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Chelsea announced yesterday that they had completed the 4.3 million capture of 19-year-old Oriol Romeu Vidal on a four-year-deal, a shrewd first piece of busine s by Villas-Boas. It tells us a lot Trey Hendrickson Jersey about his plans for the club. Far from the technique of splashing out big money for already proven players, it looks as if he is planning for the future and implementing something Chelsea desire: stability. Having said this, Barcelona have a buy-back clause set in, where they can bring Romeu back to the Nou Camp after one or two years if they desire.Who is he?So who is this mysterious first acquisition? Well, many wont have heard of Romeu, largely because he is yet to gain his first full international cap for Spain and he only played a handful of times under Guardiola. However, after his 2004 move from Espanyol, at just 13 years of age, Romeu made his way through the coveted Barcelona youth academy and eventually held down a place Samaje Perine Jersey in Barcelona B for three years. He is currently representing Spain in the Under 20 World Cup in Columbia, where he has played every single minute in their opening two victories.Summary: La Masia graduate with a glistening future How does he play?Okay, so this is the section that most people want to read Im sure, especially Chelsea fans dying to know what they have just invested in. Well, here investment is a key word. Romeu is far from the finished article that warrants a call up to the Spanish national side, but he is well on his way, and under the tutelage of Quinton Spain Jersey Villas-Boas he should blo som into a world-cla s player. He generally plays as a holding midfielder, and although this Zach Kerr Jersey is not the most exciting of positions in many peoples opinion, it is a vital one. He stands at 6 foot tall and many have highlighted his strength as a key attribute. He can also play as a centre-back or even pushed slightly further up the field in a more open central midfield role. He tackles hard and he tackles well and once he has dispo se sed an opponent he has a wide range of pa ses in his locker to initiate attacking moves. He has been compared by many to Sergio Busquets, including by the man himself Romeu is a physical and very powerful player, he told the FIFA website. He is good in the air and hes very complete in that sense he is more like me.Summary: A deep-lying creative midfielder.Where will he fit in? Initially, he will probably feature on the bench with the occasional start for the first team, perhaps in early FA and League Cup rounds. He will be nutured and his talent will be honed and in a Josh Tupou Jersey few years, if he remains at Stamford Bridge, he could replace Mikel as the holding midfield player. Mikel does his job well, but can be dependant on E siens presence to help him out in defensive situations, shown Jordan Evans Jersey by Chelseas weaker defensive displays when Ramires plays in place of E sien. Mikel though was originally a more attacking player and so is still improving in his defensive role. He should aspire to be as competent as the great defensive midfielder Claude Makelele, and as he is more physically imposing, he could one day surpa s Makeleles accomplishments Chelsea fans will hope so.Summary: Brilliant potential at a great price fantastic signing.Follow me on Twitter:

Fulham and former Tottenham bo s Martin Jol claims that playing Spurs will be extra special and describes his time at White Hart Laneas great. The current dominance of Trey Hopkins Jersey Spurs, in London, and their re-emergence as a major force in the Barclays Premier League can be traced back to the management of Martin Jol at White Hart Lane. The Dutchman was responsible Trey Hendrickson Jersey for bringing both Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale to North Londonand insists they are key players to watch out for this weekend.Jol said: I always say if you play the Spurs way with wide players of Lennon and Bale you are always capable of good football. I remember Gareths first game, he was unbelievable against Manchester United.Martin Jol took Spurs to two fifth place finishes, just mi sing out on Champions League football, but Xavier Su'a-Filo Jersey admits he was happy to see Harry Redknapp take them to a fourth place finish in the 09/10 campaign. He said: love it bcause I know how Daniel Levy wants to be in the top four in England and he works very hard for that do I know that. I know a few people on the board so Tyler Shelvin Jersey I am always happy for them.Fulham go into the Barclays Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage on the 6th November on the back of a European 4-1 victory against Wisla Krakow while Spurs suffered a 1-0 defeat in Ru sia. The Cottagers domestic form however hasnt been as impre sive currently holding Trenton Irwin Jersey 15th in the Premier League table while Tottenham have enjoyed an unbeaten run since August.Spurs manager, Harry Redknapp, recently has since undergone minor heart surgery and will not be seen in the dugout of Craven Cottage and will be joined by Micheal Dawson and Tom Huddlestone on the injury list for Spurs while William Sam Hubbard Jersey Gallas could make his first appearance in the premier league this season.

This certainly isnt a well-thought, planned article and I am writing this as I go along. The blood in my veins is absolutely boiling after watching an abysmal Scotland result in Lithuania. One game gone and you could say qualification is pretty much over.A team, and a country, devoid of guile and cla s but full of work-rate and enthusiasm. Where did it all go wrong?Let me start on a positive note. The 40-year-old defender David Weir was an absolute cla s act, and credible mentions to McManus and Alan Hutton who performed well. Another major positive point Wyatt Hubert Jersey here, we have some absolutely outstanding goalkeepers, especially in Allan McGregor and Craig Gordon.Okay, positives over. I cant quite understand the motives of instructing the team to play 4-5-1 against Lithuania, a team which doesnt have a player anywhere close to being good enough for the Scotland side. For the record, the formation 4-5-1 doesnt actually bother Scotty Washington Jersey me as I have seen many top-cla s managers using this system. But to choose 4 flat and average central midfielders, with your only quality in Dorrans, Morrison and McFadden all on the bench is absolutely baffling. Even Celtic supporters would agree, Scott Brown is an insanely average footballer who commanded a 4m price tag only a few years ago. Full of tenacity and drive but absolutely stinking when it comes to any form of technical ability. And as for Manchester Uniteds Darren Fletcher when are you going to even bother to turn up for an international match?Kenny Miller takes my full sympathy this evening for the way he was isolated this evening. Do we expect him to perform miracles on his own? His excellent performances for Rangers would show that he has got something to contribute, but come on, you could stick Lionel Me si upfront himself for Scotland and wouldnt make the slightest difference. Craig Leveins choice of picking Steven Naismith came as quite a controversial one in the media; but I actually agree with picking Naismith, just not as a left-midfielder. Steven has played right-midfield for Rangers this season, similar to Dirk Kuyt at Liverpool, but was deployed on the left where he became a whipping boy at Ibrox due to his poor performances. Wheres the sense Logan Wilson Jersey in that?Scottish Football is on its knees. The debates and arguments about how we can improve our national game will continue, and continue, but as always nobody is wanting to take Scottish Football by the balls and do something about it. The lack of technical ability, even compared with average nations on a similar scale to Scotland, is quite dreadful. You could say there are some glimmers of hope coming through with Danny Wilson, John Fleck and James Forrest who have impre sed for their respective club sides. In all honesty, we might aswell give these guys a shot rather than the usual players who arent going to get us anywhere near a World Cup.Under-21 manager Billy Stark made a startling comment a while ago when he claimed Xavi and Iniesta Cincinnati Bengals Men Jersey wouldnt have excelled in Scotland due to their physical size.Where can our inspiration come from when we totally lack any world-cla s talent?Our domestic game is becoming boring and dreadful to watch. Even our top teams, Rangers and Celtic, are becoming more and more average by the season. Our other bigger C.J. Uzomah Jersey sides Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen are sitting with their fingers up their backside rather than make an ambitious challenge for the championship. Then we come to your bottom sides; full of journeyman, full of tough-tacklers who are blocking the pathways of young talent. I paid my 20 on Saturday to watch, arguably the most talented player on the park, Vladimir Wei s being kicked and hacked about by a so-called profe sional footballer.Henry McLeish has made the claim that Scotland has to invest 500m in new facilties. Nonsense.Why dont we start investing in coaching, nowhere near 500m, but in employing full-time coaches who can get kids out of the house and on to the football pitch. Its a sad state of affairs when goalposts are moved from school pitches during the summer holidays in Scotland. You could spent 5m a year in employing loads of new coaches to set-up loads of football se sions right acro s the country in which the basic element of technique can be hammered home. Too many youth coaches are intent on bringing through the taller or stronger players. You could be the best striker ever, and if your over 6ft, youll Joe Burrow Jersey probably be moved back to being a defender because of your height. Shambles.Im sorry to say, but Doncaster, Peat and all other ars****es who run our national game you should be chased out of the Hampden offices and replaced with forward-thinking football people.Scottish Football is on a life-support machine and we may aswell just turn it off now.*and breathe*

The summer of 2011 has not been one to remember thus far if you are, like me, an Arsenal fan. Our capitulation following the Carling Cup defeat to Birmingham was alarming, talk of an exodus of top players from the club is seemingly becoming more and more Stanley Morgan Jersey realistic with every pa sing day, the clubs board appear to be refusing to adjust from their pa s style of running the club ( as expre sed by the sacked former director Lady Bracewell-Smith ) , and the lack of big, imagination catching transfers into the club has so far been frustratingly slow.However, I firmly believe that there is no reason to panicnot just yet anyway.Although the failings on the pitch following Februarys defeat to Birmingham were totally unacceptable, Cincinnati Bengals Hats that now has to be put into the past. Weve made the Champions League (at least we hope we have) and have one of the most exciting young English midfielders in the game at our club, and hes one of the few players not to have been linked with a move away. In Robin Van Persie, Trenton Irwin Jersey we have arguably the best striker in the league, and we also have genuine talent in Ramsey and Frimpong returning from injury.The talk of players leaving is concerning. Weve already lost one in Gael Clichy, and talk of Nasri and Fabregas going is increasing in volume everyday. It was disappointing to lose Clichy, a strong left-back, but ultimately, I genuinely believe he was a player Arsenal were content to sell. A player who Germaine Pratt Jersey would always get on with the job and do it by giving 100%, he was nonethele s a player that had frailties, and had cost us a goal on more than one occasion. The attention now turns on keeping hold of Nasri and Fabregas, as well as bringing in players that can have an effect on the team, and raise moral. We have been linked to a few hundred thousand players throughout the summer, and have even been told by Joe Burrow Jersey Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis, to expect a busy summer. Im a big believer in the sayings stick by your club through thick and Chidobe Awuzie Jersey thin and take the good times with the bad. Its the fans that follow these philosophies that dont just make a club, but make football as well. So far, the summer of 2011 has been a testing one, but I believe that once we are through this bad patch, the good times will soon be upon us again.

Frank Lampards exclusion from Englands starting line up, in the most recent qualifying game against Bulgaria, has sparked a media frenzy, with many saying his England career is over. This has been met with delight by many fans who have appeared to take a dislike to the attacking midfielder. A dislike Jonah Williams Jersey that, for me, is distinctly unfair.This is whole-heartedly a defence for the man who has scored 22 international goals, to attempt to illustrate the importance he still has for England. Here are the top three reasons why he still has an England future.1. LeadershipA revolution of the England team is clearly occurring, but this doesnt mean they should start a team of 20-somethings and hope that their talent prevails over their lack of experience. The whole Joe Mixon T Shirts point of integrating youth into a team is so they can learn from the figureheads amongst them Lampard being one of those. The likes of Tom Cleverley and even Jack Wilshere could learn a lot from watching the Chelsea man. 2. Goal scoring abilityLampard is the highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League era and has been central to Chelseas succe ses of recent years. Admittedly Larry Ogunjobi Jersey , his link up play with Rooney doesnt come quite as naturally as Gerrards, but the usefulne s of a natural goal scorer in midfield cannot be underestimated. The new generation do not yet po se s a player that could be likened to Lampard, with most being creative midfielders, which can leave a strain Jordan Evans Jersey on the wingers and strikers to perform.3. BalanceThe final point is touched on above. If England line up in a 4-2-3-1, as they did against Bulgaria, the middle man in the 4-man attack is well suited to Lampards abilities. Against Bulgaria, Ashley Young played in this role and was far le s of a threat compared to when he is playing wider for Manchester United. In current form, he is more dangerous than Walcott and so if Young were to be pushed wide, and with Gerrard still injured, the best Trenton Irwin Jersey solution would be Lampard. This ensures that England retain their balance, with 6 outfield defensive-minded players and 4 doing the majority of the attacking work.It seems clear to me that Lampard still has a crucial role to play for England in the run in to the European Championships. If England do qualify, which they should, Lampard could even feature in what would surely be his last tournament. So instead of calling for his head, we should appreciate everything he has done for this countrys Darius Hodge Jersey team and everything he still has to offer.

It was a sentiment expre sed by many, albeit in hushed tones. When Houllier finally settled into Villa Park just what would he make of John Carew? After all, this was a player he had Vernon Hargreaves III Jersey offloaded to Villa when in charge at Lyon. Add to the mix Carews nomadic career path (Norway, Spain, Italy, Turkey, France and England have all been home in the space of a decade), his reported penchant for a certain exotic entertainment, and his quite astonishing injury record and the writing appeared to be on the wall. The all-too-public war of words between the two in the last week seems to be the final nail in Carews, rather large, coffin.When Houllier arrived at Villa Park he was quick to rea sure Carew that he was happy to leave the past behind them. Carew too made all Boomer Esiason Jersey the right noises, telling The People I do not have problems with the coach. What is done is done and I accept it. My exit from Lyon is in the past. How, then, have relations deteriorated to such an extent that over the weekend Carew slammed Houllier as disrespectful, with the Frenchman retaliating with claims that his striker is stupid?Carews goals and personality have made him hugely popular during his time at VillaIf Clay Johnston Jersey Carews widely speculated January departure does transpire, it would cap a dramatic fall from grace for the 31 year old. A hugely popular figure with the fans, Carew has been the teams top scorer in each of his three full seasons with the club. Khalid Kareem Jersey Villas current struggle for goals, (only Wigan and West Ham have hit the back of the net fewer times in the Premier League this season) would make signing a replacement absolutely vital, particularly as fellow strikers Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey remain injured.An official club spokesman i sued a statement last night advising that Carew and Houllier had met during the day for talks to clear the air. The matter, the statement a sured us, Brandon Allen Jersey was now considered to be resolved. But with Carews contract up at the end of the season, and funds from the sale of James Milner expected to be made available to Houllier, Carews future seems far from certain. Neither man, however, has come out of the squabble well. There is a feeling amongst some that in Carews comments there is an element of arrogance. As for Houllier, he can not afford to be seen as harming dre sing room spirit. The key criticism many Logan Wilson Jersey Villa fans had of ONeill was that his acerbic relationships with many of the squad severely damaged the progre s of the club. Houllier simply can not risk more player unrest.

Brendan Rodgers is all set to reinstate his feet into Vicarage Road, this time though the former Hornets bo s will be managing Swansea City, currently the Travis Fulgham Jersey 9th best team in the Npower Championship. With Watford on fire and with home advantage, can Malky Mackays side make it four league wins in a row?The TeamsWatford The Golden Boys have been hitting the net for fun in recent weeks, a 6-1 away win over Millwall started things off, andthat excellent win was then followed by an impre sive victory over Gordon Strachans Middlesbrough. A 3-1 win over the early season favourites was a joy to behold; Danny Graham pounced again for his Steven Nelson Jersey 8th goal of the season, while on loan star Jordan Mutch netted his 2nd goal in as many games. Watford started well last season but dramatically fell off the pace; however the squad looks strong and with the loan window still open Malky Mackay could rustle up some Premier League loans. The team news for Tuesday nights fixture, doesnt look serious at all as the Hornets will welcome back Andrew Taylor after he was ineligible to play against his parent club, Middlesbrough on Saturday.Swansea Brendan Rodgers resigned as Watford bo s in June 2009, the former Hornet currently known to many Watford fans as Brenda is all set for a heated reception on Tuesday night. The former Chelsea coach is now managing Welsh side Swansea, who have started Brandon Brooks Jersey the season comfortably. The signing of Scott Sinclair has been real beneficial factor; the former Chelsea youngster has scored seven goals so far this season; however Sinclair is still a doubt for the Watford match as he mi sed the Saturday defeat to Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile the Jacks posted the best defensive record throughout the whole of the Championship last season, Ashley Williams, Gary Monk and Alan Tate all propose a solid wall in Swanseas back line, on form Brian Dawkins Jersey Watford striker Danny Graham could well be involved in a sore battle tomorrow evening. Swansea have a number of key injury problems to mull over, as mentioned above Scott Sinclair and Stephen Dobbie could well feature for the Swans; however winger David Cotterill is a ma sive doubt with a groin problem.Key PlayersWatford Jordan Mutch. The on loan Birmingham youngster has performed expertly well in recent weeks, Mutch is a box to box midfielder who isnt afraid to tackle, he also has an eye for goals as he proved in the 6-1 win over Millwall and the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough. The goal against Boro was a cracking finish as hehit a sublime half volley from 20 yards. His talent has helped the Golden Boys in recent weeks; expect him to be a major threat on Tuesday Philadelphia Eagles Home Office . Swansea Darren Pratley. The Swansea City midfielder was linked with a move to Championship rivals Jake Elliott Jersey Nottingham Forest in the summer; however he turned the opportunity down as he decided to stay with last seasons play-off hopefuls. The midfield battle between Darren Pratley and John Eustace will be amazing to watch, both players are tough tackling midfielders, Pratley also likes to get forward the 25 year old netted seven goals from midfield last season, thereforeheshould be a constant threat to Watford.Match StatsKick Off 7.45pm, TuesdayDate 28/09/2010Ground Vicarage RoadManagers Malky Mackay/Brendan Rodgers

So went the chant, as it cascaded down the Putney End stand housing the away fans at Craven Cottage at the weekend. In part this outcry from the away end can be ascribed to an inability to move on from the whole bitter Gareth Barry transfer saga of 18 months past. But to attribute it purely to this grim Reid Sinnett Jersey obse sion would be to gro sly underestimate the rise of Barry Bannan.The young Scot was one of the clubs most outspoken critics of Martin ONeill, going as far as to claim he was a little bit happy when he heard of the Ulstermans departure. The reasons for this are understandable. Bannan was loaned out under ONeills reign despite many fans believing he was ready for first team football. Bannans 2008-09 Premier Reserve League winners medal leant weight to these claims, but ONeill was not convinced and Bannan was farmed out to the Championship.Bannan seems determined to make the most of his chance with the first teamBut Bannan excelled on loan last season for Blackpool, playing an integral part in the Tangerines promotion campaign. He made 20 appearances in midfield for Ian Holloways side and scored one of Gardner Minshew II Jersey the Championship goals of the season with his 30 yard lob against Coventry at the Ricoh Arena in January.It seemed, however, that Bannan was destined Harold Carmichael Jersey for another spell on loan in the Championship again this season, until ONeills dramatic walk out days before the Premiership was due to kick off. Reserve team manager Kevin MacDonald, under whom Bannan won that Premier Reserve League title, was named the caretaker bo s and he set about injecting some youth into the side. Marc Albrighton has been the most obvious beneficiary, but Bannan has also been given his chance. On the opening day Bannan made his Premier League debut, coming off the bench in the final minutes as Villa ran down the clock to seal a commanding 3-0 win over West Ham. A few days later and Bannan was tormenting Rapid Vienna, scoring as Villa earnt a credible draw in Austria. In the following weeks though Bannan found his opportunites limited as Gerard Houllier was finally appointed, and the newly invigorated Nigel Reo-Coker re-claimed his place in the side after a similar spell in exile under ONeill. With the injury to club captain Jason Croom Jersey Stylian Petrov, and young Ciaran Clark relegated to the bench following his deployment to break up play against Birmingham, Bannan was given a start at the weekend against Fulham and he excelled with a man of the match performance. Bannans stunning a sist for Albrightons goal deserves high praise (though seemingly not from the Match of the Day team), but his confidence on the ball and sheer A.J. Brown Jersey range of pa sing highlight what a player he is becoming. Whether Bannan can consistently play at this level in the Premier League is the next question he will have to answer, but Gerard Houllier is is no doubt, telling the pre s that Bannan has got the attributes of a modern footballer skill, movement, the eye for a pa s. International recognition it seems is also not far away as Scotland look to reshuffle their pack following a poor start to their 2012 European Championship qualifying campaign.Following caps at under 21 and B team level, a full international call up cant be far awayPersonally Bannan reminds me of Paul Scholes, small in size but always involved in the action, buzzing around the pitch always looking to create, never shy to receive the ball. If Bannan can continue to progre s then the Tyree Jackson Jersey Aston Villa fans will be singing his name for a long time to come.

Its not often that David Beckham a holder of The Most ExcellentOrder of the British Empire and general English legend is mentioned in the same sentence as Liverpool cult hero and former Spice Boy Steve McManaman. In fact, were you to attempt to compare those two players in most pubs up and down the country, you would be greeted with confused frowns and sideways glances as if youd just asked for a white wine spritzer at the bar. But why is that? Of course Im referencing Philadelphia Eagles Golf Sporting Goods both players time in Spain with McManaman becoming the 2nd and David Beckham the 3rd englishmen in history to play for Real Madrid after the black flash Laurie Cunningham. For many in England Steve McManamans time in Spain is counted as a failure. The general consensus, Im talking about Joe Bloggs in the street, is that McManaman never fitted in with the marquee signings brought in by Florentino Prezs reign as Real Madrid president, that he was a bit part player next to the Galactico stars of Zidane, Figo and Ronaldo et al.When Real Madrid announced the signing of Steve McManaman on a Bosman ruling from Liverpool it was greeted with mixed reviews. The heartbeat Philadelphia Eagles Hats to an attacking but ultimately shallow Liverpool team where McManaman and fellow Rosbifs Robbie Fowler flattered to deceive. Whilst McManamans talent was undeniable, his footballing ability was balanced out by the proposedprima donna attitude that sponsorship and TV rights had brought about during the late 90s. The Spice Boy persona that the media had projected quite rightly made some fans nervous Was McManaman coming to further himself as a footballer or top up his tan?What is scary is how similar the circumstances and reaction were surrounding Beckhams transfer to Real from Manchester Utd in 03/04 to McManamans in 99/00. Unlike McManaman however, Beckham had to fulfill the expectations that come with a big transfer fee and appease the shareholders worries. Beckhams feats as a Footballer couldnt be argued against. Part of Utds golden generation, six time Premier League winner, two time F.A Cup winner and European Cup winner not to mention national hero. Anyone that had watched Beckham for Reggie White T Shirts more than ten minutes realised that he was more than a set piece specialist and could more than hold his own in the star studded line up of Perezs dictatorship. As the most marketable Footballer on the planet you could hear Perez laughing Mutley style all the way to the bank. However, the big question hanging over the Bernabu was: Could the Beckham media-circus that Fergie had grown so tired of derail this match made in heaven?Both players set out to prove their doubters wrong. McManaman started off in a rich vein of form, scoring key goals and creating plenty of chances; impre sing the home crowds not just with his style but with his substance as well. Showing the traditional english work-rate that was never truly appreciated at Anfield, McManaman had the perfect supporting cast to finally flourish. His partnership with Fernando Redondo was almost telepathic at times and in Spain McManaman was largely free of the pre s and paparazzi, able to relax and settle more than before. Gone were the party going, spice boy labels now Le'Raven Clark Jersey replaced with M.O.M awards and media plaudits. Beckham had left behind his familiar surroundings, a local lad just like McManaman, this was completely new for both of them. McManaman was 27 when he moved to Madrid, Beckham 28, both had achieved all they could at their home clubs and had reached a choice in their career. Life was going well for both players. Succe sful debut seasons followed for McManaman winning the European Cup and La Liga title and Beckham winning the Spanish Super Cup and finishing runners up in the Copa del Rey. McManaman had scored in the final of the Euro Cup and had earned the honour of the white handkerchiefs of Madrid. Beckhams early goals had proved crucial in the league for Madrid and although the wheels were to fall off their domestic campaign Beckham had staked his claim to a starting position. Both players were subject to outside interference in their second season as McManaman saw the newly elected president Florentino Perez start his Galactico campaign, buying Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo from arch-rivals Barcelona for nearly 40m. A clear sign that there was no room for him in the clubs future plans. Beckham on the other hand was brought in exactly for that reason. He was a galactico and the calibre of player needed to bring succe s back to the white half of madrid however with the arrival and departure of three managers in that season stability was a word far from the lips of the Madristas.Despite their initial popularity and performances both fell out of favour with their current managers and Brent Celek Jersey found their first team chances limited. Yet again though we see a ma sive similarity in our vaunted englishmen. Beckham was left out by the newly installed Fabio Capello (sound familiar?) and his Ral adventure seemed well and truly over. McManaman was left out by Vicente Del Bosque. Both had served their purpose and were no longer required. Both showed true english stiff upper lip and eventually Michael Walker Jersey forced themselves back into their managers plans. Both becoming integral by the end of the season.With such similarities between the two midfielders its difficult to understand the different responses to their time abroad. Beckhams time in spain, is considered by most, to have been succe sful and that he was eventually the victim of circumstance as Rals galacticos policy eventually forced him out. Whereas McManamans time in Madrid is sniggered at and met with wry smiles. Is it ignorance? Is it bias? Whatever the reason, it isnt just David Beckham that deserves recognition for his exploits abroad. Raise a gla s of San Miguel to Steve McManaman.

Celtic went into the New Year on top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and on a nine win streak, and their first game of 2012 was away to bottom side Dunfermline. The Celtic fanstravelledin good numbers to East End Park and there Eric Wilson Jersey was good news on the injury front as Emilio Izzaguire was back in the squad after being out with a dislocated ankle since the second game of the seasonSamaras once again started and it has to be said that he played well, since the Europa League games he has found a real good run of form. Lane Johnson Jersey Stokes and Hooper also started along with Brown. Kayal was not in the squad after getting injured in the Old Firm last Wednesday. Celtic were looking to make it ten wins in a row and Dunfermline having already found out that Hibernian had lost to Hearts in the Edinburgh Derby were hoping to get themselves off the foot of the table.The game started off slowly and both teams were sloppy until the ten minute mark when Celtic started to attack. Samaras played a good ball acro s the face of goal and it had beaten the goalkeeper but there was no Celtic players in the six yard box who could latch onto the cro s. Celtic continued to attack and looked more and more threatening as the minutes went by, it was Anthony Stokes who scored Celtics first goal after eighteen minutes. It ended a seven Milton Williams Jersey games goal drought for the Irishman.Celtic pushed on after that and just two minutes later Wanyama forced a save from Dunfermline goalkeeper Smith. But that was Celtics last chance for almost twenty minutes as the strong weather conditions turned the game into a battle in midfield. The game then exploded back into life Landon Dickerson Jersey in the thirty sixth minute after Stokes put his second shot of the game wide. This chance was followed by Dunfermlines first shot of the game but it drifted wide. It was forty minutes in and from a Celtic free kick that Wanyama got his second goal of the season, Charlie Mulgrew cro sed it in and Wanyama side footed the ball into the net. This confirmed the three points for Celtic and Reid Sinnett Jersey the hoops fans who had filled two and a half stands were singing Just cant get enough nice and loud.It was the sixty ninth minute when Celtic got their third and Charlie Mulgrew chipped the keeper with a free kick from nearer to the halfway line than the box and that really meant it was party time for the Celtic fans, they had won ten games in a row and had maintained their two point lead over Rangers at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table. The cherry was put on top of the cake in the seventy ninth minute when Emilio Izzaguire came on and the Celtic fans applauded his every run and touch. It was a great performance by Celtic, their next league game is against St Nate Herbig Jersey . Johnstone on January 14th but first they play Peterhead in the Cup on the 8th January.Celtic team celebrate the opener against Dunfermline.