Another day off, Real football is back (sort of), Hughes to Fulham, Assorted transfer round-up.

Written on Thurday, 29th July.

Hello, hello. Said its good to be back.

Liverpool are in action tonight against Rabotnicki from Macedonia. It should be a wwalk in the park for Roy Hodgson's team, although we are unlikely to see much of Liverpool's team that will face Arsenal on 15th of August at Anfield. It is quite nice to see competitive club football back - unless you are a Celtic fan.

They were beaten 3-0 last night by Portugal's Braga, a fairly difficult draw, and I can't see them turning it around/ Lennon is an inexperienced manager with a squad which has been changing all summer and still is. A Uefa cup campaign is probably the best thing for Celtic anyway - they need to concentrate on becoming the best team in Scotland again before focusing attention on European glory. Lennon is the right man for that job, but in Europe you get the feeling he might get a bit lost.

Big story flying around the last couple of days is that Mark Hughes should be made Fulham manager in the next 24-48 hours. I think that is an excellent move by Fulham. Having missed out on Jol Mark Hughes is as good an option as they have at their disposal. He is a good young manager who gets the best out of players - look at his Blackburn success with the likes of Santa Cruz and Bentley, then his work with Bellamy at City. He took him from one of the most disliked and inconsistent players in the country and made him into a potent attacking threat once more. Of course the papers are beginning their speculation on who will be in and out at Craven Cottage. The positive thing for Fulham is that if I were Duff, Zamora, Schwarzer etc. the appointment of Hughes would convince me to stay, rather than to go.

A host of City squad players are being touted as joining the Welshman at Craven Cottage, Bellamy's name being the most common, which may get in the way of any hopes Spurs had to bring the Welshman to White Hart Lane. Spurs had a bid for Scott Parker very publicly rejected by West Ham yesterday. I think this follows on form what I said in my post on Tuesday that Spurs don't appear to have the funds to invest in the highest quality. Parker is not a player (for me) who would really improve their squad. He would add depth, no question, but he wouldn't improve their options. Perhaps Spurs feel they can't attract the top quality but they were signing the likes of Modric and Pavlyuchenko before they hit the big time Champions League.

A couple of other transfers to discuss. Sol Campbell has left Arsenal for a second time, this time to join Newcastle United. A good move for both parties I think. Sol has a lot to prove and if he adds just one thing to the Newcastle set up it will be fight, desire and commitment. He is a legend. A fucking weird bloke but a complete legend. Newcastle are probably in for the kind of season that will require all the guts they can get - and Sol has guts. Unfortunately for the toon army, another of their players with undoubted commitment has a serious injury to contend with. Stephen Taylor probably wont be available until Christmas. A good player - I would have him at Arsenal.

One bizarre move is Luke Young to Liverpool, which looks set to actually happen. Young's career has seriously dipped since joining Villa - he hasn't played an awful lot. I can only think he is being lined up as back up for Glen Johnson so Liverpool wont have to be continuously shifting Jamie Carragher out of central defence, where their vice-captain belongs. It could be a very shrewd move by Hodgson. Young is a player with a lot to prove, sometimes they can be the best signings - ala Campbell and J.Cole.

Rounding up, Ferguson has defended the Glazer family in the face of the Green and Yellow brigade - he once again insists that United wont and don't need to sign any more players.

Interesting time ahead.

More soon.

Feeling it building, Olympic Spurs? and new kits.

G'Morning. That is a new greeting.

It was very quiet yesterday but today we have a little more to go on in the football world.

The transfer window seems to be building towards some significant movement. Yesterday there were on and off reports that Mario Balotelli had joined Manchester City. We are still waiting for full confirmation. But it seems very likely that he will join City's growing ranks. If I'm honest I don't know anything about him as a player. I could indulge in a youtube video but I never tend to trust them. I bet Dean Holdsworth has a pretty impressive goals montage if anybody cared to make one for him.

Also Aston Villa boss has had "amicable" talks with James Milner regarding his future. "Amicable" is an interesting word in this context. Often we hear about "positive" talks between clubs and players which suggests that progress has been made. Amicable to me suggests being tolerant of each other when there is tension in the room. It suggests to me a tea set, O'neill probably baked some half arsed cookies to be polite. Milner complimented his new table cloth, to dance around the real issue. It was all very amicable. He is surely on his way.

So City, having added Boateng and Yaya Toure to bolster their defensive side of the game have invested (probably) some 85 million in bringing in Silva, Milner (pending) and Balotelli (pending). Add those three to Bellamy, Johnson, Tevez, Adebayor, Santa Cruz, Weiss, Jo, Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips and things look a little crowded for a team who normally go with a front three. So you might imagine that four or five of those players will be loaned or sold before the new season. The transfer window is ready to explode. Include Stephen Ireland and Micah Richards (apparently - may be bullshit - surplus to requirement, great media phrase that) and things could get very busy. Let's hope so.

Away from transfers, there is an interesting story developing that Spurs may be interested in taking on the Olympic stadium after the games in 2012. This is puzzling. Spurs already have plans to build an Emirates Stadium II - with a couple of little upgrades - next to their current ground White Hart Lane. The Olympic park is in East London, which would mean the club moving out of it's historical location. I'm sure - although not certain - that the stadium would require holding onto it's name - The Olympic Stadium, as this is the case in many other countries. Also, Spurs would have to keep the running track around the pitch, which might have a detrimental effect an atmosphere. Something Spurs have been big on in designing their new stadium. Now I cannot see this actually happening. It would be a big shock. But it does make you wonder why Spurs have shown interest. Their plans for a new stadium have been met with a big thumbs down by the Met Police and by agricultural groups - in London? - who oppose to their proposed 56,000 seater. Perhaps, alongside the existing problems, Spurs' cash flow isn't quite adding up to the huge amounts required to service a loan on building a new stadium.

This may be born from a hatred of Spurs, but I don't think anyone can deny that historically the club is not run very well by Daniel Levy. Hiring Harry Redknapp is the best move he ever made. Before then it was a series of terrible managers, sanctioned to invest huge amounts of money on total crap which failed to build any kind of momentum as a club. His treatment of Martin Jol was disgusting. Perhaps Spurs have rushed into the idea of a new stadium too quickly, without considering the effect. Now they may be feeling a financial effect. Redknapp has three weeks to prove me wrong, but they haven't made much movement in the transfer market, despite the windfall from their Champions League qualification. Here he even talks about the possibility of loan signings. They can be good, but can be terrible. Surely they are not worried they wont actually qualify? Also, they have made an interesting decision to have two shirt sponsors - one for league - one for everything else. A good move no doubt. But why? I think Spurs are trying to save, save, save for their new stadium. Their interest in the Olympic ground perhaps suggests that it isn't quite going to plan off the pitch at White Hart Lane. Poor old Jonathan Woodgate is out of their 25-man squad for the season. Career has gone sharply down hill due to injury. Shame for him.

Did you know that Spurs have 6 new kits available this season. 6. Amazing. Also. 18 Premier League clubs out of 20 are releasing a new home shirt for the second season in a row. There is an interesting article on how this is effecting fans here. New kits are very exciting. I love the new Arsenal one. Simple, traditional, proper white sleeves. All good. First one I will buy in ages because I actually like it. I also prefer kits to have some longevity. Matching a classic kit to a classic season of promotion, or winning a cup or league is great for fans. Great. So the idea of releasing a new one every year is a bit empty. And as for six. Amazing.

Rounding up - well there isn't much. Fulham aren't worried by having no manager. OK, whatever you say. I'd be worried.

Till tomorrow.

All is Quiet

Morning people,

There is absolutely nothing interesting to discuss this morning. Nothing new anyway. I could rant about a whole host of things, but until they become relevant with some news I'm not going to.

There will be plenty of time for that over the season, believe me.

I will quickly address the idea of the pre-season American tour that so many clubs go on now. It is such a blatant money spinner and surely isn't ideal in terms of taking the media focus off a team and working hard on preparing them for the new season. Do Spurs need all the hype and travel when they've got very important Champions League qualifiers coming up?

The fact is that a well timed tour of America, or the far east would make you enough money to sign a couple of million worth of squad strength, whilst boosting your profile. Another part of the 'modern game' I guess. I love the modern game.

Other than that little musing there is some transfer news which you can attach as much legitimacy to as you wish. City want Torres for 50 million. He's slowly becoming another Michael Owen. Slowly I said. There are some classic "showdown" talks going on between Milner and Martin O'neill this week. Would love to see them have a real showdown. Or even a hoedown.

Cardiff manager Dave Jones has said he's loyal to the Bluebirds, warning Fulham away from pursuing him. Good manager, hope he stays in South Wales and gets the job done for Cardiff this time round.

Finally, Arsenal have still not signed a Goalkeeper. Oh God.

More tomorrow (hopefully). Cheers

3 weeks or less, injuries all over and the transfer window creeps closer to exciting.

Good afternoon,

Firstly, I know I didn't do a blog yesterday. It was a bit slow of me, but I had more important stuff to do than essentially type out my own opinions on football on a web page a few people might read. I do enjoy it but sometimes sitting on your arse doing completely nothing is what Saturdays afternoons are all about.

Moving onward - There is only 3 weeks until my beloved Arsenal kick off against Liverpool at Anfield for the first league game of the season. I find that very exciting. I hope everybody finds how close we are getting exciting. The football league begins even sooner! A (slightly controversial?) Friday night kick off between newly promoted Norwich and the Glory Hornets Watford will spell the official return of real football to England. I cannot fucking wait for that, and hopefully the night out it will end as. If Watford win I might just eat a kebab.

So with the season drawing so close you would think that managers want to be really getting their squads sorted - for example Harry is a bit worried, which makes a change. You'd think they would want at least the week before the big kick-off to train with their complete squad. However, a mixture of a slow transfer market and a number of high profile injuries might just mean that some of the top sides in the Premier League will have a tainted start to the season. Chelsea are pretty much experiencing the first mini-injury crisis of the season. First Petr Cech was ruled out for their first three games. Then Alex was ruled out for a month which may see him struggle to make the first two weekends. Now Didier Drogba, their number one man, has undergone a groin operation which is likely to disrupt his pre-season efforts after a long season for the Ivorian. He is likely to miss the start of the season. With reports that Ricardo Carvalho could be on his way to team up once more with Mourinho at Real Madrid (warning - could be bullshit) and John Terry's subtle blend of poor form, tiring legs and mental insecurities - the Champions don't seem to solid going into the curtain raiser on August 14th.

I doubt it will actually effect their season but they would want to make a commanding start as Champions. Unlike United, Chelsea are not used to having to come from a long way back to win Premier League titles. I know last season yadayada...but not from a long way back.

Also, Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand is apparently still six weeks away from repair. He also had his problems last year and has struggled to find consistent form for United since...well...I guess the Champions League final against Barcelona in 2009. But a slow transfer window has also limited the top two clubs from investing heavily in their squads. They have added some good players each but nothing to make you think they are trying to progress with new recruits. It seems that the youngsters at United and Chelsea may have to take a step up this season. That is unless....the transfer window goes insane in the next month or so. And I fully expect it will.

Over the next few weeks I think that Spurs, who have their own injury problems, Arsenal, Liverpool and City will all bring in 2 or 3 more players. Some because they can. Some because they have to. United and Chelsea will probably do so also. Then you will have the other teams in the Premier League stocking up for the new season on top of the usual deadline day scramble for loans and cut price deals which the lower divisions and premier league alike revel in.

Cannot wait.

In terms of rounding up news, there isn't a lot really. Torres' situation at Liverpool remains murky and unclear, United appear to have lost a bit in terms of season ticket sales and David James looks set to join Celtic - allegedly via Arsenal, who weren't interested.

Have a relaxed Sunday, more tomorrow.

Nout major, Milner, Wednesday, round-up

Morning to you.

There is not much to get my teeth into this morning, but one or two big stories are beginning to develop.

The main one floating round this morning is that James Milner is ready to make the move from Villa - probably to Manchester City, as they are the only club willing to meet his frankly outrageous 30 million price tag. I think Martin O'Neill is probably trying to get the best deal possible as there is no way he would pay that much for a player of Milner's stature. If you actually listen to the interview where his quotes about Milner come from, he's not asked about him - he just brings it up unprovoked. Sign of a man who is sending a big message I think. Pay up City or no deal. So like Barry saga already.

Milner has bags of quality, he works very hard for the team and can offer potential or even a sell-on profit if he continues to improve. But 30 million is City prices, not sensible ones. If O'neill is smart he will bag Stephen Ireland and Micah Richards plus 10/15 million. City would probably do it as those two promising players seem surplus to requirements with the number of players they are looking to bring in at full back and central midfield. Likelihood is Spurs, Liverpool or even Arsenal in the case of Richards could be sniffing around for the scraps coming of City's huge arabic dining table. Crazy.

Now money is a big swinger in football nowadays but I believe people who accuse Milner of moving for money are just wrong. Although he might sacrifice a few starts (that will be down to his performance at the end of it all) Milner will be at a club who could make a title challenge this season, and should really be pushing hard for a Champions League spot. Unfortunately for Villa, they are not at that level. Milner seems confident that he could play a part in something big, so I say good luck to him. Villa's squad has always been 2 or 3 players too small, causing them to run out of steam in March - some kind of record stands with O'Neill winning no games in that month as Villa manager. Strange. It is a shame because they are a huge club with big history but players don't seem to recognise it in the face of City's huge potential for future success. Plus I prefer them to Spurs, City and Liverpool. If I were O'neill I would bite City's hand off, get Richards and Ireland in the deal and use any surplus cash to grab a top finisher. Maybe Robbie Keane - not sure he is exactly what Villa need. Pavlyuchenko? Bent? We shall see!

Sheffield Wednesday have been given a winding-up order by HMRC - but are apparently confident that they can cover their £550,000 deficit. This could become a big story over the next few weeks. It may require a take-over ala Cardiff and countless other clubs before Wednesday are out of the financial woods. It is highly unlikely that the club would cease to be, such is the business opportunity available in football today, some White Knight will ride in to save the Owls - I've no doubt of that.

That is about it in terms of potentially big news...Sven Goran Eriksson wants to manage in the Premier League again. He might as well be down by the Thames in Fulham attempting to suck off Mohammed Al-Fayed as you read. I think he'd be as bad for Fulham as Martin Jol would've been good.

Titus Bramble has moved to Sunderland. Wigan are such a selling club. I genuinely hope they go down this season. Their stadium is never full and I don't believe they bring anything to the Premier League. However, if they can hold onto N'Zogbia and Rodallega they will probabaly be ok. Also McCarthy could be an emerging talent for them this season.

Liverpool are playing Dr Robotnik from the Sonic the Hedgehog series in the Europa league and Thierry Henry scored against Spurs last night. Two things that make me quite happy.

Dan Gosling has completed a free transfer from Everton to Newcastle - very strange one that from the way he left to the side he has joined. Will he get more first team footy at St. James's Park? And Ian Holloway really wants to get some new players in for Blackpool. Hope he does, cos I've backed them to stay up...not at the bookies though. I'm not mental.

Saturday tomorrow. Cant wait till real football is back on the best day of the week. That's your lot. Cheers

New Premier League Rules, Bye-bye Eduardo, FIFA follow-up and round up.

Morning all.

Pre season is well underway for most teams and you can catch highlights here. That is a great site by the way. Very good for Premier League highlights during the season (thanks Tommy).

The slow crawl towards the season continues and this morning I wanted to take a look at how the new Premier League rules on 'home-grown players' might already be effecting some of the moves in the transfer market and how it is intended to improve the development of English players.

Ever since England bombed in the World Cup there has been a clamour of journalists all fighting each other to sound the most self-righteous and know-it-all by insisting that it is the youth development set up in English football that is the problem. the FA's and the football clubs' fault. Of course...none of them were backing England for a successful tournament and raising expectations, heaping pressure on the team...they already knew the weakness was there...why didn't we listen!?...Yeah right...

However, despite the reactionary elements of this media response - I do agree. It isn't so much that clubs don't try hard enough to develop players, they just develop them in the wrong way. It is clear, and just the typical case that the standard English player is less technically gifted than say your average Spaniard, Brazilian or Argentinian. It is because there is less focus on technique in youth football in England. Nothing new about that opinion, and it is something English football has often been proud of. However, the modern game demands that technique is as important, and often more important than drive, fight, guile, grit, organisation or whatever you want to call it. A balance of the two is perfect.

The result is that for clubs to succeed at the highest level in the Premier League, and then subsequently in Europe (to make more money basically), they require technically gifted players. English players are rarely as technically sound as their Iberian or South American counterparts - so the top clubs, with the best development facilities go abroad to grab kids young ala Fabregas, Ronaldo, Kakuta and countless more. My own club are the perfect example (although Wenger's 15 year influence - cue a load of paedophile gags - may be about to reveal itself with a batch of very technical youngsters coming out of Arsenal) and who knows? The demand for technique may have swept through academies up and down the country - maybe there will be skilled players with a bit of English determination coming through more regularly over the next five years. But I doubt it....

So the Premier League have introduced these new rules where a club must name a squad of 25 players over the age of 21 years 0 days at the start of any given season. This must contain 8 players minimum who are 'home-grown' - and a very dubious kind of home-grown, just trained in England or Wales for three years before they're 21 (e.g. Fabregas). The rules don't effect players under 21 at all.

Hypothetically. Lets say we have Mark Smith, a young midfielder, approaching 21 and Paolo Di Maria Silva Pancetta Parmesan Mario Bros. Lamborgini, a young midfielder also approaching 21. Smith is more likely to get the nod and the the experience that comes with being named in the 25 man squad (as long as Lamborgini hasn't been trained by a club in England or Wales for 36 months before the season he turns 21) as he doesn't have to be declared as a foreigner like Lamborgini would. The likelihood is a club wouldn't even bother buying a 19 year old Lamborgini if they had Smith and all the attention would go onto the Englishman. So far so good.

But my issue is that this isn't about declaring or guaranteeing a certain amount of English players, it is about limiting clubs to 17 foreigners over 21 (the idea being that the two objectives are inextricably connected - not sure about that).

Surely clubs who are switched on will just look for the best young talent earlier - although this adds scouting costs at a higher risk than just putting the extra time and money into the lads who are already available on this island. It remains to be seen if this will work. I'm sceptical just because the rules essentially don't ask you to do anything other than not exceed 17 foreign players over 21 in you're squad. You don't HAVE to name eight 'home-grown' players.

Just no more than 17 'foreigners' over 21. Will that change English football? I'm not sure.

There are moves that may have been effected by the new rules. United are going to rely on their youngsters, most of whom will count as home-grown. Chris smalling made a surprise move there last season. Liverpool have also moved for the Scottish lad from Rangers (I think he counts as home grown).

But I think an attitude needs to shift more than anything. Focus on a bit more technique from a young age whilst still encouraging a competitive, team based attitude. Hard to do when every young talent wants to listen to his agent and imagine he is the best thing since sliced bread. What the rules mean is that a player will probably have to prove himself by the age of 21 or he could be out. Jay Simpson is 21 now for Arsenal and would have to take up a place in our 25 man squad if he stays. We have young Englishmen and foreigners who would cost nothing in terms of being 'declared in the squad. They would make another place in the 25 for a signing, so Simpson could be out as he's not really proved himself. Some players aren't ready at 21. Players like Xavi or Drogba or Ian Wright could've been written off at 21. But if you're not ready at 21 now, you may be out of time and lose out and be moved on. Time will tell what this means for English football.

Linking this discussion in with my next subject, Eduardo's move from Arsenal to Shakhtar Donetsk, Eduardo may be one of the first casualties of the new rule; maybe it is working. He will probably be replaced by Simpson or Jay Emmanuel Thomas in Arsenal's set-up. This leaves room for another foreign signing in the team as Thomas doesn't need to be 'declared' as a 19 y/o and Simpson is home-grown. With English players at a premium, Arsenal could afford space for a foreign defender so freeing up Eduardo's foreign spot in the squad seems a good idea.

There is of course a lot more to the Eduardo story in England. This also links to a lack of technique in the average English player, as I discussed above. He suffered a terrible injury which he couldn't physically or psychologically recover from and was treated like shit at the beginning of last season by a bunch of hypocrites.

Martin Taylor's tackle had a huge effect on Eduardo's promising career at Arsenal. His high tackle was probably the result of two things: being psychologically pumped with aggression by a team talk based around being extra physical with Arsenal (or similar teams) because they don't like it, and just having a lack of technique, a lack of how to be aggressive without endangering an opponent. There is nothing wrong with the physical approach but when it is coupled with psychological ideas of hurting a team enough to stop their game and a lack of technical tackling ability it can become dangerous. Taylor's youth development probably stressed the "ball-and-man" attitude over making technically sound tackles. Yes, tackles require technique as well and Taylor, a perfectly average English player in the Premier League at the time, displayed a complete lack of knowing how to tackle with good technique.

I certainly think that is also the case with Ryan Shawcross's tackle on Aaron Ramsey. The reason being it isn't even a tackle. It was just a terrible piece of foolish defending, rushing out in midfield chasing a loose ball, being too slow to get there first and attempting, seemingly, to smash the ball back down the other end of the pitch for no apparent reason. He accidentally smashed Ramsey's leg instead. But who the fuck is teaching a young, talented, English centre half to do such a thing?Who is encouraging Shawcross, psychologically preparing him, to chase loose balls, like a Neanderthal after a wart hog, and to try and smash the ball as hard as he could into the oppositions half. No skill, no technique and dangerous if timed badly.

Add Eduardo's injury troubles to the outrageous treatment he received after diving against Celtic and he probably walked to sign a contract abroad. The cunt media. You would've thought Eduardo invented fucking diving the way he was treated. Every fucker had to have their say. Sickening. And then he has to sit back and watch those same fuckers who abused him for something almost every pro player does defend poor, ickle Ryan Shawcross after seeing one of his mates go through exactly what he went through. No wonder he wanted to leave this country. He's pretty much had it shit since he moved here even though he showed great potential.

Moving on to FIFA's decision regarding technology/officiating from the party in Cardiff yesterday. So it will be two extra officials behind the goal to help out with goal line decisions, tight corner kick rulings and penalties I imagine. It is a move in the right direction and it should lead to more accurate decisions - although it is my understanding that the ref's decisions are final so they could end up being ignored by refs who don't think they need the help.

It still isn't technology - which is what I think the goal line needs. For more on that scroll down to yesterdays post.

A small round-up of some other interesting stories and rumours. Martin Jol has now officially turned down Fulham. Sad, he would've been excellent for them. Petr Cech is going to miss the first few games of the seaon, but I don't expect that to be a problem - they play West Brom, Wigan and Stoke. Hilario could probably bring his i.pad for those ones. Harry Redknapp continues to run his mouth every single day. He thinks Spurs can challenge for the league. Maybe, but will be very hard with the added challenge of a Champions League campaign. He also claims that Joe Cole wanted to sign for his team, not Liverpool (Joe gives his reasons for joining the reds - with some journalistic creativity - here).

That's all. Leave comments. More tomorrow.

Fuck FIFA for several reasons, Pompey, and what I never wanted to talk about but have to...

Morning.

A child has been screeching it's head off constantly since about 8:05. Why is it she not tired yet? Stopped now though...hopefully that's good news, not bad news. Dark.

Anyway back to football and FIFA are meeting today near Cardiff (holla) for their AGM. Must be so fucking good being a FIFA big wig - travel round, go to football games, do press conferences, go to meetings, get a huge pay check. Except that everybody who likes football probably hates you and wants to you to die so we can get some young FIFA heads in who understand the modern game.

Yeah, I'm on about FIFA's continued refusal to address the possibility of goal line technology, which has been removed from their agenda for today's soiree. This is despite Sepp Blatter declaring that they would review the situation immediately after Frank Lampard's non-goal for England ahainst Germany in the world cup. A typical grey 'spokesman' said:

"The meeting this week is purely to ratify any requests that have come forward over the implementation of the assistant referees experiment, which was used last year in the Europa League. The first formal meeting where that discussion [goal-line technology] could take place is in October."

October? I wonder just how many wrong goal line decisions will be made between now and then. Maybe none - I don't really care if it isn't Arsenal suffering, but what I do care about is the complete ineptitude of the people in charge of the game; a defect caused by their ridiculous old-fashioned view that football must retain an element of human error. It will. If anybody has ever seen Lukas Fabianski play in goal then they will know that human error is here to stay as long as he is playing. There will always be a Frank Sinclair willing to score a spectacular own goal or a Kanu/Steve Stone/Chris Iwelumo who cannot hit the net from a yard. Human error should remain with the players.

Now I understand that referees and linesman will make human "errors" of judgement, but that is based on opinion. This is because the rules of football are regularly open to interpretation i.e. Was it a penalty? Was it deliberate handball? Was that worthy of a yellow card? Was there daylight? (lol) etc. I like that - that shouldn't end. It leads to discussion, debate and it sets football apart from other sports such as rugby, which has far clearer rules and it is just a case of the ref spotting them efficiently. Nobody is suggesting that video technology be used to argue over general fouls, penalties or handballs. These can be interpreted by refs. It is about proving matters of fact.

When you ask: Was it a penalty? Two people could have a completely different opinion and they could probably both back up their points of view solidly. Technology is about proving matters of fact. If the whole ball is over the goal line, it can be seen, it is a fact. It is a goal. FIFA will argue that the game should be consistent from grass-roots to top division level but come on! It is too late for that. They are living in the seventies and they do not like the modern game (except for all the money they can make out of it - e.g. South Africa). The highest leagues are on a different planet across everything else: wages, facilities, sponsorship. So what is the point of bucking the trend with technology? Hand the decision over the national associations and I reckon the top four divisions in this country would have no problem kitting themselves out. FIFA's refusal to prove matters of fact when technology is so readily available to them is a joke. A complete joke. So fuck them.

While I'm on them I will briefly address a subject close to me - the Fabregas story. FIFA are using Xavi's disrespectful quotes on their website today. Cunts. Using the blatant public tapping up of a player under contract to maximise the hits on their website, to squeeze money from their web sponsors on every click when they are supposed to be the body who control and implement the rules of the international game. Unbelievable. However, Xavi does conclude that:

"We were all with him for five weeks in South Africa and we know he wants to be at Barcelona, he made it very clear, but he will under no circumstances do anything that will upset the Arsenal fans. And that's probably why we are going to have to wait for him for another year."

It must really piss Xavi off that Fabregas' superior class as a person, his love for the Arsenal fans, will mean the move won't happen this summer. If that isn't public tapping up I don't know what is. It is probably all true - does that make it ok to discuss it so openly? No. Is it disrespectful to Arsenal, the fans and Cesc? Yes. Is it a sick attempt to try and rip Arsenal off? Yes. Same as Madrid with Ronaldo a few seasons back. Hope Arsenal hold on and get an astronomical fee next summer. The egos at the Nou Camp must be Mourinho-Esq by now so although it is annoying - it isn't suprising. How must Cesc feel being constantly spoken for? Moving on...

Pompey have managed to move their court proceedings against HMRC forward to attempt to get out of administration before the start of the season - they need to sign players but are currently under a transfer embargo. Apparently it should be lifted by the start of the season but I don't think it is going to be straight forward. It is all a little complex and therefore sails over my head in terms of details but what is clear is that Pompey spent way beyond their capabilities under Harry Redknapp. How is this allowed to happen? This now moves discussion on to two other organisations: The FA and the Premier League.

Pompey were sailing along with a great squad that they couldn't afford and winning the FA cup on borrowed money they couldn't repay - but nobody seemed to bat an eyelid. Why? How could the FA and Premier League sit back and allow them to do this, surely they have a responsibility to monitor the clubs in their leagues and ensure that they are operating efficiently (unless you are City or Chelsea in which case you can shit away all the money you want).

This does lead me on to a story from yesterday that Chelsea are attempting to buy Neymar, the "new Pele". Now this kind of poaching is very common in football nowadays. Check out the situation with Connor Wickham at Ipswich. Just coming into the first team and it looks like he's going to be whipped away by a big club to sit on the bench for about three years. Same happened with Walcott and Bostock. How are the clubs who find and train these kids supposed to get the best out of them if they are subject to such huge bids all the time from bigger clubs. I would also argue that the players would be better served staying with their original club where they are likely to get a game more often and develop their quality. I think Walcott definitely came to Arsenal too early and now he is suffering. Worst thing is I don't think there is any way to stop this from happening. With new rules about a home grown players quota it will also probably just get worse.

So a quick round-up of some other stuff. The Martin Jol to Fulham saga drags on. Apparently he wants to go but Ajax are mugging him off about money or something. Like I said, would be a great appointment and I hope they get him.

David James is now a free agent after Portsmouth withdrew a contract offer to the keeper. This may alert Arsenal who are looking for a goalkeeper - this story will develop in the red tops at the least I'm sure.

A good week keeps going for Liverpool as Gerrard has said he is going to stay at Anfield (no surprises there) and they've snapped up a kid from Rangers for 2 million, which could become 5 million if he's any good. Meanwhile, Titus Bramble has joined Sunderland. This is neither very interesting nor very important. But on a day when I've discussed the idea of human error, Titus seems like a good place to end.

Leave comments, More tomorrow.

Joe Cole/Liverpool, Martin Jol + Promoted Clubs...Round Up

Morning all. Watched a program where they cut up a massive whale last night. Brilliant.

Anyways onto the football and it's Joe Cole's move to Liverpool that is dominating the news, and why not? Liverpool are a big club and he's a big player (in England at least). Four year deal on a reported 90,000 pound a week seems all in order but there is, of course, a little more to this transfer than that.

Many are going to question why Cole chose Liverpool. It seems common knowledge that London was his preferred location - so why turn down the sycophantic love thrown towards him by Harry Redknapp and Spurs? Or even the lure of joining Arsenal's bulging ranks of Attacking midfielders? Going to England's most successful club do it? Or is it for the longest contract on the highest wage that he's braved it up north? I don't think either was the big thing for Joe, I think it is more about who needed him most. Lets start with the player he is...

Now this is not a criticism at all but Joe Cole is a player with a pretty big ego. No doubt when at the age of 18 he was being touted as the English Zidane and the like by the press and had his old mucka Harry telling him how good he was going to be everyday. Then at Chelsea he flourished as a regular under Mourinho - remember this day? - and was treasured by Sven and all England at the 2006 World Cup months after that 3-0 victory over United secured the League.

To really perform Cole is the kind of player who needs to be sheltered by a coach who treasures him, has him on the team sheet for every big game and has faith in his somewhat inconsistent abilities. Grant, Scolari, Hiddink and Ancelotti have all failed to be this manager for Joe - who's injuries haven't helped - and Wenger and Redknapp wouldn't have been offering guaranteed first team football either, so simply put: Joe needed Hodgson and Liverpool, who can guarantee him a place in the starting eleven because (and this is just poetry) Liverpool need Joe Cole just as badly.

Roy Hodgson can be that man for Joe because he understands that the club needed this signing. It is exciting, he is English and he has the kind of personality that fans love. Addressing Liverpool's situation as a whole I think they are beginning to shape up rather nicely after a terrible period in their recent history. A lot depends on whether Torres and Mascherano leave, but to be honest I think its is clear that their squad is going to lack depth once more this season regardless. The N'gogs, Rieras and Pachecos of this world just aren't at the level that Spurs, City and the other big three can boast from the bench. But this is where I believe Hodgson can be the right man for a tough job. He has fantastic man management skills and can get the best out of players who are perhaps low on confidence. Ryan Babel could seriously emerge this season under Hodgson, he is a similar personality to Cole and needs a bit of love. Woy (as he is affectionately known) took Konchesky and Paintsil, both made surplus to requirements at West Ham (fucking West Ham!), and made them into two of the most consistent (and sometimes dangerous) full backs in the league at Fulham, not to mention Zamora's turn around under him. It is a different challenge, but If he can get this from some of Liverpool's squad players it will be a good, stabilising season for them. If he can get the likes of Cole, Gerrard and Torres back on the form they've all been missing for the past six months then things could get very busy in the battle for fourth.

Moving from Liverpool to Woy's former club, Fulham had seemed to have stolen in under the radar to pinch Martin Jol from Ajax. However, this morning Jol is quoted as turning the job down in De Telegraaf:

"They (Fulham) were interested but in principle I will stay at Ajax."

So where do they go now?! Sven? Curbishley? It had seemed that Jol would've been perfect. An excellent Premier League record and a man with unfinished business after the way Spurs unceremoniously dumped him for Juande Ramos. Indeed, if I were a Fulham player this morning I would be truly gutted and I don't think Jol's turn around will have done any help in turning around the empty feeling that the club must have now Woy is off gallivanting with Joe Cole in the mountains. They need to hold on to Dempsey, Duff and Gera or they could be one of the clubs up for the drop this season. Which brings me nicely to the promoted teams...

All the excitement of promotion was centred on Ian Holloway's Blackpool, who came from nowhere to defeat Cardiff at Wembley. No surprise as having regulars Newcastle and yo-yo club West Brom back isn't all too exciting. When a team is promoted they are almost invariably in for a tough season. They tend to require one, or both, of two things; A serious strengthening of their squad or a first rate manager who is perfect for the task. Now currently Newcastle have added James Perch whilst Bobby di Matteo has added a few players, most notably Stephen Reid. Now I'm sorry to say it but when your most notable addition is Stephen Reid, or James Perch, then there is a bit of an issue. Blackpool have actually added nobody, although they are giving a trial to Franny "Fox in the box" Jeffers. That is even more of an issue. Although the singing of Daniel Keinan is close, they seem to have spent their transfer money on building a new stand to increase their capacity at Bloomfield Road and i don't blame them - this is a story which you don't often see in the Premier League.

However, we must remember that the other component is probably more important: having the right man for the job. Now on this basis I'm going to stick my neck on the line and say I think Blackpool comfortably have the best man to keep them up. Chris Hughton seems to be being given the chance to manage in the Premier League that winning the Championship with a vastly superior squad to EVERYONE else deserves. But I cannot see him lasting, he is an assistant manager at the top level. Gone by November and Newcastle should be OK if they can get somebody good in. West Brom I'm a little worried about. Bobby D Matt is a popular young coach but I'm just not sure if he is ready to move into the Premier League and I expect them to go down with a bit of a whimper. I hope he proves me wrong because as I say he, and the way his team play, are quite popular and I would rather see teams who can't fill their stadiums such as Blackburn, Wigan or Bolton bite the dust than West Brom again.

In Ian Holloway I think Blackpool have a fantastic man manager, somebody who is capable of taking a bunch of players who lack the quality of the Premier League and getting 100% out of them every single week. I hope he keeps them up, and with one or two acquisitions (stand completion allowing) then I really think Blackpool's spirit could surprise people and we could be seeing Tangerine in the Premier League for longer than just a token season. Hopefully not the new Burnley.

That's all I planned for today really. Quick round-up of some other stories flying around. Alex Ferguson is content with his current squad i.e. the yanks have got no monies for him:

"I cannot speak about other clubs. We are comfortable with the squad we have got.We bought players at the right time of the season and we are happy with what we have."

To be fair I think they've got some very strong young players - Hernandez looks excellent - but I'm pretty sure having lost the title Sir Al would've been gagging to bring in some extra quality.

The second wave of Fabregas stories have surfaced quickly after it seemed Barca had got the massage, Drogba isn't going to City (haha) and meanwhile Tottenham are the first club to ban vuvuzelas. Thank fucking God. I hope every single club does. The "culture" excuse in South Africa was fair enough but shit off if I'm going to have the League season all over England plagued with that stupid, shitty noise.

Leave comments, More tomorrow.

The World Cup, City and Cesc...43 Days...

Welcome to my Direct Football blog...I'm just here to talk football...Let's begin.

WORLD CUP - I'm not going to sit and moan like most people have done about the world cup being boring because it's just too lazy, much like Wayne's eventual performance against the Algerians. It was ok, good entertainment largely during the summer months when real football is often in short supply and all we have to look forward to every day is which new small african child star your club is probably not attempting to sign.

At least we got to see France and Italy embarressed even worse than England were - although at least Italy put up a fight against Slovakia - and enjoyed seeing Germany with a load of turks, poles and the occasional sunbed stealer play some good football. Spain won. Well done I guess although I don't really care. Iniesta is so fucking pale. He's like a ghost, he lives in Barcelona for God's sake. Mystifying. His head is also a sphere. He has a great goulish moon head. More on that fucker later.

CITY - So back to the countdown to real football (only 43 days) and the transfer window has so far been dominated by Manchester City's millions of sheikh pounds. My opinion is split on this. Part of me says fair play, play the hand you're dealt. The other half says fuck them, it's not fair - and not on Chelsea, United and Arsenal - on the likes of Villa, Everton and to an extent Spurs who have had to work hard, be consistant and generate their own money to try and reach the Champions League. Now big bollocks City are coming along throwing stupid money at anybody who prompts a sort of "yeah, good player him..." or"I've watched European leagues for years and I can tell you he's top class" kind of reaction. I doubt some of their promising young players will be content with Carling Cup runouts. But it's a fact that they're assembling an impressive squad, but what can they acheive?

Well they will eventually win the league. But I reckon at the moment they lack a bit of coherence, a lot of squad gelling time and have just too many egos to go the whole distance. Also I think a more experienced Premier League manager would be perfect. I reckon this season they will grab 3rd or 4th. Probabaly win a cup. If they give Mancini time to build a consistant side and a solid tactical strategy they could be champions within 3 years - but not this time round for me (Will put my neck on the line as to who will closer to the 14th of August).

CESC - So Catalunya kings Barcelona have dedicated their summer (while real Spain wins the world cup with their players on loan) to dismantling the strong relationship between Arsenal and their captain Cesc Fabregas in a sick attempt to push the price of one of the best young players in the world down. Most of the blatant public "tapping up" (I'm reluctant to call it that) has been based on DNA, a heart with Barcelona branded on it at birth and prize cunt Gerard Pique's amazing ability to see into Fabregas' dreams. If he's so good at dream reading go fuck around with Leonardo Di Caprio in his new film, I've heard it's good. Dickhead.

Still I don't blame the club and the players for their behaviour. I'm sure the egos just keep growing at that club with the World Cup they bought back to Spain and the other point is they cannot afford his fair market value of about 55-60 million quid (based on Yaya Toure costing 24). So what they need is for lil Cesc to fold under their pressure and tell the world he must leave Arsenal now, this season, immediately and then the price drops 20 million because we cant keep a player so damaging to squad morale. But...Fabregas loves Arsenal, he loves the fans and he won't do it. I really believe that he feels he still owes Arsenal a year or two and a trophy. I think he wants to leave for Barca whenever a deal can be done but by no means do I think he feels he has to go now. We shall see. But it's simple. No 60 million, no public Cesc outburst and all their disrespectful public courting will be for nothing as they cannot afford him otherwise.

First post done. I'm fucking unemployed at the moment so I will keep the posts coming every day if I can - not that anyone is currently reading them (got to get the word out) so do come back for more and leave your comments. Will also be adressing lower leagues as time goes on as I need to learn more about this level of football so don't be put off if I'm always on about the Sky Sports TM Barclays Premier League.

More tomorrow.