The Rise of Wilfried Zaha
Abidjan. Considered a prominent location in the central hub of Western Africa. Characterised by industrialisation and urbanisation. A place which is now a mere distant memory to Wilfried Zaha.
The now Crystal Palace striker began life in the Ivory Coast before heading for the bright lights of South London at the age of four. Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha is now the subject of attention and has the opportunity for it to be his name cast in lights with a call-up to the senior England squad. The 20-year-old took some musing time following a phone-call from England boss Roy Hodgson before eventually reaching the decision to accept the offer. A period of deliberation was necessary as Zaha is currently in the process of choosing which nation to pledge his international allegiance to. Born in Cote d’Ivoire, raised in England and represented the Three Lions at youth level. With Wednesday’s match against Sweden a friendly Zaha has not prejudiced his chances to play for his home nation should he feel that way inclined.
A certain pivotal figure in Ivory Coast football, Mr Didier Drogba has already reportedly been on the phone to Zaha in an attempt to convince him to represent his land of birth. But aside from the international transfer situation and somewhat more prominent is the rise to fame which the attacking winger has crafted for himself. Take a trip to Selhurst Park and the prince of the Palace it would seem is very much Mr Zaha. Outside the Championship side’s stadium is a billboard with the upcoming star accompanied by the catchphrase “He’s just too good for you”. These words are becoming extremely familiar for Zaha as they often ring round the stadiums home and away as the youngster terrorises second-flight defences. Full-backs have frequently being left spaghetti-legged and humiliated as he swerves and glides through with ease. Zaha is prepared to set up to the next level and was expected to join the England Under 21 squad ahead of their game against Northern Ireland.
However, the intervention of Roy Hodgson meant a taxi direct from the Football Association at 5AM on Sunday morning beckoned.
The attacker is becoming renowned for his finesse and accuracy whilst delivering at impeccable speed. Manchester United fans will remember the name of Zaha, with much regret, as they endured first-hand the class of this young talent in their Carling Cup clash at Old Trafford in December. There was evidence on that evening alone to suggest Dazet the dazzler had the ability to compete at the elite level. Crystal Palace have raced to the head of the Championship this season but ultimately Zaha’s destiny, if not where he currently plies his trade, is the top flight. Zaha is only the second Championship outfield player in five years to receive a call up to the senior England squad and is clearly in popular demand. Wigan Athletic reportedly offered £3.5 million for the attacker before Reading had a £6 million bid rejected on the eve of transfer deadline day. It has also been suggested in footballing circles that Arsenal and Tottenham have registered interest in the starlet and Palace co-owner Steve Parish claims £20 million may not be enough to convince the club to part with their most prized asset. But as many defenders lick their wounds and try to disguise the scars left by Zaha on the field and clubs battle for the winger’s signature his international intention remains ambiguous.
All that can be said at this stage is that Zaha has copious amounts of potential.
Will he prove it on the field with England?
By Ben Hampshire (@BH92)
The now Crystal Palace striker began life in the Ivory Coast before heading for the bright lights of South London at the age of four. Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha is now the subject of attention and has the opportunity for it to be his name cast in lights with a call-up to the senior England squad. The 20-year-old took some musing time following a phone-call from England boss Roy Hodgson before eventually reaching the decision to accept the offer. A period of deliberation was necessary as Zaha is currently in the process of choosing which nation to pledge his international allegiance to. Born in Cote d’Ivoire, raised in England and represented the Three Lions at youth level. With Wednesday’s match against Sweden a friendly Zaha has not prejudiced his chances to play for his home nation should he feel that way inclined.
A certain pivotal figure in Ivory Coast football, Mr Didier Drogba has already reportedly been on the phone to Zaha in an attempt to convince him to represent his land of birth. But aside from the international transfer situation and somewhat more prominent is the rise to fame which the attacking winger has crafted for himself. Take a trip to Selhurst Park and the prince of the Palace it would seem is very much Mr Zaha. Outside the Championship side’s stadium is a billboard with the upcoming star accompanied by the catchphrase “He’s just too good for you”. These words are becoming extremely familiar for Zaha as they often ring round the stadiums home and away as the youngster terrorises second-flight defences. Full-backs have frequently being left spaghetti-legged and humiliated as he swerves and glides through with ease. Zaha is prepared to set up to the next level and was expected to join the England Under 21 squad ahead of their game against Northern Ireland.
However, the intervention of Roy Hodgson meant a taxi direct from the Football Association at 5AM on Sunday morning beckoned.
The attacker is becoming renowned for his finesse and accuracy whilst delivering at impeccable speed. Manchester United fans will remember the name of Zaha, with much regret, as they endured first-hand the class of this young talent in their Carling Cup clash at Old Trafford in December. There was evidence on that evening alone to suggest Dazet the dazzler had the ability to compete at the elite level. Crystal Palace have raced to the head of the Championship this season but ultimately Zaha’s destiny, if not where he currently plies his trade, is the top flight. Zaha is only the second Championship outfield player in five years to receive a call up to the senior England squad and is clearly in popular demand. Wigan Athletic reportedly offered £3.5 million for the attacker before Reading had a £6 million bid rejected on the eve of transfer deadline day. It has also been suggested in footballing circles that Arsenal and Tottenham have registered interest in the starlet and Palace co-owner Steve Parish claims £20 million may not be enough to convince the club to part with their most prized asset. But as many defenders lick their wounds and try to disguise the scars left by Zaha on the field and clubs battle for the winger’s signature his international intention remains ambiguous.
All that can be said at this stage is that Zaha has copious amounts of potential.
Will he prove it on the field with England?
By Ben Hampshire (@BH92)
Bolton Manager Situation
So the time has finally come Owen Coyle’s reign as Bolton Wanderers manager has come to an abrupt end after a very poor start to the season for the Whites in the current circumstances. The start to the season has seen the Wanderers only pick up 3 wins, 2 draws and 6 losses. Losses coming against sides such as Crawley, Crystal Palace and Millwall just weren’t good enough for Coyle no disrespect to these teams but Whites fans expect to beat these sides. Anyway this article isn’t about Owen Coyle it’s about his successor who will be the new man at the helm?
Popular Candidates - These men are the favourites for the job and are the most likely. Mick McCarthy – A familiar face to anyone interested in football also has a very distinctly boring voice which is possibly why I’m not fond of this option. On the other hand we need someone with experience in this division and who better than Mick McCarthy winning the league with both Sunderland and Wolves. Although he did turn down Forest in the summer in the hope of a Premier League position. Teams managed – Millwall, Ireland, Sunderland and Wolves.
Alan Curbishley – Every time a manager is sacked this man’s name pops up even though he has been out of employment for a while now. Long term co-manager and manager at Charlton between 1991-2006 he is known for consolidating Charlton as a mid-table Premier League side. He also became manager of West Ham were he kept them in the Premier League whilst fighting relegation. Again he is experienced in this division winning it in 98 and winning the play offs in 2000 with Charlton. Teams managed – Charlton and West Ham.
Ole-Gunnar Solksjaer – A household name in England even though he has never managed here, the Norwegian is well known for his spell at Manchester United. Although this is where he started to coach at a reserve level he then went on to manage Molde in Norway were he won the league in his first season. He was linked with Villa in the summer but he is quite inexperienced and he did play for United let’s remember Bolton fans won’t like that even though I quite like him. Teams managed – Manchester United reserves and Molde.
Roy Keane – Yet again another common name and again well known for his spell playing for Manchester United. As a manager he has only had two jobs and they have had mixed results when he took over at Sunderland he won the Championship which is the kind of experience we need at the helm. On the other hand his period at Sunderland ended with poor results also he flopped quite a lot at Ipswich Town and couldn’t live up to the hype. Teams managed – Sunderland and Ipswich.
Billy Davies – A very experienced Championship manager who has been relatively successful with the teams he has managed, all 3 sides he has been in charge of have reached the play-offs at least once. He got Preston to the play-offs and made them promotion candidates before moving to Derby and taking them to the promise land. Since then he has been at Forest again getting them to the play-offs although he is now unemployed, this could be the experience we need. Teams managed – Motherwell, Preston, Derby and Nottingham Forest.
Other possible candidates.
· Steve Kean– Former Blackburn manager.
· Alex Mcleish – Former Rangers, Birmingham and Aston Villa manager.
· Paolo Di Canio – Current Swindon Town manager.
The managers I have mentioned there are experienced managers who could do a decent job and they are the favourites these next two sections could offer something different.
Former players – These men have and haven’t managed but they will connect with the fans. Phil Brown – Brown played for the Whites in between 88-94 and was also assistant to Colin Todd and Sam Allardyce at Bolton. His managerial career started slowly at Derby lasting only 7 months but at Hull City he would gain promotion from the Championship and even keep them up for a season in the Premier League. He then had an unsuccessful spell at Preston but he could be in for a good spell at the Reebok as the fans will definitely be behind if he did get the job. Teams managed – Derby, Hull and Preston.
Dean Holdsworth – Former Bolton striker in between 97-03 who scored 39 goals for the Whites. He has only recently gotten into management at a low level but is performing well at Aldershot in League 2 so Bolton could be a bit of a big jump for him. He also won the Conference South with Newport. Teams managed –Redbridge, Newport County and Aldershot.
Ivan Campo – Here’s one who hasn’t managed but he is an absolute hero at Bolton and he was a world class player. He is extremely experienced winning the Champions League with Madrid and appearing in a World Cup as a player. He definitely would know what he is talking about and I think he would make a fantastic manager he just lacks the experience at the moment but maybe he doesn’t need it straight away.
Other ex-players who could do a job
· Fernando Hierro– Played for the Whites in 2004/05. Former Real Madrid player.
· Gudni Bergsson – Played for the Wanderers in between 1995-2003. Former captain.
· Mixu Paatelainen– Current Finland manager. Played for Bolton in between 94-97.
· Fabrice Muamba – Retired at the end of last season after heart attack. Played from 2008.
Now these ones aren’t serious more of a laugh although some of them I wouldn’t mind at all.
Harry Redknapp –Former Spurs manager who was heavily linked with the England job but he wouldn’t drop down to a Championship side not only for the league but he loves his money.
Rafael Benitez – Former Liverpool manager who guided them to the Champions League in 2005, has also managed Valencia and Inter Milan. Unlikely he’d come to the old English town of Bolton.
Pep Guardiola –Former Barcelona manager who has won the Champions league, Copa Del Ray, La Liga and the club world cup. Tipped to be Fergies successor unless he chooses the Reebok over United.
Gary Megson–Here’s the craziest what if we were to bring back ginger Mourinho? We hated him then he may have improved after a quite successful spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
Mick McCarthy who is the favourite has the experience along with most of the managers I mentioned early on but I don’t particularly like him were as I do like Curbishley, Davies and Solksjaer. If we want to get out of the league and maybe consolidate in the Premier League these could be the right option but my only worry is the connection with the fans which a former player would bring.
By Adam Whiteside (@BWFCWhiteside)
Popular Candidates - These men are the favourites for the job and are the most likely. Mick McCarthy – A familiar face to anyone interested in football also has a very distinctly boring voice which is possibly why I’m not fond of this option. On the other hand we need someone with experience in this division and who better than Mick McCarthy winning the league with both Sunderland and Wolves. Although he did turn down Forest in the summer in the hope of a Premier League position. Teams managed – Millwall, Ireland, Sunderland and Wolves.
Alan Curbishley – Every time a manager is sacked this man’s name pops up even though he has been out of employment for a while now. Long term co-manager and manager at Charlton between 1991-2006 he is known for consolidating Charlton as a mid-table Premier League side. He also became manager of West Ham were he kept them in the Premier League whilst fighting relegation. Again he is experienced in this division winning it in 98 and winning the play offs in 2000 with Charlton. Teams managed – Charlton and West Ham.
Ole-Gunnar Solksjaer – A household name in England even though he has never managed here, the Norwegian is well known for his spell at Manchester United. Although this is where he started to coach at a reserve level he then went on to manage Molde in Norway were he won the league in his first season. He was linked with Villa in the summer but he is quite inexperienced and he did play for United let’s remember Bolton fans won’t like that even though I quite like him. Teams managed – Manchester United reserves and Molde.
Roy Keane – Yet again another common name and again well known for his spell playing for Manchester United. As a manager he has only had two jobs and they have had mixed results when he took over at Sunderland he won the Championship which is the kind of experience we need at the helm. On the other hand his period at Sunderland ended with poor results also he flopped quite a lot at Ipswich Town and couldn’t live up to the hype. Teams managed – Sunderland and Ipswich.
Billy Davies – A very experienced Championship manager who has been relatively successful with the teams he has managed, all 3 sides he has been in charge of have reached the play-offs at least once. He got Preston to the play-offs and made them promotion candidates before moving to Derby and taking them to the promise land. Since then he has been at Forest again getting them to the play-offs although he is now unemployed, this could be the experience we need. Teams managed – Motherwell, Preston, Derby and Nottingham Forest.
Other possible candidates.
· Steve Kean– Former Blackburn manager.
· Alex Mcleish – Former Rangers, Birmingham and Aston Villa manager.
· Paolo Di Canio – Current Swindon Town manager.
The managers I have mentioned there are experienced managers who could do a decent job and they are the favourites these next two sections could offer something different.
Former players – These men have and haven’t managed but they will connect with the fans. Phil Brown – Brown played for the Whites in between 88-94 and was also assistant to Colin Todd and Sam Allardyce at Bolton. His managerial career started slowly at Derby lasting only 7 months but at Hull City he would gain promotion from the Championship and even keep them up for a season in the Premier League. He then had an unsuccessful spell at Preston but he could be in for a good spell at the Reebok as the fans will definitely be behind if he did get the job. Teams managed – Derby, Hull and Preston.
Dean Holdsworth – Former Bolton striker in between 97-03 who scored 39 goals for the Whites. He has only recently gotten into management at a low level but is performing well at Aldershot in League 2 so Bolton could be a bit of a big jump for him. He also won the Conference South with Newport. Teams managed –Redbridge, Newport County and Aldershot.
Ivan Campo – Here’s one who hasn’t managed but he is an absolute hero at Bolton and he was a world class player. He is extremely experienced winning the Champions League with Madrid and appearing in a World Cup as a player. He definitely would know what he is talking about and I think he would make a fantastic manager he just lacks the experience at the moment but maybe he doesn’t need it straight away.
Other ex-players who could do a job
· Fernando Hierro– Played for the Whites in 2004/05. Former Real Madrid player.
· Gudni Bergsson – Played for the Wanderers in between 1995-2003. Former captain.
· Mixu Paatelainen– Current Finland manager. Played for Bolton in between 94-97.
· Fabrice Muamba – Retired at the end of last season after heart attack. Played from 2008.
Now these ones aren’t serious more of a laugh although some of them I wouldn’t mind at all.
Harry Redknapp –Former Spurs manager who was heavily linked with the England job but he wouldn’t drop down to a Championship side not only for the league but he loves his money.
Rafael Benitez – Former Liverpool manager who guided them to the Champions League in 2005, has also managed Valencia and Inter Milan. Unlikely he’d come to the old English town of Bolton.
Pep Guardiola –Former Barcelona manager who has won the Champions league, Copa Del Ray, La Liga and the club world cup. Tipped to be Fergies successor unless he chooses the Reebok over United.
Gary Megson–Here’s the craziest what if we were to bring back ginger Mourinho? We hated him then he may have improved after a quite successful spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
Mick McCarthy who is the favourite has the experience along with most of the managers I mentioned early on but I don’t particularly like him were as I do like Curbishley, Davies and Solksjaer. If we want to get out of the league and maybe consolidate in the Premier League these could be the right option but my only worry is the connection with the fans which a former player would bring.
By Adam Whiteside (@BWFCWhiteside)
Keep Right On
Life as a Birmingham fan is full of surprises, and the last few years have been no exception.
Rewind a few years and you'll find a crowd of a few thousand Bluenoses on the pitch after the final whistle had confirmed yet another relegation from the Premier League, all venting their anger in the direction of the board, who had continuously failed to sufficiently fund the club and more importantly, keep their promises. It wasn't long before this wish was granted, a successful takeover by a Hong Kong businessman, one of the richest men in China. Fresh promises of transfer backing and high hopes and dreams.
Speed things along and you'll find Birmingham finishing in 9th place in the Premier League, the highest ever position in the clubs history, along with going unbeaten at home for over a year, and a 15-game unbeaten run, the longest outside of the 'Top 4' in over 10 years. Within months, a flurry of new signings, high wages being spent, Birmingham had ended a near 60 year wait for silverware, lifting the Carling Cup at Wembley after beating Arsenal in a truly unforgettable game. Everything getting too good to be true now surely? Well yes, yes it was.
Within just 3 months of one of the best days in the clubs history, relegation had been confirmed once again, the players failing to perform after that sensational performance at Wembley. This however, not even close to being the end of our troubles. I now have to mention a name, a name of a man that is rarely mentioned within the city of Birmingham anymore. That man is none other than Alex McLeish. Now Alex had his doubters when at the club anyway, even with the Carling Cup success to his name, his style was continuously bemoaned as over defensive and boring. When attempting to rebuild the squad, whilst of course including the necessary cutbacks due to relegation, the man decided to resign from his post as manager, via email, on the very same day that he was in contact with the board regarding new signings. It's safe to say that this was completely out of the blue (quite literally, get it?), but nobody could guess what was going to happen next. As we all now know, the newly christened 'Judas' went on to take the vacant managerial position over at the other side of the city, our fierce and most hated rivals 'Aston Vile', oh well.
So in addition to preparing for the new season, the Birmingham board were tasked with finding us a new boss. A challenge that proved all the more difficult with news coming from Hong Kong that our new owner Carson Yeung had been arrested. Yes, ARRESTED. Now not much can be said on the matter as the man has yet to be tried in front of a court, so innocent until proven guilty. So how does this directly affect the club? His assets were frozen, meaning no income to the club, and the club potentially raising cash to help all of his other business ventures afloat. Operation: Firesale is now go. Players flying out all over the place, for less than most people expected. Step forward Chris Hughton. A man who accepted an almost impossible task. Not only did he have to deal with these players being sold beyond his control, he also had to rebuild the squad, with mostly loans and freebies. Not just any squad mind, one that had to challenge for promotion back to the big time, and as a reward for our cup success, the Europa League, oh boy.
12 months on and I don't think any fan could say that they aren't proud of the showing the team put in. Playing more than 60 competitive games in the season, more than any other in England, it's fair to say that Blues battled immensely. A cluster of highly respectable performances in the Europa League, we missed out on progression to the knockout stages by the narrowest of margins. Nevertheless, priceless memories for any Birmingham fan, including a sensational 10,000 fans travelling to Brugges to support the club. Followed up by a 4th place finish and a place in the play-offs. Sadly for the fans, that was the end of the road, losing on aggregate to Blackpool. However, the season will be remembered for so many great memories and positive notes, for instance, the prominence of young Nathan Redmond, starting the season at the age of 17, and going on to make some dazzling performances, exciting the crowd and producing some truly magical moments.
Is that all then? On to the new season? Not quite! Remember 'Judas'? Well he didn't have such a great 12 months over at Vile Park. Finishing in 17th place, the clubs worst finish in, well i don't know how long because quite frankly, i don't care. However, to the disappointment of our fans, he was relieved of his position, sparking an unfortunate chain of events. His replacement came in the form of Paul Lambert, who has had nothing short of a few astonishing seasons with Norwich City, and indeed, they were after a replacement for him too. Yep, you guessed it, our man Chris Hughton, great. So once again, we needed another manager. Unlike the previous year, there wasn't many stand-out candidates, and the board (still in financial uncertainty and not allowed out of Hong Kong) had to find someone to build on last years achievements. Names were banded about here and there, until finally, Lee Clark was confirmed as the man to take us to the next level. Not many fans knew much about the man himself or indeed his previous accomplishments. Last season this man was sacked as manager of Huddersfield during one of the longest unbeaten runs in English football history. 'Why?' i hear you ask? Because he began to play negative football in order to maintain the run, rather than play to win and achieve promotion, each to their own i guess...
A couple more sales and a few signings later and things are starting to finally look a bit better for both the fans, and the club. In addition to Nathan Redmond, Birmingham have another young and upcoming Englishman that you may have seen during the Olympics, Jack Butland. At 19 years of age it's safe to say the young man has a lot to learn. Before the games started in London, Jack had never played football above League One standard, during a loan deal to Cheltenham last season. However, with the sale of Ben Foster, and the expiration of Boaz Myhill's loan deal, Butland has been handed the number 1 shirt for the new season. With the exceptional Curtis Davies in front of him, and experienced players such as Stephen Carr, Pablo Ibanez and David Murphy to strengthen the backline, we could see a special player coming through the ranks down at St Andrews.
To build on a seemingly impressive defence, one of last years most consistent and impressive performers Chris Burke, will be hoping to build on his successful first season with the club, and continue to chip in with plenty more goals and assists. On to some of the new signings then, Darren Ambrose is a player who has spent most of his career at this level and it's safe to say he can be relied upon to produce some match-changing phases of play. Peter Lovenkrands was also brought in, a free transfer who managed to score a fair few in this league when playing for Newcastle, hopes will be on him to help in our promotion push. Marlon King also had quite a successful first year at the club and fans will be hoping for more of the same.
Birmingham's fortunes are best summed up in the clubs anthem 'Keep Right On' sung loud and proud by fans at grounds all over the country;
'It's a long, long road, there'll be joys and sorrows too"
By Jon Priddey (@JonPriddey)
Rewind a few years and you'll find a crowd of a few thousand Bluenoses on the pitch after the final whistle had confirmed yet another relegation from the Premier League, all venting their anger in the direction of the board, who had continuously failed to sufficiently fund the club and more importantly, keep their promises. It wasn't long before this wish was granted, a successful takeover by a Hong Kong businessman, one of the richest men in China. Fresh promises of transfer backing and high hopes and dreams.
Speed things along and you'll find Birmingham finishing in 9th place in the Premier League, the highest ever position in the clubs history, along with going unbeaten at home for over a year, and a 15-game unbeaten run, the longest outside of the 'Top 4' in over 10 years. Within months, a flurry of new signings, high wages being spent, Birmingham had ended a near 60 year wait for silverware, lifting the Carling Cup at Wembley after beating Arsenal in a truly unforgettable game. Everything getting too good to be true now surely? Well yes, yes it was.
Within just 3 months of one of the best days in the clubs history, relegation had been confirmed once again, the players failing to perform after that sensational performance at Wembley. This however, not even close to being the end of our troubles. I now have to mention a name, a name of a man that is rarely mentioned within the city of Birmingham anymore. That man is none other than Alex McLeish. Now Alex had his doubters when at the club anyway, even with the Carling Cup success to his name, his style was continuously bemoaned as over defensive and boring. When attempting to rebuild the squad, whilst of course including the necessary cutbacks due to relegation, the man decided to resign from his post as manager, via email, on the very same day that he was in contact with the board regarding new signings. It's safe to say that this was completely out of the blue (quite literally, get it?), but nobody could guess what was going to happen next. As we all now know, the newly christened 'Judas' went on to take the vacant managerial position over at the other side of the city, our fierce and most hated rivals 'Aston Vile', oh well.
So in addition to preparing for the new season, the Birmingham board were tasked with finding us a new boss. A challenge that proved all the more difficult with news coming from Hong Kong that our new owner Carson Yeung had been arrested. Yes, ARRESTED. Now not much can be said on the matter as the man has yet to be tried in front of a court, so innocent until proven guilty. So how does this directly affect the club? His assets were frozen, meaning no income to the club, and the club potentially raising cash to help all of his other business ventures afloat. Operation: Firesale is now go. Players flying out all over the place, for less than most people expected. Step forward Chris Hughton. A man who accepted an almost impossible task. Not only did he have to deal with these players being sold beyond his control, he also had to rebuild the squad, with mostly loans and freebies. Not just any squad mind, one that had to challenge for promotion back to the big time, and as a reward for our cup success, the Europa League, oh boy.
12 months on and I don't think any fan could say that they aren't proud of the showing the team put in. Playing more than 60 competitive games in the season, more than any other in England, it's fair to say that Blues battled immensely. A cluster of highly respectable performances in the Europa League, we missed out on progression to the knockout stages by the narrowest of margins. Nevertheless, priceless memories for any Birmingham fan, including a sensational 10,000 fans travelling to Brugges to support the club. Followed up by a 4th place finish and a place in the play-offs. Sadly for the fans, that was the end of the road, losing on aggregate to Blackpool. However, the season will be remembered for so many great memories and positive notes, for instance, the prominence of young Nathan Redmond, starting the season at the age of 17, and going on to make some dazzling performances, exciting the crowd and producing some truly magical moments.
Is that all then? On to the new season? Not quite! Remember 'Judas'? Well he didn't have such a great 12 months over at Vile Park. Finishing in 17th place, the clubs worst finish in, well i don't know how long because quite frankly, i don't care. However, to the disappointment of our fans, he was relieved of his position, sparking an unfortunate chain of events. His replacement came in the form of Paul Lambert, who has had nothing short of a few astonishing seasons with Norwich City, and indeed, they were after a replacement for him too. Yep, you guessed it, our man Chris Hughton, great. So once again, we needed another manager. Unlike the previous year, there wasn't many stand-out candidates, and the board (still in financial uncertainty and not allowed out of Hong Kong) had to find someone to build on last years achievements. Names were banded about here and there, until finally, Lee Clark was confirmed as the man to take us to the next level. Not many fans knew much about the man himself or indeed his previous accomplishments. Last season this man was sacked as manager of Huddersfield during one of the longest unbeaten runs in English football history. 'Why?' i hear you ask? Because he began to play negative football in order to maintain the run, rather than play to win and achieve promotion, each to their own i guess...
A couple more sales and a few signings later and things are starting to finally look a bit better for both the fans, and the club. In addition to Nathan Redmond, Birmingham have another young and upcoming Englishman that you may have seen during the Olympics, Jack Butland. At 19 years of age it's safe to say the young man has a lot to learn. Before the games started in London, Jack had never played football above League One standard, during a loan deal to Cheltenham last season. However, with the sale of Ben Foster, and the expiration of Boaz Myhill's loan deal, Butland has been handed the number 1 shirt for the new season. With the exceptional Curtis Davies in front of him, and experienced players such as Stephen Carr, Pablo Ibanez and David Murphy to strengthen the backline, we could see a special player coming through the ranks down at St Andrews.
To build on a seemingly impressive defence, one of last years most consistent and impressive performers Chris Burke, will be hoping to build on his successful first season with the club, and continue to chip in with plenty more goals and assists. On to some of the new signings then, Darren Ambrose is a player who has spent most of his career at this level and it's safe to say he can be relied upon to produce some match-changing phases of play. Peter Lovenkrands was also brought in, a free transfer who managed to score a fair few in this league when playing for Newcastle, hopes will be on him to help in our promotion push. Marlon King also had quite a successful first year at the club and fans will be hoping for more of the same.
Birmingham's fortunes are best summed up in the clubs anthem 'Keep Right On' sung loud and proud by fans at grounds all over the country;
'It's a long, long road, there'll be joys and sorrows too"
By Jon Priddey (@JonPriddey)
Sheffield Wednesday 2012/2013 Preview
Championship new boys Sheffield Wednesday are on a high after some impressive displays in their pre-season fixtures. With a side comprised largely of trialists and new signings, the Owls pushed West Brom to the max and gained a 1-1 draw against the Premiership side. This followed a commanding 2-0 win against Reading whilst training away in Portugal.
The squad that will grace the Championship this season will look entirely different to the team that achieved a surprise automatic promotion place last season; Dave Jones has been a very busy man in the transfer market. Most recently Owls’ fans are celebrating the signing of former loanee Michail Antonio from Reading. The pacey winger was a fan favourite at Hillsborough last season and has been a keen focus of Jones since the transfer window opened. Negotiations were finally made today and Antonio put pen to paper on a four year contract. Despite having signed a number of players, 22 year old Antonio is one of few that hasn’t arrived via a free transfer.
A vast number of players were left clubless at the end of the last campaign; Wednesday have capitalised and signed some highly rated faces due to this. These include former England internationals Chris Kirkland from Wigan and Anthony Gardner from Crystal Palace. The somewhat injury-prone goalkeeper has looked good in pre-season, particularly impressing with some fine stops in the 0-0 draw against local rivals Doncaster Rovers.
Fellow free transfer Nejc Pecnik has also raised eyebrows with his skills. The Slovenian international scored on his first appearance for Wednesday with a long distance strike. The striker promised that it wouldn’t be his last goal for the club, he plans to score many. Pecnik will have competition to gain a place in first 11, Wednesday having signed forward Maguire from Derby County and already owning Chris O’Grady and fan proclaimed “goal machine” Gary Madine. Marlon Harewood could also be in contention to be in the Owls’ frontline; he’s been training with Wednesday after being released by Nottingham Forest but has yet to be offered a contract.
Obviously, due to the great number of new faces amongst the ranks at Hillsborough, a number of players have had to leave the Sheffield team. These include former skipper and boyhood fan Rob Jones who has moved to Doncaster plus Ryan Lowe and Jon Otsemobor who have both gone to the MK Dons.
On the whole, things are looking up at Wednesday, a team who most certainly won’t be complacent with mid-table mediocrity. Experienced Championship Manager Jones will have Chairman Milan Mandaric on his case if form begins to waver, the Serb surprisingly axing Gary Megson last season despite Wednesday firmly being in the play-off places. It is clear that Mandaric has bought Wednesday as a profit making investment, his aim will be to get the Owls to the Premier League as soon as possible after buying the club for £1 and clearing their debts.
Further pressure to succeed will come from the infamous Wednesday contingent who have already sold out their allocation for their first match of the season against Derby County. They posted the biggest Football League crowd of last season when 38,082 watched the closing fixture at the Hillsborough Stadium, only 487 being from the away side Wycombe Wonderers. Attendances are sure to rise this season as bigger and better visitors come to town such as Bolton and Birmingham; the atmosphere will be louder and could be a catalyst for making Hillsborough a fortress.
The bookies think that Wednesday will finish mid-table, but I, a dedicated supporter of the Owls think that we can finish higher. If a little more money is spent to bring in some more quality signings proven in our new division, I think we can challenge the play-off places. People wrote us off when Sheffield United pulled away from us in second place last season, but we showed steely determination to close the gap. That determination and the great knowledge of Dave Jones is what I think can make Wednesday excel.
By Faye Morton (@FayeMarieMorton)
The squad that will grace the Championship this season will look entirely different to the team that achieved a surprise automatic promotion place last season; Dave Jones has been a very busy man in the transfer market. Most recently Owls’ fans are celebrating the signing of former loanee Michail Antonio from Reading. The pacey winger was a fan favourite at Hillsborough last season and has been a keen focus of Jones since the transfer window opened. Negotiations were finally made today and Antonio put pen to paper on a four year contract. Despite having signed a number of players, 22 year old Antonio is one of few that hasn’t arrived via a free transfer.
A vast number of players were left clubless at the end of the last campaign; Wednesday have capitalised and signed some highly rated faces due to this. These include former England internationals Chris Kirkland from Wigan and Anthony Gardner from Crystal Palace. The somewhat injury-prone goalkeeper has looked good in pre-season, particularly impressing with some fine stops in the 0-0 draw against local rivals Doncaster Rovers.
Fellow free transfer Nejc Pecnik has also raised eyebrows with his skills. The Slovenian international scored on his first appearance for Wednesday with a long distance strike. The striker promised that it wouldn’t be his last goal for the club, he plans to score many. Pecnik will have competition to gain a place in first 11, Wednesday having signed forward Maguire from Derby County and already owning Chris O’Grady and fan proclaimed “goal machine” Gary Madine. Marlon Harewood could also be in contention to be in the Owls’ frontline; he’s been training with Wednesday after being released by Nottingham Forest but has yet to be offered a contract.
Obviously, due to the great number of new faces amongst the ranks at Hillsborough, a number of players have had to leave the Sheffield team. These include former skipper and boyhood fan Rob Jones who has moved to Doncaster plus Ryan Lowe and Jon Otsemobor who have both gone to the MK Dons.
On the whole, things are looking up at Wednesday, a team who most certainly won’t be complacent with mid-table mediocrity. Experienced Championship Manager Jones will have Chairman Milan Mandaric on his case if form begins to waver, the Serb surprisingly axing Gary Megson last season despite Wednesday firmly being in the play-off places. It is clear that Mandaric has bought Wednesday as a profit making investment, his aim will be to get the Owls to the Premier League as soon as possible after buying the club for £1 and clearing their debts.
Further pressure to succeed will come from the infamous Wednesday contingent who have already sold out their allocation for their first match of the season against Derby County. They posted the biggest Football League crowd of last season when 38,082 watched the closing fixture at the Hillsborough Stadium, only 487 being from the away side Wycombe Wonderers. Attendances are sure to rise this season as bigger and better visitors come to town such as Bolton and Birmingham; the atmosphere will be louder and could be a catalyst for making Hillsborough a fortress.
The bookies think that Wednesday will finish mid-table, but I, a dedicated supporter of the Owls think that we can finish higher. If a little more money is spent to bring in some more quality signings proven in our new division, I think we can challenge the play-off places. People wrote us off when Sheffield United pulled away from us in second place last season, but we showed steely determination to close the gap. That determination and the great knowledge of Dave Jones is what I think can make Wednesday excel.
By Faye Morton (@FayeMarieMorton)
The Day Cardiff Sold Their Soul.
I've supported Cardiff City for six years, compared to other fans I know that's quite a small amount, but in the time I've supported Cardiff, they've become a massive part of my life. The main reason I supported them is because they were my local team, the other reasons being that I was very proud of the heritage and tradition that the club had, the only Welsh team to ever win the English FA Cup.
On the 7th of May 2012, Cardiff had just lost 3-0 (5-0 on aggregate to West Ham) in another failed play-off attempt but the hint around supports showed that they were incredibly proud of their team despite failing to deliver the Premiership dream that some fans thrive on. Something else happened that day though, a thread on Cardiff City Message Board was created and in detail it explained plans of a re-brand, at the time everyone on the coach had laughed at them off, as did others probably, this was sadly not the case, a day after the Blues were allowed to leave the Cardiff City Stadium and plans to re-brand weren't being denied by anyone with authority at the club.
On the 10th of May 2012, Club chairman Dato Chan(TG) had confirmed in a statement saying that the club would not be changing their home colour and would remain blue with the same badge for the upcoming season.. This was not the case, on the 6th June 2012, the club had confirmed that they had changed their badge and traditional colours of blue to red.
The badge doesn't affect me, badges change all the time, it's only been since 08-09 that we reverted back to our badge which had the
daffodil, welsh dragon and a massive bluebird in the middle. The colours of the team is what matters to me, when you travel to an away
game and wear your shirt, people know who you are, it identifies you, it shows who you support. Some people can argue that we have a Blue away kit as some sort of compromise? What compromise is that, no away kits are permanent? We'll also have a third kit which is black, if I'm correct seven out of twenty three away games in the league will be in either red/black. The traditional blue colours will soon be wiped out.
A lot of great moments in Cardiff City's history have been in blue, The FA Cup 1927 winning side won the cup in blue, we wore blue in the
Carling Cup final as well. Scott Young causing a cupset against Leeds United was in a blue shirt, we've been blue ever since changing from
Riverside Athletic.
A lot of people then question the Anti Reds and go well we didn't always wear blue, we wore yellow and brown and changed our name from Riverside Athletic to Cardiff City. The reason Riverside Athletic was renamed to Cardiff City and the kit colour was changed to Blue is because it was for the benefit of the people of Cardiff, Cardiff had just been granted city status.With the current kit change to Red, we are changing the colour of our kit for fans thousands of miles away, who have no emotional connection to the club, they will be watching our games on their televisions, claiming to support us but the support in the Middle East is very fickle, as long as a team is successful or does well in something then they will support them. Tell me why the people of Cardiff would start going to the Cardiff City Stadium just because of a kit change? They wouldn't, they'd have already went to the Cardiff City Stadium when we were in the play-offs against West Ham, the colours isn't what brings fans to a ground, success is what brings fan to a ground and gets them interested.
Vincent Tan may have all these businesses to market his tops to but if you look abroad, look at all the fake shirts that are being made, this will definitely hamper Vincent Tan's plans on his shirt selling scheme. I will not be buying a red shirt, despite the top looking really nice in my opinion, I could never bring myself to buy it, our home kit is blue, not red.
Some short sighted fans believe that the club will instantly become a big hit and that we'll sort of have a sugar daddy investment, becoming a side like Manchester City but in my opinion this is not the case, fourty million of the hundred million pound investment has already been put into the club, leaving sixty million left, the Langstone debt is apparently twenty five million, leaving thirty five million left, let's not forget that the club operates at a fifteen million loss a year, considering we have a very small squad, possibly one of the smallest squads in the Championship, this is a very worrying thing, how do we plan to gain so much money back to cover this? We didn't sell out for a play-off semi final against the biggest club in the Championship yet we had more fans at a league game against Leeds? We still have other debts, not just the long outstanding Langstone debt, PMG is another debtor we owe to, if you look close at the statement, the investment is subject to a deal being agreed with Langstone, what if we don't agree a deal with Langstone? We've been to court four times with them trying to settle this debt and they've never went in our favour. Talks of expanding the stadium sounds very silly at the moment, short term it sounds a very daft idea, long term it sounds brilliant if this pays off but sadly I can't see it happening.
The Malaysians lied to us and that is what makes it even worse, we were told in black and white that the plans wouldn't go ahead, only to
be lied to on Wednesday that we would be going to red.
Foreign clubs like SV Austria Salzburg and FC Zbrojovska Brno have both shown support by making banners like "Keep Cardiff Blue, F*** Modern football" considering we're just a team in Wales, foreign teams have taken notice and this shows how much football fans respect tradition. Fans of all clubs either laugh at us or re-branding but that's just a small minority, the respect sympathise for us, including our rivals Swansea City, this shows the coming togetherness of football fans, that we all come together as one and stand up for what we believe in. SV Austria Salzburg fans have experienced the same as us, their original club(now known as Red Bull Salzburg) was re-branded by Red Bull, the original colours were Violet and White but now it's Red and White, in protest fans made a new club (SV Austria Salzburg) the club motto is "never changed passion for glory" this shows the unity of their fans, that they value their passion for the club and traditions more than wanting glory(what Red Bull Salzburg are getting
after a massive cash investment).
What ever happened to going down the football for a laugh with your mates and back the team you support? Of course success is brilliant but the real reason for supporting your team is that you should be proud on where you come from, proud of your team.
In my opinion Cardiff have lost their identity, board members claim we're still the 'Bluebirds' despite having a red home kit in a blue seated stadium with fans wearing Blue to the home games and having a mascot named 'Bartley the Bluebird'.
By Jordan Jones (@jordanjonesy)
On the 7th of May 2012, Cardiff had just lost 3-0 (5-0 on aggregate to West Ham) in another failed play-off attempt but the hint around supports showed that they were incredibly proud of their team despite failing to deliver the Premiership dream that some fans thrive on. Something else happened that day though, a thread on Cardiff City Message Board was created and in detail it explained plans of a re-brand, at the time everyone on the coach had laughed at them off, as did others probably, this was sadly not the case, a day after the Blues were allowed to leave the Cardiff City Stadium and plans to re-brand weren't being denied by anyone with authority at the club.
On the 10th of May 2012, Club chairman Dato Chan(TG) had confirmed in a statement saying that the club would not be changing their home colour and would remain blue with the same badge for the upcoming season.. This was not the case, on the 6th June 2012, the club had confirmed that they had changed their badge and traditional colours of blue to red.
The badge doesn't affect me, badges change all the time, it's only been since 08-09 that we reverted back to our badge which had the
daffodil, welsh dragon and a massive bluebird in the middle. The colours of the team is what matters to me, when you travel to an away
game and wear your shirt, people know who you are, it identifies you, it shows who you support. Some people can argue that we have a Blue away kit as some sort of compromise? What compromise is that, no away kits are permanent? We'll also have a third kit which is black, if I'm correct seven out of twenty three away games in the league will be in either red/black. The traditional blue colours will soon be wiped out.
A lot of great moments in Cardiff City's history have been in blue, The FA Cup 1927 winning side won the cup in blue, we wore blue in the
Carling Cup final as well. Scott Young causing a cupset against Leeds United was in a blue shirt, we've been blue ever since changing from
Riverside Athletic.
A lot of people then question the Anti Reds and go well we didn't always wear blue, we wore yellow and brown and changed our name from Riverside Athletic to Cardiff City. The reason Riverside Athletic was renamed to Cardiff City and the kit colour was changed to Blue is because it was for the benefit of the people of Cardiff, Cardiff had just been granted city status.With the current kit change to Red, we are changing the colour of our kit for fans thousands of miles away, who have no emotional connection to the club, they will be watching our games on their televisions, claiming to support us but the support in the Middle East is very fickle, as long as a team is successful or does well in something then they will support them. Tell me why the people of Cardiff would start going to the Cardiff City Stadium just because of a kit change? They wouldn't, they'd have already went to the Cardiff City Stadium when we were in the play-offs against West Ham, the colours isn't what brings fans to a ground, success is what brings fan to a ground and gets them interested.
Vincent Tan may have all these businesses to market his tops to but if you look abroad, look at all the fake shirts that are being made, this will definitely hamper Vincent Tan's plans on his shirt selling scheme. I will not be buying a red shirt, despite the top looking really nice in my opinion, I could never bring myself to buy it, our home kit is blue, not red.
Some short sighted fans believe that the club will instantly become a big hit and that we'll sort of have a sugar daddy investment, becoming a side like Manchester City but in my opinion this is not the case, fourty million of the hundred million pound investment has already been put into the club, leaving sixty million left, the Langstone debt is apparently twenty five million, leaving thirty five million left, let's not forget that the club operates at a fifteen million loss a year, considering we have a very small squad, possibly one of the smallest squads in the Championship, this is a very worrying thing, how do we plan to gain so much money back to cover this? We didn't sell out for a play-off semi final against the biggest club in the Championship yet we had more fans at a league game against Leeds? We still have other debts, not just the long outstanding Langstone debt, PMG is another debtor we owe to, if you look close at the statement, the investment is subject to a deal being agreed with Langstone, what if we don't agree a deal with Langstone? We've been to court four times with them trying to settle this debt and they've never went in our favour. Talks of expanding the stadium sounds very silly at the moment, short term it sounds a very daft idea, long term it sounds brilliant if this pays off but sadly I can't see it happening.
The Malaysians lied to us and that is what makes it even worse, we were told in black and white that the plans wouldn't go ahead, only to
be lied to on Wednesday that we would be going to red.
Foreign clubs like SV Austria Salzburg and FC Zbrojovska Brno have both shown support by making banners like "Keep Cardiff Blue, F*** Modern football" considering we're just a team in Wales, foreign teams have taken notice and this shows how much football fans respect tradition. Fans of all clubs either laugh at us or re-branding but that's just a small minority, the respect sympathise for us, including our rivals Swansea City, this shows the coming togetherness of football fans, that we all come together as one and stand up for what we believe in. SV Austria Salzburg fans have experienced the same as us, their original club(now known as Red Bull Salzburg) was re-branded by Red Bull, the original colours were Violet and White but now it's Red and White, in protest fans made a new club (SV Austria Salzburg) the club motto is "never changed passion for glory" this shows the unity of their fans, that they value their passion for the club and traditions more than wanting glory(what Red Bull Salzburg are getting
after a massive cash investment).
What ever happened to going down the football for a laugh with your mates and back the team you support? Of course success is brilliant but the real reason for supporting your team is that you should be proud on where you come from, proud of your team.
In my opinion Cardiff have lost their identity, board members claim we're still the 'Bluebirds' despite having a red home kit in a blue seated stadium with fans wearing Blue to the home games and having a mascot named 'Bartley the Bluebird'.
By Jordan Jones (@jordanjonesy)
Elland Road, The Early Years (Part 1)
I was lucky enough to have a father who bleeds Leeds United, (I still have him although no longer dependant on his guidance being in my 20's) he used to whisk me up to Leeds from 1990 when I was 3! We'd just been promoted from the old second division and were about to take what we didn't know was going to be the penultimate division 1 season by storm.
English clubs were at best playing a bit part in European competitions and there was nowhere near as much money in the game as there is now so I like to reflect and think of this pre sky and pre premier league era of English football as a happier simpler time!
That season I didn't go to any games to my knowledge, I was baby sat in Wakefield on match days whilst dad was seeing the fruits of Howard Wilkinson’s labour come to fruition. Signings like McAllister and co helped us finish 4th that year, (something which would never happen now a season after going up and is a feat over looked by the football community even now) and teed us up nicely for the following year.
I was 4 years old by the time the 1991-1992 season started and was starting to absorb the m1 journey north from Leicestershire on a Saturday and all that Woolley edge welcome break services had to offer back in them days long before m and s food stops and at a time when the British motorway system had not long joined up all the little chefs by roads!
Leeds was great then, all the younger fans looked like smiths and stone roses fans, and the slightly older were still organising a good tear up with other football fans like they dramatized in god knows how many films! The crowds that season were great, loud and passionate as always at Elland Road; the Revie stand as we know it now was still an all standing affair but yet Leeds led the way in terms family stand facilities (something that I believe was documented in the Daily Telegraph and you’ll have to ask my old man about) with the south stand, this is where our season tickets and the crèche were back then. The crèche was my regular haunt during match days and I could often be found throwing Lego or stickle brix at Lee Chapman’s and Leslie Ash’s young son or even staring down the crèche workers cleavages as I couldn’t always put in a full 90 minutes of football but still showed potential; a metaphor which I’m sure my dad wished he could of used years later to describe my breaking in to the first team had I not been really average at playing the beautiful game!
As we all know we went on to win the last proper first division title that season, something which I’m sure every Leeds fan of a certain age will have fond memories of and never forget the midfield of the late Gary Speed, David Batty, Gordon Strachan and Gary McAllister. Between those four was a perfect blend of graft and determination, a desire to win, youth and experience and some absolutely beautiful football not forgetting to mention that if a certain one of those four tackled you, you knew about it!
There are certain players over looked in that Leeds team of that season, the ones who filled the gaps and gave it everything even if it was coming on as a substitute or playing when someone else was injured or suspended. Certain names that spring to mind are Steve Hodge, the best 12th man in the history of football that is Carl Shutt and a young David Wetherall and Jon Newsome. Jokes aside that team oozed class throughout with Chris Whyte and Chris Fairclough at the back along with John Lukic who at the time still hadn’t lost the plot as this was pre back pass rule!
There is one name that nobody will ever forget whether you have ever followed Leeds or not and that is that famous French man who arguably changed English football forever. I won’t name him as it may be the catalyst for an anti-Manchester Utd and ferguson rant; something which I will save for a more relevant topic!
The French man who won’t be named was essentially a super sub in 1992 who helped us get over the line in terms of winning the league, he was the icing in Wilkinson’s cake for that season at least and brought to reality a dream that hadn’t been made a reality for almost 20 years since the late great Don Revie had assembled a bunch of demi-gods who graced us with their presence and won almost everything in sight for a while!
I won’t dwell on pre 90’s Leeds too much as I wasn’t there, wasn’t born and only have what my Dad talks about as memories along with some old videos, programmes and abuse from old drunks whenever I mention I’m a Leeds United fan!
To summarise; I was lucky to start my tenure of visiting Elland Road when I did, I witnessed what we were capable of when I know there are thousands like me who didn’t and I’m grateful for this. I was however, brought down to earth with a bang, a repeated bang infact for the next few seasons as we failed to emulate anything like the achievements and success of 92. European embarrassment at the hands of Mark Hateley and Ally McCoists’ Rangers along with the signing of Frank Strandli (look him up) Scott Sellars and the late David Rocastle didn’t match up to our title winning year. A lovely FA Youth Cup win over 2 legs to Manchester United did happen and bring through a few potential world beaters (so we thought) but all in all a few mediocre years followed. That was the early-mid 90’s at Elland Road, my early years!
“If you’d like to follow me on twitter please follow @jbeddison or if you’d like to hear the old man ramble on about Eddie Gray’s left foot, a young Gary Lineker and other football ramblings then please follow @mkeddie1502 “
By Joey Eddison (@jbeddison)
English clubs were at best playing a bit part in European competitions and there was nowhere near as much money in the game as there is now so I like to reflect and think of this pre sky and pre premier league era of English football as a happier simpler time!
That season I didn't go to any games to my knowledge, I was baby sat in Wakefield on match days whilst dad was seeing the fruits of Howard Wilkinson’s labour come to fruition. Signings like McAllister and co helped us finish 4th that year, (something which would never happen now a season after going up and is a feat over looked by the football community even now) and teed us up nicely for the following year.
I was 4 years old by the time the 1991-1992 season started and was starting to absorb the m1 journey north from Leicestershire on a Saturday and all that Woolley edge welcome break services had to offer back in them days long before m and s food stops and at a time when the British motorway system had not long joined up all the little chefs by roads!
Leeds was great then, all the younger fans looked like smiths and stone roses fans, and the slightly older were still organising a good tear up with other football fans like they dramatized in god knows how many films! The crowds that season were great, loud and passionate as always at Elland Road; the Revie stand as we know it now was still an all standing affair but yet Leeds led the way in terms family stand facilities (something that I believe was documented in the Daily Telegraph and you’ll have to ask my old man about) with the south stand, this is where our season tickets and the crèche were back then. The crèche was my regular haunt during match days and I could often be found throwing Lego or stickle brix at Lee Chapman’s and Leslie Ash’s young son or even staring down the crèche workers cleavages as I couldn’t always put in a full 90 minutes of football but still showed potential; a metaphor which I’m sure my dad wished he could of used years later to describe my breaking in to the first team had I not been really average at playing the beautiful game!
As we all know we went on to win the last proper first division title that season, something which I’m sure every Leeds fan of a certain age will have fond memories of and never forget the midfield of the late Gary Speed, David Batty, Gordon Strachan and Gary McAllister. Between those four was a perfect blend of graft and determination, a desire to win, youth and experience and some absolutely beautiful football not forgetting to mention that if a certain one of those four tackled you, you knew about it!
There are certain players over looked in that Leeds team of that season, the ones who filled the gaps and gave it everything even if it was coming on as a substitute or playing when someone else was injured or suspended. Certain names that spring to mind are Steve Hodge, the best 12th man in the history of football that is Carl Shutt and a young David Wetherall and Jon Newsome. Jokes aside that team oozed class throughout with Chris Whyte and Chris Fairclough at the back along with John Lukic who at the time still hadn’t lost the plot as this was pre back pass rule!
There is one name that nobody will ever forget whether you have ever followed Leeds or not and that is that famous French man who arguably changed English football forever. I won’t name him as it may be the catalyst for an anti-Manchester Utd and ferguson rant; something which I will save for a more relevant topic!
The French man who won’t be named was essentially a super sub in 1992 who helped us get over the line in terms of winning the league, he was the icing in Wilkinson’s cake for that season at least and brought to reality a dream that hadn’t been made a reality for almost 20 years since the late great Don Revie had assembled a bunch of demi-gods who graced us with their presence and won almost everything in sight for a while!
I won’t dwell on pre 90’s Leeds too much as I wasn’t there, wasn’t born and only have what my Dad talks about as memories along with some old videos, programmes and abuse from old drunks whenever I mention I’m a Leeds United fan!
To summarise; I was lucky to start my tenure of visiting Elland Road when I did, I witnessed what we were capable of when I know there are thousands like me who didn’t and I’m grateful for this. I was however, brought down to earth with a bang, a repeated bang infact for the next few seasons as we failed to emulate anything like the achievements and success of 92. European embarrassment at the hands of Mark Hateley and Ally McCoists’ Rangers along with the signing of Frank Strandli (look him up) Scott Sellars and the late David Rocastle didn’t match up to our title winning year. A lovely FA Youth Cup win over 2 legs to Manchester United did happen and bring through a few potential world beaters (so we thought) but all in all a few mediocre years followed. That was the early-mid 90’s at Elland Road, my early years!
“If you’d like to follow me on twitter please follow @jbeddison or if you’d like to hear the old man ramble on about Eddie Gray’s left foot, a young Gary Lineker and other football ramblings then please follow @mkeddie1502 “
By Joey Eddison (@jbeddison)
Pozzo-Tive Times For The Hornets?
As Watford fans well know, it’s never boring. This again was proved as this summer has brought the excitement and perhaps a reserved approach to new owners, a new manager and possibly some exciting players to be brought in by the Pozzo family.
Much of the summer so far has been spent worrying about the club’s future after rumours of administration again came to the fore. Laurence Bassini, who took over the club towards the end of the 2010/11 season, was always the subject of divided opinion amongst Watford fans, and the opinion became very negative as Bassini was being stubborn in the possible sale of the club and it was clear, it was sell to the Pozzo family or risk administration, more concerns of key players leaving the club and yet another year with relegation always in the back of the fans minds.
After weeks of speculation, the Pozzo family, also owners of Italian side Udinese and La Liga’s Grenada, finally brought the club from Bassini and immediately they have brought in Chelsea legend and ex West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola to succeed Sean Dyche as manager. Now first and foremost, Sean did a fantastic job last year to guide the club to an 11th place finish with a extremely low budget and losing key players throughout the pre-season and Zola will have a lot to live up to, but every set of new owners like their own man at the helm and Zola is a very well respected within the football world, which will be helpful to bringing in players im sure, and is no doubt relishing the challenge at Vicarage Road.
So to next season, stay up again? Challenge the higher spots of the championship? That remains to be seen, but no doubt new owners and a more increased amount of money to spend will increase expectations of the Hornets’ fans but it should be understood that this season is a season of transition and will not be a walk in the park by any means. However, it is a fantastic to be more intrigued to who could be coming to the club , rather than the best ones going out of the club. Whatever happens this season, it will no doubt a enthralling ride.
And what of Troy Deeney? The striker was jailed in June for 10 months after being charged for his part in an attack on some students outside a nightclub in the early hours of the morning. Will he stay or will the club sack the popular striker. The player has divided opinion amongst fans who, although love the player because of his never-say-die attitude and whole hearted approach for the team but has committed a serious crime which in most other jobs would result in his sacking. It is without doubt a very difficult choice for whoever has to make the decision.
So the new campaign is just over a month away. What will it bring? No doubt, the thrill and sheer speed of the NPower championship will make for another exciting year but can Watford reach the promised land of the Premier League for the 3rd time in their history. Again, as we all know. It will not be boring.
By Rhys Evans (@rhysevansss)
Much of the summer so far has been spent worrying about the club’s future after rumours of administration again came to the fore. Laurence Bassini, who took over the club towards the end of the 2010/11 season, was always the subject of divided opinion amongst Watford fans, and the opinion became very negative as Bassini was being stubborn in the possible sale of the club and it was clear, it was sell to the Pozzo family or risk administration, more concerns of key players leaving the club and yet another year with relegation always in the back of the fans minds.
After weeks of speculation, the Pozzo family, also owners of Italian side Udinese and La Liga’s Grenada, finally brought the club from Bassini and immediately they have brought in Chelsea legend and ex West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola to succeed Sean Dyche as manager. Now first and foremost, Sean did a fantastic job last year to guide the club to an 11th place finish with a extremely low budget and losing key players throughout the pre-season and Zola will have a lot to live up to, but every set of new owners like their own man at the helm and Zola is a very well respected within the football world, which will be helpful to bringing in players im sure, and is no doubt relishing the challenge at Vicarage Road.
So to next season, stay up again? Challenge the higher spots of the championship? That remains to be seen, but no doubt new owners and a more increased amount of money to spend will increase expectations of the Hornets’ fans but it should be understood that this season is a season of transition and will not be a walk in the park by any means. However, it is a fantastic to be more intrigued to who could be coming to the club , rather than the best ones going out of the club. Whatever happens this season, it will no doubt a enthralling ride.
And what of Troy Deeney? The striker was jailed in June for 10 months after being charged for his part in an attack on some students outside a nightclub in the early hours of the morning. Will he stay or will the club sack the popular striker. The player has divided opinion amongst fans who, although love the player because of his never-say-die attitude and whole hearted approach for the team but has committed a serious crime which in most other jobs would result in his sacking. It is without doubt a very difficult choice for whoever has to make the decision.
So the new campaign is just over a month away. What will it bring? No doubt, the thrill and sheer speed of the NPower championship will make for another exciting year but can Watford reach the promised land of the Premier League for the 3rd time in their history. Again, as we all know. It will not be boring.
By Rhys Evans (@rhysevansss)
Wilfried Zaha - Premier league quality?
In my opinion, Zaha should almost definitely be playing in the premier league sometime soon. The 19 year old has proved his class and importance to his team Crystal Palace by playing 81 times for the club in his career. Zaha was only featured in the reserve team as he was at a young age but even then the staff at Palace realised his potential and sheer class. The player has very quick feet when on the ball and the right pace to match that, key attributes for a young player such as himself to make the first team. Zaha was quickly called up to the first team where he has stayed since. Although Zaha hasn't scored too many goals(7) he is almost involved in every goal that Palace score, picking out key passes or taking on a few of the opposition.
Although the Crystal Palace fans love seeing him play, i think even they can agree that the player deserves to be bigger in the world of football. Zaha could easily, in my opinion, be playing for a mid table side in the premier league. He may not be as noticed as he is at Palace as he will have better quality around him but this may be better for the youngster, having all pressure off. Zaha definitely has the speed to keep up with the tempo of the premier league and i'm almost certain he has the quality, proven by his awards in his career at an early age. The player has picked up: 'Crystal Palace Young Player of the Year' as well as 'Football League Young Player of the Year'. I believe that sides that struggled last season such as QPR or Aston Villa could sign the youngster, strengthen their squad further. Playing at the top level of football is every boys dream, and i'm sure its Zaha's also.
By Josh keen (@Joshkeeno)
Although the Crystal Palace fans love seeing him play, i think even they can agree that the player deserves to be bigger in the world of football. Zaha could easily, in my opinion, be playing for a mid table side in the premier league. He may not be as noticed as he is at Palace as he will have better quality around him but this may be better for the youngster, having all pressure off. Zaha definitely has the speed to keep up with the tempo of the premier league and i'm almost certain he has the quality, proven by his awards in his career at an early age. The player has picked up: 'Crystal Palace Young Player of the Year' as well as 'Football League Young Player of the Year'. I believe that sides that struggled last season such as QPR or Aston Villa could sign the youngster, strengthen their squad further. Playing at the top level of football is every boys dream, and i'm sure its Zaha's also.
By Josh keen (@Joshkeeno)
Crystal Palace, Expect The Unexpected
After a very mixed season involving massive success and a whole lot of mediocrity in 2011-2012 for Crystal Palace, the buzz and excitement of a new season and a possible promotion push begins yet again.
The 2011-2012 season was one that every Palace fan was looking forward to purely because of the promotion of Brighton and Hove Albion from League 1. As it were to be the first meeting between the two clubs in 6 years, Brighton is considered a somewhat strange rivalry to most neutrals but that’s a whole different story! It was the first time that we were to meet our biggest rivals for six years, with the excitement of visiting their brand new stadium too. The signing of Brighton’s leading goal scorer in league 1, Glenn Murray also stirred up the rivalry even more as Murray arrived at Palace on a free transfer. To rub salt in the wound for Brighton, when we met at the AMEX on 27th September 2011, Murray scored the third goal in our 3-1 victory, after being 1-0 down for the majority of the game then scoring 3 goals in the last 10 minutes, being the first team to beat them in their new stadium, of course giving Palace fans great satisfaction and bragging rights.
The unexpected, resounding success in the league cup was also exhilarating, beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in the quarter final, only to be knocked out in the semi-finals against Cardiff on penalties. However it seemed the cup run had taken its toll on the team, as there was a vast drop in form in the league, goals and wins were becoming scarce in 2012 and the position in the league showed this, finishing in 17th. This to most clubs would be a disappointment however, exiting administration in the 11th hour in 2010 after just escaping relegation on the final day of the season and after being involved in a relegation battle yet again the season after the majority of palace fans were more than happy with an average season for once!
So, after a rollercoaster ride of a season in 2011-2012, which is nothing new to Palace fans, after the highs of being the first to beat Brighton in their new stadium in great style and beating Manchester United on their own turf also in great style, the sudden crash back down to earth hit, as everyone seemed to have their heads in their clouds the inevitable happened, getting knocked out in the semi-final and having a pretty poor league run in 2012 with only three wins in the league from the start of the new year.
No one is really sure what to expect in the new season, with the departure of one of our best centre backs, Anthony Gardner also everyone is expecting the inevitable departure of Nathanial Clyne with Manchester United and Newcastle being the favourites to sign the young full back after rejecting numerous new contract offers to stay in SE25. And more recently the controversial sale of Sean Scannell to Huddersfield for an undisclosed fee, Scannell is one of many players who came through the academy system and has been a fan favourite ever since he made his debut in 2007, but has never been a favoured striker by previous managers, including Neil Warnock and now Dougie Freedman who was unable to offer him the first team football that he wanted. But it’s fair to say that Scannell was never given the chance to prove himself as a fully-fledged striker, he played the odd game here and there as a striker but was never allowed a prolonged run up top, he was often shoved out on the wing, many fans including myself, believed that he deserved a prolonged run as a striker to give him his chance to shine, but none of the numerous managers that he has played under at Palace has given him that faith. However with the sale of Sean, Dougie Freedman has pledged that he will spend the money received from the transfer, rumours flying about that Ross McCormack is on his way to SE25. It is very difficult to predict what will happen next season, as Palace never fail to amaze me with the rollercoaster ride of being a Palace fan, but I for one cannot wait for the new season to start, especially with the exciting prospect of playing all three of our rivals in the same league, Charlton, Milwall and Brighton.
There is a real sense of unity amongst everyone at the club, including the fans, manager and board, which can hopefully drive us to success.
By Suraj Karia (@SJKaria)
The 2011-2012 season was one that every Palace fan was looking forward to purely because of the promotion of Brighton and Hove Albion from League 1. As it were to be the first meeting between the two clubs in 6 years, Brighton is considered a somewhat strange rivalry to most neutrals but that’s a whole different story! It was the first time that we were to meet our biggest rivals for six years, with the excitement of visiting their brand new stadium too. The signing of Brighton’s leading goal scorer in league 1, Glenn Murray also stirred up the rivalry even more as Murray arrived at Palace on a free transfer. To rub salt in the wound for Brighton, when we met at the AMEX on 27th September 2011, Murray scored the third goal in our 3-1 victory, after being 1-0 down for the majority of the game then scoring 3 goals in the last 10 minutes, being the first team to beat them in their new stadium, of course giving Palace fans great satisfaction and bragging rights.
The unexpected, resounding success in the league cup was also exhilarating, beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in the quarter final, only to be knocked out in the semi-finals against Cardiff on penalties. However it seemed the cup run had taken its toll on the team, as there was a vast drop in form in the league, goals and wins were becoming scarce in 2012 and the position in the league showed this, finishing in 17th. This to most clubs would be a disappointment however, exiting administration in the 11th hour in 2010 after just escaping relegation on the final day of the season and after being involved in a relegation battle yet again the season after the majority of palace fans were more than happy with an average season for once!
So, after a rollercoaster ride of a season in 2011-2012, which is nothing new to Palace fans, after the highs of being the first to beat Brighton in their new stadium in great style and beating Manchester United on their own turf also in great style, the sudden crash back down to earth hit, as everyone seemed to have their heads in their clouds the inevitable happened, getting knocked out in the semi-final and having a pretty poor league run in 2012 with only three wins in the league from the start of the new year.
No one is really sure what to expect in the new season, with the departure of one of our best centre backs, Anthony Gardner also everyone is expecting the inevitable departure of Nathanial Clyne with Manchester United and Newcastle being the favourites to sign the young full back after rejecting numerous new contract offers to stay in SE25. And more recently the controversial sale of Sean Scannell to Huddersfield for an undisclosed fee, Scannell is one of many players who came through the academy system and has been a fan favourite ever since he made his debut in 2007, but has never been a favoured striker by previous managers, including Neil Warnock and now Dougie Freedman who was unable to offer him the first team football that he wanted. But it’s fair to say that Scannell was never given the chance to prove himself as a fully-fledged striker, he played the odd game here and there as a striker but was never allowed a prolonged run up top, he was often shoved out on the wing, many fans including myself, believed that he deserved a prolonged run as a striker to give him his chance to shine, but none of the numerous managers that he has played under at Palace has given him that faith. However with the sale of Sean, Dougie Freedman has pledged that he will spend the money received from the transfer, rumours flying about that Ross McCormack is on his way to SE25. It is very difficult to predict what will happen next season, as Palace never fail to amaze me with the rollercoaster ride of being a Palace fan, but I for one cannot wait for the new season to start, especially with the exciting prospect of playing all three of our rivals in the same league, Charlton, Milwall and Brighton.
There is a real sense of unity amongst everyone at the club, including the fans, manager and board, which can hopefully drive us to success.
By Suraj Karia (@SJKaria)