Blatter To Stand Down

Today we are greeted with the wonderful news that Sepp Blatter will be leaving his post as Head of Fifa in 2015. I sincerely hope that he wont be re-elected in June however I think he will stay on.

Only when Blatter leaves this post can real change happen. He is stubborn and has discredited the game with the goal-line technology issue. The new head of Fifa needs to be visionary. Football needs to change and a strong leader is needed if this to happen. Goal line technology is obviously a must and needed as soon as possible. It is ludicrous that a game worth millions and watched by millions all over the world does not have technology used in it. The World Cup issue of England's goal, Luis Suarez's hand ball and even before with Ireland being cheated. It shows how arrogant Fifa and the football governing bodies are that they feel football does not need such technology. It is used in both codes of rugby as well as cricket and tennis so why not football. Their arguments against are weak as they worry about slowing the game down. Seriously, it takes 30 seconds. Also I would rather wait 30 seconds and get the correct decision then have an instant wrong one. With the game worth so much and tensions running high it has to be used. If it is used then arguments will decrease. It would also take the pressure off the referees who have a hard enough job as it is. An official up in the stands should not be able to be intimidated by the on field players or the crowd. Extra officials have shown they do nothing, it is a moronic idea.

Bin Hammam seems to have plenty of ideas and I do feel we need change and this man should be given the chance to change things. Fifa is a joke, the World Cup voting showed that. It is so amateurish. The corruption is laughable as is so blatant. However not just Blatter but Michel Platini needs to go. He is another holding Fifa back. Dumb and dumber.

Blatter at his best.

Relegation Fears Become Very Real As Season Nears Its Climax

With eight games to go many Premier League teams are still at risk of relegation. Currently Wigan,West ham, Woves, Birmingham, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Blackpool, West Brom, Fulham, Newcastle United and even Sunderland are involved. None of these are safe.

Wigan have been struggling all year and are my favourites to go down. They just don't have enough to survive. The likes of Hugo Rodallega and Charles N'Zogbia are the key men and will have to produce if Wigan are to survive. They have picked up results recently however I feel that they will go down.

Ba is West Ham best hope for goals 

West Ham were in trouble for a long time however have picked up dramatically and with players like Demba Ba (left), Scott Parker and Victor Obinna they have a chance to survive. Demba Ba is a player I really like and am sure many Premier League teams will want to sign him this summer. Upton Park is a very tough place to go and they will have to pick up points there and fast. 

Woves are a terrific battling team and it is this that i think will see them safe. They will continue to get results and think they will make it. The likes of Kevin Doyle, Stephan Hunt and Matt Jarvis will see them safe. 

Birmingham are in really danger. Poor performances have left them in a very dangerous position. They are tricky at home which is where I see there points coming from. With Nikola Zigic and the arrival of Obafemi Martins i can see them just surviving.

Asron Villa is the one who have an outside chance of going down. They have no ability to grind out results. No fighting spirit. I look at Villa I see a beaten team, no team morale or spirit. Defeat to Woves was crucial. They just don't have the players willing to battle to see them safe. The key man is Darren Bent, his goals will be key. It a bold claim and would be a real shock but for me Villa will go down. Best bet 7-1 got to be worth a punt.

Great character--Holloway 

Blackpool have become many peoples second team after this season. With Ian Holloway (right) at the helm, Charlie Adam, terrific spirit and the way they play I hope they survive. They are on a poor run but I am hoping they can turn it around as they are great to have in the Premier League. 

West Brom will be very close to going down however under Roy Hodgson they will just make it. Three points against Arsenal would have been huge. They are a side improving and battling.

Blackburn are the another team who for me will go down. In freefall and no sign of that ending. 

Fulham will also see themselves safe. They will pick up draws that edge them towards safety. Bobby Zamora's return is key.

Newcastle are also in a dire run of form with only one win in nine. However think they will survive. They have crucial games away at Villa and Blackpool and home games against Birmingham and Woves where the safety points will come from. However they should be wary and they could easily drop back down to the championship.

Sunderland should be safe. Cannot really see them going down. Would be incredible but see them finishing 4/5 points from safety.

Prediction : Blackburn, Aston Villa, Wigan DOWN.

Is a bold claim but can see it happening.

Foolish Fabio Reinstates Terry As England Captain

What have you done Mr Capello?

The decision by Fabio Capello to reinstate John Terry as the England captain is one that has come under  much scrutiny and is quite honestly baffling. 

This is a man whom for me does not deserve to be in the team let alone being the captain. John Terry is a relic and a reminder of failure. He is a product of the failed World Cup squad should be shown the door. We need new, young and hungry players. The only World Cup squad members to survive should be Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney who now seems back on his game. For years the English public have seen the same team, same players and same tactics fail with different managers. It is same old England all the time. The fans have been let down by the England team so much. I do not think there is a team in which so many of the individuals in it I detest. It seems unless you indulge in adultery, have gambling problems and scandal you don't get in. I have lost all interest in England recently. This decision just cements it amateurish status.

Capello is clueless and England will never win anything with him. So many promises and claims of which none have been followed through. Terry is another classic example along with the World Cup squad. The moment the squad was announced England were doomed. His treatment of players is appalling. I am no fan of Rio Ferdinand but this is awful. To win any tournament you need a team. Team sprit is crucial and this decision does nothing for morale.

They are all pulling in different directions and are not a team. They are a group of arrogant players who couldnt give a damn no matter what they say. They have never and will never produce. As Rafa Benitez would say that is a FACT. I would rather lose with young players and different people then with these lot. They will fail again no doubt. They should qualify for Euro 2012 however they will be no where near winning it. This I have no doubt. The talk will continue but the inevitable disappointment will follow.

This fact saddens me however until things change my interest in England will remain at an incredibly subdued level.

Eastmond Heads To Bath As League Continues To Lose Its Stars

Eastmond on his way to bath 

With the recent announcement that Kyle Eastmond is leaving St Helens to join Bath it is a sad day for the game. One of the future stars in Rugby League will have left at the age of 21. He has conquered nothing in Rugby League with no winners medals.

'One that left earlier'
Ashton proved great success in Union

I could understand if he had won everything and wanted a new challenge like Jason Robinson did. I do believe that losing these players at an increasingly early age should worry the RFL. Before it was the older players Robinson, Andy Farrell and Henry Paul but recently Chris Ashton and now Eastmond both in their early 20's. Lee Smith also left and although he came back it is worrying how many good young players are being tempted. Maybe it is the money, Rugby Union has far greater financial power. Maybe its the prospect of playing in competitions such as the Heineken Cup or on the International stage in the Six Nations or in World Cup's in front of 80/90 thousand. League lacks these competitions competitiveness. 

Despite New Zealand's recent triumphs in League, which has been great to see, it is still only them and Australia. England are a far away third and after that you really are struggling. Union is now thought of by the world when people say Rugby. The Rugby Football League (RFL) were slow to react and Union stole a march and the initiative. As a result League has been left behind. The game itself is great  and as a spectacle is second to none. It has a host of famous fans from others sports including the likes of Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney. The newer rules introduced are good e.g. the idea of the 40/20 in 1999. 

Forward thinking- Video Technology 

It move to a summer sport has been a success and it has always been trying to improve e.g one of the first sports to use video technology in 1996, another major success. This has since been copied by Union as well as many other sports. It is a different game to Union as has pace, freedom and constant play. However the people who run Union have got the marketing side right. I know there is an argument for the coverage Union gets over League for many reasons such as background and snobbery however for me the RFL could and should have done more. In Union players have higher profiles due to the marketing and they have spread the game worldwide. Though still true that there is only 9 genuine teams. Although they have developing sides and the game is very strong in France (unlike League) and South Africa where League is non-exsistent. Having been left behind it is very tough for League to compete. The losing of stars also doesn't help. If Sam Tomkins of Wigan was now to leave it would be a disaster. The RFL must act as otherwise the game will go into further decline. It can not survive in England with many of the teams coming from only two counties. 

For too long people in the North of England want the game to be kept in the M62 corridor. They like it as 'their game' that no one really knows about. However this attitude for me must change if the sport is to get national recognition and international success.

Many will argue that it is flattering that other sports come and take the players and that the system of youth development is so good these players will be replaced and the game continued. For example I hear Jonny Lomax is to replace Eastmond. He is another young up and coming star. However despite the fact that I agree with this view I do not think it is healthy for the game. 

I do not really understand Eastmond's decision as he could have achieved so much and I would liked him to have seen the Australian NRL as a bigger challenge then going to Union. Union domestic game is poor as the only care is for the Heineken Cup and so for me the International pull and money may have done it. I wish him all the best however feel it is a mistake that he will later regret.

Arsenal Tough Task

Tonight Arsenal without Theo Walcott and huge doubts over both Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, who even if play will not be fit, face the might of Barcelona at the Nou Camp. Barcelona are one of if not the best team in the world at the moment. Despite Arsenals stunning comeback at the Emirates they have to expect an all out assault tonight from Barcelona. Scoring goals is never a problem for Barcelona and at the Nou Camp they are almost a cert to score. Arsenal will not hold out. 

Last season Mourinho's boring yet masterful game plan of defending and shutting the game out worked. However they did concede and that was with the incredibly rigid and tight organisational unit that was Inter Milan. 

Wenger must be fearful of what could happen

Arsenal are not the same, they do not have the players to do it. They are not strong enough. As a result Arsenal must score goals and with Barcelona missing Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol they must fancy scoring. However I don't think they will as they lack the fire power. A not fully fit RVP and no Walcott means that a real genuine threat seem to be lacking. Having said that players such as Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin have the ability and will have to step up to the plate.

I just see Barcelona's midfield as too strong and can see Arsenal chasing shadows for much of the night. The forward line is also frighting and with the Arsenal defence not being dependable I can see many Barcelona chances. If Arsenal don't get going early they could easily find themselves 3/4 down by half time.

This will be a real mental and physical test for Arsenal. They will have to do more work off the ball then usual and shut men down early. If Arsenal go all out attack I do fear for them as that is clearly not the way to play. They don't have the players. To win this one Arsene Wenger (left) will have to go away from his perfect football idea and be prepared to win ugly. Although I have no faith that he will. He needs to forget those principals tonight as it is all about, as Charlie Sheen says, "Winning" the aggregate tie to progress. It is this mindset that separates Jose Mourinho from Wenger. Arsene ideas have won him nothing in recent years whereas Mourinho's cabinet is bursting.

 I am looking for a stirring performance from Arsenal and hope they go through, although my head tells me it is going to be a depressing night for Arsenal fans.

Newcastle Sack Hughton

Hughton sacked with Newcastle 11th in the Premier League

Unbelievable. The soap opera that is Newcastle United. As a fan it really does leave you speechless. 

When I was in a lecture and my friends turned and told me the news I was in total shock and anger. Just as they were gaining some stability and the fans were maybe beginning to forget about Mike Ashley and his past decisions he has decided on what appears to be the ludicrous decision to sack manger Chris Hughton (above). The man took over the team when they were in turmoil and many were touting Newcastle to 'do a Leeds' and drop even further down the divisions. He stabilised the club, gained the backing of the players and gained promotion. Ashley can have no complaints. His remit was promotion and he delivered. With a few 'cheap' January additions such as Wayne Routledge, Leon Best and Mike Williamson he won the Championship with 102 points. Also over the summer with no serious money he brought in what he could. It is fair to say not all his signing I agree with and some have not really worked e.g Sol Campbell and James Perch however Check Tiote was a great addition and he was unlucky with Hatem Ben Afta getting injured as he is a quality player. Had he been fit and in the team I am sure they would have more points then they currently do. Newcastle currently sit 11th in the table and are on course for survival. I know this could change and there is a long way to go in the season but I feel this decision is rash.

The job he has done should not be underestimated. This season Newcastle have put in some terrific performances agianst Chelsea, Arsenal and of course the 5-1 beating of Sunderland. The form has dipped recently and the West Brom game was disappointing and was extremely poor. Nevertheless that was a one off very poor performance and even at the end I still had faith in him getting something next week against Liverpool. This man has done wonderfully well with what he has been given. Lets remember this is Newcastle's first season back in the Premier League so the aim is to survive. There was no real investment over the summer so he has players in the squad who really are not Premiership players yet he still gets results. Players such as Guthrie, no manager can turn him into a great player.

I suppose the departure of Colin Calderwood was a clear sign as he was allowed to leave and no replacement was made. Looking back this was the writing was on the wall, the board decision had obviously been made and they were waiting for one poor performance as an excuse to get sack Hughton and West Brom game provided that. 

Hughton deserved a new contract and the chance to keep Newcastle in the top-flight. As for this statement about the need for a more 'experienced manager' what is that about? No one is available and furthermore who would want the job after they see the way the board treats its mangers. Kevin Keegan and Hughton both treated appallingly and deserved much, much more. It is a sad day for the Toon and one I hope does not lead to Newcastle free-falling just as they did before and go back into the Championship. Mike Ashley hold your non-footballing head in shame. Even if Newcastle get someone in and go on to have great success this decision will still be wrong. I know many will say if the new guy comes in and does well all will be forgotten but for me this event will always feel wrong. 

I hope Newcastle can get someone in who will help them to firstly stay up and then continue this plan of the Newcastle board and Chief Scout Graham Carr of finding young talent such as Ben Arfa and Tiote for small fees. Hopefully Newcastle will remain in the Premier League for a very long time and maybe even challenge Europe and return to the great days of Bobby Robson and enter the Champions League. 

O'Neill would be great choice

Names that have been mentioned are that of Alan Shearer however I doubt this will happen. Martin Jol who I hope does not get it as he is not one of my favourite managers to put it politely. Alan Pardew is mentioned and is the bookies favourite however having just been sacked from League 1 Southampton is he the right man? For me I would love to see Martin O'Neill. For me he is a terrific manager and one who could help Newcastle. He is great with getting results with average player and looking at the Newcastle  squad that is what we are dealing with. His job at Villa was magnificent and Newcastle could do with a man like that however would he work for Ashley? He is a top manager who will have success again where ever he ends up. 

I hope the best for Chris Hughton. I am sure that he will be back soon as the job he has done at Newcastle will not go unrecognised. I am sure he will be back in management by the start of next season. 

Wonderful Barcelona Teach Madrid A Real Lesson

Once again Barcelona have proven why they are the greatest team on the planet. 

The way in which they play football is that of sheer class. It was truly mesmerising and last night's game showed just how far away Real Madrid are from challenging them. Despite there impressive start under Jose Mourinho it was evident just how far they still have to go. I have no doubt that they will as with Mourinho in charge they will improve. 

Dynamic Duo-
Arguably the best on and off the field.
Guardiola with Messi are making Barcelona
 truly great 

I would not even rule them out of winning the league this year despite the humbling 5-0 thumping they received last night although it is a tough ask. No one saw such a result coming, it was billed as a tight affair that could go either way. Mourinho first chance as Real Madrid coach to show his sides improvement. His team were outplayed,outclassed and at numerous points torn apart by the magnificent movement and passing ability of Pep Guardiola's (left) Barcelona. Lionel Messi (left) , Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and David Villa were phenomental and the Madrid defence had nothing in reply. Maybe the occasion for the young Madrid players was too much as they are wonderful players however certain players such as Mesut Ozil were anonymous and really struggled to get into the game.

Barcelona do look a better team then last year and it is hard to believe they could improve on that. This year it would seem Barcelona will for me dominate and the chances on them winning the treble (La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League) must be good bet. The team is phenomenal and frightening for an opposition manager. 

I am sure the corresponding game at the Santiago Bernabeu will be different however last night showed that despite being the undisputed top two the gulf between the two is vast.