Penny For Your Thoughts?
Here’s the latest contribution from akvbcfc
—————————————————————————————-
Messageboards Beware
So, Bobby Zamora has been reading criticism levelled at him by fans on Fulham messageboards, resulting in the striker’s outburst after scoring at the weekend. He opened the scoring against Sunderland, before silencing the crowd, even pushing his own teammates away to make his point clear.
Manager Roy Hodgson said that the player had taken notice of criticism from fans on Fulham Blogs, suggesting that Zamora should stop reading such blogs. What this episode has shown, is that fans really do have an impact on players.
Were the fans wrong? Maybe, but if you’re going to stop fans talking, then you might as well just pack up and go home. This game is about opinions.
What a debut
Seamus Coleman was excellent on his debut for Everton. Top class. The youngster was making his first home appearance and he appeared completely unfazed, coming on as a substitute for Joesph Yobo, and running the show from right-back. His attacking play was a joy to behold, while he fought for everything with 100% desire and commitment. Top draw.
That’s not The Way It Works, Ibra
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taken the unprecedented to ‘temporarily’ retire from International duty. Apparently, he is not “motivated” at the moment because there are “no important matches”, and so “it’s very difficult”. Playing for his country would be “expending energy for no reason, a sacrifice for nothing”.
Disgraceful. Absolutely disgraceful. Maybe he should try playing at Blackpool on a wet, windy, Tuesday night.
Ushering in a New Era
It appears that Sir Alex has unearthed another gem. Darren Gibson’s recent performances for the Red Devils have indicated that Sir Alex has a readymade replacement for the ageing Paul Scholes. The master scored a scorcher against West Ham, but the apprentice matched him every step of the way with a tremendous strike to seal the victory.
The boy tackles like Keane, and shoots like Scholes. Perfect.
By akvbcfc
Penny For Your Thoughts?
More thoughts from akvbcfc.
—————————————————————————————————————–
Irish in Need of Lady Luck
They toiled against one of Europe’s giants, and came close to gaining a remarkable result. However, the plaudits will mean absolutely nothing if the Irish spend the summer in Dublin, instead of South Africa.
The first leg of the World Cup play-off provided Republic of Ireland with the perfect chance to ‘get at ‘em’, hopefully earning a result to defend across the water on Wednesday night. Liam Lawrence came oh-so-close to raising the roof, before a Patrice Evra intervention prevented the Irish from opening the scoring. Just when it seemed that the Irish grit and determination would cancel out the French swagger and style, the French created a crucial chance. Anelka moved into space and fired home via a deflection off Sean St Ledger. Anelka bought a ticket for the lottery and ended up winning. Lucky boy.
Heading to France with a one-goal deficit to overcome would be an immense challenge for anyone, let alone a side considered to be one of the ‘lesser lights’ on the European circuit. Lady luck deserted them at home, and Giovanni Trapattoni will pray that she brings her whole family to the game in the Stade de France…
Bye-bye Burley
George Burley is the manager of the Scottish National Football team. Read that sentence one more time, because it may not be true for much longer.
A woefully inept performance against Wales resulted in a 3-0 loss, as pressure on Burley reached an all time high. The Scotland side have never been world beaters, but a 3-0 loss to a side who have only ever once qualified for the World Cup is a disgrace. Burley’s tactics seemed cataclysmic at times and the team were simply appalling. Scotland need a change…now. They are never going to be a team who will be beating the best European sides regularly, with the odd result against France aside, but the Scottish deserve better.
….By the time that this article was finished, Burley’s sacking had been announced on all major news outlets (i.e. Sky Sports News and NewsNow!). Scotland were ranked 14th in the world not so long ago, but the recent decline, leaving them in 46th has forced the hands of the SFA. Now the real job for the SFA is to replace Burley with a better manager who can take the side forward. Euro 2012 must now be their goal.
Banned! Oh, wait, nevermind…
Chelsea’s transfer ban has been lifted for the meantime, allowing the club to sign new players in January. What’s the point then? The club will get the ban shortened, while splashing the cash in January, severely reducing the effect of any ban.
Another FIFA ruling wasted. Another embarrassment.
By akvbcfc
Penny For Your Thoughts?
Filed under: Articles by akvbcfc, Blog News, General Football
Here is akvbcfc’s latest article.
——————————————————————————————
Not all Blue
Pundits and fans alike have been quick to accredit Carlo Ancelotti and his side for their brilliant start to the season – and they are right to. They have been solid at the back, only conceding 1 goal at Stamford Bridge in the league this term. At the other end, the diamond midfield formation has worked a treat, freeing up the likes of Deco and Lampard, while also giving a new lease of life to Drogba and Anelka. The front 2 can be absolutely awesome sometimes, but they are only one game away from the ridiculous. Talking of Drogba…The man that everybody loves to hate. However, he claims that he has turned over a new leaf, especially since his 8 year old son embarrassed him after his on field antics in recent times. He says that he sees officials and the term ‘respect’ in a new light while learning how to act on a football pitch. In the long-term, that may be debatable, but what’s for sure, is that Didier Drogba has been on top form this season.
The return of Joe Cole has, and will add a whole new dimension to the side who seem to be rampant. They are efficient and ruthless, grinding out results against top rivals while hammering middle-of-the-road sides.
Blah blah blah…oh, hold on…what’s that? Arsenal in second? Playing sublime, sensational football? A goal difference better than the all conquering Blues? well, why haven’t they been given the credit they deserve then?
Wenger’s side have been simply phenomenal this season. Blues fans can testify to this, given the efficient way that Wenger’s side brushed McLeish’s men to one side. Arsenal scored 3, they could have scored 10. The defence, while not perfect, has come on leaps and bounds. Thomas Vermaelen looks an absolute star and Cesc Fabregas has continued to do what Cesc Fabregas does; he runs games single handedly, pushing the side forward, spreading the play and creating countless chances for the other forwards. However, the real improvement has come in the squad overall. Players have now played together for 2-3 years, maturing together, and growing up together. Robin Van Persie has come out as more Van Basten than Bergkamp, showing a ruthless eye for goal and great strength in leading the line alone. Abou Diaby and Alex Song have started to show their true quality in midfield, freeing up the likes of Fabregas and Arshavin to go on and support Van Persie. Oh, and Arshavin? He’s a genius. Simple. His movement is top notch and with the ball at his feet, anything is possible.
That sounds impressive, but there’s more! Nasri, Ramsey, Rosicky and Walcott. All top class midfielders who have been injured or just not selected so far this season, yet all 4 would find a place in nearly every side in the Premier League with ease. Things are looking good for Wenger and his side.
The pressure will now be on Wenger to make sure that the side keeps its nerve, while rotating the side whenever possible. Two years ago, the side lost their nerve after that game at St Andrews, but Arsenal fans need to pray that this season is different. Thomas Vermaelen has given the side a real threat while also providing stability to a back 4 that has learnt how to grow and develop together.
Let the games begin.
Cheat
Liverpool fans protested that since they were denied points at Sunderland due to a stray beach ball, Blues fans should not complain about David N’Gog’s dive to win a penalty at Anfield.
One problem. N’Gog didn’t have to dive. He didn’t have to cheat. But he did. Well done David, there’s a great example to young fans of the game. Cheating shouldn’t pay. Disgraceful.
By akvbcfc
Penny For Your Thoughts?
Here is akvbcfc’s latest article.
—————————————————————————————————–
A Wake-Up Call
Marlon King’s jail sentence has put the behaviour of professional footballers back in the headlines, for all the wrong reasons. Now, I’m not going to go into the details and any information surrounding the offence. King’s behaviour was absolutely abysmal, horrible and horrific; let’s leave it at that. However, this article’s focus will be something that has been partly neglected to date.
Who is to blame?
Yes, King takes 99.999999% of the blame, but maybe some others need to take some of the blame for the current state of affairs. Football players are revered as Gods by faithful followers, but is it right?
The players themselves, have to take some of the blame. Professional players, and top flight stars flaunt their wealth and fame at every opportunity. Marlon King is said to have boasted to the girl involved in the attack, “Don’t you know who I am?!” I’m sorry, but what has Marlon King ever done that is so amazing, that we should instantly respect him? No. Exactly. In the past, many high-profile players have been accused of snobbery. Be it a refusal to sign autographs, or players forgetting where they came from, numerous accusations have been levelled at the modern day player. Too much money. Not enough effort. Too far up themselves to act properly. No manners and no common sense.
However, when players become ‘big-time charlies’, they need to be brought back down to earth. Be it their teammates, their managers or high-up officials at their club. Somebody needs to take the player to once side in order to remind them of their responsibilities to the club, to their teammates, to their fans and to themselves. In the olden-days, it was often the role of the manager to remind players of their responsibilities. Brian Clough took great pleasure in reminding his players that they were nothing without the fans behind them, a message that has been echoed by many managers down the years.
Maybe, there is someone else to blame. Ourselves. The paying public, and the media. For years, we have built up our ‘superstars’. All of a sudden, one man becomes a ‘legend’. We turn reluctant heroes into idols. You could, and I will argue that the ‘beast’ that is the modern-day footballer has been created by the viewing masses. Newspaper and television journalists have constantly ‘upped’ the stakes by labelling players as “the best ever…” or “the next…” This has helped to elevate the role of footballers from normal men to magicians. We have created a persona for the modern-day footballer, so should we really blame anyone else when they get ‘big-headed’? The idea held by (few) footballers that they are above the law comes from us. For instance, the owner of the club where the King incident occurred did not initially report the crime, because it involved a top-flight player. Why should footballers be let off..?
I’ll tell you…They shouldn’t.
Back to the present situation: Marlon King. Should he play again? My gut instinct, says no. Yes, everyone deserves a second chance, but is this guy any role model? Growing up, I’ve had the likes of Michael Owen, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes to look up to. Three players who have kept their noses clean, while going about their business with aplomb. All three have been fantastic pro’s, with the latter two (at least) still performing week-in week-out. You may draw conclusions that there should be a clear line between a player’s personal and private life, but I would beg to differ.
Football isn’t just about the game. Nowadays, we rely on our stars to be good role models for young boys watching the game. Can we consider King to be a good role model? No. Simple as. He may reform, but he will always be known for that once incident.
Hopefully, this incident will prove to be a lesson for some current stars. They aren’t above the law. They have a job to do, on and off the field. It’s time that everyone played their part.
By akvbcfc
Penny For Your Thoughts?
Here is akvbcfc’s latest contribution.
———————————————————————————————
Beach Volleyball, anyone?
Ever seen anything quite like it? One Liverpool fan scored a spectacular own goal, after his antics led to the only goal of the game between Sunderland and Liverpool, condemning Rafa’s side to another loss, propelling the side into yet another crisis.
Should beach balls be banned? Maybe we should clampdown on all such apparatus that is inappropriate. What if a flag from the crowd flew over the pitch, landing on the keeper’s face, giving the striker a tap in? Then again, what if a clapperboard thrown from the stands landed in the area, distracting the keeper? What if…what if…blah blah blah.
Yes, it should have been disallowed. But no, let’s not take fun aspects of the footballing experience away. Liverpool have already said that Man United fans will be searched for beach balls when they travel to Anfield for the match this weekend, in an extraordinary kill-joy spirit.
However, credit must be given to Liverpool for the way that they took the decision with good grace. They accepted their fate as Rafa Benitez sympathised with the position that the referee was left in. Fair play.
These things happen in life, and football. Sometimes all you can do is laugh… (I know I did)…
Does He Know What He’s Playing At?
Martin O’Neill is playing a dangerous game. Since he broke onto the scene as a bright, young, energetic striker, Emile Heskey has always wanted to feel needed. Martin O’Neill nurtured Heskey’s talent, constantly reassuring the youngster that he was good enough to make it big. O’Neill built up Heskey to the point where he was then sold to Liverpool for £11+ million pounds, in a deal which benefitted all parties involved. However, after being neglected and shunted out to the left wing, Heskey fell out of love with Liverpool, and he was moved on to our club. Heskey’s first season was great for all involved, as the fans took to the hard-working bulldozer who never stopped working. However, season 2 brought relegation, as fans attacked the striker for his supposed lack of interest in the fight. A move to Wigan followed, where his good form was rewarded with a move to Villa. A half decent start has fizzled out with a lack of opportunities and a lack of support in the stands.
The message is clear; Heskey needs to feel wanted if he is to live up to his billing. Fabio Capello has put faith in the striker, and he has been rewarded. However, at club level, Heskey can’t buy a game and his confidence is at an all time low. Martin O’Neill’s reaction has been to say that Heskey must toughen up. Tough love. Is it the right way to go? Well, it hasn’t worked before…
By akvbcfc
-
Partners
-
Polls
Loading ...
-
Recent Posts
- Birmingham City v Everton Preview
- Blues Play the Balancing Game
- VIEW FROM THE SOUTH – PORTSMOUTH vs BIRMINGHAM CITY (REFRAIN)
- St Andrews Tannoy Sytem – Give Your Feedback
- Post Portsmouth Musings!
- Who’s going to be the top marksman?
- VIEW FROM THE SOUTH – PORTSMOUTH v BIRMINGHAM CITY
- Nail Biting Blues!
- Portsmouth v Birmingham City – FA Cup preview
- As the Blues Announce a Loss – We Ask, is it Bad News?
-
Other Stuff
