Saturday, What a Final
That’s what the May final is all about, passion, commitment – working together as a team to deliver a superb end product. But that’s enough about Diversity winning Britains Got Talent – I wanted to comment on the FA Cup final.
I don’t know what anyone else thought, but I thought that was one of the better finals of recent years. In the end the right side won, but Everton were a credit and certainly early on, showed that they just might go on and win it.
Saha scoring the fastest ever FA Cup Final goal, (wasn’t the previous held by Chelsea against Villa?), certainly ensured that Chelsea had to open up more than they may have done.
For Everton’s effort and part in the game, I thought that Cole was awesome. Lampard was really quiet during the game – but his winner was worth waiting for and showed the class he really has.
The temperature didn’t seem to affect the quality of the game too much, and both sides deserve credit for playing in what must have felt like an oven. The temperature was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit apparently. I don’t think I could even manage a stiff walk in that!
Anyway, well done to Chelsea, and I can’t help feeling that Hiddink deserved something to show for the amazing impact he has had on the side. Will he be back in the future?
One last question. When was the last time the cup final was contested by two sides who normally play in Blue. Answers on a postcard…
Kev
Transfer Rumour Round Up
Ever since our promotion was sealed we’ve been linked with all sorts of different players but which ones are likely and which are just lazy journalism.
It’s no secret that we are in desperate need of a pair of central defenders and we’ve been linked with a fair few. Of these the most likely seems to be Doncaster’s Matt Mills who we nearly signed in January and Bobo Balde who has been offered a trial when the players return to training in July. The relegation of Newcastle and Middlesborough has brought Steven Taylor, Sebastien Bassong and David Wheater to the attention of many clubs but the asking price for Wheater may be too much for us. Bassong however is a promising young defender and may be worth a punt although Newcastle are very keen to keep hold of him. We have also apparently been watching Oguchi Onyewu in the Belgian league although he is a player who’s been linked with a move to the Premiership before but has never made it. In the ‘please no’ category is Aston Villa’s Zat Knight.
Other interesting rumours are a potential £7 million bid for 23 year old Argentine Lucas Biglia from Anderlecht and Malaga’s midfielder Apono. Biglia sounds an exciting player but two things worry me. Firstly I can’t see us spending £7m on any one player and secondly that he may be too much of a luxury player to fit in with the style of play we will adopt in the Premiership. Apono looks a good player but there is also interest from Villa and Valencia which may reduce are chances of securing his signature.
One story that has stuck around for a bit is a possible season long loan for Manchester City’s goalkeeper Joe Hart. He’s a good keeper who won’t be a regular starter at City but with the total deal being reported as £3m could the money be better spent elsewhere?
The strangest rumour I’ve read is that former Arsenal youth player Babatunde Ayodele is looking forward to playing for us in the upcoming season. Internet searches have so far failed to prove that this player even exists!!
If you believe the papers we will also be signing half the Rangers team but to me those rumours definitely fit into the “Lazy Journalism” category.
Those are what I’ve read and heard. Has anyone heard any others?
Penny For Your Thoughts
Filed under: Articles by akvbcfc, General Football, Penny for Your Thoughts
After a short break, akvbcfc is back with an article. Here are his thoughts on recent events:
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A month away from my laptop due to exams have not quenched my thirst for the beautiful game and what a month it has been…
Into The Abyss You Go…
On Saturday 16th August 2008, who could have possibly predicted the season that was later to unfold?
It has been a truly remarkable year for numerous reasons, and as usual, it has come to an end full of joy and laughter, tears and sadness, success and failure. A season that began with visions of Brazilian magic emerging from the realms of Stamford Bridge, and with a Messiah in charge of Newcastle, has ended with a heroic Russian riding off into the sunset, and a new Messiah, whose eternal image is tainted with the pain of relegation.
Another rollercoaster ride has ended with the demotion of West Brom (again), Boro (thank god), and Newcastle (haha). For the first time in their history, Newcastle have been relegated from the Premier League, and the Tyne-Tees derby will now take place…in the Coca-Cola Championship. Do I have any sympathy for West Brom? Just a bit, but they prepared for this day the second they were promoted back to the Top Table. Any sympathy for Boro? Yep, definitely. They have a fantastic chairman and good facilities, but they always seemed to be a bit out of their depth in the top flight. Any sympathy for Newcastle? Get a grip.
Newcastle United has been badly run since the day that Bobby Robson left the club and the club deserves no sympathy or kind thoughts whatsoever.
Yes, relegation was hard on the fans. The thousands of fans who decide to host mass wakes or parties depending on the result the week before. The thousands who turned on their club completely mid-season, when the team needed them most. My message? It may be cruel, but get on with it. Being a Bluenose, we’ve been relegated from the Prem twice, but we didn’t get any sympathy coming our way. Heck, Leeds are in League 1, and not one person has offered them even a tiny amount of sympathy.
Honest, hard working players have been sold as the club constantly tried to ‘improve’, but as a result, the club have only moved backwards. James Milner has provided a perfect example. He was a quality young player, who gave his all and never put in a bad performance. However, Graeme Souness decided that he didn’t like the kid and he did his utmost to offload him onto another club. Villa didn’t sign him, and then Newcastle had another chance to utilise the young star’s potential. What happened? He signed for Villa last summer. The club ditched bright young stars in favour of over-paid layabouts who offered little. Boumsong, Collocini or Luque anyone?
Mismanagement has been evident for the past few seasons, and this was brought to a head by the entrance of Mike Ashley. The Spurs fan who wanted to go and have a beer with the Toon Army before the game. You couldn’t make this stuff up.
Then? Then he hired Dennis Wise, Executive Director (football), and the club just became even more of a laughing stock. To think, things went downhill from here!
I know that this article may seem as if I am completely against Newcastle FC and everyone connected with the club, but let me be clear, I am not. At their best, Newcastle fans can be quite brilliant in their encouragement. However, mismanagement, diabolical decision making and a lack of unity has led to a situation which previously seemed unthinkable. This is a good club, with a very large fan base and a unique belief that anything is possible, and I admire that. However, Newcastle United has no-one to blame but Newcastle United. They brought it on themselves.
Where to now?
“Whoever comes into the football club will have a big job on their hands”
Alan Shearer’s words will resonate in the minds of Newcastle fans this morning as they tried to piece together the puzzle that is Newcastle FC. There are no more Messiahs (apart from Ant and Dec, but they’ve got Britain’s Got Talent), and the club has to start again. Of the 3 relegated clubs, West Brom are in the best position to bounce back, purely because they know what the Championship is all about. Boro have not played a game in the second tier for 11 years, Newcastle haven’t played a game there for 16, and it will be a monumental shock to the system when the league kicks off next season.
West Brom have players on low wages, so they’re fine. Boro have relegation clauses in most, if not all of their players’ contracts, so they should be OK. Newcastle…well, what do you think?
I would say that at Boro, the whole playing squad needs overturning, because in many ways, the squad is just not good enough. Personally, I would say that they also need a new man in the dug-out, but it seems that the patience of the Boro owner Steve Gibson may win the day. Boro need a couple of strikers who actually know where the goal is, and they need to refresh the club with younger, hungrier players, who will fight for everything. Newcastle? A complete overhaul is needed, otherwise the club could implode. Without these relegation clauses in contracts, the club will find it very hard to balance the books next season. If Shearer stays on, and you just get the feeling that he will, then the squad must be replaced. Not refreshed. Replaced. The players are not good enough, and that is a fact.
Going Down the Right Way
Albion deserve a bit of respect. Yes, they went down, and yes, in certain matches they proved to be cannon fodder for the opposition, but at least they went down playing football. As a result, after their relegation was confirmed, the Hawthorns stood to a man and gave the players a standing ovation. It was an amazing sight considering what had just happened, but that was testimony to Tony Mowbray’s unique brand of football, which involves getting the ball, and passing it. People have slated West Brom all season, saying that they had to play ‘dirty’ if they wanted to stay up, but in the end, they were only 3 points off survival. And that was with a suicidal defence and a set of strikers who could not hit a barn door with a banjo. If West Brom had the likes of Wheater and Huth in defence, and maybe Obafemi Martins upfront, then they would not have gone down. Let the Championship take note, you can play beautiful football in the Premier League.
Next Challenger Please…
It’s our turn now.
That is the message that will echo down the corridors of Molineux, St Andrews, and now, for the first time, Turf Moor. The mission statement for Wolves, Blues and Burnley is clear – Survival.
The failures of Albion, Boro and the Toon Army are clear to see, and it is up to the promoted sides to make sure that they learn from the past failures of other clubs. Can they do it? Of course they can, because anything can happen in this game. Will they do it? Now that question is a bit harder to answer. It is of the utmost importance that all 3 sides are resolute in defence, with a touch of class in the centre of the park and strikers who will get crucial goals at crucial times. Mick McCarthy, Alex McLeish, Owen Coyle…Good luck, you are going to need it.
Join our FA or F off
The Football Association of Wales will take no action over the debacle during the Cardiff-Swansea match where referee Mike Dean was hit with a coin. Despicable. And that’s just the Welsh FA. It’s about time that Cardiff and Swansea joined the English system fully, or they leave for good. The FA should have the right to punish each and every club playing in English League’s. Is it so much to ask?
Why Barry has to stay at Villa
Yes, I know you are surprised, startled, and maybe a little bit shocked…but it’s true. If Barry goes to Liverpool now, he will probably end up playing left back/left wing in a World Cup year. It’s about time that Mr Barry woke up and realised the truth. If he goes to Liverpool, he won’t be utilised ‘properly’ as he is used currently in his central midfield berth at Aston Villa. Sit on the bench, or be the heartbeat of a top 6 Premier League side? Come on, a World Cup is more important than a seat on the Liverpool bench.
My Top Moments of the Season
It really has been an enthralling season, for a number of reasons, but after much consideration (about 5 minutes when I was making breakfast), here are the 6 memories that I will take away from this season:
1) The Rafa Benitez Rant – Well, what more can I say…It was an extraordinary premeditated attack which did…well…nothing.
2) Phil Brown’s Half Time Show – Brown’s decision to conduct his half time team-talk on the pitch at the City of Manchester Stadium was not well advised. Let’s leave it at that.
3) The Worst Premier League Ever? – I’m sorry, but the talk that this season has been the most competitive ever will not wash with me. The standard of football in the top division is decreasing. Yes, there is undoubted quality when you look at the top 6 teams in the league, but apart from those teams, there are very few others who offer anything. Teams entering the Premier League should have nothing to fear…Play half-decent football, and score a few goals, and you should be safe…comfortably.
4) Roy of the Rovers – Kiki Macheda. Absolutely amazing. Just when United were down and out against Villa, and when their title aspirations seemed to be on the brink of collapse, the young debutant stood up and finished with aplomb. It was one of those magic moments, and Macheda has gained cult status at Old Trafford after two touches of a football. It’s what this game is all about.
5) Down and Out? – This season has seen the demotion of some truly massive clubs. Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Norwich, Southampton and Charlton have all been relegated and they all face a massive task if they are to return. Such monumental events can only be remedied by following the glowing example of Nigel Pearson’s Leicester City side who have been promoted back to the Championship.
6) We are Premier League! – At the end of the day, our own club’s triumphs are the greatest. Blues were promoted on a historic day at the Madjeski Stadium after a nail-biting victory over Reading, and the celebration party that followed the final whistle was worth all the nerves and anger that had gone before.
Can’t wait till next season? Join the club.
By akvbcfc
Classic Premiership Matches
Filed under: Blues News, Classic Matches, Kev's Ramblings, Match reports, Matches
This classic match, takes us back to the 30th of April 2005 when we played Blackburn at St Andrews.
We were already safe from relegation however emotions were running high because a certain Mr Savage decided to move further away, sorry closer to his parents. He decided to go to Blackburn.
Apparently there was some sort of agreement that Mr S wouldn’t play – a point denied by Blackburn – anyway he didn’t. (Coward 
).
I think this was the period of time when we were probably playing our best football under Brucie, and the 1st half started with us having plenty of possession. I do remember that Blackburn were very physical and we didn’t get much protection from the ref. (Some things don’t change!)
If I remember correctly we hit the post in the first half, but it was Blackburn who struck first with a goal from Jonathan Stead. I was in the Main stand with my son, and I can remember there was one bloke who was NOT impressed. He shouted abuse at anyone he could. By the end of the first half I was sure he was going to explode, we had several penalty appeals turned down. (Some things don’t change!)
The boos in the main stand as the officials went off, were very loud. I was a bit concerned because despite our possession, Blackburn looked quite organised at the back.
I remember us not starting the second half too well, and I feared for the health of the chap nearby. On the hour however, things changed. Bruce bought Blake on and within a minute he had scored to draw us level. Nearly exploding man went ballistic!!!! (Mind you most of us did 
)
The crowd were straight onto things and the chant of the day was sung, One Robbie, there’s only one Robbie!!!
The second half progressed with both sides having chances. However, with 10 minutes to go Heskey scored the winner with a cracker 20-25 yards out.
Cue celebrations, nearly exploding man actually exploded and everyone went home happy.
There is a footnote to this. This was my sons first game at St Andrews. After the game, after speaking to security he had his photo taken sitting in Steve Bruce’s match seat and we had our picture taken together on the pitch. This was only the 2nd time I had ever been on the pitch in 35 years of supporting the Blues.
On the way out, we then met Mr Gold who was very friendly and interested in my son’s first visit to St Andrews.
That was my memorable match from the Premier League. Do you have one because of the game or because of something you experienced. If you would like it published here on J&S, contact us through the contact page.
Whatever happened to the heroes of 2002
Filed under: Aylesburyblue Articles, Blues News, Matches, Memories
This weekend brings the playoff finals and while we are all happy not to be taking part in them it did get me wondering about the players who secured Blues’ first Premiership campaign back in 2002.
Nico Vaesen
Vaesen remained Blues’ number one for the following Premier league season until a cruciate knee injury in March 2003 put him out of the game for nine months. With Blues signing Maik Taylor in the summer he struggled to retain his place appearing only a couple of times. In one of those appearances in 2005 he was sent off in a 4-1 defeat by Manchester City. He was released after relegation and now plays for FC Verbroedering Geel in the Belgium 3rd division.
Jeff Kenna
Kenna went on to be a popular player throughout our first couple of seasons before joining Derby County on a free transfer in 2004. He finished his career as player manager with Galway United and is now the manager of Keith Fahey’s old club St Patricks Athletic.
Steve Vickers
Birmingham turned out to be Vickers’ last club as he retired due to injury the following season. He went into property management and does some coaching at non-league level.
Michael Johnson
Johnson was another player who played only one Premier League season for Blues before dropping back down a division. He played for Derby until 2008 and now plays for Notts County alongside another ex-Birmingham Player Jamie Clapham.
Martin Grainger
Sadly injury stopped him from having much of a Premier League career although he did score an excellent free kick against Man Utd. He retired in early 2005 and now works as a chauffeur after a very short spell as the manager of Cheshunt FC.
Paul Devlin
Devlin scored the first ever Premier league goal at St Andrews in a 2-1 defeat of Leeds. He went on to score a couple more goals for us and get ten caps for Scotland before joining Watford. He now plays for Stratford Town in the midland football alliance.
Bryan Hughes
A favourite of many a Bluesnose Hughes’ goals were a major factor in Blues staying up the following season. His attacking runs from midfield made him a useful member of the squad but he decided to move to Charlton in 2004 to get more first team opportunities. He won another play off final for Hull City in 2008 who he still plays for today.
Olivier Tebily
Tebs became a bit of a cult hero at Blues despite not making that many first team appearances in his six years at the club. He finally left in 2008 joining Toronto FC for a short spell. He has now retired back to France with his family.
Tommy Mooney
Mooney only played one game in the top flight before being sent out on loan and then moving to Swindon Town at the end of the season. He went on to play for Oxford, Wycombe and Walsall. Most recently he has been playing in the Spanish 2nd division with UD Marbella.
Geoff Horsfield
The Horse was another St Andrews hero who played a part in our succesful fight to stay up in 2003. He joined Wigan in September 2003 and also played again in the Premier League with West Brom. He had to retire after being diagnosed with testicular cancer but after fighting that off he joined Lincoln City for a few games in 2009.
Stern John
He will always be remembered as the player who scored the last minute winner against Millwall in the semi final. He scored a further nine goals for Blues in the Premier league before joining Coventry. He is currently a Southampton player although he spent the second half of the season on loan at Bristol City.
Subs
Stan Lazaridis
Stanley was another Blues legend who became a regular fixture down the left in the following seasons. He left after relegation in 2006 to join Perth Glory in his native Australia but his time their was curtailed by a twelve month drug ban. He retired in 2008.
Andrew Johnson
Johnson left Blues the following season as part of the deal the brought Clinton Morrisson from Crystal Palace. This proved to be a bit of bad business as he went on to score 74 goals for Palace before moving to Everton for £8.5m. He now plays for Fulham.
Darren Carter
The Birmingham trainee turned out to be the hero as he put away the winning penalty. Unfortunately his career never took off the way we had hoped and he was eventually sold to West Brom in 2005. He now plays for Preston North End.
Unused sub
Damien Johnson
The only member of the team still at the club.
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