All posts by h79snht.top

Cardiff City kicked off at Selhurst Park in their new black and red third strip for the first time, too much excitement amongst The Bluebird supporters – a win today would take Cardiff City to the top of the league an given recent results there was every reason to expect that outcome, however it wasn’t to be. A simply dreadful, amateur performance by Cardiff City’s defence in the second half saw to that!

It had all started so brightly, Cardiff had looked composed on the ball, enjoying some early possession in the opposition half. The Bluebirds even earning the first corner of the game as Helguson knocked down to Gunnarsson who caught the ball on the half volley, which was deflected wide, the ensuing corner came to nothing.

However, the warning signs were fired early by Palace who created the first chance of the game as Zaha’s trickery on the left flank created a shooting opportunity for Brazilian attacking midfielder André Moritz. The City defence hacked the ball away.  The ever lively Kagisho Dikgacoi, it seemed, was shooting every time he got the ball – he forced David Marshall into an excellent save, as his deflected long range effort was heading towards the top corner.

It was all The Eagles earning a string of corners to no avail, but against the run of play The Bluebirds took the lead when Aron Gunnarsson showed a burst of pace to break through several Palace defenders, taking advantage of a fortunate bounce of the ball, before slipping the ball past Speroni in to the bottom corner, to the utter delight of 1,300 plus of the Bluebird faithful.

The Bluebirds then repeated their midweek feat at The New Den, by scoring two goals in a couple of minutes. In the very next attack, Bellamy’s powerful and goal bound shot was deflected up in to the air, and Don Cowie met the ball on the half volley, firing it into the far corner. The goal was met by complete exhilaration from the City supporters, full of song and belief for their team.  While the Palace fans and their team were shell shocked after City’s quick fire double and resorted to long range efforts from Jedinak and Dikgacoi, much to manager Dougie Freeman’s chagrin. Then The Bluebirds nearly made it three when after a spot of head tennis on the edge of the box, Craig Bellamy pounced on the ball he unleashed a ferocious volley that shaved the top of the bar.

Dougie Freedman responded by replacing Joel Ward for Peter Ramage. Helguson won an aerial battle against the Palace centre halves, Gunnarsson ran on to the knock down and was promptly brought down, but his claim for a penalty was waved away. It was end to end stuff, the Eagles’ wingers Zaha and Bolasie always lively, but Palace struggled to create any clear-cut chances on goal, and the desperation to create something somehow resulted in Zaha being booked for diving after taking a tumble in the box. Half time and City supporters had good reason to be in strong voice, as things stood they were heading for the top of the table.

The second half started in a scrappier fashion and it seemed like a different Cardiff City team had run out into the pitch! Palace won themselves a central 25 yard free kick with a few minutes played, André Moritz left-footed effort was deflected behind, but the referee adjudged that it had come off Andrew Taylor’s hand in the wall. Penalty to Palace, but the replay would later show that Taylor – The Cardiff City pin up – was merely trying to protect his face, it was a harsh decision, Glenn Murray stepped up and slotted the ball home sending David Marshall the wrong way.

Glenn Murray forced Marshall, to palm away his effort the rebound was comfortably picked up and then sent up field by Mark Hudson it was from this pass that City carved out a great chance, Bellamy and Helguson played a one two, before  laying the ball off to Cowie, who blasted his shot well over.

The Eagles then went straight up the other end and punished the Bluebirds for wasting that chance. The ball fell to Glenn Murray a couple of yards out, Marshall did well to keep the ball out, but with the ball bouncing on the line, Matthew Connolly merely knocked it into the goal when trying to run back to clear the ball.

Cardiff City then completely went to pieces defensively – Connolly partly made a last ditch challenge on André Moritz after Hudson had let the Brazilian past him with ease, Cardiff were hanging on. The game swung completely in the favour of The Eagles at 72 minutes Helguson launched in with a late sliding tackle right just outside of the box, but despite protestations the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot once more, giving Glenn Murray the opportunity to score his second of the afternoon. The former Brighton front man made no mistake again, to complete the comeback for Palace. It pains me to say this but it was no more than Cardiff City deserved the second half performance was woeful from a team capable of far, far better!

Double Substitution; Cardiff: Craig Noone on for Don Cowie and for Crystal Palace: Jonathan Williams on for André Moritz, just a few minutes later MacKay sent on Joe Mason to replace Craig Bellamy

City looked to the youth to provide the answer, hoping Joe Mason and Craig Noone could get them back in to the game but Palace still looked the much more dangerous side with Zaha and Bolasie causing all sorts of problems for the full backs, while Dikgacoi continued to shoot on sight. The match became ever more scrappy bogged down in midfield a long range drive by Peter Whittingham was the only chance that The Bluebirds created in the last 15 minutes of the match.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Substitution Crystal Palace: Dean Moxey on for Yannick Bolasie while Cardiff again went for youth with Kim Bo-Kyung on for Tommy Smith – MacKay had taken off players with a combined age of over ninety-five!

Five minutes of injury time ensued – it was dire stuff, the sky had gone dark there was a chill in the air, but the Cardiff City dressing room post match, was about to get very hot, as  Malky MacKay set about giving his Bluebirds a roasting.

 [ad_pod id=’writer-1′ align=’right’]

Is there such thing as footballing karma? As most supporters will tell you, the answer to that is probably a resounding no. As much as Martin Tyler would like to tell you otherwise, dodgy refereeing decisions never seem to level themselves out. Seeing a potential relegation-staving goal ruled wrongly offside or a fans’ favourite dubiously sent off on derby day will simply be eased be the odd penalty here and there.

But is the fate that some of these gentlemen are currently undertaking, offer hope to fans far and wide? After plying their trade conning refs and enraging fans up and down the nation, are we finally seeing a few players reaping what they sow?

Some of these players are notorious thespians others may seem misunderstood. But have a flick through, cast your own judgement and then air your grievances when your finished.

Click on Andy Johnson to unveil the top 10

[divider]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Fuming at the sight of your favourite player in our top 10? Or is there someone on the wrong end of footballing justice that you think has been missed out? Let me know on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus and get involved. 

The landmark court ruling involving little-known footballer Jean Marc Bosman back in 1995 at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg is still being felt to this very day, but what exactly did it do for the game and what was it’s wider impact on the way that football is run?

The ruling itself stated that Bosman had been unlawfully barred from changing teams when his contract with R.F.C. Liège in the Belgian first division expired after the 1990 season. By coming to that decision, it essentially created freedom of movement laws for all professional footballers within the European Union, while also simultaneously knocking any sort of quota system that UEFA or the independent leagues tried to impose on its membership, such as the three foreign players per squad rule that was used back in Spain and Italy in the 1980s. It became clear, the power no longer resided with organisations or the clubs themselves, but the players.

It increased competitive balance and ensured that the game became something more than just what was traditionally concerned with a starting eleven and now the power of a squad with depth was vitally important.

The main criticism often levelled at the Bosman ruling it’s that while on the whole player power has risen, which has had an adverse effect on player and club relations in the past, that the power resides in the few and not the many that can afford to pay top wages to out of contract players.

That this then distorts the competition because it means that the few at the top get the best players on the cheap and has resulted in just 12 clubs winning Europe’s premier competition since its inception back in 1992 from just seven different countries. However, when you consider that Real Madrid won the old European Cup format five years on the trot between 1955-60 and that Ajax, Benfica, Bayern Munich, Inter, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Milan all managed to retain their trophy after they first won it, then it becomes clear that pwoer has always been centralised among the few rather than the many.

The Bosman ruling has seen several leagues such as the ones in England, Spain, Italy and most recently the resurgent Bundesliga in Germany become Super Leagues in a way and without a generational glitch in terms of an influx in talents, the smaller European leagues now no longer prosper in quite the same way when mixing it with the big boys. There’s unlikely to ever be another Red Star Belgrade nor a Steaua Burcharest.

Prior to the rule, a player could only ever move clubs if the one that had ownership over his signature agreed a fee with the prospective interested party. As such, dictatorships, presidents and club officials prevented Eusebio from ever leaving Portugal and Pele in his peak from leaving Brazil.

It’s also had an impact further down the leagues where money is tigheter. With player power rife, clubs higher up the ladder will always sign their key players to lucrative long-term deals to keep them right where they are, but all across Europe, this revolving door policy can often be more of a hindrance than it is a help and it’s hardly condusive to a settled side which often breeds success. It’s now near enough impossible to rise through the leagues and then go on to have a huge impact in the top division like it was in the past, and money plays a much bigger part these days than it ever did prior to 1995.

There’s also the consideration that while players like Sol Campbell, Edgard Davids, Gary McAllister and David Beckham have proved to be bargain signings simply because no transfer fee has ever had to be paid, it also offers clubs more freedom in their transfer dealings, no longer shackled by the pressure of a players fee and the debate over whether they may flop.

The obvious downsides of the ruling is that it’s created the millionaire culture which football has gone on to indulge today, making the selected few clubs richer while also protecting the egos of the industry. This mollycoddling has meant that football has increasingly moved away as the pasttime of the masses, and become more of an entertainment outlet worldwide than a purely sporting vehichle.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

At the same time, though, in no other industry of profession is loyalty demanded so quickly as it is in football. They have just as much right to move freely between jobs and pick where their futures lie just as much as a plumber or secretary does. The fall-out may be hard to bear for some, even overhwlemingly negative for others, but in the modern day, it’s a necessity.

Has the Bosman ruling been good or bad for the game on the whole? Name your favourite Bosman dealing below.

You can follow me on Twitter @JamesMcManus1

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the club will have to seriously look at bringing in a few fresh faces during the January transfer window, none more so than up front, a position that’s currently woefully short of depth.

After Andy Carroll left the club on loan to join West Ham and the Merseyside outfit failed to bring in a replacement, given that Luis Suarez is having to carry the Liverpool attack at the moment and that Fabio Borini looks set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines, a new striker is of paramount importance to the side, with Samed Yesil and Adam Morgan still too young an inexperienced to be relied upon yet.

Daniel Sturridge – The obvious first port of call should the club move for a striker in January given that Rodgers is known to be a fan of his and that he turned them down in the dying moments of the summer transfer window. His reluctance to move out on loan may be tested once more now, though, and given that he’s fallen way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge under Roberto Di Matteo and that he would prefer to revert back to his favoured central striking position, a short-term move could be on the cards leading to a permanent transfer next summer should he impress.

Dries Mertens – Another Belgian international that’s been heavily linked with a move to England in recent times, the 25-year-old has excelled during his stay at PSV so far, to the tune of 25 goals last season and they could be tempted by an offer in the region of £10m. Comfortable playing out wide or through the middle, the pacy forward could also allow Suarez to switch to a role wide on the left that he’s done well with in the past and he bares comparison with Everton’s new man Kevin Mirallas in terms of style.

Loïc Remy – The versatile Marseille forward has struggled to force his way into manager Elie Baup’s first-team plans at the Stade Velodrome so far this season, with the French manager often preferring to place his faith in Jordan and Andre Ayew, with Andre-Pierre Gignac enjoying something of a resurgence in recent weeks. The 25-year-old international appears to have suffered from Didier Deschamps exit to take the national team post and he could be looking for the exit door sooner rather than later, even if Tottenham may challenge for his signature should he become available after holding a long-standing interest in the player.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar – While Rodgers may have refuted that he was interested in signing the Dutch international just a few short months ago, and the prolific front-man may be a little out of the club’s price range, he represents a bankable return and consistent stream of goals and a viable focal point to the team’s fluid attack. Suarez is at his best when he has a fixed reference point from which to play off and around and with 53 goals in his last 55 games for Schalke, he may be worth pushing the boat out for, even if at 29 years of age, he maynot be quite the long-term solution that the manager is hoping for.

Gary Hooper – The Celtic striker has started the season in scintillating form so far this campaign and his performance away at Spartak Moscow which handed Neil Lennon’s side their first away win ever in the Champions League, during which he bagged a double, showed he’s capable of making the step up. While many may contest that being clinical in front of goal in the SPL and the Championship counts for little, the 24-year-old is certainly a realistic target, affordable and he knows where the back of the net is and you suspect he’d absolutely jump at the chance to make the move to Anfield.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Which striker would you like to see the club move for in January? Any other options that I’ve failed to mention?

You can follow me on Twitter @JamesMcManus1

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone has admitted he and his team mates were angry with their performance in their 1-0 loss at home to Wigan on Saturday.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side went down to a 56th minute Ben Watson goal at White Hart Lane and rarely threatened the Wigan goal.

And Huddlestone has admitted that Spurs must do better at home if they are going to mount a real challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.

He told Tottenham’s official website: “We just didn’t turn up. They defended well, but equally we have got to work harder to create options.

“Normally at home we will create three or four chances and stick one or two away, but I don’t think we created a half-decent effort on goal.

“The lads were angry in there. We have seen teams drop points and we could have cemented fourth. At home we fancy ourselves against anybody, we have for a while, but to create so few chances was very disappointing.”

However, the 25-year-old midfielder paid tribute to the way Wigan approached the game and thwarted Spurs’ attacking threat.

“Wigan made it difficult for us,” he admitted.

“They are one of few teams that play three at the back at they utilised it well.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Tottenham are approaching a testing run of fixtures in the Premier League with games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool this month and they host Maribor in in an important Europa League Group J match this Thursday evening.

[post_link url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/tottenham-hotspur-0-1-wigan-athletic-match-review,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/tottenham/spurs-boss-unhappy-after-home-defeat,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/avb-facing-8m-transfer-battle-spurs-plotting-move-for-senegal-ace-best-of-thfc,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/tottenham/tottenham-will-need-to-pay-super-fee-to-land-alderweireld,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/tottenham/brazilian-warned-off-tottenham-move ” target=”_blank” type=”grid”]

Liverpool strike Luis Suarez has dismissed speculation linking him with a January transfer to Manchester City.

Rumours have been circulating that the Reds’ Premier League rivals are preparing a big money swoop for the Uruguayan during the transfer window.

However, the 25-year-old told the club’s official website that he is very happy at Anfield and wouldn’t consider leaving:

“I have a very long contract here and it’s a dream come true to be playing at a club like Liverpool because, as I’ve said, as a boy I dreamt of playing for a team like this.

“Now I’m here, it’s all about enjoying myself and trying to be here for as many years as I can, because I’m at a club where I’m very happy, my family is happy, I’ve got fantastic team-mates and a manager from whom I’m learning so much.

“I’m working well and I’m very happy at a club where I’ve always wanted to be. At a club to whom I’m very grateful for the trust everyone is showing in me – a club with amazing supporters and team-mates who are all great people.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Suarez is also confident that the team’s results will begin to improve following an underwhelming start to the campaign:

“The other important thing is that the squad is very united. In spite of not getting the results we would have liked, we have a great spirit of togetherness and let’s hope we can continue to pick up points.”

Patrice Evra has said he is happy with life at Manchester United, after reports suggested he would leave Old Trafford for Paris St Germain.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Qatari-backed side have long been linked with a move for the French full-back who grew up in Paris after moving from Senegal.

But the United captain insists a move away from Manchester is unlikely in the near future.

Evra, 31, told The Sun, “You would have to kill Alex Ferguson before bringing me to Paris.

“For now, there is nothing to do. I have a year left on my contract and I am at Manchester United. I am captain and I am happy.”

Nevertheless the Frenchman’s contract at Old Trafford expires in 2014 and he will be aware of the Red Devils’ recent policy of offering only one-year extensions to players over the age of 30.

With the prospect of earning a higher salary and greater job security at PSG, Evra could yet be tempted into a deal with France’s capital club.

“It’s always a pleasure to be wanted by a club such as Paris St Germain, especially as I am Parisian”, said the former PSG youth-team player.

“I have never hidden my love of Paris, even though Monaco is still ’my’ team.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“It has always pained me to see the club not win the title or qualify for the Champions League.”

Evra joined United in January 2006 from Monaco and has since been a regular fixture in Ferguson’s side, even assuming the captaincy after Nemanja Vidic was ruled out by injury for much of last year.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has played down the importance of the January transfer window, insisting that he’s happy with his squad.

Spurs have been heavily linked with attacking talents such as Joao Moutinho, Loic Remy and Willian in recent months, with AVB thought to be keen to invest to boost the club’s Premier League chances.

However, the Portuguese coach insists that he is happy with the players at his disposal, and believes that there is no real need to bring in fresh faces in the New Year:

“I don’t think we need to do anything,” said Villas-Boas who was missing Clint Dempsey due to a groin injury.” He is quoted by Sky Sports.

“We have Clint out. He is a massive player for us. He has had a big impact. He scored 17 goals last season so we have to count on him.

“He plays striker, plays wings and plays through the middle so he gives us that option.

The Londoners were held at home to Stoke on Saturday, and despite the result, Villas-Boas was happy with his team’s performance:

“Stoke have one of the best defences in Europe and they are very well organised. They don’t make it easy for anyone,” he said.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“We gave them a run for their money and our players tried very hard.

“Sometimes you try everything and the ball doesn’t go in the back of the net. We had a go and I’m very pleased with the players.”

Raheem Sterling has reportedly agreed a new five-year contract with Liverpool, putting an end to speculation surrounding his future.

The 18-year-old has become a vital part of Brendan Rodgers’ Premier League squad this season, but there were lingering doubts surrounding his commitment to the club after negotiations regarding a new deal stalled.

It had been reported that the winger was holding out for a deal in the region of £50,000-per-week, although he distanced himself from such speculation on Twitter.

Sterling’s new contract, which is likely to be announced within the next 48hrs, will see him receive a significant hike on his estimated £2,000 weekly wage. Although an exact figure is unknown, it’s reported by BBC Sport that he will net £30,000-per-week.

The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal were all believed to be interested in the teenager, who had only 18 months remaining on his previous deal, but are likely to halt their respective pursuits.

Sterling is regarded as one of the finest talents in English football and has eased seamlessly into Liverpool’s first-team plans this season.

He made his official debut under Kenny Dalglish against Wigan last season, immediately attracting the attention of the club’s fans.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

This term he has forced himself into the first XI, working well alongside senior professionals such as Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.

The ex-QPR youth player’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with England manager Roy Hodgson handing him his senior debut against Sweden last month.

After nearly a year and a half of being absent, on December 22nd I made my way through the Hillsborough turnstile with my dad and grandad in front, my South African girlfriend behind and my ticket in hand as I sought a reminder of what Sheffield Wednesday was about.

Since leaving England I’ve been restricted to listening to Wednesday via WednesdayPlayer and watching the highlights days after games have come to an end. Don’t get me wrong, English football is huge in South Africa… except if you’re outside of the Premier League.

I’ve attended game after game in Cape Town where crowds hit a high of five or six thousand, where there are instruments instead of voices and where there’s no real passion to speak of.

I attended the Soweto Derby, when Orlando Pirates took on Kaizer Chiefs in one of world football’s genuinely huge games. 90,000 people crammed into Soccer City to watch the two South African giants and yes, I felt it, I felt the passion and the tension. However, it wasn’t home…

Football does that to you. It ignites a feeling within you that, even though it can be repressed for long periods, never seems to disappear. A feeling that will remain with you until you bugger off out of this world.

At Hillsborough that day there were three generations of Crann, three generations of Wednesday supporters that, unfortunately, have all known the good times. Granted, the good times in my life are slightly shitter than those that my grandad remembers, though they’re certainly better than things are now.

Over 20,000 others turned up with us to watch the Owls take on Charlton, and as I heard that beat, the opening bars of Hi Ho Silver Lining, a broad grin no doubt stretched across my slightly-more-tanned-than–the-rest face.

As the game went on my smile didn’t disappear. A fine performance from the boys, some great banter with the Charlton fans and a 2-0 victory was more than enough for me, also, my Liverpool supporting South African girlfriend also seemed to be moved by it. That says a lot about Wednesdayites if you ask me.

The game before Charlton we’d beaten Barnsley 1-0, giving Dave Jones a bit of respite. Since then we’ve lost only one league game in six and Jones’ job looks to be deservedly safe… for now.

We’re 20th and four points off the relegation zone, however we’re not clear of trouble by any stretch of the imagination. A couple of bad results and we’re back in the mire, and I’m not too sure that Milan will be as forgiving second time around.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Nonetheless, having seen the boys live again I feel like my spirit has been rejuvenated, and I feel close to club once more. We’ve got a long season ahead of us.

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, for me, being back at Hillsborough meant more than any game I had listened to, or watched, since being gone.

[ad_pod id=’writer-1′ align=’right’]