Pick of the Week

Could AVB really go to Real?


Posted on: May 13th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

Recent reports have suggested that Andre Villas Boas is on the shortlist of candidates to take over at Real Madrid should Jose Mourinho, as expected, move on this summer.   Villas Boas has enjoyed a relatively successful season with Tottenham, his first at the club. His side are fighting with Arsenal and Chelsea for a [...]



 

Di Canio’s Sunderland rock Newcastle in Tyne Wear Derby


Posted on: April 14th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

Sunderland produced a stunning performance to beat local rivals Newcastle by three goals to nil to kick-start their surge for survival. New manager Paolo Di Canio stood out with flamboyant celebrations as his side earned a critical three points.   It was Sunderland’s first win over Newcastle since 2008 and they were the better team [...]



 

Stoke slide continues as United get back on title track


Posted on: April 14th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

Robin van Persie ended his Manchester United goal drought as the Premier League leaders bounced back from derby defeat to extend their advantage over Manchester City to 15 points with a win at Stoke.   It was a solid, professional if unspectacular job from Sir Alex Fergusons men, who took an early lead from Michael [...]



 

Aguero nets again as City see off Chelsea to reach FA Cup Final


Posted on: April 14th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

Goals from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero either side of half time sealed Manchester City’s spot to face Wigan in the FA Cup final. In all probability the tournament represents Roberto Mancini’s teams last chance of silverware this season and the Italian believes a victory in the competition would complete a “successful” season for the [...]



 

THE END FOR NANI?


Posted on: April 13th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

When Manchester United signed Nani in 2007 he was the bright young prospect from Portugal. He had all the skills, pace to burn and looked to be a man who would light up the world stage. Six summers on and reports are that Nani is heading for the Old Trafford exit door. Just what will [...]



 

Why Di Canio could have impact Sunderland need


Posted on: April 13th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

Sunderland made the bold move on Saturday night to part company with their manager Martin O’Neill. The immediate reaction to this decision was one of shock, given that there are only seven games left in the Premier League season. A little over 24 hours later, the Black Cats announced Paolo Di Canio was their new [...]



 

ENGLAND: WHAT DID WE EXPECT?


Posted on: March 27th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

England travelled to Montenegro on Tuesday knowing that only a win would put them in firm control of their World Cup Qualifying group. Despite a good first half we saw what we always see from England: A side lacking in quality, cutting edge and ruthlessness.   The mere fact that Montenegro were viewed as a [...]



 

LETS NOT KID OURSELVES: THIS WAS NOT A SUCCESS


Posted on: March 26th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

England’s cricketers will be returning from New Zealand on something of a high. Facing certain defeat in the final test, their middle and lower order batsmen clung on to secure a thrilling draw. Well done boys; pats on backs all round.   What we must not overlook here is the fact that England should have [...]



 

THE MONDAY COLUMN: 11th March 2013


Posted on: March 10th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

Real Madness   Last weeks Champions League tie between Manchester United and Real Madrid was the game ‘the world would stop for’ in the words of Jose Mourinho. If they did they will have seen a Manchester United side control Reals’ superstars and look like much the better side at Old Trafford last Tuesday. That [...]



 

THE ANTONIO VALENCIA CONUNDRUM: JUST WHAT GONE WRONG?


Posted on: March 10th, 2013 by Scott No Comments

This time last year Antonio Valencia was turning defenders legs to jelly. He was a strong, quick, aggressive winger capable of destroying an opposition on his own. He was a contender for player of the year. This year he is a contender for worst player of the year.   He looks a shadow of the [...]