Managers and fans alike have gone from scratching their heads to firmly planting their faces in their palms. The reason for this is the increasing involvement of uninformed owners who don’t really know a thing about the game that they are lending their millions. One of the many examples of this, certainly the most talked about in recent weeks, is Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan.
For most football fans in Europe, Christmas and the New Year offers a chance half-way through the season to reflect upon the progress, or decline, of their team. The Premier League however is very unusual in that it has no mid-season break, instead the fixture list becomes more punishing. So, for the other major leagues within UEFA, let's have a look at who is enjoying their festive break and who is fretting over their performances thus far.
Just a few short weeks ago, after Spurs 6-0 battering away at Manchester City, I published an article on this website stating that I hoped Spurs kept faith with manager Andre Villas-Boas. When this sort of thing happens in real time they call it the ‘curse of the commentator’. What better way was there for me to give him the kiss of death?
This last Tuesday evening, ITV4 presented an exclusive documentary titled- 'Keane and Vieira: Best of Enemies'. I'm sure that many football fans managed to see it or at least read about it, but if not then I definitely recommend seeking it out, regardless of what team you support. Subsequently, one of the final conversations between these two fierce competitors inspired this article.
England’s preparation for the World Cup next summer can now really kick on as we officially know what we are up against. Friday’s draw gave Roy Hodgson much to fear, most notably a trip deep into the humidity of the Amazon to play Italy. But, England’s group may not be as bad as it appears on the surface.