England for the Engl-ish

(The title stolen from a line in a song by the above bastion of Englishness - see http://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/10/sport.comment)

Huzzah, it's the international break again! The sporadic season interval that places an embargo on the usual week-long fixture list of desirable games, in favour of a bi-weekly display by your wilting nation (invariably against the likes of Azerbaijan). The excitement is overwhelming...

Appearing equally effervescent, Roy Hodgson last week announced England's squad for the potentially cringy double date with Chile and Germany, and though it was riddled with a few new faces, much of the squad's composition was as expected; the quintessentially British sounding Rodriguez the exception. But despite the slow evolution of the playing staff over the past 18 months, the new cohort finally making inroads into the "Golden Generation", there's a fear England remain bereft of the technical athletes that their competitors produce in their droves - a number of which may actually be on show at Wembley this week (Gotze, Ozil, Alexis).

Oddly, however, in seeking to address this lack of subtly, invention and verve, the FA seems only to have deepened concerns. To onlookers of English football, some of last month's activities look as desperate as a suburban housewife (or as any lesser-spotted celebrity on "Get Me Out of Here")! Over the past decade there has been a metaphorical revolving door at the FA's offices, new facilities built at St. George's Park, as well as numerous Posh Spice-esque face lifts to the national game; and yet England are still pinning hopes, and expending finite resources, on poaching players primarily qualified for other nations.

The rationale is obvious: improved performances and results in the short-term from the one time World Cup winners - the triumph of 1966 worn like a millstone round the neck; especially given that, despite qualifying for next summer's World Cup festivities, modern history is littered with performances flatter than a size zero model. The Chief Executive summing up the nations expectation levels ahead of Brazil 2014 by proclaiming "2022" a more achievable target (helpful) - in a nutshell, the players are infinitely more likely to return with one of Rio's infamous lady-boy's than any silverware.

There is therefore, a legitimate argument that failure to incorporate the best athletes available to England merely restricts progress further - after all, the ploy of 'adopting' candidates has been widely used in other sports and by other nations to aid success (see England's current Ashes XI or Ireland's World Cup side of 1994). But for many, including myself, the notion of selecting players for the national team via a regulatory loop-hole offers a worrying precedent.

Jack Wilshere's remarks on the possibility of using the FIFA residency rules to qualify Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj, a player who is eligible for virtually every nation except England, spoke volumes. Dressed in a tracksuit (as worn by those from Luton) and looking strikingly similar to Tommy Robinson (that's nothing more than a visual observation), Wilshere announced, "The only people who should play for England are English people... If you live in England for five years it doesn’t make you English".

(Is that Messi in the back of Noel
Fielding's wagon?)

Though doubtless he could have been more careful with the wording of his statement, the crux of the issue is that a national team, by its very definition, is for players originating from the given country only. Henry Winter, writing in the Telegraph, likened the FA's attempts to artificially broaden the pool of players available to England to adopting "the Child Catcher role from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".

The problem is driven by the blurred essence of Englishness, and who/what constitutes an English sportsman or woman? Most, in a model world, would like to see the boy or girl from their street or their town representing their hopes and desires on the world stage; someone that they can relate to and feel inherently proud of. Depending on your location, ethnic origin, and even economic background, this "model athlete" represents vastly different values. The normative nature of the above guarantees that the answer to the question "what is an Englishman?" will differ hugely from individual to individual.

So, do you rely on place of birth? Do you take a scientific approach that states an athlete's genetic makeup as the defining factor in their eligibility? Adopt a political stance and allow someone who has been an inhabitant of the nation for a certain duration of time? Or, implement the intangible, and allow those who have a passion to represent a given country to participate? The huge amount of maneuverability within these constraints, especially when used in conjunction with each other, highlights the difficulty in installing a one-size-fits-all policy... furthermore I expect almost every reader has a differing preference.

For the viability of inter-nation sports going forward there must be a practical and credible framework. As things stand, the loose application of qualifying criteria, such as residency, leaves the system open to abuse, and thus the incumbent population exposed... What's to prevent players being re-homed in a given nation, 'supported economically', and introduced to the national team set up in due course? In theory there's still time for Qatar to put together a competitive XI!

Whenever nationality/race issues are discussed there is a degree of sensitivity, and this particular debate will be no different (see the media circus surrounding Jack Wilshere's comments). I understand, and empathise with concerns, but I do wonder why the English are so precious about their nationality when it comes to Football. After all, they embraced the successes of a multitude of athletes from a diverse ethnic background in last summer's Olympic games; Mo Farah, Chris Froome et al. Furthermore, the residency rules allowed Deco and Marcos Senna to represent Portugal and Spain respectively, and it would take a belligerent soul to argue their detrimental effect on their countries' progression (I don't think I'm overstepping the mark when I say that Spain are pretty good).

I wonder therefore whether it's the perceived attack on a national institution, or the acceptance of defeat as a footballing force? Let’s be honest, it's hardly a show of strength that the explosion onto the scene of a young Belgian player with no English heritage has even been discussed as a prospective way forward!

Below I have outlined a few sportspeople who qualified for England via a variety of categories discussed above. Where do you feel the line should be drawn? At what point does the makeup of a national team no longer represent its people?

Phil Jagielka -
Born in Manchester, but eligible for Poland through ancestry. Carries a name as British as a sun-tan.

Terry Butcher -

(This iconic image has become the
benchmark by which all subsequent
England players are judged - But is
Terry Butcher English?)

A symbol of England's courage and passion, Butcher was in fact born in Singapore; though he moved to England when he was a child.

Wilfried Zaha -
Arrived on our shores from the Ivory Coast aged just 4. Has 2 caps for England to date.

Saido Berehino -
Passionate about playing for England in the future, the West Bromwich star was moved to the UK from Burundi when he was just 10 years of age.

John Barnes -
the jinky winger and part time rapper was born and raised in Jamaica. His family moved to London when he was a teenager and he subsequently amassed 79 England caps (and a number 1 hit).

Owen Hargreaves -
Born in Canada to a Welsh mother and an English father; Hargreaves opted for England in 2001 (he had never been a resident of the country at that point)

Lewis Holtby -
A Rhineland born midfield player with an English father. Has chosen to represent Deutschland.

Tony Dorigo -
Born in Australia, Dorigo was approached by the FA and asked to postpone his international career for an additional year in order to obtain British citizenship. He subsequently made 15 appearances for England.

Victor Moses -
Although hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Moses represented England up to U-21 level through residency. He eventually chose to represent the country of his birth.

Adnan Januzaj -
Born in Belgium to Albanian-Kosovan parents, Januzaj is also eligible to play for Turkey and Serbia. He could potentially obtain citizenship and play for England in 2018.

(England's great hope - Wayne Rooney)

Wayne Rooney -
Drafted from a fairy-tale swamp, Rooney has amassed 86 caps (none of which, I have on good authority, fit on his head).

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule googling naughty 'selfies'...

Please let me have your comments/feedback! I'm intrigued to know what the common consensus is...

BC
@BobbyCowsill
https://www.facebook.com/groups/262906063816351/

If Men are from Mars, Football Clubs are from... OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb

The circus that is the football transfer window finally came to end in early September following an excruciatingly protracted summer of speculation; much of which surrounded the move to Real Madrid of the former face of PG Tips, Gareth Bale.

   

(Above: Gareth Bale in one of his 
more conservative outfits...)

The window creates this fervour amongst fans, many of whom will have stayed up all night, pint in hand, drinking to the well known catchphrases and familiar characteristics of the evening's broadcast... 2 sips if Harry Redknapp is seen talking through his car window, 3 sips for every completed deal, 4 sips if Odemwingie gets locked out of a rival club's premises... each drink proportionate to the likelihood of the respective event... 15 lagers with triple whisky chasers if Joe Kinnear opens his cheque book; et cetera, et cetera. 

Come 23.01hrs on deadline-day evening, some are jubilant, many are tipsy, but most are either underwhelmed or frustrated by their respective club's business. However, even for those with revamped enthusiasm, perhaps your side bagged a Nigel Quashie, is there really any reason to get so excited? Doesn’t the deadline day fiasco just detract from the essence of the sport?

(.. less conservative. Enough
to make Liborace blush!)

Elite level football has become increasingly detached from its roots as commercial interests have taken hold, and the latest suave looking import from the New World, purchased on the final day to save face, may only serve to strengthen this issue. He will wear the precious jersey, kiss the sacred badge, represent the proud inhabitants of a town he's never even heard of, before invariably holding the club to ransom over his desire for an obscene wage increase (ahem, Mr Benteke). In addition, he'd rather spend a romantic evening with Alan Partridge than sign your overpriced piece of memorabilia; despite the fact you've sung his name all evening and then waited in a horizontal downpour for what seems like a fortnight.

And it's not just the players that have arrived on our saturated shores from far flung parts of the globe. The ownership of the Football League's 92 clubs comprises significant shareholdings for individuals originating from over 20 countries, and circa 30% of the clubs are under foreign control; including last season's top 4 in the Premier League. 

It might be the most insultingly obvious statement since Andy Townsend last opened his mouth, but the massive purchasing power and the overall investment that these owners have brought to the league hasn't been born out of the goodness of their hearts; and neither would you expect it to be (especially given the shady backgrounds of a number of the "fit and proper" owners). In the case of Roman Abramovich and Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, they may have sunk vast sums into Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, but in doing so they have thrust their name, and/or their brand, into the global spotlight that the Premiership creates. Football crosses language, cultural and religious boundaries, making it very easy to sell globally and making it a very attractive platform for marketing. Business Sense Magazine points out that though Roman Abramovich may have seen no financial rewards directly from his purchase of Chelsea, “he now has the eyes and ears of the European business world”.  

For others, including Manchester United majority stakeholder Malcolm Glazer, the appeal is more traditional; it's all about the money (and presumably... "it's all about the dum dum duh dee dum dum")... a Premier League domestic broadcasting deal worth £3.018bn over 3 years was signed in 2012, corporate partnerships continue to spiral virtuously, and there's a further £1.13bn distributed amongst those participating in UEFA's club tournaments... more than enough to catch the eye of a savvy investor.

You will note however that these astronomical sums are heavily skewed towards those at the pinnacle of the sport, creating a desire amongst stakeholders for a 'quick fix'. With no natural allegiance to football as a whole, yet alone any sense of belonging to the history, culture and geography of their newly acquired asset, is it any wonder that local/domestic based managers, players and even fans, are so dispensable? 

Manchester City is a prime case study of the evolution in football and the subsequent effect upon the incumbent followers. Having signed an agreement with Manchester City Council in 1998, 'The Citizens' moved from their scruffy but nostalgic Maine Road

(Above: Maine Road in its heyday)

home to the City of Manchester Stadium in 2003. As you would expect, this new stadium is a vastly superior facility, allowing for a greater capacity and increased corporate facilities, but at the expense of the romance of the old ground. As celebrity fan, and full-time sideburns cultivator Noel Gallagher said during an interview with Sky this year, "I miss the look of fear on opposing fans' faces when they've got to trail through Moss Side!".

In addition to the geographical move, the aforementioned takeover of the club by the U.A.E ruling family in 2008, following Thaksin Shinawatra short tenure, has produced a turnover at board level that has been reflected in the fluidity of the playing and backroom staff. Significant foreign appointments are now rife throughout the structure of the club; notably, Director of Football (Aitor Begiristain), Manager (Manuel Luis Pellegrini), Captain (Vincent Kompany) and headline signings (David Silva, Yaya Toure, Edin Dzeko et al). 

The combination of all the above factors leaves Manchester City virtually unrecognisable from the club that the long-term fans affiliate themselves with; what have they got left to support? Granted, unseen elements remain the same, but what's on show publicly differs hugely from the entity they grew up with. City are the footballing equivalent of Joan Rivers!

With the above model replicated to differing degrees throughout England’s football league, it is perhaps no surprise that a number of the traditional match going fans feel distanced, alienated, and exploited.

Sadly, though the old fashioned terrace going fans still consider themselves the spirit of their respective club, their value is diminishing. The disconnection of the game from its domestic working class roots has been a contributory factor in the increase in wider interest. With finances key, the sport has willingly drifted away from the traditional supporters and values, and in doing so distanced itself from the stereotypes that blighted football for a number of years. The new multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-economic background of followers, as targeted by clubs, unlocks huge marketing opportunities. This encourages Sky Sports and other broadcasting revenues, which, accompanied by the numerous corporate partnerships, generate much of a club's turnover now. The result... the "armchair" fan is king. A study by C.P. Barros and S. Leach (2006) stated that “an uneven playing field exists...  in which the market leaders, in terms of turnover, appear to be virtually guaranteed of sporting success”. 

(For those of you unfamiliar
with the lavish attire of the Virgo)

In the end though, the habitual and social appeals of the game will retain even the most disillusioned of fans; after all why else would I have cobbled together this piece, and why would you be wasting precious Strictly Come Dancing time reading it? Football has become the 24 hour, 7 day a week, soap opera that is totally inescapable! It's as dramatic as a Hollyoaks Christmas Special, as addictive as any of Pete Doherty’s hobbies, and as glamorous as the shiniest of John Virgo's waistcoats. As a result, we’ll continue to be messed around by fixture changes, deprived of our hard earned cash by faceless owners, and slowly relieved of our sense of belonging by the dilution of the club’s culture... but remain completely incapable of stepping away. Meanwhile the next emerging market will titillate those calling the shots, and football, through the medium of exorbitant wealth, will find an even more distant metaphorical planet to inhabit. 

- Has your club has lost its character and alienated its die hard support?

- Do you feel more should be done to protect the culture of your club?

Alternatively, 

- Do you embrace the overseas superstar and the entertainment they bring?

- Is English football better for embracing change and evolving to fit modern society?

Please leave some feedback and let me know what attachment you have to your club... AND whether the bond can ever be broken.

BC

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/BobbyCowsill

Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/groups/262906063816351/

As the Sun Sets on 2012/13...

As another season draws to a halt following the conclusion of the 'notly' anticipated Confederations Cup, the pale crumb laden armchair football fan is again thrust into the ungrateful arms of their loved ones, and/or cast out into the faeces filled countryside, and under the uncharacteristically Viagra blue skies of Britain's summer. And for the terrace going fans (both of them), it's time to swap the lager, Levi's and Adidas Gazelle's for either total wardrobe amnesia courtesy of 307 'Jagerbombs' in Magaluf, OR, for the more discerning fan (Roy Keane's prawn sandwich brigade), don the jaunty boater for a spiffing afternoon at the cricket pitch with Cecil and Montgomery.

But before all this family, great outdoors and sobriety drives you uncontrollably towards hari-kari, lets remind ourselves of how the last 10 months have been passed so pleasurably/tolerably.. (*Disclaimer - I am not responsible for the wellbeing of any masochistic QPR fan who chooses to scroll on..) 

Having outlined a football supporter's plight at this time of year I am reluctant to depress you further... but, in truth, this season's top flight was the greatest procession since every single Formula 1 race meeting at Monaco ever. At the right end of the table, serial champions Manchester United relentlessly ground out results without ever really dominating opponents, whilst at the foot of the league, QPR and Reading put up a level of resistance the likes of which only Paul Jewell or the French Armed Forces would be proud of: -

As a result, and as the table above illustrates, coming into the final Sunday, the only meaningful fixtures were those involving the Champions League aspiring duo of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur... 

...And as predictably as a child movie star winding up at The Priory, Arsenal's plucky accountant driven outfit came out on top of AVB's Spurs - cue Arsene Wenger's hideously embarrassing over-celebration in which the 200 year old Frenchman squeezed the life out of poor Mikel Arteta ([literally] what had he done!?)

(note Mr Arteta's substitute
issue tracksuit top)

. In the interest of fairness, the justification for such remarkable behaviour was that in ousting their North London rivals, Wenger's Arsenal comprehensively proved the doubting press and public wrong... 
...finishing as they did 16 points behind top of the table Manchester United, and ending the season trophy-less for an 8th consecutive year! B-R-A-V-O. Still, the advancement to this season's knock-out stages of the Champions League, aptly named in Arsenal's case, had an estimated worth of £40m (according to a study undertaken by sponsors MasterCard). If Arsenal's aim is financial stability, and it is plain it is, then the mediocre manner of their qualification for 2013/2014 will be irrelevant to the football phlegmatic Mr Kroenke.

The season then, though splattered with the usual moments of individual genius (think Matthew Lowton strike vs. Stoke (see below)) and the odd multi-goal thriller, eventually something of an anti-climax; especially in comparison to the cardiac busting conclusion to the 2011/2012 campaign!

But it is perhaps not just the predictability of the outcome that will concern the Premier League's global followers...

The quality of the league in general appears to have declined, or at least stagnated, since the heady days of the mid to late 'noughties' - when our domestic game produced 6 Champions League finalists in only 5 years. This comparative decline was played out most tangibly in this season's Champions League where English Champions Manchester City, and the cup holders Chelsea, both crashed out at the group stage; whilst, as stated above, Arsenal stumbled in a first knock-out round which also put pay to the hopes of Manchester United (aided by someone masquerading as a referee).

Possibly buoyed by their own shortfallings during the Premiership's 'glory years' (2005-2009), the Euro-disco fraternity have invested heavily and appear to once again have established their superiority... as Bayern and Real Madrid evidenced in ejecting Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.

But what has changed?

Finances are an inevitable factor. I don't wish to patronise with a CBBC-esque economics lecture, but whilst UK PLC has been bogged down with toxic debts, the 50p tax, and a GDP growth model that emulates the terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats, Germany [comparatively] has recovered and stabilized following it's own 2009 crash. This apparent monetary advantage has manifested itself in the Bundesliga producing Europe's largest attendances and also generating this year's Champions League Final duo of Borussia Dortmund & FC Bayern. (Bayern laying to rest the ghost of Chelsea 2012 and running out 2 -1 victors in the contest. Just one crown of a hattrick achieved by the lederhosen adorning institution this term)

It is not only the Germans who have seen their comparative spending power against the Premiership increase, however. As I touched on, the rise in UK top rate tax has accentuated the existing issue created by "The Beckham Law", in which non-residents of Spain are taxed at a flat 24%... I must point out, other tax breaks are also available. The result of course is that a UK based entity has to expend vast additional gross wage sums in order to match many foreign based players 'take home' salary. In an era of footballing mercenaries and global materialism, this wage disparity is doubtless a contributory factor in the Premiership's apparent slide.

Furthermore, the all conquering Bayern have brought quality individuals such as Javi Martinez (£35m) & Arjen Robben (£21m) into their respective league without losing the core of their side (Schweinsteiger, Lahm et al), and the two Spanish giants have matched them blow for blow. Whilst in England, the bundles of cash and beautiful weather on offer in Spain (how dare they!?), has led to significant departures from all of the Premier League's elite clubs; think, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry.... Alan Hutton!?

This issue has been multiplied by the decline of former stalwarts of the League; England's supposed "Golden Generation". As Benjamin Franklin didn't quite say, "But in this world nothing can be said to be certain; except ageing and taxes". With time then marching relentlessly on, injuries, retirements, and gradual decline in influence, were all certain to catch up with this exceptional group of players... Let's face it, glaciers could catch up with certain members of this clique now (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gklWJk6z2A0). What perhaps couldn't be foreseen however, was the void in home-grown talent ready to replace the individuals listed below. Of those still playing, each is still regarded as the cornerstone of their club and would likely waltz into their respective national set-up if made available, or fit enough: -

• The opposing captains in the 2008 Champions League Final, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand (the victim of the previous link).
• The Chelsea goalscorer in the 2008 Champions League Final, Frank Lampard.
• Stephen Gerrard, who was Liverpool's captain in the 2005 & 2007 Champions League Finals.
• The Arsenal goalscorer in the 2004 final, Sol Campbell.
• The everlasting Ryan Giggs, who has featured in 4 Champions League Finals (obviously not a member of The Three Lion's "Golden Generation" - though most English wish he had been)
• Notable others: Carragher, Neville, Scholes, A. Cole..

In the absence of young domestic based players to fill the not insubstantial boots of those above, it would be natural to expect the cream of Europe's talent to act as the Premier League's proverbial Zimmer-frame, as has happened historically; cast your mind back to the purchases of Shevchenko from AC Milan, Hargreaves from FC Bayern, and Torres from Atletico. However, rather than stealing away our European competitors prize assets, in recent seasons the headline moves have been between domestic rivals - Nasri, Adebayor, Van Persie, Torres, Carroll et al. The net result of which is twofold: - 1. that the league as a whole is unable to progress, and 2. that the foreign clubs have kept their star individuals and built their stature in the game.

It will be fascinating to see how last season's poor performances, coupled with the extraordinary boost in broadcasting revenue, will effect the purchasing strategy of England's elite this summer... a renaissance may be just round the corner. 

FINALLY
In order to keep to my word, and to prevent the Samaritan's telephone lines jamming, I will follow an age old managerial format and conclude the dismal appraisal with a positive message...

Despite the apparent shortfallings in Europe's premier competition, and the mundane nature of the top domestic league's conclusion, there was still much to capture the imagination this term...

The football league has again been flourished with high attendances, nail biting action up until the season's final aimless punt, the level of managerial turnover you'd expect at a well known fast food establishment, and of course the silky skills of David Dunn... what more could any discerning football fan wish for?
  

In addition, Wigan showed us that the romance of the FA Cup hasn't deceased, like that solitary Wycombe Wanderers or Wimbledon fan in our local would have us believe, and is in fact as alive and as amongst us as Alistair Darling's eyebrows.

Heading into the FA Cup final, the soon to be relegated Wigan Athletic faced the then Premier League 2012 purchasers Manchester City, and honestly, you could name your own odds at the bookmakers if you wanted to back Martinez's XI on your way to the mental asylum.

But with spirit, courage, and even a splattering of talent, Wigan ran out historic victors against a lacklustre City side. The David vs. Goliath feel to the fixture intoxicated all, hence the celebrations in the location I watched the game wouldn't have been more extreme at a Wigan supporters club meet; something that was echoed the length and breadth of England (Stockport aside). 

(where's Wally? John Terry having again played no part
in the European final seen celebrating in full kit
 complete with shin pads, boots, ankle tape, VapoRub,
 captain's armband, Under Armour...
anti-racism wristband)

And finally, after all the aforementioned European mis-adventures, it would be a huge disservice to Chelsea if I did not mention their Europa League success. Having been unceremoniously bumped out of the Champions League, Chelsea capitalised on the fact that 16 of Europe's top sides were participating in another tournament; beat heavy-weights Steaua, Rubin Kazan and Basel; and emulated behemoths Middlesbrough and Fulham by reaching the prestigious final. They eventually ran out 2-1 winners over Benfica to cement their place as one of the top 17 clubs in this continent.. truly epic!

Thanks for taking the time to read my self indulgent blog.. I trust if you're a connoisseur of lists and/or mis-punctuation that you feel it was time well spent.. for everyone else, I send my sincere apologies and refer you to my reading list for an antidote.

BC
please follow at: -
https://www.facebook.com/groups/262906063816351/
@BobbyCowsill
http://bobbycowsill.blogspot.co.uk/

Football Obituaries

I should start by explaining that no one relevant was actually harmed prior to the writing of this piece, and that the above title was chosen only to conjure up mild levels of intrigue.  As a result, if any subsequent 'mishaps' are to occur I must point out that they are merely an unfortunate coincidence... 

It has been an extraordinary past month or so in British football - as one would expect at the conclusion of the domestic season - only this time the major interest has actually been away from the island of well pruned grass...

For a significant group of the football following public, especially those 20 somethings, the past few weeks have felt like the end of an era, even the end of THEIR era; Beckham's lob over Neil Sullivan from the half-way line, Michael Owen's wonder goal against Argentina in '98, Paul Scholes' mis-timed tackles, and Jamie Carragher's numerous own goals, weaved into the very fabric of their lives and played out in their anecdotes. Yet, all those mentioned (bar Neil Sullivan) bowed out last weekend; and all in a typically professional and dignified manner.. characteristics that seem all to rare amongst the hard-partying, Ferrari driving, wife-swapping players who now step into their enormous shoes. So, though the players themselves live on in decadent Cheshire mansions, a large portion of British pop-culture died last weekend!

There was however one story demanding the limelight even from the sporting royalty aforementioned! The impending retirement of a man who began his tenure at United when the above detailed fans were still on Farley's Rusks or even just a twinkle in the postman's eye... Step up Sir Alex Ferguson...
The story was sparked into life on the evening of Tuesday 7 May 2013 when rumblings of Sir Alex's impeding resignation leaked from Dunham

(the moment Rooney heard the news)

Forest Golf Club (where United's playing staff were enjoying a day off), enveloped Twitter, and finally washed up in black and white print on the pages of The Telegraph (congratulations Mark Ogden). The inevitable media frenzy that continued throughout the evening and long into the early hours was met by an uncharacteristic silence from the PR machine within Old Trafford - stakeholders had that sinking feeling...

The morning's news would be blockbuster.. Manchester United confirming at 09:17, through their website, that Sir Alex was to hang up the hairdryer and cancel the Wrigley's subscription at the end of the season. Cue football meltdown!

(The Sun's ode to Sir Alex - Thurs 9 May 2013)

The days that followed saw a who's who of association football, wider sport, and politics, paying their respects to a man that has won an incredible 49 senior trophies over an unparalleled 39 year career in Scotland and England: -

"Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements at Manchester United have been exceptional" (PM David Cameron)

"It is the end of an era for a truly great ambassador, not only for the Premier League but for football overall" (Patrick Vieira)

"Well done and happy retirement to Sir Alex. What he has done will never be repeated" (Dietmar Hamann)

"Sir Alex, one of the best managers of all time" (Vincent Kompany)

"A legend and one of the greatest managers ever" (Michael Essien)

"Proud man, great manager, staunch Labour Party supporter" (Ed Miliband Tweeting 25 relevant characters)

However all this lip service, as flattering as it must be, pales in significance vastly when it's compared to the incredible scenes of Sir Alex's final home game in charge; and to the health & safety defying open-top bus parade the following day. They say a picture speaks a thousand words and on this particular occasion I'll shut my proverbial trap as I couldn't agree more: -

*Property of Bobby Cowsill

(There's no United fans in Manchester!)

The pictures above portray the admiration with which Sir Alex is held by the United faithful and the love that they feel towards a man who has influenced their lives so greatly over the past quarter of a century. 

But it's not only United that will feel his loss! The fiery Scot's exit from the dugout will leave a huge void in British football generally; journalists hang off his every word, opposing fans love to hate him, and the esteem in which he's held globally attracts vast interest to the Premier League. In addition, and this MUST not be forgotten.. he introduced "squeaky bum time" to the national vocabulary- Dr Johnson would have been proud. 

Dubbed the "Godfather" of British football: sometimes feared, occasionally hated, but overwhelmingly respected by all; Sir Alex is a one of kind! His legacy, along with those of the players outlined in my opening gambit, will live long with the football masses.. all will be sadly missed! Retire In Peace...

Here's a summary of the great professionals that have left our game in recent weeks: -

• Sir Alex Ferguson - 1500 games in charge of United.
• David "Golden Balls" Beckham - capped 115 times for England
• Jamie Carragher - 737 games for Liverpool
• Michael Owen - I actually thought he'd retired years ago..
• Paul Scholes - "Scholes is a role model model for me.. he's the best midfielder I've seen in the last 15/20 years" (Xavi, Barcelona)
• Phil Neville - has yet to officially confirm that he's hung his boots up but another of Manchester United's infamous class of '92 likely to follow Sir Alex.
• Stilian Petrov - tragic! get well soon Stan!
• Filippo Inzaghi - okay, I went too far! anyone who celebrates like that after a one yard scuff into the net should not be thought of in such high regard..

There are many many more.. so please feel free to add your retiring hero to the comments below! We'd love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading

please follow @BobbyCowsill

or join the facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/262906063816351/

David Moyes' Red & White Army

David Moyes agrees a 6 year contract at Manchester United

Finally it has been confirmed, the worst kept secret since the notorious injunction scandal - David Moyes WILL be closing Moe's Tavern to take the reins at Old Trafford. The current Everton boss will step into the enormous shoes vacated, not by Sideshow Bob, but by Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the season, following the announcement on Wednesday morning that Sir Alex would retire to the plush decor of the Manchester United board room.

(Above: Moyes (left) in deep
conversation with Sam Allardyce (right))

But is David Moyes the right man for such an esteemed and pressured post?

Evertonians will vouch for the stability and economic understanding that Moyes demonstrated during his 11 year tenure on Merseyside, and his departure from Goodison is likely to be met with the sort of anxiety their Manchester neighbours will be feeling about his impending arrival. Consistent top half finishes in the Premier League (averaging 8th), along with shrewd business off the pitch (would you expect anything else from our cousins north of Hadrian's Wall?), the perfect blend for a team whose financial situation under Bill Kenwright has always been a delicate balancing act.

But the removal of the perennial relegation threat, and the bridging of the gulf between Everton and neighbours Liverpool, has not been enough to satisfy all on the blue side of Stanley Park. The void in silverware brought about by profligate performances on the big stage and/or against the traditional "big 4" a constant bone of contention (in 43 away ties against the 3 big clubs, and Liverpool, Everton have won a grand total of zero). In addition, the Toffees rare excursions into Europe have ended more abruptly than an X-Factor[y] winner's career: -

- 2005/2006 Champions League Qualifying Stage
- 2005/2006 1st UEFA Cup Qualifying Round
- 2007/2008 UEFA Cup last 16
- 2008/2009 1st UEFA Cup Round Proper
- 2009/2010 1st UEFA Cup Knock-Out Round

*It is worth noting that included in the results above are a humiliating defeat at the hands of Dinamo Bucharest, and also a 3 - 0 thumping by Sporting Lisbon.

This lack of European success, and the deficiency in exposure and overall experience it has created, is something the Old Trafford faithful will scrutinise over the next few months; especially if Moyes' occupancy has a spluttering start (as Everton's seasons under his stewardship have tended to).

Sadly, and as controversial as this statement may be, Sir Alex's record will be forever tinged by European mishaps - having dominated domestically for 20 years, Manchester United have managed [just] two Champions League successes under the fiery Scot (The Cup Winners' Cup triumph of 1991 pre-dating their domestic superiority).

(Fergie couldn't be happier...
unless it was filled with scotch)

On a standalone basis, two victories in the world's premier club competition is a sensational achievement for a body who had only 1 previous success in 1968. However, when you consider that Chelsea and Liverpool each won a respective Champions League trophy during this period questions have to be asked; a matter exacerbated further when you consider that the last two decades are ill-thought of by those associated with Liverpool. Did Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson really 'make hay whilst the sun shined'?

United's near misses still linger on the terraces like the stale air in a care home; as I am sure they do with the outgoing manager.. cast your mind back to the following nearly moments (in no particular order; except chronological): -

• Borussia Dortmund 1997
• Monaco 1998
• Bayer Leverkusen 2002
• FC Porto 2004
• FC Bayern 2010
• 2 x Champions League Final defeats at the hands of Barcelona

In addition, there was this season's disappointing exit at the hands of Mourinho's Real Madrid; Sir Alex's post match reaction the first clear indication that his days in charge of the reds may be numbered.

Having now reached their 20th English League Championship, and comprehensively "knocked Liverpool off their [domestic] Perch", the aforementioned results again turn a spotlight on the clubs natural progression; to overhaul their bitter North-West rival's European record.

The appointment of a successor "cut from the same cloth as Sir Alex [Ferguson] and Sir Matt [Busby]", as Moyes is considered to be (presumably not just because he comes from Glasgow), is the continuation of a project that has seen extraordinary domestic achievement, a focus on youth development, and stringent financial budgeting; but with only a splattering of European glory. Is this enough for an entity that openly presents itself as 'The World's Biggest Football Club' ( presumably putting them on a collision course with the Venky's)?

Taking the above into account, focus may have shifted from national to European competition amongst many of United's fans, as it has amongst top players and much of the media as a whole - perhaps portrayed most tangibly by Arsenal's all out assault on 4th place each season. The installation then of a man with a European CV emptier than a Hollywood movie script begins to show an apparent shortsightedness on Manchester United's behalf - a domestic single-mindedness in an ever increasingly globalised game.

This issue is furthered by enquiries into whether brand 'Moyes' is appealing enough to the calibre of player United are, or ought to be, seeking to employ if they are to progress further in domestic cup competition and on the continent; the likes of Ronaldo, Lewandowski... Ali Dia. On numerous occasions, especially in the high profile, high pressure ties, the 1st XI have come up shorter than Danny DeVito (Chelsea, Madrid, City all this term); and I'm of the opinion that only elite players can rectify this insufficiency. Though the Premier League encapsulates much of the world, David Moyes is a relative unheard of in terms of European and global football, and this is sure to impact on recruitment.

Take Lewandowski as a working example: -
Having scored a stunning hattrick-&-one against Real Madrid in the Champions League Semi-Finals, Lewandowski has been courted by a number of Europe's elite clubs; Bayern, Chelsea and naturally United all heavily linked with him. But with Guardiola 'manager-in-waiting' at Bayern, and Mourinho likely to put pen-to-paper in a deal that will see him return to the club where "he is loved"; does Moyes have the clout to compete? Instinct tells me 'no'. Mourinho and Guardiola are hugely respected figures both with playing professionals and footballing stakeholders in general; the assumption being that silverware is guaranteed by them [albeit at any cost]. David Moyes is seen as a project, risk if you prefer, even by many who should be his most hardened backers.

Of those believers, polls in the lead up to his appointment indicate the majority will be from within the club's inner sanctum; Mourinho the apparent fans choice. This suggests Moyes will be allowed adequate time by those internally, but the acid test will be the fans reaction - a large portion of which will not remember seeing another face in the dugout.. not alone understand the difficulties facing the new man (spoiled as United fans have been under Sir Alex). If on field affairs do not run smoothly these issues could surface quickly and derail the new manager before he's even developed a taste for post match fine wines. Rumours of Phil Neville's impeding appointment as part of Moyes' backroom staff may help to alleviate a degree of this pressure however.

It is worth concluding by pointing out the glaringly obvious: - The appointment of David Moyes is not the rash, panic move of a desperate board, but the implementation of a long standing contingency plan. It is common knowledge that Sir Alex enjoys a strong relationship with David Moyes which has seen the elder statesman provide advice and counsel in the past. There may be numerous worries surrounding the appointment, a selection of which I have detailed, but in Sir Alex, David Moyes has an influential ally, and the prospect of a partnership between the two could be formidable.

In addition, the presence of numerous former players throughout the club, and a settled behind the scenes outfit from grass-roots to boardroom level, means all the infrastructure is in place for a seamless transition and the resulting success.

Expect a period of transition given the mass 'changing of the guard'...

1. Sir Alex Ferguson's Managerial retirement
2. David Gill's resignation as Chief Executive 
3. Paul Scholes' impending retirement take II 
4. and the probable exit of Wayne Rooney given his transfer request and the 2008 libel action between his publisher and Mr Moyes over comments made in Rooney's biography. 

....but these are factors any 'newbie', including Mourinho, would struggle to overcome. Patience may be required, but that might just be Manchester United's greatest attribute.

The king is dead (well he isn't), long live the king

@BobbyCowsill

2012

So ends 2012... And what a year in the sphere of sport it has been! Undeniably the most dramatic Premiership conclusion ever, European Championships in Ukraine and Poland, and the London Games, to name just a few headline moments.

But before I pick out a selection of highlights, culminating in an excuse to attach a clip of Ashley Williams’ attempted murder of Robin van Persie, and/or endeavour to crowbar Stephan Feck's Olympic dive into a football blog; it is customary at this time of year to first spare a brief thought for those who have been less fortunate than yourself during 2012.

(Above: Stephan Feck-ed up dive. I've done it, and in record time! We can all go and read Football365 now - phew!)

In fact, I personally fall into this isolated collective for which 2012 shall bruise like a punch from Claire Balding - my beloved club having been on the receiving end of a certain, now infamous, footballing moment. I feel it is essential that I remain impartial to prevent the alienation of sectors of my audience; however I can reveal, that such is my support for this given club, that if you sliced me open, I would bleed red! no, I really would...

   

Let’s start with the fans of our beautiful game based in the West of Glasgow - rivaled in their ill contempt for 2012 only by those who previously supported their now famished families through the retail of solar panels to inhabitants of these saturated isles. 
Rangers were liquidated in spring 2012 as the result of a declined CVA Proposal, and thus, the phoenix operation were demoted to the Scottish 3^rd Division for the 2012/2013 season; as dictated by precedent. The Rangers faithful are now likely to endure their bitter old firm rivals Celtic, strolling to Scotland's premier trophies for the foreseeable future... whilst they endure arduous away ties at Elgin City and Annan Athletic (http://bobbycowsill.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/follow-follow-on-we-all-follow-team-12.html) Still, at least the 'Teddy Bears' are now marginally solvent! (unlike John Carew and Lee Hendrie, who were both made bankrupt in 2012)

A large portion of Lancastrians had a rather rough year too - before hoards of burgundy chino and navy-blue gilet wearing home-counties folk pass eloquent comment... no there was not a national flat-cap shortage! (And it’s rude to stereotype) There was however, a notable shortage in silverware and points amassed: -

• Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers were relegated from England’s top flight... to the surprise of literally a hand full of... well Steve Kean maybe.
• Liverpool (part of historic Lancashire) swapped managers again following a flat 2011/2012 which culminated in FA Cup Final defeat.
• I won more at Paignton's penny arcade than Manchester United managed in the calendar year.
• Blackpool lost in the playoff final to a late Ricardo Vaz Te goal.
• and, Rochdale were relegated from League 1 after amassing a total of 8 wins in 46 games.

There was, however the small matter of Manchester City's first title success since 1968 to cheer up a portion of the county: circa 26,000 people according to unofficial records (47,805 less  the away allocation of 1,800, less 20,000 empty seats). A last gasp goal from Sergio Agueroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo an emphatic, and in many ways fitting, end to a roller-coaster season for the Citizens.

(the quality of this recording is absolutely no reflection of it's legitimacy)

Messi
Elsewhere, with a bitter-sweet undertone that conveniently ties my opening gambit to the core of the text in a fashion that is in no way contrived or tenuous... I am pleased to report that Gerd Muller has been given the all clear having choked on his bratwurst and sauerkraut at his vorort-einfamilienhaus in December. Reports surfacing from Germany suggest that the incident was the result of witnessing Lionel Messi surpass the 90 goal in a calendar year mark and hence obliterating Muller's 'untouchable' record of 86 goals, dating back to 1972. 

Though Messi's tally is impressive, and will subsequently be printed in the next Association Football Almanac, it's worth noting that despite his free scoring, the pint-size Messi remains some way short of Godfrey Chitalu tally; or so the highly respected Zambian FA claim. The African based association have launched an official challenge to Messi's new record, claiming their man bagged 107 in the same year Muller notched 86 (1972)... an equally valid claim has been made by one of the bigger boys at my primary school, who comfortably netted in excess of 400 goals during the summer term (witnessed by both 'Shirts' and bitter rivals 'Skins'). For completeness, an even greater number of notches in a 12 month period was clocked up by Englishman William Roache (AKA Ken Barlow), though no official challenge is expected.

Ballon d'Or
Sticking with Messi, as the ball so irritatingly does, he was confirmed this week as the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or winner for an unprecedented fourth time; thus categorizing him as not  just one of the all-time greats, but also as the undisputed arch-enemy of Cristiano Ronaldo... and Real Madrid.. and the Brazilian nation.. and of the ancient art of tackling.. and of goalkeepers (overprotected or otherwise).. and of football purists.. and obviously of scouts the length and breadth of Britain who still believe footballers should be over 15 stone and bearded by their 8th birthday. 
The award, traditionally given to the 'best' player in Europe (the caveat being: if no stand-out candidate exists then the player who has least affiliation to the Premier League triumphs), was presented to Messi at the annual ceremony in Zurich last week. Whilst sporting a stylish dinner jacket formed from forgotten fashionista John Virgo's mislaid waist-coats, the Argentine took the opportunity to thank everyone who will help him win the award in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017... before he eventually fists the ball over the line in a World Cup quarter final, tests positive for Ephedrine, gains 5 stone, and winds up with $37 million in tax liabilities.  

FIFPro World team of the Year
As an entree to the individual award, FIFA also announced their 2012 World Team of the Year; or La Liga Team of the Year as it transpired: -

5 Real Madrid players (inc Casillas who is not shown), 5 Barcelona, and Falcao of Atletico Madrid the final selection. You will note the total absence of players based in any non-Spanish league structure, despite strong showings from a number of non-La Liga outfits during the calendar year:-

• Borussia Dortmund - German Champions, DFB-Pokal winners, and 2012/2013 Champions League Group D winners (beating Real Madrid, Ajax and Manchester City on the way). Hummels, Reus, Gotze, and Lewandowski all huge contributors.
• Chelsea - 2011/2012 Champions League Winners. I've seen more aesthetically pleasing dogs mess, but the Blues were effective and defended superbly at times. In addition, they put pay to Barcelona's hopes in the semi-finals. Cole, Cech, and Ivanovic crucial members of Chelsea's resolute defense.
• Bayern Munich - the beaten 2011/2012 Champions League finalists, who knocked out Real Madrid en route. Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Gomez et al key to Bayern's numerous near misses in 2012. 
• Manchester City - woeful in Europe but Premier League Champions nonetheless. Aguero, David Silva, Hart, and Yaya Toure some of the league's stand out performers.
• Juventus - Serie A champions, and Coppa Italia winners. Marshalled by Buffon and Pirlo.
• Van Persie - though not technically a club, he is however a one man team! RVP steered Arsenal to a cherished 4th place in the league in 2011/2012 contributing 30 Premier League goals along the way; before moving to Manchester United where he has been directly involved in... well everything (see http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/premier-league-united-mid-table-without-van-persie-113317544.html). 
• Bradford City - the Bantams beat an Aston Villa side who drew with Swansea; Swansea in turn drew with Manchester United; who comfortably beat Champions League winners Chelsea... take what you like from this, but statistics clearly point to Bradford being the best team in Europe... so why no acknowledgement in the snappily titled FIFPro team of the year?

You will note that a contingent of players mentioned above also had good showings for their respective national teams at the European Championships this year; traditionally a platform on which such accolades are chosen - Pirlo, Reus, Hummels, Lahm, Buffon, and even cAshley Cole performing admirably at the summer tournament..

Conversely, Pique and Ramos have had fairly average years at club level but were part of the European Championship winning Spain XI (http://bobbycowsill.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/football-round-up-19612.html)... undeniably a fantastic side, but I doubt an amalgamation of the best defensive individuals.

To add to the mystery, Lahm and Hummels were also overlooked in favour of Dani Alves and Marcelo, two players who made no mark at the International level during the calendar year, and whose respective club outfits were beaten by those of the German pair. 

Bearing in mind the above, it is no surprise that FIFA's selection has been met with derision from certain sections of the media... especially in Britain and Germany - And I have great empathy with the German argument. I do however have my doubts about the British claims...  The achievements of Chelsea in the Champions League were truly epic, but sadly not reflective of Chelsea's/England's current standing in global football. As I demonstrated earlier, one win over Barcelona doesn't make Chelsea the best team in the world; otherwise Bradford City have a claim - and I imagine only Dean Windass honestly believes the Bantams are "by far the greatest team, the world has ever seen".

Lacklustre Champions League displays by Chelsea this season support the damning prognosis. In fact, poor performances have been something of an endemic amongst all England's participants, and will doubtless contribute to the absence of their employees from the FIFPro World XI. Of the 24 games played by the Premiership's 4 elite clubs, only 10 wins have been mustered up (4 of which came from unconvincing Manchester United wins over glorified pub teams)! In contrast, the 'Euro-disco' fraternity from the Bundesliga managed 11 wins from just 3 competing entities... the results: - Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke topped their respective groups; whereas the Chelsea and Manchester City owners were left to console themselves with poxy super-yachts, and villas in the south of France...

FIFA Club World Cup

Whilst Manchester City's passports retired to the 'man drawer' to accompany the multitude of batteries that may or may not have any remaining power, Chelsea did at least get a shot at redemption in the form of the FIFA Club World Cup - A tournament that pits the winners from each football federation's premier club championship against one another.

Given that the Asian Football Confederation were given two representatives, Oceania entered Auckland City (a collection of the country's failed Fly-Halves), and that the African outfit were always likely to struggle in the absence of their trusty witch doctor; it was no surprise  that Chelsea were the most fancied to prevail. Sadly though, or joyously, depending on your persuasion, Chelsea suffered shock defeat to Corinthians in the final... and thus Benitez, and Chelsea as a whole, missed their shot at redemption.

Justice
And finally, as promised, THE controversial football related issues of 2012. As aforementioned, Robin Van Persie was nearly killed by a cold, calculated act of violence from Swansea centre-half Ashley Williams during December's Premier League clash at the (not generic in any way, fully enclosed, 2005 concrete built on a former brown-field site) Liberty Stadium; I attach a video of the incident for your analysis. *disclaimer: - due to the gratuitous levels of violence contained within the footage below, you may wish to purchase popcorn. 

Needless to say Sir Alex was typically reserved in his post-match analysis, "[it was] absolutely deliberate.  The whistle's gone, the game has stopped and he's done that a foot from the player.  He could have killed the lad - it's a disgraceful act and he should be banned for a long, long time" - good to see he's mellowing with age.
As it transpired, Ashley Williams was allowed to continue free of charge, in a miscarriage of justice the likes of which happen literally all the time.
I hope therefore you will join me in what I expect will be the largest quest for justice football has ever seen...

There is obviously a rather opposing member of the Proboscidea family in the room produced by the above text; that of course being the 'Justice for 96 Campaign'.  Though sombre, and not at all in-keeping with my usual pointless commentary on football, I could not end an article on 2012 without mentioning Hillsborough.  After years of campaigning and heartache, Liverpool fans finally had their names cleared when, on the 12th September 2012, the Hillsborough Independent Panel concluded "that no Liverpool fans were responsible in any way for the Hillsborough disaster". The findings have subsequently led to numerous apologies from prominent members of government, as well as the resignation of the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police.  Investigations are ongoing and political fallout is expected to be far reaching.  Keep abreast with developments by following:-

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/02/hillsborough-disaster-inquiry-challenge-police

Thanks for reading. Please join/follow at the links below.

BC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BobbyCowsill

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/262906063816351/