Category Archives: Manchester United

News and Views pertaining to Manchester United

Should “Blizzard Soccer” Be Part of the Sport?

  By O-Posts Team | May 18, 2013 - 21:58 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

The World Cup playoff game between the United States and Costa Rica on March 22, 2013 was especially memorable. Played in the middle of a storm in Colorado, the game was the closest thing to blizzard soccer fans had seen in awhile.

For 90 minutes, players had to contend with an increasingly torrential downpour of wet, white flakes. Afterwards, the severity of the conditions had millions of soccer enthusiasts wondering: should play in such treacherous conditions really be allowed?

 

Why Continue?

World Cup games are obviously the most important in the sport and can be difficult to reschedule. When a team and its fans have already traveled thousands of miles for the game, canceling is something to avoid at all costs. In addition, postponing the game may mean players won’t get enough rest before their next round.

In this particular game, it didn’t look like the weather would cooperate any time soon. If the game hadn’t been played that night, it wouldn’t have been for quite awhile.

 

Is It Safe?

In spite of tight tournament schedules and pending forecasts, the safety of the players should be the number one consideration when choosing to continue a game. Looking back, was it really safe to continue a game in the middle of a blizzard?

In defending their decision to continue play, refs saidthe players hadn’t been sliding on the snow very much. While this may be true, any soccer player will tell you injuries don’t necessarily happen during slides.

These players were cold, wet, and covered in so much snow that they could run it through an EDI water purification system and use it to hydrate themselves. In these conditions, even the slightest misstep can cause an injury. If nothing else, the players’ immune systems were lowered by the weather.

 

Who Should Make the Call?

If the game has already started, refs make the final call as to whether it will continue. However, is this fair? Shouldn’t the league, coaches and players have more of a say in whether conditions are safe?

 

Written by Michael Deaven

Follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelCDeaven

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

 

Infographic: The Top Paid Football Players Throughout History

  By O-Posts Team | May 18, 2013 - 21:40 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

The argument over how much footballers are paid in the modern era has been going on for years now and shows no sign of stopping. Some of the world’s biggest names are now playing with wage packets that let them take home more in a week than many of us will make in our lifetimes, and all for kicking a ball around – if they even get on the pitch of course!

It hasn’t always been the case that players earned hundreds of thousands each week, however. In actual fact, some players were earning the equivalent of £228 each week back in the 1900s, the same as what many full-time workers in the “real world” earn today.

This infographic, created by equipment retailer The Soccer Store, shows just how times have changed, from the early days of £4 per week right up to the £200,000-a-week contract signed by Carlos Tevez in 2009.

 

 

 

Written and created by Matt Rawlings

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattRawlings46

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

Adam’s Premier League Column: Wigan Athletic Confirm Relegation

  By O-Posts Team | May 17, 2013 - 22:40 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

It’s been coming; we were just too afraid to admit it. After Wigan’s cup heroics at the weekend, there was a possibility that they could perform the ‘Great Escape’ that they have managed on countless occasions, and in fashionable style, too.

It looked like survival was on the cards after some impressive wins and vital draws, although where I think it was lost was after the FA Cup semi-final victory against Millwall. Since that game, they lost to Manchester City, West Ham and Swansea, whilst picking up a point against Tottenham and a win at West Brom. Against Swansea you felt that they were running on pure emotion, and perhaps it was just a season too far for the Latics.

They’ve left a rather big gap in the Barclays Premier League and it is a shame that they’ve dropped down to the Championship after seven years in the top-flight. I reckon that they have the credentials to come back up within their first season, or definitely the second. I do believe however that it all depends on which players decide to stay and of course whether their manager, Roberto Martinez, stays at the DW Stadium.

Since David Moyes has transferred to Old Trafford to replace the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson, who said an emotional goodbye to the club in which he won thirteen league titles, Martinez has been linked with the Everton job. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was lured to Everton and I’m sure he could do a brilliant job there. Martinez will want to remain a Premier League manager, I’m sure of it.

The result that sent them down – a 4-1 loss to Arsenal – ensured that the Gunners can clinch Champions League football if they win on the last day of the season, and Tottenham need a win to clinch the spot, as long as Arsenal draw or lose. It will make for an exciting spectacle on the last day of the season, and these are what makes the Premier League rich in excitement.

Another change in the Premier League has happened at former Premier League Champions Manchester City. On the same date that Sergio ‘Aguerooooo’ scored that infamous injury time winner to steal the title off United, City sacked Roberto Mancini. The decision had been brewing for some time, and I believe that the FA Cup loss to Wigan may have tipped the decision that was eventually made, although I feel that had he won the cup, it still might not have saved his job.

Speculation has been growing as to whom may replace the Italian, with Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini the leading candidate for the notorious job. Whether the former Real Madrid man can lead City to the success that they all crave is another thing. It’s no easy club to manage.

I’d love to see Mourinho take control of the dugout at Etihad, but that may end up just being a distant dream. Time will tell, but it didn’t seem to have an effect on the side as City stormed to a 2-0 victory at relegated Reading with Brian Kidd in charge after Mancini’s assistant, David Platt, stepped down.

David Moyes, whom I mentioned earlier, waved goodbye to the faithful at Goodison Park with the perfect send-off, beating West Ham United 2-0. It was an encouraging performance too.

Norwich ensured survival at the weekend with a telling 4-0 victory against Steve Clark’s West Brom, who have eased off the pace since survival was confirmed. I’m pleased that Norwich haveensured Premier League football for another campaign as they have an English manager in charge. I’ll support any English boss and wish them success.

Newcastle beat lowly QPR to beat the drop when a short Bosingwa ball tricked its way back to ‘keeper Robert Green, and his punt up field found Gouffran who tapped in to hand the three points to the visitors.

Tottenham kept up with Arsenal after Adebayor netted the winner from close-range. Up the other end of the table, Di Canio’s Sunderland drew at home to Southampton, and the Italian has done what was needed to be done. They’ve looked fresher since the change and at times joyous to watch, especially in the Tyne wear derby.

Daniel Sturridge netted an impressive hat-trick, his first in senior football, to beat Martin Jol’s Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage. The pick of the bunch was a sublime lob which found the bottom corner, similar to the goal he scored during the 2012 London Olympics for Team GB.

I’m looking forward to what the final day has in store in terms of the Champions League spot. But we all know that there will be far less drama than what we have experienced on the last day before.

 

Written by Adam May

Follow Adam on Twitter @Amay132

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

David Beckham: The brand charges on but Becks bows out unfulfilled

  By O-Posts Team | May 17, 2013 - 21:41 | , , , , , , ,
1 Comment

“Old Time, the greatest and longest established spinner of all!.. his factory is a secret place, his work is noiseless, and his hands are mutes” said Charles Dickens, referring to the commodity of age as an almost haunting process.

There is definitely a chill about the air in 2013, the defining generation of the Premier League era is edging itself to the door. Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher both wave goodbye on Sunday, as does Paul Scholes, accompanied by his manager, who ends his 26 year stint in charge of Manchester United with a game against West Bromwich Albion.

Scholes’s exit leaves Ryan Giggs as the one remaining “Fergie Fledgling”, the one-man contradiction to the words of Dickens, as this week, over in Paris, David Beckham has also announced he is to remove himself from football’s A-list.

His news was inevitably accompanied by numerous replays of his half-way line goal against Wimbledon, as well as that free-kick against Greece that sent a sharp tingle down the most insensitive of spines as it curved into the net, sending England to the 2002 World Cup.

The perspective of ageing can be found in that particular trawl back through the archives as Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand will be the only two survivors from that 2-2 draw, twelve years on, heading back to the drudgery of pre-season in the late-summer.

As football moves on to a brave new era, there was an opportunity to dwell on Beckham’s fine, if not fantastic career. With 6 Premier League titles, a Champions League, league titles in Spain and France and a series of trophies from his time in the United States, Beckham can certainly walk away with a glimmering trophy cabinet, however there has to be a tinge of regret accompanying the nostalgia as he looks back through a career that spanned two decades.

Nearly all of Sir Alex Ferguson’s class of the mid-90s have left Manchester United effusively, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt when first team opportunities stemmed out of reach, Gary Neville when chronic injuries hit and Scholes when father-time has eventually reared his head. That is of course, all but Giggs, who is still soldiering on at the ripe old age of 38, and Beckham, who bucked the trend, leaving United shrouded in controversy and dispute.

Ferguson did not mean to kick that infamous boot at Beckham in the aftermath of a 2003 FA Cup tie against Arsenal, yet it provided the perfect illustration to accompany Beckham’s acrimonious exit to Real Madrid that summer. Beckham had developed “this fashion thing” according to Ferguson, causing him to witness his “transition into a different person”.

In the run up to the World Cup of 2002, after that meeting with Greece, Beckham suffered a foot injury in a challenge with Argentinean Aldo Duscher and the media fanfare began to take pace, almost into insanity, as it rushed Beckham into Sven Goran Eriksson’s plans for Japan and Korea.

Despite his “redemption” against Argentina in Sapporo, Beckham cut an unfit figure, jumping out of a challenge against Brazil in the quarter-finals in the build-up to Rivaldo’s equaliser. Yet England’s presence on the global stage without their captain was simply unthinkable, he had to be there, broken metatarsal or not. “Brand Beckham” had launched and for Manchester United it became too much. “His life changed when he met his wife” Ferguson once said.

Together with his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria Adams, and advisor Stuart Fuller, a behemoth of a marketing campaign was forged. Beckham perfume and clothing ranges were all exposed to the world as he moved to Spain and then the United States, but his dedication to the sport he loved never let up despite the ultra sums of money he was making alongside his on-pitch exploits.

Initially phased out from Real Madrid’s squad by Fabio Capello after his move to the MLS became public, he fought his way back in to the Italian’s thinking to help secure the Spanish title in 2007. Steve McClaren dropped him from his England revolution when he succeeded Sven Goran-Eriksson in 2007 but he was back a year later, lasting until an Achilles injury ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup.

All this came after he fought his way back from the vitriolic low he slumped to after being shown a red card for a faint kick on Diego Simeone at the France ’98 World Cup. Beckham’s persistence and refusal to give-in was peerless.

He filled his off-season in America by moving on loan to AC Milan, Carlo Ancelotti voicing huge support for his relentless professionalism. From lining a tyre on the frame of the goal after training at Manchester United’s old facility at the Cliff and trying repeatedly to bend a free-kick through it, right the way to popping up at Paris St Germain at the age of 38 for one final shot at the big time, Beckham was the footballer who vehemently refused to betray his natural instincts of sheer endeavour and devotion.

It was that ruthless pursuit of excellence that transformed him into one of the very best during the late 90s, early 2000s, which he lit up with his trademark array of spectacular goals and wonderful passes that were consistently inch-perfect. Football’s evolution into the culture of celebrity engrossed him however and Manchester United seemed to be aware of his transformation into the poster boy of this new age of ultra-capitalism at the top of the game.

Despite the 115 caps for England, despite the numerous cups he has won since his exit from Old Trafford, despite the phenomenal work-rate and flawless image he resiliently strived to demonstrate, Beckham’s career wasn’t what it should have been, that should be the most saddening eulogy to an otherwise incredible career.

 

Written by Adam Gray

Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamGray1250

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

Paul Scholes: A Tribute to the Ginger Maestro

  By O-Posts Team | May 16, 2013 - 19:11 | , , , ,
Leave a comment

It is no coincidence that my 50th article of 2013 is on the Ginger Maestro. It is fitting that we revere and sendoff the great Paul Scholes in the grandest of styles. He may have retired before, but his comeback was even more phenomenal. After seven months out of the game, the pass King returned to help his old teammates when he felt they were short in a position he occupied and made his own for many years. One of the best players of his era deserves much more than laudatory remarks.

Despite his small frame, the majestic genius was so good he rarely ever put a foot wrong. How can you begin to acknowledge his contributions to the now rich Manchester United history. He picked up his 11th League winners medal on Sunday. The very same day that will represent his last ever as a a footballer at Old Trafford. He was injured for much of the year, but when he played from the start of the season, he was almost impeccable (bar his mistimed tackles).

The peak of his performance came in the 3-2 loss to Spurs at the Theatre last year where he attempted a mind boggling 144 passes only in the 2nd half. It was quite simply  astounding. The masterclass midfielder has dominated matches aplenty with his exceptional and unique skill and technique. Eyebrows were raised when he decided to clean up his old boots and get back on the pitch he sorely missed for the seven months he was out.

I, for one, was pissed that his last ever game as an esteemed professional would be that excruciating defeat to Barcelona in the UCL final at the new Wembley. Even though I was slightly excited by the way six players of the Blaugrana fought for his jersey, it wasn’t at all gratifying. It was relieving when he decided to give playing for Manchester United one final shot. I didn’t bother what the aftermath of his return would be.

All that mattered was that one of my all time favourite footballers was back. Not many can come out of retirement and still have a great impact on affairs. Paul Scholes was one of the select few. A  great master cannot suddenly become a student however long the hiatus could ever be. It was an effortless return to action in January 2011 and from then on, we were treated to some of the most scintillating performances ever seen.

He sparked the Manchester United revival that season and if not for some moments of madness, it would have ended in glory until Aguero broke our hearts on the last day of the season. He didn’t retire because he was aware that Manchester United don’t back down when the battle is at its fiercest.  True to the United spirit and drive that the equally supernatural Sir Alex Ferguson has instilled  in his team, the red army came roaring this term and no one could as much as muster a challenge when the march began and ended in victory.

The 13th Premier League and 20th English topflight crown was sealed in April and thus, it meant the grand old magician could have his swansong at Old Trafford entrenched in exaltation and splendor. Rio Ferdinand made sure the ginger Prince bowed out in style when he sent in an unstoppable cracker past the Swansea goalie in the 87th minute to gift our beloved Manchester United the win. It was written in the stars. A tad better than the sendoff two years prior and a much greater feeling of satisfaction and serenity.

When the World’s greatest ever footballer sings your praise, you know you are truly special. The exemplary and sometimes annoying Edson Arantes (PELE) was in awe of Paul Scholes. The Brazilian all time great was of the opinion that if the man affectionately called ‘SATNAV’ had been his teammate, he definitely would have scored more than the 1200+ goals he managed in his peerless career to date. Zinedine Zidane singled out Paul as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced. The former World and European Footballer of the year and the best player to come out of France. That says it all.

Other legitimate Legends like Thierry Henry, Luis Figo, Pep Guardiola, Xavi, etc have done their fair share of eulogies too. It is no mistake that Bobby Charlton calls the retiring great his favourite  footballer who epitomises the spirit of Manchester United and everything about Football. Another England great and a not too bad pass master, Glenn Hoddle extolled his sterling qualities, tagging him the jewel in the crown and unarguably one of the best footballers of his generation. Perhaps the finest of his age.

Paul Scholes is one of the very best of any generation. He could fit into any team in any era. His accumulation of cards was just one blip in a career worthy of praise and emulation. However, the man had self control and restraint when necessary. Despite receiving 97 yellow cards in the premier league, only on four occasions did he actually get sent off. His challenges were sometimes criminal, but largely thrown overboard and exaggerated by a large section of the media whose hate and envy of Manchester United increase on a daily basis.

It was Sven-Goran Eriksson (nicknamed Svennis) that denied England fans and the country itself the opportunity to see Scholesy in prime form. He retired at 29 because he was abandoned on the left wing in favour of Lampard and Gerrard who can never ever match his explosiveness and knack for finding the right man. Scholes is and will forever be incomparable on and off the pitch. Many attempts to get him back playing for the three lions hit a brick wall and rightly so. He was discarded like rotten potato..You can’t eat your fiesta and have it.

It isn’t just his on-the-pitch exploits that sets him apart. Scholes is one of the most humble and down to earth footballers of all time. Never one for the razzmatazz of the game nor for the celebrity lifestyle. A pure family person who drives home straight after training or any football match, avoiding interviews and what have you. You rarely come across a player with the complete package.

Here you have one of the world’s greatest ever players who prefers his football and family to fame and recognition and embraces glory rather than popularity. Despite all these, his excellent contributions to the game we love so much made him so famous and well loved. Take away his erratic rashness and uncompromising tackles and you have an almost spotless career filled with collective titles and personal accolades.

Hasta la vista the best decision-maker in world football. The man who could pass from Manchester to Massachusetts with consummate ease. We obviously would not mind a third foray. Although, John McEnroe’s famous rant to the Chair Umpire in his playing days must spring up…….’YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS’

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

Follow Ohis on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

Man United: Making a case for Moyes; the right man for the Red Devils

  By O-Posts Team | May 9, 2013 - 19:31 | , , , ,
Leave a comment

Since Sir Alex Ferguson shocked the world of football by announcing his retirement on Wednesday morning, there has been little ambiguity as to whom Manchester United wanted to succeed their most successful manager. A day later, with people still coming to terms of the prospect of a Ferguson-less Old Trafford for the first time in 26 years, it is David Moyes who has been confirmed as the heir to arguably the most daunting job in the game.

Jose Mourinho, winner of two Champions League titles and serial champion, was mooted as he winds to the end of his time at Real Madrid, but the only man seemingly in the running was Moyes, the 50 year old whose only silverware in fifteen years of management remains a Division 2 title with Preston at the turn of the century.

It is full testament to the conviction Manchester United have in of Moyes however that they have backed him with a six-year contract and the emphatic endorsement of Ferguson, who said the board were “unanimous” in their decision to choose his fellow Scot.

It almost seems like a paradox to describe the most successful club in England, one who has just reached a tally of 20 league titles, appointing a man with scarce experience of managing at Champions League and no trophies to show for his ten years with Everton as a logical decision. But when his record is ebbed away, it becomes just that.

Irrespective of his record, Manchester United wanted a man who could fit seamlessly into the fabric and tradition of the club whilst showing a willingness to churn out the same sort of longevity that Ferguson has set the barometer for. In Moyes they will get those traits, as well as a man who demands respect, preaches discipline and places an emphasis on financial prudence and the promotion of young talent. It is those latter two characteristics that have contributed to top ten finishes in all but 2 of his ten years at Goodison Park with a net spend of just £800,000 over the past five years.

It is these factors that have contributed to the make-up of the Glasgow-born manager which has become so appealing to Ferguson and the Manchester United board. They want continuity, loyalty and a strong work-ethic and they will find that in abundance in their new manager; such is his diligence and dedication that he travelled from Everton’s training ground whilst heavily linked with a new job on Wednesday, all the way to London to scout Chelsea in their match with Tottenham. Like Ferguson, he remains remarkably driven by a wonderful enthusiasm for the game and an unrelenting will to win.

As he settles down to take on his new post, one that he is certain to receive the utmost backing in from the corridors of Old Trafford that appreciate more than anything the importance of long-termism, Moyes will be exposed to more resources and inevitably higher expectation. He has shown enough in his decade in Merseyside, especially with his recent astute business with the likes of Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Sylvian Distin, Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas, to suggest he will be perfectly comfortable in handling the demands of both.

His track record in bringing through the likes of Wayne Rooney and now Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman and Leon Osman from the Everton youth set-up bodes well for adapting to the inevitable expectation of utilising the next generation at Old Trafford. From the emergence of Ryan Giggs right through to the era of Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, Ferguson’s handprint on youth development is clearly marked and he will be looking for his successor to nurture the next generation of Nick Powell and Wilfried Zaha.

Whereas Mourinho, for all of his trophy-laden years, has been barbed with criticism for ignoring the Castilla during his time in Madrid, Moyes will show no reluctance in investing faith in the young.

For a reign as historic as Ferguson’s, supporters would have been right to demand a big name to come in and succeed it, but it remains remarkably short-sighted to refer to Moyes’s aerial as underwhelming based own his lack of success.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi took a gamble on Arrigo Sacchi, the European Cup winning pioneer of Italian football, whilst he managed Parma in first Serie C1 and then Serie B, Arsenal took Arsene Wenger from Grampus 8 in Japan, Antonio Conte arrived at Juventus from Siena and Pep Guardiola hadn’t managed at senior level before trampling all in his wake at Barcelona. Jurgen Klopp, now flavour of the month at Borussia Dortmund, was relegated with Mainz before he was allowed to turn the Champions League finalists into the envy of Europe.

Previous records become an irrelevance when the right character, not necessarily the right manager, becomes available. Manchester United have chosen to look at the person behind the man who is charged with delivering results and found somebody of trustworthiness, integrity and value in the same mould as the 71 year old coach many say can’t be replaced.

That could well be true, but Moyes deserves a mighty good shot at it.

 

Written by Adam Gray

Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamGray1250

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

 

Man United: Ferguson finds the right time to drop the retirement bombshell

  By O-Posts Team | May 8, 2013 - 19:32 | , , , ,
Leave a comment

It’s been nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson was left to rue talk of his retirement disrupting the side enough to finish third, his equal-worst finish as a Premier League boss during a managerial spell that has now reached 26 years. After winning a 13th league title, Manchester United’s 20th in total, it appears the Scot has finally decided to call it quits on a remarkable odyssey that is unlikely to be repeated again, at any level of football management.

It is difficult to mark the retirement of Ferguson without using claims of exaggeration but such is the mark of the man who has won 38 trophies since arriving at Old Trafford that they are simply unavoidable. It is not sensationalist to claim not only Manchester United, but English football as a whole, will be rocked by the impending departure of a manager who has surpassed a whole generation in charge at the very top level. After the final game of the season at West Bromwich Albion, his 1,500th game in charge of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson will retire.

But then again, it is near-impossible to dwell on the abdication of the 71 year old without reaching for the tray of superlatives to describe his work, in transforming the mid-table club the inherited in the mid-80s to a modern-day behemoth that sets the example to the rest. Ferguson oversaw the transition into commercial age of the Premier League, funded by the £6 million flotation on the stock exchange in the early 90s, to put the club in position for 21 years of sustained dominance. “To knock Liverpool off their f**king perch” was his aim and it was one he achieved two years ago with United’s 19th title, overtaking their rivals’ tally of 18.

There was no greater exposé of his relentless will to win and inexorable desire than his reaction to neighbours Manchester City stealing that championship with the last kick of last season. He invested heavily in Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa and proceeded to steamroller his way to another league title by a margin of twelve points. It is this constant ability to rebuild squads, possibly 5 in total since Eric Cantona, Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson and co. won the inaugural Premier League title back in 1992, that has been a major factor behind his enduring success and remarkable longevity.

Not only that, but every player Ferguson has seen pass through Old Trafford over the course of his dynasty has been ingrained not only in the winning culture of the club, but also the history and heritage. Bobby Charlton especially remembers the manager’s determination to teach the younger members of the club about the Munich disaster in the build up to its 50th anniversary back in 2008.

Respect and understanding of Manchester United as an institution was hugely important to Ferguson and once the adage of “nobody is bigger than the club” was breached, players were dispatched irrespective of reputation or standing; Jaap Stam, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, David Beckham and Roy Keane, amongst others, were all shifted on after falling on the wrong side of a manager who often appeared hideously autocratic in public, but was portrayed as being warm and effusive in private testimony. It was this balance of character that allowed him to keep a firm hand on his squad, but also keep them hungry and willing to play for him.

It was not all great of course. As with all genius that has flaw, Ferguson was no exception. His record in the transfer market was sometimes called into question with the acquisitions of Kleberson, David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba and co. whilst he could have arguably performed better on the contingent than the two Champions League trophies he has eventually had to settle for. It can be an accurate criticism that whilst Ferguson possessed the intensity of focus to guide a club to success over the course of a 38 game season, his limitations were projected brightly when it came down to tactical ingenuity. He also found competition in sharper minds domestically, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti all triumphed over Ferguson before they were eventually toppled once he adapted.

But while many other clubs adopted a revolving door policy with managers in order to move with the times, Real Madrid have been through 25 managers during the span of Ferguson’s stint, Chelsea 17, Barcelona 13 and Bayern Munich 16, whilst the Manchester United manager has remained constant, moving and evolving with the game, sometimes pushing it even further and, like this year, setting the barometer even higher for others to reach.

Alex Ferguson’s retirement will be drowned in accolades, but It has to be said that it is certainly no hyperbole to say that there will be nobody of his ilk coming again in the modern game. He was supremely successful, incredibly driven and indisputably special, in a modern era when managers come and go like the rain, news of Ferguson’s passing has been seismic, there is no greater tribute than that.

 

Written by Adam Gray

Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamGray1250

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

Adam’s Premier League Column: Villa Spark Revival

  By O-Posts Team | May 7, 2013 - 20:43 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

Due to various commitments through school and other means, it’s been a while since I’ve been able to write a column for O-Posts. I’d like to personally congratulate Manchester United on their 13th league title under Sir Alex Ferguson, and it’s a testament to him how well United have bounced back from that stoppage time winner from Sergio Aguero last May. That seems a distant and feint memory now.

 

Norwich 1 Aston Villa 2

Villa reached the magic points tally of 40, although Paul Lambert, Villa’s manager, isn’t sure whether they are safe just yet. What they do know however is that their future is now in their hands after two wins on the bounce, the first a 6-1 drubbing of Sunderland, and the crucial away win at Carrow Road.

Lambert has stuck by his young-guns throughout the campaign, and is being rewarded with some great individual performances of late. I reckon if Villa beat the drop, and it’s looking increasingly likely that they will, and are able to keep the majority of the squad then they could be an impressive team next season. The likes of Lowton, Weimann, Benteke and Agbonlahor have really stood out and improved. And it was the latter who grabbed all three points.

Villa’s first goal came in the second-half when Ashley Westwood set-up Gabriel Agbonlahor who lashed in a superb goal of great quality.

On 72 minutes, youngster Joe Bennett fouled Robert Snodgrass to give referee Kevin Friend no option but to award a penalty, which was only Norwich’s second of the campaign. Grant Holt stepped up and converted, sending Brad Guzan the wrong way.
Villa were only momentarily disheartened, and Villa stole the three points with two minutes of normal time remaining.

Ashley Westwood picked up the ball again and slotted a pin-point pass into the path of the on-running Agbonlahor, who let the ball run across his body before firing a low-shot into the far corner, his ninth league goal of the campaign.

It was a crucial three points for Villa, and Norwich will now be worried as they have two tough games remaining, at home to West Brom then away to Manchester City, to get results from in order to beat the drop.

 

West Brom 2 Wigan 3

This result was a real surprise for me. But then, the more I think about it, is it a surprise? Is it a surprise given the way that the Latics always seem to dig deep and get results when it matters at this time of year? They won this match without playing their best football. In truth, they were rather poor. Their passing play was off colour and scrappy at times. Only Maloney really drove them forward. But it was their shear willpower and wanting to push on and score that got them the result.

The home side, who don’t have anything to play for other than pride, took the lead through Shane Long. However, ten minutes later, Kone struck gold for Wigan with six minutes to play until half-time. They had to come from behind yet again as McAuley put the Baggies 2-1 up. James McArther got on the end of Shaun Maloney’s drilled cross and headed in past goalkeeper Foster to level.

Youngster Callum McManaman then converted from close-range to give Wigan the three points, which took their points total to 35 at the time of writing. This will give them great confidence going into the FA Cup final with 2011 winners Manchester City, especially if they can beat Swansea who have been somewhat off colour of late.

As for West Brom, they will be scratching their heads as to how they didn’t get the three points, and they’ll be looking to bounce back against Manchester City.

 

Tottenham 1 Southampton 0

Gareth Bale haunted his former club at White Hart lane with a strike that we’ve all come to expect from the winger-cum-striker. For those that haven’t seen the strike, he picked the ball up on the right-wing and drifted inside past the helpless Luke Shaw, before unleashing a telling shot that had no back-lift whatsoever, and the ball found the bottom corner with four minutes left to play.

I hope for the sake of English football that Bale stays at Tottenham for a least another season. It would be a real shame to see him move abroad to either Barcelona or Real Madrid, as some reports suggest. I’ve heard that Sir Alex Ferguson is interested in acquiring his services at Old Trafford next season, but I cannot see how the Champions will be able to meet Spurs’ justification of £60million for the Welshman.

Champions League football will be a big decider in where Bale ends up, and this victory may edge him closer to putting pen to paper with the London club. It seems like he’s revelling in playing under AVB who, it seems, has got the best out of Bale this season.

Whilst he may not have had the best of games against the Saints, when you score a winner like he did (and 19 other league goals at the time of writing this season) you can sort of allow for it! Sort of…

 

REMINDER: This was written prior to all midweek fixtures. An overview of the mid-week games will be in the next column.

 

My Team of the Week

 

Written by Adam May

Follow Adam on Twitter @Amay132

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

Gareth Bale: Can Spurs really hold onto their award-winning winger?

  By O-Posts Team | May 3, 2013 - 22:31 | , , , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

After seeing his star-player achieve the individual clean sweep by picking up the PFA Player of the Year, Young Player of the year and the FWA Player of the Year, Andre-Villas Boas remained predictably calm and assured when it came to the inevitable question of Gareth Bale’s future. “I’d be extremely surprised if Bale left, because this is the assurance I have” said the Portuguese coach, “the information I have from the club is he is here to remain”.

It was an answer typical of the manager whose dealings with the media usually verge on the languid and serene. Keen not to transfer attention from the conclusion to Spurs’ season which remains immersed in the battle for Champions League qualification, Villas-Boas carefully trod around the subject, giving the most diplomatic of answers. The chairman has sorted it. Bale will remain at Spurs. There is nothing to see here apart from Bale accepting his award.

It was curious enough however to hear Villas-Boas apply the responsibility for keeping Bale to Daniel Levy, suggesting that he is under no illusion that if the club received a mammoth financial offer for the winger in the summer, the decision-making will be down to those in charge of the accounts, not the team. “It’s not up to me to judge the finances of the club- I’m the head coach, it’s the chairman’s decision.”

Such recognition and acclaim in the form of Bale’s individual awards this week will only intensify the anticipation that a sizeable bid for the winger will arrive in the summer. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been repeatedly linked with the 23 year old and in the week where both club’s need for squad renovation was made so glaringly obvious in the Champions League, Bale is likely to have become a genuine target.

There could be no argument as to the validity of Bale’s awards given he has contributed 24 goals to Tottenham’s overall season and provided another 8. In the Premier League, he has been the driving force behind the club’s quest for Champions League football, his 19 strikes directly contributing to 24 of Spurs’ 62 point tally.

His versatility has been seamless, performing the attacking midfield role as well as that of a central-striker with the same unrelenting power and athleticism that has seen many full-backs dismissed from his usual left-wing home. He has burst past defenders with skill and dynamism, applying a devastating finish to his near-imperious armoury.

He can be the one man wave of momentum that tore through Aston Villa, Norwich and Newcastle, the precision passer that turned the game with Manchester City, or the thunderous goalscorer of unerring accuracy and power that did for West Ham and Swansea. It is the wide range of attributes that drew comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo during his February form.

Perhaps it was obscene and sensationalist to elevate Bale to the esteemed company of the unstoppable Madrid winger, but there is nothing strange about suggesting Bale hints at the same muscular physique and majestic ability as the Portuguese four years his senior.

There is no doubting he has entered into the same mould of player who possesses wonderful physical vigour to compliment the dexterity of his feet. “World Class” can be an over-used adjective in the modern game but it is hard to argue with the perception that Bale has the potential to join that bracket.

It is the immediate future that will go some way to dictating how far that potential will take Bale, with the prospect of again having to miss out on participation in Europe’s premier competition becoming increasingly possible as Spurs cling on to fourth spot.

Villas-Boas was unequivocal when it came to “the player remaining independent of the objective of achieving Champions League qualification or not”, but there has to be a suspicion that missing out once again on a place with Europe’s elite would weaken the bargaining power of Levy and co.

It was Zinedine Zidane who recently vocalised his opinion that Bale is the best player in the world and predicted that many top level clubs would be waiting patiently with astronomical bids designed to lure Bale away from his north London home. As the individual awards gleamed, it was a certification that Bale’s has been a campaign of the very highest standard, 53% of the Football Writer’s vote being a ringing endorsement of such notion.

Expect Spurs’ resolve to be under the toughest examination in the summer, but expect the final decision to be made in the board-room.

 

Written by Adam Gray

Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamGray1250

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

Vitesse Arnhem: Bony the inspiration behind the Vitas’ meteoric rise

  By O-Posts Team | April 30, 2013 - 20:44 | , , , , , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

The Eredivisie season 12/13 is drawing to its end, with only three games remaining, Ajax’s four point lead seem sufficient to win their third consecutive title. The most exciting Eredivisie title race in years is over, however the season 12/13 did bring some surprises. The most noteworthy one is Vitesse’s stable performances and indomitable form. To the surprise of most fans, Vitesse sat on a top-flight position throughout most of the season. Let us look back on their marvelous campaign.

Jordania’s wishes to turn Vitesse into the league champions were underlined by a positive transfer period. After last year’s successful campaign wherein the club finished 7th , consequently winning the right to play in the Europa League, supporters were ambitious and hopeful for an even better year. Success comes with sacrifices, due to his good performances, Alexander Buttner moved to English giants Manchester United for an amount estimated at around €5million. Vitesse needed to bolster their squad if they wanted to seriously challenge the traditional top three in the Netherlands.

Jordania is a smart director and thinks long term, instead of splashing cash, the Georgian business owner decided to put his signifant network to work. His close ties with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich allowed him to loan three players from the Blues. Tomas Kalas and Patrick van Aanholt stayed for another season, and Gael Kakuta came to strengthen the wings. The squad seemed competitive on paper, but with an average age of around 22, the team was in dire need of a leader. Former club icon and captain Theo Janssen was signed from Ajax for €500k, along with experienced midfielder Simon Cziommer.

The season started quite negatively for Vitesse, after advancing to the final play-off round in the Europa League after beating Lokomotiv Plovdiv on a 7-5 aggregate score, the team faced Guus Hiddink’s FC Anzhi. Vitesse were unable to cope with the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Yuri Zhirkov, Lassana Diarra and Boussoufa – and the club from Arnhem were sent losing 4-0 on aggregate.

The start of the national campaign gave a better perspective; the first five games were converted into four wins and one draw against ADO Den Haag, resulting in a temporary first place in the Eredivisie. The away victory against Feyenoord [0-1] was utmost surprising, and an awakening call of the traditional top three that Vitesse might prove to be a potential treat in the near future. The team looked sharp and defensively very stable, only conceding two goals in the first five games. With Piet Velthuizen known as a very reliable goalkeeper and the centre back duo: Kashia and Kalas, the defensive line gave an impressive performance of four consecutive clean sheets.

Vitesse’s form would drop after their notable season start. The following six games resulted in two draws against Heracles Almelo and sc Heerenveen, three wins against FC Groningen,FC Utrecht, NAC Breda, and their first loss against AZ Alkmaar, ending their 11 match unbeaten run.

The precarious results could have been far worse, the team struggled in most matches, but it was the rise of Wilfried Bony securing most points for Vitesse. After his dramatic, yet brilliant game winner against Feyenoord, his confidence skyrocketed and the striker netted 8 goals in 5 matches, including a hat-trick against SC Heerenveen.

In the remainder of the first half of the Eredivisie season, Vitesse would earn the nickname: Giant killers. After their last minute victory against Feyenoord, on the third of November, Ajax was brushed aside in their own Amsterdam Arena! Wilfried Bony single-handedly brought down Ajax with a brace.

FC Twente were held off with a draw and a heroic 4-1 victory over neighboring rivals N.E.C made up for their 1-2 loss against PSV. The winter break came by, and Vitesse finished fourth, trailing 6 points behind leaders PSV. Furthermore, the club qualified for the quarterfinals in the KNVB Cup [Dutch National Cup] by demolishing amateur team ADO’10 with 10-1. Vitesse will face Ajax.

Based on last season’s performances, the team progressed quite nicely, but was not considered as one of the title contenders amongst the general Eredivisie public.

Moreover Vitesse was forced to let Wilfried Bony participate in the African Cup, after Sabri Lamouchi called up the strong striker to the Ivorian national team. Wilfried Bony scored 16 Eredivisie goals in the first half. All critics agreed, Vitesse would drop form without Bony.

In the month of January without Bony, Vitesse would silence all of the critics. First off AZ was swept aside with a convincing 4-1 score-line, and afterwards honouring its nickname, Ajax came to Arnhem and were sent home without any points 3-2. And the month’s highlight: rivals N.E.C were defeated in their own stadium in Nijmegen 2-1.

After losing twice against Vitesse, Ajax would finally get their revenge. The two teams locked horns in the KNVB Cup, and the Dutch giant demolished Vitesse 0-4.

Vitesse, survived the month without Bony, and had proven the critics wrong. Nonetheless, the notion of Bony’s skill and goal scoring drift were unquestioned. After Cote D’Ivoire got eliminated in the quarterfinals against Nigeria, Bony returned to Vitesse.

Upon return, his first following match he scored a brace and secured one point against PSV, his team again honouring their nickname of the “giant killers”. Under guidance of Wilfried Bony, Vitesse went on a 7 match winning streak, wherein the bulky striker scored 14 goals in 9 matches. Rutten’s men established theirselves as title contenders, however after a 3-3 draw against relegation candidates Roda JC, Vitesse dropped out of the race.

Bony….. imperious form and the team’s main man.

However, just last week, league leaders Ajax drew against SC Heerenveen, giving Vitesse, PSV and Feyenoord a glimmer of hope. Vitesse could shrink the gap to three points, but had a tough match up ahead. The surprising side had to travel to Rotterdam, to face Feyenoord in the Kuip. Beforehand, winning would seem impossible, as Feyenoord maintains an impressive 24-match unbeaten run in de Kuip, furthermore troublesome news arose in the Vitesse camp.

Wilfried Bony injured himself during training, and will be unavailable during the match, alongside teenage star Marco van Ginkel. The overwhelming Feyenoord crowd and the loss of Wilfried Bony proved too much to handle for Vitesse. Feyenoord defeated Vitesse 2-0.

Vitesse is now sitting comfortably in fourth position, still fighting strong for the second place [gives right to enter the Champions League play-offs], and although the title is unrealistic, finishing on that second spot would be an extraordinary achievement, and one to be proud of.

This season, Jordania’s wish will not come true, but major steps have been taken. The general public’s laughter has ended, Vitesse managed to upset the traditional three, and most certainly in the near future, Jordania will get what he wants.

 

Written by Siew Joe Lee

Follow Siew on Twitter @DutchftLeague

Check out his site on everything Dutch football, Dutch Football-League

Please like O-Posts on Facebook

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts