So Roy Keane and Sunderland have parted company. The Black Cats home defeat to Bolton Wanderers, being the final straw for the manager. Many pundits will say that, I told you so. That a character as volatile as Keane, was always liable to quit unexpectedly. Once Keane started to publicly question his own ability to manage, then his departure, perhaps seemed inevitable. But Keane was voicing in public, the thoughts and concerns, that should really have been kept private. Private, as part of an on-going process with himself, and a mentor or personal coach. Because of the demands of modern […]

So Stan Ternent is sacked as manager of Huddersfield Town. After Saturday’s late win over Crewe, it looked as if Ternent may have bought himself some time. Time to rebuild lost confidence and belief. But, in reality, the writing was on the wall, for the experienced manager, a few weeks ago. After a four goal hiding at London Rd., Ternent spoke about not panicking, and being ok about spending his Christmas dinner at home, with his family, if it came to that. His managerial instinct, must have sensed what was coming. Stan Ternent is not a bad manager. His track […]

It’s only twenty-four hours, after Aidy Boothroyd, is sacked by Watford, and his name is being linked with the vacancy at Huddersfield Town. Whilst he may make a good manager of the Division One outfit, perhaps the best thing Aidy can do right now, would be a take a break. This talented manager, should try to avoid becoming just another manager in the never-ending football roadshow. Moving from job to job, until that bright flame of intensity diminishes. Perhaps he could travel the world for nine months in search of new ideas, practises and theories. Then surprise everyone, by being […]

Despite conceding an early goal to a confident Liverpool outfit, Tottenham still found a way to secure the points, at White Hart Lane on Saturday. This, after Wednesday’s thrilling draw at The Emirates, suggests that the Harry Redknapp effect, has been immediate. It makes one wonder, just what was happening under the management of Juande Ramos? Brilliant in Seville. Out of his depth in North London. With the same group of talented players, Redknapp has instilled confidence and belief, in a matter of days. Whilst some tactical acumen is at play, the transformation, is down to simple man-management skills. Enthusing players; playing […]

Yes, it happens to me many times, it happens to every one of us,” Drogba said. “It’s funny because there are some times in the game where you don’t touch the ball for a while and then you realise that the crowd is there, or they’re not reacting, or you notice something specific going on and focus on it. “After that you have to come back into the game quick, because this is how you lose your attention and sometimes you can mis-control when the ball comes to you suddenly, or miss an opportunity.” Didier Drogba, speaking openly to the […]

‘We became a bit of a circus in terms of the whole WAG situation’. Rio Ferdinand, speaking frankly, about the chaotic England culture, under Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren. It’s good that a senior England international, has finally had the courage to speak out, about one of the distracting influences, that has contributed to the serial under-performance, by the national side. It makes one wonder, though, why it is has taken so long, for this outbreak of honesty. Why were the senior England players not taking internal action, when the WAG circus began? Why did the players, not agree […]

Following England’s 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Kazakhstan, a lively debate has broken out, as to whether it is appropriate or not, for England fans to boo one of their own. It’s likely that there is a personal element, in the booing of Cole. Both his on the field, Mike Riley tantrums last season, and his protracted transfer to Chelsea, alienated many in the game. But, like the booing of Frank Lampard, and the negative reaction Steve McClaren’s team received, in the later days of his regime, it’s symptomatic of a dissatisfaction with the England team. It’s a dissatisfaction […]

So, Glasgow Celtic go down again, away from home in the Champions League. Last nights defeat to Villareal, means that they have now taken, one point from a possible forty-eight, away from Fortress Parkhead. This must be more than a tactical problem. When a football club develops such a losing habit, then the test becomes a psychological one. So how does a team resolve such a dilemma. How do you develop a winning mindset away from home? Clubs often try to change their routine, when they encounter away form blues. For example, travelling down on the day of the game, […]