It’s time to stop the Hodgson-hate: Get behind Roy’s improving team

The enthusiasm that I expected to see following successive wins for Liverpool has not materialised, as many still doubt Hodgson’s credentials. If Kenny Dalglish was the manager and an identical scenario had unfolded I wonder if the fans would feel the same? An average performance that results in 3 points is still a success, no?

Regardless of what the naysayers want, Roy Hodgson remains Liverpool manager and although some are struggling to adapt to the concept, he ultimately wants the same thing as the supporters: victories for Liverpool.

Rather than hoping for Hodgson’s failure, it would be nice to see every Liverpool fan unite behind the current regime and enjoy the victories when they come.

Bear with me: If Chelsea or Manchester United had recorded a 1-0 victory against Bolton on Sunday then the reaction would have been totally different from the one which we have witnessed. Fans and media alike would have proclaimed that this was the sign of championship contenders and rolled out the clichés about the best teams still winning even when playing poorly.

Due to Hodgson’s previously poor league record and misjudged media comments, what should be a positive for Liverpool (and would be for other clubs) is merely being fashioned into another stick with which to beat the beleaguered Liverpool manager.

There have been excellent improvements in Liverpool’s defence, yet no one seems to be sending any credit Hodgson’s way.

When visiting the Reebok Stadium, the home side’s message is simple. ‘We will test you physically all over the pitch and if you can match us for 90 minutes, then you’ve earned your points’. Away sides don’t get freebies when visiting Bolton Wanderers and as such, there are genuine positives to take from Sunday’s victory. Would Liverpool have won this fixture a fortnight ago? I’m not so sure.

To gain anything from such a match you need your centre half pairing to be on top of their game. Kyrgiakos and Skrtel demonstrated excellent focus throughout the match to keep Bolton’s physical front pair from inflicting serious damage.

Bolton were limited to two clear headed chances and although Reina’s goal led a charmed life as Davies’ header flashed wide, Liverpool earned the right to emerge with a clean sheet. They deserve credit for that.

The most impressive aspect of the defensive pair’s performance symbolised a willingness to learn from mistakes and adapt their strategy throughout the match. As the game progressed, the understanding grew and they were able to develop an efficient system to reduce Davies’ threat.

More often that not, it was Kyrgiakos who would challenge the England international in the air. His ‘job description’ was clear. Even if he was unable to win the header, he would make sure that Davies couldn’t direct his header as he wished. (Whilst being careful not to give away cheap free kicks.) Davies didn’t have a free header throughout the game and this limited Bolton’s creativity in the final third.

Skrtel’s support play was intelligent. As the Greek challenged Davies, Skrtel dropped deep to win the second ball and prevent Bolton from gaining an attacking platform. This is a simple defensive concept but it’s easier said than done. And if it had been implemented poorly Bolton’s direct style would’ve posed a much greater threat. The defence was well drilled.

Another big positive to take from the game was Lucas Leiva’s contribution.

Lucas personified the team’s performance, he was far from spectacular but emerged from the game with credit. Although the forward runs he produces for Brazil were non-existent, his role is different at club level and he did his job well. Have you noticed that everything that he struggled with for so long appears to slowly be improving?

Critics were quick to state that he would never handle the pace and physicality of the Premier League and they said his passing ability was limited. It has taken a while but Lucas is progressing. He was tidy in possession and disciplined in his defensive duties – Lucas is the best player Liverpool have for that role. (Whilst Poulsen has a wealth of experience, Lucas’ career seems to be moving forwards as the Dane’s fades away.) Everybody who has used Lucas as a scapegoat for so long may need to find a new target before long.

Six points from 2 games indicates an improvement for Hodgson’s Liverpool. There is no suggestion that Hodgson has turned Liverpool into a strong team or that all is well, but that is definite, factual, progress.

With that in mind, I find it hard to relate to the level of disappointment amongst many Liverpool fans online. The contrast between the Liverpool fans that were in the Reebok Stadium and those who have posted their opinions across the internet is worth noting. The away support on Sunday was magnificent, remaining united behind the team until the three points were secure.

If some of us continue to allow our disillusionment with the manager to eclipse our enjoyment of the team’s success then Roy Hodgson’s reign is going to be a deeply frustrating one for all involved. If a football fan can’t see the positives in their side winning a game of football then something has gone seriously wrong.

There is clearly a long way for this Liverpool team to go and if this is the peak of Hodgson’s progress then clearly, it is not good enough. I accept that. But there are signs of progress and while they continue we should all look to get behind the team and manager.

Has the penny finally dropped for Roy Hodgson?

They say that a week is a long time in football and that has certainly held true at Liverpool FC in 2010.

Although the fans who were so keen to help Hodgson clear his office last week will rightly point out that victory over Blackburn is merely a delayed return to Liverpool’s expected standard, there are signs that Hodgson has learned some important lessons during the last ten days.

Let’s be fair-minded about this; it’s very easy to crucify a manager for the early failings of his tenure but perhaps it takes a shrewder type of fan to acknowledge where improvements are being made.

The victory over Blackburn Rovers may have saved Hodgson’s job and adjustments to his attitude may yet afford him greater leniency from the Anfield faithful. Both on and off the field, there are small hints that Hodgson might be willing to adjust his style to suit the role that he now fills so tentatively.

Hodgson has adapted his tactics to suit Liverpool’s players & fan base

Following an opening to the season that was characterised by uncertainty, negativity and lethargy, the performance against Blackburn provided encouragement that Hodgson is beginning to understand what is needed for this group of players and a club of Liverpool’s stature.

At Fulham, a deep-lying defence and counter-attacking style was highly effective and brought Hodgson’s side rewards, both domestically and in Europe. Without wanting to disrespect Fulham in any way, this style is not directly transferrable to sides with ambitions to threaten at the top of the league.

The challenges posed by the opposition, particularly at home, are different to those experienced by Hodgson previously and it was clear to all that reliance upon the Fulham style was not going to reap rewards at Liverpool. The defensive style is not one that matches Hodgson’s squad or the mentality of the club at which he is now in charge.

The contrast between the performances against Everton and Blackburn is extreme (with the same starting XI, remember). Against Blackburn, Liverpool played as if the chains had been released and Hodgson’s team were suddenly able to produce high-intensity football based primarily upon pressurising the ball. When accompanied by width and numerous bodies filling the box at every opportunity, it is fair to say that a one goal margin of victory fails to paint an accurate picture of the match.

Admittedly, this was only one match against limited opposition but if Hodgson’s resurgence is to gain further momentum, he must forget his go-to style of old and be brave enough to embrace the change in approach which better suits his new environment.

Hodgson has changed his approach to dealing with the media

If the defeat to Everton was not painful enough in itself, Hodgson’s post-match comments were simply galling. In trying to draw positives from a match in which his side had failed to provide any sense of encouragement, Hodgson alienated himself from many of the fans who had continued to support him.

Liverpool fans aren’t stupid. Whatever Hodgson’s motives were, his comments acted only to exacerbate the negative feeling that accompanied his miserable league record. Hodgson made a major error of judgement in his attempt to hoodwink the fans. Whether he realised his mistake alone or with the help of those who know the club, Hodgson’s comments after the Blackburn victory will have gone some way to instilling more faith in his regime.

It’s a harsh fact of modern football, but Hodgson’s improved performance in front of the media may be just as important as his team’s performance on the pitch.

Examples of Hodgson’s change in tone

By breaking down Hodgson’s comments, we can see a significant change from the erratic manager seen thus far.

“There were elements today which were visible in the matches we’ve lost or drawn. I don’t want to suggest everything’s suddenly hunky dory.”

Just as one defeat doesn’t result in the season being a failure, one victory doesn’t make it a success. The acceptance of flaws within victory is far more dignified and creditable than the desperate search for positives within a miserable failure. This was not a perfect Liverpool performance but it was a beginning. By acknowledging this, Hodgson has kept feet well and truly planted on the floor whilst reassuring many that he can understands the challenge that faces him.

“We made it clear to everyone: this is our game, we’re going to take it to you. We’re going to make certain we put you under pressure, we’re going to be quick to pressurise when we lose the ball.”

These words must be music to the ears of Liverpool fans worldwide. The explicit declaration that this is how Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool are going to play leaves no room for compromise. If Hodgson keeps his word, he will have a better side for doing so.

“We need to show a bit of humility and accept that if we’re not the Liverpool Football Club of yore, we’ll work hard to try and become it.”

Of all the statements made during Hodgson’s tenure thus far, this is the one that should provide Liverpool fans with the most comfort. Whilst acknowledging the proud history of the club, Hodgson has made it clear that the resurgence of Liverpool Football Club will be based upon hard graft. If anybody needed reminding before the January transfer window, it is clear that this is the minimum expectation. Although falling short of declaring a siege mentality, the public declaration that Hodgson’s team will be seeking progress via hard work will strike a chord with some fans.

Speaking to the media is much easier following a victory and the comfort of three points would have offered Hodgson greater tolerance from the supporters. However, there are small signs that he is beginning to understand how to speak as the manager of Liverpool Football Club and importantly, in respect of the fans. Liverpool’s history is characterised by dignity, respect and endeavour. By aligning himself with that mantra, Hodgson will have taken the first steps to winning back some of the fans that he had lost.

A false dawn?

It is vital to stress that this was only one victory and only the first shoots of recovery. By adapting his style both on and off the field, Hodgson has revealed that he is not as stubborn as some thought, nor as naive. If Hodgson continues to adapt his style to appropriate himself with his role then he will earn greater plaudits from the people who matter. The progressive nature of Liverpool’s football has pleased many and this must continue. Furthermore, Hodgson must maintain his understanding of fan relations, even in defeat.

Liverpool supporters will not dislike Roy Hodgson for the sake of it. If Hodgson’s team can produce the goods then there will be no ill-feeling towards the manager. It is very early days in Hodgson’s ‘recovery’ and he still has a long way to go if he is to win over his critics. However, the suggestion that he will embrace development is encouraging. If Hodgson is to remain as Liverpool manager, this is the way to do it.

A return to his previous failings would render the Blackburn victory nothing more than a false dawn.

It's Time For Under-Fire Hodgson And His Players To Take Some Risks

We have all been there. Whether it is a way to pass time in school or a pub debate, we have created an all-star football eleven. Variations within the definition of the team can range from the best players you have seen in person to the best eleven to have played in your lifetime. I’m sure you’ve done it.

I may be younger than many to have played this game but I would still have some formidable names in my side. Roberto Carlos and Cafu might get contracts under my stewardship. Zidane, Messi and Rivaldo would have a chance of a trial at the very least and I might even consider the fat Ronaldo if I could pretend that his career had finished at Barcelona.

In times like these where frustration continues to grow after each substandard performance, I would urge you to give it a go. At the very least, it should remind you that you do like football and it is not always this painful to watch.

When you have finished your team, have a look at your full-backs, your central midfielders, your wingers and whoever is leading the line. They were good to watch weren’t they? I’ll bet they were successful as well.

Looking at my team, one thing is clear. Aside from my goalkeeper and central defensive pairing, these players were risk-takers. They were not the kind of players to allow a game to pass them by in the forlorn hope that they would be fortunate enough to make a significant contribution.

To a man, these players were willing to take the game by the scruff of the neck when times were tough. They would be brave enough to try something a little different and often, this brought great rewards. If something were to go wrong, they wouldn’t retreat into a shell and wait for the final whistle, they would simply try it again.

Glance back to your own fantasy eleven and I am sure that you will see similar characteristics.

At Micro LFC, we love statistics and analysis. Many will have noticed one particular stat in the analysis of the Everton defeat. Liverpool successfully completed 446 passes at Goodison Park in comparison to Everton’s 163 and yet the home side were comfortable victors. When you have that much of the ball and fail to create clear-cut opportunities, something is going horribly wrong.

All over the pitch, Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool are lacking risk-takers. Many will be quick to suggest that this is reflective of Hodgson’s own, safety-first approach to management.

In a post-match interview Hodgson spoke in response to the number of goals conceded saying “with the offensive line-up we have that is going to be a risk”. Liverpool are making it crystal clear that the naming of offensive players on the team sheet does not naturally correspond with an attacking style.

Look at the positions where you would like to see players taking the initiative for Liverpool. The side is strewn with players who are too content to play a passive role in the team.

In the modern game, the full-backs are no longer exclusively defensive. In reality, they play a crucial role in the team functioning as an attacking unit. The modern full-back is constantly on the move, overlapping his winger when in possession to threaten in the opposition half and physically fit enough to be effective in protecting his own goalkeeper.

When you watch the likes of Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa play for Chelsea, they consistently provide attacks with width and pace. Furthermore, their presence in the opposition final third has a significant effect on the opposition winger’s performance. As the winger is called upon to provide defensive cover for his full-back, his threat at the other end of the field is nullified.

Liverpool currently have two full-backs who are failing to add to the team.

Although it is early in Paul Konchesky’s Liverpool career, his defensive work has been sloppy and his attacking intent has quickly fallen into line with the timid approach adopted by his teammates.

On the other side, Glen Johnson continues to prove himself limited defensively and infuriating in attack. Although absent from the Everton defeat, Johnson’s play is consistently hindered by an insistence on cutting inside. Liverpool’s football is narrow enough as it is. Hodgson’s full-backs must be brave enough to back their own ability, stay wide and attack the byline.

In the centre of midfield, Hodgson is having all sorts of problems. Aside from the miraculous statistic that Raul Meireles failed to complete a single tackle against Everton, the majority of problems exist when Liverpool are in possession.

Whoever is in the midfield, whether it be Lucas, Poulsen, Meireles or uncharacteristically, Gerrard, the static nature of the play is staggering. There is a reliance upon receiving the ball in a passive position, usually to the side or behind the passer. This goes a long way to explaining Liverpool’s high pass count. Having large amounts of possession is great but it means nothing if the ball is not used effectively.

Those who watched Lucas’ international appearance for Brazil last week would have been amazed by his performance. He was superb. He was always on the move, wanting the ball and spraying passes all over the field. A matter of days later and the same player is a pale imitation of his international self.



Why is it that players look so much more adept playing for their country than they do for Liverpool? Meireles is another to look more accomplished in a Portugal shirt than in the Premier League. When you consider the number of Liverpool players that went to the World Cup, it is clear that this isn’t a squad totally devoid of talent.

The climate at Liverpool is different to that within international squads and this is resulting in the removal of self-belief.

On paper, Liverpool should be a good team. It is only when they are asked to play as a team that they become a static, lethargic and predictable unit.

Liverpool’s midfield must lose the ‘safety-first’ attitude and be brave enough to make a difference. By remaining static, nothing will happen. That much is obvious. By making a positive run, whether receiving the ball at the end of it or not, a player can have at least have the chance of making a positive impact.

Movement forces the opposition to adjust their shape. Where there is no space to play, a simple ten yard burst into space can open up a progressive pass for a teammate.

The baffling thing is that we are saying this in regard to a Premier League football team packed full with internationals. Who or what is convincing the players that a motionless midfield is a good idea?

Liverpool’s wingers have similar problems. Kuyt, Maxi and Jovanovic will do a job for their manager in terms of work rate and defensive shape but they will do little to worry opposition defenders.

In Cole, Liverpool have a creative influence. He has been largely disappointing thus far but it is hard to understand the insistence on playing a man crying out to be deployed centrally on the left hand side.

Cole’s first instinct is to drift infield, thus narrowing Liverpool’s attacks further. The maddening Ryan Babel aside, Liverpool lack a winger who can beat a man out wide. With Johnson cutting in from the right, Konchesky lack of attacking conviction on the left and two ‘wide men’ heading into the middle of the field, it is no surprise that Liverpool’s attacks become congested.

No wonder Moyes was happy for Everton to sit deep on Sunday, this Liverpool team are an opposing backline’s dream! Everton formed two disciplined banks of four and Liverpool were comfortably nullified.

We have all heard the expression about old-fashioned wingers ‘getting chalk on their boots’. Why is this so inappropriate nowadays? It is effective and Liverpool have nobody to provide this service. The fact that Ryan Babel can’t force his way into this side tells you everything you need to know about his inconsistency.

Whatever system Liverpool adopt, they need wingers who will be disciplined and provide genuine width. Maintaining this width will pull the full-backs away from their central defenders and create gaps for the likes of Torres and Gerrard to exploit. Steven Gerrard will benefit hugely if the traffic that is blocking his trademark runs is removed in this way.

Once more, it is a case of the wingers being brave enough to back their ability to do the job asked of them and take a chance trying to beat a man.

Come January (whoever the manager may be), Liverpool must address this issue. If you can’t instill the understanding of the position in the player’s mind, find another player who will give you what you need.

At the top of the field, Fernando Torres has come in for substantial criticism for his performances and on occasions, his attitude. I have sympathy with the Spaniard. When considering all of the aforementioned faults in Liverpool’s play, it is understandable that he is becoming frustrated at the scraps he is feeding off.

The fact that Torres is off colour is not up for debate. However, Liverpool are woefully off form and collectively, are doing nothing to help him. He is often receiving the ball in total isolation from his teammates or in a congested area with three defenders surrounding him, it is no wonder that his ball retention is poor.

Three of the key lines of supply that Torres feeds off are lacking from Liverpool’s football. With no width, there is no quality ball from wide. We know that Torres has excellent movement in the box and can header a ball. He hasn’t had the opportunity to do this in recent times.

Secondly, he likes to receive the ball early so that he can get one on one with his defender and head to goal at pace. With Liverpool failing to press the ball high up the pitch, the prospects of a quick counter-attack are non-existent.

Finally, where has the Torres-Gerrard partnership gone? With Gerrard trying to initiate attacks from deep and becoming lost in a congested midfield, Torres’ partner has been removed without any replacement.

Furthermore, the lack of width removes Torres’ ability to lay the ball off and spin his marker to find space. Steven Gerrard isn’t totally blame-free and neither is Torres. However, the inadequacies of those around them are highlighting their deficiencies.

Until Torres has a supply line and support arriving with attacking intent, he will continue to struggle for form

A large proportion of the blame must lie with the manager and if Roy Hodgson wishes to remain as Liverpool manager, this must change immediately. It is evident that Hodgson’s Liverpool have problems all over the field.



Having asked for ten league games in which to judge his performance, Hodgson has two remaining (if he is lucky) to turn his players into a cohesive unit.

Now is the time for Hodgson to change the habit of a lifetime to save his job (if it isn’t already too late). He must instill a belief in his players that they are good enough to make a positive contribution.

The fans will be far more supportive of players who are trying to make things happen than players who are simply trying to avoid criticism.

If both the players and the manager begin to take risks, Liverpool may be able to halt the dramatic slide. If Hodgson refuses to adopt a positive style and attitude, it won’t be long before NESV are appointing a manager who will.

Why Football Needs A Victory Over Finance Today

‘RBS vs Tom Hicks. Tuesday, Court Room 18, Kick-off 10:30 AM. Referee – Mr Justice Floyd’

Although just one of many remarks regarding the future of Liverpool Football Club, BBC Sport’s Dan Roan is onto something. Tuesday’s court hearing is a fixture of unmatched magnitude in the history of the club and possibly, in the future of the game that we adore. It’s a terrifying journey into the unknown.

Like many others, I used to watch Sky One’s football drama, ‘Dream Team’ on a weekly basis. It was an entertaining but ridiculous series with plots that could never stand up in the world of professional football. Or so we thought.

As I type this, the Royal Courts of Justice are playing host to a storyline that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the melodramatic world of Harchester United.

The Changing Skill-set of the Modern Football Fan

The football fan is a brilliant creature. Fiercely passionate, loyal and outspoken. The majority of them know their game inside out, each with an opinion on what is happening at their club, but this is not enough any more. Things have changed.

In order to understand the nature of the situation that has been unfolding at Anfield in recent weeks, football fans have been forced to branch into an area that they have next to no understanding of. They can tell you everything you need to know about the strengths of the 4-4-2 system versus a 4-2-3-1 but commercial law and the subtleties of boardroom politicking? Forget it.

In reality, however much research is done, it is impossible to say which argument will stand up in the court of law without extensive training and exposure to all of the sordid details. All Liverpool fans can do today is hope.

Broughton has stated that he is confident of an RBS victory but that alone is all fans have to go on. The fans haven’t trusted Broughton’s actions so far. Why would they believe him now on this most critical of issues? It may not be appreciated on the eve of the court case but let us be honest, if Broughton felt that RBS had been backed into a corner by Hicks, he wouldn’t say it publically. Fans must trust in blind faith and pray that this time, Broughton is correct.

Wider Implications?

Whilst many are thoroughly enjoying the plight of Liverpool, it may be worth them considering the implications of this court case for the game as a whole.

Although those who support their team via Sky Sports will fail to acknowledge it, football has been on a slippery financial slope since television money was introduced in large sums. When combined with increased exposure and the massive financial benefits obtained from worldwide broadcasting, football became a money-driven sport. A club spending beyond their means has always been a cause for great concern, but when coupled with significant mismanagement at a senior level the consequences can be disastrous.

To the world, it is clear that Tom Hicks is not fit to run any football club, whether it be Liverpool or Histon. Unfortunately, blatant incompetence will not help Liverpool to get the outcome that they so desperately need. Although the actions of Hicks may feel criminal to Liverpool supporters and in breach of the confidence invested in the Americans when they bought the club, this alone does not stand up in the court of law.

If the case appears a complicated mess from the outside, prepare for it to become a whole lot worse once the barristers begin to work. RBS and Hicks will have vastly experienced and talented legal teams, the latter instructing his people to find a loophole that will allow the court to declare the sale to NESV void. With both sides knowing the complexities of the law inside out, the battle within the courtroom will be formidable.

For the wider footballing community, a ruling in support of Hicks would see the British legal system effectively confirm that the money-men rule football. If Hicks is allowed to maintain hold of Liverpool Football Club with the sole aim of obtaining a more lucrative offer, the message sent to potential owners across the world is clear: ‘It doesn’t matter if you destroy what you’ve bought lads, just make sure you look after the bank balance’.

Whilst Manchester United fans will be loving this, it is entirely possible that they will suffer a similar plight when they finally try to dig their way out of the debt-shaped hole that the Glazers are burrowing into.
Football is not in the healthy state that many wish to believe. Now is the time to turn the tide and head back to reality.

Justice

Justice is a big word in Liverpool. Now, more than ever, fans must hope that the court dictates that justice would result in the club being placed into safer hands. From the outside it is easy to declare an RBS victory on the grounds that Hicks is severely harming Liverpool Football Club. For Justice Floyd, there can be no judgment from the heart. Fans can only hope and pray that there is sufficient evidence for a decision to be passed in RBS’ favour.

25 years ago we would never have believed that our national sport’s future could be so heavily influenced in a court of law. But the precedent set tomorrow could have a significant impact upon the English football world as a whole.

For the sake of football, we can only hope that the right decision is made tomorrow. Hopefully that decision can result in Liverpool Football Club’s most important fixtures returning to their rightful place, the field of play.

Should major sporting events be available to all? - Written for The Oxford Mail's 'The Issue' column (published Wednesday 13th October 2010)

As a student in South Wales, I was pleasantly surprised at the excitement generated by hosting the Ryder Cup. Despite the weather conditions, golf’s leading event provided quality entertainment for an audience who have been deprived of witnessing this sport close at hand.

Unfortunately, the wider public were less fortunate. Although the BBC offered an excellent highlights package, Sky Sports’ possession of the live broadcasting rights meant that many were limited to radio coverage to catch the latest action. Although some events are destined to be lost to subscription broadcasting due to the huge amounts of money involved (Premier League football, for example), there are certain events that deserve to be available to all.

In a nation that cherishes every hint of sporting glory, it is damaging that we insist on limiting the exposure of sport to the youngsters who could form our future teams.

Following the memorable 2005 Ashes victory (available on Channel 4), attendance at the nation’s cricket clubs increased significantly and we experienced a surge of national pride that the sport had never witnessed before. Regrettably, the next Ashes series will only be available to Sky subscribers and it has been suggested that terrestrial highlights won’t be available at all. In this regard, we are moving backwards rather than progressing in the manner that is required.

If we continue to limit our exposure to sport in this manner, we are doing more damage than the money gained can ever repair.

No More Booing – Why It’s So Important Liverpool Fans Pull Together

PUBLISHED BY MICRO LFC ON 5/10/2010 FOLLOWING DEFEAT TO BLACKPOOL AT ANFIELD

It’s only a game.

Well, that’s what they all told me. But in reality, it was the worst thing that they could have said.

A week after Oxford United’s relegation from the Football League I was still in a state of shock and according to everybody I knew, sulking. If it had been ‘just a game’ then I’d have gotten over it by now.

If I lose at FIFA or PES I’m a little irritable, but life isn’t too bad. That’s a game.

Whatever the naysayers think, football is much more than that. We all have our family and friends but for many, a football club is our second love and our second kin. To see it crumble and capitulate before our eyes is excruciating and provokes a unique sort of pain.

By way of explanation, I’m an Oxford United fan.

Being an Oxford fan is a totally different football experience to your own as a Liverpool supporter but the levels of passion are identical. The rest of my family are Liverpool fans, many of them Merseyside based. I never thought I would say this but I can truly empathise with them.

Whilst Tonbridge Angels were our Northampton Town, Hayes & Yeading were our Blackpool, twice. Every week we would trudge disconsolately away from a ground proclaiming that this was a new low. Every week we would convince ourselves that this was the bottom of the trough and every week we would be wrong.

Sound familiar?

In all my time following Oxford, until recently I had seen only relegations. I heard great stories of the famous Milk Cup victory in 1986, the legends of the club such as Briggs and Langan and glowing accounts of a goalscorer by the name of Aldridge. (Apparently he went on to do reasonably well for a club up north but to me, this was a past that I couldn’t relate to.)

In my eyes, Oxford United were my local club and they were one big disappointment, guaranteed to prove that every glimmer of hope was a false dawn. For Liverpool fans, the fear is that this is what the future holds.

What if your grandchildren don’t know what Liverpool Football Club stands for? What if draws against Birmingham and Sunderland are celebrated as good results? At this moment in time, life as a Liverpool fan is hard and it is difficult to see an end to the misery that is engulfing the club.

Whilst I understand that Liverpool and Oxford United are worlds apart, there are undeniable similarities between the decline in the fortunes of the respective clubs.

Both have a proud history, a period of time in which success (relatively), was the norm. Additionally, whereas Liverpool have acquired two American buffoons without the slightest understanding of the significance of their purchase, Oxford fans were informed that they were to be taken on a ‘journey’ by Firoz Kassam. This was true. Unfortunately, the journey in question was an inevitable decline through the football pyramid via Stockport and Torquay.

The mismanagement of both clubs is truly staggering and the worst thing for the fan is that whatever measures you take, you always feel powerless to prevent the next disaster. Whilst the protests at Anfield are admirable in their intensions (and I really hope they have an impact), owners have a frustrating habit of ignoring the wishes of the paying public.

As I see the anger that I can identify so closely with emanate from the rest of my family, I can only hope that Liverpool fans deal with the current situation far better than we did at Oxford.

At both clubs, there is the belief that the club should be doing much better. As the plummet towards the League Two relegation zone intensified, there was never a consideration for the fact that Oxford United could exit the Football League. Wembley in ’86, Jim Smith, Jeremy Charles…this was a club that could never actually be relegated into the non-league. We were ‘too big’.

Although it is always important to hold the history of the club close to your heart, now is the time to stop using it as justification for the entitlement of success at the club. Leeds United can support this point.

Liverpool are a massive football club but that alone will not guarantee a return to European football’s top table. It is far too early to be stating that Liverpool are in danger of relegation but the assumption that it can’t happen is just as simplistic as the claim that it will occur.

From the fans to the players at Liverpool, it is vitally important that the belief that there is a god-given right for Liverpool to be at the top is totally eradicated. This belief will not correct the sinking ship, hard graft will.

Liverpool Football Club is fortunate to have a magnificent fan base who know their football inside out. The conduct of the fans over the coming weeks and months is extremely important in the changing of the tide at Anfield and a re-positioning of their image on the wider football stage.

A mentality grew at Oxford that these players were nothing to do with the proud Oxford United, more a group of men that were single-handedly bringing misery to thousands. As a result, the relationship between the players and fans became increasingly volatile and every mistake was accompanied by boos.

Confidence will always play a major part in football and the willingness to remove every last drop from our squad did nothing to improve the fortunes of the team.

It would be foolish to suggest that the Liverpool fans’ reaction will solely determine the success of the team, we are all fully aware of the deep-lying problems within.

But this Liverpool squad is already packed with players who are afraid to take risks. The laboured nature of Liverpool’s football owes a great deal to the mental approach and attitude of the players. There are very few players in the squad who are willing to get on the ball and make something happen. Instead, they always look for a sideways or backwards pass.

Mass vocal criticism from within the ground will do little to improve this problem.

It is up to the manager to encourage his players to add bravery to their game, attempting to run with the ball, overlap on the wing or take responsibility in the midfield. Whilst the fans can’t tell the players to do this, they can quickly push them back into their shells.

When I heard of the in-fighting at Anfield during the Blackpool game, my mind immediately returned to a depressing day at Northwich Victoria which ended with a fan having a heated confrontation with a young Oxford player. The confidence we had once seen never truly returned.

Liverpool fans have a reputation for lifting their team when it is needed. Although the players are far from the quality that fans would like to see, they need positive backing from the fans now more than ever.

The growth of a negative atmosphere within the ground itself will exacerbate an already significant problem. At this moment in time relegation is not a serious worry but more results along the lines of those witnessed recently will see it become a far greater issue.

The problems at Anfield are many; player quality, strength in depth, tactics, ownership…… The list goes on and on. While the fans feel powerless to intervene, it is vital that the anger shown towards the owners remains separate from the football. By all means, vent anger outside the ground in protest at the current regime but remain supportive in regard to the team.

Cheering a team that have put Liverpool in the relegation zone may not feel natural but it will have far more beneficial impacts on performance than booing during the game. Very few teams have benefitted from such treatment.

Reading the reaction to Liverpool matches recently has taken me back to the bad times at my own club and although to many the linking of the two clubs will seem odd, I hope Liverpool fans will show the dignity that they are respected for in their darkest days.

Although it may feel as if turning on the manager and players is the right thing to do, you may not be able to appreciate the impact that negativity has until it is too late.

In May, Oxford United won a play-off final at Wembley to return to the Football League. It was the culmination of 18 months of each facet of the football club pulling together to improve a dire situation. Many times over the years I could see no way in which the situation could improve but it did.

Liverpool Football Club will have its own ‘Wembley moment’ again some day. However, a failure to pull together now will result in the length of exile being extended.

Channel your frustration into supporting your team – a failure to do so could put the club into a deeper hole than you ever imagined possible. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen.

Capello’s man-management highlights a major problem

In the build up to the World Cup of 1978, a 31 year old Fabio Capello was a significant component of the Italian team that qualified for the Finals as group winners. Despite playing with a knee complaint throughout the qualifying campaign, the midfielder would have been confident of his place in Enzo Bearzot’s squad. However, noticing hindrance within Capello’s motion whilst becoming increasingly aware of the talents of Marco Tardelli, Bearzot made the decision to omit Capello from his travelling squad. Significantly, the first Capello knew of his exclusion was a TV news broadcast. There was no communication between Capello and his manager suggesting that he would be dropped, let alone any considered attempt to soften the considerable blow. Not quite public humiliation but a brutal way of discovering the end of your international career.

Look forward to 2010 and we see an uncanny reenactment of Capello’s own journey into the international footballing wilderness. Petty retribution directed at an innocent party? I doubt it. However, serious consideration must be taken as to why Capello, a man who knows how it feels to discover your own involuntary international retirement in such circumstances, chose to reveal David Beckham’s future on live television without informing the player himself. The fact that David Beckham is a brand, an icon and England’s leading outfield cap holder should not come into the debate. It is the manner of Capello’s behaviour that causes alarm, not the victim.



Fabio Capello had two options regarding his management of the situation. He could simply swerve the question, praising the performances of his wingers if he saw fit, leaving Beckham out of the equation. If Beckham was not in the Italian’s plans then so be it. If the LA Galaxy midfielder had been omitted from squad after squad, it would have become clear that his international career was approaching an end. By bringing Beckham’s future to the forefront of the media reaction to a friendly that he wasn’t even involved in, Capello indicated that Beckham carried superior status to the rest of the team. There are many former England internationals who will not wear the shirt again. There was no need to publically confirm that their careers were over so why was there a need to place Beckham on a pedestal in front of the world’s media, with the sole purpose of shooting him down? Throughout his England career, Beckham has insisted that he is simply another player. He was a special player, one held close to the hearts of English fans, but why Capello saw a need to treat him in this superior manner is anybody’s guess.

Alternatively, Capello could have phoned David Beckham. Revolutionary I know. We all understand that at times of peril Capello loses all ability to speak the English language and maybe he was simply worried about miscommunication. However, Beckham has a basic understanding of the Italian tongue after his time in Milan. Eccellente. If it were to take his fancy, a touch of Spanish may also have sufficed. The situation could have been resolved professionally in a language of Capello’s choice with minimum fuss. Obviously, I’m being ridiculous but in reality, is this any more ridiculous than Capello’s failure to pick up the phone? If Capello really had to end Beckham’s international career publically on Wednesday night, notifying the player should have been his primary action. If anything, Beckham was a tool for Capello to strengthen his own position at a difficult time. By excluding him from international action the Italian could show that he was his own man and crucially, the man capable of making the difficult decisions to overhaul an ageing England team following a monumental World Cup failure. Rather than convincing the English public that he was the man to take the national side forward, Capello has thrown further ammunition to those looking to shoot him down.

Furthermore, it is not only the style of Capello’s announcement that is an insult to a fine professional, but the way in which he chose to suggest Beckham’s future. Although David Beckham is undeniably a worldwide brand and a celebrity of the highest order, the man himself would want nothing other than parity once inside the England camp. Beckham has stated repeatedly that he will never make himself unavailable for England duty, if needed. By offering Beckham one final England cap, a testimonial with which the humiliated individual can wave goodbye to his adoring public never to be seen in such surroundings again, Capello has clearly sought to draw a line under Beckham’s career and enforce an international retirement that isn’t desired. Unlike others that Capello has called upon, Beckham would happily play for Capello’s England. Forcing him to admit that his England career is over serves very little other than to glorify and exploit ‘Brand Beckham’ one more time. If Capello were able to understand the man himself, he would know that this is the last thing David Beckham desires.



Only a few weeks ago, Beckham was sitting on the bench in South Africa, doing everything in his power to aid his country’s performance in the World Cup finals. Whether Beckham should have been invited is another matter but Capello’s reasoning was that he was a fine professional, respected by all in the squad, who could provide the link between the players and the management. Capello’s actions have only served to exacerbate any gap between squad and the manager. Although his players will never publically state their disapproval, what the likes of Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry think of Capello’s treatment of Beckham is significant. Three players who have captained their country, approaching the final years of their internationals careers, each now wondering when their own future will be revealed and how many millions of people will hear it before they do. Capello has little understanding of the impact that his treatment of Beckham could have on the rest of his squad and in a job where relationships with players are so significant, Capello’s ability to ostracise himself is an increasing worry.

Furthermore, Beckham’s involvement in England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup has been one of the overwhelming positives in the campaign. Whilst comments at board level may have hindered England’s chances, Beckham acted as he has for the vast majority of his career, as a fine ambassador for English football worldwide. When considering the time that Beckham has invested in helping his country in recent times, the style of Capello’s comments come across as nothing but disrespectful, ungrateful and fundamentally, ill judged.

Whilst at the helm of a winning side, Fabio Capello could do little wrong. Firm decisions, insistence on formality and a distant relationship with his players were simply examples of the authority that the English national side had been lacking for so long. Following a miserable World Cup, cracks are appearing in Capello’s armour and his actions are doing little to convince his doubters. Of course, Capello has previous when it comes to making significant errors in regard to a simple phone call. Whilst trying to convince Paul Scholes to return to international duty, Capello left the dirty work to Franco Baldini. It is common knowledge that a more personal touch could have seen Paul Scholes in an England shirt once more. Capello’s treatment of Scholes and Beckham exhibits a total disregard for the feelings of his players and if anything, his failure to do the jobs that a manager should be doing borders on pure laziness. When the FA is paying a manager £6 million per year, they expect to gain a manager who understands his players, not one who passes the tough jobs onto his assistant.



When Capello revealed that David Beckham had no international future on Wednesday night, the England manager opened himself up to all sorts of criticism. At this moment in time, it is difficult to argue that the majority of it is not deserved. As soon as Capello spoke about Beckham’s future, the former captain was elevated to a greater significance than the current squad. The previous 90 minutes faded into insignificance in the eyes of many and the birth of the ‘new England’ was overshadowed by the news surrounding the captain of the old guard. Capello’s crime was not the action, but the manner in which it was carried out. There were two ways in which Capello could have executed David Beckham’s removal from the national team and neither were implemented satisfactorily. A silence on Beckham’s future would have been understandable and the absence of the former Manchester United midfielder from future teams would have told its own story. Alternatively, if Capello felt the need to speak out and end the Beckham infatuation once and for all, a simple phone call prior to the announcement would have been enough to maintain Beckham’s dignity and Capello’s integrity. Beckham represented him country with dedication, professionalism and pride. Whilst Capello continues to overlook simple man-management techniques, fans will doubt whether the Italian can manage the national side with the same principles. Capello still has a future with the England side and if he can overcome the issues he admits he has with understanding the players, it may end successfully. However, Capello must be the first to admit that this is a call he got very wrong.

WorldNET 2010 - Raging Fever Youth Team Report

On Friday 23rd July, Raging Fever FC made the familiar trip to Leeds to compete in the annual WorldNET tournament at Bodington Hall. Crucially, this season had seen a major change in the Fever squad structure. In the most shocking split since Oasis went their separate ways, Fever fielded teams in both the main and veteran competitions. However, unlike our friends from Manchester, the world sat up and took notice at the news of Fever manager John Matthews’ revolutionary idea. Would James Longshaw have a purpose on the football field without the supportive words of Rob Muskett? Who would take penalties for the youngsters now that the Matthews dictatorship had headed for a more arthritic environment? Would a pass ever be successfully completed now that Robb Milne’s ‘easy ball’ catchphrase had so cruelly been taken from us? As Fever’s under 30s headed into the unknown, there were serious doubts as to the credentials of the team without their senior colleagues (and Thom Airs, who was acting as the veteran’s celebrity youngster). As an unfamiliar Fever team, featuring two Scots, two Longshaw acquaintances (always a worrying statement) and a guest goalkeeper in the form of Kidderminster B’s ‘Ackers’, nobody knew quite what to expect. As the team met to watch Dan Pear’s England debut on Friday evening, the appearance of Longshaw’s cider stash left many with the opinion that a prompt arrival at the venue on Saturday morning would be a minor miracle in itself.



Dan Pear making his England debut vs Scotland

As expected, Dan Pear gave an excellent account of both himself and Raging Fever FC in the annual England vs Scotland fixture, playing the second half and winning a key challenge in the build-up to the winning England goal. Hopefully Dan will be the first of many Fever internationals, a figure that would surely be higher if the Welsh and German players weren’t subject to such callous disregard each year.

Following this proud start to the weekend, both Fever squads headed to the Three Horseshoes in Headingley for a pre-tournament beverage. As the drinks were consumed, the subplot to the weekend’s footballing activities began to develop at a frantic pace amongst the veteran players. As expected from such mature men, some even with well paid jobs and partners, the key phrase being thrown around the table was “I’m faster than you are”. Clearly, there would only be one way of solving this ferocious and vitally important debate. A race would be held following the conclusion of Saturday’s group phase. In the interests of keeping the reader’s interest, the video footage will be posted further into this report.



Fever line up to defend a Preston free-kick

Rather than allowing Fever’s makeshift team to gradually grow into the tournament, the draw had placed Fever alongside last year’s 2nd place finishers, Bradford, a Welling side that had heavily defeated a Fever side earlier in the season and an unknown quantity in the form of Ipswich A. Although the sight of caretaker manager James Longshaw emerging from his room in boxers, shortly accompanied by the smell of Yates’ finest brew didn’t fill anybody with confidence, a full squad was present (if not entirely correct) for Longshaw’s slurred team talk after breakfast. By the time kick off in the opening fixture arrived, the men in yellow vaguely resembled a football team. Unfortunately, Bradford turned out to be an accurate representation of an excellent football team and a very tough test first up. Despite this, Fever nearly caused a shock in the opening minutes with a passage of play that provoked great debate between Longshaw and the rest of the squad. In the interests of fairness, both accounts shall be provided. After a slick passing move (after the ball bobbled around uncontrollably ricocheting off the flailing limbs of both sides) the ball fell to Longshaw who calmly rolled the ball out of his feet with just the keeper to beat (the ball fell to Longshaw who tried desperately to dig the ball out from under his feet as the keeper advanced). Neither side could believe their eyes as the Fever striker opened up his body to curl the ball towards the goal with great finesse (as the Fever striker’s foot turned into a sand wedge and the ball looped towards the planes heading in to land at Leeds airport) and cries of anguish were released as the ball bounced clear from the underside of the bar (cries of amazement were released as gravity worked miracles to bring the ball, putting the irregular movement of the Jabulani to shame, down onto the bar). Whichever account you believe (it was the latter), Fever had started well and Jimmy Hickman was inches away from getting on the end of a Dan Pear long throw, a weapon that would be used throughout the tournament. Unfortunately, this was as good as things got and Fever struggled to keep hold of the ball or involve any of the front men in the play henceforth. Bradford’s opening goal was slightly harsh on guest keeper Ackers as he denied the striker when clean through, only for his strike partner to complete the job moments later. Any doubts about the Kidderminster keeper’s ability were dispelled as he dealt well with a barrage of corners and long throws. Why there was any debate over his ability in the first place is staggering. The man had personalised goalie gloves. He could only be brilliant with such accessories. Although Bradford ran out 2-0 winners, Fever should not have been too disheartened as this strong team eventually won the main competition, defeating Lens in the final.



Stuart Burson

If a positive was to be taken from defeat, it was the tactical decision (most certainly not a mutiny) to move Jimmy Hickman up front whilst moving one of the Longshaw-Burson Wantage alliance, Dave Cheeseman, to the wing for the following fixture. This move worked wonders in the next game as Fever hit their stride to gain revenge over Welling. A backline of George Dugdale, Toby and Nicky Pear and John Butcher coped well with Welling’s barrel-chested striker who had caused havoc earlier in the season. Analysts suggest that his decision to remove a one inch ponytail in the intervening months was the true reason for his downfall. Fever started the match at a frantic pace with Theo Dominian’s running causing all sorts of problems for the Welling backline. It was Dominian who opened the scoring, finishing well after an interchange of passes with Hickman. Fever doubled their lead late in the half as Dominian jinked past several Welling defenders before drilling a low shot beneath the advancing keeper. The second half continued in similiar fashion with Stuart Burson and Dan Pear pulling the strings in the middle, Mike Connolly and Mitchell Maulson (who qualified for Fever via a relationship with a member of the manager’s family in the style of Andy Burgess and Sergio Aguero) threatening on the flanks and Hickman bringing others into the game with his hold-up play. A bursting run from Hickman allowed him to round the keeper to extend the Fever lead and soon after, as Welling failed to learn from their mistake, Dan Pear tapped into an empty net after placing the keeper on the Bodington turf. A vastly improved performance from Fever and a confidence boost ahead of the final group game against Ipswich in which only a point would be needed to progress to the main competition’s second day.



Dan Pear battles for possession

Despite the nature of the task in hand, Fever went out to win the match in order to progress in style. However, despite an encouraging start Ipswich took the lead against the run of play when Ackers struggled to clear a backpass and the Tractor Boys took full advantage of a disorganised Fever backline. Forced to chase the game, Fever began to exert their dominance in the midfield but met stubborn resistance from a determined rearguard. When Toby Pear hammered a volley into the roof of the net following a corner by brother Dan, it seemed as if all was well. However, Fever were once more caught sleeping at the back when they failed to clear a long throw and the ball dribbled into the corner of Ackers’ net. Despite relentless pressure in which both Dugdale and Toby Pear ended up as makeshift strikers, Ipswich held firm to move into the second round. Despite dominating the match, conceding two goals from the oppositions only two shots meant that it would be an early start for Fever in the newly christened ‘Remshed Plate’ the following morning. A further blow was dealt with the news that Nicky Pear’s knee injury would rule him out of the second day, breaking up an impressive partnership with Toby.



Toby Pear in control

As the first day headed towards a close, Fever headed over to ‘contest’ a friendly against housemates Motherwell. For the record, the game finished 1-1 with a Dugdale equaliser late on. The game was played with a friendly atmosphere at a relaxed pace (some may say similar to the pace on offer in the veteran’s tournament…). Meanwhile, the much anticipated ‘Raging Fever Donkey Derby’ was taking place on the veteran’s field. Despite allegations of false starts, the result stands and is available below.



The banter continued to be thrown around in the aftermath as both squads travelled into Leeds for a team meal (once more featuring James Longshaw vs The World at bill time) and a visit to the ever popular Cockpit. Despite the youth team’s 8am kick off moving ever closer, a good time was had by all with the veterans enjoying some Nirvana (I heard they stole the Foo Fighters lead singer) as some members of the youth team joined the tattooed teenagers next door for some 21st century tunes. With pre-match meals including shisha, kebabs and a McFlurry, little hope of progress in the Plate remained as the team arrived home at varying times on Sunday morning after a night ‘on the bang’.

A matter of hours later the squad assembled for the second round clash against Kidderminster B, an unfortunate draw considering this was the team carrying the registration of guest goalkeeper Ackers. With Paul Soper kindly sacrificing an hour’s sleep for the youth team cause, Fever lined up with Stuart Burson replacing Nicky Pear at centre back and Nick Wehmeier slotting in alongside Dan Pear in midfield. Despite the odd sore head, general tiredness and the resultant lack of motivation, Fever started well with Wehmeier drilling the ball left-footed into the corner of Acker’s net midway through the first half. As the game moved on, it became apparent that Fever hadn’t been the only side out in Leeds the night before. Although Soper had one smart save to make early in the second half, there was a smooth efficiency to the Fever passing with much of the football being played through Dan Pear, somewhat worryingly for a Kidderminster side noticing that he was waking up a little more with every stride through their defence. Fever deservedly doubled their lead soon after through player-manager Longshaw. After an effort was well saved, the ball fell to Longshaw whose scuffed volley dribbled home. It would have struggled to burst a bubble, let alone the net, but as a quick flash of the ‘Goredayer’ t-shirt showed (it had a whole 6 attendees this year), they all count. The cherry was placed on top of the Fever cake as Wehmeier forced a Kidderminster defender to put through his own net despite having inadvertently blocked Toby Pear’s thunderous volley from a Dugdale corner. Job done without hitting top gear and time for a well-deserved breakfast before the last 16 match against a strong Preston B side at midday. Thanks must go to both Kidderminster for lending us a keeper and Ackers himself for a supreme effort, playing 6 games on Saturday, often in different corners of Bodington with a matter of minutes between games. The Fever manager kindly presented him with a warm can of Strongbow as a man of the match award although his gratitude was placed in doubt by the news that he was carrying a significant hangover.



John Butcher halts a Preston attacker’s advances

Having seen the veterans bow out with a whimper in the morning, the youth team seemed to be motivated by the prospect of avoiding the depression that was emanating from the over 30s camp. Even the sight of a physical Preston side embarking on a 30 minute warm up as Fever soaked up the sun complaining of sore limbs didn’t have the expected effect as the Yellows started the game well with Hickman, Connolly and Dominian going close. Despite dominating a physical first half, Fever couldn’t break the deadlock.



George Dugdale in an aerial battle with Preston’s frontman

As the second half kicked off Fever became aware of the wind that Preston had been so keen to mention in the first half and struggled to clear their lines on several occasions. With the ball holding up in the wind, Paul Soper did well to deal with through balls that could have caused all sorts of problems without such swift action. Despite free kicks in dangerous positions at either end, the game looked destined to be heading for extra time until the ball bounced across the 6 yard box to Longshaw following good work from Dominian and Hickman. As the expectant crowd drew breath, expecting another trademark scuffed volley into the corner, Longshaw miraculously caught the ball sweetly and sent it rocketing over the bar. Late disappointment for Fever but it wouldn’t be long until he gained revenge.



James Longshaw hammers the ball over the bar…

Only moments into the 10 minute period of golden-goal extra-time, Fever won a throw in deep in Preston territory. As the ball soared into the box from Dan Pear’s long throw, Toby Pear put the keeper under pressure and as he flapped, the ball dropped to the feet of Longshaw. Having missed a similar chance moments earlier, this time he made no mistake, putting the ball into the corner of the net and sending Fever into the quarter finals. Preston were undoubtedly stronger than several of the sides that had made it through to the main competition having been victims of a ‘group of death’ and a battling win should not be overlooked.



…but tucks the ball into the corner moments later

As the veterans packed up their Zimmer frames and descended the stair lift for one last time before the journey back to Oxford, the youth side headed over to watch the penalty shoot out that followed a 0-0 draw between Hearts and Port Vale to determine who would make it through to face a confident Fever side. Despite distracting the management team with quips about Lewis Haldane’s skin, hair and insect related treatments, Vale won the shootout in sudden death. In spite of having played a full period of extra time, an hour later it was Vale who looked much fresher and raced into a 2-0 lead within 4 minutes of kick off on a fluctuating pitch. Two long balls caught the Fever line flat-footed and were clinically finished by the Vale front men before the men in yellow had woken up. Despite an improved second half display, it became clear that Fever had run out of ideas and more importantly, energy. Two days of tough fixtures with a small squad had clearly taken its toll on key players and Port Vale held on comfortably to run out fully-deserving winners.

Although the end of the tournament was just as disappointing as the fate suffered by the veteran side earlier in the day, the side left Leeds with their heads held high. Fever remained competitive in all matches against some strong opposition and produced excellent team performances against Welling and Preston in particular. Although it was disappointing not to have another crack at the main competition’s knockout phase, progress into the quarter finals of the plate resurrected some pride. As always, all Raging Fever matches were competitive but carried out in the correct spirit, upholding the traditions upon which WorldNET is run.

Squad:

‘Ackers’ (Kidderminster), Paul Soper, John Butcher, Toby Pear, Nicky Pear, George ‘Dougie’ Dugdale, Nick Wehmeier, Mike Connolly, Dave Cheeseman, Mitchell Maulson, Stuart Burson, Dan Pear, Theo Dominian, Jimmy Hickman, James Longshaw.

Why Evertonians should trust in David Moyes' model in the push for a European spot

It is the 15th August 2009. Following the annual surge of optimism that greets pre-season at any club, the Goodison Park faithful are eagerly anticipating the start of another Premier League season. Everything looks right. In David Moyes they have a manager who understands what it means to lead their club. The squad looks strong. This can be the season where Everton progress to the ‘next level’ and challenge for a top four place. 90 minutes later and the optimism has disappeared. Arsenal outclass their opponents throughout and run out 6-1 winners. Moyes is taking the club backwards. The squad can’t handle the big occasion. Joleon Lescott wants out and his transfer saga has caused irreversible havoc in the changing room. Aside from the humiliation of a mauling on home soil, the overwhelming feeling is one of anticlimax. Maybe next year…



Ten months later and the story is the same. Although several of the players have a World Cup to concentrate on first, the belief that this is the year sits at the forefront of the Everton fan’s mind. Despite the table suggesting that the previous season should be written off as a non-event, an impressive run of results after Christmas is evidence that Everton are a club progressing once more. The challenge for Moyes is to maintain the progression that the fans demand. Having seen Tottenham break the hold of the ‘big four’ – Everton fans will be quick to remind you they managed this in 2005, however limited the following season’s European campaign – there is a realistic hope that Everton can follow suit. If a manager as focussed as Moyes ever needed further motivation, the turbulent times experienced on the other side of Stanley Park could see the Toffees step out of the shadow of their closest rivals.

However, it is not fair to suggest that Everton will break into Europe’s elite competition by following the model that Spurs have created. By their own admission, Everton are not a rich club. They are not a club that is in deep financial trouble, but they lack the ability to spend the sums of money that Harry Redknapp benefitted from whilst rebuilding Spurs. Everton must adopt a different model that is sustainable and relevant to their specific situation. There are three key aspects to the plan that Everton should adopt. Encouragingly, the signs are that David Moyes is striving to put each of these into motion.

With a limited transfer budget, Moyes’ job is not an easy one. The assumption that he has taken Everton as far as he can will undoubtedly attract some ill-judged support should this season follow a similar path to last year’s injury-ridden campaign. In reality, the transfer policy that Moyes is forced to pursue is one that moves slowly. Although the likes of Yakubu and Fellaini were expensive purchases by Bill Kenwright’s standards, the vast majority of Moyes’ acquisitions are players with potential to develop whilst at the club, bought for a relatively small fee and concluded with minimal fuss. Rather than improving his squad with the multi-million pound signature of a continental superstar, Moyes has bought shrewdly and strengthened gradually. It is wrong to avoid the fact that signings such as Andy van der Meyde were poor but it is equally important to remember that the financial loss on such mistakes is limited, especially when compared with the financially disastrous signings that have graced the top clubs in recent years.

The sustainable nature of Moyes’ transfer dealings should be applauded. The signings of promising youngsters such as Dan Gosling, Seamus Coleman and Lukas Jutkiewicz are low risk and are likely to pay dividends over time. Furthermore, Moyes is not afraid to gamble in the transfer market. Rather than financially perilous gambles, Moyes has looked outside of the box in recent times and reaped the rewards. In particular, the decision to allow Landon Donovan to spend his close-season in England was a masterstroke. Whether the signings of Jermaine Beckford and Joao Silva will be similarly successful remains to be seen but few will doubt their credentials. Although plying their trade outside of the top division in their respective countries, both have shown a natural instinct for goalscoring and will benefit from the invention provided by the likes of Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar, amongst others.

Similarly, rumours of a move for released Manchester City winger Martin Petrov do not come as a surprise. If his mind is right, Petrov could benefit greatly from the stable environment provided by Everton. David Moyes’ determination to improve his squad within his budget is a great strength. His willingness to pursue a calculated gamble may also bring benefits in the next 12 months. When considering that Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar cost little over £7.5 million between them, the evidence that quality can be acquired for a limited price is clear. If Everton are to challenge for a top four place, Moyes must continue to get the majority of his ‘risk transfers’ correct.



When working from a limited budget, the importance of development from within is a vital element of the football club. Although acquiring young, talented players from other clubs is a sustainable way in which to do business, the boost from bringing a player through the youth academy into the first team squad is undeniable. As well as the accolades for the individual and the staff at the academy, the boost for the other trainees at Finch Farm is considerable. The rapid rise in the prominence of Jack Rodwell is indicative of this. Crucially, Moyes has been able to fend off interest from Manchester United and has secured Rodwell to a long-term deal at Goodison Park. By the time the 2014 World Cup comes around, Rodwell’s valuation could be many times greater than at present. The long-term deals signed by Rodwell and the similarly impressive full-back Seamus Coleman provide the clear statement that Everton no longer wish to be a ‘selling club’ and will keep their assets. Although interest in top players is inevitable, the length of contract signed by Everton’s youngsters acts as an insurance policy that guarantees a substantial fee for their registration should the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger maintain their interest.

Although Rodwell’s success story is encouraging for all involved at Everton, one player will not represent a successful academy. Moyes will hope that the likes of Shane Duffy (when he recovers fully from a life-threatening injury), Coleman, Jose Baxter and Jutkiewicz will follow Rodwell into the first team fold at Goodison Park within the not too distant future. Loan spells at Blackpool and Motherwell respectively have shown signs of promise for Coleman and Jutkiewicz, not least the latter’s wonder strike against Hibs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byK2oBB_ucQ). The constant flow of first team players from the youth system at any club is valuable. However, in Everton’s case, for each first team player brought through the ranks at Finch Farm, another can be added to strengthen the squad using the money saved. In terms of sustainable progress, the strength of the academy system is of the utmost importance.



A final key aspect of Moyes’ model for Everton’s continued growth is the simple - yet not always easy to enforce – idea of keeping the strongest players at the club. Although the transfer saga surrounding Joleon Lescott’s move to Manchester City last summer was disruptive to Moyes’ preparations in the extreme, the lessons learned from the episode could benefit the club in the long term. Since leaving Goodison Park, the form that had seen Lescott reach the periphery of the England squad has vanished. Before injury ended his season, the ex-Wolves centre back looked a shadow of his former self alongside Kolo Toure amidst the chaos of Manchester City’s squad overhaul. Although the environment created by Moyes at Everton is unspectacular, the close bond within the club is clear for all to see. If Lescott’s departure has taught Everton’s remaining stars anything, it is that despite the astronomical wages available in Manchester, the grass isn’t always greener.

Whilst receiving praise for many aspects of his managerial style, Moyes’ ability to keep his players united is a strength that is often overlooked. Having secured Tim Cahill on a long-term deal, the retention of Fellaini, Baines, Arteta, Jagielka and Pienaar, amongst others, is vital towards Everton’s progression. The loss of Everton’s greatest assets would be hard for Moyes to take, although many would believe in his ability to use any funds raised wisely. These are players who have fallen into the Everton mindset and understand what it means to play for the club. Although footballing ability can often be replaced, replacing what goes on inside the player’s head is much more difficult. Whilst Everton have a strong spine to their squad, Moyes will continue to lead a successful football club.



As with all teams, there is always room for improvement at Everton. There is genuine hope that alongside Saha, Silva and Beckford can convert the numerous chances created by Everton’s nimble playmakers. Whilst the goalscoring issue is being addressed, Everton’s defensive record is good without being tight enough to challenge for top European competition. The return of Phil Jagielka will provide a huge boost to the backline whilst Moyes will hope that Seamus Coleman can push Tony Hibbert for a first team place. The value of having two attacking full-backs cannot be underestimated at any level of football. Whilst Leighton Baines drives the team forward well, Hibbert lacks the dynamism of the modern full-back. Recent comparisons between the style of football exhibited by Coleman and Gareth Bale suggest that the youngster is an athlete who is able to push forward whenever possible, albeit on the opposite flank to the Welsh international. As well as helping attacks by overlapping the wingers, such tactics also limit the threat of opposition wingers by forcing them into tracking back in their own half. Although it would be wrong to place too much pressure upon the Irishman’s shoulders at such as early stage, his rise to prominence may coincide with a change in tactics towards the modern style of full back that is so common throughout Europe. Once more, to be successful, Everton can not afford to be static.

As the events in South Africa come to a climax, the expectations of Everton’s following will once more begin to rise as pre-season commences. Although Moyes will be praying for a more generous bill of health this year, the signs are positive that Everton can improve on last year’s finish. A run of just 2 defeats in the final 24 games of the season shows that Moyes has a team that understands how to win Premier League games. With a full pre-season behind them, there is no reason why this can’t be the year that the strengthened Everton fulfil their true potential. If early momentum can be gained, the belief that Moyes is slowly creating something special will only strengthen amongst those at the Gwladys Street End.

Why this page hasn't been updated for a long time...

I have to get through Uni as well as putting all of my sporting thoughts onto paper. The essay stage is over, the exam phase is just beginning and once they are done I will write further articles. To summarise my views on recent events:

The FA fine on Wolves has set a precedent that can't be followed. My previous article showed that I didn't agree with the team selection but the FA have shot themselves in the foot. If Chelsea rest 9 players, are they allowed to do so because their reserves are a better quality than Wolves' reserves? Are Fulham allowed to because they have priorities in Europe? The FA need to find a way out of this. Wolves should not have been fined in the first place.

Chelsea won the league because they were the best side. Far from perfect, but ruthless when opportunities presented themselves. The other teams have no excuses. Manchester United will be stronger next season but there can be no complaints about the destination of the title.

Portsmouth's players deserve credit for getting to the FA Cup final. The club doesn't. They won the trophy in the past living beyond their means and are suffering the consequences now. The sums of money owed to small companies and services are a disgrace.

Luton Town Football Club should have been honest following the events after the York game and acknowledged that they have a sizeable troublesome element within their fan base. Nick Owen's failure to condemn his club's support was almost as poor as the scenes at Kenilworth Road. There are clearly 'real' supporters there who back their team in the right manner but the acceptance of trouble at Luton Town fixtures from the club itself will harm them in the long-term. The sooner it is removed, the better.

Finally, apologies for my prediction a few months ago. Liverpool's revival never happened, Wolves' were not in any significant danger in the last weeks of the season and much to the smug satisfaction of Mike Lewis, Everton most certainly finished above Birmingham. They should qualify for Europe at the end of next season. However poor my calculations were, this season has certainly been entertaining.

'Should sportsmen's personal problems impact on their day job?' - Article published in the Oxford Mail on 15/3/2010

The life of a professional sportsman carries many privileges. When considering the astronomical income received by John Terry, Ashley Cole and Tiger Woods, it should come as no surprise that they are subjected to intense media scrutiny. Having seen the benefits of life in the spotlight, each of them should have been wary of the effect that their extramarital activities would have upon their reputations. In the UK, Terry has had to bear the brunt of the public reaction to current events. As such, an impact upon his day job was inevitable. Footballers make a career from a team sport in which trust is a major component of success. Terry’s affair appears to have caused some division within the Chelsea changing room and his dramatic loss of form is constantly linked to tabloid headlines. Terry’s deterioration has a negative impact upon his team, manager and importantly, fans. A proportion of a footballer’s wage is paid by money put into the club by supporters. Whilst this remains the case, all players have an obligation to enhance the reputation of their club both on and off the field. It is in this respect that Terry and Cole have failed. Although Woods’ sport is individual, he plays a similar role to Terry and Cole as a worldwide role-model. The sportsman has a responsibility to act appropriately with consideration to their status. When showing such disregard for morality, it is understandable that their integrity is questioned both within their occupation and away from it.

Why Wilder's focus can win over the fickle Oxford fan

Like all Oxford United fans at 9:45pm on Tuesday, I was gutted. Entering 5 minutes of stoppage time United looked set to maintain a lead at the top of the Blue Square Premier with a tactically perfect 1-0 victory at the hostile Kenilworth Road. Terrific. 7 minutes into the ‘5 minutes’ of stoppage time, the Oxford backline had been breached twice and the referee brought proceedings to an end, sparking euphoric scenes amongst the Luton support. Less than terrific. Over the next few days, internet forums were bombarded with fans declaring that the season was over, the capitulation had begun and Chris Wilder had lost the dressing room. Fast forward to Saturday evening and everything was wonderful again. Whilst a 2-0 home victory over Histon was welcomed by those in yellow, the news of away defeats for promotion rivals Stevenage Borough and York City created a noise similar to that generated after an Oxford goal and sent the home faithful home with a smile upon their collective face.

I try to avoid internet forums after points are dropped to maintain a realistic perspective upon the current situation. Thankfully, Chris Wilder and his staff insist upon the same mentality within the dressing room. Whilst home wins against Luton and Stevenage Borough don’t mean that the title is won, neither does a defeat in February mean that the season must be written off as a failure. The last week has exposed the fickle nature of the football supporter for all to see. Every club has fans that are guilty of knee-jerk reactions and a minority who are able to see through disappointment to maintain a positive attitude. Rather than trying to comfort the knee-jerkers and tell them that everything will be alright in the end, it is easier to maintain a dignified silence and wait for a positive result to ease their troubled minds.



Thankfully, the Oxford United squad don’t react to defeat in the same manner as your average fan. Chris Wilder and Mickey Lewis have implemented a mentality throughout the club that treats each game for what it is. Irrespective of the result in the last game or upcoming fixtures, the focus in always upon the next match. It is a simple idea but one that seems to be working. In the heat of the moment, fans will overlook the fact that for 90 minutes, the performance at Luton was everything Wilder would have asked for. Although the problems experienced in stoppage time must not be overlooked, if United had managed to hold on then the fans would have been raving about a tactical master class. The mentality of the manager is far more objective than that of his fans. Rather than looking at the wider picture, Wilder is helping his men to win the next battle. If everything goes to plan, these battles will win a war and see Oxford United return to the Football League.

However, football is not that simple. The fact that football is not formulaic makes it a far more interesting spectacle for everybody involved. Across all divisions, points will be dropped by teams between now and the season’s climax. Looking specifically at the Blue Square Premier, it is evident that teams can drop points in any match. As we go into the final third of the season, it is the reaction to dropped points that will decide who is playing in League Two next season. For York City, a positive reaction to the end of a run that has seen them gain 31 points from a possible 33 is crucial. For Stevenage, two defeats in relatively quick succession have knocked Graham Westley’s side from their stride. Similarly, Oxford are currently 14th in the form table when looking at the past 6 matches. One of the great strengths of Wilder’s team this season has been the ability to respond to a defeat with a morale-boosting victory and continue on a winning run for a significant period of time. Although it is entirely possible that Stevenage and York will respond positively to their setbacks, I have full faith in Chris Wilder being able to complete the job that he has started so well.



This season’s Blue Square Premier is the most competitive the top tier of Non-League football has been for quite some time. Whereas Burton, Dagenham and Redbridge and Aldershot were able to run away with the title for much of the second half of the season, the same will not be true this season. To name but a few, Oxford United, Stevenage Borough, York City, Mansfield Town and Luton Town are teams that are able to take points from each other. Although the matches between these sides will undoubtedly be important in determining the destination of the league title, the ability to cope with frequent matches will also play a large role. Due to the impromptu winter break, the remainder of the season will see teams playing Saturday-Tuesday. It is in this respect that I have great confidence in Oxford United. Kelvin Thomas has allowed Wilder to construct a squad that boasts both quality and depth. With the congested end of season fixture list, this should serve as an advantage for United. Whilst the mentality of the promotion chasing sides will be one that sees no issue with a rush of fixtures, the squads that lack strength in depth will be exposed in the run in as players become fatigued and pick up knocks. Chris Wilder has maintained throughout the season that each and every one of his squad will have a role to play if Oxford United are to win promotion. This is being shown at the moment by the key performances of Rhys Day and Sam Deering, two players who barely figured in the first half of the season. Everybody at Oxford United believes that the squad assembled has enough depth to challenge for both league and FA Trophy honours. If things go to plan, Oxford United fans will have a lot to celebrate at the end of the season.



The end to the Blue Square Premier season will be the clichéd rollercoaster ride with twists and turns in the remaining months. It is inevitable that the fans of each promotion-chasing side will respond to each result with an extreme overreaction. Victory for Oxford against the in-form Rushden and Diamonds on Tuesday night will see fans planning for a League Two campaign whilst dropped points would see a return to the doom and gloom experienced after the Kenilworth Road disappointment. Whilst the fans change their mind on the team’s credentials after each game, Chris Wilder and his staff will stick to the game plan. The only thing that matters is winning the next game. Wilder’s ability to overlook the emotions of the fans around him whilst maintaining a steely focus within the club is a major strength. The football fan is a fickle being but if there was ever a time to believe in Oxford United, this is it.

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I was asked how many people have read the blog and realised that blogspot has no way of telling you this. I've added a snazzy little view counter now. Unfortunately, it starts counting from this moment onwards. I look forward to seeing how many people read the blog. Keep on retweeting anything blog related on Twitter, it really helps. Thanks to anyone who has taken the time to read the articles so far, I really appreciate it.

Why Wenger needs to swallow his pride

In the aftermath of Manchester United’s ruthless demolition of Arsenal at the Emirates, I spoke to a neutral fan who maintained that the style of football exhibited by Arsene Wenger’s side made them the team worthy of the greater praise, in terms of their footballing principles at least. The view that Arsenal’s football is bordering on perfection is all too often thrust in our faces by the media and Sky Sports fans. Following the 3-1 defeat to Ferguson’s side, who themselves played some counter-attacking football of the very highest quality, it is worth questioning the validity of this notion.

Although I am a fan of Arsenal’s free-flowing style of play, the art behind football must surely be the winning of a match. The combination of attacking flair, defensive solidarity, acquisition of suitable players and ability to integrate them into an effective tactical system is where the beauty of football lies. Whilst Arsenal’s football is pleasing on the eye, it is not perfection and is a long way short of being an effective method with which to win titles.

As my previous article shows, I have previously turned a blind eye to Arsenal’s weaknesses as they have torn their way through the weaker defences in the league. The ease of Manchester United’s victory, coupled with the similar nature of Chelsea’s victory at the Emirates earlier in the season, provides a vivid indication of the major flaw within Wenger’s squad. Whilst they deserve praise for their style of play, Arsenal will not be a successful team until they have a balance that allows the perfection Wenger strives for.



Manchester United deserve great credit for their performance at the Emirates. However, for every United strength, it is possible to point to a major Arsenal weakness. Whilst Wenger is deserving of praise for his faith in the youth system and sustainable running of the football club, it is baffling that he continues to overlook certain aspects of the game. Owen Coyle, Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill, Alex McLeish and even the much-maligned Rafa Benitez have received praise for their tactical approach to games against Manchester United this season. Each manager made sure that his team was putting United’s midfield under pressure from the first minute of the match, thus preventing them from having the time to settle into the match. The desire of players such as Lee Cattermole, Barry Ferguson and Javier Mascherano to shut down the opposition was infectious and spread throughout the team. In each instance, Manchester United dropped points. They failed to develop any sense of rhythm in their attacks and their passing was lacking the accuracy needed to break through defences.

The fact that this ploy was blindingly obvious to the vast majority of football fans makes it all the more unbelievable that Arsenal were so lacklustre in their pressing of the ball at the weekend. Arsenal desperately needed a strong challenge to be made in the opening minute of the match to set the standard for the following eighty-nine. When players with the quality possessed by Fletcher, Carrick and Scholes are allowed to take a grip on the midfield with such consummate ease, half of the battle has already been lost. Furthermore, there was little pressure upon United’s attacking trio of the tireless Park, rapidly-improving Nani and the simply sensational Wayne Rooney. Nani in particular couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable afternoon in London. Despite his inconsistency, Nani poses a threat when he is allowed to run at opposition defences at high speed. When defences get tight to him early, his threat it often nullified as the Portuguese winger lacks the upper body strength to hold off more robust challenges. Whichever full back he attacked, Arsenal allowed him to reach full speed before attempting to stop him. By failing to nullify the threat early in the move, the Arsenal backline were up against it for the entire game.

The clearest example of Arsenal’s lax approach to closing the ball down was the third United goal. Despite the terrific interplay that put Park in the clear, there was plenty of time for Gaël Clichy to block the Korean’s route to goal. Even considering the overlapping runs behind him, Clichy’s immediate instinct had to be to snuff out the primary danger. Although he would have relied upon a misplaced pass or an offside decision to prevent a shot at goal, it would have been a far better option than the one he opted for, to allow Park a free stroll towards the goal. This is an example of awful defending but the principles remain clear. Not until they were trailing by three goals did an Arsenal player close down an opposition player with any intent. Whether Wenger neglected to incorporate this into his team talk is debatable but the key to beating Ferguson’s side was evidently ignored by his players. As the Champions League defeat last season reinforces, Sir Alex seems to have the tactical acumen to dispose of Wenger’s sides with a worrying ease.



Playing in this manner, Arsenal will not be a successful side over the course of the season. They will record victories, maybe scoring a hatful of goals against bottom-half opposition, but they lack the balance within the team to challenge the best sides. Nobody should be calling for a complete overhaul of the Arsenal squad or their style of play. Their devastating attacking play is of benefit to football in this country as a whole. However, it is vital that Wenger takes the opportunity to modify his squad. The best teams in the world can win a match in several ways. Arsenal can win a match in one.

As transfer deadline day winds down with an apparent lack of activity at the Emirates, there is a feeling amongst the majority of Arsenal fans that subtle change is required. Wenger claims that money is available should he need it. At this moment in time, he is the only person who believes that he doesn’t. Although a Vieira style midfielder who can combine elegant passing with the midfield enforcer role would be ideal, there are many smaller players who would make an enormous difference to Arsenal’s team. A player in the mould of a Mascherano, a Cattermole or even a Scott Parker would provide Wenger with some much needed grit in the middle of the field. Mathieu Flamini was potentially that player until he left the club. It is vital for Arsenal that Wenger signs a player to do his job sooner rather than later. Alex Song is a promising player but lacks the ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck.

Furthermore, Arsenal fans should be crying out for a natural striker to hold the ball up at the top of the field. All too often against United the ball would be played into the likes of Arshavin and Nasri around the box, only for them to be muscled off the ball. As soon as this happened, Arsenal were exposed and the pace of Nani and Rooney in particular tore the defenders to shreds. If Wenger is to be successful, something that is entirely possible with outstanding players such as Fabregas and Arshavin, he needs to integrate the appropriate personnel into an appropriate system. Arsenal’s style of play is their strength and should not be discarded. However, subtle modification is vital if Arsenal are to compete with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. Both games at the Emirates have highlighted the current gulf between the sides. The positive aspect for Arsenal fans is that the problem is easily corrected. The worry is that Wenger won’t change his mindset and will persist with a system that can’t win games against the more best sides.

Before the match against Manchester United, Arsene Wenger claimed that his side were a ‘different animal’ to the one that was overwhelmed by United in the Champions League last season. Following a worryingly similar repeat of that defeat, it is time for Wenger to make changes. As a man who seeks perfection, it is difficult to see how Wenger can persevere with the current system. For all of the positive aspects of Arsenal’s crisp passing moves, the blatant imbalance of the team is far from perfect. Whilst there is an element of beauty to Arsenal’s play, the only team to leave the Emirates with any credit were United. The efficient demolition of Arsenal was beauty in itself.