Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has been sacked today to bring his two year plus spell at the Premiership to a club to an end. New Blackburn owners the Venky’s Group from India relieved Allardyce of his duties, alongside his assistant Neil McDonald. A statement on the Official Blackburn Website says: “We have taken this decision as part of our wider plans and ambitions for the club. We would like to put on record our thanks to Mr Allardyce for his contribution to Blackburn Rovers Football Club.”
Big Sam’s departure comes with Blackburn having lost three of their last five matches and sitting 13th in the Premier League table. It also comes just a week after former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton was sacked by Mike Ashley. This decision isn’t as absurd as Ashley’s but it is still extremely strange. Did Sam Allardyce deserve to be given the boot or is this just another example of Premier League chairmen losing the plot?
On Sunday millions of people witnessed Manchester City lift the title as Champions. They also witnessed Joey Barton’s lavish attack on a number of the Manchester City players. Joey Barton saw red after an off-the-ball incident with Carlos Tevez, however after the red card had been issued, Joey Barton continued to retaliate by assaulting Sergio Aguero and head butting Vincent Kompany. Barton had to be pulled off the pitch by Queens Park Rangers staff after his despicable display on the pitch.
Tony Fernandes has left Mark Hughes to make the decision of whether Joey Barton should continue his career with Queens Park Rangers. The FA has charged Joey Barton with two violent conduct charges against the two Manchester City players. Barton has accepted the charge against Sergio Aguero however denied the second charge of the alleged violent conduct against Vincent Kompany. Joey Barton’s red card left fighting for survival QPR with only 10 men against a team who were playing for the title.
Many QPR fans feel disgusted by Barton’s behaviour however others think he should be given another chance. Barton brings a lot of unwanted attention towards the club, dragging his old reputation behind him. His constant ‘Big Man’ tweets can be infuriating when he is not performing on the pitch to back up his bold personality. Sunday’s events showed he is not worthy of the captaincy by not setting a good example and leaving his team to fend for themselves. Although not condoning his actions, it did demonstrate a passion and commitment to the club which has been lacking from the captain throughout the season. The fans look up to the leader of their team and want to be reassured of team spirit and dedication in the camp yet this was not displayed after a cruel loss against Bolton mid season as Barton tweeted after the match ‘A well f**k it #noonesdied’. What a great attitude to have as a Captain, definitely reassured the fans. In comparison to Djibril Cisse’s tweet after the same match ‘Trust me we will fight to the end to save this club’ which is the type of positivity the supporters needed at the time. Sunday’s incident showed a passion and care as he was clearly infuriated by the referees decision which initially can be argued was not a straight red.
Joey Barton is a good footballer but is he good enough to be such a liability too? At the beginning of the season we saw him struggle with his performance and the high expectations were lost by the R’s fans. His performance improved throughout the season and became a vital member of the Rangers midfield. He can be outstanding however can bring attention to the club for the wrong reasons. The R’s victory of staying up and leading City for the majority of the game has been overshadowed by unjustly actions on his behalf. He should not represent QPR as captain but should be given a second chance to aid the club into the future and if his actions continue there should be no room for discussion. Ironically referring to a tweet made by Joey back in December ‘why do people always want to solve any conflict with a fight as a pacifist I find it incredible’ is this an indication that it’s a rare act for him to do? Or do we believe what we have physically seen of his through recent years of him as a footballer?
Tweet me @gmileham1 and let me know what you think.
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I know the younger players look up to the senior players but there really isn’t a need for them to replicate their tournament form. The Under 21’s crashed out of the European Championships in Denmark last night after failing to realise a match lasts 90 minutes, hardly promising for the the World Cup is in three years time. With regard to the World Cup, England could be without the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and John Terry and it will be the current Under 21’s that will be expected to make the step up, but are there any players’ from last nights starting line up who can actually make the grade?
Frank Fielding
Given the standard of recent English goalkeepers the Derby County keeper will no doubt get his chance on the senior stage, and after a few top saves in Denmark maybe the former Blackburn Rovers shot stopper will get his chance sooner rather than later.
Kyle Walker
The Tottenham Hotspur defender enjoyed a very successful loan spell with Aston Villa this season and was tipped to be one of our stars of the tournament and he most certainly was. In a game where the Three Lions were outclassed against Spain, Walker looked like the only bright spark in the team and despite a poor tournament for the squad, it was a good one personally for the full back as he enhanced his fast growing reputation. Walker will definitely be pushing Glen Johnson for the right back spot in the senior squad in the next few friendly fixtures.
Phil Jones
Sir Alex Ferguson has recently splashed out a reported £16.5 million on the England man, such a fee from such a respected manager is praise in itself for Jones’ talents. The 19 year old has already proven he has what it takes to play at the top and deal with the world’s best footballers after his handling of Didier Drogba in his first start for Blackburn. With Terry and Ferdinand entering the end of their international careers’ and will be lacking in leaders but Stuart Pearce believes Jones has the ability to go on to be England captain later in his career. Jones was captain for last night’s game and arguably had his best game of the tournament, which is extremely promising for England’s future.
Chris Smalling
A very impressive debut season for Manchester United providing more than adequate cover for the injured Rio Ferdinand, and no doubt the former Fulham man can provide the same cover in the international set up. Playing alongside Phil Jones in the Under 21 set up now will help them two form an understanding as well as a commanding partnership that they will take with them to the senior level.
Ryan Bertrand
If Ashley Cole was to get accidentally shot by an air rifle tomorrow, ruling him out for the season, Chelsea have definitely got more than adequate cover in Bertrand. The former Gillingham star enjoyed a consistent tournament and has attracted the attention of Wolves, who are in talks about taking the Chelsea left back on loan for the season. However with Leighton Baines improving with every game and Ashley Cole being one of the best left backs in the world, it will be hard for Bertrand to break into the senior squad but there is no doubting he has the talent to do it.
Continued on Page TWO
Tom Cleverley
Impressive while on loan at Wigan Athletic this season, and being touted as a possible replacement to Paul Scholes at Manchester United. Cleverley was promoted to the starting line up for yesterday’s game, which shows how highly Pearce rates the midfielder, and you know what I usually disagree with almost everything Pearce says or does but on this one I agree, Cleverley is definitely destined for a great Three Lions career at senior level.
Fabrice Muamba
Came into the starting line up for Michael Mancienne, and didn’t really implement himself into the game, committing too many needless fouls’ last night. We have been hearing of Muamba’s talents since his Arsenal days and as of yet we are still waiting for the midfielder to perform consistently at the highest level.
Jordan Henderson
If this is the Jordan Henderson that Liverpool have spent £20 million on, I hope they kept the receipt. Went missing when England needed a dominant leader in the middle of the park, and if Henderson carries that on at Anfield he could be walking alone.
Scott Sinclair
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27 goals for Swansea and was substitute for the first two games, surprising move by Stuart Pearce, especially with England’s obvious impotence in front of goal this tournament. Despite Sinclair having a frustrating tournament the attacker is a player who always looks threatening and you get excited when he is on the ball, the former Chelsea player will most definitely have a bright international career.
Danny Welbeck
England managed two goals in their three group games and both were scored by the Manchester United striker. Despite giving the Three Lions something in the final third, I personally don’t see a bright international future for the striker. Welbeck wont go on to be prolific like Michael Owen or Alan Shearer, Welbeck is very much a supporting striker and lets face it England have them in abundance, and by supporting striker I mean, a poor excuse for a forward.
Daniel Sturridge
The former Manchester City striker has had a real ‘coming of age’ season this year while out on loan at Bolton Wanderers, showcasing his talents consistently in the arguably the world’s best league. The Chelsea man failed to add to his 21 international goals that he has scored at all levels, but Sturridge did look threatening whenever on the ball, even when deployed out wide. England’s senior side don’t really have many options in the final third, with Wayne Rooney the only ‘world class’ striker at our disposal and the likes of Peter Crouch and Darren Bent far from reliable. Sturridge may well become a prominent fixture in the main side before 2014 and will no doubt be key in helping England end their 48 years of hurt.
It has been nothing short of an exceptional week for Spurs. A second half comeback in the north London derby secured a first win away against their fierce rivals in 17 years. This was then followed up by a 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen to send the club through to the last 16 of the Champions League at the first time of asking. Off the field was also eventful with London major Boris Johnson confirming the planning permission given by Haringey Council to develop the land surrounding White Hart Lane.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs which has included…Tottenham face up to catch-22, Is the League really a five horse race and Bale gives Pavlyuchenko a piggyback.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Tottenham stories on the Web this week.
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Hallå Underbar – Christian’s lady puts Premiership WAGS in the shade
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The Tottenham fans dilemma
Is this the Premier League team from HELL?
Tottenham face up to transfer catch-22
Will ill discipline force Luis into Premier League move?
Is it really now a five horse title race?
Where do Tottenham go from here?
Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs – who represents the best move for Ivorian?
Rafael van der Vaart: A missed opportunity?
Are these Tottenham views so farfetched?
Something to bring a BIG smile to Tottenham fans’ faces
Bale piggy back, Man City prank, Obertan’s no Jacko
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Click here to see the Best TOTTENHAM BLOGS around the Web this week
A nail in the coffin of Stratford? –Dear Mr Levy
Who’s afraid of the Champions’ League? – Spurs Musings From JimmyG2
Utd stars showed me how to win – Sun
Arsenal release North London Derby DVD – Harry Hotspur
The future is bright, the future is Lilywhite – Dear Mr Levy
One of the most interesting sub-plots to this summer at Stoke, will be whether Defender Jonathan Woodgate will be offered a new contract. The injury prone centre half signed a one-year pay as you play deal in June, and although featured heavily in the first half of the season, he hasn’t been since for a couple of months amid speculation over his future.
The experienced Woodgate is still three games short of his target, which would trigger an automatic new contract, but it seems Tony Pulis is keen to sign him up. On the face of it, it does seem a good deal. Stoke are crying out for experienced and quality centre-backs like Woodgate to back up the younger pair of Robert Huth and captain Ryan Shawcross. Woodgate has England caps and boasts stints at Real Madrid and Tottenham, but his career has somewhat gone downhill since those glory days, due to injury.
At the beginning of the season Woody dislodged Robert Huth from the first team which, looking back, seems an incredible decision from Tony Pulis. The bold move back fired, with Woodgate looking increasingly suspect, the team were calling out for Huth’s imminent return. The German had an immediate impact, and Woodgate was shipped out to right-back, where his lack of pace and weakness against it was brutally exploited.
He has taken some stick from home supporters this season, and in some cases that was deserved, and it is safe to say that we expected more to come from the 32 year-old who Harry Redknapp was very sad to see leave Tottenham. But Tony Pulis was right when he said a couple of weeks ago “He’s been very good for Shawcross and Huth in many respects”.
Injuries have plagued another season for Woodgate, but Pulis firmly believes that he can return to his former glories. If he was to be given a run of games over a prolonged period of time then I am also confident that Woody could rediscover his very best, but I heavily doubt that he could ever remain fit enough to do so.
However, despite the fans reservations, Stoke should stick with Woodgate for one more year. At centre-back he is reliable when deputising, although not quite Huth or Shawcross. With the added experience of Matthew Upson, whose future is also uncertain, Stoke’s suspect defending this season will surely turn back into the resilient force it once was.
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Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez says club owner Sheikh Mansour has told him he can leave if he wants.The Argentine has been the subject of endless speculation linking him with a move away from Eastlands.
But he revealed on Sunday Mansour had given him the go-ahead to leave the club if he wanted to do so.
“He signed me, he wants to keep me but, at the same time, he has told me to do whatever I need to do to be happy,” Tevez told The News of the World newspaper.
“He has told me, ‘if you want to leave, then you can go’. There is no deadline, it’s down to me.”
“They offered me a new contract in December but I didn’t want to extend it.”
“At the end of the season they offered me another new deal but at the moment I don’t know whether I will accept it.”
“There are options but if I don’t play for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter or Milan it won’t be a massive void in my life.”
“There are no other issues – Manchester is my second home.”
Tevez, 27, handed in a transfer request last December, but he played out the English Premier League season that saw City finish third.
He said the club’s chief executive, Garry Cook, failed to deliver on several promises and he held no regrets about trying to leave the club.
“It was a situation that some people on the board created. They promised something for six months and didn’t deliver,” Tevez said.
“So, after six months of promises, they don’t do something, why should I believe them now? I don’t. I will never speak to these people again. I still feel the same way.”
“I deal direct with Sheikh Mansour, no one else. It makes no difference to my future, as they don’t mean anything to me. I won’t have a relationship with them. They live in a different world.”
Tevez said he stayed in December because of his respect to the City fans, having considered quitting the game all together.
Having started his senior career with Argentine club Boca Juniors, Tevez admitted he wants to spend more time with his family, who live in Buenos Aires.
“The pressure isn’t the issue but I miss my family and my home life in Argentina too much to be away from them,” he said.
Liverpool fans hopes of a January spree were dashed this week as John Henry suggested that perhaps the summer would be a better time to make significant changes to the personnel. History has proven that January isn’t necessarily a good time to buy players and therefore the Liverpool owner may well have a point.
At FFC we have seen a variety of blogs this week highlighting the aforementioned transfer dilemma; reflecting on the shafting the Reds received from the FA and the real reason for Damien Comolli’s appointment.
Plus we look at the best Liverpool blogs on the web this week.
Hola bebé – Carles’ lady puts Premiership WAGS in the shade
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Good to see NESV getting a head start on the Academy front
Should Liverpool keep these transfers underwraps?
Do Liverpool have every right to feel shafted?
Right to curb Liverpool’s transfer enthusiasm?
Liverpool cannot contemplate letting starlet move on
The REAL reason behind Comolli’s appointment
FIVE potential replacements to take the reins from Roy Hodgson
What to do with Roy Hodgson?
Liverpool’s Top TEN stoppers of all time…in my view
Transfer threat does little for Liverpool star’s credibility
Further evidence to suggest why Roy is the wrong man for Liverpool
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Click here to see the Best LIVERPOOL BLOGS around the Web this week
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10 disastrous quotes of Roy Hodgson’s LFC reign – This is Anfield
Dead Man Walking – Kopblog
Why Henry’s philosophy is all about “the numbers” – Live4Liverpool
Comolli outlines plans for the future – This is Anfield
The Tomkins Times: Liverpool’s season so far after a third of the Premier League campaign – Tomkins Times
Roberto Mancini refused to shake hands with Tony Pulis, or talk to the media after the game at the Britannia Stadium as the Man City boss was frustrated at the physicality dished out by Stoke City. David Platt revealed that the Italian was raging at the end of the game and just needed time to cool down after some of the challenges that were being made; something that Pulis felt was a bit rich given Gareth Barry’s tackle on Glen Whelan. The dropped points give’s United the advantage in the title race as they prepare to play Fulham.
Elsewhere in the news Robin van Persie believes Arsenal have their own Rooney in Oxlade-Chamberlain; Alan Pardew calls on the Newcastle support to convince Demba Ba to stay, while Kenny Dalglish believes that Liverpool are a victim of their own success.
Headlines
Roberto Mancini has bemoaned the tactics deployed by Stoke City in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium – Guardian
Kenny Dalglish believes that Liverpool have been a victim of their own success, in light of the Reds defeat against Wigan – Guardian
Sir Alex Ferguson remains confident that Manchester United will keep their nerve in the title run-in – Guardian
Alan Pardew has called upon the Newcastle support to make it impossible for Demba Ba to leave the football club – Daily Telegraph
Mark Hughes has laid into Djibril Cisse for his two footed challenge that saw the Frenchman see Red for the second time in a matter of weeks – Independent
Bolton paid a fitting tribute to Fabrice Muamba at the Reebok Stadium yesterday – Independent
Fabio Capello has expressed an interest in returning to England and managing in the Premier League – Daily Mail
Chelsea have a £37m hole they need to fill if they are to comply with the financial fair play awards – Daily Mail
Tottenham and Chelsea are set for a £7m battle this summer for the services of Demba Ba – Daily Express
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Liverpool are plotting a summer move to sign Matias Suarez, but face huge competition for his signature – Mirror
Robin Van Persie believes that Arsenal have their very own Wayne Rooney in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Sun
Lecce won 2-0 at Bari 2-0 on Sunday to relegate Sampdoria from Serie A, while Udinese won to retain fourth place.A strike from Brazilian forward Jeda and Andrea Masiello’s own goal secured victory for Lecce against already-relegated Bari at the Stadio San Nicola.
Lecce remain 17th, but are now five points clear of third bottom Sampdoria, who lost 2-1 at home to Palermo.
Jonathan Biabiany had equalised for Sampdoria after Fabrizio Miccoli put Palmero ahead on the stroke of half-time.
But substitute Mauricio Pinilla struck with four minutes to go to see Palmero take all three points.
Coupled with Lecce’s victory, a defeat at home confirmed the end of Sampdoria’s eight-year stay in the top flight.
Like Bari, Brescia went into the penultimate round of matches already relegated to Serie B.
And the poor form that led to their demotion continued with a 1-0 defeat away to Cesena.
At the other end of the table, Udinese remain fourth and on course for a Champions League qualification berth after they beat Chievo 2-0 away from home.
Chilean Mauricio Isla and Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah were on target for Udinese.
With just one match of the season now remaining, they are two points clear of fifth-placed Lazio, who won 4-2 at home to Genoa.
Roma are out of top four contention after they lost 2-1 away to Catania.
Brazil international Robinho netted twice, while veterans Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf were also on target, as champions AC Milan beat visitors Cagliari 4-1 at the San Siro.
Another disappointing season for Juventus took a turn for the worse with a 1-0 defeat at Parma, while Fiorentina were held 1-1 at home to Bologna.
Oh dear, that wasn’t supposed to happen was it? It was meant to be the game of the season so far. It had all the makings to be a classic, but sadly it wasn’t. The two managers were too conservative for the game ever to open up – and a point was a decent result for both sides. The game itself lacked imagination and a sparkle that these two so often produce against each other. Was Roberto Mancini too concerned about loosing and was Ferguson brave enough in the second half. Manchester didn’t provide the fireworks, maybe they are being saved for Saturday. In the regional battle, London was the clear winner last night with Arsenal and Chelsea winning.
Below are five things that we can take away from the Manchester derby.
Manchester United need Wayne Rooney
His 34 goals last season seem a distant memory after his slump in form dating back to his injury against Bayern Munich in March. However, Manchester United need to see a fit and healthy Wayne Rooney return to Old Trafford as soon as possible. The early season form of Dimitar Berbatov sidelined the Rooney issue, but the Bulgarian hasn’t scored since his hat trick against Liverpool. Berbatov’s recent slump must be a worry for United fans as Javier Hernandez is not ready to lead the line for United. A fully fit Rooney is one of the top strikers in the world and United need him back as soon as possible.
Carlos Tevez needs support
The little Argentinian looked lost last night. To be fair, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic marshalled him well and didn’t give him a kick for the most part. If Mario Balotelli wasn’t Mario Balotelli, Tevez may have had this support at some stage last night. Manchester City have to address the problem of goals in their team. Last night, it was as if his team mates were waiting for him to conjure up a piece of magic. The wide men needed to be more creative for Tevez to come alive. The next two games could be interesting if Tevez can’t shake off his thigh injury. His goalscoring record is phenomenal but a more expressive City might ease the burden on the striker.
Big games sometimes flatter to deceive
Big match hype. Sky bring out the big guns. Sharp dressing Ruud Gullit and blind dresser Graeme Souness. Seriously, who can’t match a suit jacket to a pair of trousers? Unbelievable. There was the usual inflammatory langauge before the game and a typically hostile Manchester City crowd under the lights. It should have been a classic, but it was dire. Big games sometimes go like that, but after the games the two Manchester clubs produced last season, can we really complain that one didn’t live up to the billing. Its easy to say that as the home team Manchester City should have attacked United more and bossed the game. However, Roberto Mancini is answerable to his bosses and fans, not Richard Keys. Were City defensive or were they stifled by a very experienced United side. Either way when two top teams play the same formation, games tend to turn into chess battles, waiting to see who blinks first. To credit both sides, neither did. If Tevez had elected to shoot in the first five minutes, it may have been a different game.
Sir Alex still has a trick or two up his sleeve
Virus? What virus. We were all led to believe that Manchester United were going to be depleted to the extreme by Sir Alex Ferguson. United had their strongest eleven available on the pitch with decent cover on the bench. Bringing on Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Javier Hernandez. Was this another mind game by Ferguson to test Mancini’s nerve. When the two clubs train opposite each other, it would be difficult to fool City. However, the media took the bait as usual and we all expected United to be without Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov. After Berbatov’s performance, many United fans may have wished he had come down with something.
Were City there for the taking in the second half?
Did Manchester United miss an opportunity in the second half last night. United were on top for most of the half and looked the most likely throughout the game. City were forced into a defensive approach by a strong United midfield, but could Ferguson have taken advantage of this. Should the change have been to bring young Javier Hernandez on to partner Dimitar Berbatov rather than replace the Bulgarian. Sure, this would have been a risk considering the strength of the Manchester City midfield but, they Werner threatening United. It may have been a change that won United the game. Of course, having to replace two full backs forced Ferguson’s hand to a degree. After a controlled second half performance, and with Arsenal and Chelsea winning, United may see last night’s game as an opportunity missed.
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