Hearts went into the New Year derby employing the 4-2-3-1 that has brought about a
Bruce Ellington Jersey tremendous nine game unbeaten run and Colin Calderwood set up his Hibs side in a 4-3-3 with Derek Riordan and Darryl Duffy hugging the touchline and playing high up the pitch, keeping Hearts full backs Eggert Jon son and Ruben Palazuelos pinned back. Ian Murray was deployed as a deep defensive midfielder whose sole purpose was to stop Skacel from playing, which was effective for the most part. Hibs defended well for the majority of the match, a marked improvement from their recent displays, and succe sfully neutralising the threat of in-form winger David Templeton.HeartsMacDonaldJon son Bouzid Zaliukas Palazuelos
Black MroweicElliot Skacel TempletonKyle-Riordan Trakys DuffyMiller De GraffMurrayGrounds Hanlon Dickoh ThicotBrownHibernianThe match began with Hearts dominating po se sion, while regularly resorting to long balls towards Kevin Kyle, and without creating too many chances. While Hibs seemed intent
Kyle Juszczyk Jersey on bringing Hearts players down, picking up three bookings in the first half hour. Black was the one player singled out by the Hibs players but managed to recover from an early blow from Ian Murray, which left him unconscious, to put in a solid performance. In fact, he may have even earned himself the man of the match award had it not been for a sloppy last twenty minutes.Hearts continued to dominate po se sion in the second half but in fairne s, both teams had chances to win the match. Francis Dickoh could only poke the ball wide unmarked from close range after a Riordan freekick and substitute Colin Nish pulled his shot just wide after finding himself in space down the right channel. At the other end, Hibs goalkeeper Mark Brown pulled off two quality saves, most notably from Rudi Skacels freekick.But it was one half of a double substitution on seventy-nine minutes
San Francisco 49Ers Pet Gear that proved the difference. The relatively ineffective pair David Templeton and Calum Elliot were replaced by Arvydas Novikovas and Gary Glen and within five minutes Novikovas was sent down the left by Skacel and beat the slow Steven Tichot to the ball to fire in a marvellous low cro s on to the foot of Glen at the back post, only for the young striker to shoot wide
Elijah Mitchell Jersey .Two minutes later, Novikovas picked up the ball wide on the half way line, beat Murray and Dickoh then whipped in a cro s that was bulleted into the net by the head of Kyle at the back post via the gloves of Mark Brown. That goal proved to be the winner, although Hibs had a decent penalty
San Francisco 49Ers Jersey shout turned down almost immediately after the ball was certainly played onto the hand of Ismael Bouzid as Riordan attempted to play the ball into the box, however, some refs have given them before since Bouzids hand could have been deemed in an unnatural position.Overall, Hibs managed to nullify the threat of Heartss key danger men in Skacel and Templeton, but their central defensive pairing were unable to cope with the bustling Kyle. Hearts were all too keen to hit the ball long to the 65 striker but managed to dominate the midfield area when the ball ended up there. Adrian Mroweic broke up Hibss play effectively, and displayed some creative spark going forward. Hearts created the vast majority of the chances; Hibs rarely threatened but may have stolen the three points had one
Joe Montana Jersey of their late chances gone in before Kyle converted the decisive opportunity.Hearts are now unbeaten in the last eight derbies, winning the last four, have now gone nine matches unbeaten, including eight wins, and now sit three point off the top of the league in third place. Rangers and Celtic both have games in hand, however, at least one of them must drop points in todays Old Firm derby.Star man: Adrian Mroweic
Darren Bent's tirele s performance saw him score on his Aston Villa debut. Photo:BBC SportDarren Bent scoring on his Aston Villa debut was never in doubt, but has the 24m Strikers goal buried Man Citys title hopes in this Premier League campaign? It seemed fitting that Villas record purchase won the game despite only touching the ball 27 times in 94 minutes; demonstrating what he does best with so few touches of the ball. Brian Kidd summarised Man Citys performance as lackluster, suggesting they will bounce back from the defeat. Whilst I do not disagree with Kidds comments, I do think the title hopes that certainly were existent are now all but gone for Man City. As for Villa, the Man City win should provide them
Deion Sanders Jersey with a solid basis upon which to turn their season around.Having attended yesterdays match at Villa Park, I went into the game confident that Villa would take at least a draw. Given Villas recent form I had little grounds to base such
Raheem Mostert Jersey a prediction on, but you just got the feeling that Darren Bents arrival at the club would give every player in the side a boost.Bents timely finish gave Villa their 1-0 lead, but from that point on it was one-sided. City had the lions share of po se sion, as well as 13 corners and a total of 24 attempts at goal. Villa defended as if they were po se sed, with Richard Dunne and James Collins putting in an incredibly sturdy performance. Carlos Cuellar also showed that he can stand up to some of the Premier Leagues purest talents. Without doubt, Villas result was not without a little luck. From roughly the 60 minute mark, I was almost certain City would manage to get an equaliser despite Villas greatest efforts; but it never came.I wrote an article back in November suggesting that Man City could win this seasons Premier League title, but yesterdays performance has shown what they still lack as a teambelief. Despite a barrage of chances yesterday, none of Citys players could manage to put the ball in the net.
Jerry Rice Hoodies Sweatshirts Their was a lack of urgency you would not expect from a team that on Saturday was sitting on the same points an Man Utd at the top of the League. As I have mentioned, Villa certainly got some luck during yesterdays win, but with Man Utds 5-0 crushing of Birmingham City it was vital that City kept up the pace that would have their biggest rivals still looking over their shoulders.
For Villa, I think this could be the turning point of what has been a terrible season so far. Some fans have been calling for Gerard Houlliers sacking as Villa find themselves very much at the wrong end of the table. Yesterdays result will ensure that the fickle nature of football fans will remain intact. Houllier set up
Deebo Samuel Jersey a side with pace, hunger and determination. The likes of Mark Albrighton and Stewart Downing worked tirele sly on the wings. Ashley Young was always a threat and Gabby Agbonlahor ran himself into the ground despite seeing almost as little of the ball as Darren Bent. Apart from facing Man Utd on February 1st, Villa will not play any of the Premier Leagues current top five until they meet Arsenal of May 14th. Houllier and Villa fans alike will be hoping that yesterdays win will galvanise the side into putting points on the board. Furthermore, the signing of Jean Makoun will add further rigidity to Villas already sturdy and tirele s midfield.Man City will be licking their wounds and focusing firmly on keeping up with an unbeaten United side. On February 12th the two sides will meet at Old Trafford in potentially the seasons most important fixture. I think Man Utd will still be unbeaten heading into that fixture; and coming out of it. Roberto Mancini has undoubtedly brought happier times to Eastlands; but the fans will be craving silverware; and I think the focus will firmly switch to The FA Cup and
Reuben Foster Jersey the Europa League. With such squad depth, I do not think Februarys fixture pile up will not affect City too much.To finish with a few predictions is always nece sary but sometimes controversial. I think Man Utds consistency and refusal to be beaten will ensure the Premier League title comes to Old Trafford. I think Arsenals pace and flare will ensure a strong finish to the season; seeing them finish Second. Man City will want to bounce back from their disappointing lo s at Villa Park; and given Chelseas topsy-turvy form I think Mancinis men will secure Third spot. As for Aston Villa, Darren Bent will begin to benefit from Villas pace in wide positions; and I think Villa will end the season in 10th position. We are in for an
George Kittle T Shirts excellent finish to the season. Ian Holloways Blackpool side will be the next challengers to Man Utds unbeaten Premier League season on Tuesday. Could they cause an upset?stranger things have happened.DH
The breaking news was both shocking and heart wrenching; as I
Jerry Rice Jersey write this I still feel partly numb as my sympathy lies with his young family.Gary Speed was
Deebo Samuel T Shirts an original Premier League stalwart, notching up 535 Premiership appearances and scoring 81 goals in sixteen different seasons in the revamped top flight.During his peak, which many would say he enjoyed in the black and white of Newcastle, he was one of the
Ray Ray McCloud Jersey most recognisable faces in the game-at the time I first started to
Dwight Clark Jersey watch football. As a result of being one of the first players I knew, this news is very hard hitting.What perhaps makes this news ever more anguishing is the fact that Speed has yet again been making headlines more recently due to his management
Ricky Watters Jersey of an exciting, resurgent Welsh national team. A
Joe Montana Jersey whole nation once resigned had become excited ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign.
Gary Speed certainly had a fantastic past, and an equally bright future.
A great deal of Copa America analysis has been dedicated to the failure of the games big names to impose themselves on the competition against le ser known defenders. From the opening game onwards, when Argentina failed to overcome lowly Bolivia, defences were on top in a tournament that yielded a meagre 54 goals, in comparison
Kyle Juszczyk Jersey to Venezuela 2007s generous offering of 86.Argentinas failure to negotiate the penalty shoot-out with neighbours Uruguay, in particular, has triggered the national psychosis of a nation that believed that with home advantage, and the strongest squad at the tournament on paper, they should surely have added their fifteenth Copa America rather than their killjoy neighbours from the other side of the River Plate, who coincidentally triumphed the last time the tournament was played in Argentina, in 1987. In the wake of Argentinas only victory at the tournament (a 3-0 stroll in the park against Costa Rica under-21s) goalscorer Sergio Aguero got a tad carried away declaring that Argentina were superior to any opponent.A remark, placed in the context of Uruguays collective superiority and well-deserved triumph, that seems faintly ridiculous to say the least. However, given the strike force available to Argentina, the likes of Tevez, Higuain, Aguero, Diego Milito, Lavezzi, not to mention the pre-eminent magician of World Football that is Lionel Me si, it does beg a few questions of the Coach (who as I am writing is likely to pay the price with his job), the players (who disappointed once again after the Germany debacle in South Africa), and
Joe Montana Jersey an often overlooked aspect: the succe s of the opposition in shackling the aforementioned array of stars.Tournaments where defences are on top and the big guns fail tend to be condescendingly dismi sed or explained in terms of some kind of stitch-up in the football world by players, fans and media alike. Greeces 2004 Euro triumph was variously described as anti-football, a fluke, and neanderthal by a bewildered European media, South Koreas run to the Semi-Finals of the
Deebo Samuel Hoodies Sweatshirts 2002 World Cup sparked off a series of paranoid , death threats to referees and players alike and general sourne s in Italy, and Inter s 2010 Champions League triumph was attributed in large measure to the otherworldly divinity of the Special One rather than his players.
However, a tournament that saw both Brazil and Argentina win only one game each, both Me si and Robinho fail to get on the scoresheet and Paraguay reaching the final on steadfastne s alone (with five consecutive draws) suggests that somewhere along the line, the art of defending and the much-underrated quality of collective organisation and coordination were in evidence. This tournament showcased some excellent team performances that are in danger of being overlooked in favour of the usual discourse on the big names failure to produce.The likes of Venezuelas Oswaldo Viscarrondo and Juan Arango, Juan Manuel Vargas and Pablo Guerrero of Peru, Christian Riveros and Nestor Ortigosa of Paraguay and Diego Lugano, Arevalo Rios, Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez of Uruguay, to name a few, all performed at a consistently high level in every game.Looking back on the last two World Cups, where the likes
Deion Sanders Jersey of Ronaldo and Me si also floundered, it is worth noting that the same kind of reliable, team-oriented players as those highlighted above thrived in well-drilled teams, succe sfully frustrating the Worlds biggest name players, who were duly labelled flops by the media. Players like Miroslav Klose, Bastion Schweinsteiger, Phillip Lahm, Gianluca Zambrotta, Wesley Schneider and Fabio Cannavaro shone with unselfish and intelligent play, rather than players who look to unlock defences with long solo-runs or individual guile.This recent development in international football suggests that teams inspired by one genius, such as Maradona in 1986 are le s likely in an era of vastly improved tactical awarene s, globally based experienced squads and overall more evenly balanced looking games.The prolific goalscoring feats of the La Ligas star attractions are unlikely to reach the national stage. The shutout job performed by Uruguay and Paraguay in the quarter final round was the work of defenders who could ply their trade at the top level on a regular basis (the latter will rue their lack of attacking thrust however). The commonly held view suggests that the reason forwards like Me si struggle to produce their best on the international stage
Joe Montana T Shirts is that they are not surrounded by the same calibre of player or they dont reach the same level of understanding as they do for their supposedly superior club sides, I would argue that conversely, a more positive take on international football, would
Jerry Rice Jersey be that Me si and co face a far more stubborn and determined defence against a team like Uruguay, than they would in a league game against Getafe or Levante for example.Beyond the furore and inquest surrounding the respective exits of Brazil and Argentina , it is time to note the considerable progre s, in terms of getting the most from the players available and organising a competitive side, made by nations like Peru and in particularly Venezuela (who came within a shoot-out of the final and didnt lose a game in normal time), and the remarkable job done by Uruguay and their manager Oscar Washington Tabarez, whose side once again shone on the international stage dispelling any notion of a fluke in South Africa. His side were well-organised defensively, extremely competitive and quick and dangerous upfront despite the absence of one of their attacking triad Edinson Cavani.
The race for Promotion in the Championship will re-start again tomorrow, and we may see Southampton finally knocked out of the
Bryant Young Jersey automatic promotion places for the first time all season.The Saints really have proven there worth in the second tier this year, by beating the likes of West Ham at home, without key man Adam Lallana. Completely dominating Boro, winning 3-0 at home, scoring a 74 Brazil-esq goal in the proce s and beating rivals Brighton 3-0 aswell. This was all until
John Taylor T Shirts Southamptons unlikely talisman Richard Chaplow hobbled off in a 2-0 defeat away to Bristol City, since then Southampton have been poor gaining 13 points from a po sible 36, and seeminly losing all there
San Francisco 49Ers Golf Sporting Goods Va-va-voom.The Saints face Burnley at St Marys tomorrow, and is arguably the most important game of year so far with both Birmingham and Cardiff breathing down there necks. What would have sounded like a routing 3 points for the Saints earlier in the season, it know seems a very tough ask for the Saints to gain all
Dwight Clark T Shirts 3 points tomorrow, after poor performances from Fonte, Richardson and De Ridder in the shocking midweek defeat against Milwall, many fans are wanting to see manager Nigel Adkins make some changes to the team.There is much cause for concern for the Saints, without a win at home in 4 games, facing a Burnley side on a 4 game unbeaten run.
Patrick Willis Jersey They may well see yet another 3 points dropped. Meanwhile, West Ham will be much fancied to gain all 3 points when they visit Peterbrough. Cardiff will take on a di sapointing Leicester at The King Power Stadium, and the in form team Birmingham will travel to Barnsley, looking to finally gain an automatic spot.
So By 5 oclock on Saturday will the Saints still be on the march? Or
Ricky Watters Jersey dropping into the Play-Offs? Being A Saints Fan, Im hoping we can very much give Burnley the Blues
In January 2011, Arsenal completed the signing of unknown Japanese teenager Ryo Miyaichi. Youtube videos were flying around
Taylor Lewan T Shirts the forums of the youngster playing in the Japanese school leagues and showing his electric pace, but like many Youtube videos of young talent, was he really good enough to ply his trade at the top level in Europe? or was he just a money-spinner? Somebody to sell replica shirts in Asia, especially now as Arsenal and Arsene Wenger have decided to travel to the Far East in the summer to improve the Arsenal brand.A loan move to struggling Dutch
Chance Campbell Jersey side Feyenoord has proved that Miyaichi is indeed a very talented footballer and his move to the Rotterdam
Bradley McDougald Jersey side has seen an upturn in their fortunes, playing in a front three with other talented youngsters Luc Castaignos (who has agreed a summer move to Inter Milan) and Georginio Wijnaldum.Ryos pace and trickery playing either side of the front three has caused mayhem for Dutch defences up and down the country bagging him three goals and many more a sists. Many in the Dutch media have praised him for his brave performances and a bright future looks ahead
Julio Jones T Shirts for the youngster. His short term future remains uncertain though. Feyenoord understandably want to keep Ryo for another season while the Gunners may look to gain a work permit for him over the summer months, particularly if he represents Japan at the upcoming .Ryo is
Tennessee Titans Hoodies Sweatshirts the type of player that Arsene Wengers side needs, somebody with real pace who can play on the opposite flank to Theo Walcott, scaring the life out of
Nate Davis Jersey opposition full backs. He has a good eye for goal and his creativity is unquestionable. Perhaps he may be the solution if Andrei Arshavin was to return to Ru sia in the summer. Ryo is of the same stature of the Ru sian and has all the ingredients to succeed with the Gunners.
With the January Transfer Window now firmly shut, we can take a breath and look back on an opening to a season which has packed many surprises. From Manchester City thumping United 6-1 to Thierry Henry returning to Arsenal, this season has had its
Elijah Molden Jersey fair share of spills and thrills so far. Some teams, Newcastle United for example, have shunned media expectation and are battling it out near the top. Other teams however have failed to live up to the pre season hype, with QPR being one of the major disappointments.When QPR won promotion to the
Brett Kern Jersey Premier League for the first time in 15 years, there was a real sense of optimism around Loftus Road. With Neil Warnock at the helm, they had a footballing man who knew his way around the Premier League. Morale rose even more in the last few days of the summer window when Tony Fernandes bought the club, with the promise of funds being available to build a strong squad. Warnock delved into this kitty in
Matt Barkley Jersey the next few days, and brought in experienced Premier League players like Anton Ferdinand, Joey Barton and, in my opinion the best signing of all, Shaun Wright-Phillips. Throw in a decent strikeforce in the form of Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell, and QPR seemed to have a squad strong enough of staying away from the relegation battle.However, this has not been the case. QPR have had their fair share of ups and downs, with a win against Chelseaequaledout by a 6-0 thumping at the hands of Fulham. This topsy turvy opening to the campaign was frustrating for fans, and after a run of 8 games without a win, Neil Warnock was sacked and in came Mark Hughes. At the time of Hughes arrival, we
Nick Dzubnar Jersey were into the second transfer window. Hughes spent no time
Austin Fort Jersey in bringing in more Premier League experience in the form of Djibril Ci s and Bobby Zamora, with Taye Taiwo from AC Milan considered a major coup.So why hasnt it worked for either of these managers? Well, I think that the QPR squad hasnt gelled as a team just yet. With the unfortunate injury to Alejandro Faurlin, only Paddy Kenny survives in the starting XI from the team that stormed the Championship last year, which suggests a lot of team blending needs to take place. That can only happen if the players adapt their games for the team, and not for individual recognition. The big players for QPR havent performed at all this season, with many of their key players struggling for form. And for a team that has only ama sed five wins and 21
Derrick Henry Jersey points this season, QPR need that to change, and fast.
Today, football kits seem to be more about fashion, style and panache, regularly competing with other kits in a duel for an imaginary title each season.
Kevin Byard T Shirts Quite bizarre really when you consider the target audience consists mainly of overweight middle aged men who wear the strip religiously, as though theygot married in it! Companies these days boast of all the technology inside a kit which apparently stops sweat and keeps you warmer during Winter. Well try telling that to the 46-year old at the gym with the Caution, Wet Floor sign next to his treadmill. Forget all the jargon thrown at us and the cringeworthy slogans from the ad campaigns, the only reason we fork out 40 each season is because our heroes wear the samegarments whether they like it or not.Which brings me onto Palace and our cla s of 1990, the most succe sful period in our history when we reached the FA Cup Final. Why did we have to be sponsored by Virgin? Looking back on all the videos from that era, you cannot help but snigger when you see the squad together, smiling with that word scrawled acro s their chests. It was unjust, almost like a postik note had been placed on the front ofevery individuals shirt by the school bully.I would welcome Bransons companyback now however, as the current crop look as if they have trouble scoringGazza surrounded by a few virginsAt least the rest of the kit is attractive. So much so that the mighty Barcelona stole the designfrom us years ago Ok I made that
Julio Jones Jersey bit up, but if you focus really carefully you might mistake us for the Spanish giants. Well, albeit pre-match before a ballhas beenkicked. But it is quitepleasing to see a team in red and blue stripes lift some silverware once in a while, it helps you dream and makes it easier to substitute Xavis head with Ambroses!
The design can go wrong sometimes however, as we saw in 2007 when Italian manufacturer, Errea, thought that it would be a good idea to position our stripes in such a way that it looked reminiscent of a heart.
Jordan Roos Jersey Not popular among fans as we were now subject to having a heart shaped kit as well as being known as virgins of the 90s. Considering the fashion disaster placed upon us, our on field performances did improvejust like1990, as the club made the play-offs. Opposition could ill afford a giggle as Ben Watsons ginger hair blended in with
Brian Orakpo Jersey the kit it was so bright, he ended the season with a host of Premier League clubs chasing his signature.Prince Harry earned a move to Wigan in that stripExcluding those two monstrosities, our kit history has been rather pleasant. Receiving a batch of kits from Aston Villa at the start of the clubs existence, we adopted claret and blue as our colours until the seventies, then changing to and from designafter design, stuttering upon which one to keep. From white with claret and blue bars to all white, we were like a teenage girl before a party, deciding which one to choose until finally settling on the red and blue stripes. But there was one design that caught the eye of all nostalgic Palace fans.The white strip was incorporated with a fresh new look. Two stripes accompanied the kit, one red, one blue,but unlikehow ordinary stripes were meant to look. They both swung from one shoulder down to the opposite hip, like a beauty pageant sash. Fans from the seventies remember their idols charging down the wing wearing this during a period of fantastic
Nick Dzubnar Jersey football albeit without any real succe s. The fans stillreminisce aboutthat kit with such fondne s that it has been reignited by Errea and Nike in the past few seasons, much to the delight of young and old.Nikes 2010 away strip, tastefully moving the sponsor, GACWhile I may not know much about fashion or what is trendy currently, I know that each football shirt is a work of art and a huge part ofa football club. It is its corporate image, its identity, what the clubtruly looks like each week. And its funny how acertain kit can stay in the memory of fans for years as its what you a sociate that football club with. I mean
Bradley McDougald Jersey even today, every time Churchill the dog struts acro s my television advertising cheap car insurance, I cannot help but think back to when he appeared on the front of my shirt. But one things for sure, new kits bring new optimism no matter how well theyre made. The England shirts, comprehensively simple and authentic, manufactured in Saville Row, got us nowhere in South Africa but neverthele s are stilladorned by fans everywhere. From Palaces point of view, its the ugly kits that bring succe s and Im sure every fan wouldsubstitute thatover looking decent in jeans down the pub each week.
They say it never rains but it pours. If last nights events
Eddie George Jersey at Villa Park are anything to go by, Gerard Houlier must be a strict advocate of this belief. In fact, its probably quickly become his own personalised mantra, and the paltry 32,627 souls brave or misguided enough to make it through the turnstiles last night are probably fellow converts to this way of thinking.And as if to reinforce this feeling, Villa fans will have woken up this morning to stories of the board restating their firm support for Houllier and his ability to guide the team back up the table. Its admirable of the club to do this of course, but you cant help but wonder whether this statement is truly helpful or not. Surely everyone knows that any outpouring of this kind is going to be
Tennessee Titans Sleepwear Underwear categorised as the so-called dreaded vote of confidence, and more often than not comments of this kind dauntingly hang over a manager, like the mythical Sword of Damocles, before inevitably culminating in the chop.Difficult times lie ahead for Houllier following a run of only onevictory from Villas last nine league gamesFor all his faults, this doesnt strike me as particularly fair on Houllier. The squad he has inherited is very much Martin ONeills, with Robert Pires being Houlliers only addition to a team that has been, as is almost unanimously agreed, punching considerably above its weight for several seasons now. If the board are truly confident in Houllier and his abilities why not just make these a surances in private, since any comments that are made public will almost certainly
Matt Barkley Jersey be interpreted negatively, as is becoming the case here? Particularly given that Houllier himself told the pre s after last nights game that he had received just such an a surance from Randy Lerner. Why then release a statement to this effect the next day? As far as I can see, this just undermines Houlliers position.And
Dillon Radunz Jersey in Houliers defence, and as has been the case with quite a few Villa games this season, last night could have played out very differently for the Frenchman. Had the, until then, resurgent Emile Heskey converted the simplest of chances in the opening period, a half in which Villa enjoyed some notable spells of po se sion it must be said, then whose to say that the home side would not have held on to those precious three points? Had referee Peter Walton shown the same player some leniency when dealing with a spot of handbags with just a shade over twenty minutes to go, whose to say that Villa could not have eeked out a point?
The one that got away; French youngster Gueida Fofana wason the verge of an 800,000 move to Villa Parkbefore the board pulled the plugThe January transfer window represents a chance for Houllier to turn things around. Part
Derrick Henry Jersey of the reason for his appointment was that Houllier brought with him a wealth of experience in identifying and developing some of Europes finest young players. To his credit Houllier had already singled out just such a target in French under-19s captain Gueida Fofana, but was unable to ratify the deal as the board objected to the players wage demands. To have been unable to sign his man because the club is trying to cut away the exce s from his predece sors opulent reign represents a real slap in the face to Houllier. Sadly this is just one of
A.J. Brown Jersey many he insults he is now having to deal with. As they say Gerard, it never rains but it pours.
Something that has alwaysfascinatedme is how some players, who have
Rashad Weaver Jersey not performed for years always manage to get themselves signed over and over by clubs all over the world. Well it is apparently for the average player (not talking about the Rooneys, Me si, Sneijders of this world) crucial to have a well known agent. Whatever your talent might be, the talent of your agent determines your future. A bold statement indeed, but I am prepared to defend it.Ever since the Bosman Ruling the players have gotten more and more bargaining power, given the fact that commercial capitalization of Football has increased as well (read my previous post Football: Money destroys it) the influence of the players agent negotiating with often more then one club trying to get the best deal for its client has increased even more. Sometimes players agents even take a share in a player, which nowadays in modern Brazilian Football seems to be Busine s As Usual.So if we recap in the 60s players had not much, if nothing to say about anything, nowadays clubs really dont have that much to say about the future of a player in their current squad or a future signing.Steven Gerrard a couple seasons ago was considering a move to Chelsea because he could win more prices, eventually he retracted his statement, fact of the matter was that Liverpool FC & Chelsea FC could not reach an agreement over the transfer fee. Personal terms had been agreed by the Players Agent
Last season Man Utds Wayne Rooney wanted out
Matt Barkley Jersey of Old Trafford stating a lack of ambition. Fans reacted furiously and outraged at their star, who didnt have best of World Cups. Luckily both parties shook hands after a new contract was signed increasing Mr. Rooney annual base income to even more stratospheric proportion. Good job Mr. Agent, however first their was a court case between Wayne and a former Agent about some money to be settledAn interesting example or probably the best example is French striker Nicolas Anelka who was signed by Arsene Wenger from Paris St Germain at the age of 17 for a mere $750K; 10 seasons later, 7 employers further down the line, transfer fees paid reaching the exce s of $100ML. Cristiano Ronaldo set Real Madrid back about the same.Another good example of Agents power is Guus Hiddinks reign at PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands (2002-2006). Guus Hiddink managed to keep Mark van Bommel (agent Rob Jansen), resigned Philip Cocu from Barcelona (agent Rob Jansen) and signed two Brazilians: current Spurs Goalkeeper Gomes and current Chelsea FC Centre back Alex. Le ser known signings were American Damarcus Beasley (Ex Glasgow Rangers), English Alan Ball (former Everton), Swi s International Player Jonathan Vogel and Peru International Jefferson Farfan (currently
Caleb Farley Jersey at German side Schalke 04)With the above he reached the Semi Finals of the Champions League before AC Milan proved to cunning with an injury time shocker.In the mean time all was not good in Eindhoven, Hiddink supported by technical director Stan Valckx, wanted to continue the direction PSV was heading into. However chairman Frits Schuitema (former CEO Philips) was worried about the financial risks and investment demanded, he also notice all players came through one,unlicensed, agent, Serbian Vlado Lemic. His influence over the club was ma sive; he was a the training ground all hours of the day, trying to influence the clubs transfer policy (hence making money).2008: PSV did however not except it and appointed Jan Reker as GM who in turn fired Stan Valckx. Lemic threatened by this had his client Mr Gomes blacken Mr Rekers reputation in a leaked interview. Not long afterwards the immensely popular Gomes was sold to Spurs, Mr Lemic banned for life from the PSV Eindhoven premises. This however did not stop him from doing busine s
Tennessee Titans Hoodies Sweatshirts . At Heerenveen a Serbian super talent was emerging: Micky Sulejmani, dazzling dribbles, beautiful goals, power, speed, the kid had everything and was happy at the Northern Dutch club, known for its reputation of developing players (John Dahl Tomma son, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar are the most famous examples) until Mr. Lemic came in and engineered a ma sive $20ML move to AJAX Amsterdam where newly appointed manager Marco van Basten was a big fan of the young Serbian.Furthermore it is said that the transfer of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from AJAX Amsterdam to Real Madrid (fee between $22ML-$25ML) that the transfer never had taken place if Mr Lemic was not paid $1ML in cash by AJAX. Mr Lemic being a close personal friend of then Real Madrid Technical Director Pedrag Mijatovic, would smoothing the matters.
Anthony Rush Jersey Ofcourse this has never been proven, but the rumours have not disappeared. Interestingly enough when PSV barred mr Lemic players like Alex, Gomes, Alcides ect left PSV within monthsBut one of my favourite agents is Mr. Mino Raiola! The man who brought Dennis Bergkamp to Inter Milan for millions of Dollars, threw in Wim Jonk as pocketchange, masterminded the transfer of Mark van Bommel to AC Milan, managed to get Inter Milan Samual Etoo for free, signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Barcelona, to have him once year later sign for AC Milan. On top of that he had Mario Ballotelli sign from Inter to Man City and made Robinho leave for AC Milan. Talk about a Spin Doctor. His clients (players) love him, clubs however I doubt it. Oh by the way he managed to get Martin Jol into Fulham F.C. for free. 12 months ago Fulham were not willing to pay AJAX the compensation of $ 5ML to obtain his services.. once Martin Jol got the sack, it was only waiting for Mark Hughes to leave Fulham FC and Mr. Jol could be approached for free.I have forgotten to mention Kai Joorabchian (Media Sports
Teair Tart Jersey Investments) as he got global exposure by having Carlos Tevez and Mascherano signed for West Ham in an illegal move. Interesting to know the names of Ru sian Oligarchs Roman Abramovic (Chelsea owner) and Boris Berezovski are rumoured to have majority stakes in the group, but that doesnt make Mr. Joorabchian an agent, but an investorSo from all the above the conclusion is: Players, Clubs, Managers without the Vlados and Minos nothing gets done. So who are the real power in Football
