Florentino Perez is a joke!

03:51:00 Unknown 0 Comments

I have absolutely no sympathy for the current struggles that the Spanish giants Real Madrid are currently facing. Defeat to local rivals Atletico Madrid at the weekend leaves them an insurmountable 12 points behind the league leaders. A strategy that prioritises marketing and revenue ahead of producing an effective football philosophy will never bring sustained success.
Florentino Prerez’s obsession with the “galactico” model which has previously seen him build a side of superstars such as Zidanne, Figo and Ronaldo, may please the fans (for a while) but as long as they continue to ignore the equally important pieces of the jigsaw, they will never produce teams that have the stamina or consistency to be able to challenge for league titles consistently. Winning competition with a tournament format will continue to be their best hope of success. The closest they have come in recent years to overcoming these problems was with Jose when he built a solid and balanced squad with the correct blend of players to last the pace but we all know what happened to him in the end!
Another reason I have no sympathy and something that makes me angry is the decision to sack Rafa earlier this season. The spoiled fans have no patience and never give any manager time to build a side. The way Rafa was treat by Perez and Madrid is disgusting and epitomises the massive political issues at the club. Their decision to appoint Zidanne as the manager is another terrible mistake, appointed on the popularity and success during his time as a player is ridiculous. The results have not improved and apart from a couple of home games where they have turned over their opponents with an all-out attack approach neither have their performances. The fact remains that until they sort out these systemic issues at the football club, they will continue to underachieve. 

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Faubert Joins Killie

05:10:00 Unknown 0 Comments

Kilmarnock have signed former Real Madrid winger Julien Faubert after a trial. Faubert had spent time on trial in Perth before joining Kilmarnock to become Lee Clark's first signing as Rugby Park boss.
The former France international had been linked with a move to Rangers in 2007 before joining West Ham for £6m. Despite playing for France in 2006, Faubert was able to switch allegiances and play for Martinique in 2014 and has five goals in three games for his adopted nation. The winger becomes the third player to have played for Real Madrid's first team before moving to Scotland after Celtic's Thomas Graveson and Livingston's Rolando Zarate.
Faubert and co will have to pick up points and fast in their quest to stay in the SPFL. Killie currently sit in the relegation play-off position 8 points ahead of bottom placed Dundee United who are starting to find form with back to back wins over high flying Hearts and Ross County. I feel that although Killie’s league position is poor they have improved since the departure of manager Garry Locke, which has generated optimism amongst fans.
Killie can only realistically catch Hamilton or Motherwell to avoid the relegations play offs which would lightly be a 2 legged tie against Hibs who have been impressive in the Championship this year and have beaten SPFL sides in the domestic cups. Alan Stubbs’s side would be favourites to beat Killie in a play-off situation which makes the run in so important for killie, they will be looking for a bit of luck with favourable fixtures when the league splits next month.
In the meantime Clarkes men must turn all attention to Ross County at Rugby Park on Tuesday night in which is surely a must not lose. With County off the back of a 3-0 loss to bottom placed United it’s all to play for.

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Europa League round of 16 draw

05:25:00 Unknown 0 Comments

The last 16 Europa league draw threw up some interesting ties that certainly neutrals will be happy with. The two stand out ties in my view are Dortmund v Spurs and of course the old enemies Liverpool playing Manchester United. Another interesting tie is an all-Spanish 

Athletic Bilbao and Valencia, the two are also due to meet this weekend in La Liga.
Fenerbache and Braga will both feel they have a great opportunity of making the last 8 with two of probably the weaker teams in the last 16 draw facing each other. Villarreal who knocked out the tournament favourites Napoli last night have a tricky couple of games against Bayern Leverkusen who will be a very tough test.

I expect some really enjoyable games from these fixtures and perhaps even an upset or two. I feel Spurs have a genuine chance against Dortmund in a fixture that wouldn’t look out of place in the Champions league given the quality of the sides. Mo Po has Spurs playing some great energetic high pressing football with a nucleus of youth that seem to have no fear and are showing no signs of slowing down in their busy fixture list.

So the sides I’m tipping to progress to the quarter finals are Shakhtar Donesk, Seville, Villarreal, Manchester United, Lazio, Spurs and Braga. As with all cup competitions and especially tournaments with a format that include the away goal rule, you just never know what might happen, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see this round producing extra time and penalty kicks considering how closely matched some of the teams are.


Shaktar Donesk v Anderlecht
Basel v Sevilla
Villarreal v Bayern Leverkusen
Athletic Bilbao v Valencia
Liverpool v Manchester United
Sparta Prague v Lazio
Dortmund v Tottenham
Fenerbahche v Braga

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Scottish Junior Cup Quarter Final Draw

09:36:00 Unknown 0 Comments

The past two Scottish Cup winners are paired together in the pick of the ties. The match will be played at Blair park, date is tbc.

The draw in full

Beith v Arthurlie
Kilwinning Rangers v Camelon/Kelty
Hurlford United v Auchinleck Talbot
Pollock v Kilbirnie Ladeside


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Job Vacancy at Newport County

09:06:00 Unknown 0 Comments

Newport County AFC are looking for a Finance Manager to join the Club’s management team, catering for the day-to-day requirements of the business.
The ideal candidate should be proficient with the Club’s accounting software, performing general accounting tasks to suit the needs of the business.  Furthermore, we are looking for someone with the ability and drive to focus on financial aspects of all departments within the business with a view to generating additional revenue and making appropriate cost savings.

The closing date for all applications will beFriday 4th March 2016.  All applications to include a CV and covering letter should be directed to accounts@newport-county.co.uk.




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La Liga clubs show their superiority

07:29:00 Unknown 0 Comments


 6 La Liga clubs participating in European competitions won their first leg ties over the past 2 weeks and Athletico Madrid drew 0-0. This underlining the fact that La Liga is the strongest league in Europe (and not just according to UEFA coefficient ranking). Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona all won away from home while Villarreal, Valencia and Seville recorded impressive home wins. Before I go into the Spanish games individually, I have to say that I really enjoyed the Europa League and Champions league first leg ties, the quality of the teams in both competitions is high and the games were full of both quality and excitement which can at times understandably be absent in cagey first leg games.
AS Roma 0 – 2 Real Madrid
Roma started without their most natural goal threat Edin Dzeko in favour of packing the midfield with numbers and energy. The Italians biggest threat throughout the night was the former Chelsea players Salah who’s pace did cause problems for Madrid’s right back Danni Carvajal and right sided centre back Sergio Ramos. With Roma opting for legs over experience by leaving veterans De Rossi and Totti on the bench, their game plan did work as they dropped off as Madrid as expected dominated positions. Although they were retaining and recycling the ball effectively the effectiveness of their probing was limited with Marcelo arguably their most creating attacking force. Second half Roma tried to play further forward and exert pressure on the ball but were undone just before the hour mark as Ronaldo got in behind their back line and scored after much unfair criticism regarding him not scoring in 4 consecutive away games. Madrid’s academy graduate Jesse added a second minutes before the end, taking advantage of some awful defending as the Roma back 4 backed off and backed off before Jesse drove the ball low into the far corner.
Valencia 6- 0 Rapid Wien
Garry Neville made several changes from the team that helped him secure his first La Liga victory just days before the game. In all honesty this game was a non-contest with Valencia proving far too strong for the Austrian League leaders, being 5-0 up in 35mins. Rapid Vienna boss Zoran Barisic substituted his experienced captain Steffen Hoffman before half time, I suppose he was making a point to his players that the performance was not acceptable, but to be honest he could have given any one of the 11 players the hook with some justification. A combination of Rapid being more solid after the break and Valencia mercifully taking their foot of the gas, meant they added just one more goal to the rout.
Arsenal 0- 2 Barcelona
Although Barcelona dominated possession and dictated the tempo of the game at the Emiretes, I’m giving special praise to Arsene Wenger for in my opinion getting his tactics spot on. Arsenal defended narrow, closed the space in the right areas, dropped off in the right areas and were mostly comfortable in the first half. Second half was more of the same from Wengers men and but for a couple of lapses in concentration from their German captain they may have got a result. The difficulty with playing at team like Barcelona is that as soon as you move your defensive and midfield lines forward your vulnerable to the incredible pace and precision at which they can break with. I don't give Arsenal a chance in the return leg.
Elsewhere Villarreal beat tournament favorites Napoli 1-0 in a close game which could have gone either way, this tie is too close to call and is perfectly poised. Seville who seems to be winning the Europa league more times than you can keep count, will consider themselves to have one foot in the last 16 with a comprehensive win over Ole Solskjaer's FK Molde.




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Gianluigi Donnarumma

06:54:00 Unknown 0 Comments

AC Milan's first team goalkeeper turned 17 today, he's already made 18 Serie A appearances.


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FC Midjylland win! on the biggest night in their history

06:19:00 Unknown 0 Comments

I watched the Danish Champions FC Midjylland knock out Southampton in the Europa League qualifying rounds at the start of the season, so I was not surprised to see them put in a good performance on Thursday night. Having said that, FC Midjylland who shares the same owners as Championship side Brentford F.C, operates on a fraction of the budget of their English opponents. So winning 2-1 on the biggest night in their history will live forever in the memories of the supporters and players.


F.C Midjylland were formed in 1999 by a carpenter, the same year Sir Alex Fergusons Manchester United won the famous treble.  Much had been made prior to the game of the high ticket prices for both home and away supporters (Around £71 per ticket). The Midjylland chairman “Johnny Rune” explained that the decision to host the match at their home ground the MCH Arena which would have a reduced capacity of fewer than 10,000 to comply with UEFA stadium regulations, rather than moving the game to Copenhagen had been the cause of the elevated prices.


F.C Midjylland are a physical side that rely heavily on set pieces. The Danes however showed they are cable of playing good quality football, with players like Sisto and Vaclav Kadlec particularly impressing for the home team.


From Manchester United’s point of view, Juan Mata’s challenge on the Midjylland second half substitute Onuachu, in the lead up to his winning goal, epitomised a truly dreadful night for the Manchester giants. No desire, no fight, no leadership and in truth no real idea. The lengthy injury list will be pointed to by United’s Dutch manager but everyone that saw the game knows that regardless of personnel the performance was poor.


Ander Herrera is another player I have to pick out for criticism, giving the ball away over and over again in dangerous areas, putting his team under pressure. Herrera caught a knock on his lip in the first 5 minutes and seemed to be more interested in nursing his lip for the rest of the game than finding space and passes. Although I’ve picked out the Spaniards they were on marginally worse than the rest of the 11. Anthony Martial who started in a number 9 role along with the deputising goalkeeper Sergio Romero are the only two I give pass marks to on the night.


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Flourishing in European football

11:56:00 Unknown 0 Comments

I can remember the day that Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano were announced as new signings at West Ham. A deal that in the end was a bit of a nightmare for West Ham as they were severely punished by the English Premiere League for breaching rules involving third party ownership of players. Both players became involved with Kia Jooabchian and his investment company while playing at Corinthians. Corinthians formed an agreement with the company in 2004 before the Argentines arrived in Brazil. In 2009 it was reported that Jooabchian’s Media Sport investment group owned over 80 South American footballers economic rights.


Kia Jooabchian wanted the players to move to London in order to have them in the European shop window, which in fairness would start both their fantastic careers in Europe. With Tevez returning to his boyhood club Boca Juniors last summer I thought it relevant to reflect on the tenacious Argentines time spent in Europe


We all know that exciting attacking talents regularly come out of South America to Europe, where the big money can be made and they can compete in the best competitions. Occasionally we hear noises of something special; we wait in anticipation to see which club will bring them to Europe. For every Neymar or Robinho de Souza, there’s one hundred South Americans that come and for whatever reason struggle to live up to expectation. That was never going to be the case with Tevez or Mascherano. Unlike the usual twinkle toed light weight South American attacker, Tevez had so much more about him physically, tailor made for the European leagues that he would go on to succeed in. Although Tevez was a pit-bull he still possessed that South American class, the special touch and technique that we all love.

Tevez left West Ham to join Manchester United in the summer of 2007 after agreeing a 2 year loan deal with Kia Jooabchian’s investment company. He joined an exciting team including Ronaldo Aveiro,  Nani and Wayne Rooney. During his 2 years at United, Tevez was an integral part of Sir Alex Fergusons UEFA Champions League and English Premiere League double winning team. Scoring the first penalty in the Champions league final shoot out against Chelsea in Moscow. Tevez also won another league title and the FIFA Club World Cup during his two years at Old Trafford, scoring 19 goals in 62 games.

After a breakdown in negotiations that would have seen Tevez  join United permanently, he eventually joined Manchester City in 2009 in a controversial transfer both politically and financially. Tevez scored an impressive 58 goals in 113 games winning 1 Premiere League title and 1 FA Cup. Tevez continued to flourish in the English league and became a vital part of the League title winning side. Similar to his spell at United, Tevez had darker moments when he fell out with team mates and coaches, being accused at times of being a bad influence on the squad and generally attracting negative press

From 2013 to 2015 Tevez played his football in Turin at Juventus where he became a fans favorite. He scored 39 goals in 66 games for the Old Lady. In Italy Tevez won 2 Serie A tittles and 1 Coppa Italia. Tevez and Juventus reached the UEFA Champions league final in 2015 where he came up against his old friend Mascherano in the Final in Berlin. Barcelona won that final 3-1 denying Tevez his second UEFA Champions league medal.

As well as winning many trophies, Tevez also won a number of individual awards, these include West Ham player of the year 2007, Manchester City player of the year 2010 and PFA team of the year 2011, Juventus player of the year 2014 & 2015, Serie A team of the year 2014 & 2015, UEFA Europa League team of the season 2014 and Serie A player of the year 2015.




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4 Exciting attacking French players to look out for!

04:34:00 Unknown 0 Comments

I spent 10 days of my summer in 2015 watching the Toulon tournament. The tournament is an under 20 international tournament that’s been on the go for over 40 years. 10 invited teams participate in the tournament which is not organised or overseen by UEFA or any individual football association. Over the years young players such as Rui Costa, Thierry Henry, David Ginola, Riquelme and Alan Shearer have participated in the tournament, before going on to have outstanding careers.

An impressive French side ran out eventual winners beating a good Morocco team 3-1 in the final. Although Euro 2016 will take place in France this summer, the tournament will come too early for almost the entire Toulon tournament winning squad but I thought I’d take a look at the up and coming young French stars. Some are surely destined to follow in the footsteps of the like of Anelka and Henry, perhaps even become European and World Cup winners one day.


Thomas Lemar

Lemar was one of the outstanding players of the Tournament in the summer at just 19 years old. Lemar is only 5ft 7 but is quick, mobile and technically gifted. Like all players of his age sometimes his final ball and decision making is inconsistent but he without doubt has the raw talent to be successful. He has a great left foot and is especially good from dead ball situations, free kick and corner he can provide quality deliveries. Lemar is currently contracted to Monaco after moving from Ligue 1 side Caen in 2013, where he only made his debut in August 2013. Lemar has played for the French national teams at every level from U17 to U21. His next task is to hold down a regular spot in the AS Monaco first team by putting in consistent performances and from then on who knows, I have feeling is we will be seeing much more of him in years to come.


Jean-Luc Mamadou Diarra Dompe

Diarra Dompe spent his youth career at Valenciiennes, unlike Lamar he’s not played through all the levels with France and his appearance at the Toulon tournament was the first time he’s played for the national team. Again at 20, his talent his still very raw, but has blistering pace, very skilful and is always looking to take on his man.  Diarra Dompe is currently contracted to Standard League until 2019 and has a good platform in the Belgian pro league to develop. Diarra is in no way a dead cert for a great football career but I personally feel he has the talent to at least put him in with a chance if he works hard and develops the potential he has.


Enzo Crivelli

Born in Rouen France, Crivelli is a 6ft plus centre forward, a physical presence with a poacher’s instinct and a is a quick thinker. Crivelli claimed 2 out of the 3 individual awards at the Toulon tournament scoring 4 goals (Golden Boot) and winning player of the tournament. He’s played at Under 20 and Under 21 level for France and is a very vocal player, a leader on the pitch. At just 21 Crivelli is playing regularly in ligue 1 with Boudreaux, having spent much of his youth career at AS Cannes. With an eye for goals and physical power he would be tailor made to play in the German, Italian or English leagues if he does decide to further his career elsewhere. Out of my 4 players I would argue he is the most developed as a player at his young age, and although not the most technically gifted he seems to have a maturity when it comes to decision making on the pitch.


Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial is a young talent that has been on the radar of Europe’s elite since he was a very young teenager. Blistering pace and fantastic feet along with a cool head in front of goal and in high pressure situation has made him the most expensive teenager in European football history, when he moved from As Monaco the Manchester United in 2015 at just 19 years old. Martial moved to Monaco from Lyon in 2013 and played 49 games for the French side, many of which were from the bench. Martial can play as a number 9 but seems to feel far more at home in a wide position taking on the full back and cutting inside to create shooting opportunities. Unlike the others Martial didn’t take part in the Toulon tournament and has been capped 6 times for the French senior team.  He looks to be a dead cert for a place in Didier Deschamps squad for the Euros in the summer. Manchester United manager Louise Van Gaal said he was the best player of his age in Europe when he joined them in 2015 and has not failed to deliver in the short time he’s been at Old Trafford, scoring 10 goals and terrifying opposition’s defenses.








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Reminiscing of Euro 2004

06:28:00 Unknown 0 Comments

With Euro 2016 just round the corner and excitement growing I caught myself thinking about the Tournaments of the past. I can remember the great French teams with their perfect balance of power, pace and skill. The tactical and  experienced Italian teams with veterans like Maldini and Del Piero, I remember the fantastic Spain team of late winning 3 tournaments on the bounce with pass and move total football that revolutionised international football, with players like Xavi and Iniesta. But the best triumph in the European championship I’ve ever witnessed was Otto Rehhagels Greece team of 2004. No superstars, no great football tradition to look back and draw strength from, no expectation and above all else no world class individuals that it usually takes to win major tournaments.

What Rehhagels team did have was togetherness, organisations, mental strength, and an experienced couch that had managed several teams in the Bundesliga. But it was the power and sheer determination of the Greece team that the tournament success was built on.  So dangerous from set pieces, so strong at defending their own penalty area, I can remember every time I watched the Greek goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis, I was sure he had a mistake in him, but somehow everything came together for them in Portugal and they beat the hosts in the first and last game of the tournament. Deserved winners, not the prettiest team you’ll ever see. I don’t think anyone could grudge them winning that tournament, I put the Greece Euro 2004 win, masterminded my Otto Rehhagel downnas the best football achievement I’ve witnessed in my time as a fan. How great would it be to see another upset in France this summer?

 There’s something great about sport when the underdog manages to defy all odds and win, that is of course when it’s not against our own team. If this tournament is half as good as the World Cup in Brazil 2014, we are in for a treat. So when your down the bookies putting on your bets for the tournament winners and your about to put a score next to France or Germany, just remember the Greek side of 2004. An underdog might just be worth a few quid!


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European Cup

02:45:00 Unknown 0 Comments

With the Champions League knock out rounds starting tonight I thought I'd post a few Champions League memories from over the years.






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"Arsene Wenger" by John Cross, my review

09:09:00 Unknown 0 Comments

I recently finished a book by the chief football writer for the mirror, Mr John Cross “The inside of Arsenal under Wenger” It’s among a few books my girlfriend bought me for Christmas.
The book briefly covers Wenger's early life and career along with his managerial positions in Monaco and in Japan before he was employed at Arsenal through his relationship with David Dean. Cross gives personal experiences of his media work over many years during with he has developed a good relationship with the Frenchman. Cross has undertaken extensive primary research of former and current footballers and football people who have worked with and around Wenger (it’s packed with exclusive interviews!).

It didn’t take long for Wenger to become a hit at Arsenal and as we all know implemented his pass and move, fast and attacking footballing philosophy which always entertains football followers in England and beyond. Wenger is a football purist and feels it his duty to not only bring success but for his team to entertain every single week. The highlight of the book is the “Invisibles”chapter where Cross waxes lyrical about Wengers 2003/2004 premier league unbeaten champions. Cross devotes a portion of the book to reminiscing of the glory days which Arsenal fans will enjoy but to his credit looks at some of the more uncomfortable questions surrounding Wengers tenure in North London.

The book has some good in depth analysis and reflection but at times lacks evidence and contains a number of assumptions in some but not all areas. The building of the new stadium and the trophy drought his considered along with the success of Wenger bringing champions league football and stability to the club through financially difficult times,  where his job role seemed to evolved into Accountant almost as much as General Manager. Though Arsenal fans remainat least partially split on whither Wenger is still the man to take the club forward, Cross leaves it up to the reader to draw their own conclusions based on the substantial evidence provided.

This is worth a read, even if you’re not a fan of Wenger or Arsenal. Cross without doubt gives a fresh insight through his experiences working in the media. The book is on sale at Amazon for £16.59 hard back and the kindle addition is just £11.99.



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My Europa League preview and predictions

03:56:00 Unknown 0 Comments

The UEFA Europa League –Round of the 32 first leg games will be played this week with the majority of the games on Thursday 18th at 18.00 and 20.05 GMT. This year’s competition really excites me with it featuring massive European names like Napoli, Valencia, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and the current holder Seville to name just a few.

The landscape of the competition has changed slightly over the past couple of years when UEFA altered the format to award the eventual winners with a place in the group stage of the UEFA champion’s league. With competition for places in the competition being so tuff, teams from nations such as England are taking it more seriously having been accused  in the past of not doing so. The Italians and Spanish just can’t understand the mentality of the English clubs towards the competition in recent years, with them viewing it often as a burden rather than a priority.

I’m tipping the teams from the stronger European leagues to have success in this tournament and in particular Napoli who are currently 2nd in Serie A to be the eventual winners. My dark horse tip is the 33/1 shot Basel from Switzerland. They sit top of the Swiss super league and have good Europe pedigree with good experienced players at both Europa and Champions league level.

My ties of the round are
   Dortmund v Porto
   Florentine v Tottenham
   Villarreal v Napoli

I expect these 3 ties to be the pick of the bunch and the ones to watch. I’m sure they be plenty of goals and action in the round of 32. Check out my predictions for the 1st leg games!


Anderlecht v. Olympiakos            1-1

BVB Dortmund v. Porto               0-1

Fiorentina v. Tottenham               2-1

Midtjylland v. Man Utd                0-1

Sevilla v.  Molde                            2-0
  
St Etienne v. Basel                        0-0

Villarreal v. Napoli                       2-2

FC Augsburg v. Liverpool           1-2

FC Sion v. Sporting Braga          1-3

Galatasaray v. Lazio                    0-0

Marseille v. Ath Bilbao                0-3

Shakhtar Donetsk v. Schalke 04 1-3

Sparta Prague v. FK Krasnodar  1-1

Sporting v. Leverkusen                1-2

Valencia CF v. SK Rapid Wien   2-1






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Title race on! SPFL

04:56:00 Unknown 0 Comments

Aberdeen beating Celtic on Wednesday night was not only a great game to watch but so important for the struggling Scottish league. Scottish football has often been described over the years as a two horse race and with one of the horses being metaphorically shot, you can’t blame fans for losing interest in a league that’s become like the French and Italian of recent years. (One team running away with it opening up 15 point gaps before Christmas).

A Celtic win would have put them 9 points clear of second place Aberdeen and surely the nail in the confine as far as their title ambitions are concerned. Having no allegiance to either side I have to confess to jumping off my seat when Johnny Hayes wonder strike in the first half hit the back of the net. Aberdeen eventually winning 2-1 after Celtics in form forward Griffiths scored a consolation, I’m asking can someone other than Celtic really win the league.

When I think about the relatively massive financial muscle Celtic have compared to the other teams in Scotland, I can’t help but think their underachieving. With hopes of a treble out the window with league cup defeat to Ross County on Sunday, the Hoops boss has been receiving speculations from fans and within the media over his future. But I feel there’s a greater underlying problem at Celtic that roots deeper than the clubs management and players. That’s a lack of competition, when Celtic lost their Champions league qualifier this season to the Swedish side Malmo FF, their boss Allan Kuhn commented that Celtic tyre in the last 10 minutes of games and lack fitness to be competitive in Europe. This argument further supported by the late goals lost against Malmo and the last minuit goal they lost at Rugby Park when Kuhn attended in preparation for the two legged tie. The fact is that many games in the league Celtic don’t need to get out of second gear (they beat Hamilton 8-1 at Park Head in January). So when it comes time to play a better opposition or they are up against it in tightly contested games, the mental and physical toughness is just not there. Playing in front of a half empty stadium for really the first time in Celtics recent history due to the fact Rangers and real competition is absent can’t help either.


With that said it looks as if their arch enemy Rangers will return to the top flight after a 4 year absence which should in theory benefit the league as a whole. In the meantime Aberdeen can’t really win the league…….can they?


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Garry and Phil continue to struggle at the Mestalla

10:32:00 Unknown 0 Comments

When the Valencia owner and Salford City shareholder Peter Lim called Garry Neville to offer him the chance to manage one of the biggest clubs in Spain, he admitted it was too good an opportunity to turn down. After all it’s not every day someone with absolutely no hands on experience in football management is asked to take charge of a club of such magnitude.
Although  Neville said publicly it was too good a chance to turn down, and that he didn’t think twice about the opportunity to join his brother Phil in Spain, I have no doubt he know the risks and obstacles that makes the job so very difficult. Firstly the language barrier; a hurdle that he must have been confident of overcoming, having seen Phil become fairly fluent in just 7 months since taking up the assistant manger’s role alongside Nuno Santo. Then the task of motivating a group of players languishing in mid-table, vastly underachieving when considering their quality, experience, and considerable wages; but above all these challenges, the political issues at Valencia that seem deeply set in the core of a club that has systemic political problems, rotten from the inside out, was the biggest of all. The fans will need to be once again brought onside at Valencia after a loss of trust of and patience with the owner and former coach Santo, who from their point of view had an unhealthy relationship with the super-agent Jorge Mendes (During Santo and Lim’s time at the Mestalla many of Mendes clients have joined for considerable transfer fees creating suspicion and unrest among the fans).
As each week passes, watching Neville desperately trying to secure his first La Liga win and having seen the first signs of white handkerchiefs being waved on Sunday in the home game against Sporting Gijon, the trip to Real Betis could be make or break! I’ll certainly be tuning in on Sunday afternoon. Surely he’s going to have to turn things around starting this weekend if he has any chance of survival and success in Spain.


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