“Hey look Dad, a Saint and Greavsie Cup Final special at 1 o’clock”…. Nothing says FA Cup Final day like Jimmy Greaves wearing a comical oversized Spurs hat whilst Ian Saint John laughs through his piece to camera. Those were the good old days, but first, lets fast-forward to the 2012 FA Cup Final. A 5.15 Kick off on ITV with their coverage sandwiched between the green fingered detective show ‘Rosemary and Thyme’ and intense game show ‘The Cube’ hosted by silver fox Phil Schofield. If that doesn’t get you in the mood for the world’s premier domestic cup competition, nothing will. It seems bizarre how the FA Cup has gone from being a must watch family affair to an after thought, or even “I’ll catch up with the highlights online”. This great competition has been around since 1871-1872, intertwining itself into the fabric of English football culture but maybe that is changing, but why and who is to blame?

I can still remember that feeling on FA Cup Final day, perusing through the day’s TV guide and ringing the main programs of interest with a thick red marker…i.e. anything apart from the news bulletins. This day was more exciting than Christmas for me, a day to slip on my newly purchased Everton top and watch every delicious minute of compulsive TV, whilst my Dad looks on wearing a Liverpool jersey supping on a can of local brewed lager. The year is 1989; the Final is Everton vs. Liverpool. The entire day is an entertaining blur of amazing TV coverage of fans, celebrity fans, players and ex-players airing their views on the up coming main event. The Wembley Towers glistened in the sunlight like a football utopia as my boyhood idol Kevin Ratcliffe led out my team. Abide With Me follows the national anthem and the game is set, all the chess pieces are in place and the subplots just add to the tension.  By the time the referee blows the full time whistle after a pulsating, heart breaking, emotional rollercoaster, the game finishes 3-2 to Liverpool. I turn to my mum for comfort as the tears trickle down my cheek, my dad offering the comforting words “it’ll be your day one day son”. This is what the FA Cup Final day is to me…. a family affair, an all day football fiesta devoid of social networking sites and trips to gardening stores to see if that patio furniture is in stock. Whether it was the Argentinean final of 1981, Coventry beating Spurs in the breathless final of 1987 or unknown and unfancied Wimbledon defeating European giants Liverpool in 1988, a bygone era of football supporter’s memories of FA Cup Final day are probably similar to mine. It used to be the crown jewel in the English football calendar but there are multiple parties inadvertently destroying these types of experiences for the new generation of football fans.

So where are we in 2012…? The combination of the FA, TV companies, advertisers, club priorities and the police have given the FA Cup Final an ugly facelift. To start with, the FA Cup Final shouldn’t be played on the same day as vital games in League 1 and League 2. I am sure the fans of the two teams in Sheffield, Barnet, Hereford, Stevenage and Crawley wouldn’t have been remotely interested in the Chelsea vs Liverpool final happening just less than 30 minutes after the conclusion of their pivotal games. Add to that melting pot, with the Premier League reaching a critical stage, a PL fixture list looming over the horizon on the following day. Has the FA Cup almost become a sideshow to the main attraction of the Premier League and the leagues below it? TV companies and the clubs appear to think so, and maybe fans think the same too. Is finishing 4th in PL more important than that special day out at Wembley?

When you throw into the murky mix the FA already ruining the football masterpiece with the random kick off time, the fact the Semi Finals are also played at Wembley, diluting the Final experience for players and fans alike, and the atmosphere at the stadium being halfhearted at best, the whole game came and went and didn’t really register with me. Pretty much the same can be said about the last few finals, including the horror show of Manchester City v Stoke…. truly forgettable. The FA Cup was once the envy of football federations across the globe; can the same be said about the FA Cup in its current form?

So I issue this battle cry for the return of the Saturday 3 o’clock kick off, for it to be the last game of the regular season, bring back the family bbqs, random football related game shows hosted by fast –talking-overexcited-northern commentators, the slightly incoherent fans eating overpriced hamburgers chanting their team’s name as the hapless reporter tries to make sense of their ramblings, C list ‘celebrities’ talking passionately about their ‘team’ at pitch side, the return of the deadly duo of smooth ‘Dishy’ Des Lynam and the insightful though slightly bonkers Jimmy Hill and, the infamous pre-match rituals of young kids taking penalties against the likes of Dave Beasant whilst the band marches up and down the pitch for no obvious reason….

In summary, bring the FA Cup back to life.

Although Manchester United tragically blew an eight point lead in the title race and bowed out of the 2011/2012 season as runners up, the Red Devils gained a lot from this drama filled year. If history repeats itself as it normally does, United will come back stronger and deadlier next season with a mean vengeance, just like they did after losing the title to Blackburn on the last day of the 94/95 season.

5 things we learned and can take away from United’s season.

1. Ten is the number of tries it took Sir Alex to find the true and worthy heir to Peter Schmeichel’s throne. And it seems all that practice has paid off. Heads were turned when United paid a whopping 18 million pounds for 21 year old David De Gea. It did not take long for the whispers to become roars when United’s new number 1 endured a dreadful first half of the season. The errors were noticed from the start, but United’s attack was able to save the keeper from his own ironic inability to make saves. After his hard to watch encounter with the bullying Rovers, De Gea was benched in favor of Lindegaard, who played well under the spotlight. Injury to the Dane would welcome the return of De Gea, after a random start by Ben Amos between the sticks. Since returning to the staring lineup, De Gea has been absolutely magnificent. The six goal thriller versus Chelsea was his coming out party (yes even though he conceded three goals), along with the games against Bilbao. United played awful in Europa, however De Gea was forced into making world class saves and really saved United from humiliation. In 29 games, De Gea made over 100 saves and kept 13 clean sheets. I’m quite confident that Sir Alex has got his man.

2. The return of Yorke and Cole. After Chicharito’s impressive debut season, I would’ve bet City’s billions that he would secure the slot alongside Rooney in the United attack. Then Danny Welbeck burst onto the scene with his clever runs, sticky ball control, and his telepathic connection with Wayne Rooney. They have terrorized defenses together, and really upped the tempo of the United attack, leaving Chicha and Berbatov spitting seeds on the bench.

3. There are only wings on a pitch, but poor Sir Alex is stuck with three top wingers! What a headache! Ashley Young is arguably the best crosser of the ball in the Premier League, capable of whipping dangerous balls into the box in open play and from set pieces. It must be noted that his shooting accuracy is just as lethal as his crossing, having scored fantastic goals by bending the ball around the helpless keeper. Nani is a talent, but a wildcard. He can be a traditional winger, but he likes to cut inside and shoot, or dribble past a defender, go back and dribble past him again. He is the opposite of Valencia. Antonio Valencia is the perfect winger. His teammates feed him the ball and he continuously and tirelessly drills crosses into the box for 90 minutes. Sometimes he’ll float them in, while other times he’ll smash them in hard and low. So unselfish a player, he needs to be begged to shoot!

4. When United have been beaten, most of the time the blood has poured from the flanks. Gary Neville’s replacement is not any of the four players that started at right back this season. Patrice Evra has also been caught out countless times this season. Leighton Baines and Dani Alves would be dream purchases and would seriously bolster United’s dimming defense.

5. The central midfield is still a neglected position. With the loss of the physical and combative Darren Fletcher, who United sorely missed, United were bullied in the middle of the pitch all year. Michael Carrick did return to form, orchestrating the midfield, but he is the Bruce Banner of the duo, and certainly not the Hulk. All the Robotussin in the world could not rid Tom Cleverly and Anderson of the injury bug. Ryan Giggs cannot be asked to play every week in the middle of the pitch, and Ji Sung Park has looked like he’s lost a step and one of his three lungs. This crisis forced the return of United’s favorite ginger son, the legendary Paul Scholes. I don’t even want to bring up his stats, because it upsets me that he had such an enormous effect on the team, galvanizing them, and winning every game he played in except one, but still they lost the title. I feel silly mentioning the obvious but it must be said that a central midfielder needs to arrive in the summer, and Sir Alex should not feel like he’d be doing it out of caving into to the demands of the public, but as insurance, in case a repeat of the 2011/2012 crisis occurs again.

The Blue Moon has risen, but the red hot sun will set it on fire next season as United look to bounce back with their eyes inflamed and a bitter taste of a heartbreaking defeat in their mouths.

The 2010-11 Premier League season ended in only the way it could — with as much drama as possible.

After nine months of ridiculous strikes (Tim Howard’s jaw-dropper ring any bells?), calls for goal line technology, inter-squad brawls, racial abuse cases, and the most contested race for Champions League spots ever, we were treated to the most suspenseful coronation since 1989.

At times, it seemed neither Manchester club really wanted it, before City left it late to snatch the top spot from their neighbors and bitter rivals Manchester United, ending more than four decades filled with relegation, near misses, and a lack of trophies.

As Kun Aguero’s shot rippled the back of the Queen’s Park Rangers’ net in the 94th minute, the crown was firmly placed on top of this season, defining it as (arguably) the best in the England’s top flight 20-year history.

In celebration of this remarkable campaign, let’s take a brief look back before we get too excited for this coming August.

Match of the Season:

There were several contenders — Chelsea vs. Arsenal, Manchester United vs. Manchester City, Manchester United vs. Blackburn — but it obviously has to be the one with the most at stake: City vs. QPR.

This finale had a little bit of everything. High stakes — QPR facing relegation and City facing a must-win to take home the trophy — great goals — QPR’s Djibril Cisse’s half volley to tie it up and Aguero’s definition of calm under pressure — Hoops’ midfielder Joey Barton getting red carded for elbowing City’s Carlos Tevez (and subsequently losing his mind, making the effort to jab Aguero in the ribs, almost head but Vincent Kompany, and threaten Mario Balotelli on his way out), and more emotional twists and turns than any Hollywood producer could ever conjure up.

Goal of the Season:

While Stoke City’s Peter Crouch came close with his long distance juggle and volley, there was a generous dose of luck as he whipped in the direction of goal.

The real showstopper was Newcastle’s No. 9, Papiss Demba Cisse, and his gravity-defying curve from outside the area near the touchline. It also meant a something as the score put to bed the game against Chelsea and entrenched them in fourth, at the time.

A real thing of beauty, it is a shot that is completely audacious and could only be achieved by a player with confidence and laser-like precision.

Player of the Season:

It may be a foregone conclusion, but Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie deserves all the praise heaped upon him. The Gunners finished third, but fans shudder to think where they would be without the Dutch international’s 30 league goals this season. The captain consistently delivered for his club with stunning, clutch strikes. The PFA Player of the Year stayed healthy for a change and proved that one man can still carry a major club in this modern era.

Manager of the Season:

Kudos to Roberto Mancini for somehow holding it all together when the title was all but lost, keeping mavericks like Balotelli and Tevez from tearing apart his squad, and besting the Jedi Master of mind games Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Newcastle’s Alan Pardew has done a remarkable job with a squad assembled on a Moneyball budget (take note Liverpool). His dealings in the transfer market and man management skills helped boost the club to second place early in the season and came within a whisker of the Champions League, all the while, playing attractive, fun football.

And speaking of Liverpool…

Biggest Disappointment:

It’s not good when your team’s play peaks in the first game. Despite some quality wins, a Carling Cup in the cabinet, and finishing 8th in the table, the Reds never lived up to the preseason hype and the promise they showed at the end of last season.

Their incredibly disappointing and hard to watch second half of the season culminated in a 3-2 loss to QPR that gave the then relegation team hope of salvation.

If only you got points for hitting the woodwork, all that money spent on new players might’ve paid off (also, finishing behind Merseyside rivals Everton stings more than you would think).

Biggest Surprise of the Season:

Stand up and take a bow the Welsh Barcelona, Swansea City. Manager Brendan Rodgers and his squad of no-names played the best-looking football this side of north London. It was a feel good story as ‘Keeper Michel Vorm, Midfielders Leon Britton and Gylfi Sigurdsson, and Forward Scott Sinclair showed that a squad full of self-belief, adhering to a system, and producing a bit of flair can succeed in the Premier League.

Best Moment of the Season:

While I appreciate the emotion of Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba making his return to the Reebok Stadium a mere 46 days after suffering a heart attack on the field that actually killed him, I lean more towards the lighter side of life.

And this season never came closer to approaching comedy than the touchline showdown between Ferguson and Mancini.

As the impossibly hyped derby between the Manchester clubs quickly got away from the Red Devils and tempers flared, Fergie decided to try and get inside the Italian’s head. As the two managers were only separated by an official, the Scot’s less than cordial words were quickly rebuffed by Mancini’s flippant, cocky talking-hand-motion as he turned his back on Ferguson’s gum and spittle.

In what felt like the sporting equivalent of the showdown between Judd Nelson’s Bender and Richard Gleason’s Principal Vernon in “The Breakfast Club,” Mancini simultaneously served notice that City wouldn’t be United’s whipping boys any longer.

That one, short moment was everything great about this season — dramatic, funny, iconic, and unexpected.

Recently Arsenal signed 26 year old German striker Lukas Podolski. This signing has culminated in positivity in the Arsenal camp, and has possibly put to bed the criticism of conservative signings by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Early signings in Wenger’s tenure are almost unheard of. The deadline day ‘panic buy’ remarks placed on Wenger may have led him to this path. With it lies the potential signing of French starlet Yann M’Vila, who’s been earmarked as the next big French superstar. Already at 21, he’s become a mainstay in the international set up for Laurent Blanc.

Rumors of Arsenal’s continued transfer activity have circulated in the press for weeks. The potential moves of Yann M’Vila and Lukas Podolski who’ve both spoken of their ambitions to play for the north London club may spark a title challenge and possible cups.

M’Vila would create the Vieira-esqe presence, a type of footballer which Arsenal football club haven’t signed for many a season. He would unshackle Alex Song, who’s clearly not an orthodox defensive midfielder — much like how Manchester City and Mancini have released Yaya Toure in a more advanced role which he’s flourished in. Perhaps this create a catalyst to the future success of Arsenal?

However, recently a draw at home to Norwich City has displayed the naivety and defensive fragility still in this Arsenal side. Saying Arsenal ‘cannot defend’ has somewhat become a cliché in recent season. The once staunch, unbreakable defense with the likes of Tony Adams and Steve Bould is in the past. No longer is a trip to Arsenal dreaded, or feared, but relished — a playground in which teams can play a la Norwich City and Wigan Athletic.

Despite the defensive deficiencies, Arsenal look to rectify this. The appointment of Steve Bould as new assistant manager, the transfer signings, and a new resilience established from recovering from the early season form. This shouldn’t be taken lightly. This new found resilience is instrumental. It displayed the heart, character and fight in this group many have the worst Arsenal team ever assembled by Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal has their final Premier League fixture, which is away to West Brom. This is a season defining game. If won it will see Champions League football played at the Emirates for another successive year. This might be a springboard to greater things. The word transition has been synonymous with Arsenal for almost a decade. A young team with no backbone, however, the future transactions this summer has seen a different tune to last term.

Might the long talked about fragility of Arsenal be a thing of the past? A club whose finances are in order unlike the majority of the self-proclaimed ‘bigger’ clubs. In the wake of financial fair play other sides are looking to close the reins. In contrast to Arsenal, who’ve found themselves in a position that most clubs aren’t in. Next to no debt and with the Emirates Stadium almost paid for, they’re flexing their financial power.

Whatever the future holds, Arsenal is sure to be looking to push on and challenge for future honours. May this lead an Arsenal revival? End the seven year barren spell? You know what they say after the first taste of silverware it becomes a habit.

Celtic football club has been a cornerstone of British football. Becoming the first British team to lift the European Cup, and dominating with Rangers in the Scottish Premier League for decades, how would this club fair in arguably the most watched league in the world?

The uncompetitive nature of the SPL has been noted more evidently in recent times, with the financial instability of Rangers, and the crowning of Celtic’s 43rd league title. Could the SPL be replenished and as a result Celtic’s move to the Barclays Premier League redundant, or will it continue to manifest to nothing more than a burial ground for Scottish players careers? The state of Scottish football is at dire straits, the reassessing of the structure of the league is in need of restructuring.

The Scottish club has attempted to join the Premier League previously with rival Rangers, but they were denied entry. However, this time the extent of Scottish footballs problems are widely spoken about, as many believe Celtic cannot exist without swore enemies Rangers. This is debatable topic, as in football the show tends to go on regardless of the situation. After numerous unexpected fiascos which have traumatized football in a whole, it still manages to carry on, as the saying suggests the show must go on. A prime example of this is the deaths of the Busby Babes in the Munich Air disaster. Football mourned heavily for these young men who lost their lives, but eventually football and the club in this case Manchester United moved on, but hasn’t forgotten about the travesty.

Therefore, Celtic as a football club and as a brand will survive – but will this be easier as a Premier League team, and if so how will this be done? Will this historic club plump down to the lowest tier in English Football and work its way back to prominence, or join the Premier League straight off the bat. Whatever is decided football cannot allow for a club of Celtic’s ilk to be forgotten or to languish in a continued weakened league. If Rangers future isn’t clear after the financial worries they are currently in, football cannot risk the loss of Celtic too. Football fans may wonder why we should be so sentimental for these Scottish clubs. Reasons are simple, Rangers are the most successful domestic club in history, and as for Celtic they’re the first British club to win the European Cup. This put British football on the map, and several years later Manchester United was the first English Club to win the European Cup.

Recently the stature of English football had been put to question, but will the inclusion of a club like Celtic would definitely brighten the perception of English football. The introduction will allow for the two football cultures to mingle and perhaps join. The Celtic faithful in full voice in the Premier League would create freshness to the league much like Swansea has. The collaboration of the football cultures would create for a better league and equally a better style of football.

The question is Celtic for a Premier League induction or Premier League rejection. In this case the English F.A holds all the cards. The usually controversial football body may approve of the inclusion, but might equally reject it. British football won’t survive without the two most domestically successful British Clubs in the world, and if Celtic continues to be languishing in the SPL, the classic Old Firm derbies could become an afterthought?

Late last week Ched Evans was jailed, and sentenced to five years imprisonment for rape of a young 19 year old woman. This sparked a lot of attention on social media and more specifically Twitter. A man who took attention to this was Kyle Bartley, an Arsenal player on loan to Rangers, who befriended Ched Evans last term at his loan spell at Sheffield United. Bartley tweeted “there are some very very stupid girls out there lost a good friend and a good person, devastated.”

Regardless if this isn’t in reference to Ched Evans. The timing of the comment wasn’t wise. Emotions were high. People were outraged, then moments later the tweet surfaces and leaves people shocked, disgusted and confused.

This invoked negative reaction, and in turn scrutinising the future tweets of the Arsenal man. This is a prime example why footballers who are idolized for their acts on the pitch should carry on with the same etiquette off it. The past suggests footballers still don’t get the message. Ryan Taylor last week hitting out on Ashley Young with a scathing tweet “[Young’s] Biggest Cheater in the League” Taylor said. Another footballer who loves to speak their mind on Twitter is the Friedrich Nietzsche quoting Joey Barton, who on numerous occasions has felt it necessary to post the inner workings of his clubs on social media.

Why are these footballers continually placing themselves in the public eye? It baffles me. How footballers can be so oblivious to the entire footballing world watching them. As they perpetually border on idiocy with their tweeting and their social media interaction. Not to say footballers shouldn’t tweet, and mingle with fans. But they must find a middle ground.

Despite, the current negativity there are some positive elements of social media. Footballers and clubs find a gate way to further globalize their brand, and socialize with the minority supporter who feels disconnected with the clubs.

However, as so it seems footballers still haven’t grasped the notion that they are scrutinised. This allows for comments, tweets, and whatever said to be twisted however the media interprets. This creates negativity toward clubs who pay the player’s weekly wage, and who had brought the player to the club.

Footballers like Bartley have tweeted retractions attempting to distance or justify themselves. In the case of Bartley he says “My tweet is nothing about public news. It’s about something very personal to me and my close friends.” Even if this may be the case how will the general consensus of this footballer be?

He might condone rape if the rapist is a close friend of his, he may have just been talking about a different friend. Whatever is said about Bartley has his name been tainted, along with a long list of other footballers? What will you think of his actions, could you forgive or forget a moment of stupidity?

What is sure is that Mr Bartley has left himself in hot water, not only with Arsenal and their supports but the entire footballing world.

“Every ending always brings a new beginning.”

 This line clearly matches with the world of English football, where the end of the Premier League season brings the beginning of the summer. The rumor mill is in overdrive and one can be assured of an exciting transfer window. Being one of the biggest clubs in Europe, Manchester United has already been linked with a host of players that could potentially be donning the Red Devils shirt next season. This article rates the five latest transfer rumors associated with Manchester United. The list includes five players who, according to several media outlets, could be on their way to Old Trafford in the summer.

1. Javi Martinez, Athletic Bilbao

I start my list with Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez. According to reports, Manchester United is ready shell out a mammoth £28 million to lure the defensive midfielder to Old Trafford.

Via Caught Offside:

“Manchester United are prepared to spend £28m to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Spain international midfielder Javi Martinez, 23″

Martinez has been instrumental in Bilbao’s success in the Europa League this term and his performances against Manchester United over the two legs in the Round of 16 transformed him into one of the most recognized players in La Liga. The Spanish international is a versatile midfielder who, because of his great defensive abilities, can play both as a box-to-box midfielder and as a centre back.

Grade: B+ 


Martinez could be a great addition to Sir Alex Ferguson’s team. His precise ball distribution, astute tackling and the ability to control the tempo of the game would make United’s midfield far more organized and efficient. At £28 million however, he does appear slightly overpriced.

2. Oscar de Marcos, Athletic Bilbao

Oscar de Marcos, like Martinez, is another of Athletic Bilbaos player’s who impressed in the club’s thumping of the Red Devils in the Europa League. The 22 year old has been a revelation this season, scoring eight times, including two against United, while picking up four assists. According to the Daily Mirror, Manchester United intend to send their chief scout Jim Lawlor to watch the Spaniard after Alex Ferguson’s brother Martin viewed him last week.

Via ‘Daily Mirror’:

“Manchester United want £26m Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oscar de Marcos, 22, after he starred for the Spanish side in the Red Devils’ Europa League downfall.”

Grade: B-

Even though Oscar de Marcos is an exciting young prospect that will bring fresh legs to the United squad, his price tag is astronomical and profoundly inflated. Dishing out 26 million pounds on a player with so few appearances in his career, makes no sense at all and this move could very well backfire on the club.

3. James Rodriguez, Porto

According to ‘Talk Sport’, James Rodriguez wants a move to Old Trafford in the summer. The Colombian winger has been fantastic for the Portuguese club and is enjoying scintillating season with 13 goals and 7 assists to his name so far.

Via ‘Talk Sport’:

“Colombian winger James Rodriguez, 20, has told his club Porto that he wants to move to Manchester United.”

Grade: A

Rodriguez has the potential and talent to be an enormous success at Old Trafford. He’s a versatile attacker who can play who can play on the wings or in the centre of the park. His technique, close control, ball skills and finishing are phenomenal and of the potential targets, he seems like a good choice.

4. Lucas Moura, Sao Paulo

Numerous reports have suggested that Brazilian teenager Lucas Moura has been contacted by several European giants, including Manchester United.

Via ‘Metro’:

“Teenage Sao Paulo star Lucas Moura has spoken to both Chelsea and Manchester United over a transfer in the off-season, according to the player’s agent. The 19-year-old midfielder has already picked up 11 caps for Brazil in his short professional career.”

Lucas is an attacking midfielder with great vision and technique. He has the ability to spark an generate a goal-scoring opportunity with a simple pass and has become an invaluable asset to Sao Paulo. Lucas has also been capped 11 times by his country, which clearly indicates the immense skills and capability of the youngster.

Grade: B-

Lucas could cost Manchester United an amount of £25-30 million or even more. Considering the fact that he is unproven in Europe and plays in a relatively easier League than the EPL, his price tag, like Martinez’s and Marcos’, is inflated.

5. Manchester United to spend £70m on Athletic Bilbao trio

One of the most baseless and ridiculous rumors relating to Manchester Untied you’re going to come across on the internet.

Via ‘Caught Offside’:

“Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to spend £70m on Athletic Bilbao trio Oscar de Marcos, 23, Javi Martinez, 23, and Iker Muniain, 19.’”

Grade: D

In truth, the chance of this transfer happening are minute. £70 million for the trio is a highly inflated price and there is absolutely no chance that Alex Ferguson is going to break the bank to sign the three Spaniards.

Thanks for reading and feel free to comment.

I still try to understand what our English winger Theo Walcott was trying to say when he went ranting about how Arsenal is now a better side after the loss of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Well, that sounds pretty much like a consolatory remark to me. Whilst being a true Gunner, I still can’t remain adamant that our side has improved the teeniest bit when in fact, things have never gotten any better. I will always praise the squad whenever they put on a good performance and also generously bombard them when they don’t.

Last summer has left us with the loss of our former captain and former Marseille attacker Samir Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester city respectively. This happened thanks to love for homeland and to the love of money. After that was our football lesson at the hands of Manchester United. Oh when this scary devilish scoreline will ever get to leave my head? This incited quite an unfamiliar reaction from Arsene Wenger who brought in five players in three days to strengthen our very depleted side. But what do you think has been the impact of the loss of these two key players? Nothing.

As weird as it may sound though, the summer departures didn’t make any difference and neither did the arrivals too. Arsenal FC has still been an appallingly inconsistent side that it has always been since our last trophy which we won after a hard fought battle with Manchester United in the FA Cup Final in 2005. Looking promising after a few games, and there they go faltering helplessly again a couple of weeks later. This is not the kind of form that got United their 19 Premier League titles. Neither is it the kind of form that has kept them a favourite this season alongside their blue counterparts Manchester City.

The strength of the chain is the weakest link! Why on earth will players like Aaron Ramsey, Chamakh, Asharvin and Johan Djourou play in a club as big as Arsenal FC? These men are reputable for their inconsistency on the pitch. Wenger who is also a professor in handing debuts to rookies even in important games won`t see any problems with that. There are loads harms this men have done us both in the defensive and attacking departments. Mr Theo is not helping matters either. It is time he stepped up his game. At his level of experience and number of games played for both club and country, he should have learnt his trade very well by now. The role of a winger is not to speed down the side of the park and pass the ball on to the nearest opponent. Neither is it also to run down the side and toss it out of play for a throw, corner or goal kick. He has played against some good wingers like Gareth Bale, Antonio Valencia and Nani of Manchester united, or even seen his fellow English man and team mate, Alex Chamberlain play. He should borrow a leaf from their book. Football is not all about pace and sprints. Common sense is needed too. ‘’Try to cross your ball accurately into the box or find your way through and make sure to be clear before you attempt a pass or a shot on goal’’. Personally I like Theo, but he just needs to step up his game and remain consistent when he does. Walcott is just too predictable for a winger. He needs to find that kind of form he had in the Chelsea game and a few matches after. If he feels any different about that, he should sign up for the Olympics and run the 100 meters and long distance races instead. We can never achieve any trophy success when many below average players exist as they do at the moment. They keep nullifying the efforts of other team mates.

I remember very well the words of Pep Guardiola after our first leg in the champions league last 16 tie at the Emirates last season. He said that at Barcelona, he had some kids who are as good as Wilshere but he won`t use them. He went further to say le professeur could afford to use him because we are not an ambitious side who wants to win trophies. Imagine a statement like this made in reference to our genius and wonder kid. What a slap on the face of Arsenal FC and the player. In other words, Arsenal operates a human version of livestock business where players are raised and sold for the money. Little wonder they came to buy our most priced asset at a cost well below his worth. After all, we are in business for the money. No need to respect his skills.

What I am trying to say here is that Mr Wenger  should try in whatever way he could to create a more stable and consistent team. Get more competent players for each position that suffers at the moment especially in the goal scoring and defensive departments. Arsenal play good football but the wins have to be more frequent. Why on earth did Djourou go on to get a second yellow against Fulham? Painfully too, Wenger still protects him and blames Fulham and the referee for the red card. I like what Mancini did to Balotelli when he got a red against Liverpool. He sent him straight into the tunnel. Wenger needs to learn that and discipline his players when they lose control. The squad should know the importance of catching up when fellow contenders lose points. Without these, Arsenal FC will be no different than those lower table clubs who just try to keep their heads above water and we`ll never get any trophy to our so much neglected Emirates cabinet. That`s the only way to prove to the fans that Arsenal has improved. Manchester city did it last year and now they have more fans and respect.

With due respect Mr Theo; until you show us a trophy, you should be busy with your homework and practice at London Colney. You seem too concerned with the media than the real thing.

Spring is in the air and the daffodils are blossoming, but for some football clubs the yellow glow and welcome sunshine is nothing but a small glistening silver lining in what can only be described as a miserable jacket of performances.

And with this comes a brow creasing, sweat stricken manager who suddenly requires beta blockers to get him through the day. We have already seen managers fall on their chairman’s sword with the once magical Mick McCarthy and the promising young Andre Villas-Boas already nursing their managerial wounds.

So welcome to this year’s magical managers circus starring Harry Redknapp, Kenny Dalglish, Mick McCarthy,The Special One, Rafa Benitez, Andre Villas-Boas, Alex McLeish and Fabio Capello.

Let’s take a look at each of the clubs that may see a managerial change this summer:

Liverpool

How long will the fans and, more importantly the chairman, put up with a lackluster season? King Kenny must be quivering in his shoes when he looks back at recent results and current position. Having a pretty impressive defensive record of just 31 goals conceded is nothing to be scoffed at especially when only the two Manchester clubs boast a better tally. The problem is at the other end of the pitch where they have only amassed a measly 36 goals, a poor figure when one considers City has scored double that amount and are only second in the league at the time of writing. The problem for Kenny Dalglish is that he will openly admit that his hands are somewhat tied. It’s the type of thing that happens when a club’s director of football (Damien Comolli) suggests mediocre players to the chairman at over inflated prices. In the end the heat rises and Dalglish will find that unless he can add an FA Cup to the already overshadowed Carling Cup, we may well see a return of Rafael Benitez taking charge next season.

Current Odds: Benitez 8/1 @SkyBet

Tottenham

Now this is where the circus really gets interesting. The less than squeaky clean wheeler-and dealer of football has taken a managerial cleansing of late, by that I mean he has jumped a sinking ship in Portsmouth right into a rocket seat with Tottenham Hotspur, who shone in the Champions League stage. To top this off he was cleared of tax evasion charges on the same day Fabio Capello left the England post (coincidence anybody?). The whole country and their dog are then barking “‘Arry for England,” something any English manager would cherish. Even though Spurs is riding high and look set for another performance at the UEFA theatre, they will most likely do so with a new manager at White Hart Lane. Step forward Jose Mourinho. The Special One is said to be the top target of Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. The football managing wizard has even stated his admiration for Spurs in the past and can take a team on the brink of success to the good old glory days.

Current Odds: Mouriniho 6/1 @SkyBet

Aston Villa

Yes Aston Villa, I know they have only recently appointed Alex McLeish but the club has been peddling backwards since Martin O’Neill left and the club has not picked up the pace ever since. Villa owner Randy Lerner will take a long hard look at the balance sheets come May and if the club is still in the Premier League, which I feel they might just be, I can still see McLeish given his marching orders. Now if Villa want a manager who can get the most out of a team of average players then they need look no further than the available services of Mick McCarthy. A man who would relish the chance to take charge of a more established Premier League club (no offense Wolves).

Current Odds: 12/1 @ StanJames

Chelsea

Finally when the roundabout stops another manager will board and take a job that should be branded the roulette role. With eight managers in as many years, Chelsea is looking for that stability that they briefly had with Jose Mourinho’s three year stint. So who is brave enough to bite the Russian bullet? Well Roberto Di Matteo is making a good case for himself at present. And if he manages to bring Chelsea the coveted Champions League trophy, then surely he will be given a chance and the funds at make a race for the Premier League title next year. But with Barcelona, Real Madrid and even Bayern Munich flying high in the competition, this may be a bridge to far.

So a high profile contender will be on Roman’s shopping list once again. Will he patch things up with Mourinho? Will Mourinho want the job, or will Fabio Capello’s CV catch his eye? To be honest, Fabio has a very decent record with England — the stagnant World Cup performance aside. So, this surely would be Abramovich’s most likely choice.

Current Odds: 10/1 @ Ladbrokes

For most Manchester United fans, this season has been a downer. For the first time since the 2001-02 season, the fans find their beloved team not contesting for any cup final. The Europa League, which was seen as a walk in the park, turned out to be an embarrassment for Sir Alex and his men.

The defeats at the hands of clubs like Athletic Bilbao, Blackburn Rovers and FC Basel tell us that the Red Devils are falling behind in Europe and, to some extent, in England too.

Thus it is right to say that Sir Alex Ferguson needs to make some changes to the current Manchester United team. That is, he needs to rebuild the squad. He needs to buy some players and sell some too.

In this article I focus on the players that Sir Alex should sell or let go in the summer transfer window:

1. Dimitar Berbatov

It has already been confirmed that Berbatov will be leaving United this summer. Even though Berbatov was the joint top scorer in the EPL last season, he has fallen down the pecking order and has only made 19 appearances for the club this season.

Berbatov is technically gifted, has great ball control and is one of the most creative players in the team. However, with growing age and competition, and also his declining pace, Berbatov’s sale is the only option SAF has.

2. Bebe

Bebe was an unusual and strange signing made by Alex Ferguson. He cost United around 7.4 million pounds but has failed to live up to his price tag and I see no point in not selling him in the summer transfer window. Even though the 21 year old scored two goals in the seven appearances he made for the Red Devils last term, his performances in all those games were well below par.

At the start of the current season, he was loaned out to Turkish club Besiktas. However, much to his despair, the 21 year old he suffered a crucial ligament injury, ruling him out for the next six months. I don’t know if he is going to excel at Besiktas when he returns from the injury, but one thing is certain- he’s surely not good enough to excel at Old Trafford.

3. Michael Owen

Without a doubt, Michael Owen was a great striker. He scored 158 times for Liverpool in just 297 games and also won the Ballon d’Or award in 2001.

However, after a couple of years and around a dozen injuries, which practically ruined his career, Owen finds himself at Old Trafford playing for Liverpool’s rivals Manchester United. Unfortunately, Owen’s United career, too, has been plagued by injuries and also a lack of first team appearances.

This season, he has only made four appearances for the club and is currently recovering from a thigh injury he sustained in November.

Owen’s contract with United expires at the end of this season. It would be absurd to renew his contract as he rarely plays for the club and is a surplus to requirement.

4. Tomas Kuszczak

Kuszczak, like Berbatov, is set to leave Manchester United at the end of this season. The 30 year old arrived at Old Trafford in 2006 and has since then only made 61 appearances for the Red Devils.

The Polish international has had a torrid time at Old Trafford, failing to break into the first team and has also complained about how awfully the club has treated him.

He is currently loaned out to Championship outfit, Watford.

5. J.S. Park

Okay I know this one is quite debatable and most of you will disagree but seeing his age and the growing competition for first team place at Old Trafford, which will only increase with the return of Darren Fletcher and the recruitment of new players in the summer transfer window, I honestly think that Manchester United should sell J.S. Park.

There’s no doubt that Park is a hardworking, passionate and a great footballer. He has been a quality for the Red Devils and is often considered as a ‘big-game player’. But the South Korean is 31 now and, like Owen, a surplus to requirement for the team.

Even though Park can play both as a winger and as central midfielder, but, as wingers United already have Valencia, Young and Nani, and as centre midfielders, they have Giggs, Cleverley, Anderson, Pogba, Carrick, and Fletcher. All these players are expected to remain at Old Trafford for the next season.

Also, if rumors are to be believed, the Red Devils are also going to buy a world class playmaker in the summer. Hence, keeping Park at United would be useless.

Those who were not included and why:

1. Rio Ferdinand: Not as good as he was two years ago but he is still a quality centre back and a great mentor. Also he’s a Manchester Untied legend whose experience will always be of great help to the team and youngsters like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

2. Jonny Evans: Has been one of the most consistent players for Untied this season and has also been offered with a new Manchester United contract. Enough said.

3. Anderson and Macheda: Both are quite young (23 and 20 respectively) and at times, have shown the immense talent they possess. They could be on the list after a few seasons though.