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 sanchez watt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sanchez watt. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 3)
Ipswich Town v Doncaster Rovers
Ipswich will be hoping Doncaster are still suffering the after-effects of their FA Cup defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers They really don’t want to lose for the ninth time in eleven matches.
Troy Brown could return from a hamstring injury for Ipswich.
John Oster should start for Doncaster but Brian Stock is still out with a back or leg injury.
Leicester City v Millwall
Millwall are the form team in the Championship but Leicester have only lost twice at home this season.
Andy King isn’t going to be dropped from Leicester’s team in a hurry.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall – they’ll be hoping he’s fully recovered from the flu and has the energy to score and celebrate lots of goals.
Middlesbrough v Preston North End
Middlesbrough are unbeaten in four and must be hopeful of extending this run when they face the Championship’s bottom club, who have only won twice away.
Rhys Williams expects to be back in full training in a month’s time and he hopes he’ll be playing for Middlesbrough again by March. Rhys has had a problem with his pelvis for the last year and hasn’t played since April.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Craig Morgan could keep his place in Preston’s starting line-up with Paul Parry on the bench.
Portsmouth v Leeds United
Portsmouth will be hoping to end a run of three league defeats but they’ll be lucky to do that against fifth-placed Leeds.
Sanchez Watt should start for Leeds.
Ipswich will be hoping Doncaster are still suffering the after-effects of their FA Cup defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers They really don’t want to lose for the ninth time in eleven matches.
Troy Brown could return from a hamstring injury for Ipswich.
John Oster should start for Doncaster but Brian Stock is still out with a back or leg injury.
Leicester City v Millwall
Millwall are the form team in the Championship but Leicester have only lost twice at home this season.
Andy King isn’t going to be dropped from Leicester’s team in a hurry.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall – they’ll be hoping he’s fully recovered from the flu and has the energy to score and celebrate lots of goals.
Middlesbrough v Preston North End
Middlesbrough are unbeaten in four and must be hopeful of extending this run when they face the Championship’s bottom club, who have only won twice away.
Rhys Williams expects to be back in full training in a month’s time and he hopes he’ll be playing for Middlesbrough again by March. Rhys has had a problem with his pelvis for the last year and hasn’t played since April.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Craig Morgan could keep his place in Preston’s starting line-up with Paul Parry on the bench.
Portsmouth v Leeds United
Portsmouth will be hoping to end a run of three league defeats but they’ll be lucky to do that against fifth-placed Leeds.
Sanchez Watt should start for Leeds.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
FA Cup Result 19th January 2011
Leeds United 1-3 Arsenal
When it was suggested that Leeds had a very good chance of winning if Arsenal ‘didn’t show up’ I did find it amusing. Arsenal literally not showing up would be the best case scenario for a lot of lower league teams. But when it comes to figurative showing up, there was rather more reason for concern.
As expected, Leeds played well. They attacked, created chances, scored a brilliant goal, their goalkeeper made some brilliant saves (not surprisingly, given his surname) and they never gave up, not even when they were 3-1 down with a couple of minutes to go. I don’t know if they really thought they could get a replay but they seemed to be thinking: better 3-2 than 3-1.
Arsenal weren’t at their breathtaking best all the time but they played very well and provided some moments of brilliance, including their first and third goals. Arsenal too kept going and didn’t make the mistake of assuming that just because they were in a higher division than Leeds, they would win the match. They knew they had to work and continued to do so even after they had a two-goal cushion.
Sanchez Watt played for Leeds against his parent club again.
Despite the rumours that he would start, Aaron Ramsey wasn’t even on the bench.
When it was suggested that Leeds had a very good chance of winning if Arsenal ‘didn’t show up’ I did find it amusing. Arsenal literally not showing up would be the best case scenario for a lot of lower league teams. But when it comes to figurative showing up, there was rather more reason for concern.
As expected, Leeds played well. They attacked, created chances, scored a brilliant goal, their goalkeeper made some brilliant saves (not surprisingly, given his surname) and they never gave up, not even when they were 3-1 down with a couple of minutes to go. I don’t know if they really thought they could get a replay but they seemed to be thinking: better 3-2 than 3-1.
Arsenal weren’t at their breathtaking best all the time but they played very well and provided some moments of brilliance, including their first and third goals. Arsenal too kept going and didn’t make the mistake of assuming that just because they were in a higher division than Leeds, they would win the match. They knew they had to work and continued to do so even after they had a two-goal cushion.
Sanchez Watt played for Leeds against his parent club again.
Despite the rumours that he would start, Aaron Ramsey wasn’t even on the bench.
Transfer News and Rumours 20th January 2010
Blackburn Rovers Jason Brown is hoping to leave Blackburn, either permanently or on loan, in order to get some first-team football and play for Wales again.
David Vaughan, along with some of his other Blackpool team-mates, has been told he won’t be leaving the club this transfer window. Certainly not to go to an inferior club like Liverpool.
Manchester United will offer Ryan Giggs a new one-year contract.
Derby County have told Robbie Savage that if he wants to join the Vancouver Whitecaps, he can go this winter.
Derby County have been bidding for Ben Davies again but Notts County just didn’t seem to want to let him go. Ben says he loves Notts County and doesn’t want to leave but he would love to play in the Championship – and, at 29, he might not get many more chances. Notts County manager Paul Ince said that if Derby want Ben, they’ll need to come up with a much bigger bid than they’ve done so far. Presumably, Derby managed this – although maybe it was Ben’s transfer request that forced the move. (You see why they call them 'transfer sagas'?)
Leeds United are interested in signing Sanchez Watt on a permanent basis from Arsenal.
Steve Morison, who has attracted the attention of clubs including Fulham, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, is in talks with Millwall about a new contract.
Reading manager Brian McDermott doesn’t want to sell any player this January. So Wolverhampton Wanderers can keep their paws off Simon Church.
Swansea City defender Ashley Williams is still attracting the attention of Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic but team-mate Nathan Dyer says it would be silly for Ashley to leave Swansea.
Jason Price thinks former loan club Bradford City need to sign some loud players.
Charlton Athletic don’t have any Welsh players but they could be interested in Plymouth Argyle’s Carl Fletcher.
Lee Beevers has been a regular at left back for Colchester United recently – but manager John Ward seems to be interested in replacing him.
Rochdale have signed Owain fon Williams from struggling League Two Stockport County following his excellent performances for League Two promotion contenders Bury. Championship side Derby County were also interested. Owain’s contract with Rochdale runs until the end of the season.
David Vaughan, along with some of his other Blackpool team-mates, has been told he won’t be leaving the club this transfer window. Certainly not to go to an inferior club like Liverpool.
Manchester United will offer Ryan Giggs a new one-year contract.
Derby County have told Robbie Savage that if he wants to join the Vancouver Whitecaps, he can go this winter.
Derby County have been bidding for Ben Davies again but Notts County just didn’t seem to want to let him go. Ben says he loves Notts County and doesn’t want to leave but he would love to play in the Championship – and, at 29, he might not get many more chances. Notts County manager Paul Ince said that if Derby want Ben, they’ll need to come up with a much bigger bid than they’ve done so far. Presumably, Derby managed this – although maybe it was Ben’s transfer request that forced the move. (You see why they call them 'transfer sagas'?)
Leeds United are interested in signing Sanchez Watt on a permanent basis from Arsenal.
Steve Morison, who has attracted the attention of clubs including Fulham, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, is in talks with Millwall about a new contract.
Reading manager Brian McDermott doesn’t want to sell any player this January. So Wolverhampton Wanderers can keep their paws off Simon Church.
Swansea City defender Ashley Williams is still attracting the attention of Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic but team-mate Nathan Dyer says it would be silly for Ashley to leave Swansea.
Jason Price thinks former loan club Bradford City need to sign some loud players.
Charlton Athletic don’t have any Welsh players but they could be interested in Plymouth Argyle’s Carl Fletcher.
Lee Beevers has been a regular at left back for Colchester United recently – but manager John Ward seems to be interested in replacing him.
Rochdale have signed Owain fon Williams from struggling League Two Stockport County following his excellent performances for League Two promotion contenders Bury. Championship side Derby County were also interested. Owain’s contract with Rochdale runs until the end of the season.
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
FA Cup Third Round Replay Fixture 19th january 2011
Leeds United v Arsenal
Arsenal needed a last-minute penalty in order to secure a replay against Leeds but they need to do a bit better than that this time. They could, of course, get another draw and take the match into extra time but I think Arsenal are better at football than they are at penalty shoot-outs.
Aaron Ramsey could make his first appearance for the Arsenal first team since breaking his leg last February. Some reports say he could start but a substitute appearance is probably more likely. Though what do I know?
Sanchez Watt is likely to play for loan club Leeds United against his parent club again. He says he’ll score against Arsenal if he has to but he won’t celebrate. Sanchez scored his first Leeds goal at the weekend.
Arsenal needed a last-minute penalty in order to secure a replay against Leeds but they need to do a bit better than that this time. They could, of course, get another draw and take the match into extra time but I think Arsenal are better at football than they are at penalty shoot-outs.
Aaron Ramsey could make his first appearance for the Arsenal first team since breaking his leg last February. Some reports say he could start but a substitute appearance is probably more likely. Though what do I know?
Sanchez Watt is likely to play for loan club Leeds United against his parent club again. He says he’ll score against Arsenal if he has to but he won’t celebrate. Sanchez scored his first Leeds goal at the weekend.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Championship Results 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Bristol City 0-4 Middlesbrough
Both clubs were hoping to bounce back from being the victims of an FA Cup giant-killing, with Middlesbrough’s defeat undeniably the more embarrassing (no disrespect to Burton Albion but Bristol City were playing Sheffield Wednesday). And whilst one league victory won’t make up for the Cup defeat entirely, a big emphatic win like this one can only help. Middlesbrough are now four points clear of the relegation zone.
Brett Pitman did his best for Bristol City and came close to scoring his ninth goal in nine games but he couldn’t quite do it. Lewin Nyatanga also started for Bristol City but Christian Ribeiro failed to recover from a hamstring injury and wasn’t on the bench.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough. Unfortunately, losing to Burton isn’t the best way of proving that you ought to be your club’s No. 1.
Coventry City 0-0 Sheffield United
An away point at Coventry is probably a result Sheffield United are reasonably happy with – although they are only two points from the drop zone – although the fact they haven’t won since their shock victory over Swansea City in mid-December probably is rather worrying. Coventry are probably just a little bit worried themselves – they have only won once in the last eight matches – and their win came in a Cup match.
That is not to say that Freddy Eastwood is in particularly bad form for Coventry. Three goals in his last four matches seems a more than reasonable return – especially when you consider he has five goals from his seven starts.
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance. He didn’t score either (strikers tend not to when they’re involved in a goalless draw) but he has five goals from his last ten appearances for Sheffield United. So he’s pretty good too.
Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Reading
Reading continue their promotion quest with a 3-0 away win over Doncaster, who probably aren’t completely out of the play-off pictures themselves due to the number of games they have in hand.
Doncaster had their chances, with John Oster making his presence felt in his 400th career appearance against his former club.
Simon Church came off the bench for the last twelve minutes but Hal Robson-Kanu stayed on the bench.
Leeds United 4-0 Scunthorpe United
If Scunthorpe win their games in hand, that should be enough to take them out of the play-off zone. But when most of your points are coming from away games (not that Scunthorpe have got any points from anywhere in 2011) it is often quite a good thing to visit the division’s top sides at a time when they aren’t picking up many points. Leeds were without a win in five. So imagine how many they’d have scored if they were actually in form.
Sanchez Watt scored Leeds’ opening goal, his first for the club.
Millwall 2-1 Ipswich Town
Millwall did what Arsenal couldn’t and came back from a goal down to beat struggling Ipswich. Millwall are now unbeaten in nine and are three points from the play-offs.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s winning goal. He didn’t celebrate but he says that's because he's really tired and Neil Harris said on Late Kick-Off that Steve is still ill and it’s all he can do to drag himself around the football pitch, a celebration is just too much.
Both clubs were hoping to bounce back from being the victims of an FA Cup giant-killing, with Middlesbrough’s defeat undeniably the more embarrassing (no disrespect to Burton Albion but Bristol City were playing Sheffield Wednesday). And whilst one league victory won’t make up for the Cup defeat entirely, a big emphatic win like this one can only help. Middlesbrough are now four points clear of the relegation zone.
Brett Pitman did his best for Bristol City and came close to scoring his ninth goal in nine games but he couldn’t quite do it. Lewin Nyatanga also started for Bristol City but Christian Ribeiro failed to recover from a hamstring injury and wasn’t on the bench.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough. Unfortunately, losing to Burton isn’t the best way of proving that you ought to be your club’s No. 1.
Coventry City 0-0 Sheffield United
An away point at Coventry is probably a result Sheffield United are reasonably happy with – although they are only two points from the drop zone – although the fact they haven’t won since their shock victory over Swansea City in mid-December probably is rather worrying. Coventry are probably just a little bit worried themselves – they have only won once in the last eight matches – and their win came in a Cup match.
That is not to say that Freddy Eastwood is in particularly bad form for Coventry. Three goals in his last four matches seems a more than reasonable return – especially when you consider he has five goals from his seven starts.
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance. He didn’t score either (strikers tend not to when they’re involved in a goalless draw) but he has five goals from his last ten appearances for Sheffield United. So he’s pretty good too.
Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Reading
Reading continue their promotion quest with a 3-0 away win over Doncaster, who probably aren’t completely out of the play-off pictures themselves due to the number of games they have in hand.
Doncaster had their chances, with John Oster making his presence felt in his 400th career appearance against his former club.
Simon Church came off the bench for the last twelve minutes but Hal Robson-Kanu stayed on the bench.
Leeds United 4-0 Scunthorpe United
If Scunthorpe win their games in hand, that should be enough to take them out of the play-off zone. But when most of your points are coming from away games (not that Scunthorpe have got any points from anywhere in 2011) it is often quite a good thing to visit the division’s top sides at a time when they aren’t picking up many points. Leeds were without a win in five. So imagine how many they’d have scored if they were actually in form.
Sanchez Watt scored Leeds’ opening goal, his first for the club.
Millwall 2-1 Ipswich Town
Millwall did what Arsenal couldn’t and came back from a goal down to beat struggling Ipswich. Millwall are now unbeaten in nine and are three points from the play-offs.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s winning goal. He didn’t celebrate but he says that's because he's really tired and Neil Harris said on Late Kick-Off that Steve is still ill and it’s all he can do to drag himself around the football pitch, a celebration is just too much.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part One)
Arsenal 1-1 Leeds United
Arsenal will need a replay in order to beat Leeds – and from the way that both teams played, an Arsenal win is not a foregone conclusion. Arsene Wenger fielded a weakened, if not weak side and they were very nearly made to suffer as Manchester United were last season. Leeds took the lead through an early penalty before Arsenal equalised in stoppage team by the same method. Arsenal were rightly awarded a penalty earlier in the game, only for the referee to change his mind, but a penalty was later awarded following what Theo Walcott is very keen to tell us was a dive. The team who wins the replay will play Huddersfield Town at home.
Aaron Ramsey was on the bench for Arsenal and was seen warming up although he was an unused substitute. It’s not necessarily an insult to Arsenal’s performance to say that this was the best moment in the game.
Sanchez Watt, on loan from Arsenal, was given permission to play for loan club Leeds in this match. He says his loyalties were divided, as were those of his family but he’s happy with the result and he’s looking forward to playing Arsenal at Elland Road.
Bolton Wanderers 2-0 York City
York came so close to winning themselves a home replay but late appearances for Bolton strikers Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander, both of whom have been on good form, gave Bolton two goals in the last seven mnutes. York played well and they deserved something from the game. Hopefully it will give them some comfort to know they can match a side who are competing for a place in the Europa League. Bolton have another home tie in the fourth round and will face fellow Premier League side Wigan Athletic.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Danny Parslow was in defence for York and nearly got an assist but it was only an assist for a Bolton goal so I bet he was glad that chance was missed. Levi Mackin was on the bench.
Bristol City 0-3 Sheffield Wednesday
At first glance, this result doesn’t seem like much of a surprise but it was actually the first (alphabetically) of many giant-killings. Bristol City gave Sheffield Wednesday some trouble in attack but in defence they struggled as much as the scoreline suggests. Sheffield Wednesday will host either Wycombe Wanderers or Hereford United in the next round.
Lewin Nyatanga was in defence for Bristol City. Christian Ribeiro was a 63rd-minute substitute but he left the field just ten minutes later with a hamstring injury. It looks as though he could be out for several weeks but Bristol City won’t know for sure until the swelling goes down.
Brett Pitman kept the Wednesday defence hard at work but there was no place in the squad for Gavin Williams. Gavin was on the losing side for loan club Yeovil Town against Sheffield Wednesday but Yeovil only lost by two goals, despite being the home side.
Burnley 4-2 Port Vale
Burnley might be struggling in the Championship but they were convincing winners over League Two promotion contenders Port Vale, who have just lost their manager to Sheffield United (and yes, it was Wales’ fault). However, while the better team certainly won, Port Vale worked very hard and gave Burnley more than a few anxious moments.
Lewis Haldane started for Port Vale for only the second time since recovering from blood poisoning Stoke & Staffordshire says it’s his third start of the season though so maybe I missed one) and got the assist for Port Vale’s first goal. Gareth Owen, new manager Jim Gannon’s chosen captain for the day, played 90 minutes.
Burton Albion 2-1 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s only consolation is that Newcastle United, Sunderland and also Hartlepool United were also the victims of a Cupset but perhaps it is slightly more painful for a Middlesbrough side who have seen themselves fall from being a mid-table Premier League side to contenders for relegation to League One within a couple of years. Too good to go down? Well, they weren’t good enough to beat a mid-table League Two team yesterday.
Middlesbrough didn’t play badly. They dominated and created chances but chances are no good if you don’t take them. However, Burton were excellent. They worked hard, played well and they won the game. They will be away at Burnley in the next round.
Tony James was a half-time substitute for Burton – which means he won’t be available for Cup games if Hereford United buy him.
Danny Coyne got a rare start for Middlesbrough but was sadly unable to make the most of it. But that wasn’t entirely his fault. He didn’t have to make a save for the first 80 minutes.
Arsenal will need a replay in order to beat Leeds – and from the way that both teams played, an Arsenal win is not a foregone conclusion. Arsene Wenger fielded a weakened, if not weak side and they were very nearly made to suffer as Manchester United were last season. Leeds took the lead through an early penalty before Arsenal equalised in stoppage team by the same method. Arsenal were rightly awarded a penalty earlier in the game, only for the referee to change his mind, but a penalty was later awarded following what Theo Walcott is very keen to tell us was a dive. The team who wins the replay will play Huddersfield Town at home.
Aaron Ramsey was on the bench for Arsenal and was seen warming up although he was an unused substitute. It’s not necessarily an insult to Arsenal’s performance to say that this was the best moment in the game.
Sanchez Watt, on loan from Arsenal, was given permission to play for loan club Leeds in this match. He says his loyalties were divided, as were those of his family but he’s happy with the result and he’s looking forward to playing Arsenal at Elland Road.
Bolton Wanderers 2-0 York City
York came so close to winning themselves a home replay but late appearances for Bolton strikers Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander, both of whom have been on good form, gave Bolton two goals in the last seven mnutes. York played well and they deserved something from the game. Hopefully it will give them some comfort to know they can match a side who are competing for a place in the Europa League. Bolton have another home tie in the fourth round and will face fellow Premier League side Wigan Athletic.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Danny Parslow was in defence for York and nearly got an assist but it was only an assist for a Bolton goal so I bet he was glad that chance was missed. Levi Mackin was on the bench.
Bristol City 0-3 Sheffield Wednesday
At first glance, this result doesn’t seem like much of a surprise but it was actually the first (alphabetically) of many giant-killings. Bristol City gave Sheffield Wednesday some trouble in attack but in defence they struggled as much as the scoreline suggests. Sheffield Wednesday will host either Wycombe Wanderers or Hereford United in the next round.
Lewin Nyatanga was in defence for Bristol City. Christian Ribeiro was a 63rd-minute substitute but he left the field just ten minutes later with a hamstring injury. It looks as though he could be out for several weeks but Bristol City won’t know for sure until the swelling goes down.
Brett Pitman kept the Wednesday defence hard at work but there was no place in the squad for Gavin Williams. Gavin was on the losing side for loan club Yeovil Town against Sheffield Wednesday but Yeovil only lost by two goals, despite being the home side.
Burnley 4-2 Port Vale
Burnley might be struggling in the Championship but they were convincing winners over League Two promotion contenders Port Vale, who have just lost their manager to Sheffield United (and yes, it was Wales’ fault). However, while the better team certainly won, Port Vale worked very hard and gave Burnley more than a few anxious moments.
Lewis Haldane started for Port Vale for only the second time since recovering from blood poisoning Stoke & Staffordshire says it’s his third start of the season though so maybe I missed one) and got the assist for Port Vale’s first goal. Gareth Owen, new manager Jim Gannon’s chosen captain for the day, played 90 minutes.
Burton Albion 2-1 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s only consolation is that Newcastle United, Sunderland and also Hartlepool United were also the victims of a Cupset but perhaps it is slightly more painful for a Middlesbrough side who have seen themselves fall from being a mid-table Premier League side to contenders for relegation to League One within a couple of years. Too good to go down? Well, they weren’t good enough to beat a mid-table League Two team yesterday.
Middlesbrough didn’t play badly. They dominated and created chances but chances are no good if you don’t take them. However, Burton were excellent. They worked hard, played well and they won the game. They will be away at Burnley in the next round.
Tony James was a half-time substitute for Burton – which means he won’t be available for Cup games if Hereford United buy him.
Danny Coyne got a rare start for Middlesbrough but was sadly unable to make the most of it. But that wasn’t entirely his fault. He didn’t have to make a save for the first 80 minutes.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 1)
Arsenal v Leeds United
Arsenal’s quest for silverware sees them take on the team who knocked Manchester United last year – and came close to doing the same to Tottenham Hotspur.
Aaron Ramsey could make his first appearance of the season as part of Arsenal’s squad.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/07/aaron-ramsey-arsenal-return-leeds
Sanchez Watt has been given permission to play for Leeds against his parent club but he has a head injury.
Blackburn Rovers v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR get to test out how close they are to being ready for the Premier League.
Jason Brown could be in Blackburn’s squad but I kind of doubt it really. They do have a lot of injury problems but not in goal.
Bolton Wanderers v York City
Bolton are looking like European contenders but York have achieved something just by being here.
Bolton are expected to field a weakened side so Sam Ricketts could be rested. The Press disagree with me though – they think Sam will get a ‘rare start’. Sam has been on the bench once in the last ten matches. Sam knows what it’s like to be a non-league player but he won’t be giving York too much sympathy.
Levi Mackin will both hope to feature for York despite missing training when his baby daughter was born. As York have a fully-fit squad, Danny Parslow is presumably also available but Alex Lawless has signed for Luton Town following a loan spell with the club.
Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday
There’s definitely some giant-killing potential here although it won’t be giant-killing of the most romantic kind. Still, it’s hardly a fumble in the bushes either.
Several Bristol City players have fitness problems which should increase Lewin Nyatanga, Christian Ribeiro and Brett Pitman’s chances of playing. Gavin Williams has had surgery on a foot injury and is expected to be out for three weeks. Sam Vokes is back at Wolverhampton Wanderers following his not exactly successful loan spell.
Arsenal’s quest for silverware sees them take on the team who knocked Manchester United last year – and came close to doing the same to Tottenham Hotspur.
Aaron Ramsey could make his first appearance of the season as part of Arsenal’s squad.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/07/aaron-ramsey-arsenal-return-leeds
Sanchez Watt has been given permission to play for Leeds against his parent club but he has a head injury.
Blackburn Rovers v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR get to test out how close they are to being ready for the Premier League.
Jason Brown could be in Blackburn’s squad but I kind of doubt it really. They do have a lot of injury problems but not in goal.
Bolton Wanderers v York City
Bolton are looking like European contenders but York have achieved something just by being here.
Bolton are expected to field a weakened side so Sam Ricketts could be rested. The Press disagree with me though – they think Sam will get a ‘rare start’. Sam has been on the bench once in the last ten matches. Sam knows what it’s like to be a non-league player but he won’t be giving York too much sympathy.
Levi Mackin will both hope to feature for York despite missing training when his baby daughter was born. As York have a fully-fit squad, Danny Parslow is presumably also available but Alex Lawless has signed for Luton Town following a loan spell with the club.
Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday
There’s definitely some giant-killing potential here although it won’t be giant-killing of the most romantic kind. Still, it’s hardly a fumble in the bushes either.
Several Bristol City players have fitness problems which should increase Lewin Nyatanga, Christian Ribeiro and Brett Pitman’s chances of playing. Gavin Williams has had surgery on a foot injury and is expected to be out for three weeks. Sam Vokes is back at Wolverhampton Wanderers following his not exactly successful loan spell.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 2)
Coventry City
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Premier League, Part 1)
I’m never going to catch up on all the matches that have taken place (or not) so I’ll just do a quick overview of all the Welsh (and nearly Welsh) players.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsey made his long-awaited return to non-reserve football when he came off the bench for loan club Nottingham Forest. A number of Forest’s matches were cancelled due to the snow but Aaron managed four appearances, including two starts. Forest were hoping to extend Aaron’s loan but Arsene Wenger understandably said no.
(all matches with Nottingham Forest)
Palace H 3-0 (bench, on 74)
Derby H 5-2 (starts, off 60)
Barnsley A 2-2 (bench, on 54)
Sanchez Watt is still on loan at Leeds United so I’ll talk about him later.
Aston Villa
James Collins has got himself into a few spots of bother on and off the field but he has managed to keep his place in the team. Along with practically every other footballer whose name the media knows, there have been rumours about him leaving his club in the transfer window.
Spurs H 1-2 (played all)
Man C A 4-0 (played all)
Chelsea A 3-3 (Y foul 22, played all)
Sunderland H 0-1 (Y foul 45+2, played all)
Elliot Parish hasn’t been near the first team as far as I’m aware. Even when reserve keeper Brad Guzan was absent, Villa stuck some other guy on the benc. But hopefully that will dissuade the England lower level sides from picking him and then Wales can nip in.
Blackburn Rovers
Jason Brown has returned from Leyton Orient, ending his second loan spell of the season. Leeds United and Leyton Orient should have given him a clue about whether he really wants first-team football or not. Jason played no matches over the Christmas period due to the cancellation of Orient’s games and what can only be ignorance (or that’s what I tell myself) on the part of new manager Steve Kean.
Blackpool
Neal Eardley didn’t start the season at the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind (and maybe that was no bad thing the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind is probably a scary place) but now he’s starting every match and providing assists (although he didn’t get any over Christmas).
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)
David Vaughan has gone about his duties rather more quietly than Neal and if you’re not physically watching or listening to the match, it’s difficult to know if he’s doing anything at all. But according to fans and manager, he most certainly is. David’s contract ends this summer and Ian Holloway wants to keep him – but only if he’ll stop arguing and sign a new contract. If he won’t sign, it might be better to let him go now and get a bit of money for him. It’s not like Blackpool are in dire relegation straits after all. There’s nothing dire about Blackpool.
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)
Rob Edwards had a period of not being in the matchday squad but it turned out he was injured and over the past month, he has been on the bench every time. Maybe that’s not where he most wants to be but as long as you’re on the bench, at least you have a chance of playing.
Sunderland A 0-2 (bench)
Man City A 1-0 (bench)
Birmingham H 1-2 (bench)
Bolton Wanderers
Sam Ricketts got himself back into the first team and has pretty much stayed there. He did get dropped for one match but Bolton Wanderers soon saw sense and brought him on as a substitute.
Sunderland A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 2-0 (bench, on 64)
Chelsea A 1-0 (played all)
Liverpool A 2-1 (played all)
Wigan H 1-1 (played all)
Chelsea
Rhys Taylor is still on loan at Crewe Alexandra from ‘struggling Chelsea’. He has the option of moving to another club in this transfer window but if he does want to go, he’s been keeping it quiet.
Fulham
Simon Davies said his ongoing foot injury would prevent him from playing regularly for Fulham but it looks as though he’s underestimated himself. But the really good news is that he hasn’t said a definite no in response to Gary Speed’s attempt to recall him to the Wales squad so I kind of feel vaguely hopeful some of the time.
Simon has four assists from his last four games, as well as a brilliant goal.
West Ham H 1-3 (A1 11, played all)
Stoke A 0-2 (played all)
Spurs A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 3-0 (starts, G1 45+1, A2 56, A3 65, off 82)
Manchester City
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy remains on loan at Cardiff City for the season although there are reports of plans to steal him away from his childhood club.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsey made his long-awaited return to non-reserve football when he came off the bench for loan club Nottingham Forest. A number of Forest’s matches were cancelled due to the snow but Aaron managed four appearances, including two starts. Forest were hoping to extend Aaron’s loan but Arsene Wenger understandably said no.
(all matches with Nottingham Forest)
Palace H 3-0 (bench, on 74)
Derby H 5-2 (starts, off 60)
Barnsley A 2-2 (bench, on 54)
Sanchez Watt is still on loan at Leeds United so I’ll talk about him later.
Aston Villa
James Collins has got himself into a few spots of bother on and off the field but he has managed to keep his place in the team. Along with practically every other footballer whose name the media knows, there have been rumours about him leaving his club in the transfer window.
Spurs H 1-2 (played all)
Man C A 4-0 (played all)
Chelsea A 3-3 (Y foul 22, played all)
Sunderland H 0-1 (Y foul 45+2, played all)
Elliot Parish hasn’t been near the first team as far as I’m aware. Even when reserve keeper Brad Guzan was absent, Villa stuck some other guy on the benc. But hopefully that will dissuade the England lower level sides from picking him and then Wales can nip in.
Blackburn Rovers
Jason Brown has returned from Leyton Orient, ending his second loan spell of the season. Leeds United and Leyton Orient should have given him a clue about whether he really wants first-team football or not. Jason played no matches over the Christmas period due to the cancellation of Orient’s games and what can only be ignorance (or that’s what I tell myself) on the part of new manager Steve Kean.
Blackpool
Neal Eardley didn’t start the season at the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind (and maybe that was no bad thing the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind is probably a scary place) but now he’s starting every match and providing assists (although he didn’t get any over Christmas).
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)
David Vaughan has gone about his duties rather more quietly than Neal and if you’re not physically watching or listening to the match, it’s difficult to know if he’s doing anything at all. But according to fans and manager, he most certainly is. David’s contract ends this summer and Ian Holloway wants to keep him – but only if he’ll stop arguing and sign a new contract. If he won’t sign, it might be better to let him go now and get a bit of money for him. It’s not like Blackpool are in dire relegation straits after all. There’s nothing dire about Blackpool.
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)
Rob Edwards had a period of not being in the matchday squad but it turned out he was injured and over the past month, he has been on the bench every time. Maybe that’s not where he most wants to be but as long as you’re on the bench, at least you have a chance of playing.
Sunderland A 0-2 (bench)
Man City A 1-0 (bench)
Birmingham H 1-2 (bench)
Bolton Wanderers
Sam Ricketts got himself back into the first team and has pretty much stayed there. He did get dropped for one match but Bolton Wanderers soon saw sense and brought him on as a substitute.
Sunderland A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 2-0 (bench, on 64)
Chelsea A 1-0 (played all)
Liverpool A 2-1 (played all)
Wigan H 1-1 (played all)
Chelsea
Rhys Taylor is still on loan at Crewe Alexandra from ‘struggling Chelsea’. He has the option of moving to another club in this transfer window but if he does want to go, he’s been keeping it quiet.
Fulham
Simon Davies said his ongoing foot injury would prevent him from playing regularly for Fulham but it looks as though he’s underestimated himself. But the really good news is that he hasn’t said a definite no in response to Gary Speed’s attempt to recall him to the Wales squad so I kind of feel vaguely hopeful some of the time.
Simon has four assists from his last four games, as well as a brilliant goal.
West Ham H 1-3 (A1 11, played all)
Stoke A 0-2 (played all)
Spurs A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 3-0 (starts, G1 45+1, A2 56, A3 65, off 82)
Manchester City
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy remains on loan at Cardiff City for the season although there are reports of plans to steal him away from his childhood club.
Saturday, 18 December 2010
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.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley 1-0 Sheffield United
What turned out to be Gary Speed’s last match as manager of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Barnsley took all three points and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United.
Bristol City 2-0 Derby County
For the third consecutive match, Bristol City won. And for the third consecutive match, Brett Pitman scored. It was also the second successive match in which he’d scored a brace. Let’s hope Gary Speed knows about Brett’s eligibility. If he is eligible. No-one seemed very certain. That’s five goals in three matches for the (I hope) future Welsh international.
Brett feels Bristol City’s hard work is finally paying off. So is Brett’s hard work – his second goal was brilliant.
Christian Ribeiro started again for Bristol City. Lewin Nyatanga, whom Bristol City signed from Derby last season, was on the bench for his first match since returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United. Gavin Williams, back from his loan to Yeovil Town, didn’t make it into the squad.
As for Derby, it was all going so well but they’ve now lost four of their last five league games. Eight minutes before Brett’s opening goal, Gareth Roberts was forced off due to a calf injury and with Robbie Savage out with an ankle problem, Derby were in trouble.
Burnley 2-3 Leeds United
Burnley were 2-0 up when the whistle blew for half-time but Simon Grayson must have said something scary in the dressing room because Leeds fought back to claim all three points.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
What turned out to be Gary Speed’s last match as manager of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Barnsley took all three points and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United.
Bristol City 2-0 Derby County
For the third consecutive match, Bristol City won. And for the third consecutive match, Brett Pitman scored. It was also the second successive match in which he’d scored a brace. Let’s hope Gary Speed knows about Brett’s eligibility. If he is eligible. No-one seemed very certain. That’s five goals in three matches for the (I hope) future Welsh international.
Brett feels Bristol City’s hard work is finally paying off. So is Brett’s hard work – his second goal was brilliant.
Christian Ribeiro started again for Bristol City. Lewin Nyatanga, whom Bristol City signed from Derby last season, was on the bench for his first match since returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United. Gavin Williams, back from his loan to Yeovil Town, didn’t make it into the squad.
As for Derby, it was all going so well but they’ve now lost four of their last five league games. Eight minutes before Brett’s opening goal, Gareth Roberts was forced off due to a calf injury and with Robbie Savage out with an ankle problem, Derby were in trouble.
Burnley 2-3 Leeds United
Burnley were 2-0 up when the whistle blew for half-time but Simon Grayson must have said something scary in the dressing room because Leeds fought back to claim all three points.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Championship Results 4th December 2010 (Part 2)
Ipswich Town 1-3 Swansea City
Ipswich have forgotten how to win against Championship sides so Swansea ended up getting all three points, thus putting pressure on Cardiff, which Swansea probably didn’t mind doing at all.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s starting line-up.
The only good thing about Swansea’s result is that Joe Allen scored again. It’s good for Wales. It’s probably also good for Wales that Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor only let one goal in. It seems like a horrible thing to happen but I’m sure it’s good really. David Cotterill was left on the bench which is a bit of a waste but maybe he’s saving his goals for Wales. Jermaine Easter finally made his Swansea debut. If he can go on a scoring run, that could be great for Wales too.
Leeds United 2-1 Crystal Palace
Leeds are unbeaten in seven after the double promotion hopefuls beat the surviving-by-the-skin-of-our-teeth-again hopefuls.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman was unused substitutes for Palace.
Millwall 3-0 Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe won the play-off final the season before last but Millwall are winning the race to stay there. My dad says they could have got four but that would have lifted Crystal Palace out of the relegation zone and no Millwall fan would want that.
Steve Morison scored not once but twice for Millwall.
Watford 3-2 Leicester City
Watford’s run of five matches without a win came to an end in this match but Leicester are five points outside the play-offs so it could be worse.
Andy King played 63 minutes for Leicester. I hope that was a tactical substitution rather than another injury.
Ipswich have forgotten how to win against Championship sides so Swansea ended up getting all three points, thus putting pressure on Cardiff, which Swansea probably didn’t mind doing at all.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s starting line-up.
The only good thing about Swansea’s result is that Joe Allen scored again. It’s good for Wales. It’s probably also good for Wales that Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor only let one goal in. It seems like a horrible thing to happen but I’m sure it’s good really. David Cotterill was left on the bench which is a bit of a waste but maybe he’s saving his goals for Wales. Jermaine Easter finally made his Swansea debut. If he can go on a scoring run, that could be great for Wales too.
Leeds United 2-1 Crystal Palace
Leeds are unbeaten in seven after the double promotion hopefuls beat the surviving-by-the-skin-of-our-teeth-again hopefuls.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman was unused substitutes for Palace.
Millwall 3-0 Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe won the play-off final the season before last but Millwall are winning the race to stay there. My dad says they could have got four but that would have lifted Crystal Palace out of the relegation zone and no Millwall fan would want that.
Steve Morison scored not once but twice for Millwall.
Watford 3-2 Leicester City
Watford’s run of five matches without a win came to an end in this match but Leicester are five points outside the play-offs so it could be worse.
Andy King played 63 minutes for Leicester. I hope that was a tactical substitution rather than another injury.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Championship Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley v Sheffield United
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last four matches. Sheffield United… aren’t but Barnsley aren’t very good at scoring at home and if they don’t score at home, Sheffield United can’t lose. But if they do lose, they could find themselves in the bottom three.
Ched Evans will play for Sheffield United as he’s the only fit striker. He says he’s happy to play as the Blades’ loan striker and he believes Sheffield United can get a result.
Bristol City v Derby County
Bristol City hope to continue their ascent of the Championship table against a Derby side who have lost three of their last four matches.
Brett Pitman will hope for another start after scoring three in his last four games. Christian Ribeiro is fine to play for Bristol City after having knee problems. Lewin Nyatanga and Gavin Williams could play for the first time since returning from loan spelsl at Peterborough United and Yeovil Town respectively but Gavin doesn’t believe he has a future at Bristol City.
Sam Vokes is in a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury before his loan spell comes to an end and add to the thirteen minutes of game time he’s notched up so far at Bristol City. He must have done well in those thirteen minutes though as Bristol City do want to keep him for longer.
Robbie Savage and Gareth Roberts might keep their places in Derby’s starting line-up… or they might not. Gareth in particular could be in trouble as manager Nigel Clough is reportedly not happy with his defenders but Gareth says the fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
This week, Robbie won the Plain English award. Well done to Robbie but he doesn’t think he’ll win the Plain Welsh award, probably at least partly because it doesn’t seem to exist.. Robbie’s plain speaking this week includes his opinion on the sacking of Chris Hughton.
Burnley v Leeds United
Leeds are unbeaten in seven but at least this match will be at Turf Moor, the venue for all Burnley’s league wins this season. Despite their recent wobbles, Burnley still have an excellent home form while Leeds’ away form reads like a team formation – 4 4 2.
Leeds have an Arsenal player on loan, a young striker called Sanchez Watt who is eligible to play for Wales. Has anyone seen him lately?
Crystal Palace v Hull City
Palace aren’t exactly doing brilliantly this season but their best work has come at home, most recently beating Doncaster Rovers and Coventry City, who are pretty good. Hull aren’t quite as good as those two but they are unbeaten in four.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price are most likely to be on the bench.
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last four matches. Sheffield United… aren’t but Barnsley aren’t very good at scoring at home and if they don’t score at home, Sheffield United can’t lose. But if they do lose, they could find themselves in the bottom three.
Ched Evans will play for Sheffield United as he’s the only fit striker. He says he’s happy to play as the Blades’ loan striker and he believes Sheffield United can get a result.
Bristol City v Derby County
Bristol City hope to continue their ascent of the Championship table against a Derby side who have lost three of their last four matches.
Brett Pitman will hope for another start after scoring three in his last four games. Christian Ribeiro is fine to play for Bristol City after having knee problems. Lewin Nyatanga and Gavin Williams could play for the first time since returning from loan spelsl at Peterborough United and Yeovil Town respectively but Gavin doesn’t believe he has a future at Bristol City.
Sam Vokes is in a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury before his loan spell comes to an end and add to the thirteen minutes of game time he’s notched up so far at Bristol City. He must have done well in those thirteen minutes though as Bristol City do want to keep him for longer.
Robbie Savage and Gareth Roberts might keep their places in Derby’s starting line-up… or they might not. Gareth in particular could be in trouble as manager Nigel Clough is reportedly not happy with his defenders but Gareth says the fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
This week, Robbie won the Plain English award. Well done to Robbie but he doesn’t think he’ll win the Plain Welsh award, probably at least partly because it doesn’t seem to exist.. Robbie’s plain speaking this week includes his opinion on the sacking of Chris Hughton.
Burnley v Leeds United
Leeds are unbeaten in seven but at least this match will be at Turf Moor, the venue for all Burnley’s league wins this season. Despite their recent wobbles, Burnley still have an excellent home form while Leeds’ away form reads like a team formation – 4 4 2.
Leeds have an Arsenal player on loan, a young striker called Sanchez Watt who is eligible to play for Wales. Has anyone seen him lately?
Crystal Palace v Hull City
Palace aren’t exactly doing brilliantly this season but their best work has come at home, most recently beating Doncaster Rovers and Coventry City, who are pretty good. Hull aren’t quite as good as those two but they are unbeaten in four.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price are most likely to be on the bench.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010 (Part 2)
Ipswich Town v Swansea City
Ipswich haven’t beaten Swansea since they were both in the top division together which must have been a very long time ago. Ipswich are hoping to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.
Troy Brown played well in Ipswich’s Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion but he’s not expected to keep his place.
Jermaine Easter is yet to make his debut for loan club Swansea after injuring his thigh. He will have a fitness test to determine whether he’s able to play in this match. If he does, it will be his 250th career league appearance. Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and David Cotterill will also hope to start – but if not they should be on the bench.
Leeds United v Crystal Palace
Palace could be out of the bottom three if they manage to beat or even just draw with Leeds but with Leeds unbeaten in five matches, that’s a big if. Palace’s away form is identical to Middlesbrough’s which kind of says it all really.
Sanchez Watt has apparently recovered from his ankle injury but he’s yet to appear in a Leeds squad.
Palace are short of midfielders which could see Andy Dorman’s first start since it was revealed he was having trouble adapting to the Championship. Lewis Price will also hope to return to the bench.
Millwall v Scunthorpe United
Millwall will attempt to beat one of the Championship’s struggling sides in an effort not to become one of them themselves.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Nottingham Forest P-P Bristol City
This match has been postponed as the streets of Nottingham are hazardous.
Aaron Ramsey will hope Forest’s fixtures don’t all get postponed now he’s joined them on loan. He was glad to get back to playing against Leicester City. And it’s not just you who’s glad, Aaron.
Chris Gunter says Aaron is mentally stronger after his injury.
Christian Ribeiro seems to be making the right back spot his own – Bristol City were relieved when he was declared fit to play in this weekend’s match – although obviously he won’t be playing now.
Sam Vokes was expected to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Bristol City but it’s not clear whether this happened or not.
Sheffield United P-P Reading
This match has been postponed as it’s just too cold.
Watford v Leicester City
Leicester hope to win their fifth games in seven matches but the last seven matches have been less kind to Watford, who haven’t won any of them.
Andy King returned from injury with a bang last weekend. He says Leicester aren’t scared of anyone and they could get promoted.
Ipswich haven’t beaten Swansea since they were both in the top division together which must have been a very long time ago. Ipswich are hoping to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.
Troy Brown played well in Ipswich’s Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion but he’s not expected to keep his place.
Jermaine Easter is yet to make his debut for loan club Swansea after injuring his thigh. He will have a fitness test to determine whether he’s able to play in this match. If he does, it will be his 250th career league appearance. Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and David Cotterill will also hope to start – but if not they should be on the bench.
Leeds United v Crystal Palace
Palace could be out of the bottom three if they manage to beat or even just draw with Leeds but with Leeds unbeaten in five matches, that’s a big if. Palace’s away form is identical to Middlesbrough’s which kind of says it all really.
Sanchez Watt has apparently recovered from his ankle injury but he’s yet to appear in a Leeds squad.
Palace are short of midfielders which could see Andy Dorman’s first start since it was revealed he was having trouble adapting to the Championship. Lewis Price will also hope to return to the bench.
Millwall v Scunthorpe United
Millwall will attempt to beat one of the Championship’s struggling sides in an effort not to become one of them themselves.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Nottingham Forest P-P Bristol City
This match has been postponed as the streets of Nottingham are hazardous.
Aaron Ramsey will hope Forest’s fixtures don’t all get postponed now he’s joined them on loan. He was glad to get back to playing against Leicester City. And it’s not just you who’s glad, Aaron.
Chris Gunter says Aaron is mentally stronger after his injury.
Christian Ribeiro seems to be making the right back spot his own – Bristol City were relieved when he was declared fit to play in this weekend’s match – although obviously he won’t be playing now.
Sam Vokes was expected to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Bristol City but it’s not clear whether this happened or not.
Sheffield United P-P Reading
This match has been postponed as it’s just too cold.
Watford v Leicester City
Leicester hope to win their fifth games in seven matches but the last seven matches have been less kind to Watford, who haven’t won any of them.
Andy King returned from injury with a bang last weekend. He says Leicester aren’t scared of anyone and they could get promoted.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Welsh Players on Loan
These Welsh players just won’t stop playing musical football teams.
Let’s see who this season’s movers and shakers are – Bury loanee Owain fon Williams being the Shaker.
Championship Loanees
Sam Vokes - Wolverhampton Wanderers to Bristol City
Craig Bellamy - Manchester City to Cardiff City
Jason Koumas - Wigan Athletic to Cardiff City
Sanchez Watt - Arsenal to Leeds United
Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal to Nottingham Forest
Jermaine Easter – Milton Keynes Dons to Swansea City
League One Loanees
Kayelden Brown – West Bromwich Albion to Tranmere Rovers, then Dagenham & Redbridge
Jason Brown – Blackburn Rovers to Leeds United, then Leyton Orient
Lewin Nyatanga – Bristol Rovers to Peterborough United
Nicky Adams – Brentford to Rochdale
Shaun MacDonald – Swansea City to Yeovil Town
Owain Tudur Jones – Norwich City to Yeovil Town
Gavin Williams – Bristol City to Yeovil Town
League Two Loanees
Jason Price – Carlisle United to Bradford City
Owain fon Williams – Stockport County to Bury
Rhys Taylor - Chelsea to Crewe Alexandra
Tony James – Burton Albion to Hereford United (now back at Burton)
Nathaniel Jarvis – Cardiff City to Southend United (now back at Cardiff)
Anthony Pulis – Southampton to Stockport County
Others
Joe Partington – Bournemouth to Eastbourne Borough
Rhys Day – Oxford United to Mansfield Town
Kerry Morgan - Swansea City to Newport County
Jack Mackreth – Tranmere Rovers to Burscough
Jonathan Meades - Cardiff City to FK Moss (now back at Cardiff)
Let’s see who this season’s movers and shakers are – Bury loanee Owain fon Williams being the Shaker.
Championship Loanees
Sam Vokes - Wolverhampton Wanderers to Bristol City
Craig Bellamy - Manchester City to Cardiff City
Jason Koumas - Wigan Athletic to Cardiff City
Sanchez Watt - Arsenal to Leeds United
Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal to Nottingham Forest
Jermaine Easter – Milton Keynes Dons to Swansea City
League One Loanees
Kayelden Brown – West Bromwich Albion to Tranmere Rovers, then Dagenham & Redbridge
Jason Brown – Blackburn Rovers to Leeds United, then Leyton Orient
Lewin Nyatanga – Bristol Rovers to Peterborough United
Nicky Adams – Brentford to Rochdale
Shaun MacDonald – Swansea City to Yeovil Town
Owain Tudur Jones – Norwich City to Yeovil Town
Gavin Williams – Bristol City to Yeovil Town
League Two Loanees
Jason Price – Carlisle United to Bradford City
Owain fon Williams – Stockport County to Bury
Rhys Taylor - Chelsea to Crewe Alexandra
Tony James – Burton Albion to Hereford United (now back at Burton)
Nathaniel Jarvis – Cardiff City to Southend United (now back at Cardiff)
Anthony Pulis – Southampton to Stockport County
Others
Joe Partington – Bournemouth to Eastbourne Borough
Rhys Day – Oxford United to Mansfield Town
Kerry Morgan - Swansea City to Newport County
Jack Mackreth – Tranmere Rovers to Burscough
Jonathan Meades - Cardiff City to FK Moss (now back at Cardiff)
Championship Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 2)
Preston North End v Millwall
Another week, another star goalscorer joins Millwall’s ranks. The latest is Josh McQuoid from Bournemouth but unfortunately he plays for Northern Ireland. Millwall’s recent form hasn’t been the best, having won just one of their last five, but at least they’ve done better than Preston, who have won only one of their last nine matches.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will hope to be back in Preston’s starting line-up.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Cardiff City
The league’s top two clubs meet in this fixture and whoever wins goes top. If they draw, QPR will go top but Cardiff will have put another point between themselves and Swansea City, who lost to Portsmouth a few hours ago. If Cardiff can beat QPR, they’ll be the first to do so in the league this season.
Cardiff are in the middle of another illness epidemic (is it the drains or the Swansea supporters or what???) although it looks as though they should all be able to play.
Craig Bellamy is likely to start while Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas will all hope to start after recent good performances. Aaron Wildig is more likely to be on the bench.
Craig, who says he’s close to full fitness (you mean you can get even better???) joined Adam and Jonathan Meades (now back from his loan spell at FK Moss) at the opening of Cardiff’s House of Sport.
Reading v Leeds United
Reading are turning into the Championship’s answer to whatever team Mark Hughes happens to be managing. They’ve drawn seven times this season, including all their last three matches.
Simon Church will hope to keep his place in Reading’s starting line-up. Hal Robson-Kanu is more likely to be on the bench.
Sanchez Watt could finally be ready to return from an ankle injury for Leeds – BBC Sport says Leeds have only two absentees and Sanchez isn’t one of them.
Scunthorpe United v Coventry City
Coventry aren’t on the best run at the moment but at least they’ve won an away win recently. Scunthorpe haven’t won at home since August and that was only against Crystal Palace. They have also beaten Sheffield Wednesday at home in the Carling Cup but that’s not nearly as impressive as it sounds.
Freddy Eastwood will hope to be back in Coventry’s starting line-up.
Another week, another star goalscorer joins Millwall’s ranks. The latest is Josh McQuoid from Bournemouth but unfortunately he plays for Northern Ireland. Millwall’s recent form hasn’t been the best, having won just one of their last five, but at least they’ve done better than Preston, who have won only one of their last nine matches.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will hope to be back in Preston’s starting line-up.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Cardiff City
The league’s top two clubs meet in this fixture and whoever wins goes top. If they draw, QPR will go top but Cardiff will have put another point between themselves and Swansea City, who lost to Portsmouth a few hours ago. If Cardiff can beat QPR, they’ll be the first to do so in the league this season.
Cardiff are in the middle of another illness epidemic (is it the drains or the Swansea supporters or what???) although it looks as though they should all be able to play.
Craig Bellamy is likely to start while Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas will all hope to start after recent good performances. Aaron Wildig is more likely to be on the bench.
Craig, who says he’s close to full fitness (you mean you can get even better???) joined Adam and Jonathan Meades (now back from his loan spell at FK Moss) at the opening of Cardiff’s House of Sport.
Reading v Leeds United
Reading are turning into the Championship’s answer to whatever team Mark Hughes happens to be managing. They’ve drawn seven times this season, including all their last three matches.
Simon Church will hope to keep his place in Reading’s starting line-up. Hal Robson-Kanu is more likely to be on the bench.
Sanchez Watt could finally be ready to return from an ankle injury for Leeds – BBC Sport says Leeds have only two absentees and Sanchez isn’t one of them.
Scunthorpe United v Coventry City
Coventry aren’t on the best run at the moment but at least they’ve won an away win recently. Scunthorpe haven’t won at home since August and that was only against Crystal Palace. They have also beaten Sheffield Wednesday at home in the Carling Cup but that’s not nearly as impressive as it sounds.
Freddy Eastwood will hope to be back in Coventry’s starting line-up.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Swansea City
Doncaster will be particularly disappointed not to win this after playing well and not conceding until the 93rd minute. They actually scored twice but one was ruled out for offside.
John Oster and Brian Stock both started the match, with a lovely cross from John leading to Doncaster’s goal. Brian says Swansea are the best side he’s faced this season.
Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, David Cotterill and Joe Allen all played the full ninety minutes for Swansea. Jazz Richards was on the bench.
Hull City 1-0 Ipswich Town
Hull won a second consecutive game for the first time this season, with on-loan Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone also helping them to a second consecutive clean sheet. Ipswich are in the bottom half of the table and their unbeaten run must seem like a long time ago.
Troy Brown was an unused substitute for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough 0-1 Millwall
I don’t know exactly why Southampton decided to loan out Jason Puncheon to Millwall but so far it’s looking like a very good idea. The debutant scored Millwall’s only goal to secure their first away win over Middlesbrough for quite a long time – and their first victory against anybody for five matches.
Steve Morison could have scored too but he didn’t quite.
Norwich 1-1 Leeds United
The two teams who were automatically promoted from League One faced off in this match, with neither emerging the winner. Leeds remain in the top six despite only drawing while Norwich are only outside the top six on goal difference.
Andrew Crofts could have won it for Norwich but no-one’s perfect.
Leeds were again without Sanchez Watt, who wasn’t sufficiently fit to return from an ankle injury.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Preston North End
The top club faced the bottom club and came out on, well, top in this match – and it probably won’t be much consolation to Preston that they scored an away goal at Loftus Road. – only the third QPR have conceded at home this season.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were both dropped to the bench, which probably doesn’t explain everything but I’m sure it didn’t help.
Doncaster will be particularly disappointed not to win this after playing well and not conceding until the 93rd minute. They actually scored twice but one was ruled out for offside.
John Oster and Brian Stock both started the match, with a lovely cross from John leading to Doncaster’s goal. Brian says Swansea are the best side he’s faced this season.
Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, David Cotterill and Joe Allen all played the full ninety minutes for Swansea. Jazz Richards was on the bench.
Hull City 1-0 Ipswich Town
Hull won a second consecutive game for the first time this season, with on-loan Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone also helping them to a second consecutive clean sheet. Ipswich are in the bottom half of the table and their unbeaten run must seem like a long time ago.
Troy Brown was an unused substitute for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough 0-1 Millwall
I don’t know exactly why Southampton decided to loan out Jason Puncheon to Millwall but so far it’s looking like a very good idea. The debutant scored Millwall’s only goal to secure their first away win over Middlesbrough for quite a long time – and their first victory against anybody for five matches.
Steve Morison could have scored too but he didn’t quite.
Norwich 1-1 Leeds United
The two teams who were automatically promoted from League One faced off in this match, with neither emerging the winner. Leeds remain in the top six despite only drawing while Norwich are only outside the top six on goal difference.
Andrew Crofts could have won it for Norwich but no-one’s perfect.
Leeds were again without Sanchez Watt, who wasn’t sufficiently fit to return from an ankle injury.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Preston North End
The top club faced the bottom club and came out on, well, top in this match – and it probably won’t be much consolation to Preston that they scored an away goal at Loftus Road. – only the third QPR have conceded at home this season.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were both dropped to the bench, which probably doesn’t explain everything but I’m sure it didn’t help.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 3)
Norwich City v Leeds United
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.
Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.
Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.
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