”When he’s at his best, he’s an unbelievable player. He’s big, strong, he scores goals – left foot, right foot, headers – and at times he is unplayable. But sometimes he seems as if his head’s not quite there.” The words of Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, describing Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba. In the light of Drogba’s positive reaction to ill advised comments from Rafael Benitez, before the Champions League semi-final, it’s an interesting strategy from Rooney and Manchester United. ‘He seems as if his head is not quite there’. If this is part of a well thought-out, deliberate mind-games strategy, […]

So Portsmouth secure their first FA Cup win, since 1939. However, it was unfortunate that they should secure victory, following a handling error, by Cardiff City goal-keeper Peter Enckleman. For this was Enckleman’s highest profile match, since the ill-fated Birmingham derby incident, a few years ago. Then, live on Monday night TV, the Villa custodian, famously allowed an Olof Mellberg throw-in, to slip through his grasp, into his own net. To his immense credit, Enckleman, recovered from his Second City derby trauma, to win the man-of-the-match award, the following Saturday at Old Trafford. But this wasn’t just a triumph of courage in adversity. […]

So Cambridge United fail in their bid to return to League football. A single goal defeat to Exeter City, condemning them to another season in the Blue Sq. Premier League. Manager, Jimmy Quinn was gracious in defeat. But he must be bemoaning the fact, that his team, really failed to do themselves justice at Wembley. Far too much valuable possession was conceded, through poor passing and decision-making. It really looked, as if the occasion had got to the The U’s. Perhaps they had failed to engage in a Wembley familiarisation process. When you are playing at a venue such as […]

In April, Hull City went to Oakwell on a Monday evening, and with a performance of some authority, beat Barnsley 3-1. On that night in S. Yorkshire, Hull had ‘the look’ of a team destined for promotion. The Tigers played with a natural confidence and self-assurance. Players seemed comfortable in their team roles. Energy levels were good. The team, purposeful and well-motivated. Manager Phil Brown seemed both focused and at ease with the pressure. And the fans had a buoyancy and togetherness about them, as if feeling and knowing, that promotion was ‘on’. It was hard to contain the sense […]

”We beat Wycombe 6-0 here and they were so fearful of us down at their place they played for a draw at home which was interesting.” The words of Stockport County boss, Jim Gannnon, as he speaks ahead of this week-ends League Two play-off clash with Wycombe Wanderers. You can imagine that Wanderers boss Paul Lambert will be pinning that one up, in the home dressing room, on Sunday. ‘They were so fearful’. Lambert shouldn’t have to say too much to fire his team up. Being seen to be ‘fearful’, should be sufficient motivation for the Chairboys. At play-off time, […]

“It’s a lottery now. We’re in the semi-finals of a cup”. The words of Hull City manager Phil Brown, as his team prepare to face Watford in the Championship play-offs. It’s become something of a cliche, amongst players and managers, to describe the play-offs as a lottery. As if footballing matters are completely out of their hands. That the football gods are about to influence proceedings, in an arbitrary way. In a way, this may be a strategy, designed to cushion the blow of a play-off exit. To lower fans expectations. To say, look, any one of four can go […]

Basketball legend Michael Jordan used to thrive on opponents taunts and abuse. He would use them as motivation to prove them wrong. To throw their words right back at them. For Jordan that abuse was critical currency in his desire to find an edge. That extra something, to take his game to another level. Cricketers around the world would never, for example, get under Australian legend Steve Waugh’s skin. For they knew, that if they wound Waugh up, with ill-advised sledging, it would only serve to increase his focus and determination. So wisely, opposing fielders learnt to keep quiet when […]

So, a week after the death of his mother, Frank Lampard returns to the Chelsea side, for the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool. As the game goes into extra-time deadlock, Chelsea are awarded a penalty. It’s presumed that Michael Ballack will carry on spot-kick duties. So, there’s a real sense of surprise, when Lampard steps up to take the pressure kick. With remarkable coolness, he outwits Reina, and places the penalty, with aplomb, to the keepers left. It’s a great demonstration of mental and emotional strength from Lampard. For, from his reaction after scoring, it’s obvious that the goal is […]

So Manchester United are through to the Champions League Final. Despite a nervy last ten minutes, their spirit was simply greater than that of Barcelona. The Spaniards had the artists and technicians, but what they didn’t seem to have was a powerful sense of purpose. A cause. United, on the other hand, had two powerful causes to support their endeavour. The first was the fiftieth anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. To play for a place in the Champions League Final, on behalf of those who lost their lives in honour of the football club. That, in itself, would get […]

At the beginning of the Championship season, Watford were strong favourites for a swift return to the Premier League. And their form at the start of the campaign, confirmed that optimism in Hertfordshire. Runaway leaders of the division, it was assumed that everyone else was playing for second place. Now, with two games of the season to go, they are competing for a play-off place. It’s unlikely, on current form, that any of their potential play-off opponents will fear them. Watford have lost the critical momentum and authority they once had. Hornets fans are scathing in their criticism of their […]