Showing posts with label jason brown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jason brown. Show all posts

Thursday, 20 January 2011

Transfer News and Rumours 20th January 2010

Blackburn Rovers Jason Brown is hoping to leave Blackburn, either permanently or on loan, in order to get some first-team football and play for Wales again.

David Vaughan, along with some of his other Blackpool team-mates, has been told he won’t be leaving the club this transfer window. Certainly not to go to an inferior club like Liverpool.

Manchester United will offer Ryan Giggs a new one-year contract.


Derby County have told Robbie Savage that if he wants to join the Vancouver Whitecaps, he can go this winter.

Derby County have been bidding for Ben Davies again but Notts County just didn’t seem to want to let him go. Ben says he loves Notts County and doesn’t want to leave but he would love to play in the Championship – and, at 29, he might not get many more chances. Notts County manager Paul Ince said that if Derby want Ben, they’ll need to come up with a much bigger bid than they’ve done so far. Presumably, Derby managed this – although maybe it was Ben’s transfer request that forced the move. (You see why they call them 'transfer sagas'?)

Leeds United are interested in signing Sanchez Watt on a permanent basis from Arsenal.

Steve Morison, who has attracted the attention of clubs including Fulham, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, is in talks with Millwall about a new contract.

Reading manager Brian McDermott doesn’t want to sell any player this January. So Wolverhampton Wanderers can keep their paws off Simon Church.

Swansea City defender Ashley Williams is still attracting the attention of Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic but team-mate Nathan Dyer says it would be silly for Ashley to leave Swansea.


Jason Price thinks former loan club Bradford City need to sign some loud players.

Charlton Athletic don’t have any Welsh players but they could be interested in Plymouth Argyle’s Carl Fletcher.

Lee Beevers has been a regular at left back for Colchester United recently – but manager John Ward seems to be interested in replacing him.

Rochdale have signed Owain fon Williams from struggling League Two Stockport County following his excellent performances for League Two promotion contenders Bury. Championship side Derby County were also interested. Owain’s contract with Rochdale runs until the end of the season.

Saturday, 8 January 2011

Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 1)

Arsenal v Leeds United
Arsenal’s quest for silverware sees them take on the team who knocked Manchester United last year – and came close to doing the same to Tottenham Hotspur.
Aaron Ramsey could make his first appearance of the season as part of Arsenal’s squad.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/07/aaron-ramsey-arsenal-return-leeds
Sanchez Watt has been given permission to play for Leeds against his parent club but he has a head injury.


Blackburn Rovers v Queen’s Park Rangers

QPR get to test out how close they are to being ready for the Premier League.
Jason Brown could be in Blackburn’s squad but I kind of doubt it really. They do have a lot of injury problems but not in goal.

Bolton Wanderers v York City
Bolton are looking like European contenders but York have achieved something just by being here.
Bolton are expected to field a weakened side so Sam Ricketts could be rested. The Press disagree with me though – they think Sam will get a ‘rare start’. Sam has been on the bench once in the last ten matches. Sam knows what it’s like to be a non-league player but he won’t be giving York too much sympathy.
Levi Mackin will both hope to feature for York despite missing training when his baby daughter was born. As York have a fully-fit squad, Danny Parslow is presumably also available but Alex Lawless has signed for Luton Town following a loan spell with the club.

Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday
There’s definitely some giant-killing potential here although it won’t be giant-killing of the most romantic kind. Still, it’s hardly a fumble in the bushes either.
Several Bristol City players have fitness problems which should increase Lewin Nyatanga, Christian Ribeiro and Brett Pitman’s chances of playing. Gavin Williams has had surgery on a foot injury and is expected to be out for three weeks. Sam Vokes is back at Wolverhampton Wanderers following his not exactly successful loan spell.

Friday, 7 January 2011

Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Premier League, Part 1)

I’m never going to catch up on all the matches that have taken place (or not) so I’ll just do a quick overview of all the Welsh (and nearly Welsh) players.

Arsenal
Aaron Ramsey made his long-awaited return to non-reserve football when he came off the bench for loan club Nottingham Forest. A number of Forest’s matches were cancelled due to the snow but Aaron managed four appearances, including two starts. Forest were hoping to extend Aaron’s loan but Arsene Wenger understandably said no.
(all matches with Nottingham Forest)
Palace H 3-0 (bench, on 74)
Derby H 5-2 (starts, off 60)
Barnsley A 2-2 (bench, on 54)

Sanchez Watt
is still on loan at Leeds United so I’ll talk about him later.

Aston Villa
James Collins has got himself into a few spots of bother on and off the field but he has managed to keep his place in the team. Along with practically every other footballer whose name the media knows, there have been rumours about him leaving his club in the transfer window.
Spurs H 1-2 (played all)
Man C A 4-0 (played all)
Chelsea A 3-3 (Y foul 22, played all)
Sunderland H 0-1 (Y foul 45+2, played all)

Elliot Parish hasn’t been near the first team as far as I’m aware. Even when reserve keeper Brad Guzan was absent, Villa stuck some other guy on the benc. But hopefully that will dissuade the England lower level sides from picking him and then Wales can nip in.

Blackburn Rovers
Jason Brown has returned from Leyton Orient, ending his second loan spell of the season. Leeds United and Leyton Orient should have given him a clue about whether he really wants first-team football or not. Jason played no matches over the Christmas period due to the cancellation of Orient’s games and what can only be ignorance (or that’s what I tell myself) on the part of new manager Steve Kean.

Blackpool

Neal Eardley didn’t start the season at the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind (and maybe that was no bad thing the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind is probably a scary place) but now he’s starting every match and providing assists (although he didn’t get any over Christmas).
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)

David Vaughan has gone about his duties rather more quietly than Neal and if you’re not physically watching or listening to the match, it’s difficult to know if he’s doing anything at all. But according to fans and manager, he most certainly is. David’s contract ends this summer and Ian Holloway wants to keep him – but only if he’ll stop arguing and sign a new contract. If he won’t sign, it might be better to let him go now and get a bit of money for him. It’s not like Blackpool are in dire relegation straits after all. There’s nothing dire about Blackpool.
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)

Rob Edwards
had a period of not being in the matchday squad but it turned out he was injured and over the past month, he has been on the bench every time. Maybe that’s not where he most wants to be but as long as you’re on the bench, at least you have a chance of playing.
Sunderland A 0-2 (bench)
Man City A 1-0 (bench)
Birmingham H 1-2 (bench)
Bolton Wanderers
Sam Ricketts got himself back into the first team and has pretty much stayed there. He did get dropped for one match but Bolton Wanderers soon saw sense and brought him on as a substitute.
Sunderland A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 2-0 (bench, on 64)
Chelsea A 1-0 (played all)
Liverpool A 2-1 (played all)
Wigan H 1-1 (played all)

Chelsea

Rhys Taylor is still on loan at Crewe Alexandra from ‘struggling Chelsea’. He has the option of moving to another club in this transfer window but if he does want to go, he’s been keeping it quiet.

Fulham
Simon Davies said his ongoing foot injury would prevent him from playing regularly for Fulham but it looks as though he’s underestimated himself. But the really good news is that he hasn’t said a definite no in response to Gary Speed’s attempt to recall him to the Wales squad so I kind of feel vaguely hopeful some of the time.
Simon has four assists from his last four games, as well as a brilliant goal.
West Ham H 1-3 (A1 11, played all)
Stoke A 0-2 (played all)
Spurs A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 3-0 (starts, G1 45+1, A2 56, A3 65, off 82)

Manchester City

Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy remains on loan at Cardiff City for the season although there are reports of plans to steal him away from his childhood club.

Saturday, 18 December 2010

League One Fixture (and Postponements) 18th December 2010

Only one match in League One is going ahead today.

Bristol Rovers P-P Colchester United


Dagenham & Redbridge P-P Peterborough United

Exeter City v Sheffield Wednesday
It must be quite nice being the only team in League One with a playable pitch. I don’t know when the Sheffield Wednesday players left Sheffield or if they’ve actually got there in one piece but it’s difficult to imagine them getting home tonight.
Richard Duffy should start for Exeter after some good performances but he doesn’t think he’s quite at his best yet. Daniel Nardiello seems to start on alternate matches so it’s his turn to start this time. Rob Edwards will probably be on the bench. Rob says the club are excited to be playing at home again after a long run of away matches.
Goalkeeper and general manager Andy Marriott will leave Exeter to join West Bromwich Albion as assistant to the sporting and technical director. He’ll be missed but manager Paul Tisdale says the players and staff are thrilled for him.

Leyton Orient P-P Plymouth Argyle
This match would have been Jason Brown’s final game on loan at Leyton Orient although he is hoping to extend his loan spell.

Rochdale P-P Bournemouth

Swindon Town P-P Tranmere Rovers
Ash Taylor was looking forward to getting back into Tranmere’s starting line-up after being out injured for four months. He was a doubt for this match due to a wrist injury but now he definitely won’t be playing.
Fellow Tranmere player Jack Mackreth has signed for Colwyn Bay on loan. He has just returned from a loan spell at Burscough Town where he played against Colwyn Bay. Jack joins Welsh players including former Crewe Alexandra striker Alex Titchiner, who has just returned from a loan spell at Chester.

Yeovil Town P-P Carlisle United

Friday, 17 December 2010

League One Results 11th December 2010 (Part 2)

Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Exeter City
Plymouth won for the second successive match as Exeter slide out of the top half of the table.
Carl Fletcher finally made his return from a leg injury as a 54th-minute substitute.
Richard Duffy helped Exeter to keep a clean sheet and there was also a start for Daniel Nardiello, who could have scored but didn’t. Rob Edwards was on the bench.

Sheffield Wednesday 6-2 Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers often do well against the top sides and as long as you just look at the away team’s goals and ignore the rest, they did well to score twice and on another day might have got something. But things really didn’t go according to plan for Bristol Rovers.
Byron Anthony played the full match for Bristol Rovers. Ben Swallow made a substitute appearance but Eliot Richards didn’t.

Southampton 0-2 Brentford
Brentford moved up to tenth after a great win over the former favourites to win the title. This was Brentford’s fifth consecutive away win.
Ryan Doble was on the bench for Southampton.

Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Leyton Orient
Sheffield Wednesday’s thrashing of Bristol Rovers ensured they went into the bottom four instead of Tranmere but other than that, Tranmere will be disappointed. Orient climbed over both teams and also promoted duo Notts County and Rochdale to take the points.
Ash Taylor was on the bench for Tranmere.
Jason Brown got his first league win with Leyton Orient. Not that he’s ever lost with Leyton Orient. Jason was very impressed with the not-exactly-first-choice centre backs.

Saturday, 11 December 2010

League One Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 2)

Plymouth Argyle v Exeter City
Exeter won when the two Devonshire teams faced one another recently in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and was the first of a four-match unbeaten run for Exeter – which will become five if they don’t lose this game. Plymouth however are on a winning run. If you can have a run of one games.
Carl Fletcher should actually play for Plymouth this time after finally recovering from a leg injury. Carl is on a three-match unbeaten run while Plymouth did win their last game. Carl says the club’s financial problems are affecting the players but they’ll still be doing their best to win the derby.
Exeter’s Richard Duffy has a slight hamstring problem but he should be fit to play. Rob Edwards has warned his team-mates to be wary of Plymouth while Daniel Nardiello is looking forward to giving Plymouth even more to worry about although he’s likely to be on the bench.

Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers are looking forward to taking on Sheffield Wednesday. They are unbeaten in two despite playing the matches in question against the top two, Brighton & Hove Albion and Charlton Athletic. They would have faced third-placed Bournemouth last weekend had the weather not intervened so now they play fourth-placed Sheffield Wednesday. Nice stat although maybe Sheffield Wednesday wouldn’t have been fourth if the last lot of matches had all gone ahead. Bristol Rovers’ next league fixture is against Colchester United – who could easily be in fifth by the time that match comes around. The run will end there as Walsall won’t quite get up to 6th place in time for the match after that (actually they won’t even be out of the relegation zone) but it was nice while it lasted.
Byron Anthony returns from suspension to boost Bristol Rovers’ chances of not losing. Ben Swallow (scorer of the best goal in the last round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) and Eliot Richards will probably be on the bench.

Tranmere Rovers v Leyton Orient
Tranmere are only two places outside the relegation zone but they’re already thinking in terms of the top half – two wins could to it. And with Orient missing two central defenders following their dismissal in the FA Cup match against Droylsden (and having won only one away game this season), Tranmere might fancy their chances.
However, Tranmere will have to get past Orient’s loanee goalkeeper Jason Brown, who is unbeaten not only in his four matches for Orient (let’s ignore the fact his only win came in extra time), he was unbeaten in his last three games for parent club Blackburn Rovers, including the match against Chelsea.
Ash Taylor could make his first start of the season after recovering from knee surgery.
Jack Mackreth has returned to Tranmere Rovers following a very successful loan spell with Burscough and was on the bench against Hartlepool United as I failed to mention. So he could be on the bench again.

Monday, 29 November 2010

FA Cup Fixture 29th November 2010

Droylsden v Leyton Orient
Cheating giant-killers Droylsden take on League One strugglers Leyton Orient.
Blackburn Rovers don’t seem that keen on Jason Brown, the idiots, so they’ll probably give Orient permission to play him in the FA Cup.

Saturday, 27 November 2010

Welsh Players on Loan

These Welsh players just won’t stop playing musical football teams.

Let’s see who this season’s movers and shakers are – Bury loanee Owain fon Williams being the Shaker.

Championship Loanees
Sam Vokes - Wolverhampton Wanderers to Bristol City
Craig Bellamy - Manchester City to Cardiff City
Jason Koumas - Wigan Athletic to Cardiff City
Sanchez Watt - Arsenal to Leeds United
Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal to Nottingham Forest
Jermaine Easter – Milton Keynes Dons to Swansea City

League One Loanees
Kayelden Brown – West Bromwich Albion to Tranmere Rovers, then Dagenham & Redbridge
Jason Brown – Blackburn Rovers to Leeds United, then Leyton Orient
Lewin Nyatanga – Bristol Rovers to Peterborough United
Nicky Adams – Brentford to Rochdale
Shaun MacDonald – Swansea City to Yeovil Town
Owain Tudur Jones – Norwich City to Yeovil Town
Gavin Williams – Bristol City to Yeovil Town

League Two Loanees
Jason Price – Carlisle United to Bradford City
Owain fon Williams – Stockport County to Bury
Rhys Taylor - Chelsea to Crewe Alexandra
Tony James – Burton Albion to Hereford United (now back at Burton)
Nathaniel Jarvis – Cardiff City to Southend United (now back at Cardiff)
Anthony Pulis – Southampton to Stockport County

Others

Joe Partington – Bournemouth to Eastbourne Borough
Rhys Day – Oxford United to Mansfield Town
Kerry Morgan - Swansea City to Newport County
Jack Mackreth – Tranmere Rovers to Burscough
Jonathan Meades - Cardiff City to FK Moss (now back at Cardiff)

Tuesday, 23 November 2010

League One Results 20th November 2010 (Part 2)

Huddersfield Town 0-1 Exeter City
Exeter are only in 12th place but they are only two points behind the topsix – and one behind Huddersfield.
Richard Duffy scored Exeter’s goal with his head. Daniel Nardiello was a late substitute but Rob Edwards stayed on the bench.

Leyton Orient 2-2 Bournemouth

Orient came back from 2-0 down to snatch a point in the second minute of stoppage time.
Jason Brown made his first start for Orient, after joining on loan from Blackburn Rovers, who’d only just got him back from Leeds United. He let in two goals but he had no chance with at least one of them.
Rhoys Wiggins played the full match for Bournemouth.

Milton Keynes Dons 1-4 Sheffield Wednesday
MK Dons lost at home for the first time when they were thrashed 4-1 by Sheffield Wednesday. MK Dons took the lead in the 6th minute but it all went downhill from there.
Jermaine Easter was again absent for MK Dons due to a thigh injury.

Notts County 0-1 Tranmere Rovers
Notts County are in the bottom four, three points behind Plymouth Argyle, after losing to Tranmere, who are now six points clear of trouble.
Ben Davies could have got a couple of goals for Notts County.
Ash Taylor made a surprise appearance on the bench for Tranmere. It was his first appearance in a Tranmere squad this season since having a knee operation in the summer.

Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Brentford
Brentford continue to improve as Plymouth go the other way.Another defeat and they could be in the bottom four – but only if Notts County win.
Carl Fletcher is still out with a leg injury.

Rochdale 3-3 Swindon Town
Swindon must have been feeling all hopeful after first they equalised and then, two minutes later, went ahead. But Rochdale scored five minutes later and the points were shared.
Nicky Adams started for Rochdale. Matt Done was on the bench.

Southampton 4-1 Peterborough United
Football doesn’t have wheels even when things are going well but if Peterborough did have wheels, perhaps they really would be coming off. It’s their second consecutive thrashing and they’re down to 11th, if only two points from the play-offs.
Lewin Nyatanga and Arron Davies both played the full match for Peterborough.

Walsall 2-1 Carlisle United

Walsall got a very welcome three points when they came from behind to beat play-off hopefuls Carlisle.
Sean Geddes was on the bench for Walsall.

Saturday, 20 November 2010

League One Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 2)

Huddersfield Town v Exeter City
Huddersfield remain in the top six but Exeter’s away form is starting to let them down. As in down the table.
Richard Duffy will probably start for Exeter. Daniel Nardiello has recovered from a back injury and could return to the starting line-up. Rob Edwards is more likely to be on the bench.

Leyton Orient v Bournemouth
Bournemouth are in third place but they’ve only actually won one away match. Orient actually have a pretty good home record.
Leyton Orient have signed Jason Brown on loan from Blackburn Rovers, apparently just minutes after he returned from his loan to Leeds United. Jason will be at Orient for one month and could go straight into the starting line-up.
Rhoys Wiggins will start for Bournemouth.

Milton Keynes Dons v Sheffield Wednesday
When I was little, these two teams were in the Premier League and they were pretty good, I remember them both being top of the league in the same season (but obviously not at the same time). Now they’re not quite as good and I can hardly remember them being in the top division. MK Dons are unbeaten at home though which is always good.
Jermaine Easter is either out or recovered or having a fitness test. Take your pick, that's what most people seem to have done. I’ll assume he won’t play.

Notts County v Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere are out of the bottom four but they’ll be back in there in goal difference if Notts County beat them tomorrow.
Ben Davies will start for Notts County.
Ash Taylor (knee) is still out for Tranmere. He was meant to play a practice match a few days ago but I can’t find out anything about it. Let’s assume no news is good news.

Plymouth Argyle v Brentford
Brentford are slowly but surely climbing the table but Plymouth’s movement seems to be mostly in the other direction.
Carl Fletcher could return from a leg injury although reports last week suggested Plymouth could be without their captain for quite a while.

Rochdale v Swindon Town
Rochdale started well this season whereas Swindon started badly. But their fortunes have reversed somewhat and Swindon are the higher in the table of the two teams. However, Swindon are also the side who have only won once away.
Nicky Adams will hope to keep his place in Rochdale’s starting line-up. I’m sure it’s not his fault Rochdale have got worse since he joined. Matt Done is more likely to be on the bench.

Southampton v Peterborough United
Peterborough will be helping Southampton won’t embarrass them like Charlton did. But Southampton are another one of those ex-Premier League sides. Although Peterborough were in a higher division than them last season so maybe it’s Southampton who should be embarrassed.
Lots of people blamed Lewin Nyatanga for at least one of the goals Peterborough let in against Charlton but I hope he still starts. Arron Davies should also keep his place.

Walsall v Carlisle United
If Walsall win their next three games, they might – just might – be out of the bottom three. It looks like they’ve got a bit of work to do.
Sean Geddes was back on Walsall’s substitutes’ bench for their last match so hopefully he’ll keep his place. And maybe one day he’ll get to play.

Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 3)

Norwich City v Leeds United
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.

Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.

Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.

Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.

Tuesday, 16 November 2010

Championship Results 13th November 2010 (Part 1)

Crystal Palace 2-0 Coventry City
Crystal Palace climbed above Preston with a surprise victory over Coventry, who drop to eleventh but remain only two points outside the play-off places.
Andy Dorman was missing from Palace’s team but Lewis Price was back on the bench after recovering from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood came off the bench after 71 minutes, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee operation.

Ipswich Town 1-3 Barnsley
Barnsley won away for the second time this season as Ipswich showed that perhaps they’re not back to their early season form after all. By the end, the Ipswich fans were cheering Barnsley but it was the home team who got a late goal.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.

Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
Leeds got their first home win for nearly three months against a Bristol City team who were unbeaten in five. Hard to imagine and if I had my spreadsheets I would check that (too lazy to look at every match report) but as I don’t I’ll take BBC Sport’s word for it. They don’t usually do anything too badly wrong although they did once say Middlesbrough keeper Danny Coyne was on the bench when he was actually playing.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Leeds’ own Welsh keeper, Jason Brown (well actually he’s not their own keeper, he’s Blackburn’s) really was on the bench but Sanchez Watt wasn’t ready to return from an ankle injury after all. Jason returned to Blackburn after this match as his loan spell had come to an end but Leeds manager Simon Grayson says he’s good to have around the place.
Brett Pitman, who got thirty-four minutes of action, was Bristol City’s only Welsh representative. And technically he’s not even that. I don’t think he’s chosen his country yet.

Leicester City 2-0 Derby County
Leicester move five points clear of the relegation zone after an excellent win over in-form Derby
Andy King scored Leicester’s first goal after thirteen minutes. and got himself into the Championship Team of the Week.
Robbie Savage missed out on the chance to face his former club as he wasft on the bench. And Derby lost, what a coincidence. Gareth Roberts wasn’t selected due to a back problem. His place on the bench was taken by a second goalkeeper.
Robbie thinks people are starting to like him. Well, I'm not starting to like you, Robbie. I've loved him for a long time now.

Millwalll 0-1 Sheffield United
Millwall are off on another winless run as Sheffield United ended a winless run of their own. Millwall played well and probably deserved an equaliser at least but it didn’t happen.
Steve Morison was back from suspension for Millwall.
Ched Evans got to start for Sheffield United but it wasn’t his goal.

Friday, 12 November 2010

Championship Fixtures 13th November 2010 (Part 1)

Crystal Palace v Coventry City
If Palace win this one, they could get off the bottom of the table – they’re only bottom on goal difference at the moment.
Andy Dorman will hope to start for Palace. Lewis Price could be on the bench if he’s recovered from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood was back in the squad for Coventry’s last match – maybe he’ll actually get to play a bit this time.

Ipswich Town v Barnsley
Ipswich have not lost to Barnsley for twelve years. I’m not sure how often they were in the same division as they’ve spent three seasons between them in the Premier League and Barnsley had some time in League One but whatever. Barnsley haven’t been known for their away wins but they did get one in their last game. It was only against Preston North End but maybe it’s given them a bit of confidence.
Troy Brown could be in Ipswich’s squad again – and he’s one of Roy Keane’s reasons for not buying a right back although unfortunately some centre back is first choice instead of Troy.

Leeds United v Bristol City
Leeds and Bristol City play each other in the League for the first time in 31 years which just seems impossible but I suppose they must have passed each other when Leeds went down to League One and Bristol City came up.
Sanchez Watt could return to Leeds’ squad after recovering from an ankle injury but they might prefer not to risk him. They’ve risked him at least twice already and it so wasn’t worth it. Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds.
Brett Pitman is probably most likely to be on Bristol City’s bench (are you sure you didn’t want to go to Blackpool, Brett? A manager who thinks nothing of resting eleven players?). There is some dispute about whether Christian Ribeiro (groin) is ready to return to the squad but I think Sam Vokes (hamstring) is definitely out.

Leicester City v Derby County
Leicester have been doing really well lately, especially considering who their manager is. Derby, however, have been doing even better and have gone from relegation battle to play-off places in the space of a few games.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Robbie Savage will hope to start for Derby against his old club but he does get rested every now and then. It’s his age. If he does play, it will be Robbie’s 100th appearance for Derby. Robbie feels Andy Carroll deserves to be in the England squad. Very true, he does, but I hope you don’t mean against Wales, Robbie. Hopefully you’ll be there to help deal with him but I don’t want good players like that playing against Wales. Not that I think Wales couldn’t beat a good England team, I just think the win will be even funnier if Emile Heskey plays. Yes, I know he’s retired but players are always coming out of retirement these days. And I only hope it becomes common among the Welsh.
Gareth Roberts will probably be on the bench. Apparently he was close to being recalled for Derby’s win over Ipswich but close doesn’t count.

Millwall v Sheffield United
Millwall are looking for their first win in five games but Sheffield United have won only one in the last nine.
Steve Morison is back in Millwall’s squad after serving a one-match suspension for receiving five yellow cards.
Ched Evans will hope to start for Sheffield United.

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Championship Fixtures 9th November 2010 (Part 1)

Burnley v Doncaster Rovers
Burnley are still yet to win away but their home form is very good, meaning they’re just two points outside the play-offs. Doncaster’s away form is better than Burnley’s and they’ve always been good at springing surprises. They’re only behind Burnley on goal difference.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both keep their places in Doncaster’s midfield after a series of good performances. John will be facing a former club.

Crystal Palace v Watford
A win for Palace is unlikely to lift them out of the bottom three but they’ll struggle against Watford, who have an excellent away record.
Andy Dorman will hope to be back in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price missed out at the weekend due to a back injury and he hasn’t yet recovered so he’s out.

Ipswich Town v Derby County
A great run from Derby recently means they’re now ahead of Ipswich on goal difference but their away form has not been so good and Ipswich won on the last five occasions on which teams met.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Robbie Savage should keep his place in Derby’s starting line-up but he has been rested a couple of times this season already. Gareth Roberts might come in to cover a suspension.

Leeds United v Hull City
For the last two seasons, Hull have been two divisions above Leeds but things are very different now. A second successive promotion certainly doesn’t look impossible for Leeds while Hull aren’t an obvious candidate for bouncing back into the Premier League at the first attempt. They have only won twice at Elland Road.
Jason Brown came into the starting line-up last week when Kasper Schmeichel became a father but he’s expected to be back on the bench for this match. Sanchez Watt is still out with an ankle injury.

Monday, 8 November 2010

Championship Results 6th November 2010 (Part 1)

Barnsley 0-2 Leicester City
Leicester won only their second away game of the season to beat Barnsley.and get a second consecutive win.
Andy King scored twice for Leicester but the first one was offside. The stand-in captain got the winner four minutes from the end of the match.

Bristol City 1-1 Preston North End
Bristol City’s problem at home continue – they have only six points from their eight home games.
Brett Pitman was a late substitute for Bristol City and had a late chance to grab a winner.
Craig Morgan was back in Preston’s starting line-up. Paul Parry made another appearance from the bench.

Coventry City 2-3 Leeds United
Coventry remain in the play-off places, despite losing to Leeds, who are now only a point behind them.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t return to Coventry’s squad as expected.
Jason Brown was back in goal for Leeds after first-choice keeper Kasper Schmeichel became a father on Friday night.
Sanchez Watt didn’t return from his ankle injury.

Derby County 2-0 Portsmouth

Derby are up in fourth place after a fifth successive home win – which also happens to be their fifth home win of the season.
Robbie Savage scored a penalty in the 23rd minute and Derby never looked back. Well, they probably did look back. It wouldn’t have been 2-0 if they hadn’t looked back. Gareth Roberts was on the bench. It sounds like the Derby players did well – but, as Robbie reminds us, the manager plays a part too.

Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Millwall

Millwall often do seem to take the lead in matches. They take the lead and get your hopes in but then they let in two and don’t score anymore and suddenly it’s not the result you wanted at all.
Brian Stock and John Oster both played the full match for Doncaster.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s goal ans got his fifth yellow card.

Saturday, 6 November 2010

Championship Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 1)

Barnsley v Leicester City
Andy King should keep his place in Leicester’s starting line-up.

Bristol City v Preston North End
Brett Pitman will be in Bristol City’s squad but all their other Welsh players are either injured or on loan. Christian Ribeiro is on his way back from hip and groi injuries and will have a fitness test before the match. Some reports say Sam Vokes is also on his way back too.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry are probably most likely to be on the bench for Preston.

Coventry City v Leeds United

Freddy Eastwood is back in Coventry’s squad after recovering from a knee injury. He played 90 minutes in a training match a few days ago.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds but Sanchez Watt isn’t ready to return from an ankle injury.

Derby County v Portsmouth
Robbie Savage, who this week quit Twitter shortly before taking it up again, will hope to keep his place for Derby. Hopefully he’ll get lots of abuse – he likes it! Though I wouldn’t have a problem if he drove around in his underpants. I sincerely hope he always wears underpants.
After two consecutive late appearances from the bench, Gareth Roberts might be fancying his chances of being back in the starting line-up fairly soon.

Tuesday, 2 November 2010

Welsh Player News 1st November 2010 (Championship)

Bristol City defender Lewin Nyatanga has joined Peterborough United on loan.

Sam Vokes has suffered a further setback after adding a damaged tendon to a recurrence of a hamstring problem.

Jamie Redknapp has questioned Manchester’s treatment of Craig Bellamy. I think it’s mad but I’d much rather he was at Cardiff City than Manchester City.

Craig was only eleven when he began his career at Norwich City.

Andy Dorman believes Crystal Palace can get out of relegation trouble.

Robbie Savage says footballers deserve all the money they earn. Somehow I don’t think everyone will agree with that.

John Oster feels Doncaster Rovers were sloppy and naïve to let Reading beat them.

Leeds United have told loanee Jason Brown they still need him.

Robert Earnshaw says he’s the fittest he’s ever been and he won’t be retiring from football anytime soon. Let’s hope that also applies to Wales.

Joe Allen is hoping to score more regularly for Swansea City. His first goal was against Cardiff City – and Swansea face Cardiff next week. Swansea played well as a team against Crystal Palace – but it was Joe who got the round of applause in the dressing room. He probably went as red as his Wales shirt.

Championship Results 30th November 2010 (Part 3)

Portsmouth 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Portsmouth’s good form continued with a win over Nottingham Forest. The win takes Portsmouth up to 10th place, just one point away from the play-offs.
Chris Gunter was back at right back for Forest with Robert Earnshaw making a late appearance from the bench.

Reading 4-3 Doncaster Rovers
Reading scored four goals in the same match for the second successive game, this time coming back from 3-1 down to beat Doncaster. And for the second successive game, Simon Church came off the bench and scored Reading’s winning goal.
Hal Robson-Kanu started again for Reading..
John Oster and Brian Stock both started for Doncaster.

Scunthorpe United 1-4 Leeds United
Scunthorpe have sprung a number of games this season – at least as far as I’m concerned as I thought they’d be spending the season struggling at the foot of the table. And strange as it sounds, Scunthorpe were in the division above Leeds last season. But Leeds dominated and thoroughly deserved their win.
Jason Brown was on the bench for Leeds.

Sheffield United 0-1 Coventry City
Covrentry moved up to fourth after an away win over Sheffield United, who haven’t won since September.
Ched Evans made his second comeback from a groin injury in the 65th minute.
Freddy Eastwood is back in full training but was not in Coventry’s squad.

Saturday, 30 October 2010

Championship Fixtures 30th October 2010 (Part 4)

Reading v Doncaster Rovers
Both teams are tied (with a number of other teams) on 19 points. A win could put them into the play-off places. Reading’s Welsh strikers won’t remember the last time Doncaster beat Reading – it was quite a few years before they were born.
Simon Church came off the bench to score Reading’s winning goal in a 4-0 victory over Burnley and he might have won himself a place in the starting line-up. Hopefully it won’t be at the expense of Hal Robson-Kanu.
John Oster (who faces one of his former sides) and Brian Stock will both hope to keep their places in Doncaster’s starting line-up.

Scunthorpe United v Leeds United
Leeds are only four points from the play-offs. Not a disaster. A few good wins and they’ll be right back up there again. As far as the good wins are concerned, Scunthorpe might be a good place to start. They’ve only won once at home. And Scunthorpe haven’t beaten Leeds for 48 years.
Sanchez Watt is expected to miss out again for Leeds due to his knee injury. The Yorkshire Post seems to think Jason Brown will start. I’d love it if they were right but he didn’t play in the last match.

Sheffield United v Coventry City
Coventry are in the top six but they haven’t won back-to-back games this season. As they won their last game, maybe Sheffield United will get the three points Gary Speed really needs.
Sheffield United’s Ched Evans could return from his recurring groin injury
Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood is back in training but he won’t be able to play.

Thursday, 28 October 2010

Championship Result 25th October 2010

Leeds United 0-4 Cardiff City
Cardiff moved joint-top of the Championship – six points clear of their rivals, Swansea City, who are in third – after beating Leeds United. It was Cardiff’s fourth consecutive victory – and their biggest ever at Elland Road. A few weeks ago, Leeds were looking like promotion contenders while Cardiff were stuttering and there is, of course, a very long way to go. But such a comprehensive win can only give Cardiff more confidence
Craig Bellamy didn’t score any of Cardiff’s goals but he was very much involved, getting the assist for the fourth goal as well as playing a big part in the third. Craig was Man of the Match and he says he’s feeling much fitter and stronger, despite featuring in more games than he would have done if he’d stayed at Manchester City (that Roberto Mancini is a strange man).
Darcy Blake, Jason Koumas and Aaron Wildig had to be content with places on the bench but perhaps it’s better to keep them fresh before Craig’s knee gives out again. These are three great players but it’s fair to say Cardiff managed okay without them on this occasion.
I wonder if a change in goalkeeper was part of the reason for Leeds’ struggles. Jason Brown, who really hasn’t done that badly for Leeds, was dropped to the bench in favour of some guy with a famous dad (no let’s be honest, it’s the very talented Kasper Schmeichel, who probably has a bigger future than Jason. But I didn’t say that). Sanchez Watt was given the chance to rest an ankle injury that saw him depart both his previous games in the first half.