Managerial Merry Go Round

The last two days have been less about the transfers of players and more about the movement of managers. We learned today that Steve McClaren will be taking over at Nottingham Forest after Billy Davies was sacked. Yesterday, we were all shocked to hear that Alex McLeish had decided to call it a day and resigned as Birmingham manager making him, more shockingly, bookies favourite to become the next Aston Villa boss.

The position as Aston Villa boss has been vacant now for a while after Houillier confirmed he would not be carrying on as Villa manager. Many men have been suggested as a possible replacement for the French man but we are yet to find out who will be deciding the tactics and formations at Villa Park next season.

Once Mark Hughes departed Fulham, many backed him but his cause to become the man to replace Houllier has been seemingly hampered with very little being spoken about the prospect of him joining the Villains.

Now with the resignation of McLeish from Birmingham (by e-mail), it is looking likely that he will be taking the reins at Villa Park especially with reports that he has been contacted by Aston Villa. Birmingham are looking into taking legal action though, which would prevent him joining another club any time soon.

Both sets of fans are dreading the prospect of McLeish joining Aston Villa and it would be hard to see him getting a warm reception should he join Aston Villa.

Earlier today, McClaren signed on the dotted lines and became the next Nottingham Forest manager. With the harsh sacking of Davies, it seems that qualifying for the Premiership next season is McClaren's only option. McClaren had to deal with the same financial resources at Middlesbrough  and he worked wonders at the Riverside claiming the sides first trophy in its history and getting them to the Uefa Cup final only to lose to Seville in the end.

What do you make of all of this? Will McLeish join Aston Villa?

I would love to hear any comments you may have.

Sneijder Expresses Desire To Stay At San Siro

Dutch international, Wesley Sneijder has confirmed that he has no plans on leaving the Italian giants, Inter Milan. This comes after much talk regarding his future with many clubs believed to be interested. The playmaker seems to be on the top of many of the top European club's transfer list and would be a great asset in any team.

Chelsea, Man United and, as expected, Man City would all relish the chance of bringing Sneijder to their respective clubs but Sneijder has spoken out about the proposed move to England and has ruled it out after saying,


"Milan is marvellous, picturesque and full of elegance. I love it. At the moment I am very happy here and I don't see why I should leave."

It would be hard to argue against him, after all he did have his most successful season while at Inter as he claimed the Champions League, playing a pivotal part in the Semi Final win over Barcelona. Later that summer he came within minutes of getting to a penalty shoot out in the World Cup final before Iniesta nicely tucked away the ball into the Netherlands net.

Although less effective this season, largely due to injuries, he is still one of the hottest properties going into this Summer's transfer window. For me, it is only a matter of time before he either moves to England or the likes of Barcelona in Spain. 

Man City have been, for reasons unknown, very quiet especially with the spending power that they possess. Although they aren't stuck for midfielders by any means, I wouldn't be surprised if Mancini tested the Italian giants with a cheeky offer. As for Chelsea, yet again I wouldn't be surprised but I would say they would be less fussed. Man United have done an awful lot of business already, so to see them try and buy Sneijder would be surprising.

What do you think? Is it time for him to express his desire to leave instead of stay?

I would love to hear any comments you may have.

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Roberto Martinez Is Staying Put

Today, Roberto Martinez pledged his future, for the time being, to Wigan Athletic. The news comes after a frantic 24 hours regarding the Spaniards future as Aston Villa were believed to be very interested in him.

After a very tense season last year which saw the Latics come very close to getting relegated, it is somewhat of a surprise to see that Martinez has decided to stay at the DW Stadium. I would have thought that he would have  liked to enjoy his managerial career elsewhere, no disrespect to Wigan but I would have considered Aston Villa a "bigger" club.

It does show a massive amount of loyalty towards Wigan and in particular, the hard working, Dave Whelan. It shows that amongst all the money and big budget transfer kitties, that Martinez was not fussed by the lack of money he has to spend and that he is comfortable where he is.

I am sure, even though it was a hectic season last year, that the majority of Wigan fans are pleased to see Martinez stay on and are expecting an improvement from last years poor form. I think he will win a lot of fans over if hasn't already during his time at Wigan and will gain tremendous amount of respect now due to his decision to carry on.

Dave Whelan does admit that it is only a matter of time before a big European club come and try and snatch Martinez from Wigan's hands but until that day comes, I think all associated with Wigan should just enjoy the managerial skills of Martinez while they can.

What are your thoughts? Do you think he should have left?

I would love to hear any comments you may have.

Liverpool Are First To Spend Big

Earlier today, Sunderland confirmed that Jordan Henderson is now a Liverpool player. All associated with Liverpool are desperate to get back into the top four and with more big name signings similar to Henderson, they might well achieve their goal. Liverpool are expected to be willing to pay just about 20 million in a deal which includes Ngog, so however highly you rate Ngog will give you the figure that Liverpool are actually paying.

Jordan Henderson, 20, has been rated very highly with a lot of clubs believed to have been interested in the Englishman at one stage. It was a season of many highlights for the man who is Sunderland born and bred as he became a crucial figure in Sunderland's starting line-up, made his international debut for England, and scored a fair few goals on top of that.

I can see him being the main man for England in years to come, especially when a generation that consists of Gerrard, Lampard, Terry etc. bound to fizzle out soon and eventually announce their retirements. He is set to depart England for the U21 European Championship which are held in Denmark this year. Him along side well established players such as Daniel Sturridge and Phil Jones hope to claim victory and bring back the trophy to England.

For me, this was a much needed move for Liverpool as I feel the midfield was quite poor, especially for a team who have aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League. Although 20 million does seem a bit pricey for a man who is young and inexperienced, I think it's a gamble Liverpool had to take and no doubt the Anfield faithful will be glad with the decision to get the ex-Sunderland man.

What do you think about the arrival of Henderson to Anfield? Will he be a success?

I would love to hear any comments you may have.

Fulham Get Their Hands On Martin Jol

With the departure of Mark Hughes almost immediately after the end of the season, Fulham were not forced to rush their decision of who should replace the Welshman as Fulham boss. Although this was the case, they wasted little time in capturing the experienced Dutchman, Martin Jol. I feel this is one of the best decisions that Fulham could have made and all Fulham fans really should be chuffed to pieces.

Fulham had a very satisfying season last year and for their good behaviour on the pitch, were rewarded with a Europa League spot in next years campaign. All connected with Fulham will be hoping they can go one step further then what they did two seasons ago as they cam runners-up losing out marginally to a very skillful Atletico Madrid side.

Martin Jol has been a success in the Premiership as he almost became one of the first managers to break the "top four" and qualify for the Champions League. Due to alleged food poisoning reports, Tottenham were forced to field a weak team as they lost against West Ham on the final day. Jol has been linked with a move to Fulham before Lawrie Sanchez got the sack in the same season which saw Fulham a whisker away from going down to the Championship.

If I was a Fulham supporter, I would be delighted with the decision as he is proven to win matches and more importantly, the odd trophy. I think Martin Jol does  have the capability to do big things with the west London club and has a chance of reminding people that he was actually a decent manager and that he isn't an "idiot" as some people have claimed.

All though very few people actually know the reasoning behind Mark Hughes' departure, I'm sure very few Fulham fans really care now that the pursuit for a new manager is over and done with.

I would love to hear any comments you may have.

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Movement Of Neymar Still On Hold

Today, Neymar's chief representative has snubbed claims that a new offer has been put in for the brightest young talent at the moment. I think it is very clear that a move this summer would be in the best interest of Neymar and with the Copa America now less than a month away, I'm sure Neymar and his agent would love to get this transfer saga solved even if it means that he stays at Santos so that he can firmly set his sights on claiming the trophy for his home nation, Brazil.

Much has been said about the 19 year old and to be honest when I first heard his name I thought it was just another young, promising Brazilian who was soon to fizzle out like the likes of Robinho and Adriano. But it does seem that Neymar could become a household name in the years to come especially with a big move this Summer.

I think if Abramovich reached into his back pocket and produced the money that is needed, this could be the move of the Summer. Not only could he be a hit in the next two seasons or so, but with the likes of Drogba and Lampard ageing he would be able to fit right in and become a favourite amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful.

The player who is most noticeable for his mohican haircut, Neymar, played a massive part in securing a place in the Copa Libertadores final, after which he will link up with his Brazil team mates in Argentina. Chelsea, inevitably, are not the only team keeping their eyes on the Brazilian.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are also believed to be interested and one could only imagine the temptation to join the greatest team in club football, Barca. Apparently the price tag is 45 million euro but with the Catalonian giants more concerned about agreeing a deal with Arsenal for Fabregas, this would leave a great chance for either Chelsea or Real Madrid to pounce.

I would love to hear any comments you may have.

What Does Sepp Blatter Have In Store For Us

Today was a sad day for football in many ways. No I'm not talking about Gerard Houllier resigning or even the thought that era of Scholes, Beckham, Neville etc. is finally over. No, of course I am speaking about the re-election of Sepp Blatter as FIFA president.

Now I think it's fair to say that Blatter hasn't won a lot of fans, not only from the public but also people involved in the game. The refusal of goal-line technology and the controversy surrounding the decision of who to host both the 2018 World Cup and 2022 World Cup.

The FA wanted the election to be postponed amid the criticism that FIFA has been under which has left a dark cloud hanging over the its headquarters in Zurich. They also didn't want an election to go ahead because bizarrely, Blatter wasn't up against anyone. Now Blatter has come under a bit more scrutiny then he perhaps deserves but I think the election of anyone else involved in football would have been just fine with anyone associated with the beautiful game.

I think someone does need to give him assistance because obviously he can't make his own decisions. I can't see how it can be made more clearer that goal-line technology is needed. He made a fool of himself when Lampard's goal at the World Cup did not stand even though it was a solid yard over the line and week after week it is happeneing and the referee's are the one's who are getting slated in the press. As for the World Cup decision, I think I've said enough.

I would love to hear any comments you may have.

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