Weekend Tips

Last week I did say that strange results would happen. QPR let me down massively getting absolutely thumped by Swansea. I still stand by saying that I think Swansea will struggle, although if they have found a goalscorer in Michu then hope for them is restored. Also the signing of Ki from Celtic is a positive move. Luckily the Bradford Bulls did pick up the win over Huddersfield so it was a total losing day. 

This week there are again plenty of chances for wins with a full fixture list as well as racing from Newmarket, Goodwood and York. 

Football:

Todays Premier League matches are tough to call. Tomorrow's games have more potential for betting. Tomorrow Stoke host Arsenal. This is a notoriously difficult one for Arsenal and one I doubt they will be looking forward to. With this in mind the 9/4 (Skybet) price for a Stoke win is very appealing. While watching Arsenal last week there was a sense of de ja vu as they dominated a home match without finding a breakthrough. So many times has this be seen at the Emirates. Fans may argue that teams come to defend at the Emirates and get 10 men behind the ball, however if Arsenal are a top side they should be able to break through. The Arsenal of old would have. The loss of Robin Van Persie will affect them as every time someone misses a chance people will say 'Van Persie would have scored that'. 

Giroud needs a score soon

Therefore the pressure of the likes of Olivier Giroud is huge. His miss last week will not have helped his confidence either. The sooner the new signings such as Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud (right) score the better. Although this week I do think that a defeat is on the cards. The 9/4 price is very nice and worth a punt. Arsenal are favourites at 6/5 (SkyBet) and the draw is 23./10 (Skybet)

Also tomorrow, Manchester City travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool. Liverpool suffered a 3-0 defeat last week to West Brom, whereas City claimed a lucky 3-2 win over Southampton. City will again be favourites for this one and I do expect them to win and win comfortably, 2-0 City would be my prediction. If Liverpool lose it will be the first time they have lost the opening two games since 1959 and Bill Shankly was manager. Brendan Rogers has a tough job on, the signing on Sahin will help however if he plays in this one we will see. My fear is that City will be totally dominant however do as they did against Southampton and not finish the job early on when they had the chances. Liverpool do have players to hurt as Luis Suarez has proved before. City as 7/5 (Skybet) for this one and like the Stoke odds it is very tempting.  Liverpool are 15/8 (SkyBet) and the draw in 12/5 (SkyBet). 

Bet of the Weekend: Stoke/Man City win double @ 8/1 (SkyBet). 

Treble : Sheffield Wednesday/Leeds/Middlesborough @8/1 (Skybet)

Longshot of the day: Newcastle to beat Chelsea @6/1 (SkyBet) 

Racing: 

Each-Way bet: 2.15 @ Goodwood - Annie's Fortune 14/1 (SkyBet)  

Win Bet: 3.25 @ Goodwood- Chachamaidee 11/4 (SkyBet)

Rugby League:

Challenge Cup Final day and my tip is Leeds. Leeds are 2/1 (SkyBet) and this is a great price. Burrow to be man of the match at 8/1 is also tempting. 

Good luck with any bets today.

Weekend Tips

The day has come.  After another penalty heartache for England at the Euros and football fans enjoying Wimbledon and the Olympics: the domestic football is back. Men and women all over the country are waking up this morning with excitement as to the season ahead. All with hopes of promotion, glory or success. With clubs starting the new season with new managers, no fewer then six in the Premier League, a fresh hope of what is to come may be the feeling if you are an Aston Villa fan that is or maybe a slightly nervy one if you are a Tottenham fan. 

With this weekend being the opening day bets will be tough to call. There is no doubt ,as ever on the opening day, there will be shocks and possibly some big wins. If recent years are to go by then Wigan should start as ever with a resounding 4/5/6-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday. It is the first time we will get to properly see new signings and see the impact they will have. There is also racing from Newbury, Newmarket and Doncaster as they search for winners continues. Also just a reminder that next week is the Ebor Festival at York, should be a cracker. 

Football:

Tough times ahead for Laudrup:
A fascial expression I think we will be
seeing a lot of this season

There are seven Premier League matches this afternoon as well as a virtually full football league fixture list. My bet of the day is that of QPR to beat Swansea. Mark Hughes has strengthened his squad throughout the summer adding players of class and experience. The signings of Park Ji Sung and Junior Hoilett will really aid them this season. For me they will have a better season however I would not go as far as calling them a surprise package. As for Swansea, they did very well last season defying all expectations to stay up. Although this season I think they are in trouble. The loss of Joe Allan to Liverpool was a blow however for me it was losing Gfyi Siggurdsson that is the biggest loss. I look at Swansea and I just do not see goals. They may continue their style from last year and have plenty of possession but for me I do not see where the goals are coming from and a team that does not score goals are clearly relegation material. Also new manager Michael Laudrup (above right) despite a converted  playing career but his managerial CV is not full of successes and he has never managed in the Premier League. I think he is going to struggle. As a result with QPR being at home, first game of the season, they will look for 3 points. Personally I think it will be 3-0. 

SkyBet go 20/21 the QPR win and this is a great price. A Swansea win is at 11/4 and the draw 5/2. If anyone was interested the 3-0 win is at 40/1.     

Elsewhere it will be interesting to see how Arsenal perform. The loss of Robin Van Persie and now Alex Song may have affected them. Sunderland can be an awkward team but away from home would put me of a bet here. In theory it should be a classic Mark Lawrenson BBC prediction of 2-0, but with Martin O'Neil as manager I feel a shock here is possible and SkyBet go a tempting 7-1 the Sunderland win and 7/2 the draw. Also a wins for West Ham (6/5)and Reading (13/10) are possible. West Ham take on, in my opinion a very poor Villa, and at home back in the Premier League the atmosphere will be fantastic. Reading have a slightly trickier affair against Stoke, however again they will be buzzing to start the season and I do think despite the calls of doom and gloom for Reading that they will have a good season and survive. They play good football and I have been impressed with certain summer additions such as Pavel Pogrebnyak. 

The other games I will just watch as for me none are worth a bet.

Bet of the day: QPR win over Swansea @ 20/21- SkyBet 

Premier League Treble: QPR, West Ham and Reading @9/1 - SkyBet or add Manchester City for odds of 10/1

Long Shot- Sunderland to win at the Emirates @ 7/1- SkyBet

3 Draws- Hull/Brighton, Ipswich/Blackburn and Fulham/Norwich @40/1- SkyBet

Accumulator- Sheff Utd, Preston, Rotherham, Southend and Swindon @30/1- SkyBet

Racing:

 Each-Way bets:  Newbury 3.05 - Edinburgh Night/ Newbury 3.40- Rakaan

 Win Bet: Doncaster 5.00- Daring Indian

Rugby League:

The Bulls have been resurgent of late and despite Huddersfield's win last week I think the Bulls will have too much for them. Better focused and more committed so have to back the Bulls. Bradford Bulls to beat Huddersfield Giants @ 2/1 (Sunday)

Good luck with all your bets today.

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 

Time for English Football State of Origin

Origin is huge success in Australia. 

Every year I watch the State of Origin in Australian Rugby League witnesses passion, drama and great entertainment. This is where the states of Queensland and New South Wales faces each other in a three match series.

The series has been a huge success since its creation in the early 1980's and is now one of the most anticipated matches of the year in Australia with sell out crowds and a worldwide audience.

I have always wondered why this idea is not used in English football. You could easily have North v South. Having sat through numerous boring friendlies for the England team, this would be something new and different. I think it would be a great concept as it could be seen as almost a trial match for the England team.

Also I believe the British public will get behind it, and I am sure they would be sell outs if sold/marketed properly. You could have three matches held over the country.

Game 1: North - Old Trafford

Game 2: South - The Emirates

Game 3: Midlands - Villa Park

Also to prevent the chance of draws, if level after 90 minutes it should go straight to penalties. The pressure of this would be the closest the pressure of a World Cup or European Championships. 

Now the teams would be an issue whether they are decided by birth place, first professional appearance, club and also which side to players from the Midlands go on. Personally I would say birth-place and players from the midlands can be selected by either side, so if chosen by both the player decides. Decisions by these players stick, you could not play for South one year and North the next.  

Also you would have to decide whether Scottish and Welsh players would be allowed to play. Personally I would say no but it is open to debate. 

For Example :

TEAM SOUTH:

                                          HART

G.JOHNSON          TERRY           FERDINAND            COLE

                  LAMPARD    PARKER      WILSHERE

WALCOTT                       DEFOE                           STURRDIGE



Manager : Harry Redknapp




TEAM NORTH :

                                             FOSTER

   JONES                LESCOTT        CAHILL              BAINES

                    GERRARD    CARRICK        MILNER

  A. JOHNSON                ROONEY                         WELBECK
                                   



Manager : David Moyes

This is just hypothetical. But I would want to see this.

Obviously there are many obstacles, such as the clubs and scheduling but I think the FA should work with the Premier League to make it happen. It is a guaranteed sell out with rights sold around the world. 

It would benefit the England team and Roy Hodgson as he would see these players without the foreigners around them to judge them. It would also highlight the growing issue of lack of English players in the Premier League and it could also be a stepping stone between club and county. 

I will be sending this idea to the FA. 

Cronk sends Queensland into Seventh Heaven

Queensland celebrate historic win

A late Cooper Cronk drop-goal gave Queensland a dramatic 21-20 win over New South Wales in game three of the Origin series. The victory gives the Maroons their seventh consecutive Origin series win.

NSW found themselves 16-8 down at the break however rallied magnificently in drawing level at 20-20 with less then 10 minutes to go. Although with 5 minutes remaining Cooper Cronk hit a 40 metre drop goal to break NSW hearts and seal a thrilling series win for the Maroons.

It was also Petro Civoniceva's last ever origin game 12 month after Darren Lockyer retired and he left just like Lockyer on the high of a Queensland victory. 

The stage was set. 52,000 people in Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane for game three, Origin decider. Both sides desperate for victory as the Blues looked to end a six year losing streak. Changes were made by both sides notably Maroons coach Mal Meninga moved Greg Inglis to full back to replace injured Billy Slater while Ricky Stuart replaced Uate with Brett Morris.

The pressure and intensity was clear to see early on. In the second minute,  Paul Gallen was punished for a punch on Brent Tate. Replays showed Tate slamming  his fist into the side of Greg Bird's head as he lay on the ground after Bird had given Tate some treatment in the previous tackle. This resulted in a brawl including all the players. This was one of several clashes in the game.

It started well for the Blues, they defended well from early Queensland pressure and after Brett Morris crashed over and Todd Carney converted , adding to an earlier penalty, gave the Blues an 8-0 lead. This lead was cut short soon after as Darius Boyd went over in the corner for his third try of the series and sealing a terrific Queensland move. In the 32nd minute the Maroons hit the front for the first time as  Jonathan Thurston scored after he made the break from inside his own half before off loading. With NSW still struggling to get back into position a quick play the ball continued the move and despite a covering defence Thurston was able to finish off a move he had started. This gave Queensland a 10-8 lead however they were not done yet. Before the break Justin Hodges crossed as he sliced through the NSW defence and despite appealing of obstruction the video referee gave the try. The poor defending of NSW would have angered Coach Ricky Stuart.

After the break a clever grubber by Robbie Farah was grounded by Brett Stewart to cut the deficit to just 2 points, keeping the NSW dream alive. Then despite another two penalties from Thurston, NSW scored the try of the series. Possibly one of the great origin tries. Again it was Robbie Farah who provided it, the West Tigers man wonderfully weighted cross field kick to the corner was caught at full stretch by Josh Morris who beat Boyd to score a great origin try. Ricky Stuart punched the air as NSW fans 'dared to dream'. Carney added the conversion from the touchline to level the scores at 20-20. However it was not to be as Cronk broke the hearts of NSW with a superb drop goal.

Some magnificent performances on both sides. For NSW Paul Gallen once again lead from the front with a terrific display, Brett Morris justified his selection with a wonderful try and a great tackle to deny Greg Inglis a certain try. Todd Carney finish with 100% kicking conversion and despite criticism he can not be faulted. Personally I did not think NSW could replicate their performance in the second game however they gave it everything and were unlucky to lose in the end. For Queensland Greg Inglis filled in for Billy Slater well and was a constant threat on the attack. Backrower Nate Mykes won the Wally Lewis award for man of the series and deservedly so. Thurston won the man of the match which without doubt his best display of the series. Cameron Smith lead his troops well but obviously the headlines will go to one man. Cooper Cronk. Cometh the hour, Cometh the man and with time ticking away Cronk stepped up to win his team the game.

Meninga writing history as coach

Mal Meninga (left) is already a Legendary player of the game, however now that will read player and coach. His record as coach of Queensland is second to none. Seven Origin wins on the spin. True, the Queensland team has been remarkable in its wealth of talent with the likes of Darren Lockyer in these seven years however that does not make them win. He must take enormous credit. Meninga said afterwards:

"You have to understand the enormity of the challenge, going in every time as favourites, trying to keep that winning streak going. It takes a lot of effort. Because of that effort we're in there celebrating." 

Ricky Stuart's furture is in doubt however I hope he stays as I rate him as a coach and they came so so close.  He is the man for me to eventually end the Queensland wining streak. 

The State of Origin Concept is a great one and is a wonderful spectacle for the game of Rugby League. Its success is growing and this will not be changing anytime soon. Match winner Cronk described it as the "pinnacle of a players career, and I am honoured to wear the shirt". In my view Origin is one of the  greatest event of Rugby League and Sport.

**Top picture courtesy of www.Sportinglife.aol.co.uk; Mal Meninga picture courtesy of www.smh.com.au

England let down by star men..again

Ireland crash out of Euro 2012

Taxi for Ireland

Is there a worst team in Euro 2012 then Ireland? I had heard much of this team before the tournament begun. People spoke of their work rate and described them as an organised defensive unit. This team never appeared at Euro 2012. I know that they had a very tough group, containing three teams from inside the top ten of the FIFA ranking. It is also true that they were not thought to have a real chance of qualifying and were expected to lose all three games, which they did. What angered me the most about the Irish was the way they lost.

There seemed to be no method, no plan and quite frankly no idea. The goals they were conceding proved that. They were not from wonderful attacking moves, or Ireland being outplayed. They were from Irish mistakes and poor ones at that. They gifted goals against all three sides. Against Spain 3 of the four spanish goals were gifts that many International sides would have taken. The marking was League 1 poor. I just could not believe how much space and time the Spanish were allowed. David Silva's goal was incredible. He was almost standing totally still about 8 yards out as 3 Irish defenders just let him pick his spot. 

Trap must take some of the rap

Some of the blame will land and rightly so at the door of manager Giovanni Trappatoni (left). A 'great' manager he may be but he got this horribly wrong. They were without doubt the worst team at the tournament in terms of their performances. 

I understand that the pool of talent Trappatoni has be pick from is not that extensive and the players he picked were the ones that were expected and the obvious choices. They are playing with a Championship player at centre-back to prove that point. I had no qualms with the squad but the lack of a plan and method was poor. As a viewer you could never see what the Irish were attempting to do. They offered nothing. One thing I think that some did give was effort, however it just appears as run-everywhere and kick anything that moves idea. This was optimised by Keith Andrews. He gave it his all as you would expect however they were lacking any real class. People will argue that it was the quality of opposition that made it look like this however that is a very easy cop-out.

The fitness levels were appalling. With Spain, everyone talks of their ability to retain the ball and their technical ability however for me their success is about what they do off the ball. The fitness levels of their team is terrific. Now when you look at the Ireland team and watch them play it was obviously that some of them were simply not fit. That is unacceptable. People may feel that is harsh, however how can you honestly look at the physique of Richard Dunne and tell me that that is the body of a sportsman and professional footballer representing his country at a major tournament in peek condition. He is overweight. Aston Villa fans and Paul Lambert must look at that in horror thinking that is our centre-half. Make no mistake, I feel Villa will be signing a centre half in this upcoming transfer window.

Shay Given was a wonderful player however now he is looking past it. He is making so many mistakes, and simple mistakes at that. I was a huge fan of Given, as during his time at Newcastle he contributed at least 10 points a season with his heroics. However I do not know if it is the number of injury to his back and elbow but it just seems something has changed. I honestly feel his place as the Aston Villa number one is in doubt. Damien Duff is another player who should not be in the International set-up. His performances were awful and he is nowhere near International level. He looked totally disinterested.

For me the likes of Given, Dunne and Duff should retire from the International scene with immediate effect. They have been great servants to Ireland over the years but it is time. Obviously these are no the only Irish players who were poor however they are the most high profile. Steven Ward at left-back had a shocker as did Aiden McGeady. He was another one of whom so much was expected but little was shown.  

Not much to cheer.

I was disappointed that James McClean did not get more time as after the season he has had he deserved it. It is the likes of McClean who are the future for Ireland. Robbie Keane is too old now for this level. He will stay on I expect and will be useful during qualifying however his ability to play at the major tournaments is over.

I feel sorry for all the Irish fans who travelled to support their team. They were singing from minute 1 to 90 without having any real encouragement to sing and shout about. 

Comments Welcome.