Here is this week’s Penny for your Thoughts article from akvbcfc.

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Leading The Way

It is about that time when players and managers return from their summer breaks for a gruelling pre-season full of fitness work as players work of the excess fat gained during their holidays. While the Blues have been the busiest side to date when it comes to transfer dealings, many managers have chosen to sit back, keeping their cards close to their (respective) chests.

There has been little in the way of transfers involving the big 4, with Manchester United’s signing of Michael Owen providing us with one of a limited number of talking points. Arsene Wenger has signed a defender that no-one has ever heard of, and Carlo Ancelotti (or should that be Roman Abramovic?) has signed a Russian…no surprise there then. Over on Merseyside, the biggest news to emerge from Liverpool was the startling fact that Rafa Benitez has had to reject a number of bids for star striker Fernando Torres.

The cash explosion at Manchester City, and the return of Florentino Perez to Real Madrid has somewhat spoiled some of the best made plans of Sir Alex, Rafa, Arsene and Carlo. Even the biggest clubs in this country have had to manage and limit their expectations due to the wealth of others. Madrid seem to have stolen every transfer target belonging to the list compiled by Sir Alex, leaving United with a striker who could break down at any time (again).

Sir Alex has said that there will be no further signings entering the doors at Old Trafford, while the other 3 managers of the big 4 have strayed away from the media spotlight in recent weeks.

If the Premier League was to start tomorrow, it would be hard to see a clear favourite in amongst the pack, due to the recent exodus from the League Champions. At a push, I would probably root for Chelsea to come out on top. But then again…the season doesn’t start for another 33 days…not that I’m counting…

Up The Toon!

It was heartening to see a team called Newcastle do what Shearer’s Black & White army could not do often enough – beat a Premier League side.

However, this was not a sign of a bright future for Newcastle United, but more a turn up for the books in favour of Newcastle Town. Across the sea, the real Newcastle United were beating Shamrock Rovers 3-0, but the true irony lies in the fact that even Town are in a more healthy state than their illustrious namesake.

What a Result!

The First Ashes Test lived up to its 5 star billing (eventually), thanks to some puzzling decisions courtesy of Ricky Ponting, some resounding support from the Barmy Army, and thanks in no small measure to the resolute rear-guard action from Paul Collingwood. England entered day 5 needing to stay alive, and miraculously, that is exactly what they did.

Collingwood batted superbly and he was ably assisted by the lower order ‘batsmen’, who stood up to the challenge posed by the Australians. However, when the wicket of Collingwood was finally taken, all hope seemed lost. England were still trailing Australia, with more than 10 overs left to be bowled, with numbers 10 and 11 at the crease…nightmare. Anderson assumed the role of senior batsman, (and that tells you the dire state of affairs that England found themselves in) as good ol’ Monty was left with the not so simple task of holding on to his wicket.

Meanwhile, the staff behind the scenes worked out that the pair needed to battle on until 6.40pm to claim the draw.

The physio was called for (apparently) and the 12^th man came out with new gloves every over. But, at the end of the day, the duo survived everything that the Australians threw at them.

England survived. Job done. Now to Lords.

Bring it on.

By akvbcfc

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