Portsmouth v Leicester City
Both clubs are struggling near the bottom of the Championship and maybe the last thing they need is the distraction of a Cup run. Or maybe a distraction is just what they need.
Andy King has scored three goals in the last three games so he’ll start unless Leicester decide to rest their best players.
Stoke City v Fulham
Stoke are known for their strong home form. Fulham are known for their problems away. But Fulham showed in the Europa League last season that league form and cup form can be very different things.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins should play in defence for Stoke.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes doesn’t want to make any changes but he might choose to rest Simon Davies, who has long-term foot problems (unless that was just his polite way of telling John Toshack he doesn’t want to play for him anymore).
Sunderland v West Ham United
West Ham have more important things than cups to worry about this season but perhaps a win at Sunderland could give them some much-needed confidence. Although it would be quite embarrassing if West Ham give Sunderland a thrashing, just a few days after they drew with Arsenal.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to keep his place in defence for West Ham. Jack Collison is out with a knee injury.
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
Arsenal are certain to field a weakened line-up in this match and while Tottenham might well do the same, their second strings should be a bit older and more experienced than Arsenal’s.
Gareth Bale is Tottenham’s best player so it’s very good to hear he’ll be rested. Especially considering what he did to Arsenal last time.
Aaron Ramsey is still out with a broken leg.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Notts County
Wolves are expected to play a weakened side against Notts County, despite Notts County’s recent reputation for giant-killing.
But this is good news. Wayne Hennessey should start in goal while Dave Edwards has a chance of starting. The only downside is that David Jones might be dropped to the bench but that’s only because he’s a regular in the first team and that’s a good thing really.
Ben Davies should play in midfield for Notts County.
Showing posts with label john toshack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label john toshack. Show all posts
Monday, 20 September 2010
Friday, 17 September 2010
Wales News 17th September 2010
Brian Flynn is Wales’ new manager – but one day soon it will be Ryan Giggs.
Brian feels Ryan still has a role to play for Wales. Mark Hughes has encouraged Ryan to accept a position as a coach for Wales. Brian & Ryan – it sounds good to me.
Brian is delighted to be Wales’ new manager. He hopes his stay will be much longer than two matches. And he says no player is too old to play for Wales…
Dean Saunders and Roy Evans are no longer part of Wales’ coaching set-up.
David Cotterill should be happy. He said he wanted a Welshman ro manage Wales.
Could some of Wales’ former stars return now John Toshack has gone?
Robbie Savage says he will play for Wales again.
Joe Allen is feeling fitter and wiser than he felt last season and is hoping to improve his performances for club and country.
John Toshack seems to have pretty much blamed Ryan Shawcross for ruining his chances of being a successful manager of Wales which doesn’t seem very fair. But maybe that’s not quite what he said. When I write (and when I speak for that matter), I like to make things as dramatic as possible so I can’t blame Wales Online for doing the same. Or maybe he blames the 15 players who dropped out of the Liechtenstein squad, Wales Online says that was the catalyst too. I’m sure those two things didn’t help but I think it was more a combination problems than just one moment.
Brian feels Ryan still has a role to play for Wales. Mark Hughes has encouraged Ryan to accept a position as a coach for Wales. Brian & Ryan – it sounds good to me.
Brian is delighted to be Wales’ new manager. He hopes his stay will be much longer than two matches. And he says no player is too old to play for Wales…
Dean Saunders and Roy Evans are no longer part of Wales’ coaching set-up.
David Cotterill should be happy. He said he wanted a Welshman ro manage Wales.
Could some of Wales’ former stars return now John Toshack has gone?
Robbie Savage says he will play for Wales again.
Joe Allen is feeling fitter and wiser than he felt last season and is hoping to improve his performances for club and country.
John Toshack seems to have pretty much blamed Ryan Shawcross for ruining his chances of being a successful manager of Wales which doesn’t seem very fair. But maybe that’s not quite what he said. When I write (and when I speak for that matter), I like to make things as dramatic as possible so I can’t blame Wales Online for doing the same. Or maybe he blames the 15 players who dropped out of the Liechtenstein squad, Wales Online says that was the catalyst too. I’m sure those two things didn’t help but I think it was more a combination problems than just one moment.
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.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Montenegro v Wales News 2nd September 2010
Chris Gunter believes that Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale will help Wales into Euro 2012. I think the Wales right back will be a big help too…
David Vaughan would love to see Wales in Euro 2012 and is just one of the players who feels they owe John Toshack a successful tournament. David is enjoying life in the Premier League and hopes it will be more than just one season.
Dave Edwards says Wales can qualify but it won’t be easy.
Chris Gunter, James Collins, David Cotterill and Craig Bellamy think Gareth Bale will be a key player for Wales.
John Toshack want Wales’ home match against England to be played at the Cardiff City stadium. But the Welsh FA are thought to want it played in the Millennium Stadium. I’m on Tosh’s side.
Former Wales and Norwich City star Iwan Roberts thinks Andrew Crofts will be missed when Wales take on Montenegro.
Steve Morison’s job used to be shredding confidential papers. Even Millwall is a bit of a step up. Representing Wales in a competitive game will show how far he’s come since then. But he wouldn’t have got this far without Millwall manager – and former Welsh international - Kenny Jackett. Kenny thinks Steve will do very well for Wales.
David Vaughan would love to see Wales in Euro 2012 and is just one of the players who feels they owe John Toshack a successful tournament. David is enjoying life in the Premier League and hopes it will be more than just one season.
Dave Edwards says Wales can qualify but it won’t be easy.
Chris Gunter, James Collins, David Cotterill and Craig Bellamy think Gareth Bale will be a key player for Wales.
John Toshack want Wales’ home match against England to be played at the Cardiff City stadium. But the Welsh FA are thought to want it played in the Millennium Stadium. I’m on Tosh’s side.
Former Wales and Norwich City star Iwan Roberts thinks Andrew Crofts will be missed when Wales take on Montenegro.
Steve Morison’s job used to be shredding confidential papers. Even Millwall is a bit of a step up. Representing Wales in a competitive game will show how far he’s come since then. But he wouldn’t have got this far without Millwall manager – and former Welsh international - Kenny Jackett. Kenny thinks Steve will do very well for Wales.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Montenegro v Wales News 28th August 2010
John Toshack won’t be calling Ryan Giggs up to play for Wales again. But anyone thinking of retiring from international football should follow Ryan’s example. Or ideally not do it at all.
John Toshack will sit down and wait to see who will drop out of the Wales squad this time. Craig Bellamy and Darcy Blake are doubts. Tosh has warned Premier League centre backs James Collins and Danny Gabbidon that they are not automatic first-choices – Ashley Williams and Craig Morgan have both done very well for Wales lately – never mind that Craig’s Preston North End are near the bottom of the Championship.
Update (not good)
Danny Gabbidon definitely won’t be playing for Wales as he has withdrawn, along with Darcy Blake, Brian Stock and Andrew Crofts.
Danny has a hamstring niggle. It doesn’t sound serious and maybe he should go to Wales to offer his support but after a succession of injury problems over the last three years, it’s understandable that he doesn’t want to take any risks.
Darcy suffered a foot injury last week and was a late withdrawal from Cardiff City’s squad to face Doncaster Rovers. He attempted a comeback this weekend when Cardiff played Portsmouth but lasted just 28 minutes,
Brian has a back injury and will be hoping it’s not as serious as the back injury that ruled him out for much of last season.
I don’t know what’s up with Andrew.
John Toshack will sit down and wait to see who will drop out of the Wales squad this time. Craig Bellamy and Darcy Blake are doubts. Tosh has warned Premier League centre backs James Collins and Danny Gabbidon that they are not automatic first-choices – Ashley Williams and Craig Morgan have both done very well for Wales lately – never mind that Craig’s Preston North End are near the bottom of the Championship.
Update (not good)
Danny Gabbidon definitely won’t be playing for Wales as he has withdrawn, along with Darcy Blake, Brian Stock and Andrew Crofts.
Danny has a hamstring niggle. It doesn’t sound serious and maybe he should go to Wales to offer his support but after a succession of injury problems over the last three years, it’s understandable that he doesn’t want to take any risks.
Darcy suffered a foot injury last week and was a late withdrawal from Cardiff City’s squad to face Doncaster Rovers. He attempted a comeback this weekend when Cardiff played Portsmouth but lasted just 28 minutes,
Brian has a back injury and will be hoping it’s not as serious as the back injury that ruled him out for much of last season.
I don’t know what’s up with Andrew.
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Wales v Luxembourg Injury News
I was just saying to my parents at dinner today how good it was that no Welsh players have withdrawn from the squad. Now look what’s happened!
Sam Vokes is out of the Wales match after being stretchered off 13 minutes into his Bristol City debut. Sam has a leg injury and is expected to miss six weeks. I don’t know how I missed this in my report of that match as it’s mentioned in some of the reports I’ve actually read but I am hoping start a college course in hairdressing so I probably need to lose a few brain cells here and there. Add to that the fact my boyfriend plays football and it’s a wonder I can form any coherent sentences at all.
Ched Evans is also a doubt as he hurt his ankle during Sheffield United’s 1-1 draw with Cardiff City today.
Luckily John Toshack picked six strikers so he still has four left and if any of them can’t play, Freddy Eastwood was excellent yesterday for Coventry and Sanchez Watt (who is obviously eligible for Wales or I wouldn’t mention him) looked pretty good for Leeds United.
Sam Vokes is out of the Wales match after being stretchered off 13 minutes into his Bristol City debut. Sam has a leg injury and is expected to miss six weeks. I don’t know how I missed this in my report of that match as it’s mentioned in some of the reports I’ve actually read but I am hoping start a college course in hairdressing so I probably need to lose a few brain cells here and there. Add to that the fact my boyfriend plays football and it’s a wonder I can form any coherent sentences at all.
Ched Evans is also a doubt as he hurt his ankle during Sheffield United’s 1-1 draw with Cardiff City today.
Luckily John Toshack picked six strikers so he still has four left and if any of them can’t play, Freddy Eastwood was excellent yesterday for Coventry and Sanchez Watt (who is obviously eligible for Wales or I wouldn’t mention him) looked pretty good for Leeds United.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
Championship Fixtures 7th August 2010 Part 2
Hull City v Swansea City
Interesting fact on BBC Sport: the last time these two teams played, they were in League Two. They must have missed each other on the way up but they’ve met up on the way down again. Unless Swansea get promoted this season of course. I’m sure I can cope with them finishing second if Cardiff are first.
Hull are now without goalkeeper Boaz Myhill who has signed for West Bromwich Albion.
Swansea have about a million more Welsh players in their first team than Cardiff but maybe that’s because Cardiff’s Academy is so good, the bigger teams come and steal their players. Maybe.
Ashley Williams should be in defence for Swansea and David Cotterill is expected to start too after a solid pre-season. I can only assume John Toshack wasn’t watching, he’s left David out of the Wales squad. Vital Swansea says Jazz Richards is fighting it out with Albert Serran for a place in midfield (I know who I’d choose) and that Neil Taylor could start at left back which would be nice. Goalkeeper David Cornell will be in the squad but Joe Allen is out with a shoulder injury.
Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town
Middlesbrough are the bookies’ favourite for the Championship, possibly because they are the only team who have been relegated recently who a) haven’t gone back already, b) haven’t got big financial problems and c) aren’t Burnley. I’m not sure why buying half the Scotland national team makes you Premier League contenders but Scotland might be a much better than they looked when I saw them play. There’s no shame in being beaten 3-0 by Wales.
But let’s forget the jokes for a minute. Rhys Williams missed several of months of last season with a pelvis injury. He then missed out on the chance to play in the World Cup for Australia. Now it looks like he could be missing for several more months. I know he chose Australia but poor Rhys.
It looks like Danny Coyne has shaken off his knock and good thing too because Brad Jones is suspended. Come on Danny, you can keep your place even if Brad Jones doesn’t go to Liverpool.
Roy Keane has said Ipswich’s younger players including Troy Brown will be given chances to play this season. Maybe not in the first match though.
Interesting fact on BBC Sport: the last time these two teams played, they were in League Two. They must have missed each other on the way up but they’ve met up on the way down again. Unless Swansea get promoted this season of course. I’m sure I can cope with them finishing second if Cardiff are first.
Hull are now without goalkeeper Boaz Myhill who has signed for West Bromwich Albion.
Swansea have about a million more Welsh players in their first team than Cardiff but maybe that’s because Cardiff’s Academy is so good, the bigger teams come and steal their players. Maybe.
Ashley Williams should be in defence for Swansea and David Cotterill is expected to start too after a solid pre-season. I can only assume John Toshack wasn’t watching, he’s left David out of the Wales squad. Vital Swansea says Jazz Richards is fighting it out with Albert Serran for a place in midfield (I know who I’d choose) and that Neil Taylor could start at left back which would be nice. Goalkeeper David Cornell will be in the squad but Joe Allen is out with a shoulder injury.
Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town
Middlesbrough are the bookies’ favourite for the Championship, possibly because they are the only team who have been relegated recently who a) haven’t gone back already, b) haven’t got big financial problems and c) aren’t Burnley. I’m not sure why buying half the Scotland national team makes you Premier League contenders but Scotland might be a much better than they looked when I saw them play. There’s no shame in being beaten 3-0 by Wales.
But let’s forget the jokes for a minute. Rhys Williams missed several of months of last season with a pelvis injury. He then missed out on the chance to play in the World Cup for Australia. Now it looks like he could be missing for several more months. I know he chose Australia but poor Rhys.
It looks like Danny Coyne has shaken off his knock and good thing too because Brad Jones is suspended. Come on Danny, you can keep your place even if Brad Jones doesn’t go to Liverpool.
Roy Keane has said Ipswich’s younger players including Troy Brown will be given chances to play this season. Maybe not in the first match though.
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Welsh Player News 23rd May (Premier League)
Nottingham Forest defender Chris Gunter believes Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey will come back stronger from his injury.
Congratulations to Sam Ricketts who has just got married. I wish I’d been there. He had a Wales-themed wedding with flags and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadcu and everything about the wedding was Welsh apart from the venue (and technically the groom, who was born in Aylesbury). Even the bride was born in Caerphilly. And best of all, they’re postponing their honeymoon so Sam can play for Wales.
John Toshack believes the rumours about Ryan Giggs coming out of retirement were just a publicity stunt. I hope he’s wrong.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Owen Hargreaves’ confidence is low after being out injured for so long and he needs to ‘cross a mental barrier’ before he is ready to play again.
Michael Owen is doing his coaching badges as he says he’s become very interested in what managers do. Michael also says it feels strange not being at the World Cup. Maybe he should have chosen to represent Wales. It wouldn’t feel a bit strange then!
Tottenham Hostpur are allegedly going to make a £14 million bid to buy Craig Bellamy from Manchester City. No, the Tottenham fans don’t seem very convinced either. Everton’s interest is probably more realisticconsidering they actually need to buy a striker.
Jason Koumas has left Wigan Athletic after his contract came to an end. They might not have been able to sell them but they apparently have made a saving by not paying his wages anymore. Jason attracted a lot of attention in the last transfer window but no-one seems to be interested this time.
David Jones says Wayne Hennessey should think twice about leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers. Unfortunately David did refer to Wales as ‘his [Wayne’s] country’ which does seem to suggest he has no plans to play for Wales.
Congratulations to Sam Ricketts who has just got married. I wish I’d been there. He had a Wales-themed wedding with flags and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadcu and everything about the wedding was Welsh apart from the venue (and technically the groom, who was born in Aylesbury). Even the bride was born in Caerphilly. And best of all, they’re postponing their honeymoon so Sam can play for Wales.
John Toshack believes the rumours about Ryan Giggs coming out of retirement were just a publicity stunt. I hope he’s wrong.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Owen Hargreaves’ confidence is low after being out injured for so long and he needs to ‘cross a mental barrier’ before he is ready to play again.
Michael Owen is doing his coaching badges as he says he’s become very interested in what managers do. Michael also says it feels strange not being at the World Cup. Maybe he should have chosen to represent Wales. It wouldn’t feel a bit strange then!
Tottenham Hostpur are allegedly going to make a £14 million bid to buy Craig Bellamy from Manchester City. No, the Tottenham fans don’t seem very convinced either. Everton’s interest is probably more realisticconsidering they actually need to buy a striker.
Jason Koumas has left Wigan Athletic after his contract came to an end. They might not have been able to sell them but they apparently have made a saving by not paying his wages anymore. Jason attracted a lot of attention in the last transfer window but no-one seems to be interested this time.
David Jones says Wayne Hennessey should think twice about leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers. Unfortunately David did refer to Wales as ‘his [Wayne’s] country’ which does seem to suggest he has no plans to play for Wales.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Croatia v Wales friendly - more injury news...
...and it's not good.
James Collins (Aston Villa), Simon Davies (Fulham), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham United), Andy King (Leicester City) and David Cotterill (Sheffield United) will all miss Wales’ friendly against Croatia. James’ wife is about to give birth for the first time, Simon is having more problems with the foot injury that he’s had trouble with for the past year, Danny has a calf injury, Andy has a hamstring injury and David has a groin injury.
No disrespect to James and I do hope all goes well with the birth but couldn’t he have said something before? You usually get nine months’ notice with this sort of thing.
They join Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale (back/knee/rested – take your pick), Swansea City’s Joe Allen (shoulder), West Ham United’s Jack Collison (knee) and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey (leg) on the sidelines.
Joe Ledley, Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake (all Cardiff City) and Neal Eardley, Rob Edwards and David Vaughan (all Blackpool) also miss out due to their clubs’ participation in the Championship Play-off Final.
John Toshack is likely to promote members of the Under-21 side – who lost to Austria tonight – to take their place in the A squad.
The (remains of the) Wales Squad to face Croatia
Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Boaz Myhill (Hull), Chris Gunter (Nottm Forest), Craig Morgan (Peterborough), Lewin Nyatanga (Bristol City), Sam Ricketts (Bolton), Ashley Williams (Swansea), Andrew Crofts (Brighton), Andy Dorman (St Mirren), Dave Edwards (Wolves), Brian Stock (Doncaster), Craig Bellamy (Man City), Simon Church (Reading), Robert Earnshaw (Nottm Forest), Ched Evans (Sheff Utd), Sam Vokes (Wolves).
James Collins (Aston Villa), Simon Davies (Fulham), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham United), Andy King (Leicester City) and David Cotterill (Sheffield United) will all miss Wales’ friendly against Croatia. James’ wife is about to give birth for the first time, Simon is having more problems with the foot injury that he’s had trouble with for the past year, Danny has a calf injury, Andy has a hamstring injury and David has a groin injury.
No disrespect to James and I do hope all goes well with the birth but couldn’t he have said something before? You usually get nine months’ notice with this sort of thing.
They join Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale (back/knee/rested – take your pick), Swansea City’s Joe Allen (shoulder), West Ham United’s Jack Collison (knee) and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey (leg) on the sidelines.
Joe Ledley, Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake (all Cardiff City) and Neal Eardley, Rob Edwards and David Vaughan (all Blackpool) also miss out due to their clubs’ participation in the Championship Play-off Final.
John Toshack is likely to promote members of the Under-21 side – who lost to Austria tonight – to take their place in the A squad.
The (remains of the) Wales Squad to face Croatia
Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Boaz Myhill (Hull), Chris Gunter (Nottm Forest), Craig Morgan (Peterborough), Lewin Nyatanga (Bristol City), Sam Ricketts (Bolton), Ashley Williams (Swansea), Andrew Crofts (Brighton), Andy Dorman (St Mirren), Dave Edwards (Wolves), Brian Stock (Doncaster), Craig Bellamy (Man City), Simon Church (Reading), Robert Earnshaw (Nottm Forest), Ched Evans (Sheff Utd), Sam Vokes (Wolves).
Monday, 19 April 2010
Premier League Results 17th April Part 2
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
This game looked set to end exactly as I wanted to (I hadn’t then quite given up on Arsenal winning the League) but then Paul Scholes sneaked in with a goal.
Robbie Savage said this week that Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs were getting on a bit. I would have loved to agree (except about Ryan Giggs) but I didn’t then and I can’t now. It was Scholes who scored the goal but it could easily have been Ryan, while Gary Neville was a big part of the reason why Craig Bellamy didn’t score for City. It was an ineffective attack from Craig that indirectly led to United’s goal. Roberto Mancini isn’t very happy with him. Maybe he’ll sell him to Arsenal, that would be great
The rumour is that John Toshack has no plans to call up Ryan to play for Wales again. Everyone thinks he’s mad except Neville Southall who says Ryan has nothing to gain by returning to play for Wales. What about the honour if representing your country?
Stoke City 1-2 Bolton Wanderers
It hasn’t been a good weekend for home sides. Blackburn thought they’d got a point, Arsenal thought they’d won… and Stoke probably thought they’d got all three points too. Then Matthew Taylor scored twice in the last five minutes – including one from a rather dubious free kick - and Bolton ended up with the points instead.
Ryan Shawcross wasn’t fit enough to return from an ankle injury but Danny Collins had another great performance in Bolton’s defence and could have scored. Sam Ricketts started for Bolton but was taken off at half-time. Sam wasn’t at his best but he was playing in midfield. Not every defender can play there.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea
Tottenham re-opened the title race with a win over leaders Chelsea. It should have been a lot more than 2-1 to Tottenham.
I said after Gareth Bale’s midweek goal against Arsenal that he should make it up to me by scoring the winner against Chelsea too. Gareth must be reading my blogs because that’s exactly what he did. It was his first-ever goal with his right foot. It was a great solo run, followed by some clever trickery, before a firmly-struck shot ended up exactly where Gareth and I wanted it. If only Arsenal hadn’t fucked it up 24 hours later.
Cliff Jones thinks Gareth will be the first Welsh player to get 100 caps.
This game looked set to end exactly as I wanted to (I hadn’t then quite given up on Arsenal winning the League) but then Paul Scholes sneaked in with a goal.
Robbie Savage said this week that Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs were getting on a bit. I would have loved to agree (except about Ryan Giggs) but I didn’t then and I can’t now. It was Scholes who scored the goal but it could easily have been Ryan, while Gary Neville was a big part of the reason why Craig Bellamy didn’t score for City. It was an ineffective attack from Craig that indirectly led to United’s goal. Roberto Mancini isn’t very happy with him. Maybe he’ll sell him to Arsenal, that would be great
The rumour is that John Toshack has no plans to call up Ryan to play for Wales again. Everyone thinks he’s mad except Neville Southall who says Ryan has nothing to gain by returning to play for Wales. What about the honour if representing your country?
Stoke City 1-2 Bolton Wanderers
It hasn’t been a good weekend for home sides. Blackburn thought they’d got a point, Arsenal thought they’d won… and Stoke probably thought they’d got all three points too. Then Matthew Taylor scored twice in the last five minutes – including one from a rather dubious free kick - and Bolton ended up with the points instead.
Ryan Shawcross wasn’t fit enough to return from an ankle injury but Danny Collins had another great performance in Bolton’s defence and could have scored. Sam Ricketts started for Bolton but was taken off at half-time. Sam wasn’t at his best but he was playing in midfield. Not every defender can play there.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea
Tottenham re-opened the title race with a win over leaders Chelsea. It should have been a lot more than 2-1 to Tottenham.
I said after Gareth Bale’s midweek goal against Arsenal that he should make it up to me by scoring the winner against Chelsea too. Gareth must be reading my blogs because that’s exactly what he did. It was his first-ever goal with his right foot. It was a great solo run, followed by some clever trickery, before a firmly-struck shot ended up exactly where Gareth and I wanted it. If only Arsenal hadn’t fucked it up 24 hours later.
Cliff Jones thinks Gareth will be the first Welsh player to get 100 caps.
Friday, 5 March 2010
Championship Fixtures 6th March Part 2
Cardiff City v Middlesbrough
My two favourite teams in the Championship still have a good chance of going up but both need to start winning fast. Unfortunately they’re playing each other.
Cardiff’s injury problems haven’t improved. Joe Ledley is out following his hip operations but Adam Matthews has a good chance of starting in defence. Darcy Blake has recovered from a virus and could start in midfield. Aaron Wildig will probably also be in the squad.
Boro goalkeeper Danny Coyne believes his side can win this match - which would put them above Cardiff. Rhys Williams is back in training and could play for Middlesbrough.
Crystal Palace v Sheffield United
No-one will be in the least surprised to learn that Neal Warnock has left Crystal Palace for Queen’s Park Rangers but perhaps it’s slightly more surprising that former QPR manager Paul Hart has taken over. So far this season he has been sacked by QPR and Portsmouth.
Ched Evans played the first half of Wales’ match against Sweden but he really needs more match time for Sheffield United. Let’s hope the Sheffield United manager can hear me.
Derby County v Watford
Derby’s fine run of form seems to have come to an end but hopefully Robbie Savage and his team-mates can do something about that. They’ll need to watch Watford though. They have a talent for scoring late goals.
Robbie has urged Craig Bellamy not to throw a big strop and quit Wales like he did. Robbie thinks John Toshack is trying to push Craig out of the Wales squad. I really hope he’s wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time.
My two favourite teams in the Championship still have a good chance of going up but both need to start winning fast. Unfortunately they’re playing each other.
Cardiff’s injury problems haven’t improved. Joe Ledley is out following his hip operations but Adam Matthews has a good chance of starting in defence. Darcy Blake has recovered from a virus and could start in midfield. Aaron Wildig will probably also be in the squad.
Boro goalkeeper Danny Coyne believes his side can win this match - which would put them above Cardiff. Rhys Williams is back in training and could play for Middlesbrough.
Crystal Palace v Sheffield United
No-one will be in the least surprised to learn that Neal Warnock has left Crystal Palace for Queen’s Park Rangers but perhaps it’s slightly more surprising that former QPR manager Paul Hart has taken over. So far this season he has been sacked by QPR and Portsmouth.
Ched Evans played the first half of Wales’ match against Sweden but he really needs more match time for Sheffield United. Let’s hope the Sheffield United manager can hear me.
Derby County v Watford
Derby’s fine run of form seems to have come to an end but hopefully Robbie Savage and his team-mates can do something about that. They’ll need to watch Watford though. They have a talent for scoring late goals.
Robbie has urged Craig Bellamy not to throw a big strop and quit Wales like he did. Robbie thinks John Toshack is trying to push Craig out of the Wales squad. I really hope he’s wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time.
Friday, 12 February 2010
League One Fixtures 13th February Part 2
Southend United v Tranmere Rovers
Southend have really dropped down the League but signing Arsenal striker Sanchez Watt on loan can only help. If you can score on your Arsenal debut, you can probably help a struggling League One team. John Toshack needs to call him up for Wales quickly before he gets into the England squad. Tranmere however are fighting to survive and they will have to do it without Ash Taylor. Ash has a hamstring injury and will be out three weeks.
Stockport County v Colchester United
Another day, most likely another lack of clean sheet for Owain fon Williams. But he is a good goalkeeper, he really is and I’m surprised no-one rescued him in the transfer window. Christian Ribeiro was expected back by now but he aggravated his groin injury whilst trying to pass a fitness test.
Yeovil Town v Gillingham
It took a while but Arron Davies is finally a Yeovil player. It was against the rules for him to sign for a new club but apparently not against the rules for Nottingham Forest or Brighton & Hove Albion, the other clubs he’s played for this season, to re-sign him and loan him to Yeovil. Brighton came to his rescue. I love the sneakiness of it all.
Arron might not actually get to play as he’s likely to be short of match fitness – although he’s been training with Yeovil ever since he decided he wanted to play for them again – but he is expected to be on the bench.
But soon Arron will be playing alongside two other Welsh midfielder loanees – Shaun MacDonald from Swansea City and Owain Tudur Jones from Norwich City. And there other midfielder could be an Scotsman called Andy Welsh. And they’ve got Welsh defender/assistant manager Nathan Jones in the team too although he was dropped last week and Sportinglife doesn’t expect him to regain his place. Yeovil also have a defender called Rhys Baggridge who is Welsh too according to transfermarkt.co.uk although they could be wrong. So come on Yeovil! As far as I know, they’ll all play although Nathan did miss out last week so I’m not sure about him.
Southend have really dropped down the League but signing Arsenal striker Sanchez Watt on loan can only help. If you can score on your Arsenal debut, you can probably help a struggling League One team. John Toshack needs to call him up for Wales quickly before he gets into the England squad. Tranmere however are fighting to survive and they will have to do it without Ash Taylor. Ash has a hamstring injury and will be out three weeks.
Stockport County v Colchester United
Another day, most likely another lack of clean sheet for Owain fon Williams. But he is a good goalkeeper, he really is and I’m surprised no-one rescued him in the transfer window. Christian Ribeiro was expected back by now but he aggravated his groin injury whilst trying to pass a fitness test.
Yeovil Town v Gillingham
It took a while but Arron Davies is finally a Yeovil player. It was against the rules for him to sign for a new club but apparently not against the rules for Nottingham Forest or Brighton & Hove Albion, the other clubs he’s played for this season, to re-sign him and loan him to Yeovil. Brighton came to his rescue. I love the sneakiness of it all.
Arron might not actually get to play as he’s likely to be short of match fitness – although he’s been training with Yeovil ever since he decided he wanted to play for them again – but he is expected to be on the bench.
But soon Arron will be playing alongside two other Welsh midfielder loanees – Shaun MacDonald from Swansea City and Owain Tudur Jones from Norwich City. And there other midfielder could be an Scotsman called Andy Welsh. And they’ve got Welsh defender/assistant manager Nathan Jones in the team too although he was dropped last week and Sportinglife doesn’t expect him to regain his place. Yeovil also have a defender called Rhys Baggridge who is Welsh too according to transfermarkt.co.uk although they could be wrong. So come on Yeovil! As far as I know, they’ll all play although Nathan did miss out last week so I’m not sure about him.
FA Cup Fixtures 13th February Part 2
Manchester City v Stoke City
Craig Bellamy will again be absent as his knee is still playing up but Man City still have Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor fit so I don’t exactly have tons of sympathy for them (I do have lots for Craig though).
They could be up against centre back Danny Collins if he’s given his first start since Stoke knocked out Arsenal. But it looks as though Ryan Shawcross might not play as BBC Sport say he’s not in Stoke’s squad although on the other hand there isn't on any injured lists either.
Ryan’s manager Tony Pulis keeps talking up his England chances which is surprising coming from a Welshman. John Toshack needs to put him in a squad fast. He says he wants as many Premier League players playing for Wales as possible and Ryan and Aston Villa's James Collins should make a brilliant pair of Premier League centre backs.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
After knocking out Liverpool and Burnley, West Brom could be Reading’s next casualty. But it is a bit different when you’re facing a team from your own division. There’s going to be a bit more pressure on Reading this time but Simon Church thinks Reading have a chance of winning.
Southampton v Portsmouth
Are you sure these draws are random? Not only are these local rivals, they’re probably not as far apart in class as their Leagues suggest. Portsmouth aren’t good enough for the Premiership and without Southampton’s points deduction, they would be right up there with some of the best in League One. A giant-killing could certainly happen – but who’s really the giant?
Lloyd James has been one of Southampton’s best players this season but Anthony Pulis has failed to get into the squad since returning from his loan to Lincoln City. He has however been playing for Southampton Reserves though – they’ve just beaten Forest Green Rovers Reserves 3-0. Ryan Doble and Kayne McLaggon also played.
Craig Bellamy will again be absent as his knee is still playing up but Man City still have Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor fit so I don’t exactly have tons of sympathy for them (I do have lots for Craig though).
They could be up against centre back Danny Collins if he’s given his first start since Stoke knocked out Arsenal. But it looks as though Ryan Shawcross might not play as BBC Sport say he’s not in Stoke’s squad although on the other hand there isn't on any injured lists either.
Ryan’s manager Tony Pulis keeps talking up his England chances which is surprising coming from a Welshman. John Toshack needs to put him in a squad fast. He says he wants as many Premier League players playing for Wales as possible and Ryan and Aston Villa's James Collins should make a brilliant pair of Premier League centre backs.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
After knocking out Liverpool and Burnley, West Brom could be Reading’s next casualty. But it is a bit different when you’re facing a team from your own division. There’s going to be a bit more pressure on Reading this time but Simon Church thinks Reading have a chance of winning.
Southampton v Portsmouth
Are you sure these draws are random? Not only are these local rivals, they’re probably not as far apart in class as their Leagues suggest. Portsmouth aren’t good enough for the Premiership and without Southampton’s points deduction, they would be right up there with some of the best in League One. A giant-killing could certainly happen – but who’s really the giant?
Lloyd James has been one of Southampton’s best players this season but Anthony Pulis has failed to get into the squad since returning from his loan to Lincoln City. He has however been playing for Southampton Reserves though – they’ve just beaten Forest Green Rovers Reserves 3-0. Ryan Doble and Kayne McLaggon also played.
Monday, 30 November 2009
League One Results 14th-15th November
Brentford 2-2 Millwall
Brentford v Millwall is one of the priciest matches in the football league. Brentford have goalkeeper Lewis Price (on loan from Derby County) and Millwall have striker Jason Price – both of whom happen to be Welsh. Jason was hoping his two goals against AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup – Millwall won 4-1 – would earn him a place in the starting line-up, whilst Lewis was probably trying to pretend Brentford’s last FA Cup match didn’t exist.
Jason was a slight doubt following a calf strain but he still started the match. He didn’t score but he came pretty close.
Lewis let in two goals again but at least he didn’t score either of them this time. And he did make at least one brilliant save.
James Wilson also played for Brentford – Millwall could have won without his clearances and last-ditch tackles. As Millwall are my dad’s team, a part of me (that treacherous English part of me I bet) wishes he’d played a bit less well. Never mind, I’ll be supporting the Brentford boyos again next week.
Southampton 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion
Andrew Crofts scored the winning goal as relegation candidates Brighton beat Southampton – who probably don’t quite count as fellow strugglers considering they’re only in the bottom four due to a 10-point deduction (and because they lost to Brighton).
According to reports it was a great goal and I bet Brighton are glad Andrew wasn’t in the Wales squad this weekend. John Toshack is still interested.
Craig Davies has returned from his loan spell to Yeovil (typically I was the last person to find out) and had a place on Brighton’s bench.
Arron Davies was said to be available for this match but the loanee from Nottingham Forest wasn’t even on Yeovil’s bench. Not unless he’s changed his name by deed poll.
Lloyd James was on the losing side but he seemed to be one of their best players. He played a part in many Southampton attacks, including the one that led to the goal.
Bristol Rovers 3-2 Carlisle United
Ben Swallow made his first start for Bristol Rovers and played the first 67 minutes, whilst team-mate Byron Anthony played the full game. Both players contributed well to both attack and defence but when Ben left the field the score was still 1-1. Shortly after he left, Carlisle took the lead (which is always a danger when you take a Welsh player off the field). But the game wasn’t over – Byron and his team-mates wouldn’t let Carlisle score another goal and another two goals for Bristol Rovers ensured they took the three points.
Goalkeeper Rhys Evans was on the bench for Bristol Rovers.
Charlton Athletic 5-1 Milton Keynes Dons
Milton Keynes Dons must be really wishing they hadn’t let Jermaine Easter join the Wales squad. He didn’t even get to play for Wales in the end – even though John Toshack used four strikers altogether.
Milton Keynes Dons were only a goal behind until Grant Basey came on as a substitute for Charlton on 63 minutes. Before too long Charlton had scored five.
Brentford v Millwall is one of the priciest matches in the football league. Brentford have goalkeeper Lewis Price (on loan from Derby County) and Millwall have striker Jason Price – both of whom happen to be Welsh. Jason was hoping his two goals against AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup – Millwall won 4-1 – would earn him a place in the starting line-up, whilst Lewis was probably trying to pretend Brentford’s last FA Cup match didn’t exist.
Jason was a slight doubt following a calf strain but he still started the match. He didn’t score but he came pretty close.
Lewis let in two goals again but at least he didn’t score either of them this time. And he did make at least one brilliant save.
James Wilson also played for Brentford – Millwall could have won without his clearances and last-ditch tackles. As Millwall are my dad’s team, a part of me (that treacherous English part of me I bet) wishes he’d played a bit less well. Never mind, I’ll be supporting the Brentford boyos again next week.
Southampton 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion
Andrew Crofts scored the winning goal as relegation candidates Brighton beat Southampton – who probably don’t quite count as fellow strugglers considering they’re only in the bottom four due to a 10-point deduction (and because they lost to Brighton).
According to reports it was a great goal and I bet Brighton are glad Andrew wasn’t in the Wales squad this weekend. John Toshack is still interested.
Craig Davies has returned from his loan spell to Yeovil (typically I was the last person to find out) and had a place on Brighton’s bench.
Arron Davies was said to be available for this match but the loanee from Nottingham Forest wasn’t even on Yeovil’s bench. Not unless he’s changed his name by deed poll.
Lloyd James was on the losing side but he seemed to be one of their best players. He played a part in many Southampton attacks, including the one that led to the goal.
Bristol Rovers 3-2 Carlisle United
Ben Swallow made his first start for Bristol Rovers and played the first 67 minutes, whilst team-mate Byron Anthony played the full game. Both players contributed well to both attack and defence but when Ben left the field the score was still 1-1. Shortly after he left, Carlisle took the lead (which is always a danger when you take a Welsh player off the field). But the game wasn’t over – Byron and his team-mates wouldn’t let Carlisle score another goal and another two goals for Bristol Rovers ensured they took the three points.
Goalkeeper Rhys Evans was on the bench for Bristol Rovers.
Charlton Athletic 5-1 Milton Keynes Dons
Milton Keynes Dons must be really wishing they hadn’t let Jermaine Easter join the Wales squad. He didn’t even get to play for Wales in the end – even though John Toshack used four strikers altogether.
Milton Keynes Dons were only a goal behind until Grant Basey came on as a substitute for Charlton on 63 minutes. Before too long Charlton had scored five.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Wales News
Ashley Williams is apparently going to be Wales’ captain for the game against Scotland. Don’t tell me Joe Ledley has dropped out too. Joe usually takes the armband when Craig Bellamy has pissed off somewhere. Five years ago Ashley was a waiter, now he’s the captain of Wales. But another report says Joe is expecting to be captain. Swansea won the derby and the Swansea player wins the awards, and now the Swansea player wins the armband. But is that fair? Or is my Cardiff bias showing?
There could be a number of Cardiff City players featuring in the Wales v Scotland game, which takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium. Two of them will be playing for Scotland. So they’ll be in the away dressing room at their own club. That can’t happen very often. Joe Ledley says many of them have made bets on the Wales v Scotland game and that he will lose quite a lot of money if Wales lose! But aren’t there better things they can do with their money? Gambling can be brilliant fun but that’s exactly the reason why I don’t do it.
I love Andy Dorman. I don’t know much about him as he plays in the Scottish League but it’s great to read about a player who’s so happy and excited about representing Wales. I just hope he gets to play, even if it’s just for a few minutes – even if he isn’t really good enough for competitive matches for Wales, this is a friendly and it could be his only chance. His love for the country and desire to play for them might well enhance his performance. I’m sure most of the other players love Wales but Andy has been so vocal about it. I’ll be sitting not that far from the substitutes’ bench. Maybe I should start a chant! There was a Welshman, his name was Andy, Andy Andy Andy DORMAN (to the tune of some song I don’t know)
Former Wales striker Malcolm Allen thinks Under-21 manager Brian Flynn and retired players Ryan Giggs and Gary Speed should take over from John Toshack as Wales manager. Brian Flynn has done a great job with the under-21s and if they keep going as they are, many of them might be playing with the full squad before long. But the Under-21s are in the middle of a campaign, it would be a shame for them to lose a manager who has helped them do so well. Ryan and Gary seem to have potential as a manager and I agree with getting them to work in a more minor category to begin with but maybe keeping Toshack and letting them work with him is the way to go.
There could be a number of Cardiff City players featuring in the Wales v Scotland game, which takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium. Two of them will be playing for Scotland. So they’ll be in the away dressing room at their own club. That can’t happen very often. Joe Ledley says many of them have made bets on the Wales v Scotland game and that he will lose quite a lot of money if Wales lose! But aren’t there better things they can do with their money? Gambling can be brilliant fun but that’s exactly the reason why I don’t do it.
I love Andy Dorman. I don’t know much about him as he plays in the Scottish League but it’s great to read about a player who’s so happy and excited about representing Wales. I just hope he gets to play, even if it’s just for a few minutes – even if he isn’t really good enough for competitive matches for Wales, this is a friendly and it could be his only chance. His love for the country and desire to play for them might well enhance his performance. I’m sure most of the other players love Wales but Andy has been so vocal about it. I’ll be sitting not that far from the substitutes’ bench. Maybe I should start a chant! There was a Welshman, his name was Andy, Andy Andy Andy DORMAN (to the tune of some song I don’t know)
Former Wales striker Malcolm Allen thinks Under-21 manager Brian Flynn and retired players Ryan Giggs and Gary Speed should take over from John Toshack as Wales manager. Brian Flynn has done a great job with the under-21s and if they keep going as they are, many of them might be playing with the full squad before long. But the Under-21s are in the middle of a campaign, it would be a shame for them to lose a manager who has helped them do so well. Ryan and Gary seem to have potential as a manager and I agree with getting them to work in a more minor category to begin with but maybe keeping Toshack and letting them work with him is the way to go.
Wales News
£15,000 tickets for Wales v Scotland have been sold so far. My ticket arrived today! It’s at the Cardiff City Stadium. Wales used to play in the Millennium Stadium but it never filled up because most Welsh people prefer rugby for some reason. Wales will also play at Swansea City and Wrexham’s grounds.
Wrexham? My national team playing at a Blue Square Premier Ground? Whatever next?
(I’m not being serious.)
Chris Gunter is having tests for glandular fever. Poor baby! I hope he’s feeling better soon. And not just because I want to see him play. Glandular fever sucks. He, Danny Gabbidon, and Andy King are big doubts but the South Wales Argus also says Neal Eardley is a big doubt and he was never in the squad.
In the same report, the South Wales Argus says that Joe Allen, Darcy Blake, Andy Dorman and Robert Earnshaw and Adam Matthews are ‘four players’. Does that mean we can have twelve players if they all play? Wales don’t need twelve players though. We’re going to win anyway!
John Toshack is not a doubt despite nearly being hit on the head with an advertising hoarding.
Cardiff City’s Adam Matthews ‘stuck out like a sore thumb’ when his former coach Matthew Crocker first saw him play. But doesn’t that mean he played badly?
Wrexham? My national team playing at a Blue Square Premier Ground? Whatever next?
(I’m not being serious.)
Chris Gunter is having tests for glandular fever. Poor baby! I hope he’s feeling better soon. And not just because I want to see him play. Glandular fever sucks. He, Danny Gabbidon, and Andy King are big doubts but the South Wales Argus also says Neal Eardley is a big doubt and he was never in the squad.
In the same report, the South Wales Argus says that Joe Allen, Darcy Blake, Andy Dorman and Robert Earnshaw and Adam Matthews are ‘four players’. Does that mean we can have twelve players if they all play? Wales don’t need twelve players though. We’re going to win anyway!
John Toshack is not a doubt despite nearly being hit on the head with an advertising hoarding.
Cardiff City’s Adam Matthews ‘stuck out like a sore thumb’ when his former coach Matthew Crocker first saw him play. But doesn’t that mean he played badly?
Wales News
Ryan Giggs says he wants to manage Wales. He has also wondered about coming out of retirement. I would love him to come out of retirement but I kind of feel that after all the service he’s given to Wales it should be up to him. He retired but at least he waited until he was in his mid-thirties.
And if he wants to manage Wales maybe he could go to training sessions and help out. It would give him the chance to learn and it would be better than giving him the job before he’s properly ready. A lot of ex-players get rushed into management and it doesn’t always work out.
Ryan Shawcross’ old club Manchester United understandably want him back but Ryan is set to tell them where to go by signing a new contract at Stoke. And if you could sign yourself up for Wales while you’re at it, Ryan, I really will love you forever. Ryan was born in England but went to school in Wales. Unfortunately for Wales, his dream is to play for England.
St Mirren midfielder Andy Dorman says he’ll know more players in the Scotland side than in the Wales side. But that’s not so strange. It’s probably a bit like when Arsenal midfielder Theo Walcott plays for England against France.
Craig Bellamy is such a naughty boy. Manchester City are going on some training camp thing and he’s gone with them. Maybe he is just going to sit on the sidelines and rest his groin but if he wasn’t Welsh I’d be very very suspicious.
But at least Man City remembered to tell Wales about it this time.
John Toshack says he wants to retire if Wales have another ‘unsuccessful’ year. I just don’t think they did that badly. Fourth place was perfectly respectable, third place was still possible in the penultimate game, and they had key players out injured all the time, which is harder to deal with in a small country.
I really do think he has reason to be hopeful. Half his squad are under twenty-one, not all of them are getting regular first-team football and yet they’re playing really well. Imagine how good they’ll be once they are few years older and in the first team. And speaking of players who are under twenty-one, the current under-21 team are top of a group that includes Italy and Hungary. They can’t be that bad.
And if he wants to manage Wales maybe he could go to training sessions and help out. It would give him the chance to learn and it would be better than giving him the job before he’s properly ready. A lot of ex-players get rushed into management and it doesn’t always work out.
Ryan Shawcross’ old club Manchester United understandably want him back but Ryan is set to tell them where to go by signing a new contract at Stoke. And if you could sign yourself up for Wales while you’re at it, Ryan, I really will love you forever. Ryan was born in England but went to school in Wales. Unfortunately for Wales, his dream is to play for England.
St Mirren midfielder Andy Dorman says he’ll know more players in the Scotland side than in the Wales side. But that’s not so strange. It’s probably a bit like when Arsenal midfielder Theo Walcott plays for England against France.
Craig Bellamy is such a naughty boy. Manchester City are going on some training camp thing and he’s gone with them. Maybe he is just going to sit on the sidelines and rest his groin but if he wasn’t Welsh I’d be very very suspicious.
But at least Man City remembered to tell Wales about it this time.
John Toshack says he wants to retire if Wales have another ‘unsuccessful’ year. I just don’t think they did that badly. Fourth place was perfectly respectable, third place was still possible in the penultimate game, and they had key players out injured all the time, which is harder to deal with in a small country.
I really do think he has reason to be hopeful. Half his squad are under twenty-one, not all of them are getting regular first-team football and yet they’re playing really well. Imagine how good they’ll be once they are few years older and in the first team. And speaking of players who are under twenty-one, the current under-21 team are top of a group that includes Italy and Hungary. They can’t be that bad.
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