To begin with, Gary Speed wasn't even interested. He'd only recently been appointed manager of Sheffield United although he'd been with the club for a number of years, first as a player and then as a coach.
But when Ryan Giggs yet again turned down the chance to become Wales' manager, the Welsh FA turned to an inexperienced manager whose club are near the bottom of the Championship.
A number of people are believed to have applied for the job. Brian Flynn, the caretaker-manager of Wales for their two most recent matches, was the choice of the players and was interested in remaining in the job. Chris Coleman and John Hartson were also thought to have been very keen. Chris was the most experienced Welsh candidate while John had none at all. Lars Lagerback was also interviewed for the position whilst other managers linked with the job included Martin O'Neill.
But it seemed FA Wales were looking for a star rather than an experienced manager and, after holding interviews, they made the decision to approach Gary Speed - and he accepted their offer to become manager of Wales.
It's true he's a Welsh legend and he could inspire the players, as no doubt Ryan Giggs would have done - and although his managerial track record is not particularly good, he does have experience as a coach. The younger Welsh internationals (which to be fair is most of them) will remember him as a star. He's just not that experienced or that successful as a manager and that could turn out to be a disadvantage.
I really hope it works out for Gary and he has my full support. I hope the unsuccessful candidates won't be too disappointed. Brian Flynn certainly has reason to be, although he clearly loves working with and developing young players and there will be more opportunities for him to do this at under-21 level and lower. Chris Coleman has also been offered another job but he'd decided not to accept it until he knew whether or not he's got the Welsh job. It looks like he'll be managing Greek side Larissa then.
As for Wales, we have a Welsh manager who loves his country. That's not something every country can claim.
Gary Speed's career in pictures.
Gary says he has taken a pay cut in order to manage Wales. It's always good finding people like that in the world of football.
Gary says one of his first jobs will be to try to coax Welsh players out of international retirement. That might actually be a harder job than beating England but some of those players could well be his friends so maybe he can do it.
Gary says Wales have nothing to lose. Well, we can lose the rest of the games which would also mean finishing bottom of the group but I do see what he means.
Former Wales manager Mark Hughes, who was linked with a return to the role, believes Gary will do a great job.
Showing posts with label chris coleman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chris coleman. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Wales manager news 16th November 2010
Brian Flynn is hoping he’ll be able to stay in the role after becoming caretaker managers for the qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland (which didn't go quite as I'd hoped).
Brian, John Hartson, Ian Rush, Chris Coleman, Dean Saunders, Brian Kerr, Lawrie Sanchez, Lars Lagerback and Terry Venables are said to be on a shortlist of candidates to become manager of Wales. I really hope it’s one of the ones in bold. If any of the others have Welsh blood, if they have or have had eligibility to play for Wales, I’d be very happy for them to become manager of Wales. But I really want a manager who is part of the national identity of Wales. Someone who supports Wales.
Read more about the candidates.
FA Wales wanted Ryan Giggs but he doesn’t want the job just yet. Martin O’Neill is said to be their second choice (even though he’s not on the shortlist) but James Collins would have something to say about that if the champagne bottle rumours are true.
Ian Rush would love the job but he won’t say whether he’s applied or not.
Brian, John Hartson, Ian Rush, Chris Coleman, Dean Saunders, Brian Kerr, Lawrie Sanchez, Lars Lagerback and Terry Venables are said to be on a shortlist of candidates to become manager of Wales. I really hope it’s one of the ones in bold. If any of the others have Welsh blood, if they have or have had eligibility to play for Wales, I’d be very happy for them to become manager of Wales. But I really want a manager who is part of the national identity of Wales. Someone who supports Wales.
Read more about the candidates.
FA Wales wanted Ryan Giggs but he doesn’t want the job just yet. Martin O’Neill is said to be their second choice (even though he’s not on the shortlist) but James Collins would have something to say about that if the champagne bottle rumours are true.
Ian Rush would love the job but he won’t say whether he’s applied or not.
Friday, 15 October 2010
Welsh Player News 15th October 2010
The Football Assiciation of Wales will hold a conference today to discuss who should take charga of their country next. Welshman Ian Rush, Chris Coleman and John Hartson are among Brian Flynn’s rivals. The new manager will be named by December 1st.
A Daily Post writer feels Brian Flynn got the tactics wrong against Bulgaria and Switzerland. I hate to say it but I think he’s got a point (unlike Wales). However I don’t agree that Wales had no chance of winning against Bulgaria and Switzerland. Northampton Town beat Liverpool after all.
Brian Flynn would like to become Wales’ permanent manager but he doesn’t think he needs to make any big changes to the side.
Gareth Bale and Ashley Williams believe Brian should be offered the Wales job.
Having all but giving up on his own wish to play for Wales again, Robbie Savage is now putting in a good word for Ryan Giggs.
Shaun MacDonald says he was proud to make his Wales debut against Switzerland. The Swansea City midfielder, now on loan at Yeovil Town, has made a record number of appearances for the Wales under-21s but hadn’t appeared for the senior squad until Tuesday. Yeovil manager Terry Skiverton was also delighted for him.
Darcy Blake was also very happy to make his Wales debut, particularly now Brian Flynn is the manager. Brian has played a big part in helping Darcy to progress from the under-17 side to the senior squad and Darcy hopes he’s offered the job of Wales manager permanently and he feels Wales will soon start to get the right results.
Christian Ribeiro's second international cap left him with mixed feelings.
Gareth Bale hopes Wales will beat England next year and believes it could happen. Me too, Gareth!
Danny Collins hopes to be in the squad to face England.
The return of Aaron Ramsey from injury could provide Wales with the boost they need to get one over on England.
The Daily Post North Wales looks at the difficulties of attending a Wales match. I don’t really see the problem of internationals always being held in South Wales, England matches are always held in Wembley and I’ve never heard people from the north of England complaining (well, not about Wembley anyway) but the article does make a very good point about how difficult it is for people with jobs and/or children to get to a Friday night match.
I don’t think the writer’s children will necessarily be put off supporting Wales though. I grew up in England but while I am more Arsenal than Cardiff City, I certainly don’t feel any love for the England team. If Theo Walcott scores a hat-trick against Wales I’ll be in a mood with him for weeks. Unless, of course, Aaron Ramsey scores four.
A Daily Post writer feels Brian Flynn got the tactics wrong against Bulgaria and Switzerland. I hate to say it but I think he’s got a point (unlike Wales). However I don’t agree that Wales had no chance of winning against Bulgaria and Switzerland. Northampton Town beat Liverpool after all.
Brian Flynn would like to become Wales’ permanent manager but he doesn’t think he needs to make any big changes to the side.
Gareth Bale and Ashley Williams believe Brian should be offered the Wales job.
Having all but giving up on his own wish to play for Wales again, Robbie Savage is now putting in a good word for Ryan Giggs.
Shaun MacDonald says he was proud to make his Wales debut against Switzerland. The Swansea City midfielder, now on loan at Yeovil Town, has made a record number of appearances for the Wales under-21s but hadn’t appeared for the senior squad until Tuesday. Yeovil manager Terry Skiverton was also delighted for him.
Darcy Blake was also very happy to make his Wales debut, particularly now Brian Flynn is the manager. Brian has played a big part in helping Darcy to progress from the under-17 side to the senior squad and Darcy hopes he’s offered the job of Wales manager permanently and he feels Wales will soon start to get the right results.
Christian Ribeiro's second international cap left him with mixed feelings.
Gareth Bale hopes Wales will beat England next year and believes it could happen. Me too, Gareth!
Danny Collins hopes to be in the squad to face England.
The return of Aaron Ramsey from injury could provide Wales with the boost they need to get one over on England.
The Daily Post North Wales looks at the difficulties of attending a Wales match. I don’t really see the problem of internationals always being held in South Wales, England matches are always held in Wembley and I’ve never heard people from the north of England complaining (well, not about Wembley anyway) but the article does make a very good point about how difficult it is for people with jobs and/or children to get to a Friday night match.
I don’t think the writer’s children will necessarily be put off supporting Wales though. I grew up in England but while I am more Arsenal than Cardiff City, I certainly don’t feel any love for the England team. If Theo Walcott scores a hat-trick against Wales I’ll be in a mood with him for weeks. Unless, of course, Aaron Ramsey scores four.
Friday, 10 September 2010
John Toshack resigns by mutual consent... who will replace him?
As expected, John Toshack has resigned. What was a slight surprise was that he didn't want to leave straight away, that he would have been happy to stay with Wales until after the next two qualifiers have been played. FA Wales, however, had other ideas. The FA are now looking for a replacement... but he won't necessarily be Welsh.
Neville Southall says just one new manager might not be enough but if there is just one, it should be Brian Flynn.
Many of those linked with the post have ruled themselves out.
Kenny Jackett says he is flattered to be linked with such a big job but at the moment he's committed to keeping Millwall in the Championship. At the moment, that job doesn't look particularly difficult but it's a long season. It's disappointing but it's a positive sign that Kenny is prepared to honour his commitments to Millwall - and presumably he would do the same for Wales if he is the manager some time in the future.
Gary Speed says he can't take the job as the timing is all wrong. He has only recently become manager of Sheffield United - his first managerial position, although he says this won't necessary put him at a disadvantage - and he's completely focused on that job and it wouldn't feel right to leave them in the lurch now.
Tony Pulis says he would like to manage Wales one day but he thinks it's too early in his career for him to take the job now.
However, there is one manager who has openly expressed interest in managing Wales. John Hartson has no experience but he has done his coaching badges and, as Gary Speed pointed out, having no experience didn't do Mark Hughes any harm. John Hartson would be the romantic choice. Just imagine it, John Hartson, cancer survivor, leading Wales into Euro 2012. It would be amazing and moving but perhaps not very realistic. Mark Hughes managed without experience but that doesn't mean anyone could. I am not a realist though and I would love to see John managing Wales.
Another reason to appoint John is that he's willing to ask Ryan Giggs, Simon Davies and Robbie Savage to come out of retirement. I'm not sure he'd be successful - Ryan and Robbie are both coming to the end of their careers, and Robbie is also working in the media. Simon retired due to a persistent foot injury. All three might well need their international breaks but it would be great to have a manager who is prepared to look at all the options.
Robbie Savage has however said he might be interested in playing for Wales again now John Toshack has gone (he also doesn't rule out driving the team bus). It would be great if he meant it but his claim that he wasn't going to bitch about Tosh was maybe not completely true... Robbie has also been mentioned in connection with the manager's job.
Ryan Giggs said he'd love to manage Wales one day. But not right now. Even if he was interested in taking the job on now, Sir Alex Ferguson probably wouldn't let him. In some ways I kind of feel Ryan is old enough to make up his own mind but at the same time, he already has one full-time job. To take on another job, one of which he has no experience, particularly when he's already working past the average retirement age, could well be too much for him and Ferguson is naturally eager for Ryan to continue to work to a very high standsrd with Manchester United. John Toshack feels Ryan isn't the best person as Wales need someone with managerial experience.
Brian Flynn is many people's first-choice to take on the role and he's my first-choice too. He knows a lot of the senior squad already from working with them in the under-21s. Some might point out that the under-12s failed to progress to the Uefa Under-21 Championship play-offs but they came very close and if the goal diffrence rule had applied, they would have got through - ahead of Italy. Brian has done well with the under-21s, they are currently between competitions so it seems a good time for him to move to the senior squad if he wishes to.
Chris Coleman has also been linked with the job. He's currently out of work - and he's yet to rule himself out.
Sky Sports looks at the playing and managerial career of John Toshack.
I'm sad to see Tosh go. He did do really well at times and has a higher precentage of wins than any other Wales manager. I hope he finds another job soon. But most of all, I hope Wales find a new manager.
Neville Southall says just one new manager might not be enough but if there is just one, it should be Brian Flynn.
Many of those linked with the post have ruled themselves out.
Kenny Jackett says he is flattered to be linked with such a big job but at the moment he's committed to keeping Millwall in the Championship. At the moment, that job doesn't look particularly difficult but it's a long season. It's disappointing but it's a positive sign that Kenny is prepared to honour his commitments to Millwall - and presumably he would do the same for Wales if he is the manager some time in the future.
Gary Speed says he can't take the job as the timing is all wrong. He has only recently become manager of Sheffield United - his first managerial position, although he says this won't necessary put him at a disadvantage - and he's completely focused on that job and it wouldn't feel right to leave them in the lurch now.
Tony Pulis says he would like to manage Wales one day but he thinks it's too early in his career for him to take the job now.
However, there is one manager who has openly expressed interest in managing Wales. John Hartson has no experience but he has done his coaching badges and, as Gary Speed pointed out, having no experience didn't do Mark Hughes any harm. John Hartson would be the romantic choice. Just imagine it, John Hartson, cancer survivor, leading Wales into Euro 2012. It would be amazing and moving but perhaps not very realistic. Mark Hughes managed without experience but that doesn't mean anyone could. I am not a realist though and I would love to see John managing Wales.
Another reason to appoint John is that he's willing to ask Ryan Giggs, Simon Davies and Robbie Savage to come out of retirement. I'm not sure he'd be successful - Ryan and Robbie are both coming to the end of their careers, and Robbie is also working in the media. Simon retired due to a persistent foot injury. All three might well need their international breaks but it would be great to have a manager who is prepared to look at all the options.
Robbie Savage has however said he might be interested in playing for Wales again now John Toshack has gone (he also doesn't rule out driving the team bus). It would be great if he meant it but his claim that he wasn't going to bitch about Tosh was maybe not completely true... Robbie has also been mentioned in connection with the manager's job.
Ryan Giggs said he'd love to manage Wales one day. But not right now. Even if he was interested in taking the job on now, Sir Alex Ferguson probably wouldn't let him. In some ways I kind of feel Ryan is old enough to make up his own mind but at the same time, he already has one full-time job. To take on another job, one of which he has no experience, particularly when he's already working past the average retirement age, could well be too much for him and Ferguson is naturally eager for Ryan to continue to work to a very high standsrd with Manchester United. John Toshack feels Ryan isn't the best person as Wales need someone with managerial experience.
Brian Flynn is many people's first-choice to take on the role and he's my first-choice too. He knows a lot of the senior squad already from working with them in the under-21s. Some might point out that the under-12s failed to progress to the Uefa Under-21 Championship play-offs but they came very close and if the goal diffrence rule had applied, they would have got through - ahead of Italy. Brian has done well with the under-21s, they are currently between competitions so it seems a good time for him to move to the senior squad if he wishes to.
Chris Coleman has also been linked with the job. He's currently out of work - and he's yet to rule himself out.
Sky Sports looks at the playing and managerial career of John Toshack.
I'm sad to see Tosh go. He did do really well at times and has a higher precentage of wins than any other Wales manager. I hope he finds another job soon. But most of all, I hope Wales find a new manager.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
John Toshack to resign?
Maybe he has resigned, maybe he's going to resign, maybe it's just the media stirring things up as usual. John Toshack wasn't happy with the defeat to Montenegro - but neither was I and there's no chance I'm going to dump Wales and support England instead. He is said to have visited the Welsh FA today - but he's the Wales manager, there could be loads of reasons why he's going there. If anyone's going to visit the Welsh FA, isn't it most likely to be a manager of one of the Welsh teams?
John Toshack's Wikipedia page suggests has resigned but at the time of writing, there seem to be no other references to this quote on the Internet. Not even on the Wales FA site. Some reports state that he has gone already; others say only that he is about to offer his resignation. It's difficult to know which version to believe.
I don't really want him to go. However, if you feel you can take a team no further, there is often an advantage in getting out as soon as you can. If Tosh decides he has to go, it is probably better he leaves now while Wales still have some hope - it will be more difficult attracting a new manager if Wales lose to Bulgaria too. It will be difficult for a new Wales manager to get things ready for the October matches but if a new manager is appointed after that, Wales would be almost halfway through their fixtures, with a visit from England next on the list.
Anyway, several candidates have been suggested, including Sir Alex Ferguson and Martin O'Neill. Maybe I'm being racist but I'm not comfortable with the idea of a non-Welshman in charge. He doesn't have to be completely Welsh: if a manager is eligible to play for Wales, I would be more than happy for him to manage Wales. But all these other names: they are great managers but I'd almost rather we lost every match with a Welshman than won every match with a Scotsman in charge. Helping the team to win matches is a very important part of being a national team manager but does it really help to create a national identity?
Ryan Giggs has also been named as a potential candiate but I have reservations here too. Ryan is a great guy and his presence on the Wales training ground will be inspirational but he has no experience as a coach and arguably already has a full-time job playing for Manchester United. Ryan is working on his coaching badges and he might well be a good assistant coach but it would be a risk appointing someone so inexperienced and so busy into such a challenging role as coaching the Welsh football team.
Brian Flynn is another who has been suggested, and I have no doubt that he would be a wonderful coach. In many ways, he is the perfect candidate. He has done very well with the under-21s and, of course, he will have worked with almost all the players already. However, I would hesitate to choose him because the Wales under-21 team has been doing extremely well. They have a good chance of progressing to the play-offs as group winner. It would be unfair to them to lose their manager, even if Euro 2012 is arguably a lot more important, and potentially reducing the Wales under-21 players' chances won't necessarily help the senior Wales team. We'll know in just after 14 hours whether the under-21s are through to the next stage. If they succeed, the best thing is for Brian to stay where he is and help them progress still further. If they fail, the clamours for Brian to be the next Wales manager will probably decrease in volume slightly.
So for me, it's between Chris Coleman, Tony Pulis and Kenny Jackett. Tony Pulis has said he has a job to do at Stoke City and the job is unfinished. Fair enough, it's Wales' loss but loyalty is a qualifty I admire in managers (and that's not a dig at Tosh, he has stuck with Wales through some very difficult times). It would be a shame for Kenny Jackett to leave Millwall when he's just taken them up into the Championship - where they are doing very well (plus my dad would not be happy if Kenny left Millwall and his Welsh daughter is the one who will suffer for it, in the absence of any more senior Wales representatives). He is, however, a great manager and although he's not Welsh, he did play for Wales.
So that leaves Chris Coleman and if Tosh decides he has to go, Chris would be a very able replacement. He has mostly done well as a manager and considering the number of big clubs that have gone down to League One, even a 19th-place finish with Coventry wasn't too awful. Chris with Ryan as his assistant, maybe even an assistant player-manager... I could live with that.
But whoever is managing Wales against Bulgaria, I'm going to support him. I suppose even Alex Ferguson won't seem quite so repulsive if he's trying to help Wales win.
John Toshack's Wikipedia page suggests has resigned but at the time of writing, there seem to be no other references to this quote on the Internet. Not even on the Wales FA site. Some reports state that he has gone already; others say only that he is about to offer his resignation. It's difficult to know which version to believe.
I don't really want him to go. However, if you feel you can take a team no further, there is often an advantage in getting out as soon as you can. If Tosh decides he has to go, it is probably better he leaves now while Wales still have some hope - it will be more difficult attracting a new manager if Wales lose to Bulgaria too. It will be difficult for a new Wales manager to get things ready for the October matches but if a new manager is appointed after that, Wales would be almost halfway through their fixtures, with a visit from England next on the list.
Anyway, several candidates have been suggested, including Sir Alex Ferguson and Martin O'Neill. Maybe I'm being racist but I'm not comfortable with the idea of a non-Welshman in charge. He doesn't have to be completely Welsh: if a manager is eligible to play for Wales, I would be more than happy for him to manage Wales. But all these other names: they are great managers but I'd almost rather we lost every match with a Welshman than won every match with a Scotsman in charge. Helping the team to win matches is a very important part of being a national team manager but does it really help to create a national identity?
Ryan Giggs has also been named as a potential candiate but I have reservations here too. Ryan is a great guy and his presence on the Wales training ground will be inspirational but he has no experience as a coach and arguably already has a full-time job playing for Manchester United. Ryan is working on his coaching badges and he might well be a good assistant coach but it would be a risk appointing someone so inexperienced and so busy into such a challenging role as coaching the Welsh football team.
Brian Flynn is another who has been suggested, and I have no doubt that he would be a wonderful coach. In many ways, he is the perfect candidate. He has done very well with the under-21s and, of course, he will have worked with almost all the players already. However, I would hesitate to choose him because the Wales under-21 team has been doing extremely well. They have a good chance of progressing to the play-offs as group winner. It would be unfair to them to lose their manager, even if Euro 2012 is arguably a lot more important, and potentially reducing the Wales under-21 players' chances won't necessarily help the senior Wales team. We'll know in just after 14 hours whether the under-21s are through to the next stage. If they succeed, the best thing is for Brian to stay where he is and help them progress still further. If they fail, the clamours for Brian to be the next Wales manager will probably decrease in volume slightly.
So for me, it's between Chris Coleman, Tony Pulis and Kenny Jackett. Tony Pulis has said he has a job to do at Stoke City and the job is unfinished. Fair enough, it's Wales' loss but loyalty is a qualifty I admire in managers (and that's not a dig at Tosh, he has stuck with Wales through some very difficult times). It would be a shame for Kenny Jackett to leave Millwall when he's just taken them up into the Championship - where they are doing very well (plus my dad would not be happy if Kenny left Millwall and his Welsh daughter is the one who will suffer for it, in the absence of any more senior Wales representatives). He is, however, a great manager and although he's not Welsh, he did play for Wales.
So that leaves Chris Coleman and if Tosh decides he has to go, Chris would be a very able replacement. He has mostly done well as a manager and considering the number of big clubs that have gone down to League One, even a 19th-place finish with Coventry wasn't too awful. Chris with Ryan as his assistant, maybe even an assistant player-manager... I could live with that.
But whoever is managing Wales against Bulgaria, I'm going to support him. I suppose even Alex Ferguson won't seem quite so repulsive if he's trying to help Wales win.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Wales Player News 19th May (Championship)
Australia manager Pim Verbeek have criticised Middlesbrough’s decision to force Rhys Williams to play through a pelvis injury. Rhys is having treatment on the injury, which could cause him to miss out on playing for Australia in the World Cup. Isn't that what I said would happen? Sometimes it's horrible being right. I've dreamed of seeing a former Wales under-21 player at the World Cup. Of course, in my dreams he didn't play for Australia but you have to be willing to compromise in football.
Preston North End manager Darren Ferguson would like to buy centre back Craig Morgan from his old club, Peterborough United. Preston are however in financial difficulties so they probably won’t be able to afford him. Ferguson says Paul Parry is unlikely to be fit in time for the start of the 2010-11 season. Paul injured his knee in December and hasn’t played since.
Yeovil Town manager Terry Skiverton thinks that Shaun MacDonald, who had two loan spells with his club this season, has a big future. Unfortunately, Skiverton seems to feel Shaun’s future is with Swansea City rather than Yeovil. Shaun is currently in contract talks with Swansea.
Swansea City midfielder Matty Collins had a trial with Bristol Rovers in April which I didn't know about. No news on whether that came to anything.
Swansea City’s Kerry Morgan spent time this season on loan at Newport County, helping them into the Blue Square Premier. Manager Dean Holdsworth wouldn’t mind having him back.
Former Coventry manager Chris Coleman has been linked with Swansea City. For the moment, Swansea still have a manager, Paolo Sousa but that might not be the case for long.
Jonathan North is set to be released by Watford after not playing this season. He’s played for Oxford City on loan but the 19 year old goalkeeper hasn’t played for Watford this season.
Preston North End manager Darren Ferguson would like to buy centre back Craig Morgan from his old club, Peterborough United. Preston are however in financial difficulties so they probably won’t be able to afford him. Ferguson says Paul Parry is unlikely to be fit in time for the start of the 2010-11 season. Paul injured his knee in December and hasn’t played since.
Yeovil Town manager Terry Skiverton thinks that Shaun MacDonald, who had two loan spells with his club this season, has a big future. Unfortunately, Skiverton seems to feel Shaun’s future is with Swansea City rather than Yeovil. Shaun is currently in contract talks with Swansea.
Swansea City midfielder Matty Collins had a trial with Bristol Rovers in April which I didn't know about. No news on whether that came to anything.
Swansea City’s Kerry Morgan spent time this season on loan at Newport County, helping them into the Blue Square Premier. Manager Dean Holdsworth wouldn’t mind having him back.
Former Coventry manager Chris Coleman has been linked with Swansea City. For the moment, Swansea still have a manager, Paolo Sousa but that might not be the case for long.
Jonathan North is set to be released by Watford after not playing this season. He’s played for Oxford City on loan but the 19 year old goalkeeper hasn’t played for Watford this season.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Championship Results 2nd May Part 1
Blackpool 1-1 Bristol City
A point for Blackpool was enough to ensure they ended the season in sixth place – and in the play-offs. They’ll face Nottingham Forest in the play-off semi-finals. It’s a great result for Blackpool but the ever-amusing Ian Hollway says he was promised a bonus if he could keep Blackpool in the Championship. But if they continue their good form in the play-offs, he might not be able to keep them in the Championship. I really want Cardiff to go up but I’ve really enjoyed Blackpool this season and it would be great to see Ian Holloway on Match of the Day every week.
Bristol City finish in 10th place. It’s a disappointing end to the season for a club who were challenging for the play-offs at the start of the season but considering they also spent some time challenging for relegation, maybe 10th is a relief in some ways.
David Vaughan was very lively for Blackpool and Bristol Evening Post credits him with bringing the crowd back to life, so maybe he should go to medical school once he’d finished playing football.
Rob Edwards remained on the bench and Neal Eardley was out of the squad again, perhaps with a recurrence of his hamstring injury.
Lewin Nyatanga played for Bristol City again but Christian Ribeiro was out of the squad.
Coventry City 0-4 Watford
Coventry’s season ended disappointingly as the former play-off contenders were thrashed 4-0 by Watford, who aren’t exactly known for their good away form. Manager Chris Coleman was sacked a few days later. Coventry finish in 19th although they’re only three points away from 13th-place Queen’s Park Rangers.
Watford sealed their survival last week but they finished their season in style, which puts them ahead of Coventry – and the other two teams with 54 points – on goal difference.
Freddy Eastwood played 71 minutes for Coventry but couldn’t get them a goal although they were only 2-0 down when he left the field so maybe he’d been busy defending.
Derby County 2-0 Cardiff City
Derby finished their season with a win that took them to 14th place. The season might not have been everything they’d hoped for but it wasn’t completely without its positives. A few new players next season might make a big difference.
They might not have won though if Cardiff hadn’t chosen to rest all their best players. It’s a gamble that might pay off with the players all fresh and rested for the play-offs but it does mean they aren’t really going into the matches on a run of good form. They finished fourth though and it’s great to see them in the play-offs after so nearly making it last year.
Aaron Wildig was the only (almost) Welshman to start for Cardiff. He struggled to deal with Robbie Savage but perhaps not as much as the local radio stations have recently (yay Robbie!). Adam Matthews came off the bench after 63 minutes. Joe Ledley was also on the bench with youngsters Aaron Morris and Jonathan Meades.
A point for Blackpool was enough to ensure they ended the season in sixth place – and in the play-offs. They’ll face Nottingham Forest in the play-off semi-finals. It’s a great result for Blackpool but the ever-amusing Ian Hollway says he was promised a bonus if he could keep Blackpool in the Championship. But if they continue their good form in the play-offs, he might not be able to keep them in the Championship. I really want Cardiff to go up but I’ve really enjoyed Blackpool this season and it would be great to see Ian Holloway on Match of the Day every week.
Bristol City finish in 10th place. It’s a disappointing end to the season for a club who were challenging for the play-offs at the start of the season but considering they also spent some time challenging for relegation, maybe 10th is a relief in some ways.
David Vaughan was very lively for Blackpool and Bristol Evening Post credits him with bringing the crowd back to life, so maybe he should go to medical school once he’d finished playing football.
Rob Edwards remained on the bench and Neal Eardley was out of the squad again, perhaps with a recurrence of his hamstring injury.
Lewin Nyatanga played for Bristol City again but Christian Ribeiro was out of the squad.
Coventry City 0-4 Watford
Coventry’s season ended disappointingly as the former play-off contenders were thrashed 4-0 by Watford, who aren’t exactly known for their good away form. Manager Chris Coleman was sacked a few days later. Coventry finish in 19th although they’re only three points away from 13th-place Queen’s Park Rangers.
Watford sealed their survival last week but they finished their season in style, which puts them ahead of Coventry – and the other two teams with 54 points – on goal difference.
Freddy Eastwood played 71 minutes for Coventry but couldn’t get them a goal although they were only 2-0 down when he left the field so maybe he’d been busy defending.
Derby County 2-0 Cardiff City
Derby finished their season with a win that took them to 14th place. The season might not have been everything they’d hoped for but it wasn’t completely without its positives. A few new players next season might make a big difference.
They might not have won though if Cardiff hadn’t chosen to rest all their best players. It’s a gamble that might pay off with the players all fresh and rested for the play-offs but it does mean they aren’t really going into the matches on a run of good form. They finished fourth though and it’s great to see them in the play-offs after so nearly making it last year.
Aaron Wildig was the only (almost) Welshman to start for Cardiff. He struggled to deal with Robbie Savage but perhaps not as much as the local radio stations have recently (yay Robbie!). Adam Matthews came off the bench after 63 minutes. Joe Ledley was also on the bench with youngsters Aaron Morris and Jonathan Meades.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Championship Fixtures 16th March Part 1
Barnsley v Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest, who have forgotten how to win away, take on Barnsley, who seem to be making a late run for the play-offs. Giving top scorer Robert Earnshaw a place in the starting line-up seems a not unreasonable tactic. You will not be surprised to learn I have no quarrel with Chris Gunter’s ever-presence in defence.
Coventry City v Cardiff City
If Coventry are planning on sneaking into the play-offs, a win over Cardiff today will do the job.
Coventry are doing so well, Freddy Eastwood hasn’t been able to force his way back into the starting line-up following recent injuries, although manager Chris Coleman is considering recalling him. Chris is a Swansea fan so he’ll want nothing more than to dump Cardiff out of the play-offs.
But Cardiff do have a few of their many injured players returning. Maybe even Joe Ledley will be back before the season ends. On the negative side, this probably decreases the chance of Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig getting another start. But if it means Cardiff will win, I’m prepared to sacrifice my favourite players.
Congratulations to Adam, who has won the Championship Apprentice of the Year award at the 2010 Football League Awards. The 2007 winner was another Cardiff player, Chris Gunter, now at Nottingham Forest.
Crystal Palace v Leicester City
Palace continue to fight for survival under a manager who has already been sacked twice this season. Leicester, expected to struggle following their promotion from League One, are seven points clear of seventh place.
Andy King seems likely to keep his place in Leicester’s side, with Nicky Adams remaining on the bench.
Nottingham Forest, who have forgotten how to win away, take on Barnsley, who seem to be making a late run for the play-offs. Giving top scorer Robert Earnshaw a place in the starting line-up seems a not unreasonable tactic. You will not be surprised to learn I have no quarrel with Chris Gunter’s ever-presence in defence.
Coventry City v Cardiff City
If Coventry are planning on sneaking into the play-offs, a win over Cardiff today will do the job.
Coventry are doing so well, Freddy Eastwood hasn’t been able to force his way back into the starting line-up following recent injuries, although manager Chris Coleman is considering recalling him. Chris is a Swansea fan so he’ll want nothing more than to dump Cardiff out of the play-offs.
But Cardiff do have a few of their many injured players returning. Maybe even Joe Ledley will be back before the season ends. On the negative side, this probably decreases the chance of Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig getting another start. But if it means Cardiff will win, I’m prepared to sacrifice my favourite players.
Congratulations to Adam, who has won the Championship Apprentice of the Year award at the 2010 Football League Awards. The 2007 winner was another Cardiff player, Chris Gunter, now at Nottingham Forest.
Crystal Palace v Leicester City
Palace continue to fight for survival under a manager who has already been sacked twice this season. Leicester, expected to struggle following their promotion from League One, are seven points clear of seventh place.
Andy King seems likely to keep his place in Leicester’s side, with Nicky Adams remaining on the bench.
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