Sick as a Drog

By Matt Scott 
Chelsea’s star striker Didier Drogba has been diagnosed as suffering from Malaria.

The 32-year-old was thought to have been suffering from a virus after missing games against Aston Villa and Spartak Moscow but blood tests have since revealed he has some how contracted malaria.

Drogba was a surprise inclusion in the squad that lost 2-0 to Liverpool at the weekend. He was named on the bench but came on for the second half, having little impact on the game.

Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti, revealed that the Ivory Coast international was not in the starting XI because he complained of a fever during the eve of the game. The Italian tactician is unsure how Drogba managed to contracted it. He said, ‘We found out (on Monday night) when blood tests showed he had malaria. I don’t know where he got it from.’

Despite this, Drogba is in contention to start against Fulham tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge, no doubt hoping to add to his 6 league goals already this season.

The Ultimate Opportunity to Make Your Dad Proud

By Matt Scott 
Paul Ince, the newly appointed Notts County manager, has recently signed his son, Tom, on loan from Liverpool. 

The young midfielder can now join an exclusive list of players, who have experienced the pleasure, or quite possibly the pain, of working for their father.

There are some famous names from way back in the past, but the current generation will be more familiar with the likes of Harry and Jamie Redknapp. They are the modern face of footballing fathers and sons. Jamie was given his professional debut at Bournemouth in 1989, who were then managed by Harry, before going on to be signed by Liverpool, a year and a half later.

Fast forward a few years and Harry had hit the managerial big time, with stints in charge of South Coast rivals, Portsmouth and Southampton. Jamie, was given the daunting task of facing these sides, managed by his dad, during his time at both Liverpool and Tottenham. The pair were days apart from being reunited again at Southampton during their struggle to stay in The Championship, but Harry had resigned in order to return to Portsmouth.

There have been rumours that Harry has asked Jamie to come in and help with coaching at his current club, Tottenham, ironically an ex-club of Jamie’s. Jamie is rather hesitant to enter the world of management, given the reputation his father has managed created for himself. He is enjoying his work as a pundit for the time being.

Manchester City starlet, Vladimir Weiss, who is currently on loan at Rangers, has also experienced playing under his dad’s management. His father, who has the same name, is in charge of the Slovakian national side. Vladimir Snr, who has been in charge of Slovakia since 2008, granted his son the honour of his first international cap in 2009. Because of this, Vladimir Snr was accused of favouritism as Vladimir Jnr had not broken through at Manchester City and barley had any real match experience under his belt. The only real professional experience he boasted were 8 Slovakian-U21 games.

During a loan spell at Bolton in 2010, Vladimir Jnr was still unable to force his way into the starting line up on a permanent basis, making only 13 appearances. Despite this, his father still called him up to the Slovakian squad for the World Cup in South Africa. People began to see what Vladimir Snr saw in his son, he impressed in the three appearances he made for the national side during the World Cup, as Slovakia made history and qualified for the last 16 after beating Italy.

The player dubbed, Mr Chelsea, Frank Lampard, has played under his dad during the start of his career. However, his dad, also Frank, was only the assistant manager at West Ham. Luckily for Frank Jnr, his dad wasn’t the only member of family in a position of power at West Ham.

The manager at the time when he was coming through the ranks was Harry Redknapp, who was his uncle. Harry gave Frank Jnr his big break and allowed him to establish himself as a key member of the London side.

Leeds United defender, Alex Bruce, is another player who was given his professional debut by his father. Steve, who was managing Birmingham City at the time, signed his son on a free transfer in January 2005.

Alex was unable to force his way into the first team. He ended up being sent out on loan to three different clubs, Oldham, Sheffield Wednesday and Tranmere, during 2005. In total, Alex only made six appearances for Birmingham and the combination of relegation to the Championship and accusations of nepotism led to the pair deciding it would be best if they parted ways.

Finally, a son who has not been scared to go on and become a manager, despite his dad being one of, if not the most, well known and successful managers in history. Darren Ferguson, is yet another player to be given his professional debut by his dad. Two years after his debut, Darren, was able to adequately fill the void left by Bryan Robson’s absence through injury, during the 1992-93 season.

Having made 15 appearances that season, he also qualified to receive a League winners medal after Manchester United claimed the title. He was very much a squad player throughout his time at United and after four years with the club, he was transferred to Wolves, in search of first team action. Immediately after hanging up his boots Darren decided to go into management.

His managerial career got off to a fairytale start, two back-to-back promotions in three seasons at Peterborough. Darren’s managerial career then began to stall, as his club were unable to cope with the demands of Championship football. Darren resigned in November 2009, leaving his former club bottom of the table. Now manager of Preston, Darren is using his relationship with his father to his advantage by signing some of Manchester United’s bright young talents on loan.

If there wasn’t already enough pressure on players to produce a certain level of performance for their club, then the added fear of disappointing your dad can’t help matters. Some players could be cursing their luck for having to play under their dad, having to take orders from him at home and at work, but most of the examples listed here have been given a big break by their dad, the chance to impress that has gone on to kick-start their career. It remains to be seen what impact Tom can make at MK Dons under the watchful eye of his father.

Solskjaer to Manage Norwegian Club Molde

By Matt Scott 
Manchester United hero, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the verge of becoming the new manager of Norwegian club Molde.

Molde, the club that Solskjaer played for before Sir Alex Ferguson plucked him from obscurity and brought him to Old Trafford, have failed on two previous occasions in their bid to bring the 37-year-old back to the club.

Solskjaer was reluctant to leave Manchester United even as a player, despite being used mainly as an impact sub. Since hanging up his boots, the former striker has enjoyed success as Reserve Team manager under Sir Alex’s stewardship. He clinched both the Northern Champions and Play-Off Final Trophy in the Premier Reserve League last season.

However, now it looks as if Solskjaer will finally be moving on after Molde’s Chairman, Erik Berg said, ‘It’s no secret we have worked intensely to get Ole Gunnar but we have not signed a contract yet. I can’t guarantee a press conference next week but to put it this way, I will be delighted to welcome him back.’

Solskjaer, nicknamed by the fans as the baby-faced assassin, has made it public knowledge that one day he wants to be manager of the Manchester United first team and as such, must see the move to Molde as a means of gaining valuable experience.

If Solskjaer does leave then, reportedly, Gary Neville is set to be named the new Reserve Team manager. This gives a strong indication that when his current contract expires at the end of the season, he is set to retire and move into coaching.

During Solskjaer’s 14-year association with the Red Devils he scored 91 goals, none more important or memorable than his 1999 Champions League Final winning goal, which also clinched the Treble for United. His professionalism and selfless attitude during his playing days helped cemented his place in the heart of many Manchester United’s fans as well as the club’s history books.

Savage Justification?

By Matt Scott 
The on-going debate, which surrounds footballers and their huge pay packets has managed to find its way back into the media spotlight after one of the UK’s most outspoken players, Robbie Savage, had his say on the matter.

The 36-year-old Welshman said, ‘We get hammered a lot, so I’m on there (twitter) giving a footballer’s viewpoint. The most common complaint is footballers earn too much. Nonsense. I defy anyone who gets offered it to say no, no matter what job you do.

"We’re lucky to earn good money and we work hard for it. It is not our fault that we were good enough to play football and get handsomely paid for it.

"I do work hard for it. The rewards are there if you do, so don’t tell me I haven’t worked hard for it. I would say every player I have played with has earned his money. Why is it always footballers who get criticised for the money they earn?

"A top darts player can earn £1m a year. A cricketer £1m for two months, a golfer £7.4m for one tournament, a rubbish boxer £3m for one fight, a sprinter £400,000 for an appearance, a tennis player £800,000 for one week. But it’s always footballers who get criticised."

The Derby County midfielder’s rant was a response to criticism from some supporters, who were venting their frustration over the news that John O’Shea had put pen to paper on a £80,000 a week contract extension at Manchester United.

Savage’s comments suggest he feels strongly that the revenue he generates for his club as well as the public scrutiny he has to face, more than entitle him and his fellow professionals to the rewards they receive.

It is often forgotten that the majority of sporting professionals have very short career spans, which can be ended in an instant if an injury occurs. It also has to be said that some bankers and online entrepreneurs earn similar amounts without working half as hard or entertaining the public.

Robbie Savage in calmer mood - Image Credit Flickr User Matlock-Photo

Has the Premier League Already been Decided?

Is this already inevitable for another year?  Image Credit Flickr User sonyds

By Matt Scott 
Chelsea are holding strong at the top of the table, 5 points clear of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, who at this stage of the season seem to be the only realistic title contenders.

However 5 points could prove to be too much, even at this early stage of the season. This is because many Premier League sides, especially those who are struggling at the bottom end of the table, go into games against title challengers expecting to lose. Their attitude is that taking a point away from one of the current top four sides is a bonus, especially if they are playing them at home.

But credit where credit is due. This is down to Chelsea’s performances this season. A 6-0 thrashing of West Brom on the opening day at Stamford Bridge, followed by another 6-0 hammering, this time away at Wigan. Chelsea have been scoring goals for fun, two against Stoke at home, three away to West Ham, four at home to Blackpool. Their only set back has been a 0-0 against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Chelsea v Arsenal, Feb 7th 2010.In the wake of the media bitzkrieg over Terry's alleged affair with Vanessa Perroncel, fans at Stamford ridge show their support for their captain.

Their style of play and goal scoring finesse has rattled the other teams in the League. Giving them the mental edge, convincing the opposition the game is lost before they step on the pitch, it’s just a matter of damage limitation. Because of this you see teams changing formation when they play Chelsea, often to a 4-5-1, with a defensive focus. They invite Chelsea onto them, defend for their lives and hope to spring on the counter. This is not, what many deem, exciting football for the neutral to watch.

Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United centre back gives a thumbs up at their match against West Brom, Oct 16

Manchester United, who some bookmakers listed as favourites for the League before the season kicked off, have had an all together different start to the season. They have been uncharacteristically shaky and seem nervous. After a bright start to the season, a comfortable 3-0 win over, newly promoted, Newcastle United at Old Trafford, things started to go wrong. United let a 2-1 lead slip in the 89th minute against Fulham, giving Chelsea a vital two point advantage at an early stage of the season.

Then, two weeks later, two injury time goals, one from Cahill and the other from Arteta erased a 3-1 lead at Goodison Park against Everton. Chelsea were now four points ahead and the United team looked even more uncertain on the ball.

After a vital 3-2 win over Liverpool, the team travelled to the Reebok Stadium to play Bolton. Sir Alex’s side were 2-1 down with less than 25 minutes left to play, so they began throwing everything forward and luckily, Michael Owen managed to find the back of the net, with only 10 minutes remaining. The majority of fans argue that Manchester United should have gone on to win the game.

Finally and most recently, a 2-0 home advantage at half time against West Brom was over turned by two goals in 5 minutes from the visiting side. United unable to score a third in the last 35 minutes of the game, in fact, they were extremely lucky not to lose the game in the end,  with West Brom going close on several occasion.

As these teams came from behind, wiping out leads to take unexpected points, other squads were watching, thinking that if a that team could do it, why couldn’t they.

The combination of this, increasingly inconsistent defending and unexpected errors have snowballed and increased the pressure on Manchester United in a vicious and ongoing circle. This is seriously damaging the clubs title challenge and if they are to stand any chance of gaining on Chelsea it needs to be resolved, fast.

Yet, one good thing to come out of this is that, for the neutrals, Manchester United games are now the more likely games to impress and entertain. It’s doubtful that Sir Alex will see it that way though.



Image Credits
Chelsea Badge - Flickr User TheTruthAbout
Terry V Arsenal - Wikimedia
Rio Ferdinand West Brom gordonflood.com
Javier Hernandez - Gordonflood.com
Man United Logo

Konchesky: Even in a Poor Liverpool Side he Sticks Out as an Under Performer

"Hodgson may not admit it but Konchesky is quite possibly a panic buy."

By Matt Scott
It would be unfair to assume that Paul Konchesky lacks the ability to hold his own in, what used to be, a top four club's defence, especially given that he has two England caps to his name. However, given his displays in a Liverpool shirt so far this season there are many fans that feel that he is far from deserving a place in the first XI.

When speculation began surfacing that Roy Hodgson was considering a swoop for his former Fulham compatriot, Liverpool forums began to fill with very sceptical messages. Then, on transfer deadline day, the official announcement was released that Liverpool had signed the bald headed left back and the forums started to flood with comments questioning Hodgson's decision to sign him.

The fans knew the squad needed a new left back, with last season’s regular left back, Insua, being shipped out on loan to Turkish side Galatasaray, Daniel Agger was being played out of position as a make-shift full back and Fabio Aurelio, who was Liverpool's 08/09 regular left back, has been plagued with injuries the past couple of seasons.

Hodgson may not admit it but Konchesky is quite possibly a panic buy. The only positives from the transfer are the fact that Konchesky is English. This will no doubt please Premier League chief Richard Scudamore, as it satisfies his new 'home-grown' squad regulations.

Secondly, Hodgson also has a previous working relationship with him, meaning he has a good idea of what Konchesky can bring to the squad but it seems that his ability has been underestimated.  At least that is what it looks like at the moment.

Arguably £3.5 Million and a couple of youth players is not a large amount of money to pay for a full back in this day and age. Despite this, many Liverpool supporters still feel a better alternative could have been found for that amount of money. Even Robbie Fowler who said, 'why oh why are we being linked with the likes of Konchesky, Luke Young, and Salcido?' hasn't been impressed with his former club's purchases in the transfer market.

Image Credit Flickr User Celso Flores

Fowler's decision to question the quality of Salcido (above) in his comment may prove to have been premature as the Fulham new boy, signed as Konchesky's replacement, is becoming a Craven Cottage favourite. The 30-year-old Mexican, who gave some solid performances at the World Cup in Africa, has impressed fans at Fulham due to his high work-rate and willingness to get forward. Salcido, who is only one year older than Konchesky, has made 81 appearances for Mexico, scoring six goals.

He has also played in 29 Champions League Games as well as winning two Dutch titles in his time at PSV. Just to top it off, Fulham only paid PSV £1.6 million for their man, less than half what Liverpool paid for Konchesky. All these reasons combined and the player’s form so far this season, seem to indicate that Salcido would have been the better option for Liverpool.

Fabio Aurelio can't be far from full fitness and many Liverpool supporters will be thinking that it will not be long before he replaces Konchesky if his poor run of form continues.

He has looked out of place and somewhat overwhelmed, none more so than during the away trip to Manchester United, which ended in a 3-2 defeat. Even in the 2-1 win at Blackburn, Konchesky was guilty of being caught out of position and failing to clear his lines properly.

Obviously, the performances of the rest of Liverpool squad have not lightened the workload for the defenders.

Regardless of that, if Konchesky does not improve he may lose his place on the Liverpool team sheet and instead, find it next to the words: 'worst signing of the season'.

Matt Scott is the author of the Reality Football blog - and you can contact him on Twitter - @mattscott49