Every so often, your team makes an absolutely inexplicable signing. United may never provide an explanation for the purchase of Bebe last year and the Gunners likewise with Amaury Bischoff in 2008, so who are Tottenham’s most baffling signings since the Premier League began?
It is important to distinguish between Spurs worst signings and their most inexplicable. Jason Dozzell features in most Tottenham fans nightmare elevens but when he was signed he was considered a great talent so he’s not making this list. This criteria will automatically shorten the list, it is not the practice of football clubs to knowingly spend money on someone pants, still it is amazing how often they do.
All of these signings must have been closely followed by the question ‘why did we sign him?’ These are the players that make you question the value of a scouting network or even its existence. The top ten players that were never going to make the grade but were signed anyway.
Click on Milenko Acimovic to unveil the top 10
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Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas has confirmed that the club have received an offer for want-away defender Alex, believed to be from QPR.
The Brazil international handed in a transfer request earlier in the season after becoming surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, and is widely expected to leave the club in January.
QPR have recently appointed Mark Hughes as manager and owner Tony Fernandes has stated that the Loftus Road outfit will be busy in the transfer window.
Although not naming the team who have been in contact, Villas Boas has spoken of the bid for Alex’s services.
“From what I know from my chief executive, there has been an approach from a Premier League club,” the Portuguese trainer told The Telegraph.
“We have respected Alex’s transfer request so the market’s open for him.
“We’re just trying to reach the level of proposal we think is good for the player. Nothing has happened up to now, but we’ll listen to all offers.
“We’ll present anything to the player. He has to make a decision. He has generated interest from a lot of clubs,” he commented.
Meanwhile, Villas Boas also stated that a move for Bolton defender Gary Cahill should be completed in the near future.
“There is no real news and the negotiations are still ongoing.
“That doesn’t mean we don’t want it solved as soon as possible. We’re making good, solid progress. Hopefully it can be concluded soon and he will be a Chelsea player.
“It’s all part of negotiation. I’m sure all parties are protecting their interests and we’ll reach an agreement. I think soon.
“I feel it’s unfair for me to put the reasons for the delay into the public eye. The delay isn’t a negative. It’s just something that’s happening.
“It should be concluded soon and that’s a positive. Hopefully we can reach an agreement. It’s part of business. I’m okay with it.
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“But we kept a couple of other options available and we can act quickly if that’s the case. But I’m pretty confident it will happen,” he concluded.
Referees were once again centre of attention on a controversial afternoon of Premier League action. Firstly Martin Atkinson has been criticised heavily by everyone for the ridiculous sending off of Jack Rodwell, while Mark Halsey and his officials handling of the game at Molineux has come under scrutiny.
Elsewhere in the papers Arsenal are looking to scrap their zonal marking system; Sir Alex Ferguson plans four more years at Old Trafford, while John W Henry has been discharged from hospital after accident.
Arsenal to scrap zonal marking system – Guardian
Henry ‘discharged from hospital’ after accident – Guardian
Fortune favours Newcastle but stiffer tests await against top dogs – Independent
Kean defiant ahead of Blackburn’s India tour as fans call for sacking after City thrashing – Daily Mail
Sir Alex plans four more years at United – Mirror
Redknapp hails Modric and says exit would have caused mass exodus – People
Beckham ‘prefers Spurs transfer’ to PSG switch – Metro
Andrey Arshavin given bumper pay deal to remain at Arsenal – People
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Bellamy faces objects of hate and Everton face an investigation – Daily Mail
Villas-Boas says Sturridge has turned from a boy into a Hulk – People
Last season was one of the most competitive Premier League seasons despite a rather predictable eventual outcome. After a summer of as yet, unfulfilling transfer sagas, it’s time for the world’s best league in terms of talent, to recommence.
Arsenal – 5th
Before the summer, Arsenal fans sang ‘spend some money’ to Arsene Wenger, albeit in a more coarse manner. So far, there has been no proper defensive reinforcement. The team still lacks experience and an English core to the side. For a side challenging for the title, they need to grind out more wins. This might be the season where the Gunners slip out of the top four, especially if Fabregas and Nasri leave the Emirates.
Aston Villa – 11th
The departure of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing threaten to cripple Villa. The question is can N’Zogbia and Albrighton step up to the plate? Add into the mix the arrival of Alex McCleish, who has a job on his hands to keep expectant Villa fans happy. The defence should be strong under the former Birmingham manager, especially with the arrival of Shay Given, keeping them well out of any trouble.
Blackburn Rovers – 18th
Things don’t quite add up at Ewood Park. Much is said about Venky’s big ambition for the club but the amount spent on new arrivals so far suggests otherwise. Having narrowly avoided relegation last year under Steve Kean, it’s hard to see Rovers improving drastically. They may live to regret sacking Sam Allarydce. Chris Samba needs to stay for survival to be achieved.
Bolton Wanderers – 13th
With Lee and Tyrone Mears both picking up serious injuries in pre-season, Owen Coyle already has a tough task. Add to that the loss of Daniel Sturridge returning to Chelsea and Johan Elmander moving to Turkey, Coyle looks short of options up front. 2011 hasn’t been a great year for Wanderers and although they won’t go down, don’t expect the Trotters to perform miracles this season.
Chelsea – 2nd
Arrigo Sacchi, the former AC Milan manager, once said, “a jockey doesn’t have to have been born a horse.” This certainly applies to André Villas Boas, a manager who never played professionally but hasn’t let this stop him from coaching. He’s tactically astute and needs to find a way to get the best out of Torres soon. Chelsea could do with more strength in depth though.
Everton – 9th
With little transfer activity at Goodison Park, Everton fans shouldn’t be expecting too much next season. Their injury curse appears to have struck again with Seamus Coleman ruled out for a few months. To move Everton to the next level, Moyes needs some money – something in very short supply on the blue half of Merseyside. Another mid table finish beckons.
Fulham – 10th
Another year brings another new manager at Fulham. Martin Jol could do with another striker to give the Whites a bit more firepower up front. In terms of the club’s league finish, it might be beneficial if Fulham bowed out early on from the Europa League. However, the competition is important to the fans after the club’s success in the competition two years ago.
Liverpool – 4th
A few managers (Roberto Mancini and Jupp Heynckes) have recently said, “Strikers win you matches but defenders win you championships.” Apply this to Liverpool. Going forward, they look solid. At the back, even with José Enrique, they’re not exactly impenetrable. This might prevent them from making a title challenge but this year could well be the season when Liverpool return to the Top Four.
Manchester City – 3rd
Although more money has been spent, the Community Shield showed City’s deficiencies and that work is still needed. As a manager, Roberto Mancini must try and take the initiative more. Currently, he is too reactive instead of being proactive. It might help squad morale if Balotelli went to pastures new. Although they will probably miss out on the title, they should still retain their place in the Top Four next season.
Manchester United – 1st
Sir Alex Ferguson has strengthened well, slotting square pegs into the square holes that were in his side. He thought ahead (unlike Arsene Wenger), ensuring he got his targets early on. Wesley Sneijder would complete the jigsaw for United. If Ferguson wants to succeed in Europe for a third time, he needs to work out how to limit Real and Barca. That might be a bridge too far, the Premier League title might not be though
Newcastle United – 15th
Alan Pardew has started to craft his own side this summer which has included a spate of French imports. Yohan Cabaye from French Champions, Lille, looks the most impressive acquisition. Behind the scenes though, trouble seems to be brewing on the Tyne. The Joey Barton saga needs to be sorted quickly or it could affect the atmosphere amongst the squad. Things must be right in house or success on the pitch is nigh on impossible.
Norwich City – 17th
On paper, Norwich City shouldn’t be able to cut it in the Premier League. However, in practice, they have a very good manager in Paul Lambert who can coerce the very best out of his players. The Canaries must develop a different style to that of your archetypal promoted side or they will return from whence they came. Wes Hoolahan and Grant Holt are the men who hold the keys to survival.
QPR – 19th
The ‘R’s season revolves solely around one man – Adel Taarabt. If he fires, then QPR will probably survive. Sounds easier than it will be as he needs to be kept under control and injury free. Loftus Road needs to be a fortress. Some rather unfair murmurs about Neil Warnock’s job over the summer won’t have helped the Hoops cause.
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Stoke City – 12th
Decent at the back and good going forward, Stoke City need more strength in depth, especially to cope with the strains of the Europa League. Beyond a good first team, there isn’t much there. Don’t be fooled. They are experienced, physically strong and you’d be mistaken if you think they’re only threatening from set pieces. Another striker would help pull them in and around the top half.
Sunderland – 7th
The Black Cats have the biggest resources outside the Premier League’s top six and this is illustrated by the 10 signings made over the summer. The feeling on Wearside appears to be that after a few years forming his side, its’ time for Steve Bruce to deliver something back. A top 10 finish will be the minimum requirement and they’re a good shout for a Europa League spot as well.
Swansea City – 20th
As aesthetically pleasing as the Swans maybe, the defence may prove their eventual downfall. A good relationship is required between a back four and the goalkeeper, and Dorus De Vries’ departure could well have a negative effect. They’re not as one dimensional as some of their rivals but they may just simply not be strong enough for Premier League football.
Spurs – 6th
As far as their ambitions of getting back into the top four, they could certainly do without the Europa League. Van Der Vaart needs to stay fit for longer this season and a striker is required if Spurs are to push on. To break into the top four, they need to find a balance between attack and defence, something they weren’t able to do last season, as well as putting away the weaker teams home and away.
West Brom – 8th
Under Roy Hodgson, the Baggies will be a very well disciplined side this season and will comfortably retain their Premier League status. In the past, sides under Hodgson tended to struggle on the road, something he will need to rectify, perhaps with a slightly more attacking brand of football. The Hawthorns won’t be an easy place to visit this season.
Wigan Athletic – 16th
The sheer presence of the Latics in the Premier League shows what can happen if your club is well run. Survival is always good enough for Chairman Dave Whelan and he will be hoping for more of the same. Roberto Martinez showed loyalty by declining Aston Villa’s advances over the summers. He will need to find a way to cope with the departure of Charles N’Zogbia. A relegation scrap will ensue but Martinez has proven his managerial qualities in the past, so they should relish it.
Wolves – 14th
Bringing in Roger Johnson from Birmingham is a terrific coup for Mick McCarthy. Making him Club Captain suggests a new outlook in the West Midlands. Up front they are hard working with the likes of Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher and Johnson will help to shore up what was a leaky defence last year. Jamie O’Hara is a good signing in the middle of the park and this should ensure safety from relegation.
So my final table is as follows.
1. Manchester United
2. Chelsea
3. Man City
4. Liverpool
5. Arsenal
6. Spurs
7. Sunderland
8. West Brom
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9. Everton
10. Fulham
11. Aston Villa
12. Stoke City
13. Bolton Wanderers
14. Wolves
15. Newcastle
16. Wigan
17. Norwich City
18. Blackburn Rovers
19. QPR
20. Swansea City
With a few weeks until the transfer window shuts, there’s still the possibility that signings will be made which change the course of the season. A few clubs in particular still have business to do. It will be interesting to see how the three promoted sides fair with little Premier League experience amongst the three of them. If this season comes close to matching last year in terms of entertainment, fans have an intriguing year of football ahead.
Article courtesy of Archie Rhind-Tutt from his excellent site – Gone With The Rhind
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Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that his Manchester United squad’s injury list is getting shorter, as Nani is on the verge of returning to training.
The Portuguese winger has missed the Red Devils’ last three games, but the Scottish coach has revealed that he, and Phil Jones, are improving.
“There are no problems with injuries,” he told the club’s official website.
“It’s much better now. There was Jones getting that bout of ‘flu but he’s back. Jones was actually back on Friday but we didn’t risk him on Sunday. He’ll be available.
“So they’re all training apart from Nani, who should not be far away and might start training this week, while Anderson and Michael Owen are the only other ones out.
“Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher are obviously still long term,” he concluded.
United will look to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League when they face Fulham on Monday night.
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Every man and his dog has it in for the Europa League at the moment and, frankly, I can understand why. What used to be a great competition has become the European equivalent of the Carling Cup – not worth being in unless you get to the final. It’s sad to say that because I always thought the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – the competition’s first incarnation – was such an interesting idea and it holds some fond memories for me.
When I was a Chelsea player, I always considered it a great honour to represent London alongside Fulham’s Johnny Haynes and Tottenham’s Danny Blanchflower. Being a Londoner only added to the prestige for me – and you even earned a cap if you played five games for your adopted city. Back then, the deal was you got a cap after playing five games, but our clubs weren’t always keen to cough up – so most of us only ever made it to four. Eddie Bailey, who played for Spurs and was on the coaching staff when I joined them, would moan like hell about that.
The only fella we knew who won a cap was Jimmy Logie … and he was Scottish. Eddie would chunter: “I’m a Londoner born and bred, and those b******* won’t give me a cap. The only bloke who has one is from bloody Edinburgh.” But it was great to play with those players. the London XI got to the final in 1958 and played Barcelona over two legs. I scored the opening goal in the first game, a 2-2 draw, but didn’t play in the second. I’d like to think that was a factor in us losing 6-0, although an injury to our keeper Jack Kelsey didn’t exactly help.
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Barcelona knocking in six … things haven’t changed much. They were pioneering days in European football and none of us knew what the game would become. We used to get massive crowds, but with the advent of television and modern technology the game has moved on and grown. Had we had the TV coverage and scrutiny back then, I’m convinced you’d be reading a column penned by a European Cup winner. Spurs won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963, but we should have won the European Cup the season before.
I don’t care who sues me, but we were fiddled out of it by a referee and linesman. It was as bent as you could get and, fortunately today, that couldn’t happen with TV cameras and modern technology. When we played the first game against Benfica in Lisbon, there was only the radio commentary and no cameras – so no one could see what was going on. I beat the full-back to score and had a goal disallowed for offside. They scored their third goal where the ball was knocked down by one bloke’s hand and into the net by another’s fist.
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Then at White Hart Lane in the second leg I must have been five yards onside, I ran through two defenders, knocked the ball in the back of the net and it was still given offside. Dodgy things did go on then, particularly in Europe. It wasn’t a sophisticated place and I think the word ”bung” was in regular use. Anyone who saw those games will say the same. The following year we won the Cup Winners’ Cup, beating Atletico Madrid 5-1 in the final after no one had given us a chance.
They were the holders and favourites but we played brilliantly and what enhanced it was that we were the first British team to win a major European trophy. Now we have the second-rate Europa League. Asking why UEFA continues with it is like asking why Europe continues with the euro. Who knows the answer to that? Anyway, a merry Christmas to you all and see you in 2012.
It’s becoming an increasingly rare occurrence for a weekend’s worth of Premier League fixtures to pass without at least one contentious refereeing decision. Challenges that 20 years ago would have received praise from fans, managers and pundits alike are now being frowned upon, as referees step up their stance on the ‘dangerous challenge’.
As a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to the game of football, I am becoming a somewhat dying breed. A good strong challenge, or an heroic piece of defensive work, to me, is just as good to watch as almost any goal scored. So this change in stance is one that I find to be particularly worrying, as the effects of trigger-happy referees look to be slowly eroding the art of defending. It can’t be a complete coincidence that we are in the midst of one of the highest scoring campaigns for quite some time, during a spell when the powers that be are overhauling one of the oldest arts in the game.
The likes of Vincent Kompany, Rory Delap and Jay Spearing have all found themselves receiving their marching orders for challenges in which they have won the ball this term, highlighting a trend, which is frustrating many football fans. In the wake of Jack Rodwell’s red card in the Merseyside derby earlier this season, Everton boss David Moyes was particularly critical of the level of officiating:
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“I just thought the sending off ruined the game. You get lots of questions from people asking about derbies, tackles and sendings off but that wasn’t even a bad tackle.” Moyes told BBC Sport.
“I don’t even know if we can appeal. I would have been disappointed had it been a free-kick and if he had got a yellow card I think people would have asked ‘what’s that for?’
“There is often talk about the players not doing it right but it wasn’t the players today. Jack is obviously upset. He is a young boy making his way in the game and it was a big day for him.”
Moyes’ words echo the feelings of many football supporters who are becoming increasingly frustrated at the change in the way games are being taken charge of, and the blurring of what is a red card offense and what isn’t. Referees do have a tough job to do, with every mistake pounced upon, and very little praise garnished in the wake of a good performance, but the relinquishing of their power of interpretation for the ‘to the letter of the law’ method is having a major bearing on defensive players, who seem unsure themselves when entering into a challenge.
As a result defenders are walking a tightrope each time they enter the field of play, anxious before they even commit to a challenge leading to shaky performances and sloppy goals. Some may argue that more goals equals more entertainment, and in some cases that can be true, but defending and the sliding are some of the finest art forms of the beautiful game when performed correctly.
Don’t get me wrong I appreciate the safety players who enter the field of play, and don’t want to see a recurrence of incidents such as that of Aaron Ramsey or Djibril Cisse, but to remove tackling from the game would be just as detrimental as removing any attacking aspect.
Bad challenges do occur, and there will always be a risk associated with any contact sport. I just hope that this trend settles down, or we could be looking at the death of defending.
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Football will always benefit from tactical innovation. To continue to improve its necessary push the boundaries. Cologne’s Sporting Director Volke Finke looks to have provided new manager Stale Solbakken greater publicity and a bigger stage to showcase his ideas.
Prior to his arrival at the RheinEnergieStadion, the Norwegian Solbakken was at FC Kobenhavn between 2006 and 2011. He won the Danish league title in five of his six seasons at the club. Now in North West Germany, it will be interesting to see whether Solbakken’s zonal marking taken to the extreme can succeed in the long term.
Defensively, it should help Cologne but conceding five away to Schalke earlier this season illustrates more work is required. However, the new system has also allowed for fluidity going forward which was shown by their 4-1 thrashing of bitter rivals Leverkusen away from home. On their day Cologne are a formidable outfit.
This is the problem though. Despite the Billy Goats overcoming Hannover 2-0 at the weekend with a good performance Solbakken needs to find some consistency. His new side have won four, drawn one and lost four this season and if the team are to reach their potential, the new coach will need more from his side.
However, the players look like they adore their new coach and the importance of having the whole squad buying into the ideas of the coach cannot be underestimated. Lukas Podolski, a man who has struggled on the domestic scene over the last few seasons, has rediscovered some scintillating form. Having scored the second of his two goals on Sunday, he rushed, along with the rest of the team, towards Solbakken and embraced him.
Considering the short amount of time his new coach has been there, it demonstrates some show of affection. Perhaps with Podolski, it’s something to do with the added freedom he appears to have been given in the new system. If you also take into the account the supposedly volatile nature of the Cologne dressing room in past seasons, Solbakken is doing well so far to keep control.
After quite a few years of instability at the club, Cologne must ensure their new man is at the helm for many years to come. There is definite room for improvement in the team but most importantly for now, Stale Solbakken is making steady progress in the Rhine Valley.
Matchday 9 Results:
Werder Bremen 0-2 Borussia Dortmund – Jurgen Klopp’s team take the points thanks to goals from Ivan Perisic and Patrick Owomoyela. It means Werder’s 100% home record is over but Borussia move into the Champions League places.
Bayern Munich 4-0 Hertha Berlin – Die Roten obliterated their capital rivals with apparent ease – Jupp Heynckes’ side march on.
Mainz 0-1 Augsburg – Newly promoted Augsburg finally secure their first win of the season with a late penalty as Thomas Tuchel’s Mainz shouldn’t have had Nicolai Muller’s goal disallowed however but this is no excuse for their defeat.
Stuttgart 2-0 Hoffenheim – Shinji Okazaki and Pavel Pogrebnyak secured the win for Stuttgart as Die Hoffe are frustrated in the Mercedes Benz Arena.
Wolfsburg 2-1 Nurnberg – The Wolves move away from the relegation places after a double from Mario Mandzukic. Nurnberg meanwhile struggle for consistency.
Gladbach 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen – In the pick of the weekend’s games, Borussia will be disappointed they couldn’t hold on to their 2-1 lead late on. Stefan Reinartz nodded in for Bayer but Lucien Favre’s men came back strongly. Marco Reus and Patrick Hermann took two of many chances created by Gladbach. André Schurrle though curled in a great late equaliser meaning a share of the spoils.
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Schalke 1-2 Kaiserslautern – A surprise home defeat for the Royal Blues came thanks to a determined performance from the visitors. Kouemaha grabbed the winner for the Red Devils after two converted penalties and two sending’s off had kept the sides level.
Freiburg 1-2 Hamburg – Hamburg continue to show signs of life with an important away win. Thorsten Fink takes over on Monday. Ilicevic’s late goal settled this contest but Papiss Demba Cisse missed a late penalty for the home side.
Cologne 2-0 Hannover – The Billy Goats secure victory thanks to two goals from Lukas Podolski. Hannover were very unlucky to have a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside at 1-0. Slomke’s side failed to offer enough in the match to merit a result though.
Every single transfer window, supporters in the Premier League seem to crave signings, expecting a number of players to come into the club and take them on to the next level. Players that come into a side in a transfer window always feel they have something to prove, whether it be repay the price tag or prove the doubters wrong.
If a club is playing well then what is the need for mid-season signings. I can understand a side in the bottom three feeling the need for something new but shouldn’t the summer signings and existing players be given a season to prove their worth? Historically, January signings are not as influential as the summer signings and there are many reasons for that.
A summer signing will have a pre-season with a new club behind him and time to get to know his new team mates and club before competitive matches, where he is ultimately judged. A January signing will have less than a week to train with the first team squad sometimes and learn how the club is run, something that is tough in any line of work, especially football with thousands of people watching you each week.
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The price of a player will also increase during January as clubs become desperate to land their preferred signings. An example of a signing such as Andy Carroll moving to Liverpool for £35million last January should be brought up in every board room after Christmas, highlighting the dangers of the January transfer market. Carroll’s lack of form could be to do with anything from moving to a new city, feeling the pressure of the price tag or getting used to the style of a different club.
Supporters should not expect big singings at the start of the New Year as it is not always a good idea to disrupt and add to a squad throughout the season. Is the grass always greener when new signings arrive? Spending money is becoming rare for some Premier League clubs and it should not take spending to satisfy fans who demand new blood in the dressing room.
The future of English football could also be in danger from transfer window’s that let clubs bring in players for two months of the season, seemingly dismissing youngsters looking to break through into the first team. If the January transfer window did not exist, I guarantee that more youngsters would be a success in English football. Long term injuries and poor form could prompt clubs into making unnecessary big money signings in January, whereas it would be a lot more refreshing to see youngsters getting a first team chance at the highest level.
If the club allows youngsters to play as cover for the 25-man squad that is registered then that is surely enough players to not have to indulge in spending money half way through a campaign. Give the youngsters a go and get rid of the January transfer window to enable English football to be fair through the season and giving youngsters a well earned break.
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Former France international Patrick Vieira has announced his retirement to take up a development role with Manchester City.The 35-year-old, who was listed for a free transfer after City opted against renewing his contract last month, has been named the club’s new football development executive.
“This role is a fantastic new challenge for me and I am very grateful to Manchester City for offering me this opportunity,” Vieira said.
“I have a lot to learn about the non-playing areas of the business but there are many very experienced people here for me to learn from and I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to the club’s ongoing success.”
“I am particularly pleased to be given the opportunity to work with the club’s community scheme.”
“Everyone at Manchester City – the fans, the staff and the players – have made me and my family feel very welcome here over the past two years.”
“I am very happy to have been given the chance to stay and develop my career away from the pitch.”
Viera retires after more than 400 appearances at club level for the likes of Cannes, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester City, winning three English Premier League titles and four FA Cups with the Gunners.
He was capped 107 times for France and was part of Les Bleus’ 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000 winning campaigns.
“Whilst it is sad to see Patrick’s playing career come to an end, we are delighted that he has chosen to extend his time with Manchester City in this new capacity,” said City’s chief operations officer Brian Marwood.
“Wherever he goes he commands the respect of his audience and we believe he will make an invaluable contribution to our club as we build on our recent successes.”