Derby County
Gareth Roberts got an assist for Derby in their match against Ipswich but that wasn’t enough to beat Ipswich which must have been quite worrying because everyone beats Ipswich. I don’t know what Gareth was doing when he was supposed to be playing against Forest.
League: Watford A 2-0 (played all)
League: Forest H 0-1 (unselected)
Ipswich H 1-2 (A1 7, played all)
Ben Davies transferred from Notts County to Derby when they finally made a bid that was high enough – and made his debut against Nottingham Forest.
Ben thinks all Derby need is a bit of luck and soon they’ll be winning games again.
Ben says Nigel Clough was the main reason why he joined Derby. He’s confident that he’s ready for Championship football.
Ben has received death threats from fans of his former club Notts County but he doesn’t seem overly worried, just disappointed.
League: Soton A 0-0 (played all) with Notts Co
League: Forest H 0-1 (played all) with Derby County
League: Ipswich H 1-2 (played all)
Robbie Savage chose to remain at Derby rather than going to Vancouver but he won’t be at Derby for long. He’ll be retiring at the end of the season.
After four games without a win for Derby (including an FA Cup match against Crawley Town), and with no win since the end of October over a team other than Preston, Scunthorpe, Ipswich or Portsmouth, Robbie found himself on the bench.
Robbie thinks Blackpool should change their tactics and Liverpool shouldn’t get too ahead of themselves.
Robbie gives his take on assistant referee Sian Massey’s ability to do her job – which is really all that matters.
League: Watford A 2-0 (played all)
League: Forest H 0-1 (starts, Y foul 35, off 55)
League: Ipswich H 1-2 (bench)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster made his 400th career appearance against Reading but that was the only thing he had to celebrate where that match was concerned.
League: Reading H 0-3 (played all)
FA Cup: Wolves A 5-0 (played all)
League: Ipswich A 3-2 (played all)
League: Barnsley H 0-2 (played all)
League: Burnley H 1-0 (starts, off 89)
Brian Stock missed six matches with an injury but sources disagreed on whether it was his leg or his back. But something definitely hurt.
Brian is close to signing a new deal with Doncaster.
League: Reading H 0-3 (out, leg or back)
FA Cup: Wolves A 5-0 (out, leg or back)
League: Ipswich A 3-2 (out, leg or back)
League: Barnsley H 0-0 (out, leg or back)
League: Burnley H 1-0 (starts, off 84)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt again played for Leeds against parent club Arsenal. He said he would try his hardest to score but he wouldn’t celebrate. Luckily he didn’t try hard enough.
League: Scunthorpe H 4-0 (starts, G1 17, off 80)
FA Arsenal H 1-3 (starts, off 79)
League: Portsmouth A 2-2 (starts, off 62)
League: Hull A 2-2 (out, hamstring)
Leicester City
Andy King is discussing a new contract with Leicester. He believes Leicester need to build some momentum as they fight for a place in the play-offs. Andy has been nominated for the PFA January Player of the Month award.
League: Preston A 1-1 (played all)
FA Cup: Man City A 4-2 (played all)
League: Millwall H 4-2 (played all)
League: Sheff Utd A 0-1 (G 1 4, played all)
Middlesbrough
Danny Coyne was probably really happy with Middlesbrough’s 4-0 away victory over Bristol City. It was just a shame he wasn’t actually on the pitch.
League: Bristol C A 0-4 (bench)
League: Preston H 1-1 (out, back)
League: Scunthorpe H 2-0 (out, back)
Rhys Williams is still recovering from a pelvic problem but he is training again.
Millwall
Steve Morison returned to the starting line-up after not completely recovering from flu and had a couple of quiet matches before getting back on the scoresheet against Ipswich. He also scored against Barnsley. Maybe he’d have scored against Norwich too if he hadn’t injured his calf.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett hopes Steve will sign a new contract with Millwall.
League: Ipswich H 2-1 (G2 76, played all)
League: Leicester A 4-2 (played all)
League: Barnsley H 2-0 (G1 17, played all)
League: Norwich A 2-1 (starts, off 16)
Norwich City
Andrew Crofts scored twice against Sheffield United. It would be nice if he could do that against England but England are probably better than Sheffield United.
League Cardiff H 1-1 (starts, off 78)
League: Sheff Utd A 1-2 (Y foul 14, G1 61, G2 80, played all)
League: Palace A 0-0 (Y 76, played all)
League: Millwall H 2-1 (Y foul 35, played all)
Showing posts with label kenny jackett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kenny jackett. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Transfer News and Rumours 8th January 2011 (Championship)
It is thought that Bristol City will listen to offers for Gavin Williams, who has just had foot surgery.
Doncaster manager Sean O’Driscoll hopes Brian Stock will sign a new contract but a number of other clubs are interested.
Kenny Jackett says Millwall don’t need to sell Steve Morison – and there’s been no contact from Fulham. So if Mark Hughes wants to manage Steve, he’ll have to wait until the Wales manager post becomes vacant again. And hopefully that won’t be for a very long time.
Millwall striker Steve Morison says he won’t be letting the Fulham rumours distract him. Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested.
Nottingham Forest have told Robert Earnshaw he will need to take a paycut if he wants to remain at the club. Rob’s current contract expires this summer.
Simon Church has been linked with Swansea City but he’s focused on helping Reading into the Premier League.
Hal Robson-Kanu could move from Reading to Swindon Town in a swap with Charlie Austin.
Jermaine Easter hopes to sign a permanent deal with Swansea City, having apparently come to the conclusion he’d rather be on the bench for a top Championship side than for a mid-table League One club.
Newcastle United are interested in Swansea City’s Ashley Williams but Brendan Rogers has no plans to sell him. Swansea are also concerned that they could lose Joe Allen.
Swansea City goalkeeper David Cornell will spend the rest of the season on loan at Welsh Premier League club Port Talbot.
Doncaster manager Sean O’Driscoll hopes Brian Stock will sign a new contract but a number of other clubs are interested.
Kenny Jackett says Millwall don’t need to sell Steve Morison – and there’s been no contact from Fulham. So if Mark Hughes wants to manage Steve, he’ll have to wait until the Wales manager post becomes vacant again. And hopefully that won’t be for a very long time.
Millwall striker Steve Morison says he won’t be letting the Fulham rumours distract him. Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested.
Nottingham Forest have told Robert Earnshaw he will need to take a paycut if he wants to remain at the club. Rob’s current contract expires this summer.
Simon Church has been linked with Swansea City but he’s focused on helping Reading into the Premier League.
Hal Robson-Kanu could move from Reading to Swindon Town in a swap with Charlie Austin.
Jermaine Easter hopes to sign a permanent deal with Swansea City, having apparently come to the conclusion he’d rather be on the bench for a top Championship side than for a mid-table League One club.
Newcastle United are interested in Swansea City’s Ashley Williams but Brendan Rogers has no plans to sell him. Swansea are also concerned that they could lose Joe Allen.
Swansea City goalkeeper David Cornell will spend the rest of the season on loan at Welsh Premier League club Port Talbot.
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 18th December 2010 (Part 2)
Ipswich Town v Leicester City
Six defeats on the spin have left Ipswich just three points from the relegation zone. I seem to have recollections of them being unbeaten in the league, then unbeaten at home… but that seems like such a long tme ago and it probably seems like even longer if you’re an Ipswich fan.
Even more worryingly, Roy Keane thinks he’s been too nice to his players. Now there’s a scary thought.
Leicester could be feeling confident after thrashing Doncaster Rovers 5-1 last weekend. Or they could be feeling worried after losing their last two away games.
Troy Brown could keep his place in Ipswich’s defence but considering they can only beat Premier League teams at the moment, Roy Keane might make a few changes.
Andy King will start for Leicester.
Elliott Chamberlain is apparently on trial with Blue Square Premier club Oxford United. I did wonder if it was an old article but I think they just got the league wrong.
Leeds United v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR’s long unbeaten run came to an end last weekend when Watford beat them 3-1. They can’t even comfort themselves by remembering that they still remain unbeaten at home. Not when this match is away. Leeds are unbeaten in eight matches. So they’ve still got a way to go before they match what QPR achieved.
Sanchez Watt is apparently in contention for a place in the squad but I know what Leeds are like, I’ll believe it when I see it. He scored in a behind-closed-doors match where Leeds beat Newcastle United 4-1.
Millwall v Barnsley
Barnsley are unbeaten in five matches – three points from the play-offs, and not forgetting their game in hand. But Millwall are just one point behind them and unbeaten in four. They also have the home advantage: Barnsley have only won twice away.
Millwall’s striker crisis has probably eased a bit by now but even so, they’ll almost certainly pick Steve Morison. And Kenny Jackett says Nottingham Forest haven’t made a bid for Steve which is good news.
Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
I don’t want to speak to soon but for the moment it looks like Nottingham Forest might actually be able to play their match this time. Their last two have fallen victim to the weather.
Forest are the only team in the Championship who are still unbeaten at home and they’ll be hoping things stay that way. If they draw again they’ll still be unbeaten but they’ll have drawn half their league matches this season. Palace have only one win – and one draw – from away games this season.
Aaron Ramsey is probably struggling to build up match fitness as there have’t been any matches but he should get a substitute appearance in this one. If it happens.
Chris Gunter and Robert Earnshaw should start.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman will probably be on the bench for Palace.
Six defeats on the spin have left Ipswich just three points from the relegation zone. I seem to have recollections of them being unbeaten in the league, then unbeaten at home… but that seems like such a long tme ago and it probably seems like even longer if you’re an Ipswich fan.
Even more worryingly, Roy Keane thinks he’s been too nice to his players. Now there’s a scary thought.
Leicester could be feeling confident after thrashing Doncaster Rovers 5-1 last weekend. Or they could be feeling worried after losing their last two away games.
Troy Brown could keep his place in Ipswich’s defence but considering they can only beat Premier League teams at the moment, Roy Keane might make a few changes.
Andy King will start for Leicester.
Elliott Chamberlain is apparently on trial with Blue Square Premier club Oxford United. I did wonder if it was an old article but I think they just got the league wrong.
Leeds United v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR’s long unbeaten run came to an end last weekend when Watford beat them 3-1. They can’t even comfort themselves by remembering that they still remain unbeaten at home. Not when this match is away. Leeds are unbeaten in eight matches. So they’ve still got a way to go before they match what QPR achieved.
Sanchez Watt is apparently in contention for a place in the squad but I know what Leeds are like, I’ll believe it when I see it. He scored in a behind-closed-doors match where Leeds beat Newcastle United 4-1.
Millwall v Barnsley
Barnsley are unbeaten in five matches – three points from the play-offs, and not forgetting their game in hand. But Millwall are just one point behind them and unbeaten in four. They also have the home advantage: Barnsley have only won twice away.
Millwall’s striker crisis has probably eased a bit by now but even so, they’ll almost certainly pick Steve Morison. And Kenny Jackett says Nottingham Forest haven’t made a bid for Steve which is good news.
Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
I don’t want to speak to soon but for the moment it looks like Nottingham Forest might actually be able to play their match this time. Their last two have fallen victim to the weather.
Forest are the only team in the Championship who are still unbeaten at home and they’ll be hoping things stay that way. If they draw again they’ll still be unbeaten but they’ll have drawn half their league matches this season. Palace have only one win – and one draw – from away games this season.
Aaron Ramsey is probably struggling to build up match fitness as there have’t been any matches but he should get a substitute appearance in this one. If it happens.
Chris Gunter and Robert Earnshaw should start.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman will probably be on the bench for Palace.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Welsh Player News 29th October (Championship, Part 2)
Middlesbrough’s Danny Coyne and Stephen McManus visited Teeside Hospice to help with the refurbishment and meet the guests and staff. There will be collection buckets for the hospice at Middlesbrough’s match against Bristol City tomorrow.
Kenny Jackett says Steve Morison can’t get Millwall promoted on his own – the other strikers have got to help.
Blackburn Rovers say they have not made an approach for Steve. Blackburn must be mad then but I think they’re quite right to leave him where he is.
Paul Parry says Preston North End will continue to climb the Championship table. And they probably will if Paul’s tendonitis allows him to get a good run in the team. He scored twice for Preston’s reserves in a 3-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers
Simon Church says his winning goal for Reading against Burnley wasn’t a fluke – he meant it!
Hal Robson-Kanu says the Reading players never doubted that they could beat Burnley. How right they were. Hal hopes he will continue to make an impact for Reading.
Reading striker Jake Taylor has had knee surgery and will be out for a few weeks.
Gary Speed says Sheffield United never get penalties. Except against West Bromwich Albion which is great when they’re in the same division as you but not so good when they’re up competing for a Champions’ League place. Sheffield Utd’s last penalty at home was so long ago, David Cotterill was there to score it.
Ashley Williams will equal a club record if he starts tomorrow. He will make his 106th start for the club, thus equalling the record currently held by Andy Legg and Gilbert Beech (who might also be Welsh, Google isn’t being helpful and I’m in a hurry) for biggest number of successive starts by an outfield player. The overall record is held by goalkeeper Roger Freestone. Let’s hope Ashley doesn’t get concussion again. He can’t remember last week’s match against Leicester City at all. This is South Wales suggests Ashley’s next target is to equal Freestone’s record – but I’d have thought his next aim should be making sure he breaks the outfield record in the match after this one.
Joe Allen says the derby against Cardiff City is a big match but for now the players are focused on Crystal Palace.
Kenny Jackett says Steve Morison can’t get Millwall promoted on his own – the other strikers have got to help.
Blackburn Rovers say they have not made an approach for Steve. Blackburn must be mad then but I think they’re quite right to leave him where he is.
Paul Parry says Preston North End will continue to climb the Championship table. And they probably will if Paul’s tendonitis allows him to get a good run in the team. He scored twice for Preston’s reserves in a 3-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers
Simon Church says his winning goal for Reading against Burnley wasn’t a fluke – he meant it!
Hal Robson-Kanu says the Reading players never doubted that they could beat Burnley. How right they were. Hal hopes he will continue to make an impact for Reading.
Reading striker Jake Taylor has had knee surgery and will be out for a few weeks.
Gary Speed says Sheffield United never get penalties. Except against West Bromwich Albion which is great when they’re in the same division as you but not so good when they’re up competing for a Champions’ League place. Sheffield Utd’s last penalty at home was so long ago, David Cotterill was there to score it.
Ashley Williams will equal a club record if he starts tomorrow. He will make his 106th start for the club, thus equalling the record currently held by Andy Legg and Gilbert Beech (who might also be Welsh, Google isn’t being helpful and I’m in a hurry) for biggest number of successive starts by an outfield player. The overall record is held by goalkeeper Roger Freestone. Let’s hope Ashley doesn’t get concussion again. He can’t remember last week’s match against Leicester City at all. This is South Wales suggests Ashley’s next target is to equal Freestone’s record – but I’d have thought his next aim should be making sure he breaks the outfield record in the match after this one.
Joe Allen says the derby against Cardiff City is a big match but for now the players are focused on Crystal Palace.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Welsh Player News 16th October 2010 (Championship)
Bristol City manager Keith Millen says Sam Vokes, who is now back in full training, still has a role to play for the club.
Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood has been linked with a move to Lincoln City but I’m not sure how out of favour he is. No more out of favour than most injured players.
Robbie Savage is hoping to inspire others young players who have been told they’re not good enough. Robbie has just made his his 600th career appearance. Derby County coach Gary Crosby thinks Robbie only had an average performance but he still has plenty of good words to say about him.
Kenny Jackett is delighted with Millwall’s win over Crystal Palace.
Andrew Crofts talks about saving the day for Norwich City.
Robbie Savage and Andy King are among the players nominated for the PFA Fans’ Championship Player of the Month.
Swansea City’s Ashley Williams says going away with Wales was one of the toughest times of his career – and not just because of the result.
Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood has been linked with a move to Lincoln City but I’m not sure how out of favour he is. No more out of favour than most injured players.
Robbie Savage is hoping to inspire others young players who have been told they’re not good enough. Robbie has just made his his 600th career appearance. Derby County coach Gary Crosby thinks Robbie only had an average performance but he still has plenty of good words to say about him.
Kenny Jackett is delighted with Millwall’s win over Crystal Palace.
Andrew Crofts talks about saving the day for Norwich City.
Robbie Savage and Andy King are among the players nominated for the PFA Fans’ Championship Player of the Month.
Swansea City’s Ashley Williams says going away with Wales was one of the toughest times of his career – and not just because of the result.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Championship Fixtures 28th September 2010 Part 3
Queen’s Park Rangers v Millwall
Both teams started the season as the Championships’s pace-setters but while QPR are six points clear at the top of the table, unbeaten in the league and with a 100% record at home, Millwall have dropped to 12th and are without a win in their last five matches. Millwall haven’t beaten QPR since 1989, when both clubs were in the top division.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett has previously worked as QPR’s assistant manager.
Steve Morison should start up front for Millwall.
Reading v Ipswich Town
Reading are only a point outside the play-offs but they now face Ipswich Town, who are in fourth place and unbeaten away this season.
Hal Robson-Kanu came off the bench to score his second of the season for Reading (or his third if you include the penalty in the shoot-out against giant-killers Northampton). While this might not sound like much, he has only been on the pitch twice. It would be great to see him start for Reading, alongside Simon Church, who is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up. Jake Taylor could also be in the squad.
Troy Brown might be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Swansea City
Watford are up in third place after three consecutive league victories. Swansea might not be feeling overly positive – while they do have a 100% record at home, they have a 0% record away.
David Cotterill is a doubt for Swansea due to a groin injury but Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen all look likely to start. Jazz Richards could be on the bench.
Both teams started the season as the Championships’s pace-setters but while QPR are six points clear at the top of the table, unbeaten in the league and with a 100% record at home, Millwall have dropped to 12th and are without a win in their last five matches. Millwall haven’t beaten QPR since 1989, when both clubs were in the top division.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett has previously worked as QPR’s assistant manager.
Steve Morison should start up front for Millwall.
Reading v Ipswich Town
Reading are only a point outside the play-offs but they now face Ipswich Town, who are in fourth place and unbeaten away this season.
Hal Robson-Kanu came off the bench to score his second of the season for Reading (or his third if you include the penalty in the shoot-out against giant-killers Northampton). While this might not sound like much, he has only been on the pitch twice. It would be great to see him start for Reading, alongside Simon Church, who is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up. Jake Taylor could also be in the squad.
Troy Brown might be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Swansea City
Watford are up in third place after three consecutive league victories. Swansea might not be feeling overly positive – while they do have a 100% record at home, they have a 0% record away.
David Cotterill is a doubt for Swansea due to a groin injury but Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen all look likely to start. Jazz Richards could be on the bench.
Wales v Bulgaria News 28th September
It is looking increasingly likely that Wales will have to face Bulgaria and Switzerland without Craig Bellamy. It’s his knee again. Cardiff are working to build him up to full fitness but they don’t think he’ll be ready for Wales.
Millwall manager and former Welsh international Kenny Jackett believes Brian Flynn should become the permanent manager of Wales.
The Mirror thinks Terry Venables could be the next manager of Wales.
FA Wales have not yet advertised the job of national team manager so any rumours are probably without foundation.
Millwall manager and former Welsh international Kenny Jackett believes Brian Flynn should become the permanent manager of Wales.
The Mirror thinks Terry Venables could be the next manager of Wales.
FA Wales have not yet advertised the job of national team manager so any rumours are probably without foundation.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Welsh Player News 27th September 2010 (Championship) Part 1
Bristol City manager Keith Millen has asked the fans to be patient with new signing Brett Pitman, who isn’t used to playing at Championship level.
Chris Burke believes his Cardiff City team-mate Craig Bellamy will make a big impression once he’s back from injury.
Kenny Jackett says Craig is an asset to the Championship but he hopes he won’t play in either of Cardiff’s matches against Millwall this season. Kenny is also happy about Steve Morison’s playing international football for Wales.
Givemefootball believe Cardiff City’s Adam Matthews will bounce back from his own goal. Adam’s team-mate Jay Bothroyd says Adam should embrace the criticism, which is an interesting concept but if it helps Adam, great.
Darcy Blake hopes to be part of the Wales squad against Bulgaria and Switzerland. But Darcy thought his Wales hopes were at an end on Saturday after a strong challenge made him fear he’d broken his leg. His manager Dave Jones was also far from thrilled with the challenge although Millwall manager Kenny Jackett felt the red card was harsh.
Darcy has agreed but presumably not signed a new contract with Cardiff City. Cardiff have also opened contract negotiations with Adam Matthews but they’ve failed to agree anything – hardly surprising after the way his manager treated him last week.
Coventry City striker Freddy Eastwood has had an operation on his knee and is expected to be out for eight weeks.
Robbie Savage gives his view on diving (also posting a picture of himself in the bath) and names Jack Wilshere as England’s next big thing (no offence, Jack, but I hope you don’t play against Wales)
Chris Burke believes his Cardiff City team-mate Craig Bellamy will make a big impression once he’s back from injury.
Kenny Jackett says Craig is an asset to the Championship but he hopes he won’t play in either of Cardiff’s matches against Millwall this season. Kenny is also happy about Steve Morison’s playing international football for Wales.
Givemefootball believe Cardiff City’s Adam Matthews will bounce back from his own goal. Adam’s team-mate Jay Bothroyd says Adam should embrace the criticism, which is an interesting concept but if it helps Adam, great.
Darcy Blake hopes to be part of the Wales squad against Bulgaria and Switzerland. But Darcy thought his Wales hopes were at an end on Saturday after a strong challenge made him fear he’d broken his leg. His manager Dave Jones was also far from thrilled with the challenge although Millwall manager Kenny Jackett felt the red card was harsh.
Darcy has agreed but presumably not signed a new contract with Cardiff City. Cardiff have also opened contract negotiations with Adam Matthews but they’ve failed to agree anything – hardly surprising after the way his manager treated him last week.
Coventry City striker Freddy Eastwood has had an operation on his knee and is expected to be out for eight weeks.
Robbie Savage gives his view on diving (also posting a picture of himself in the bath) and names Jack Wilshere as England’s next big thing (no offence, Jack, but I hope you don’t play against Wales)
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Championship Results 19th September 2010 Part 2
Ipswich Town 2-0 Cardiff City
Both teams’ unbeaten runs came to an end midweek and it was Ipswich who bounced back to take all three points.
It was half-time substitute Adam Matthews who opened the scoring for Ipswich but unfortunately he plays for Cardiff. He looked gutted when the goal went in but I’m sure his Swansea City-supporting friends will be delighted with his goal – which would have been a great one if it had gone in the right net.
Darcy Blake returned to the starting line-up for Cardiff and he was the only player for whom manager Dave Jones had a positive word to say. Jason Koumas dropped to the bench and made an appearance after 77 minutes but the midfielder, who is not yet at full match fitness, wasn’t able to inspire a Cardiff comeback. Aaron Wildig was an unused substitute. Craig Bellamy must have failed a late fitness test – he wasn’t in the squad.
Leicester City 0-2 Queen’s Park Rangers
Leicester managed to beat Cardiff City, then in second place, midweek but the top team proved a step too far. QPR remain unbeaten, having one six of their seven league matches this season. Leicester should have had a penalty which, if scored, would have brought them level with QPR but it wasn’t Leicester’s day.
Andy King didn’t score for Leicester although he had a shot saved. Andy has scored three goals in the last three games – not bad.
Middlesbrough 3-1 Reading
Middlesbrough are getting it now. They’ve got a way to go if they’re planning on challenging for the title as expected but they’ve won two consecutive games which is a start. Reading managed to bring the score back to 2-1 but they were unable to find an equaliser. And they probably didn’t deserve one.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Simon Church got to come off the bench again for Reading but when you come on in the 89th minute, your chances of getting a hat-trick to claim the win are pretty low. Hal Robson-Kanu was an unused substitute.
Millwall 1-6 Watford
What happened here? True, Watford are doing a lot better than expected but Millwall were in the play-off places and looking like a good side. Let’s hope this was just a blip. Or six blips. Watford are the first team to win at the New Den for ten months.
Steve Morison played the full match for Millwall.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett was born in Watford (you’d be surprised how many Welsh people were) and has played for and managed the club. It wasn’t the homecoming he’s hoped for.
Both teams’ unbeaten runs came to an end midweek and it was Ipswich who bounced back to take all three points.
It was half-time substitute Adam Matthews who opened the scoring for Ipswich but unfortunately he plays for Cardiff. He looked gutted when the goal went in but I’m sure his Swansea City-supporting friends will be delighted with his goal – which would have been a great one if it had gone in the right net.
Darcy Blake returned to the starting line-up for Cardiff and he was the only player for whom manager Dave Jones had a positive word to say. Jason Koumas dropped to the bench and made an appearance after 77 minutes but the midfielder, who is not yet at full match fitness, wasn’t able to inspire a Cardiff comeback. Aaron Wildig was an unused substitute. Craig Bellamy must have failed a late fitness test – he wasn’t in the squad.
Leicester City 0-2 Queen’s Park Rangers
Leicester managed to beat Cardiff City, then in second place, midweek but the top team proved a step too far. QPR remain unbeaten, having one six of their seven league matches this season. Leicester should have had a penalty which, if scored, would have brought them level with QPR but it wasn’t Leicester’s day.
Andy King didn’t score for Leicester although he had a shot saved. Andy has scored three goals in the last three games – not bad.
Middlesbrough 3-1 Reading
Middlesbrough are getting it now. They’ve got a way to go if they’re planning on challenging for the title as expected but they’ve won two consecutive games which is a start. Reading managed to bring the score back to 2-1 but they were unable to find an equaliser. And they probably didn’t deserve one.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Simon Church got to come off the bench again for Reading but when you come on in the 89th minute, your chances of getting a hat-trick to claim the win are pretty low. Hal Robson-Kanu was an unused substitute.
Millwall 1-6 Watford
What happened here? True, Watford are doing a lot better than expected but Millwall were in the play-off places and looking like a good side. Let’s hope this was just a blip. Or six blips. Watford are the first team to win at the New Den for ten months.
Steve Morison played the full match for Millwall.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett was born in Watford (you’d be surprised how many Welsh people were) and has played for and managed the club. It wasn’t the homecoming he’s hoped for.
Friday, 17 September 2010
Welsh Player News 17th September 2010 (Championship, Part 1)
Bristol City defender James Wilson will be out for the season after undergoing knee surgery.
His team-mate Christian Ribeiro feels he’s proved he can play in the Championship.
Bristol City manager Keith Millen wants a team of internationals Signing Sam Vokes on loan and possible future Welsh international Brett Pitman can only be a good move.
Christian Ribeiro says he spent the summer in bed, his back problems were so severe but he’s much better now.
Sam Vokes is on his way back from a hamstring injury and hopes to be playing again soon. He is expected to return to Bristol City to see out the remainder of his loan spell, which ends in January.
Craig Bellamy’s transfer is hot news on Mount Killmanjaro.
Cardiff City’s new signing Nick Keogh wants to learn from Craig. I'm sure he could learn a lot about football but maybe he shouldn't ask Craig to help with his golf swing.
The case against the fan who threw a coin at Craig has been dismissed.
Jason Koumas believes Cardiff City will get promoted this season and I so hope he’s right. When you look at how well they’re doing and consider that Craig is injured and Jason is not yet fully match-fit, they definitely have a chance.
Andy Dorman earns the same amount in a season at Crystal Palace as he would have done in seven seasons with former club New England Revolution.
Gareth Roberts feels Derby’s performances have been encouraging and there’s more to come from them.
Robbie Savage won’t endear himself to the Liverpool fans for describing their team as ordinary but the rest of the football world might well love him for it. He’s not very impressed with some of the Champions’ League teams either. Or Stuart Attwell. Robbie thinks Stuart’s balls aren’t big enough. I’ve never seen Attwell’s balls so I couldn’t possibly comment.
Robbie and Rio Ferdinand aren’t getting on terribly well at the moment.
Gary Speed thinks Robbie Savage is nice. But he’s not so keen on controversial referees.
Kenny Jackett was disappointed not to beat Reading midweek but he’s happy with the players Millwall have. And why not? They’re fourth in the Championship.
Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts doesn’t mind scoring goals but the most important thing is that his team get points.
His team-mate Christian Ribeiro feels he’s proved he can play in the Championship.
Bristol City manager Keith Millen wants a team of internationals Signing Sam Vokes on loan and possible future Welsh international Brett Pitman can only be a good move.
Christian Ribeiro says he spent the summer in bed, his back problems were so severe but he’s much better now.
Sam Vokes is on his way back from a hamstring injury and hopes to be playing again soon. He is expected to return to Bristol City to see out the remainder of his loan spell, which ends in January.
Craig Bellamy’s transfer is hot news on Mount Killmanjaro.
Cardiff City’s new signing Nick Keogh wants to learn from Craig. I'm sure he could learn a lot about football but maybe he shouldn't ask Craig to help with his golf swing.
The case against the fan who threw a coin at Craig has been dismissed.
Jason Koumas believes Cardiff City will get promoted this season and I so hope he’s right. When you look at how well they’re doing and consider that Craig is injured and Jason is not yet fully match-fit, they definitely have a chance.
Andy Dorman earns the same amount in a season at Crystal Palace as he would have done in seven seasons with former club New England Revolution.
Gareth Roberts feels Derby’s performances have been encouraging and there’s more to come from them.
Robbie Savage won’t endear himself to the Liverpool fans for describing their team as ordinary but the rest of the football world might well love him for it. He’s not very impressed with some of the Champions’ League teams either. Or Stuart Attwell. Robbie thinks Stuart’s balls aren’t big enough. I’ve never seen Attwell’s balls so I couldn’t possibly comment.
Robbie and Rio Ferdinand aren’t getting on terribly well at the moment.
Gary Speed thinks Robbie Savage is nice. But he’s not so keen on controversial referees.
Kenny Jackett was disappointed not to beat Reading midweek but he’s happy with the players Millwall have. And why not? They’re fourth in the Championship.
Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts doesn’t mind scoring goals but the most important thing is that his team get points.
Championship Fixtures 18th September 2010 Part 3
Millwall v Watford
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett is up against the only club he played for in his career. He only played for ten years but even so, it’s nice to see a bit of loyalty. Kenny has also coached and managed Watford. Watford go into this match with an unbeaten away record.
Steve Morison is likely to start for Millwall.
Preston North End v Norwich City
Preston have only beaten Norwich twice at home in the last 39 years and wins of any kind are thin on the ground for Preston at the moment. Norwich lost their last game but they’re still only out of the play-off places on goal difference.
Paul Parry made his second comeback from a knee operation early last Saturday and went on to play the complete game against Burnley midweek. He’s said he’s likely to continue to have problems with his knee for the rest of his career so it’s not impossible he’ll be rested for this match. Craig Morgan, however, should play for Preston.
Andrew Crofts should be in Norwich’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Portsmouth
Sheffield United will be wanting to bounce back from a surprise 4-0 defeat to Scunthorpe United. Portsmouth also conceded four goals last week although they did manage to score one.
Ched Evans hasn’t scored since the first day of the season and if Sheffield Utd manager Gary Speed decides to make changes, that could include changes up front.
Swansea City v Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe were predicted to struggle but they’re up in the top half of the table – three places ahead of Swansea but only on goal difference. The bad news for Scunthorpe is that Swansea have a 100% home record this season and have only conceded one goal.
Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor are likely to start for Swansea. Joe Allen did well in midweek when he started – David Cotterill was the player who dropped to the bench to replace him. David Cornell and Casey Thomas could both be on the bench although both are candidates to go out on loan.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett is up against the only club he played for in his career. He only played for ten years but even so, it’s nice to see a bit of loyalty. Kenny has also coached and managed Watford. Watford go into this match with an unbeaten away record.
Steve Morison is likely to start for Millwall.
Preston North End v Norwich City
Preston have only beaten Norwich twice at home in the last 39 years and wins of any kind are thin on the ground for Preston at the moment. Norwich lost their last game but they’re still only out of the play-off places on goal difference.
Paul Parry made his second comeback from a knee operation early last Saturday and went on to play the complete game against Burnley midweek. He’s said he’s likely to continue to have problems with his knee for the rest of his career so it’s not impossible he’ll be rested for this match. Craig Morgan, however, should play for Preston.
Andrew Crofts should be in Norwich’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Portsmouth
Sheffield United will be wanting to bounce back from a surprise 4-0 defeat to Scunthorpe United. Portsmouth also conceded four goals last week although they did manage to score one.
Ched Evans hasn’t scored since the first day of the season and if Sheffield Utd manager Gary Speed decides to make changes, that could include changes up front.
Swansea City v Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe were predicted to struggle but they’re up in the top half of the table – three places ahead of Swansea but only on goal difference. The bad news for Scunthorpe is that Swansea have a 100% home record this season and have only conceded one goal.
Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor are likely to start for Swansea. Joe Allen did well in midweek when he started – David Cotterill was the player who dropped to the bench to replace him. David Cornell and Casey Thomas could both be on the bench although both are candidates to go out on loan.
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, 26 August 2010
Carling Cup Results 24th August 2010 Part 2
Leyton Orient 0-2 West Bromwich Albion
Leyton Orient were unlucky not to take the lead in the 8th minute but Boaz Myhill was having one of his good days and better teams than Orient have struggled to get past him. It’s fair to say Bo’s West Brom debut went well although the dominance of West Brom meant that he didn’t have a lot to do.
Millwall 2-1 Middlesbrough
The favourites to go down took the lead after 29 minutes when the favourites to win the league conceded a penalty. This was despatched by Steve Morison - as always I am very grateful for any Welshman who can score penalties. Millwall made it two ten minutes later. Middlesbrough did get one back in the 89th minute but it was a bit late by then. Millwall manager Kenny Jackett was delighted with his team’s performance.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Milton Keynes Dons 4-3 Blackpool (after extra time)
MK Dons took the lead as early as the first minute and I was really disappointed. I wanted to see giant-killings. I wanted Blackpool to win. Then it got to half-time and I suddenly remembered Blackpool are in the Premier League now and MK Dons are nowhere near as good as Wimbledon.
Things got exciting in the 52nd minute when both sides scored twice to make the score 3-3. Then Blackpool got a penalty, which they scored. I started to celebrate, then I remembered again. Wrong minnows.
The match went into extra time and MK Dons got a late winner. I started to groan then remembered I should be cheering. Well done to MK Dons but to be fair to Blackpool, Ian Holloway had picked a second-string side before pissing off to watch some transfer target.
Jermaine Easter ended his goal drought for MK Dons when he scored their second goal of the night. He must have liked the feeling a lot because he did it again two minutes later. The hat-trick wouldn’t quite come but he did get the assist for the fourth goal.
Neal Eardley and Rob Edwards were in the starting line-up for the first time since Blackpool became a Premier League club. Neal got the assist for Blackpool’s first goal and nearly scored for them to. David Vaughan was rested and wasn’t in the squad at all.
Morecambe 1-3 Burnley
Morecambe went ahead in the 12th minute and spent nearl 20 minutes leading the former Premier League side. Bur Burnley fought back with three goals including a penalty and it was quite a boring and predictable result in the end.
Darren Moss played the first 72 minutes for Morecambe. Conceding the penalty probably didn’t help his cause but he did stay on for eleven minutes afterwards so he probably wasn’t substituted for that reason.
Leyton Orient were unlucky not to take the lead in the 8th minute but Boaz Myhill was having one of his good days and better teams than Orient have struggled to get past him. It’s fair to say Bo’s West Brom debut went well although the dominance of West Brom meant that he didn’t have a lot to do.
Millwall 2-1 Middlesbrough
The favourites to go down took the lead after 29 minutes when the favourites to win the league conceded a penalty. This was despatched by Steve Morison - as always I am very grateful for any Welshman who can score penalties. Millwall made it two ten minutes later. Middlesbrough did get one back in the 89th minute but it was a bit late by then. Millwall manager Kenny Jackett was delighted with his team’s performance.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Milton Keynes Dons 4-3 Blackpool (after extra time)
MK Dons took the lead as early as the first minute and I was really disappointed. I wanted to see giant-killings. I wanted Blackpool to win. Then it got to half-time and I suddenly remembered Blackpool are in the Premier League now and MK Dons are nowhere near as good as Wimbledon.
Things got exciting in the 52nd minute when both sides scored twice to make the score 3-3. Then Blackpool got a penalty, which they scored. I started to celebrate, then I remembered again. Wrong minnows.
The match went into extra time and MK Dons got a late winner. I started to groan then remembered I should be cheering. Well done to MK Dons but to be fair to Blackpool, Ian Holloway had picked a second-string side before pissing off to watch some transfer target.
Jermaine Easter ended his goal drought for MK Dons when he scored their second goal of the night. He must have liked the feeling a lot because he did it again two minutes later. The hat-trick wouldn’t quite come but he did get the assist for the fourth goal.
Neal Eardley and Rob Edwards were in the starting line-up for the first time since Blackpool became a Premier League club. Neal got the assist for Blackpool’s first goal and nearly scored for them to. David Vaughan was rested and wasn’t in the squad at all.
Morecambe 1-3 Burnley
Morecambe went ahead in the 12th minute and spent nearl 20 minutes leading the former Premier League side. Bur Burnley fought back with three goals including a penalty and it was quite a boring and predictable result in the end.
Darren Moss played the first 72 minutes for Morecambe. Conceding the penalty probably didn’t help his cause but he did stay on for eleven minutes afterwards so he probably wasn’t substituted for that reason.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Welsh Player News (and rumours) 20th August 2010
Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross isn’t exactly popular with Arsenal fans as it is and joining Tottenham Hotspur isn’t likely to improve things.
Sanchez Watt has the support of Leeds United chairman Ken Bates, who believes Sanchez did not intend to stamp on Chris Gunter in the incident which led to Chris Gunter stamping on him. I know just how they must feel, it happened to me once at primary school.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is disappointed that Craig Bellamy chose to go to Cardiff City – particularly as he feels Craig would have gone to Celtic if Cardiff hadn’t jumped into the equation. But he would have been given slight hope when the Football League revealed they might not register Craig as a Championship player unless Cardiff can prove they have the means to fund the move. But Cardiff weren't kept in suspense for long - Craig is now officially registered.
So how did Cardiff City manager Dave Jones persuade Craig to join Cardiff? That's what many are asking. Maybe he got Craig drunk?
The manager isn't Craig's only friend at Cardiff. Cardiff City captain Mark Hudson seems to like his new team-mate.
The fans seem to like Craig too. Bellamy Cardiff City shirts have already sold out – but don't worry, more are on the way.
Steve Morison has followed manager Kenny Jackett’s example and is refusing to get carried away with Millwall’s great start to the season.
They got their man in the end. At first, Nicky Adams was far from keen to move to Brentford but when Leicester City persisted in leaving them out of the team, Nicky decided to cut his losses and win something for a change. Ideally, a football match.
Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee is worried he just can’t afford to buy former Charlton Athletic defender Grant Basey.
Sanchez Watt has the support of Leeds United chairman Ken Bates, who believes Sanchez did not intend to stamp on Chris Gunter in the incident which led to Chris Gunter stamping on him. I know just how they must feel, it happened to me once at primary school.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is disappointed that Craig Bellamy chose to go to Cardiff City – particularly as he feels Craig would have gone to Celtic if Cardiff hadn’t jumped into the equation. But he would have been given slight hope when the Football League revealed they might not register Craig as a Championship player unless Cardiff can prove they have the means to fund the move. But Cardiff weren't kept in suspense for long - Craig is now officially registered.
So how did Cardiff City manager Dave Jones persuade Craig to join Cardiff? That's what many are asking. Maybe he got Craig drunk?
The manager isn't Craig's only friend at Cardiff. Cardiff City captain Mark Hudson seems to like his new team-mate.
The fans seem to like Craig too. Bellamy Cardiff City shirts have already sold out – but don't worry, more are on the way.
Steve Morison has followed manager Kenny Jackett’s example and is refusing to get carried away with Millwall’s great start to the season.
They got their man in the end. At first, Nicky Adams was far from keen to move to Brentford but when Leicester City persisted in leaving them out of the team, Nicky decided to cut his losses and win something for a change. Ideally, a football match.
Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee is worried he just can’t afford to buy former Charlton Athletic defender Grant Basey.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Championship News 17th August 2010
Christian Ribeiro (back) played 45 minutes for Bristol City’s reserves as they drew 1-1 with Cheltenham Town.
Sam Vokes’ debut at loan club Bristol City might not have gone as planned but he hasn’t been put off the club entirely. He’s having treatment at parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers at the moment but he’s looking forward to playing a part in Bristol City’s promotion push. If they have one.
Chris Gunter has been charged with violent conduct after stamping on Sanchez Watt. Chris has been given a three-match suspension and he has until 6pm tomorrow (18th August) to admit or deny the charge. The players clubs, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, have both been charged with failing to control their players.
Sanchez Watt says Leeds United are confident ahead of next Saturday’s match against table-toppping Millwall. Leeds manager Simon Grayson is impressed with the striker, who is on loan from Arsenal.
Gordon Strachan needs to decide if he’s happy with goalkeepers Danny Coyne and Jason Steele or if he needs to bring someone else in.
Steve Morison is confident he can go on a scoring run for Millwall, currently top of the Championship.
Kenny Jackett is very happy with Millwall’s start to the season but he’s not getting carried away.
Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor both played the whole of Reading’s 1-1 friendly draw with Leyton Orient. Hal got the assist for Reading’s goal.
Gary Speed is delighted to have been named as the new manager of Sheffield United.
Sam Vokes’ debut at loan club Bristol City might not have gone as planned but he hasn’t been put off the club entirely. He’s having treatment at parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers at the moment but he’s looking forward to playing a part in Bristol City’s promotion push. If they have one.
Chris Gunter has been charged with violent conduct after stamping on Sanchez Watt. Chris has been given a three-match suspension and he has until 6pm tomorrow (18th August) to admit or deny the charge. The players clubs, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, have both been charged with failing to control their players.
Sanchez Watt says Leeds United are confident ahead of next Saturday’s match against table-toppping Millwall. Leeds manager Simon Grayson is impressed with the striker, who is on loan from Arsenal.
Gordon Strachan needs to decide if he’s happy with goalkeepers Danny Coyne and Jason Steele or if he needs to bring someone else in.
Steve Morison is confident he can go on a scoring run for Millwall, currently top of the Championship.
Kenny Jackett is very happy with Millwall’s start to the season but he’s not getting carried away.
Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor both played the whole of Reading’s 1-1 friendly draw with Leyton Orient. Hal got the assist for Reading’s goal.
Gary Speed is delighted to have been named as the new manager of Sheffield United.
Monday, 19 July 2010
Pre-season Friendlies (Part One)
AFC Wimbledon 0-1 Millwall
Steve Morison scored a penalty to give Millwall a win over rivals AFC Wimbledon. Millwall manager – and former Welsh international – Kenny Jackett has apparently told John Toshack to pick Steve for Wales. I second his motion.
Arka Gdynia 1-0 Notts County
Just because I haven't heard of Arka Gdynia, it doesn't mean this is a bad result for Notts County. They are in the top Polish division.
Ben Davies missed out on this match due to a slight groin problem.
Basingstoke 2-1 Aston Villa
Goalkeeper Elliott Parish played for Aston Villa as they lost to Blue Square South team Basingstoke. James Collins came off the bench but that wasn’t the Welsh one. The Welsh one didn’t play.
Basingstoke 2-1 Southampton XI
If Basingstoke can beat Aston Villa, they ought to be able to beat Southampton and this is exactly what they did. Anthony Pulis came off the bench in the second half but Ryan Doble didn’t play.
Bohemians 0-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wayne Hennessey finally got back where he belonged for Wolves (between the sticks) when they played Irish side Bohemians. David Jones also played and got the header for the opening goal. Sam Vokes came off the bench and nearly scored. I’m not sure about Dave Edwards but this article suggests he was a substitute.
Boston United 1-0 Grimsby Town
Grimsby continue to show off their transfer-listed players, including striker Chris Jones, who nearly scored. Grimsby lost but as they left all their first-team players behind, maybe that wasn’t a huge surprise.
Steve Morison scored a penalty to give Millwall a win over rivals AFC Wimbledon. Millwall manager – and former Welsh international – Kenny Jackett has apparently told John Toshack to pick Steve for Wales. I second his motion.
Arka Gdynia 1-0 Notts County
Just because I haven't heard of Arka Gdynia, it doesn't mean this is a bad result for Notts County. They are in the top Polish division.
Ben Davies missed out on this match due to a slight groin problem.
Basingstoke 2-1 Aston Villa
Goalkeeper Elliott Parish played for Aston Villa as they lost to Blue Square South team Basingstoke. James Collins came off the bench but that wasn’t the Welsh one. The Welsh one didn’t play.
Basingstoke 2-1 Southampton XI
If Basingstoke can beat Aston Villa, they ought to be able to beat Southampton and this is exactly what they did. Anthony Pulis came off the bench in the second half but Ryan Doble didn’t play.
Bohemians 0-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wayne Hennessey finally got back where he belonged for Wolves (between the sticks) when they played Irish side Bohemians. David Jones also played and got the header for the opening goal. Sam Vokes came off the bench and nearly scored. I’m not sure about Dave Edwards but this article suggests he was a substitute.
Boston United 1-0 Grimsby Town
Grimsby continue to show off their transfer-listed players, including striker Chris Jones, who nearly scored. Grimsby lost but as they left all their first-team players behind, maybe that wasn’t a huge surprise.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Welsh Player News (and rumours) (Premier League)
Aaron Ramsey is already back in light training and even running. Great news for Wales and Arsenal.
Chelsea goalkeeper Rhys Taylor will spend his pre-season with Crewe Alexandra with a view to joining them on loan. Rhys recently signed a new contract with Chelsea.
Ryan Giggs isn’t in the World Cup but he probably couldn’t have made Wales prouder even if he’d lifted the famous trophy. Ryan visited a hospice this week and spent more than two hours with patients and staff.
I just hope he left before dark. It’s apparently legal to shoot a Welshman in Chester after dark, or it is if you use a crossbow.
Owen Hargreaves has gone back to see the knee specialist but he’s not expected to need another operation. My fingers are crossed for you, Owen. Who cares if you play for Manchester United and chose England over Wales? Some things are more important than rivalries.
Michael Owen thinks he’ll be fit for pre-season with Manchester United. For now, his involvement with football is as a columnist, the lucky sod.
Stoke City are hopeful that Joe Ledley will join them instead of rubbish clubs like Roma and Celtic. West Ham United are also said to be interested.
Ryan Shawcross says that Stoke City aren’t the least bit worried about third season syndrome. But his main target is, well, getting his first international cap. Not with Wales though. With the team who drew with Algeria.
Inter Milan are hoping to offer Tottenham Hotspur Sulley Muntari in exchange for Gareth Bale – who has just signed a new contract with Tottenham. The Arsenal player on me would love to see Tottenham's best player turn his back on his team. The Welshwoman in me would rather he behaved himself.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly rejected a £2 million bid for goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Is that a sign of their good sense or are they holding out for a better offer? Burnley however have been told where to go.
South London Today thinks Millwall manager Kenny Jackett might be interested in Wolverhampwon Wanderers striker Sam Vokes. Sam recently signed a new contract with Wolves but at 20 he might struggle to break into their starting line-up. (Not that he’d be struggling if I was the manager of Wolves.)
Chelsea goalkeeper Rhys Taylor will spend his pre-season with Crewe Alexandra with a view to joining them on loan. Rhys recently signed a new contract with Chelsea.
Ryan Giggs isn’t in the World Cup but he probably couldn’t have made Wales prouder even if he’d lifted the famous trophy. Ryan visited a hospice this week and spent more than two hours with patients and staff.
I just hope he left before dark. It’s apparently legal to shoot a Welshman in Chester after dark, or it is if you use a crossbow.
Owen Hargreaves has gone back to see the knee specialist but he’s not expected to need another operation. My fingers are crossed for you, Owen. Who cares if you play for Manchester United and chose England over Wales? Some things are more important than rivalries.
Michael Owen thinks he’ll be fit for pre-season with Manchester United. For now, his involvement with football is as a columnist, the lucky sod.
Stoke City are hopeful that Joe Ledley will join them instead of rubbish clubs like Roma and Celtic. West Ham United are also said to be interested.
Ryan Shawcross says that Stoke City aren’t the least bit worried about third season syndrome. But his main target is, well, getting his first international cap. Not with Wales though. With the team who drew with Algeria.
Inter Milan are hoping to offer Tottenham Hotspur Sulley Muntari in exchange for Gareth Bale – who has just signed a new contract with Tottenham. The Arsenal player on me would love to see Tottenham's best player turn his back on his team. The Welshwoman in me would rather he behaved himself.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly rejected a £2 million bid for goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Is that a sign of their good sense or are they holding out for a better offer? Burnley however have been told where to go.
South London Today thinks Millwall manager Kenny Jackett might be interested in Wolverhampwon Wanderers striker Sam Vokes. Sam recently signed a new contract with Wolves but at 20 he might struggle to break into their starting line-up. (Not that he’d be struggling if I was the manager of Wolves.)
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
League One Play-off Semi Final fixtures (second leg) 16th and 17th May
Charlton Athletic 2-1 Swindon Town, agg 3-3, Swindon win 5-4 on penalties
It was all looking so good for Charlton. Swindon’s goalkeeper only lasted five minutes before going off injured. A Swindon defender left for an early bath after an hour. At this point, Charlton were 2-0 up and in the Final.
Except that wasn’t where they ended up. Swindon scored, bringing the aggregate score to 3-3. Then it was Charlton’s turn to go down to ten men (although a red did look harsh). Extra time passed and along came penalties. Charlton missed one, Swindon scored all theirs, game over.
Grant Basey wasn’t in Charlton’s team due to an ankle injury. Stuart Fleetwood was also not in the squad.
Billy Bodin might not have got into Swindon’s squad even if he had been available but he was away with the Wales under-21 side. Nice to see a player putting his country first.
Millwall 2-0 Huddersfield Town, agg 2-0
In a recent poll, Millwall fans said they’d rather lose to Huddersfield in the semis than lose to rivals Charlton Athletic in the Final. Luckily for Millwall, Swindon Town beat Charlton so Millwall fans didn’t have to support Huddersfield.
There was really only one team in this and it wasn’t Huddersfield. But with Millwall leading 1-0 until right near the end, there was plenty for Millwall fans to get jittery about.
Kenny Jackett says he’s proud of his team but they’re only halfway there. Swindon await – and after losing to Millwall on the last day of the season, they’ll be out for revenge as well as glory.
Jason Price wasn’t on the bench for Millwall. Maybe he’s in Carlisle, signing a contract.
It was all looking so good for Charlton. Swindon’s goalkeeper only lasted five minutes before going off injured. A Swindon defender left for an early bath after an hour. At this point, Charlton were 2-0 up and in the Final.
Except that wasn’t where they ended up. Swindon scored, bringing the aggregate score to 3-3. Then it was Charlton’s turn to go down to ten men (although a red did look harsh). Extra time passed and along came penalties. Charlton missed one, Swindon scored all theirs, game over.
Grant Basey wasn’t in Charlton’s team due to an ankle injury. Stuart Fleetwood was also not in the squad.
Billy Bodin might not have got into Swindon’s squad even if he had been available but he was away with the Wales under-21 side. Nice to see a player putting his country first.
Millwall 2-0 Huddersfield Town, agg 2-0
In a recent poll, Millwall fans said they’d rather lose to Huddersfield in the semis than lose to rivals Charlton Athletic in the Final. Luckily for Millwall, Swindon Town beat Charlton so Millwall fans didn’t have to support Huddersfield.
There was really only one team in this and it wasn’t Huddersfield. But with Millwall leading 1-0 until right near the end, there was plenty for Millwall fans to get jittery about.
Kenny Jackett says he’s proud of his team but they’re only halfway there. Swindon await – and after losing to Millwall on the last day of the season, they’ll be out for revenge as well as glory.
Jason Price wasn’t on the bench for Millwall. Maybe he’s in Carlisle, signing a contract.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
League One Fixtures 8th May Part 2
Leeds United v Bristol Rovers
A win for Leeds will secure their promotion from League One – finally! Even a draw would be okay if Millwall and Swindon Town will. And as they’re playing each other, I can guarantee that if one draws, the other will too. Bristol Rovers need to win to be sure of finishing 9th. But they enjoy getting one over on the big clubs - their recent victories include Southampton and Swindon Town.
Sanchez Watt probably will be available for Leeds United. I kind of hope he doesn’t start. Last time he started he got two assists and they won 4-1 and that would be bad news for Millwall. But if he can get two assists and lose 4-2, that would be great.
Byron Anthony is likely to start for Bristol Rovers as his hip seems fine after his return to the squad last week. Ben Swallow too might keep his place in the starting line-up. I’ll just expand on that 4-2 Bristol Rovers win I was talking about. Obviously it would be two goals each for Byron and Ben. (I’ve always liked daydreaming.)
Norwich City v Carlisle United
Carlisle can’t finish higher than 14th but they’ll need a victory over the Champions to ensure they won’t drop any lower. Not much to ask then.
Jason Price will play up front for Carlisle. This is his last chance to convince Carlisle manager Greg Abbott to give him a permanent contract – or to convince Kenny Jackett he needs him at Millwall next season. Jason seems to want to stay at Carlisle.
Oldham Athletic v Charlton Athletic
It hasn’t been a great season for Oldham but if they want a bit of excitement in their lives, they could have a big say in who wins the second automatic promotion spot. Charlton need to beat League One’s other Athletic club to have any chance of finishing second.
Joe Jacobson is probably still recovering from his groin injury so he won’t be available for Oldham. Charlton’s Grant Basey (ankle) probably won’t be ready to come back either.
Southampton v Southend United
Without their points deduction, Southampton would be in the play-off places although with seven teams fighting it out, there’s no guarantee they’d finish there. All the same, a home tie against relegated Southend would have given them a good chance.
Southend need to win to be sure of finishing ahead of Wycombe Wanderers but they might not be overly thrilled by the possibility given they’re both relegated.
Lloyd James made a surprise return to Southampton’s starting line-up last week so maybe he’ll play this time too. He’s out of contract though and BBC Sport says there’s some rule thing going on but they don’t elaborate so maybe they don’t know what they’re talking about any more than I do (my summer homework is to find out about loans and out of contract players).
Stockport County v Tranmere Rovers
Stockport are long down and even a win won’t guarantee that Tranmere won’t be joining them – although, no disrespect to their opponents but I do think Tranmere are more than capable of winning this.
Owain fon Williams was surprisingly on the bench for Stockport’s previous game, maybe he’ll be there again. He might not stay around so it might be good for Stockport to see how they’d manage without him. His replacement said he only found out he was playing in the dressing room before the game. I hope Owain had a bit more notice.
Ash Taylor should play for Tranmere.
Walsall v Milton Keynes Dons
Exciting clash this. The winner is guaranteed to finish ahead of the loser. If it’s a draw, MK Dons stay ahead. It’s like a Cup Final!
Rhys Weston has left Walsall by mutual (but I think amicable) consent. I hope he can find a Scottish club to play for so he can be near his family. I’ll miss seeing him on The Football League show but that’s really not important.
Mark Bradley is also out of contract and it waiting to hear about his future. But he should be available to play.
Jermaine Easter still has a dodgy thigh so he’s a doubt.
A win for Leeds will secure their promotion from League One – finally! Even a draw would be okay if Millwall and Swindon Town will. And as they’re playing each other, I can guarantee that if one draws, the other will too. Bristol Rovers need to win to be sure of finishing 9th. But they enjoy getting one over on the big clubs - their recent victories include Southampton and Swindon Town.
Sanchez Watt probably will be available for Leeds United. I kind of hope he doesn’t start. Last time he started he got two assists and they won 4-1 and that would be bad news for Millwall. But if he can get two assists and lose 4-2, that would be great.
Byron Anthony is likely to start for Bristol Rovers as his hip seems fine after his return to the squad last week. Ben Swallow too might keep his place in the starting line-up. I’ll just expand on that 4-2 Bristol Rovers win I was talking about. Obviously it would be two goals each for Byron and Ben. (I’ve always liked daydreaming.)
Norwich City v Carlisle United
Carlisle can’t finish higher than 14th but they’ll need a victory over the Champions to ensure they won’t drop any lower. Not much to ask then.
Jason Price will play up front for Carlisle. This is his last chance to convince Carlisle manager Greg Abbott to give him a permanent contract – or to convince Kenny Jackett he needs him at Millwall next season. Jason seems to want to stay at Carlisle.
Oldham Athletic v Charlton Athletic
It hasn’t been a great season for Oldham but if they want a bit of excitement in their lives, they could have a big say in who wins the second automatic promotion spot. Charlton need to beat League One’s other Athletic club to have any chance of finishing second.
Joe Jacobson is probably still recovering from his groin injury so he won’t be available for Oldham. Charlton’s Grant Basey (ankle) probably won’t be ready to come back either.
Southampton v Southend United
Without their points deduction, Southampton would be in the play-off places although with seven teams fighting it out, there’s no guarantee they’d finish there. All the same, a home tie against relegated Southend would have given them a good chance.
Southend need to win to be sure of finishing ahead of Wycombe Wanderers but they might not be overly thrilled by the possibility given they’re both relegated.
Lloyd James made a surprise return to Southampton’s starting line-up last week so maybe he’ll play this time too. He’s out of contract though and BBC Sport says there’s some rule thing going on but they don’t elaborate so maybe they don’t know what they’re talking about any more than I do (my summer homework is to find out about loans and out of contract players).
Stockport County v Tranmere Rovers
Stockport are long down and even a win won’t guarantee that Tranmere won’t be joining them – although, no disrespect to their opponents but I do think Tranmere are more than capable of winning this.
Owain fon Williams was surprisingly on the bench for Stockport’s previous game, maybe he’ll be there again. He might not stay around so it might be good for Stockport to see how they’d manage without him. His replacement said he only found out he was playing in the dressing room before the game. I hope Owain had a bit more notice.
Ash Taylor should play for Tranmere.
Walsall v Milton Keynes Dons
Exciting clash this. The winner is guaranteed to finish ahead of the loser. If it’s a draw, MK Dons stay ahead. It’s like a Cup Final!
Rhys Weston has left Walsall by mutual (but I think amicable) consent. I hope he can find a Scottish club to play for so he can be near his family. I’ll miss seeing him on The Football League show but that’s really not important.
Mark Bradley is also out of contract and it waiting to hear about his future. But he should be available to play.
Jermaine Easter still has a dodgy thigh so he’s a doubt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
