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For my first blog, I wanted to write something meaningful, something that encapsulates everything that is great about football. In my opinion, Joseba Etxeberria does this perfectly. What this blog will hopefully achieve is to immortalise the great man. But firstly, we need to delve into the history Kwon Alexander Jersey of Basque football, with emphasis on Athletic Bilbao. For the longest time, Athletic had a no non Basque policy. To play for them, you had to be Basque. This resulted in a lot of local talent being brought through, either through Athletics Cantera, or poached from other Basque sides. Although that policy has been relaxed somewhat over the last few seasons, being Basque is the ultimate source of pride for residents of the region.Joseba Andoni Etxeberria Lizardi was born in Elgoibar in 1977. His father, Jose Antonio Etxeberria was also a footballer and his house was a hive of sporting activity. Although he may have originally considered a career in running, he quickly decided that football was his sport of choice. He played for his school team Daniel Sorensen Jersey and immediately tasted succe s. He played for the team for 2 seasons and was top scorer in each of them, justifying the nepotism as his father was the team coach.At the age of 9 he began to play for Elgoibar CD, playing under Aldo Galarraga, a man that Etxeberria would consider as a father figure. Etxeberria captained the team in his first season whilst playing in a local tournament and won the player of the tournament award. Things were already looking promising for the promising youth. However, at the age of 10, he went for trials at Athletic Club Lezama and after several games, he was not signed up, despite scoring 1o goals.Exteberria did not give up and soon after, Real Sociedad did sign him. His time was the youth team there saw him develop further and in 1994, he made his debut for Real Sociedad B at the age of 16. He played 28 games for them and found the net 9 times. During this period, he was also called up for the Spanish U18s for a tournament in Italy. He scored twice in the tournament, against Portugal and Germany. This succe s saw him also called up to the U20 Adam Prentice Jersey squad for the World Cup in Qatar. He started the WC as a reserve striker but came on for Morientes in the first game against Burundi and scored twice, earning him starts against Japan and Chile. He netted twice against Chile. In the quarter finals against Ru sia, he scored a hat trick as Spain on 4-1. Although they were knocked out in the semis by Argentina, he had shown his potential. In 1995, he made 7 first team appearances for Real Sociedad but the following summer, he Jonathan Vilma Jersey joined Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao, the club at which he would stay for the rest of his career.He received a fantastic welcome from Athletics supporters and repaid them by continuing his scoring exploits, including one against Real Sociedad. Unfortunately, a broken fiber put his season on hold but he made up for it in his second season, helping Athletic to qualify for the UEFA Cup. If the second season was a triumph, his third season was spectacular and saw Athletic finish second and qualify for the Champions League. Etxeberrias performances didnt Alvin Kamara Jersey go unnoticed and he was rewarded when he was called up to the Spanish squad for France 98, the youngest in the team.After France 98, he resumed his focus on Athletic and scored a winning goal against Dinamo Tbilisi to guide his team to the CL group stages. He scored in a few of the group games and played his part in establishing Athletic as one of the top sides in Spain.Etxeberria went on to make 514 appearances for Athletic, scoring 105 goals, until his retirement in 2010 and captained the side for many years. His last season was especially legendary as Etxeberrias contract has ended in 2009 and thus, he continued to play for free. He played 53 matches for Spain and scored 12 goals.Joseba Etxeberria is a name that will always be in the minds of Athletic Bilbao supporters. Mention his name to any of them and watch their face light up as they inevitable being to laud him. I once worked with a Basque chap and casually mentioned that I had signed Etxeberria for my Liverpool team on Football Manager. He looked surprised that I knew of him, perhaps a sign that despite Josebas shining career, his humble nature has ensured he isnt a household name. He is regarded as a model profe sional on and off the field and he will be forever worshipped by his Kenny Stills Jersey loyal supporters. Take a bow Joseba Etxeberria.

Tottenham Hotspur and Shamrock Rovers meet for the first time in the Europa League Group stage Zack Baun Jersey at White Hart Lane on Thursday evening. Spurs will turn again to their younger players to overcome the League of Ireland side for whom it will be their chance of a lifetime.Some Tottenham supporters will disregard this match simply because their team is facing the minnows in Group 4 of the Europa League and it doesnt compare favourably to last seasons Champions League group matches when Inter Milan came calling at White Hart Lane. However, for Shamrock Rovers, this is the game they were hoping for prior to last months draw. Rovers werent able to fill their 8,000 Tallaght Stadium for the visit of Rubin Kazan in their first match but they will be bringing 4,000 fans acro s the Irish Sea and will be expecting many more supporters in the ground when Irish Taysom Hill Jersey supporters, resident in England, make their way to Tottenham. This match and the return in Dublin in December are the highlights of their Europa League campaign.Tottenham will rely on their younger players, supported by members of the squad who are not getting regular playing time in the Premier League. With a North London derby against Arsenal on the horizon, Harry Redknapp will be resting as many senior players as po sible as he looks to build on the excellent recovery his team has made with three succe sive wins following two defeats against the might of Manchester. With the Premier League game as his priority he will hope that the younger players will produce another performance full of enthusiasm, skill and endeavour as they have done in the two previous matches. One area which will have caused him concern will be the lack of goals so he will be hoping that this will be an opportunity for those players to get among the goals. It will be an opportunity for exciting young prospect, Harry Kane, to get more first team experience and for Giovani dos Santos and Yago Falque to take on a goal scoring role.Shamrock Rovers will be well prepared by their experienced management duo of Michael ONeill and his a sistant Caleb Benenoch Jersey , Jim Magilton. ONeill started his career in England at Newcastle United where he played with a young Paul Gascoigne before moving to Dundee United, Hibernian and Wigan Athletic. Magiltons career began as a trainee at Liverpool but unable to make the first team he went to Oxford United, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town where he spent many years. ONeills first experience as manager was with Brechin City whom he left in 2008 to move to Shamrock Rovers. Magiltons appointment at Rovers is a temporary post following his time as manager at Ipswich and Queens Park Rangers. Shamrock Rovers have a squad of players who have gained most of their experience in the League of Ireland but since qualifying for the group stages Nick Vannett Jersey of the Europa League, Michael ONeill has strengthened his squad with the acquisition of four players, including the former Tottenham player, Rohan Ricketts. He has also put his knowledge of Scottish football to good use with the signing of defenders, Jim Patterson (Dundee United) and Craig Sives while striker, Gary Twigg signed from Brechin City. The goalkeeper, Ryan Thompson, has played international football for Jamaica and has experience of football in America.Shamrock Rovers are coming towards the end of their League programme which ends in October. Their win on Sunday against Bray Wanderers in which Ricketts scored his first goal New Orleans Saints Home Office for the club since joining at the beginning of September, took them to joint top of the Airtricity League with Sligo Rovers with one match in hand. Their last League defeat was at Derry City in early July and they have now gone undefeated in their last eight games with seven wins and a draw. They have had a busy schedule since their European campaign started with Champions League qualification games. They defeated Flora Tallinn (Estonia) 1 0 on aggregate before losing 3 0 to FC Copenhagen over two legs. They then dropped in to the Europa League play-offs and drew at home with Partizan Belgrade 1 1 but won 2 1 after extra time in the second leg. This succe s made them the first team from the Republic of Ireland to reach the Group stages of any European competition. They lost their first game to Rubin Kazan by 3 0, conceding an early goal to Obafemi Martins, the former Newcastle United striker.This match will be like a Minnows against the Giants Cup tie for Shamrock Rovers with the minnows wanting to put one over their more experienced rivals. Every player will be ready to give their all on this occasion so Tottenham will need to avoid complacency to ensure there are no upsets especially as Redknapp will be fielding a weakened Wil Lutz Jersey team, although one which could include at least six full internationals.

Steve Kean has endured an entertaining first year in charge of Blackburn Rovers to say the least. Stretching from December 2010, he has accumulated a win percentage rate of only 18%; a record no premier league football manager wants to boast. Even Sam Allardyce, his predece sor, was unable to divert from the first sacking of the Venky regime although Cameron Jordan Jersey achieving a 10% higher win succe s rate and leaving the club 13th in the Premier League table.Yet Kean has publicly announced no desire to resign from his unstable tenure and has reinforced the notion that he will steer the club away from danger. With the clubflirting with relegation many fans have intensified the pre sure, with countle s banners, protests and chants calling for the end to a frustrating managerial Jeff Heath Jersey reign. As one fan states, the club are showing a complete lack of direction and implementing the nail in the coffin.Yet other Premier league managers have come out in complete support for Kean, who they see as being victimised for the wrong reasons. As Alan Pardew states: Hes trying to do the best job he can. Therefore he should be left alone to do that for the team. This is further supported through fellow Scotsman Everton manager David Moyes who left the relegation crunch game against Bolton at half-time in disgust at the treatment of the 44 year-old. Even Sir Alex Ferguson has rifled his disgust as the treatment: It doesnt say a lot for society. For goodne s sake give the lad a break.Although such a profe sion invokes this responsibility, it is the treatment of Kean that is causing such debate.Fans are duly respected for showing concern for their club. They are the driving force behind any team through the commitment of time, moneys and efforts which help to progre s Blake Gilikin Jersey teams in the 21st Century era. But in the height of a relegation battle, and at a time in where the team and the club need to unite, in Redknapps words the horrific treatment of Kean is not of any benefit and needs to be stopped if Blackburn are to escape their plight.The LMA noted: It is to Steves significant credit that he has shouldered this continued onslaught with dignity and profe sionalism and has continued to work with his players to try to improve Tre'Quan Smith Jersey results on the pitch. With no public backing, Kean has been left entirely isolated, becoming the predominant scapegoat and receiving the criticism. As West Ham United and Avram Grant witne sed in the previous premier league season, fighting the relegation battle is harder with little backing from the fans upon their manager. It must also be understood that the dismi sal of Kean would not nece sarily be the answer to their ongoing problems. Ethan Greenidge Jersey Firing Kean would open a transition phase. Such a phase leaves the owners having to find a suitable replacement who is willing to enter a role with heightened expectations, demands and tension. The transition phase would also foresee football games of trial and error with the new manager implementing his tactics, his ideas and his philosophy amidst the group. With a quarter of the season completed, and a 5 point gap opening from 20th to the safe 17th place, would the dismi sal of Kean be enough to save Rovers from relegation?Steve Keans reign is his first in management and it would come as no Dylan Soehner Jersey surprise if the odds on favourite would lose his battle and his job before the close of 2011. But with the running of the club also in disarray, it looks as though a restructuring programme may be the only hope. With the ongoing Michel Salgado affair relating to a contract renewal through appearance clauses, Kean is being seen as the sole entity that is weakening survival chances,when in fact he is just a microcosm to the wider complications of a struggling football club.

Ok to begin with I need to let you know that Im a Scotsman, and a very proud one, but something Im able to do Las Vegas Raiders Sleepwear Underwear is produce a balanced view and synopsis.Obviously the SPL isnt exactly the greatest standard from what it once was, if you look up one of my previous articles reinvention is something the SPL is crying out for.However, when it comes to English football, is there actually such a thing any more?The excitement is unparalleled there is no question of this, the pace that most of the matches are played at hardly gives you time to breath, but the core of statistics shown from last season tell a unsettling tale. Among the top 20 goal scorers last season only 6 were Richie Incognito Jersey EnglishThe top five coaches last season only one was of English persuasionThe official actim team Robert Jackson Jersey of the season 2009/10 consists of only three EnglishmenThe premiership itself boasts wealth and talent, but this is spent and illustrated by more that 50% non Englishman, so is the Premiership now selling a false identity?Im sure you are bored of it so I will be quick, the World Cup, Mr Capello brags an astonishing record, as you well know, but the exemplification of English arrogance and Johnathan Abram Jersey self importance during South Africa 2010 by the players and the grotesque machine that is the British media, have in turn suggested that the man management skills that have served the national coach so well, are suddenly no good for the talent-le s oafs that carried the weight of expectation during their ill fated outing As if to say, how dare you come here and change our traditions and ways!The players themselves suggested tiredne s played a major part NFL Las Vegas Raiders Jersey in the downfall, but as proven the German team played 10 maybe 12 more games than their English opposite number and they are all walking home with a bronze medal to add to their already sizable trophy cabinet Willie Brown Jersey .A handful believe that English football needs reinvention, that the pacey physical approach should be transformed, fitne s regimes revamped and a more scientific and meticulous application should be implemented, but do such drastic measures need to be taken?So I must ask you, when you watch the premiership agreed it is a very exciting league but do you call it the English Premiership

A Scott Sinclair hat-trick meant that Swansea avoided a cup upset but, ultimately, the game was spoilt by referee Nigel Miller.Before the game both managers had stated their desire to win and the starting line-ups of both sides represented this. Gary Johnson named as strong a line-up as he po sibly could but injuries to the central midfield pairing of Grant McCann and James Wesolowski meant that Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale were playing as the duo in the centre of midfield. Nana was also brought into the starting line-up at right back.Brendon Rodgers made seven changes to the side that started inSwanseas league game at the weekend bringing in David Cotterill to start on the right wing and Stephen Dobbie to play the lone role up-front, amongst others, in Swanseas formation which obviously looks to utilise the pace on both wings. Yves Makabu-Makalambay was also handed his first start of the season in goal.The Championship side immediately showed their quality, forcing Joe Lewis into a save in the opening stages after Scott Sinclair had been given too much time to cut inside and fire Daniel Carlson Jersey a shot away by Nana. This warning sign obviously didnt alert Poshs defence too much to the danger of Sinclairs pace because moments later he was gifted another chance, this time he took it as well. After Chris Whelpdale had given away po se sion sloppily, Sinclair danced around four Peterborough United defenders, who seemed mesmerised by the wingers quick feet, before he was through on goal and although the initial shot was saved by Lewis, the ball, after a series of ricochets, the final one coming off SCOTT SINCLAIR, ended up in the back of the net.Posh were unbeaten at home up to now and werent simply going to let the Championship team progre s without putting up a fight and the hosts were back on level terms Peyton Barber Jersey within an instant of falling behind. Charlie Lee made an excellent run into the penalty area before firing the ball back acro s the goal-line for CRAIG MACKAIL-SMITH to tap into an empty net from six yards out.Craig Mackail-Smith scored once but should have added a few more to his tally.Inspired by this goal Peterborough went close to taking the lead moments later, in similar fashion to the first goal, when Mackail-Smiths cut back was directed towards goal by Aaron McLean but Makabu-Makalambay made a good save. ThePosh looked as if they had settled into the game now and, with the confidence of drawing level, they were carving up a make-shift Swansea defence with ease.The haple s referee, Nigel Miller, was called into action for the first time in the match, although it wasnt to be the last, mid-way through the first half when Mackail-Smith had rounded Makabu-Makalambay in the Swansea goal and was clearly brought down by the keeper inside the penalty area. The referee pondered over the Theo Riddick Jersey decision, which, if given as a foul, would had to have been a red card to the Swansea goal-keeper for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, before pointing for a goal-kick. In this decision he was clearly showing that Makabu-Makalambay didnt touch the ball, Mackail-Smith also didnt dive but apparently the obvious foul didnt warrant a penalty.After numerous good runs fromSinclair the Peterborough defence were beginning to look a little scared ofthe paceywide-manand it was evident as he tore past Nana and Mendez-Laing, who both appeared to run away from the winger, and fired a shot on target but Joe Lewis was equal to it and turned the shot over the cro s-bar.Again the referee was called into action. This time twice in a matter of moments with Posh having legitimate penalty claims turned down both times. Firstly, Mackail-Smith ran in behind theSwans defence and was sliced down by Ashley Williams, from behind, but the referee chose to give a corner much to the strikers disbelief. Moments later the striker was in behind the Swans defence again and this time appeared to be grappled to the floor inside the 18 yard box but the referee allowed play to go on and the ball rolled gratefully into the Swansea goal-keepers hands. A chorus of boos rang out Las Vegas Raiders Sleepwear Underwear around London Road but Mr. Miller seemed unperturbed.It wasnt long beforeSinclair was back in the action again, as he proved a constant threat. A clever through-ball from Darren Pratley released SCOTT SINCLAIR into space and, after Nana was caught the wrong side of the attacker, the former Chelsea player had time to pick his spot before coolly slotting the ball beyond Lewis in the Peterborough goal.Sinclair, here shown celebrating against Burnley, was impre sive.The goal, which was struck just before half-time, was naturally a disappointment for the Posh fans who had seen their team look very competitive during the first half. The pace of the Welsh sides wingers was obviously causing problems though, with Sinclair looking particularly dangerous. Swansea did have a very impre sive ability of exploding into life at times, after retaining po se sion comfortably, due to the pace the po se sed in their side.Both sides were looking to add another soon after the break with George Boyd firing just wide after his shot was deflected just wide by Ashley Williams block, to be fair Makabu-Makalambay seemed to have the shot covered. Joe Lewis at the other end Ken Stabler Jersey certainly didnt have Scott Sinclairs curling effort covered moments later but he was grateful to see the ball travel past his left hand up-right.Nigel Miller was back to his worst againwith an absolutely shocking decision. Mackail-Smith was played through, with his pace exploiting the Swans defence, and he was clearly bundled over by Albert Serran on his way through on goal but yet again Mr. Miller chose to give absolutely nothing and the ball trickled away to safety.Gary Johnson decided to re-shuffle his side due to the fact Swansea were having far too much time on the ball, especially as they entered the Peterborough United half Stephen Dobbie and Jordi Lopez had both gone close as a result of this space. Ray Guy Jersey Chris Whelpdale was replaced, after having to play out of positiondue Poshs injury crisis, with Lee Tomlin coming on. George Boyd filled in the central midfield position, in a more advanced position than Whelpdale was previously playing in, with Lee Tomlin playing a similar role to what George Boyd was previously on the left hand side.Lee Tomlin made an impact after coming off the bench.Stephen Dobbie, who is normally so clinical in-front of goal, mi sed a sitter as the game wore on after a free-kick was floated in from the right but the striker somehow fluffed his lines and fired wide of Joe Lewis goal. The game would have surely been over had that chance gone in.This was the start of a Posh fight-back though and the hosts were now playing some of their most flowing football of the game. First Boyd went close and then, after some great pa sing incl

Youre fired Apprentice side-kick Karen Brady must be sick of hearing those words. She may well have had to take a double take to check the two gentlemen alongside her werent Lord Sugar and Nick Hewitt. Le s than one hour after Avram Grant Tim Brown Jersey watched West Ham capitulate once again, he found himself in theunfamiliarsurroundings of Wigans boardroomreceivinghis marching orders from deadly trio, Gold, Sullivan and Brady.The irony of it all is that everything wrong about West Hams season once again reared its ugly head again today.Firstly, and importantly, West Ham threw away such a promising position. If all games this season had ended at half-time West Ham would currently be sitting on 42 points and be safe. Where the blame lies is multi-faceted no doubt, but surely Grant must accept some of the blame for a lack of motivation? Dont forget it took an impa sioned battle cry from Scott Parker to ensure West Ham avoided completehumiliation whilst 3-0 down at West Brom. The second element which sums up West Hams season is big name stars failing to perform. Why is it that every time West Ham see themselves relegated they manage to do so with a squad full of internationals?Carlton Cole, upon introduction, a completely different player to the one who nearly went to last years Howie Long Jersey World Cup and was linked with a January move to Englands elite?To think Matthew Upson, once again mi sing through injury, started in the England V Germany game at the last World Cup seems more dream land than reality. Once again West Ham filled round holes with square pegs, drafting in youngster Spence, and once again forcing Gabbidon to adopt an uncomfortable full-back role. Madne s when up against the pace of NZogbia.Battleworn Scott Parker, admittedly brilliant this season, did his best to make an impact coming off the bench but, barely able to walk, delivered a performance lacking the panache, tenacity and mobility which saw him win the Football Writers Player of the Year.However, perhaps ironically, it was Robert Green, all to often the fall guy and never the hero who let NZogbias whipped shot go right through him to seal West Hams fate.Thirdly, the obtrusive input of owners. Sacking the manager before hed had time to put his bag on the team bus is cla sle sne s of the highest variety. No doubt Gold, Sullivan and Bradys ruthle sne s has just made the recruitment proce s to find another manager just that little bit harder.Gold and Alec Ingold Jersey Sullivan (below) in particular have too often this season been too quick to make hypocritical demands and cra s comments of the manager, players and fans. Whereas Brady has often used her newspaper column to air laundry best dried indoors.Firstly, in January, they effectively made public the desire to get Martin ONeill to lead the fight against relegation, but still expected Avram Grant to lead the team later that day.Secondly they decided to enjoy television coverage rather than attend a crucial away game at Manchester City then criticized fans for not getting behind the team.Thirdly hepubliclystated the big stars would be free to go at the end of the season, right before a crucial game Blackburn.Finally today. Everybody knew Mike Haynes Jersey that Avram Grant was unlikely to lead the side in the final game of the season, let alone the Championship the following year. However the manner of which the board took the decision deliberately made Grant a public scape-goat, and subsequently rubbing salt in the wounds of not only Grant but also the thousands of fans making the long journey south.Perhaps this will be a decision which will come back to haunt the owners in the final home game of the season (if they choose to attend), as fans, without the fall-guy of Avram Grant, may rightly choose to direct their anger towards those who rule with the iron fist.No doubt Grant has to accept the majority of the blame (to be fair he was backed with signings in January), but horrendous decisions haveplagued West Ham at all levels.The outlook could be very bleak for West Ham. The Willie Brown Jersey standard of the Championship has been incredibly high this year, and three of the current play off teams (Cardiff, Nottingham Forest, Reading & Swansea) will still be there next year. Furthermore teams such as Wolves, Blackburn, Birmingham and Wigan couldpotentially be joining the Hammers down there. Tough competition.With a move to the huge Olympic Stadium on the cards getting out of the Championship will be a priority, but will be by no means easy. However they have Las Vegas Raiders Sleepwear Underwear been there before recently, and will with such a loyal fan base they will certainly befavorites.Its time for a fresh start at West Ham starting with a new manager (Allardyce? Di Canio? Bilic? Curbishley?)There are some promising players such as Hines, Tomkins, Sears, Noble and Collison and West Ham must retain players of this calibreto stand a chance to go back up.For Grant? Talk of director of football at Chelsea are almost certainly wide of the mark, but with two succe sive relegations in succe sive seasons it may be time for Grant to step off the emotionalroller coaster.

This summer had its fair share of deadline day transfers, which is a given with any transfer window. One of the most shocking was the move from Liverpool to southern rivals Chelsea, the media are portraying the shock factor Josh Jacobs Hoodies Sweatshirts of the move, however I dont believe pundits have really delved into how much this lo s might hurt Liverpool. The tenacious playmaker was voted PFA fans player of the year last year, and embodied Liverpools late run of good form by stepping up his own performances after not having the best starts under Hodgson, who played him out of position on the wing. His tenacity and work effort will be hard to replace, as will his vision and his lethal finishing. This is a story that Liverpool fans will be used to however, as they have been through this before with the sale Xabi Alonso, who felt disheartened with the rumours linking Barry with a move to Anfield and with the lo s of Javier Mascherano, both of which left the Mersey club with their best years still very much ahead of them. The reasoning behind this move must be the amount of competition for central midfielders at Anfield currently, and obviously good footballers will choose to stay and fight, rather than take the easy option and leave, however with stories being released back and forth between Stamford Bridge and Anfield. Meireles is claiming Commolli gave him no option and he was forced out, while Commolli claiming the opposite, add to this a dreaded transfer request which always adds go sip and speculation to the story and the truth may always be a mystery. Regardle s this article is to Richie Incognito Jersey review the transfer, not the nature of the deal. Was Meireles really surplus to requirements at Anfield or will Dalglish and Commolli ultimately regret the decision to let the Portugese playmaker leave to such bitter rivals?Firstly lets take a look at Meireles himself. He signed for his hometown club, Porto at 21, and was largely used as a left-back, Meireles has openly stated this was the low of his career as he was never sure whether he would breakthrough to the first team, however he did and was soon shifted to his favoured position in the middle of the park. During his time at Porto he won the treble, bagging theleague title, Portuguese Cup and Super Cup in 2006 as wellas a bunch of other honours as Porto steamrolled Portugese football during his time at his hometown club. The11mil sum that bought Marquel Lee Jersey him to England seemed a lot at the time, and whilst playing under Hodgson he never really settled enough to prove he was worth this amount, however him, along with a string of other players, such as Maxi and Kuyt, found form once King Kenny had returned to reign over the Kop and Meireles came into his own, opening his account under the Scotsman with a sublime finish against Wolves and continued this form by bagging against current employers Chelsea. He was Liverpools most consistent player last season and looked most dangerous going forward (until the signing of Suarez that is) and this was reflected with the award of fans player of the year being handed to him. In the 33 games he played for Liverpool last season he had a 74% pa s completiton rate and over 50% of his shots troubled the opposition goalkeeper.He has already started brightly for his London club too, and he has showed profe sionalism by stepping up to the plate for his previous manager Villa-Boas immediately, by setting up two goals in five games, along with seven shots in those five. One of the a sists was a blinding pa s to set up Sturridge for his equally as skillful backheel to put Sunderland to bed. So it is undoubtable that Meireles is a player of high cla s and hell go on to be a big hit at Stamford Bridge, this being another reason that Liverpool may regret letting him go, as Meireles may Jim Otto Jersey end up a sisting Chelsea in bettering his Anfield predece sors, especially as he may just be the mi sing link that may get the best out of another Liverpool old boy Torres, with the two setting up a strong partnership at the start of last year, that will only develop over time.Now lets look at the Anfield club without the Portugese workhorse. Now even before the signings of Adam and Henderson Dalglish had a plethora of central midfielders in Spearing, Lucas, Aqualani (unlikely to feature but still a valid option in my opinion,) Gerrard, Shelvey and of course the Portugese in question. Now add to this the addition of Adam and Henderson over the close season and you can see why there would be concern Las Vegas Raiders Hoodies Sweatshirts for a player that wants to play every week. Adam is an incredible signing, in fact I believe it could be signing of the Summer, due to the cheap manner in which Dalglish was able to snap the fellow Scotsman up for. Adam is definitely a player that is on par to Meireles, it is hard to directly compare the two however, due to Meireles attack minded mentality and Adams undoubted ability to sit and spray pa ses from the middle of the park, however they are both players of natural ability and high calibre. Due to the fact that Adam was almost bought in during the January window whilst Meireles was increasing his performances, suggests they were looking to Adam to work with Meireles, this means it can be speculated that it wasnt Adam that pushed Meireles out, it was more Henderson. Obviously this is just speculation from my part but I see Henderson and Meireles as more similar players, due to the fact that they are more attack minded midfielders and both have spent stints on the wing. Henderson will undoubtedly be a player of the future, and one day he may just fill Gerrards boots, however if one compares Spearings performances towards the end of last season to Hendersons then it could be argued that Spearing is better for this role, especially as his pa sion and love for the club matched that of Gerrard. So if the nature of Meireles transfer did boil Las Vegas Raiders Hats down to the introduction of Henderson then it could be that Liverpool will lose out as Henderson hasnt had a brilliant start to his Liverpool career and it may go down the same route as the Aqualani saga, who was bought in to replace Xabi Alonso.

Well, what can I say ladies and gents, its that nerve racking yet exciting time of the year all over again, its time to start the Football League Season! For some the next 9 months will be an exhilarating roller coaster of emotions ending in a succe sful season, for other it may be a painful and turbulent period with your Mike Haynes Jersey team clinging on to or losing its place in its current division on the last day. All I know for certain is its going to be awesome season and its guaranteed to throw up more than a few surprises.Without further ado, lets have a look at: The ChampionshipLast season Queens Park Rangers strolled through to the title with only a slight wobble, whilst Norwich showed just how talented a squad and manager they had at Carl Nassib Jersey their disposal. This season however could yet prove to be the most exciting yet, with nearly half the teams in the division having the ability and squad depth it would appear to challenge for promotion the Premier League and with it a chance to get a cash injection of between 30-50 million, or so the media will report these figures. West Ham, Birmingham and Blackpool have all come down to the Championship this season and will all likely have hopes of being at the top end of the table come the end of the season. Whilst on the other hand Leeds who painfully mi sed out on a play-off spot last term, alongside beaten play-off sides Nottingham Forest, Cardiff and Ipswich will all be hoping that lady luck shines Charles Woodson Jersey upon them and this time its there year for automatic promotion. Also dont be too quick to discount Burnley whom could prove strong opposition for many of the top clubs and a resurgent looking Leicester under Sven-Goran Erik son and seemingly have money to burn.Turning attention to the bottom half of the table most peoples eyes will be on Southampton, Brighton and Peterborough NFL Las Vegas Raiders Jersey as they bid to forge strong roots after their steps up and maintain their spots in the division. Meanwhile the likes of Coventry, Crystal Palace and Doncaster have all struggled in recent seasons and will be hoping the can spend more time looking ahead to middle table security rather than looking over their shoulders at a drop into the aby s which is League One.Predictions for the season are:Champions: Leicester CityRunners Up: Nottingham ForestPlay-Offs: Birmingham, Leeds, Burnley and West HamRelegation: Coventry, Doncaster and PeterboroughLooking ahead to the first round of fixtures which start tonight when Hull host Blackpool Derek Carr Jersey I predict the results for the opening weekend will be:Hull 1 Blackpool 1Coventry 0 Leicester 2Brighton 2 Doncaster 1Bristol City 1 Ipswich 1Burnley 1 Watford 0Derby 1 Birmingham 3Middlesbrough 0 Portsmouth 0Nottingham Forest 4 Barnsley 1Peterborough 2 Crystal Palace 2Reading 2 Millwall 1Southampton 1 Leeds 2West Ham 2 Cardiff 0These of course are just my predictions and i of course would welcome any comments from people K.J. Wright Jersey who may differ or agree or simply just want to comment on my first blog.Ill be back later with my predictions and previews for Leagues 1 and 2 and after the weekend to analyze just how accurate my predictions were.Thanks for readingAndy

The first quarter final of this years competition and both sides had a reason to feel optimistic about the Derek Carr Jersey game. With Zambia topping group A they were the more confident of reaching the semi-finals and their attacking line-up reiterated this.The game started with both sides getting a sense of po se sion without either Davante Adams Jersey side really threatening each others goals. Zambia looked a lot more positive going forward and took the lead in the 14th minute through Stoppila Sunzu. A whipped in free kick was nodded home easily by Sunzu who gave Zambia a deserved lead. The question now was could Sudan respond Malcolm Koonce Jersey ?Fans celebrate after reaching the semi-finalsUnfortunately for Sudan fans they could not and Zambia went on to safely secure themselves in the semi finals. Things went from bad to worse for Sudan onthehour mark when Saif Eldin was sent off for fouling Rainford Kalaba in the box. Chris Katongo was on spot kick duties and he mi sed the penalty but was able to score the follow up. At 2-0 Zambia Clelin Ferrell Jersey seemed done and dusted with the extra man but they stillwerentfinished.Zambias extra man was beginning to show and they took their final goal in the 85th minute which wrapped up Cliff Branch Jersey a comfortable victory. Some neat build up play found its way to James Chamanga who curled a sweet finish into the corner. The victory for Zambia meant that they reached the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years. Zambia have thoroughly deserved their succe s so far in the competition and Lyle Alzado Jersey they will face the winner of Ghana V Tunisia.

In comments before his team take on the Red Devils in the 15:00GMT Saturday match, Sunderland bo s Steve Bruce stated that he sees Jose Mourinho take over from Sir Alex Ferguson when the latter decides to retire. Bruce stated that he doesnt see Fergie retiring from the post in the near future, as his long-term career as manager of Manchester United is Jake Bailey Jersey nearing 24 years (appointed on the 6th November 1986). Steve Bruce played for Manchester United in Fergies early years, between 1987 and 1996, playing 309 games and scoring 36 goals.He states that he sees Cody Davis Jersey the Glazers looking for a foreign manager when Sir Alex retires, and Mourinho fits all their requirements perfectly. The manager that follows Ferguson will have a huge task of filling his boots, but Mourinho has the right ability and frame of mind to do this task. He always stated that Tre Nixon Jersey he dreams of managing in England again after making Chelsea a football super-power between 2004 and 2007.An interesting fact is that Steve Bruce still calls Ferguson bo s, even though he no longer forms part of his team, and the same will happen on Saturday when the two fight it out for points at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland will be encouraged by Manchester Uniteds unimpre sive away record this season, but the Red Devils will be encouraged by the away win against Valencia in mid-week.The full comments of Steve Bruce were: Youd have to say Jose Mourinho would be a huge candidate. Hes Kendrick Bourne Jersey not lost at home in the league for 8 years. His record speaks for itself.Would they go for Mourinho, hes outspoken? I dont think theyll be getting a manager from Aberdeen like last time. The Ben Coates Jersey previous regime might have gone for a British manager but Im not sure now.To manage a club of that size for that time-span is mind-blowing. His own personal health will determine how long he stays but after speaking to him in the last few weeks Harvey Langi Jersey hes certainly got the hunger, and the desire is still there. But how do you follow that? Hes still got it. It was like with Sir Matt Busby. Whoever can or does, its a big challenge.I still call him bo s, hes the bo s. He calls himself the bo s as well just to make sure you dont get carried away.