Becoming a real football manager
Instructions, mentality: attacking, passing style: short, tempo: quick. Ohh hang on a second, I can do this for real now. Last weekend I completed my Football Federation Australia junior coaching license, so am now a ‘proper’ football manager. Sure I’ll be coaching under 12′s, but thats not what counts, I can pretend to be educated…
Have Madrid finally got their man?
I’m not talking about Cristiano Ronaldo. Not talking about Kaka. Not Benzema and not about Raul Albiol and Xabi Alonso. I’m talking about Arsene Wenger. Scratch that, I’m actually talking about Manuel Pellegrini. Throughout Florentino Perez’ epic reign last time out, and at the very top of his hit list when he got reinstated to…
Is it time for youth transfer fees in the US?
US soccer has progressed to the level where like the rest of the world, MLS clubs should considering paying modest youth transfer fees to local clubs that develop the young players they select for their U16 and U18 academy teams. Reimbursement in the form of scholarships would encourage local clubs to develop complete players instead…
Arsenal in rude financial health
Arsenal Holdinga have announced pre-tax profits of £45.5m, with matchday revenue exceeding £100m for the first time and 445 of the 655 private apartments already sold to the tune of £172.4m. When all is said and done, there is no indication that Arsenal lack in transfer funds or the ability to match wages offered by…
Fan Loyalty: In Rafa We Trust!
“Seeing these smiling faces is the greatest pleasure. They have been magnificent all season. They have been our 12th man. I have always said our fans are the best in England. Now I know they are the best in Europe too.” (Rafa Benitez) Yes indeed, Rafa Benitez may be many things but naiive he most…
Premier League Predictions: Arsenal, United, City, Tottenham and Chelsea to win
Did you read this column last week? If not, then you should have. It could have made you some money. Nine out of ten outcomes correct, five out of ten results spot on, I should be backing my instincts. Of course last week was a one-off, a fluke. Or was it? Here are my predictions…
MLS refereeing: is Platini’s Fantastic Five the answer?
Back in June, as Major League Soccer was finding its stride on the other side of the Atlantic, Michel Platini and UEFA confirmed that this year’s Europa League would be the testing ground for a new officiating structure. By adding an ‘additional assistant referee’ behind each goal line, Platini hopes to do away with the…
Vermaelen to net a goal for Arsenal against Fulham?
Due to their demolition jobs on Everton, Portsmouth and Wigan, Arsenal have reportedly helped Sporting Index spread punters to pocket £500,000 already this season. Wenger’s charges must make the short trip across London to Craven Cottage where buyers of the Gunners’ supremacy spread will hope that Fulham feel the full force of Arsenal’s flowing-football wrecking…
Campbell finds out League Two is not the Costa del Sol
First they appoint a former England manager as their Director of Football, then they go and sign a former England international, surely this is any clubs dream, but evidently not in the case of Notts County. We all thought it was too good to be true when the news broke of Sven Goran Eriksson appointment…
Soccerlens Podcast: Inside Sol Campbell’s mind, the Government v FA and European debate
Hello and welcome to episode 21 of the world famous Soccerlens Podcast. Join ex-footballer Adrian Clarke and esteemed sports journalist Iain Spragg as they chew over all things football. This week Clarkey and Spraggy produce a lively verbal kickabout that includes European football debate, a case for the FA’s defence, a peek inside the mind of Sol Campbell, a…
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