa on the other hand being lead by ex Juve Player Rafael Palladino have found their early season promise again . If their potential can be achieved Genoa will be an Italian Team on the Lips of many a European Football Fan this season . A mention too for Cagliari who derailed the Juventus train by winning 2-0 at home against the Old Lady of Turin . The jury is still out on Ciro Ferrara . the old enemy of Juventus inconsistency strikes again.

Eredivisie

Feyenoord Rotterdam won 2-0 against ADO Den Haag and therefore consolidates their position in the top 5 in the Dutch League . They are beginning to turn nicely I believe European Football will be coming to De Kuip ( The Tub ) next season . Ex NEC Nijmegen Manager Mario Been is doing a great job at the club where his heart truly lies . Ajax battered Vitesse 5-1 in Arnhem . Striker Marko Pantelic scoring a Hatrick . He will go with Seria to the World Cup next Year and will ruffle at lot of feathers indeed . PSV Eindhoven won a hard fought battle away against Sparta Rotterdam 3-2 to stay breathing down the neck of FC Twente who also won in 3-1 Tilburg against Willem II . The points difference between the 2 teams is only 2 points with Ajax a further 4 points behind PSV Eindhoven . FC Utrecht won 3-1 at home against fellow mid table team NAC Breda . Both of these teams are real cup fighters though and in previous seasons have had more success in the KNVB Beker ( Dutch Cup ) than the bread & butter of the League . Heerenveen finally have something to cheer about again . They are back to winning ways after disposing of RKC Waalwijk 3-1 . Young talent Roy Beerens on the score sheet . Watch out for his name in the future . His is a pacy winger similar to Robin Van Persie . My guess is that it wont be to long before Beerens is playing for the Dutch National Team .

Around The Leagues 21 / 22 November

2009-11-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

FA Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur demolished Wigan Athletic 9-1 . 8 Goals being scored in the 2nd half and a potent Jermaine Defoe scoring 5 goals . A result that confirms Tottenham mean business to get into the top 4 as the have a possibility of doing . But a result that also sadly confirms that Wigan Athletic don't belong anywhere near The Premier League . The actions of their ego maniac Chairman Dave Whelan ( Naming the Stadium after himself says everything ) . I hope relegation follows for Wigan this season . As I believe a Chairman who clearly has his own agenda and not the interests of Wigan at heart does not deserve to be mentioned in the same League as Man Utd , Liverpool , Arsenal & Chelsea . Sunderland's fine form is continuing under Manager Steve Bruce they recorded an impressive 1-0 at home to Arsenal . Striker Darren Bent scoring again his 9th goal of the season .Birmingham City won 1-0 at home to Fulham . Lee Boywer scoring the only goal . Although Lee Bowyer has had a chequered past . He appears to be vital to Birmingham's aspirations to avoid relegation which I believe they will . Blackburn Rovers won the Lancashire derby against Neighbours Bolton . In form David Dunn scoring again . An in house feud between Bolton Fans & Manager Gary Megson does not bode well for the future uncertain times at the Reebok Stadium indeed . Finally 2 top 4 contenders went head to head at Anfield Liverpool & Manchester City . A 2-2 draw ensued . But I think that it is also a sign the both contenders will fall short in their quest to finish in the top 4 .

La Liga

Valencia continued good form by winning away at Osasuna . David Villa scoring again . Who said that the title was a 2 horse race between Real Madrid & Barcelona . I include Sevilla & Valencia in the race too . Getafe won away against Espanyol 2-0 scoring 2 goals in the last 15 minutes . A great win that again highlights the depth that La Liga has . Deportivo La Coruna heaped more misery on Athletico Madrid winning 2-1 . They are well in form and one is reminded of the great Deportivo team that reached the 2004 Champions League Final . Real Madrid reached the summer of La Liga by beating Racing Santander 1-0 ( Gonzalo Higuain scoring . Did you know ? that he was born in Fance ) . Barcelona slipped down to 2nd by drawing in Bilbao . Barcelona appear to have lost their cutting edge from last season . I don't think that many of the teams in La Liga & Europe are as fearful as they were of FC Barcelona last season and also hints have been dropped by Pep Guadiola that the squad is too small . Sevilla are sitting pretty in 3rd behind the top 2 . In my opinion they are the most inform team in Europe this season . Lets hope they can keep it up.

Seria A

After a stuttering start AC Milan are 3rd in the table behind Juventus & Inter Milan . They won 4-3 at home to Cagliari . The nucleus of their team Seedorf , Pato , Ronaldinho , & Borriello scoring the goals . The best left back in the World Fabio Grosso scoring his first goal for Juventus against Udinese 1-0 . He is one of the few players that is loved and respected by all fans . Not just fans of the Itallian National Team . But also all fans of Italian Football Teams . I believes he deserves this praise . As he has risen from obscurity to become a real, true professional . Livorno won 2-1 at home to a very inconsistent Genoa ( Who I thought would be the surprise package in Seria A & Europe ) . Franceso Totti capped his returned from injury . He scored a Hatrick as Roma beat Bari 3-1 . Its very interesting to hear Totti defend his comments of signing a new improved contract considering the financial plight that Roma are in he quote is the following ''Nobody would have turned down the money I did from Real Madrid & Barcelona in the past '' . Finally in Seria this week SS Lazio picked up an impressive point away to an in form Napoli . The game ended 0-0.

Eredivisie

PSV unleashed another thumping win out to a hard working Heracles Almelo side winning 4-0 at home in the Phillips Stadion .PSV are now only 2 points behind FC Twente . I am sure they will catch them and overtake them in the coming weeks . Ajax battered SC Heerenveen 5-1 in the Amsterdam ArenA a brace from Demy De Zeeuw and another goal from the leading Striker in the Eredivisie Luis Suarez . RKC Waalwijk won again 2-1 at home to Groningen thus reducing the game between them and the teams above them to only 3 points ( Who said that they were dead and buried so early in the season ) FC Groningen are suffering as their Manger Ron Jans who has been in charge for 6 years has announced that he is leaving at the end of the season . This has cast the team into uncertainty and probably why they are not performing on the pitch and are currently languishing in 14th position in the League . VVV Venlo destroyed an in form Sparta Rotterdam 5-0 . Promoted as Champions VVV look certain to avoid relegation this season and appear to be looking up the League not down . At last some cheer for reigning Champions AZ Alkmaar they won 4-2 away at Roda JC but the league title will not be staying in Alkmaar this season as they are currently 16 points behind current leaders after 14 games FC Twente .

Around The Leagues 7th & 8th November 2009

2009-11-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

FA Premier League

Hull City stole a late late vital win 2-1 at home against Stoke City Jan Venegoor of Hesselink scoring an injury time strike . A win that will surely keep Manager Phill Brown in his job for the short term & a win that gives Hull a little bit of confidence after falling short against standard opposition in the Premier League . Chelsea won the top of the table clash against Man Utd . John Terry heading in the winner 14 minutes from time . Chelsea appear to be on top form and scoring from all area's of the pitch . Aston Villa battered Bolton 5-1 . A great performance from a side who is improving . Aston Villa have youthful exuberance and quality in defence , midfield & attack . This bodes will for a top 6 finish that I am sure they will get . Burnley took on Man City at Eastlands they were 2 -0 up and then pegged back to 2-2 . after conceeding a goal they managed to salvage a 3-3 draw . A point that will surely help in Burnley's quest to replicate their home form in away games . Finally this week in England a handsome 2-1 win for Everton away at West Ham . Everton always start slowly and then rise up the League very quickly . David Moyes has done a tremendous job in ensuring ''the people's club'' of Liverpool remain in the top echelons of the Premier League

La Liga

The Madrid derby in the Vicente Calderon was a craker of a match . Full of high tempo and determination . Ricardo Kaka wanderful strike opened the scoring . A 25 yard thunderbolt that flew into the top left hand corner ( It was very reminiscent of Kaka's days of the driving force behind AC Milan ) . Marcelo & Higuain scoring the other 2 goals , A Sergio Ramos Red Card for a clumsy challenge was the only blotch on the copy book . That coupled with the switch off in concentration to allow Kun Aguero & Diego Forlan to claw 2 goals back for Athletico . Nether the less a 3-2 win for Real Madrid . Athletic de Bilbao won in Santander against Racing an away fixture that even the best teams in La Liga struggle to win . Valencia are right back on track after the debacle of Ronald Koeman as manager . Unai Emery ( Ex Manager of Almeria is fine tuning a great selection of players into a very difficult team to beat . David Villa scored AGAIN as Valencia won 3-1 at home to Real Zaragoza . Sevilla beat Villarreal 3-2 Robert Pires scored again for Villarreal but it was'nt enough as Sevilla spearheaded by Luis Fabiano who scored 2 goals to stay hot on the heels of Barcelona & Real Madrid . FC Barcelona won 4-2 at home to Real Mallorca .Pedrito enhancing his growing reputation by scoring 2 goals . Thierry Henry & Lionel Messi completed the rout

Seria A

Early pacesetters Sampdoria lost away 2-0 at Cagliari . Cagliari are a typical , historical Italiian side who always seem to remain in Seria A . Their values represent the old style Itallian Football that has sadly been lost in the money grabbing nature and greed in Italy these days . But they still manage to suprise the best teams in Italy from time to time . Juventus won 5-2 in Bergamo against Atalanta . The Squad of Juventus includes many great players such as Diego . Felipe Melo & Fabio Grosso . They look fantastic on papper but under the guidance of ex player Ciro Ferrara one wonders will they fulfill their potential and win trophies this season . Fiorentina secured a very impressive win in Udine against Udinese ( 1-0 ) . Under constant restriction in the transfer market Cesare Prandelli is a very astute manager who will surely go on to bigger and better things at a bigger club in the future . Leonardo's AC Milan won in Rome against Lazio Thiago Silva scoring a goal at both ends and the jewel in the crown Alexandre Pato scored again . He setting Seria A alight at the moment . AS Roma were ahead in the San Siro against but seccumbed to a Samuel Eto'o equalizer to keep Inter Milan on top ( But for how long ? )

Eredivisie

The top of the table clash between in FC Twente & Ajax in Enschede ended in a 1-0 defeat for Ajax . A second half header from Bryan Ruiz ( Who has scored 9 goals so far ) was the only goal of the game . Lots of people are getting carried away with the fact of FC Twente maybe winning the League . But the truth is that its nice that another team is breaking the monopoly of Ajax , PSV & Feyenoord who have collected all but one of the League Titles from the last 30 Years . But Steve McClaren on his own as sole manager & FC Twente do not know what it takes to win a League Title whereas Ajax , PSV & Feyenoord DO . RKC Waalwijk won only their second game of the season away at Nijmegen who are managerless & aimless at the moment . Feyenoord took a point back to Rotterdam from Alkmaar and it should have been more . Mario Been ( Former Ex Feyenoord Player ) is steadily buliding Feyenoord back up as a force here in Holland . NAC Breda won the Barbant derby 4-0 at home to Willem II . Nac Breda are a very productive and hard working side . But the just lack the know how to win against teams of the highest quality such as PSV & Ajax . PSV Eindhoven won 5-1 away to ADO Den Haag , Finn Ova Toivonen scoring 4 goals . PSV are like a hurricane sweeping through the Eredivisie . There is a long way to go . But I believe that the (Kampioenschaal ) Championchip Shield will be heading in Eindhoven at the end of this season ,

Please note that there will be no blog next Monday due to the upcoming International Break that finishes the qualification for World Cup 2010

Champions League & Europa League Matchday 4

2009-11-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Inter Milan snatched victory from the jaws of defeat away to Dinamo Kiev winning 2-1 with 2 goals in the last 4 minutes through Gabriel Milito & Wesley Sneijder . In a very tight group where all 4 participating team are reigning League Champions . Its touch and go as to who will go through . But credit must be given to Dinamo Kiev and Rubin Kazan for taking the fight to Inter Milan & FC Barcelona

Standard Liege are making a name for themselves in the Champions League . They made the most of home advantage by beating Olympiakos 2-0 . After poor representation from Belguim participants in recent years it appears that the gap between Europe's stronger nations and the best of the rest so to speak is closing . Standard Liege are Belguim Champions and they are a decent side that is very underrated . Watch out for their star striker Milan Jovanovic who is sure to stir things up with Serbia at next summers World Cup

Grondins Bordeaux won 2-0 away to Bayern Munich .A very impressive result indeed . Laurent Blanc has instilled a workman like ethic into a very good side . French Clubs are often criticized for under performing in the Champions League . This season is a very different story with Lyon , Bordeaux & Marseille all on the verge of qualifying from their respective groups

Reigning German Champions Wolfsburg won 3-0 away in Istanbul against Besiktas . Under the guidance of Armin Veh ( The Coach who let Stuttgart to the League Championchip in 2007 ) .They are punching above their weight in Europe and are on course to progress to the knockout round . Having retained most of the title winning squad from last season .Players Like Edin Dzeko & Zvjezdan Misimovic . If you are looking for dark horses in The Champions League this season . Look no further than Wolfsburg

The Heavyweight tie of the round AC Milan at home to Real Madrid ended in a 1-1 draw . Karim Benzema & Ronaldinho scoring the goals . Alexandre Pato has a perfectly fine goal disallowed for what was ajudged to be a foul on the defender . Ricardo Kaka's emotional return to the San Siro provoked numerous standing ovations from the home fans . They apreciate what Kaka did for AC Milan . Both these teams have kept their reputation in tact as the 2 most glamorous Football Clubs in Europe . A mouthwatering matchup that did not at all disappoint

EUROPA LEAGUE

The sleeping giant of Lisbon SL Benfica appears to have awoken from a long enduced coma in the doldrums of European Football . The Eagles of Lisbon are soaring high . They played Everton off the park away in Liverpool . Javier Saviola rolling back the years to spurr on teamates an lead Benfica to an impressive away victory . Oscar Cardozo is a Paraguayan Striker that many people may not be aware off . He is a goal machine scoring 41 goals in 64 games . I tip Benfica to suprise a lot of people and reach the later stages of the Europa League this season

Brussels finest RSC Anderlecht have really come to the fore in Europe this season . They beat a stubborn Timisoara 3-1 at home and are sitting pretty behind Ajax in Group A . Anderlecht are ensuring along with Standard Liege that Belgian Club football is on the up . Its extremely refreshing to see . They may well just pip Ajax to the post and finish 1st in the group . I am looking forward to attending the final game of the group phase and what should be the decider of who comes 1st & 2nd when Ajax take on Anderlecht in Amsterdam on 17th December

Villarreal appear to have found their feet after a sttutering start to the season . They destroyed Lazio 4-1 at home . 3-0 up after on 30 minutes it seems that the cutting edge that Villarreal have had over the past few seasons in now back for all to see . Robert Pires scored 2 Penalties at the age of 34 and in the twilight of his career in sunny Spain . Pires is becoming invaluable once more . The Premier League lost a true star the day he departed . He deserves all the plaudits he gets

Genoa picked up a vital 3 points winning at home against RSC Lille . Hernan Crespo on the scoresheet . A fantastically assembled team of individual players ( Domenico Criscito DF, Guiseppe Sculli FW & Francesco Modesto MD ) who CAN play as a team and under the management of former Juventus youth coach Gian Piero Gasperini . Genoa are making waves in Italy . After a topsy turvey start to the season . I am sure the Big 4 in Italy will all be shaking in their boots at the prospect of the 2nd team from the Itallian Seaport rising up the league table and giant killing against Europe's more renowed teams

Finally a mention for Slavia Prague who came back from 2-0 down to earn a well earned draw at home to Valencia .Slavia Prague have fought and picked up points against many many good European teams over the last few seasons . This I believe has held them in good stead . They have becomed seasoned in Europe and take on supposedly better and more well known teams and very rarely do they loose

Around The Leagues 31 October - 1 November

2009-11-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

The Fa Premier League

The 145th North London Derby was a treat for us Gooners . Arsenal won 3 nil thanks to 2 goals from Robin van Persie and a mazy , jinky run from the halfway line from a highly motivated Cesc Fabregas . Spurs did not really compete . They appear very rigid under Harry Redknapp and seem to lack fluidity . Burnley continued their fine 100 percent home record by disposing of Hull City 2-0 . Stalwart and Captin Graham Alexander scoring both goals . The ever present signs that Fulham are flourishing under Roy Hodgson were there all to see as Fulham beat Liverpool 3-1 at Craven Cottage . Roy Hodgson is a tremendous Manager who should in my opinion be in charge of the England national team . The FA's ignorance towards this man's capabillities is astounding . Roy For England I say . Wolves fought like their namesake to salvage a point away at Stoke City . Portsmouth capped a fine cup win in midweek by winning 4 -0 at home to Wigan in the league . Play up Pompy indeed .

La Liga

Real Madrid won 2-0 at home to Getafe . Forgotten Striker Gonzalo Higuain scoring both goals . One wonders why on earth Real Madrid brought Karim Benzema from Lyon . What with Van Nistelrooy , Raul , Higuain as main strikers coupled with the fact that Ronaldo & Kaka can both play as support strikers . I fear that Real Madrid could have saved the 35 milion euros they spent on Benzema . An injury time own goal from Gerard Pique meant that Barcelona returned home from Pamplona with only 1 point instead of 3 . A frightfully dangerous strike partnership of Luis Fabiano & Alberto Negredo is brewing in Sevilla who despatched of Xerez 2-1 both strikers scoring the goals . Villarreal murdered Tenerife at El Madrigal 5- 0 Llorente scoring 2 goals and a mention too for Robert Pires who also scored . Real Zaragoza who have former Arsenal & Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant in their ranks won 2-1 at home to Almeria . I believe on home form alone that Real Zaragoza will avoid relegation from La Liga this season .

Seria A

AC Milan continued their upsurge in form by beating Parma 2-0 at home . A hungry Ronaldinho setting up both goals . Marco Borriello scored a cracking overhead kick that would have been worthy of winning any game . Check it out on YouTube if you . Cagliari won 3-0 at home to a very dogged an constant thorn in the sides of many top sides in Seria A - Atalanta . Inter Milan extended their lead to 7 points at the top in Seria A by winning away at Livorno . It appears that we are back in a time warp as Napoli won away at Juventus 3-2 . Napoli were 2-0 after 55 minutes . Are we back in the late 1980's where Diego Maradonna's Napoli are sweeping all before them in Italy . It seems that the Napoli Class of 2009 are taking heed from heights reached by their predecessors . Despite crowd unrest in the Stadio Olimpico AS Roma managed to win 2-1 at home to Bologna in front of their own fans .

Eredivisie

Het Klassieker between Ajax v Feyenoord ended 5-1 to Ajax . Although Feyenoord held their own in the first half and hit the post aswell . Once they ( Feyenoord ) had a man sent off they were always up against it in the Amsterdam ArenA . Loosing 1-0 at half time . The flood gates opened for Ajax in the 2nd half . Emanuelson, Suarez , De Zeeuw all getting on the score sheet for Ajax . The best goal of the game came from Feyenoord though Denny Lanzaat scoring a peach of a lob from 25 yards that looped of Maarten Stekelenburg . Steve McClaren's FC Twente won 2-1 away to Roda JC to stay 2 poins clear at the top . PSV Eindhoven won against Vitesse Arnhem . PSV are such a drilled team who know what needs to be done against lesser sides in the Eredivisie . I can see them becoming Champions this season . RKC Waalwijk miserable season continues they lost again to Willem II . RKC Waalwijk have only managed to win 1 game this season loosing the other 11 . Sparta Rotterdam are doing well they won at home against NEC Nijmegen . Did you know that Sparta Rotterdam are the oldest Football Club in Holland . Ronald Koeman's AZ Alkmaar won away at Groningen to stem the tide of criticism that has troubled AZ Alkmaar these past few weeks . All eyes are on the coming weekend of fixtures as AZ Alkmaar take on Feyenoord and Ajax travel to Enschede to take on the League Leaders Steve McClaren's FC Twente .

PS There will be a European round up of results from The Champions League & Europa League Blog this week

Around the Leagues 24 - 25 October 2009

2009-10-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

Fa Premier League

After a weekend of mixed results here are a few that I have picked out . Stoke City are doing a sterling job of buliding and becoming stronger in the Premier League . Their win at Tottenham , Their first since 1975 is proof that they are willing and able to compete at the top level . Liverpool winning 2-0 against Man Utd will no doubt give them more confidence in their quest to pick up more points to challenge for the title . A rampant Chelsea battered a poor Blackburn side . One does wonder in what direction Blackburn are going under Sam ( I need praise & aplaudits ) Allardyce . Credit to West Ham United too for fighting back from 2 -0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Arsenal

La Liga

Real Madrid dropped points away to Sporting Gijon in a game they were expected to win . Sporting Gijon are a much improved side and home draw against Real Madrid is certainly a feather in their cap . Barcelona pulverised Real Zaragoza 6 -1 in the Camp Nou Zlatan Ibrahimovic continuing his rich vein of form . Villarreal are finally of the mark by securing their first win of the season at home to Malaga . A dogged Espanyol fought hard to secure a draw away to Sevilla . But I think the result of the weekend is definitely Valladolid 4-0 thumping of an in form Deportivo La Coruna Side

Seria A

Bari won 2-0 against a high flying Lazio . Like many teams in Italy . Bari realize that their home form is very important if they want to make any impression & raise eyebrows in Seria A . Cagliari beat a floundering Genoa 3- 2 ( Genoa who made such a postive start to the season ) .Napoli earned a very impressive 1-0 victory in Florence . Not Many teams win away to Fiorentina . I predict that not many teams will emulate Napoli's feat . AC Milan left it late to beat Chievo both goals coming from Alessandro Nesta in the last 10 minutes of the game . The Fairytale of Sampdoria continues they dismantled Bologna 4 -1 at home

Eredivisie

FC Twente remain at the top after they won 4-0 at home to a very poor and unrecognizable Groningen side who in previous campaigns have been mixing in up at the top of the league . Ajax won 4-2 away to AZ Alkmaar . They were 1-0 down too . Ronald Koeman is in deep trouble . He win find it hard to hold on to his job . I predict he will be sacked before Christmas .( But for a manager who has coached 6 teams in 6 years its just desserts in my opinion ) What goes around comes around. A strong PSV outfit are playying very well indeed . They won 4-0 away to NEC Nijmegen . Sparta Rotterdam won in Den Haag 3-2 and Willem II destroyed Heerenveen 4-1 at home . Feyenoord won 1-0 against a tenacious VVV Venlo . All eyes will now be on the Klassiker away to Ajax in the Amsterdam ArenA this coming Sunday

Champions League & UEFA Cup Round Up 20/10/09 -22/10/09

2009-10-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

The 3rd round of matches in the Champions League & Uefa Cup took place this past week. Here are the standout results in both Cup Competitions

Champions League

The 2 giants of Real Madrid and AC Milan went head to head in the Spanish Capital . A pulsating game that threw up many surprises . Goalkeeping errors from both sides that would'nt not have looked out of place in a school playground were they cause of goals at both ends. Andrea Pirlo's 35 yard thunderbolt gave Milan a shock lead in the match only to be then cancelled out by a tremendous equalizer by Roysten Drenthe . Real Madrid's super sub . Then in a breathtaking climax to the game AC Milan had a goal disallowed that was a perfectly fine goal . That then spurred them on as moments later Clarence Seedorf rolled back the years to provide a sumptious cross for Alexandre Pato to volley home . Scenes of delight in the away camp . AC Milan's first ever victory away against Real Madrid and well deserved too

Rubin Kazan made Russian football proud as they went to the home of the current champions League Holders FC Barcelona and beat them 2- 1 . This result seems to have forced the media to finally sit up and take notice of a russian club side abillity in The Champions League - The reigning Champions of Russia just may sneek past inter Milan into the second qualifiying spot in Group F

Lyon added to Liverpool's woes by inflicting what may prove to be a very costly defeat to a troubled Liverpool side ( On & off the pitch ) an injury time winner from Delgado has put Rafa Benitez's side in a very precarious position as it may well be that Fiorentina & Lyon progress to the last 16 . Lyon Coach Claude Puel is a very astute manager who is finally becoming acknowledged outside of France

Sevilla FC are ploughing through their group and leaving terror and fear in their wake . Winning again this time in Stuttgart. Pacy winger Jesus Navas scoring . He is a name that people may become more aware of in next summer's World Cup . Sevilla are a tremendous side with top quality throughout the squad and they have a real firecracker of a striker in Luis Fabiano . The Uefa Cup winners of 2006 & 2007 know what it takes to win a trophy at a European level

Wrapping up the Champions League roundup this week is Manchester United who were very professional indeed by securing a 1-0 win in Moscow ( The same stadium in which they lifted the trophy in 2008 ). CSKA Moscow who rely heavily on home form in Europe were matched attacking wise by Manchester United . Dimitar Berbatov scoring in the 86th Minute . Write off Manchester United in the Champions League at your Peril

Uefa Cup

SS Lazio the darlings of Rome have continued their fine form of late by winning at home against a struggling Villarreal side . Mauro Zarate & Tomas Rocchi scoring the goals . An injury time winner will feel sweet indeed. After years in the shadow of city rival AS Roma . Lazio are starting to come good again and this gaint of Itallian football may just suprise a few people who predicted another season of mediocrity for the light blue half of Rome

Ajax bagged a vital home win against Dinamo Zageb . After draws in their 2 previous games against Timisoara & Anderlecht . A Luis Suarez Penalty after 1 minute and 40 seconds excited an expectant Amsterdam ArenA crowd ( I was there with my Friend and Watford Fan Alex who enjoyed his first taste of European Football ) Ajax controlled the game but did not extend their lead until the 81st minute untill subsitute Dennis Rommedahl polished off a fine passing move by slotting the ball home inside the 18 yard box . Dinamo Zageb scored a injury time consolation goal in the 93rd minute

Congratulations to Slavia Prague who earned a point in Valencia . Nobody expected them to get anything out of the game .Valencia Striker David Villa was sent off in the 85th Minute . Normally David Villa is a very cool customer indeed . But I suppose even the best players can loose their heads . Slavia Prague are accumulating experience in European competition and that is paying divedends having picked points and scalped teams such as Ajax , Arsenal & Tottenham Hotspur in recent European Campaigns

Huub Stevens's Red Bull Salzburg have won all the games so far in their group . A group that contains Lazio, Villarreal & Levski Sofia . They are definately punching above their weight but is is very refeshing indeed . Rapid Vienna & Austria Vienna are ensuring a resurgence of Austrian Clubs who are performing well against vastly more experienced opponents

A mention to the most glamorous club in the whole of Portugal . SL Benfica who thrashed an dangerous Everton side 5-0 . 2 goals each from Javier Saviola & Oscar Cardozo gave Benfica an empatic lead before the hour mark . Benfica have been troubled by inconsistancy these past few years . But with players such as Angel Di Maria , Pablo Aimar and Javier Saviola the future is looking a lot brighter fot the Eagles of Lisbon

Finally an honorary mention to Watford FC who thrashed Sheffield Wednesday 4 -1 at home . A young exuberant side under the guise of Malky Mackay appear to by blazing their own trail in the Championship Division

My next blog will again be a review of around the leagues from the forthcoming round of fixtures due to take place this weekend .

Around The Leagues

2009-10-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies & Gentleman

Welcome to my European Football Blog . On a weekly basis I will provide information, News and opinion around the football leagues of Europe . I will also be adding updates about the Champions League & The Uefa Cup .

19/ 10 /2009

FA Premier League .

After a weekend of mixed results . Routine wins for Man Utd & Arsenal and losses for Liverpool and Chelsea . Now ! whenever any of the top 4 loose a game . Premier League pundits clamber on the bus to proclaim that the Premier League is better than La Liga . That's Rubbish in my opinion . In terms of Depth and Quality La Liga is far better . Congratulations to Sunderland & Aston Villa . Steve Bruce and Martin O 'Neil are ploughing away in their respective jobs and making progress with their teams . Also well done to Wolves who got a point at a tough away ground Goodison Park . Although it could so easilly have been 3 points . There were also wins for Stoke , Tottenham & Blackburn in the Cotton Mill Derby

La Liga

With all the talk of Barcelona & Real Madrid . Its easy for people to overlook the fantastic teams in La Liga . Deportivo La Coruna won at home to Sevilla . La Riazor ( Deportivo's Stadium is always a tough place to go for any team) . Villarreal are rock bottom of La Liga after loosing 2-1 away to Xerez . A team with so much quality will surely pick up points in the coming weeks . I think they are suffering from the loss of former mananger Manuel Pellegrini to Real Madrid . Other impressive results were Sporting Gijon's win in Bilbao Valencia holding Barcelona in la Mestalla without the best stiker in the world David Villa and finally a rejuvenated Espanyol winning at home to Tenerife . Real Madrid dessimation of teams in the Bernabeu winning 4 -2 at home against Valladolid

Seria A

The Forgotten League in Football's hierachy will soon find its soul again . Bereathed off top starts that were so common in the Seria A in years gone by . But the reputations of such big name clubs never really loose their gloss . Leonardo's Milan will be hoping that the 2-1 at home to AS Roma will be a springboard to further success. Genoa's fine form came to an abrupt halt at home to Inter Millan . Did anyone see the stick out a leg and hope for the best goal from Dejan Stankovic . It was really such a poor clearance from the Genoa Goalkeeper . A dangerous Lazio picked a point up at home against the early pacesetters Sampdoria . Under Davide Ballardini Lazio will go places I am sure . Other results Juventus with their Guadiola effect by installing Ciro Ferrara as head coach has yet to really take off . drawang 1-1 with Fiorentina . My result of the weekend in Italy goes to Atalanta for their fine win in Udine against Udinese .

Eredivisie

Its not just Ajax , PSV Eindhoven & AZ Alkmaar again this season . Steve ( I cant be bothered to learn Dutch ) McClaren's FC Twente is sitting pretty at the top of the league due to their never say die attitude and constant pressing off opponents . There were also routine wins for Ajax & PSV at the expense of Willem II & Heerenveen . A tenacious VVV Venlo are picking on up points on a regular basis to secure safety this time round . Sparta Rotterdam beat Feyenoord 2-1 in the Rotterdam Derby . NAC Breda are purring nicely after destroying Vitesse 4 -0 at home . Ronald Koeman's AZ Alkmaar are struggling after another defeat in Enschede .Their 5th so far this season . Surely they are not being weighed down by being the current tag of Champions of Holland . Or is Koeman just a bad manager . I will leave that for you to decide

Stay tuned for the Champions League & UEFA Cup round up later this week . Real Madrid v AC Milan is the tie off this round 16 European Cup titles between them and also Ricky Kaka is returning to his old stomping ground to face his old teamates . How emotional it will be for him indeed .