Who has got it right?

This summer we have seen no less then 6 managerial changes with  Liverpool, Tottenham, Swansea, Norwich, Aston Villa and West Brom all with new men in the hotseat. However which club have made the right appointment?

Is Rodgers the right man?

Liverpool took the decision early on in the summer to remove Kenny Dalglish from his position. For me this was no surprise as Liverpool had a poor season on and off the field. Despite a League Cup victory and an FA Cup final, finishing the season in 7th was simply not good enough. Their performances were poor as they really struggled to find the back of the net. Dalglish spent over 100 million in 18 months and unfortunately for him many of his signings did not perform. Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique, Sebastian Coates and Jordan Henderson all had poor seasons and as a result Dalglish took much of the criticism. Also off the field, the Luis Suarez race row caused nothing but poor publicity for Liverpool. The way it was handled was appalling and the behaviour of Dalglish throughout was totally unprofessional. It was this for me that sealed his fate.

Brendan Rogers offers a new approach to Liverpool. He has won many plaudits for his management of Swansea and the football they played but this is a huge jump for him. This job is totally different. The expectations as well as the size of the job. For me Liverpool are further away from a title win as I can remember. I admit leading Swansea to the Premiership and keeping them up against the odds was a remarkable achievement. However I did feel that towards the end of last season they had been found out and would have said they will struggle this coming season.

Rogers has made some signing so far with Fabio Borini from Lazio, Joe Allan from Swansea and Oussama Assaidi from Heerenveen all joining and I expect more with Clint Dempsey being heavily linked. However I do think it will be a huge error to let Andy Carroll leave and one that could leave Rodgers with egg on his face.

I expect Liverpool to have a very tough season and that will start with a tricky trip to West Brom on saturday. For me a 6th place finish is the best they can hope for however I would predict the same as last year and 8th.

Is Rogers the right man to lead Liverpool to glory? Maybe, however it will take him 2/3 years at least to build them but will he get such time? For me he is not the right man but only time will tell.

Verdict: 5/10       Prediction for Season: 8th          

Laudrup faces tough test

Having lost Brendan Rogers many, including myself, have tipped Swansea for relegation. The loss of Gyfi Sigurdsson, Joe Allan and soon that of Scott Sinclair will affect them. Swansea finished last season poorly just as Bolton did the year before they went down. Swansea have turned to the legendary ex- Danish, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Ajax and Juventus star Michael Laudrup (left) to make sure they survive a second season in the Premier league. It is an obvious match for both man and club due to the philosophy that they both have. As a player Laudrup's talents can not be questioned however as a manger such a reputation he does not hold. He has had success at Bronby and did well with limited finances at Getafe and Real Mallorca. Although he has no experience of the Premier League and English football apart from TV. He will learn quick no doubt however for me he is up against it.

He has made signings, bringing in former players who he knows and trusts which is always a good move. Jonathan de Guzman,Chico Flores and Miguel Michu are players I have seen very little of. All three have come from Spanish or Italian football and it will be interesting to see how they adapt. They have also signed young right-back Curtis Obeng who is a great player. I saw him playing for Wrexham last year and he looked like he could play at a much higher level. Will be interesting to see how he develops. Also they have signed a striker Preston Jamie Proctor from League One Preston and Kyle Barkley from Arsenal and Itay Scechter from Kaiserslautern. I expect more signings  especially if Sinclair does leave. My concern for Swansea is goals. Is Graham going to get 10-15 goals? Sinclair and Sigurdsson scored over 20 goals between them last year and these will be hard to replace. So the pressure on the likes of Graham and the new guys such as Michu is great. Laudrup needs to unearth a gem or face relegation.

I would like to see Laudrup do well and not become another former great player to fail as a manger as Ruud Gullit and Bryan Robson have.

Verdict: 6/10        Prediction: 18th

Tottenham took the hugely unpopular yet predictable decision of replacing Harry Redknapp. Tottenham's collapse last year was a nightmare for fans as they lost third place from a position of such strength. Redknapp's course case, the England job possibility and that 'ghost' goal in the FA Cup semi-final seemed to suggests the way things were going for Spurs. Didier Drogba's penalty in Germany in the Champions League final sealed in the nightmare meaning Spurs missed out of Champions League football. Such a promising year had ended in despair.

Villas Boas needs success

Daniel Levy has opted for Andre Villas Boas as the man to lead the Tottenham charge for success and a top-four finish. Villas Boas has a nightmare at Chelsea and was removed by player power. The Chelsea players were never with him their performances clearly showed that. Due to that experience many fans may be sceptical of his appointment. For me he deserves a chance however this is it. Every manager gets sacked and offered things just do not work out however for this to happen twice in a row with two major English clubs with ambition will affect his reputation. If he fails at Spurs expect him to return to Europe and I would guess he will not be back for a long time, if ever. 

Spurs are almost certain to lose Luka Modric, which is a big blow however I expect them to re-invest the 30million+ they will receive for him. They have been linked with the likes of Moussa Dembele, Willan and Joao Moutinho. For me they are looking a little light up front and so getting Emmanuel Adebayor back seems to be an obvious move considering the success he had last year. 

The signing of Jan Vertonghon is a great signing and I expect more signing of such pedigree to follow.

Verdict: 7/10  Prediction: 6th

Clarke's first chance in the hot seat

West Brom have opted for the vastly experienced assitant-manager Steve Clarke (right). Clarke has had spells at Newcastle,Chelsea,Liverpool and West Ham while working with some top managers. People may say that this is a gamble considering he has never held a top job position. This on top of the fact that he is replacing the experienced man that is Roy Hodgson who really developed West Brom into a safe mid-table Premier League side. He is a tough man to follow no doubt. I do believe that Steve Clarke had deserved a chance and will flourish in his new position. 

West Brom have largely kept the same squad as last year which is a positive. The squad has the quality to survive another Premier League season in comfort I feel.

The signing of Romelu Lukaku is one that I am interested to see. This is a man who arrived at Chelsea with a big reputation and promise however he was never seen. For a 18 year-old he is physically huge. For me he is suited to the Premier League due to his power and pace. I think he will be a big hit this during this loan spell. West Brom will undoubted add to their squad and I think it will put them in a good position for a mid-table finish. 

Verdict: 7/10      Prediction: 11th

Not even Lambert can save Villa 

Aston Villa are a team in all sorts of trouble. It has been a decline since Martin O'Neill left the club. Alex Mcleish and Gerard Houllier  both endured poor seasons at Villa park. I heavily tipped Villa to be relegated last season and they were so lucky to survive. For only managing to win 7 games all season, they deserved to be relegated. 

Villa have opted for Paul Lambert (left). Lambert has huge success at Norwich leading them from League One to the Premier League and then survival in three years. Lambert is a good manager no doubt, however the Villa job promises something very different. the club is in decline and going down. If will take one hell of a manager to lift such a club and turn its fortunes around. A task I feel is beyond Lambert. 

I look at the squad and it is so poor. I know there is still time to buy however they need 6/7 quality players I feel. Throughout the team I would worry. Shay Given is no where near the player he was, saw that at the Euros, Richard Dunne must be 3 stone over weight. He is slow and cumbersome, as proved at the Euros. Then they have signed Vlaar, who was appalling at the Euros. If defence they have nothing and they will be shipped goals on a regular basic. In midfield, unless someone new has turned up I see nothing that would worry me. It is only Darren Bent. He is the only one to get goals and goals win games. Injury to Bent and their goals will disappear.   

They have relegation written all over them. Opening three games of the season will leave Villa bottom with 0points for sure. Home against Everton and away at newly promoted West Ham and Newcastle. Lambert is a good choice and if I were a Villa fans I would be happy with it however for me noting can save them. 

Verdict: 8/10   Prediction 19th

Hughton he right man

Norwich fans will have be saddened to lose Paul Lambert to Villa during the summer after they have endured three wonderful seasons under his tenure. They have replaced Lambert with Chris Hughton (right). This for me is a great move for the club. Chris has done terrifically well at Newcastle, where all agree he was unlucky to be sacked and at Birmingham City leading them to the play-offs despite all the off the field issues.

Norwich fans will be wary of the 'second season sydrome' however for me they will be safe. Hughton will make some new signing to improve the squad. Also I do not foresee them losing anyone. The bulk of last year's team will remain. I do think they will find it more difficult this year but will survive. They are in far better shape then Aston Villa. 

Verdict: 9/10         Prediction: 15th 

Other Predictions:

Title : Manchester United

Top Four: Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton

Relegation : Swansea, Reading and Aston Villa 

King Kenny's reign comes to an end

Down and out- Dalglish sacked after poor season

It has been announced this afternoon that Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been sacked. The news comes after days of speculation in which a trip to Boston for a meeting with the Liverpool owners was reported to have not gone well.

Fenway Sports Group released this statement:

"Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Liverpool Football Club announced that Kenny Dalglish is to leave his post today as manager after having his contract terminated.After a careful and deliberative review of the season, the club came to the decision that a change was appropriate. It is not a decision that was reached lightly or hastily. The search for a new manager will begin immediately."

T-Shirt debactle

For me this decision has been coming. The sacking of Damien Comolli proved that the writing was on the wall. Liverpool spent an awful lot of money on players this season and in truth the returns have been poor. Signing such as Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique, Stewart Downing and Sebastian Coates have all not been impressive. None have had good seasons. An eighth place league finish is simply not good enough. The performances themselves have also been very poor as they have struggled all year. Dalglish's handling of the Luis Suarez racism issue was also appalling. That episode brought the whole of Liverpool football club into disrepute. The way they conducted themselves was awful. The T-Shirts (above) were a disaster as Luis Suarez was found to be guilty. Even after this Dalglish seemed to never regret his actions. He was forced to make an apology by the club. His attitude towards the press was terrible. The arrogance of the man was unbelievable as he would just walk out on interviews. I doubt any journalist will shed a tear over this decision.

For me Dalglish has got exactly what he deserved. I did personally think that the Carling Cup win and a FA Cup Final would have brought him some time however it would appear not. Their season can be categorised as nothing but failure for a team of Liverpool's stature. The fans will still mourn his departure as he will always be regarded as a 'god-like' figure. Although Liverpool are now better off. They can now move forward with a new manager. It will not be easy, the team needs serious investment in the right type of players. If Liverpool do not get this appointment right they could continue to slip and remain outside of those Champions League places for years to come. The two Manchester clubs will continue to improve as will Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea. If Newcastle can perform again next season, or a team such as Everton continue their great form Liverpool will again be struggling to be in the top six. The Premier League is a very very tough league and it will not be getting easier for Liverpool anytime soon.

Is Martinez the answer 

The next appointment will be interesting SkyBet has Wigan manager Roberto Martinez (right) as the 7/4 favourite. Martinez has been linked with the Aston Villa and West Brom jobs in recents days however this is by far a much bigger job. If Liverpool will actually go with him I am not sure. Is he the man to take Liverpool forward? Only managed a team at the lower end of the Premier League will low expectations and no european experience. He does not seem the sort of man they will go for to me. He has done wonders at Wigan by keeping them in the Premier League year after year and likes to play a good brand of football. I do think he can manage at the bigger club however this jump may just be too far too soon. I am sure Martinez will be extremely keen to get this job. Liverpool desperately want to end their wait for a league title is Martinez the man to supply that? For me Liverpool are so far away from the title that it will take years to even get close.  It is a massive job as serious rebuilding needs to take place.

Other candidates include that of former manager Rafa Benitez (4/1 SkyBet), former England Fabio Capello (10/1 SkyBet), former Chelsea Andre Villas Boas (10/1 SkyBet) and current Swansea manager Brendan Rogers (6/1 Skybet). I am sure that over the coming days the number of names linked with this job will rise and rise. I am sure Sven Goran Eriksson will suddenly express an interest soon as he does in all available jobs. I have heard numerous fans saying how they would not mind Benitez back however I feel that this would be a disaster.

For me I have no idea who they will go with. However @25/1 (Skybet) Guus Hiddink would be a wonderful appointment and maybe worth a few quid.  

Drogba Fires Chelsea to Cup Success

Chelsea seal another FA Cup succes

Chelsea made it four FA Cup victories in six years as they claimed a well deserved 2-1 victory over Liverpool. Chelsea were dominant and strikes from Ramires and of course Dider Drogba gave Chelsea a comfortable 2-0 lead and seemingly another FA Cup final victory. Although Liverpool finally woke up in the final 25 minutes, inspired greatly by the introduction of Andy Carroll, as they pilled the pressure on a tiring Chelsea. Carroll netted with a great finish before the a moment of pure brilliance from Petr Cech kept Carroll's header out. Carroll showed the form he had at Newcastle and why Liverpool paid so much money for him. Chelsea hang on to claim their first silverware under interim manager Roberto Di Matteo and left Kenny Dalglish's side with more then a few regrets.

In truth for the first 65 minutes Chelsea were so dominant they could have had three or four. Liverpool did not turn up. It was for me the most one sided FA Cup final since Manchester United victory over Millwall back in 2004. The gulf between the two appeared to be huge. Steven Gerrard was anonymous for most of the game as his Captain Fantastic / Roy of the Rovers aura seems to be fading. No longer can he galvanise and carry Liverpool sides as he has in the past. It was a very poor showing from Liverpool who Gordon Strachan describes as 'lacking enthusiasm', which seems unbelievable for a Cup Final. 

The deadlock was broken after 11 minutes as Jay Spearing was dispossessed and Juan Mata's pass found Ramires in full flight who breezed past Jose Enrique will ease before he fired his shot straight at Pepe Reina, however the Spaniard had tried to predict the shot and so was in the wrong position and could do nothing to prevent the ball going in. In truth it was a catalogue of errors. Jose Enrique attempt at defending was awful as for Reina, you would expect a man of his experience to be doing far better. 

No stopping that one- Drogba fires home

Throughout the first half Liverpool created nothing. As an attacking force they were dismal. It was so easy for Chelsea. As a result I expected them to be given the riot act and to come out second half all guns blazing however this was not the case. They began the second half as they had finished the first. Chelsea then deservedly went 2-0 ahead through Drogba's left-footed low drive into the far corner (left). It was so one-sided it was not even a spectacle. For an FA Cup final for a team to show not fight, passion, enthusiasm or drive was incredible. 

However the introduction of Andy Carroll on 55 minutes turned the game. He immediately looked to be a threat. On 65 minutes Carroll scored a superb effort as he bamboozled John Terry before firing into the roof of the net. For the first time in the game, Liverpool seemed to be interested. 

Cech makes incredible save from Carroll

Suddenly they were flooding forward and looked a threat. Carroll was causing chaos in the Chelsea defence. John Terry's quiet afternoon had gone. The team seemed to now have purpose and drive. In the 82nd minute they were nearly rewarded again. Carroll (right) found himself totally unmarked and his powerful header was incredibly saved by Petr Cech. Liverpool appealed for the goal, as Luis Suarez remonstrated with the linesman. In real time from the television angle it looked a goal however from the reply it showed to me that the ball had not crossed the line and Cech had in fact made an FA Cup winning save. I am glad that the referee got this one correct, as would have been awful if we had had another goal -line decision controversy. The officials got this one correct however goal-line technology must be brought in.  Liverpool continued to push forward in search on the equaliser as Chelsea fell further and further back. It seemed they were running on empty. However it was not to be for Liverpool as Chelsea hung on for the win.To be honest despite Liverpool's final 25 minute burst of energy, I do not think anyone could seriously make a genuine case for Liverpool deserving to be level.  You cannot not play for the first 65 minutes and seriously expect to win. Chelsea were deserved winners. 

Where do Liverpool go from here?

The defeat will leave Liverpool fans reeling over their sides lack of anything in the first 65 minutes. Kenny Dalglish will be wondered what exactly happened. Should Andy Carroll have started? His performance in the last 25 minutes was that of when he was at Newcastle. I do think that Carroll will come good. If he is used correctly he is incredibly dangerous. His performance maybe gives him an outside shot at the England squad. Today we saw a number of very poor showing, Steven Gerrard (right) looked past it, Enrique seems to be getting worse and Liverpool appear to be going backwards. As for Dalglish he is a man under pressure. He spent a lot of money over the summer and his return is a dismal league campaign and finish, FA Cup final defeat and a Carling Cup win. Luckily for Dalglish he has qualified for the Europa League although they are so far of the pace it must scare Liverpool fans. Although Dalglish looked an old and haggard man on the touchline who seems to not know what to do. It will very interesting to see what happened in the summer at Liverpool. Will Dalglish still be in charge? I think so although will he be given money to spend? Dalglish and Liverpool must face the stark reality of the situation and will have to do some seriously thinking over the next few weeks.  

As for Chelsea they now have a Champions League final to look forward to. That is the big game for them no doubt. They will need to win, due to their league form, in order to qualify for the tournament next year. Also it is the one they have always wanted. It will be an intriguing final no doubt. It may also be vital for the future of Roberto Di Matteo. If he does win the Champions League, surely he will be given the job. For me he should get it anyway, however Roman Abramovich is a strange man and no one can predict what he will do. 

Weekend Tips

This week, we have a full football fixture list, including the final day of the Championship and Horse-Racing from Sandown, Market Rasen, Rippon and Punchestown as well as Rugby League Challenge Cup action. So there are plenty of chances for money to be made. Last week was not a bad weekend despite the horse-racing failures, the football bets made the money. My bet of the day, QPR to beat Tottenham came in @3/1 hope you had that as well as my prediction of an Arsenal/Chelsea draw @16/5 and Ched Evan-less Sheffield United's defeat to the MK Dons.

Football:

This week's bet of the day is not a big price nor an outsider however I can not see any other result.

Villa looks doomed. More misery
predicted for Mcleish today

It is the derby game involving Roy Hodgson's West Brom and Alex Mcleish's (left) Aston Villa. West Brom are 11/10 (Skybet) for the win and both a Aston Villa win and draw is @12/5 (SkyBet). West Brom are a good side and awkward away from home. They won last week away at Anfield and confidence will be high. They are literally the complete opposite of Aston Villa. Villa are devoid of ideas and quality. Villa's defeat in mid-week showed just how poor Villa really are. It may be said that West Brom 'have nothing to play for' however they have in this one. A derby for a start and also the chance to send local rivals towards the Championship. That is insidentically exactly where Aston Villa are heading. I said it weeks ago take the 12/1 Villa to go down, now it is down to 5/1 (SkyBet) however this still presents a great bet. After today they will be nearer 7/2 as their slide continued. To me Alex Mcleish looks a beaten man  whose time at Villa Park is coming to an end. I do believe he will be sacked whether they stay up or not. For me they will not pick up a single point from now to the end of the season.

Another defeat looking likely at Carrow Road
for Dalglish

The larger bet in the Premier League is that of a home win for Paul Lambert's Norwich against Liverpool. Norwich @11/4 represent a great price. Liverpool are still playing poorly and will be focusing on the FA Cup final. Carrow Road is a very tricky away day, and I do not think Liverpool will be up for the fight. Kenny Dalglish's (right) Liverpool also still have a problem with scoring and despite Norwich's leaking defence can not see them winning this one. Liverpool are 10/11 (SkyBet) and the draw it 13/5 (SkyBet) My fun bet prediction Grant Holt to score first - Norwich win 3-1 @125/1 (SkyBet)

Elsewhere in the Premier League both Newcastle and Arsenal have tricky trips to the DW and Britannia respectively in the race for top four. I would not be surprised if both slipped up here. The bookies agree with Wigan at 13/8 (SkyBet) for the win however Stoke are a larger 16/5 (SkyBet) in what is in truth a great bet. Arsenal always struggle at the Britannia so maybe worth a few quid. Newcastle to make it seven wins on the spin is @6/4 (SkyBet) and Arsenal to return to winning ways is a very short 5/6 (SkyBet).

Now leaving the Premier League, it is the final day of the Championship and who will go up with Reading is the main question. West Ham need to win and I think will @2/5 (SkyBet) at home to Hull and need Southampton lose at home to all ready relegated Coventry City. This is very unlikely and Southampton are @ 1/4 (SkyBet) to win. If it is a draw West Ham need to win by 3 goals or more to go up, so it will be a tense afternoon no doubt.  For the shock Coventry win the odds are a huge 10/1 (SkyBet). I will be leaving this one alone.

Bet of the day: West Brom to beat Aston Villa @11/10 (SkyBet)

                          Norwich to beat Liverpool @11/4 (SkyBet)

Also get on Villa to go down at 5/1 (SkyBet)

Horse Racing:

At Sandown in the 1.30 Songsmith @16/1 (SkyBet) presents an each-way punt. Elsewhere at Sandown I will just be watching especially the 3.45 to see how Twice Over, Sri Putra, Poet and Columbian perform. At Market Rasen there are plenty of small fields so good chance for winners her. Bet of the meeting is Ballyoliver in the 2.10 at 7/2 @(SkyBet). Other then these two I am leaving the Horses alone, as feel better value bets today can be found in the Football and Rugby League.

Rugby League:

Kear senses a shcok

Challenge Cup weekend and last night Featherstone Rovers put on a magnificent performance n their defeat to the mighty Wigan Warriors 32-16. However my bet of this round is that of a lower division side causing a shock. Legendary coach and Challenge Cup upset king John Kear's (left) Batley Bulldogs take on Super League side the London Broncos tomorrow. Now in theory they should not have a chance however at 8/1 (SkyBet) they are a good price. The Broncos' are near the bottom of Super League and have not being playing well, especially away from home. Batley will be incredibly fired up for this one and think it will be a great game. The Broncos' Super League class should tell, as well as superior fitness but I have a feeling that this one could be a shock.

Hopefully I have predicted some winners here. Good luck with any bets you have this week. 

Weekend Tips

This weekend their is two terrific sporting events. In football we have the FA Cup semi-finals as well as a full selection of football league fixtures and in Horse Racing it is Grand National day.  

Football:

Tipping Moyes to be
smiling come full-time today

Liverpool have been on very poor form and should have lost on Tuesday had it not been for Blackburn's ineptitude. Manager Kenny Dalglish is under pressure in this one. It is an FA Cup semi against the local rivals. The departure of Damien Camolli in midweek was a sign of the owners thoughts on the season. Dalglish also received the dreaded 'job is safe' quote which usually means he will be sacked in 6 weeks. If Dalglish is beaten in this one and failed to improve on his current 8th place in the Premier League then questions will be asked and surely Dalglish will not be able to say 'it's been a successful season'.  Despite the seriousness of this game I still think that Everton will win. Everton are on fantastic form and playing very well. Jelavic who I did not rate has started his Everton career magnificently and as a team they seem to be getting better each week. As a result it seems to me an Everton win is logical and @2/1 a fantastic price. Liverpool with Brad Jones in goal, who looked very shaky on Tuesday night and their poor form provide me with no feeling that they will win this one. I would not be surprised if this is a thumping 3-0 Everton win. David Moyes' (above) Everton deserve to win something, Moyes has done terrific with no real investment for years. My only doubt is that of extra-time although 2/1 is worth the gamble for me. Without doubt Everton players and fans are looking forward to this one with confidence whereas with Liverpool's fans and players is it more of dread.  

The other Semi-Final on Sunday is very hard to call, as both sides look towards top four and Chelsea have Barcelona in mid-week. They will say they are no looking at that one but they will be no doubt. I would not be surprised if this one went al the way to penalties. The bookies go 8/5 Spurs, 15/8 chelsea and 23/10 the draw after 90 minutes. Either side to win on penalties in 12/1. 

In the Premier League expect Manchester City to have a tough day at Carrow road where 6/1 Norwich are not a bad price considering City's away form. In the Championship expect wins for Birmingham and Cardiff as well as plenty of goals elsewhere. 

Bet of the day : Everton to beat Liverpool @2/1 (SkyBet)

Long Shot: Three draws: West Ham/Brighton, Preston/Huddersfield and Crystal Palace/Ipswich @40/1 (SkyBet)

Win Multiple: Cardiff, Birmingham, Sheffield United, Swindon, Crawley, Northampton and Manchester United (Sunday) @11/1 (SkyBet).  

Horse Racing:

Grand National day is here and quite frankly anything could happen. Synchronised ridden by the masterful AP McCoy is the favourite and does hold a good chance. The key to the national is luck as many fall, bring others down etc. The terrifically named Shakalakaboomboom is the second favourite after thousand on people backed him this week. It is believed to be the pick of those going on name, hence the money. West End Rocker presents a threat also and last years winner Ballybriggs at 12-1 looks a grear shout. 

I will be looking to see how both female jockeys get on today as there has never been a female jockey winner. So good luck to Nina Carberry and Katie Walsh who ride Organisedconfusion and Seabass respectivly.  

One of the keys to the national is that of a horse who knows the course. For this reason I am going with 33/1 chance Black Apalachi. As he has done the course before he is a good price and great place money. 

Outsider place claim: Postmaster under the ride of Dougie Costello @100/1, what a winner that would be. 

You can make a claim out for any of the horses, it is always a terrific race in which anything can happen. I hope it is not spoilt by any protestors like the boat race. I also hope all the horses survive and people are talking about the winner and not deaths. 

It looks very tough to find a Winner at Aintree today however one stand out for me is that of Oscar Whisky in the 3.40 @5/2. The Nicky Henderson stable is in great form and this for me is another winner.  Paul Nicholls Rock on Ruby also 5/2 is the main threat but Oscar Whisky and Barry Geraghty. 

Win bet : Aintree 3.40 - Oscar Whisky 5/2

Good luck to all who are betting today. 

Suarez Forced To Issue Apology

Suarez apologises after appalling behaviour 

Luis Suarez (above) has today apologised for his appalling actions at Old Trafford in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Manchester United won the game 2-1 however Suarez was branded 'a disgrace' by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson following his decision not to shake Patrice Evra's hand before the kick off. He even suggested that Suarez should be sold by Liverpool due to the damage he is doing to their reputation.

Suarez ignored Evra's hand in what was supposed to be an end to the whole chapter. His behaviour was appalling and he should be ashamed. Suarez had apparently assured Liverpool and manager Kenny Dalglish that he would shake Evra's hand. Suarez released this statement on Liverpool's website:

"I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong. I've not only let him down, but also the Club and what it stands for and I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened. I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions. I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football."

Manager Kenny Dalglish also apologised for his behaviour in the post -match interview in which he refused to discuss Suarez's action.

"To be honest, I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do. When I went on TV after yesterday's game I hadn't seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I'd like to apologise for that." 

Managing Director Ian Ayre also issued a statement which is exactly what was required by Liverpool. For probably the first time ever the club issued a clear, unambiguous statement condemning his actions.

Read the full statement here: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/ian-ayre-luis-was-wrong

Hopefully this will be an end to this very ugly episode in which football and the Premier League's reputation has been damaged. Racism has no place in football and should be stamped out. In this day and age it is ridiculous that we have this problem.