AM spending more time on Twitter than here right now. Am a bit snowed under with things at moment - and tis easier to say something in 140 characters.
Will return once a week here - but check me out at @frankworrall for up to date comments etc.
All best, Frank
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
MOURINHO 'TURNED UTD DOWN'
HUGE story emerging from Portugal which, if true, explains a lot about Moyes' appointment as Utd manager.
Apparently Jose Mourinho was offered a five-year deal to take over from Fergie - but turned it down because his wife wanted to live in London, and he was unwilling to spend days away from her and his children.
Instead, he decided to take Roman's roubles at Chelsea.
I was as stunned by anyone that Utd had chosen Moyes - who has won nothing and not tasted Champions League football at even the group stage - but now it all makes sense, if the Mou story adds up.
Given fergie's sudden urge to quit (apparently due to doc's orders) Utd were taken by surprise. No 1 choice Guardiola had already gone to Bayern because he thought Fergie was in the box seat for three more years, No 2 choice Mourinho did not want the job when offered - which left United with Moyes, very possibly the new Frank O'Farrell to Fergie's Matt Busby.
David Moyes is a very lucky man to be the new Man United manager.
Apparently Jose Mourinho was offered a five-year deal to take over from Fergie - but turned it down because his wife wanted to live in London, and he was unwilling to spend days away from her and his children.
Instead, he decided to take Roman's roubles at Chelsea.
I was as stunned by anyone that Utd had chosen Moyes - who has won nothing and not tasted Champions League football at even the group stage - but now it all makes sense, if the Mou story adds up.
Given fergie's sudden urge to quit (apparently due to doc's orders) Utd were taken by surprise. No 1 choice Guardiola had already gone to Bayern because he thought Fergie was in the box seat for three more years, No 2 choice Mourinho did not want the job when offered - which left United with Moyes, very possibly the new Frank O'Farrell to Fergie's Matt Busby.
David Moyes is a very lucky man to be the new Man United manager.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
DAVID MOYES: WHY IT COULD WELL END IN TEARS
I THINK it may well end in tears: that David Moyes will find the job too big for him and that he will leave with Fergie stepping back into the brink, just as Sir Matt did all those years ago when Wilf McGuinness failed at Man United.
In my not too humble opinion, there were only two men worthy of the Utd job - Guardiola and Mourinho. Inexplicably, Pep was allowed to join Bayern Munich when everyone in the game knows he hankered after Fergie's job. That leaves Mourinho: he should have been chosen over Moyes.
Some random points as they zip through my head:
1. Moyes is Utd's Roy Hodgson. Just like old Roy, Utd took him on because he is cheap and he won't upset the applecart. He will keep the majority of the current backroom staff while Jose would have wanted a clean sweep. The Glazers like Moyes because he arrives without having to pay any comp and he costs half what Mou would cost a year.
2. But just as Hodgson is finding the England job a tad too big for him, so Moyes is in for a big shock. I tire of hearing Roy moan about England's lack of players etc - and how he has so tried to convince us we should be grateful to simply qualify for tournaments nowadays. Hodgson is Mr Average: a good boss at West Brom and Fulham, but never big enough for England. Similarly Moyes. Already, I hear people saying he should be given time...that Fergie took three years to bed in. But ask yourself this: would Mourinho ask to be given time? Or would he expect to hit the ground running and win at least one trophy, and probably two, in his first season at Old Trafford? That is the difference: a difference of perception and expectation.
3. If you were a big star in South America, would you want to sign for Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho...or David Moyes? Or would you say, 'who' when Moyes was mentioned?
4. Moyes never won anything at Everton and has a total lack of Champions League experience. Not so Mourinho. We are constantly told Moyes did well at Everton - but he didn't win anything. Yet, on even more limited resources, Michael Laudrup won the League Cup in his first season at Swansea City. I'll admit it: I would rather have Laudrup in the Utd hotseat than Moyes,
5. Why was Bobby Charlton instrumental in choosing Moyes? My sources say it was Sir Bobby and Fergie who decided on Moyes. But Bobby has a renowned antipathy towards Mourinho because he is not the politest of chaps. Well, I am sure any Utd fan would rather have a rough and tumble guy - like Fergie, by the way - than someone who is well versed in the noble arts. And Sir Bobby, for all his talents as one of the greatest footballers ever, was one of the lousiest managers ever when he tried his hand at the tiller of the coal face. Just check out his managerial record. He is hardly qualified to judge managerial potential when he had none himself.
6. Moyes' teams at Everton have always been functional. Never entertaining and cavalier as United fans are used to, and indeed demand.
7. Mourinho was still available when Fergie and Charlton plumped for Moyes. It is a dereliction of duty that - as England did with Hodgson - they installed the wrong man in the hotseat.
As I say, it could well end in tears, with Fergie stepping back in temporarily as Utd try desperately to avoid another repeat of the Busby/McGuiness/O'Farrell farce that dogged the club in the 70s. There's a saying that doing the same thing time after time and expecting a different outcome is the definition of insanity - have United indulged in insanity with their appointment of another O'Farrell so many years after the original blunder?
In my not too humble opinion, there were only two men worthy of the Utd job - Guardiola and Mourinho. Inexplicably, Pep was allowed to join Bayern Munich when everyone in the game knows he hankered after Fergie's job. That leaves Mourinho: he should have been chosen over Moyes.
Some random points as they zip through my head:
1. Moyes is Utd's Roy Hodgson. Just like old Roy, Utd took him on because he is cheap and he won't upset the applecart. He will keep the majority of the current backroom staff while Jose would have wanted a clean sweep. The Glazers like Moyes because he arrives without having to pay any comp and he costs half what Mou would cost a year.
2. But just as Hodgson is finding the England job a tad too big for him, so Moyes is in for a big shock. I tire of hearing Roy moan about England's lack of players etc - and how he has so tried to convince us we should be grateful to simply qualify for tournaments nowadays. Hodgson is Mr Average: a good boss at West Brom and Fulham, but never big enough for England. Similarly Moyes. Already, I hear people saying he should be given time...that Fergie took three years to bed in. But ask yourself this: would Mourinho ask to be given time? Or would he expect to hit the ground running and win at least one trophy, and probably two, in his first season at Old Trafford? That is the difference: a difference of perception and expectation.
3. If you were a big star in South America, would you want to sign for Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho...or David Moyes? Or would you say, 'who' when Moyes was mentioned?
4. Moyes never won anything at Everton and has a total lack of Champions League experience. Not so Mourinho. We are constantly told Moyes did well at Everton - but he didn't win anything. Yet, on even more limited resources, Michael Laudrup won the League Cup in his first season at Swansea City. I'll admit it: I would rather have Laudrup in the Utd hotseat than Moyes,
5. Why was Bobby Charlton instrumental in choosing Moyes? My sources say it was Sir Bobby and Fergie who decided on Moyes. But Bobby has a renowned antipathy towards Mourinho because he is not the politest of chaps. Well, I am sure any Utd fan would rather have a rough and tumble guy - like Fergie, by the way - than someone who is well versed in the noble arts. And Sir Bobby, for all his talents as one of the greatest footballers ever, was one of the lousiest managers ever when he tried his hand at the tiller of the coal face. Just check out his managerial record. He is hardly qualified to judge managerial potential when he had none himself.
6. Moyes' teams at Everton have always been functional. Never entertaining and cavalier as United fans are used to, and indeed demand.
7. Mourinho was still available when Fergie and Charlton plumped for Moyes. It is a dereliction of duty that - as England did with Hodgson - they installed the wrong man in the hotseat.
As I say, it could well end in tears, with Fergie stepping back in temporarily as Utd try desperately to avoid another repeat of the Busby/McGuiness/O'Farrell farce that dogged the club in the 70s. There's a saying that doing the same thing time after time and expecting a different outcome is the definition of insanity - have United indulged in insanity with their appointment of another O'Farrell so many years after the original blunder?
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
GLAZERS DELIGHTED WITH MOYES...NO COSTS
Surely, if Utd and Fergie knew he was off this summer, they could have gone out and tried to get Guardiola - a proven European manager.
Moyes is OK but unproven with big players and Euro football. People say he has done a great job on a shoestring at Everton, but what has he won?
To which people say, 'Well, you wouldn't win anything with his resources - he is a winner by keeping them high in the Prem.'
The answer to that one is: Well, what about Michael Laudrup?
Arguably, on less resources at Swansea but has won a trophy (Carling Cup) in his first season!
And I would have Laudrup before Moyes.
Here's the truth of it for the Glazers: Moyes = no compensation as he is out of contract = Glazers happy.
Neil Lennon 'to be Everton boss' if Moyes goes
I HEAR that Celtic manager Neil Lennon is top of the wanted list at Goodison if David Moyes does become Man United manager.
MOURINHO MAY BE THE SHOCK APPOINTMENT
I AM hearing some stunning news from OT - that Mourinho may be the new manager!
Has the Jose to Chelsea hype been a smokescreen all along?
Difficult to say - I also hear Madrid are playing hard ball to Jose's release. They want top dollar.
If Utd have promised Moyes the job - and now want Mourinho, that would be a problem. But one that couldn't be sorted with say a £1million 'stay silent' deal with Moyes.
I'm sure Utd fans would take Mourinho as boss, with Giggs as his No 2, any day of the week.
Has the Jose to Chelsea hype been a smokescreen all along?
Difficult to say - I also hear Madrid are playing hard ball to Jose's release. They want top dollar.
If Utd have promised Moyes the job - and now want Mourinho, that would be a problem. But one that couldn't be sorted with say a £1million 'stay silent' deal with Moyes.
I'm sure Utd fans would take Mourinho as boss, with Giggs as his No 2, any day of the week.
WHY ISN'T NEW BOSS GUARDIOLA? MONEY?
Assuming that David Moyes is indeed the new guvnor at Old Trafford, I believe Man United have made a big mistake.
When Busby went upstairs at Utd, first Wilf McGuinness and then Frank O'Farrell both struggled to maintain his success.
Similarly, as Fergie now follows the same route David Moyes could well find the shadow of Fergie overwhelming. Moyes is an outsider like O'Farrell.
I would go for Giggs as the new boss - he is not a Wilf McGuinness. OK, both were on the Utd playing staff but Giggs is much tougher and has a coach's footballing brain.
Giggs would be my man.
Having said that, why are Utd in this position? Why didn't they approach the man who should be taking over - Pep Guardiola?
Instead, with Moyes, they have gone for a boss on a shoestring. They could have had the most successful manager of the last five years to replace the most successful boss ever. Instead, it looks like they have gone for a steadying hand, who has never won anything.
When Busby went upstairs at Utd, first Wilf McGuinness and then Frank O'Farrell both struggled to maintain his success.
Similarly, as Fergie now follows the same route David Moyes could well find the shadow of Fergie overwhelming. Moyes is an outsider like O'Farrell.
I would go for Giggs as the new boss - he is not a Wilf McGuinness. OK, both were on the Utd playing staff but Giggs is much tougher and has a coach's footballing brain.
Giggs would be my man.
Having said that, why are Utd in this position? Why didn't they approach the man who should be taking over - Pep Guardiola?
Instead, with Moyes, they have gone for a boss on a shoestring. They could have had the most successful manager of the last five years to replace the most successful boss ever. Instead, it looks like they have gone for a steadying hand, who has never won anything.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
MOURINHO 'CHELSEA BOSS' AND FALCAO 'SIGNED FOR HIM BY ROMAN'
I HAVE been saying it for months - Jose Mourinho will be the next Chelsea boss - as many other Fleet Street hacks have put down money on Pellegrini or some other loser.
Now I can confirm that it is '95 per cent certain' that Jose will indeed be back at the Bridge in June.
Not only that - Falcao will also sign for Chelsea in June...and my spies tell me that he is coming in at Jose's request as his 'new Drogba'.
I predict that next year's Premier League will be a straight fight between Man United and Chelsea now that Jose is back. He needs a new left-back, a new centre-back and a midfield enforcer to join Falcao. He could also do with a class winger - Moses is not good enough.
Of the current squad these players are good enough to win the Champions League - Cech, Ivanovic, Oscar, Mata, Hazard, Ramires, Luiz and Falcao. Mikel is too laborious and slow and I am assuming Ivanovic will play right-back rather than centre-half. Ramires plus one will be the defensive twosome in midfield, the three creators are excellent: Oscar, Mata and Hazard and Falcao is indeed the business up front alone. I also think Lukaku is better than Torres and Ba as Falcao's stand-in.
I hear Jose may bring Di Maria from Madrid as his No 1 winger and that he would dearly love to also take Ronaldo with him.
Under Jose's guidance I believe Chelsea could well win the Champs Lge trophy next season to end all this nonsense about a 'new cycle' emerging because Bayern beat Barca.
Barca will be back and I am more than a little bemused by all the talk of how brilliant Bayern are now and how Barca's tika-taka isn't really that wonderful.
For the last 5 years the papers have been telling us Barca are the best thing since sliced bread and that English football - with its power play - is on its death bed.
Now Bayern beat Barca in a distinctly English way - with power and speed - and they are the new gods!
Truth is Bayern are more English than some English teams and only Dortmund of the current Champs Lge semi finalists have been truly inventive - and their style is based more on Barca's creativeness and genius than your traditional power play.
Let's not forget that the feted Bayern were almost eliminated in the last 8....by Arsenal!
No, next season the challengers for the Champs Lge will be Chelsea, Barca, Real, Man United and Bayern. But the Germans could well go out before the semis as they are caught between two stools - wanting to continue their power play (English) but with a manager who wants them to be more inventive and creative (a la Barca). Pep Guardiola has an almost impossible job if Bayern win this year's Champions Lge - upon reflection in a year's time he may well have wished he had gone to Chelsea rather than letting Jose back in.
Now I can confirm that it is '95 per cent certain' that Jose will indeed be back at the Bridge in June.
Not only that - Falcao will also sign for Chelsea in June...and my spies tell me that he is coming in at Jose's request as his 'new Drogba'.
I predict that next year's Premier League will be a straight fight between Man United and Chelsea now that Jose is back. He needs a new left-back, a new centre-back and a midfield enforcer to join Falcao. He could also do with a class winger - Moses is not good enough.
Of the current squad these players are good enough to win the Champions League - Cech, Ivanovic, Oscar, Mata, Hazard, Ramires, Luiz and Falcao. Mikel is too laborious and slow and I am assuming Ivanovic will play right-back rather than centre-half. Ramires plus one will be the defensive twosome in midfield, the three creators are excellent: Oscar, Mata and Hazard and Falcao is indeed the business up front alone. I also think Lukaku is better than Torres and Ba as Falcao's stand-in.
I hear Jose may bring Di Maria from Madrid as his No 1 winger and that he would dearly love to also take Ronaldo with him.
Under Jose's guidance I believe Chelsea could well win the Champs Lge trophy next season to end all this nonsense about a 'new cycle' emerging because Bayern beat Barca.
Barca will be back and I am more than a little bemused by all the talk of how brilliant Bayern are now and how Barca's tika-taka isn't really that wonderful.
For the last 5 years the papers have been telling us Barca are the best thing since sliced bread and that English football - with its power play - is on its death bed.
Now Bayern beat Barca in a distinctly English way - with power and speed - and they are the new gods!
Truth is Bayern are more English than some English teams and only Dortmund of the current Champs Lge semi finalists have been truly inventive - and their style is based more on Barca's creativeness and genius than your traditional power play.
Let's not forget that the feted Bayern were almost eliminated in the last 8....by Arsenal!
No, next season the challengers for the Champs Lge will be Chelsea, Barca, Real, Man United and Bayern. But the Germans could well go out before the semis as they are caught between two stools - wanting to continue their power play (English) but with a manager who wants them to be more inventive and creative (a la Barca). Pep Guardiola has an almost impossible job if Bayern win this year's Champions Lge - upon reflection in a year's time he may well have wished he had gone to Chelsea rather than letting Jose back in.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
BAYERN SIGN LEWANDOWSKI
HAVE just heard from my friends in Germany that Bayern have also signed Robert Lewandowski, the Dortmund No 9.
That is a double blow for volatile Dortmund boss Klopp just hours before the start of their most important game for a decade.
Surely Bayern aren't trying to nobble their German rivals' chances of success against Real Madrid? Not.
That is a double blow for volatile Dortmund boss Klopp just hours before the start of their most important game for a decade.
Surely Bayern aren't trying to nobble their German rivals' chances of success against Real Madrid? Not.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
KLOPP RECONSIDERS CHELSEA/MAN CITY MOVE
I HEAR that Jurgen Klopp - the German answer to Mourinho - is suddenly more amenable to talking over a move to Chelsea.
He turned down a request for talks earlier this year as he believed he could take Borussia Dortmund as far as he would Chelsea.
But he has apparently changed his mind after Dortmund agreed to sell their best player - Gotze - to biggest German rivals Bayern Munich.
It makes him feel that others will follow and that he will never catch Bayern if his own club become a selling club.
I had been told that Mourinho was odds on to return to the Bridge - but this may now blow the whole thing apart.
Don't be surprised if the odds on Klopp ending up at Chelsea - or even Man City - drop dramatically over the next couple of days.
He turned down a request for talks earlier this year as he believed he could take Borussia Dortmund as far as he would Chelsea.
But he has apparently changed his mind after Dortmund agreed to sell their best player - Gotze - to biggest German rivals Bayern Munich.
It makes him feel that others will follow and that he will never catch Bayern if his own club become a selling club.
I had been told that Mourinho was odds on to return to the Bridge - but this may now blow the whole thing apart.
Don't be surprised if the odds on Klopp ending up at Chelsea - or even Man City - drop dramatically over the next couple of days.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
VAN PERSIE HAS GONE GREY AT MAN UTD!!
What a difference Robin Van Persie has made to Man United. His goals have helped secure a 20th title and he has been inspirational.
But what a difference Man United has made to Van P! I have never seen a footballer age so much in one season. The Dutchman has gone grey overnight!
Fergie will have to tell him to stop worrying - his first Prem title medal is in the bag and other medals will follow over the next couple of years.
And maybe it's time for a bit of the old Grecian 2000, Robin, old chap!
But what a difference Man United has made to Van P! I have never seen a footballer age so much in one season. The Dutchman has gone grey overnight!
Fergie will have to tell him to stop worrying - his first Prem title medal is in the bag and other medals will follow over the next couple of years.
And maybe it's time for a bit of the old Grecian 2000, Robin, old chap!
BAYERN WILL BEAT BARCA
The Champions League semi finals brings together three of the best four teams in Europe.
And the fourth - Dortmund - are probably the fifth best so it is quite a tasty prospect.
I believe that Barca are ageing in central midfield and that they are no longer the best team in Europe. Both Real and Bayern are better on their day as Barca look increasingly like a one-man team (Messi)
I take Bayern to beat them over two legs and to set up a tremendous final against Madrid at Wembley.
And the fourth - Dortmund - are probably the fifth best so it is quite a tasty prospect.
I believe that Barca are ageing in central midfield and that they are no longer the best team in Europe. Both Real and Bayern are better on their day as Barca look increasingly like a one-man team (Messi)
I take Bayern to beat them over two legs and to set up a tremendous final against Madrid at Wembley.
ANDY CARROLL 'HEADING HOME TO NEWCASTLE'
I HEAR that Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is ready to bring prodigal son Andy Carroll back to St James' Park.
He is likely to return this summer after his loan spell at West Ham expires.
The deal will involved one Newcastle player heading to Liverpool along with a fee of around £7million.
That means the one Toon player will be valued at £10million - so you don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out it is likely to be a top star at the club.
More than likely a midfielder who is French and whose surname is Ben Arfa.
He is likely to return this summer after his loan spell at West Ham expires.
The deal will involved one Newcastle player heading to Liverpool along with a fee of around £7million.
That means the one Toon player will be valued at £10million - so you don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out it is likely to be a top star at the club.
More than likely a midfielder who is French and whose surname is Ben Arfa.
STOKE 'LOOK TO BENITEZ'
LAST week I said that Rafa Benitez was eyeing up the opportunity of taking over at Aston Villa in the summer.
Well, things have moved on since then.
Apparently Villa are going to stick with Paul Lambert even if they go down. They like the way he is working with the club's promising youngsters and want to give him time to turn things around.
That has prompted a new slant on Benitez's hopes of employment after his interim role comes to a conclusion at Chelsea next month.
It seems Tony Pullis may be leaving Stoke - and that Benitez is one of the leading candidates to take his place.
That suits Stoke and the Spaniard. He gets a job where he can go home every night (his family are based near Liverpool) and they get a manager who can bring a different style of football to the Britannia - but still keep them in the Prem.
Well, things have moved on since then.
Apparently Villa are going to stick with Paul Lambert even if they go down. They like the way he is working with the club's promising youngsters and want to give him time to turn things around.
That has prompted a new slant on Benitez's hopes of employment after his interim role comes to a conclusion at Chelsea next month.
It seems Tony Pullis may be leaving Stoke - and that Benitez is one of the leading candidates to take his place.
That suits Stoke and the Spaniard. He gets a job where he can go home every night (his family are based near Liverpool) and they get a manager who can bring a different style of football to the Britannia - but still keep them in the Prem.
Monday, April 8, 2013
MANCINI 'OUT OF CITY THIS SUMMER'
I HEAR disturbing noises coming out of the Etihad for Man City fans today.
Even before tonight's Manchester derby, it appears City have decided to dispense with Roberto Mancini this summer.
It seems the club's new Spanish No 1 and No 2 (both former Barca head boys) do not want to continue with the Italian.
They would have liked Guardiola to take over but now that he has gone to Bayern, they are seemingly keen on Manuel Pellegrini, the Malaga boss.
I think it is a mad move - Mancini has brought the club their first title and FA Cup for years and may even win the latter again this term.
But the Barca boys obviously disagree if the noises coming from the Etihad prove to be correct.
Even before tonight's Manchester derby, it appears City have decided to dispense with Roberto Mancini this summer.
It seems the club's new Spanish No 1 and No 2 (both former Barca head boys) do not want to continue with the Italian.
They would have liked Guardiola to take over but now that he has gone to Bayern, they are seemingly keen on Manuel Pellegrini, the Malaga boss.
I think it is a mad move - Mancini has brought the club their first title and FA Cup for years and may even win the latter again this term.
But the Barca boys obviously disagree if the noises coming from the Etihad prove to be correct.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
BENITEZ IS EYEING VILLA JOB
MY SPIES tell me that Rafa Benitez would like the Aston Villa job if Lambert is dismissed.
His confidence borders on arrogance sometimes but he is a competent manager, whatever people might say. His assessment of the squad he inherited at Chelsea certainly supports that view.
Having said that, I would not want him in charge of the club I support. And I believe Villa would be better served sticking with Lambert.
His confidence borders on arrogance sometimes but he is a competent manager, whatever people might say. His assessment of the squad he inherited at Chelsea certainly supports that view.
Having said that, I would not want him in charge of the club I support. And I believe Villa would be better served sticking with Lambert.
DI CANIO WILL KEEP SUNDERLAND UP
I DON'T particularly like Paolo Di Canio - and I certainly don't like his politics.
But I believe he will prove to be a good manager at Sunderland.
He is young, organised and enthusiastic - and determined to be a winner. He also has an exceptional take on tactics.
I reckon he will keep Sunderland up this season and do well next season - if the board keep faith with him.
But I believe he will prove to be a good manager at Sunderland.
He is young, organised and enthusiastic - and determined to be a winner. He also has an exceptional take on tactics.
I reckon he will keep Sunderland up this season and do well next season - if the board keep faith with him.
ASTON VILLA FUTURE IS BRIGHT
ASTON Villa may be desperately battling for Premier League survival - but the future looks fine for boss Paul Lambert if he can somehow keep them up.
The club has a brilliant set of youngsters coming through - some pundits have even claimed they are on a pair with the so-called Fergie Fledglings at Man United in the 90s.
Proof of their abilities came this week when they won were crowned kings of Europe after beating Chelsea to win the NextGen Series final - a competition that included teams from Europe's biggest clubs.
So the future is looking good - especially as Lambert is the sort of manager who will encourage youth to flourish through the ranks.
The club has a brilliant set of youngsters coming through - some pundits have even claimed they are on a pair with the so-called Fergie Fledglings at Man United in the 90s.
Proof of their abilities came this week when they won were crowned kings of Europe after beating Chelsea to win the NextGen Series final - a competition that included teams from Europe's biggest clubs.
So the future is looking good - especially as Lambert is the sort of manager who will encourage youth to flourish through the ranks.
WHY MARTIN O'NEILL FAILED AT SUNDERLAND
MARTIN O'Neill had a fairly frosty relationship with his mentor Brian Clough.
Clough would wind O'Neill up because he was a footballer with a hinterland that included an education.
And O'Neill would refuse to bow down to Old Big 'Ead and creep.
Yet O'Neill has quite rightly - and fairly - reflected on how Clough helped mould his views as a manager.
So it puzzles me that O'Neill did not put two and two together and realise that he was going to fail - just as Clough declined - if he repeated the one major mistake Clough made.
I am talking about how Clough was only half the manager he had been when he split with Peter Taylor, his assistant.
Similarly, O'Neill suffered at the Stadium of Light because he was without his long-time assistant, John Robertson.
Like Taylor, Robertson was an exceptional conduit between the boss and the players. And, like Clough, O'Neill struggled without the man who had his ear to the ground.
Uncanny how history sometimes has a habit of repeating itself.
Clough would wind O'Neill up because he was a footballer with a hinterland that included an education.
And O'Neill would refuse to bow down to Old Big 'Ead and creep.
Yet O'Neill has quite rightly - and fairly - reflected on how Clough helped mould his views as a manager.
So it puzzles me that O'Neill did not put two and two together and realise that he was going to fail - just as Clough declined - if he repeated the one major mistake Clough made.
I am talking about how Clough was only half the manager he had been when he split with Peter Taylor, his assistant.
Similarly, O'Neill suffered at the Stadium of Light because he was without his long-time assistant, John Robertson.
Like Taylor, Robertson was an exceptional conduit between the boss and the players. And, like Clough, O'Neill struggled without the man who had his ear to the ground.
Uncanny how history sometimes has a habit of repeating itself.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
ROY HODGSON: MR NICE BUT WE NEED A MOURINHO
I HAVE been told off by some friends for being too harsh on England boss Roy Hodgson.
One said: 'Why do you have it in for Roy all the time - he's a genuinely good bloke. A nice guy who is bringing a breath of fresh air to the England set-up. Making it more accessible to the press and the public and setting up a really nice atmosphere. Hodgson is someone you should be applauding, not moaning about all the time.'
I replied: 'I don't disagree with you one bit. Roy is a lovely guy and he is doing all the things you say. He has made the camp much more pleasant, no doubt about it.'
'Oh,' the friend said, taken aback. 'So why do you keep having a go at him?'
I replied, slowly but surely: 'Because he's not a winner on the pitch. Tell me anything he has won? Tell me who he has managed to glory in England? Tell me why he is overtly cautious? Tell me why he didn't make a substitute until it was too late in Montenegro last night? Tell me why we are going to struggle to make second place in the group - let alone win it - under his guidance?
'And answer me this: would we have drawn last night with someone who wouldn't be nice and pleasant like Roy - someone who would snarl and ensure the players reflected his determined, dark character - rather than someone who consistently says we shouldn't get over-optimistsic and damps down spirits. Someone who says we are average and should simply accept it - even though he is paid 3 million quid a year to prove we are not average!
'Someone who is a dirty deeds man, but an out and out winner like Jose Mourinho?'
'Are you seriously telling me,' I asked, 'That England wouldn't already have qualified under Jose?'
One said: 'Why do you have it in for Roy all the time - he's a genuinely good bloke. A nice guy who is bringing a breath of fresh air to the England set-up. Making it more accessible to the press and the public and setting up a really nice atmosphere. Hodgson is someone you should be applauding, not moaning about all the time.'
I replied: 'I don't disagree with you one bit. Roy is a lovely guy and he is doing all the things you say. He has made the camp much more pleasant, no doubt about it.'
'Oh,' the friend said, taken aback. 'So why do you keep having a go at him?'
I replied, slowly but surely: 'Because he's not a winner on the pitch. Tell me anything he has won? Tell me who he has managed to glory in England? Tell me why he is overtly cautious? Tell me why he didn't make a substitute until it was too late in Montenegro last night? Tell me why we are going to struggle to make second place in the group - let alone win it - under his guidance?
'And answer me this: would we have drawn last night with someone who wouldn't be nice and pleasant like Roy - someone who would snarl and ensure the players reflected his determined, dark character - rather than someone who consistently says we shouldn't get over-optimistsic and damps down spirits. Someone who says we are average and should simply accept it - even though he is paid 3 million quid a year to prove we are not average!
'Someone who is a dirty deeds man, but an out and out winner like Jose Mourinho?'
'Are you seriously telling me,' I asked, 'That England wouldn't already have qualified under Jose?'
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
JOURNEYMAN HODGSON MAY SCRAPE DRAW
I SINCERELY want England to win in Montenegro tonight.
But the problem is this: their two best players happen to be the two strikers, Stevan Jovetic and Mirko Vucinic - while England's two most vulnerable players are Smalling and Lescott, the men who will mark Jovetic and Vucinic.
So it doesn't take a rocket scientist or some clever dick hack from the Street to tell you where the match could be won and lost.
Roy Hodgson can't be blamed for the injury crisis that has left his cupboard so threadbare in central defence, but surely England should be able to field two men who are at least first choices at their respective clubs?
Let's be honest - if Hodgson hadn't messed Rio about last year, he would be playing tonight. All that crap about treatment programmes etc wouldn't have been mentioned. It's Hodgson's poor man management that is the problem here: he is simply not up to the job of international management.
Hodgson is a journeyman manager employed by an FA board that was frightened of its own shadow - let alone that one cast by Harry Redknapp.
If England get a result tonight - and I reckon they might scrape a lucky draw - it will be because of good fortune, not Hodgson.
But the problem is this: their two best players happen to be the two strikers, Stevan Jovetic and Mirko Vucinic - while England's two most vulnerable players are Smalling and Lescott, the men who will mark Jovetic and Vucinic.
So it doesn't take a rocket scientist or some clever dick hack from the Street to tell you where the match could be won and lost.
Roy Hodgson can't be blamed for the injury crisis that has left his cupboard so threadbare in central defence, but surely England should be able to field two men who are at least first choices at their respective clubs?
Let's be honest - if Hodgson hadn't messed Rio about last year, he would be playing tonight. All that crap about treatment programmes etc wouldn't have been mentioned. It's Hodgson's poor man management that is the problem here: he is simply not up to the job of international management.
Hodgson is a journeyman manager employed by an FA board that was frightened of its own shadow - let alone that one cast by Harry Redknapp.
If England get a result tonight - and I reckon they might scrape a lucky draw - it will be because of good fortune, not Hodgson.
MOURINHO: THE PAPERS FINALLY CATCH UP!
I HAVE been saying for months on this blog that Jose Mourinho will be the next Chelsea boss.
Finally, the red tops believe me - as you will see from today's papers, where they all claim the 'exclusive' line on the story!
You want the news first, stick with Big Frankie!!
Finally, the red tops believe me - as you will see from today's papers, where they all claim the 'exclusive' line on the story!
You want the news first, stick with Big Frankie!!
ROLLING STONES 'TO PLAY HYDE PARK IN JULY'
MY sources tell me that Jagger, Keef and the boys will play Hyde Park in July - after Glastonbury.
Apparently the Hyde Park date will be revealed next month.
Apparently the Hyde Park date will be revealed next month.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
HODGSON LEADS ENGLAND NOWHERE
YOU put a manager who is used to doing well at West Brom and Fulham - but who struggles at Liverpool - in charge of the English national team and expect him to be a success?
As I said at the time of his appointment, Roy Hodgson is a small fish in a big pond with England and is rapidly getting found out.
His bumbling performance of late with Rio Ferdinand highlights this perfectly. He should have been big enough to ring Rio and Fergie and get the situation sussed. Instead he got stage fright and the whole thing backfired with him looking extremely foolish in the public eye.
What it means now is that Rio certainly will not be heading to Rio next summer - his international career is over.
And what are the odds England will also not be there?
I reckon Montenegro could well now go on to win the group by beating us next week and confine us to the play-offs. And at that stage we would need a favourable draw to progress to Rio.
This is what we have ended up with - a second-rate England bossed by a second-rate head coach.
Hodgson is not up to the job and never was. What has he ever won in English football?
As I said at the time of his appointment, Roy Hodgson is a small fish in a big pond with England and is rapidly getting found out.
His bumbling performance of late with Rio Ferdinand highlights this perfectly. He should have been big enough to ring Rio and Fergie and get the situation sussed. Instead he got stage fright and the whole thing backfired with him looking extremely foolish in the public eye.
What it means now is that Rio certainly will not be heading to Rio next summer - his international career is over.
And what are the odds England will also not be there?
I reckon Montenegro could well now go on to win the group by beating us next week and confine us to the play-offs. And at that stage we would need a favourable draw to progress to Rio.
This is what we have ended up with - a second-rate England bossed by a second-rate head coach.
Hodgson is not up to the job and never was. What has he ever won in English football?
BOWIE TO PLAY BERLIN WALL?
I HEAR of an intriguing plan. Bowie has continually said he will not play live again - that he no longer likes the hassle and the travel and the interminable boredom of the road. Also his daughter is at school in Manhattan and he likes to be with her.
But I have heard he might be tempted by a one-off at the site of the Berlin Wall outside Hansa Studios where he made Low and Heroes (of course the title track of the latter's heroic couple were the ones he spotted at the wall from the windows of Hansa).
Sounds ridiculous? Well, not really. After all, his first single in a decade was Where Are We Now? - a wry look back on those times in Berlin. Bowie feels a real nostalgia for the place and a real artistic and emotional draw to it. It was where he and Iggy (Pop) got well after the years of drug abuse.
If it comes off, it would be one of the greatest - and most remarkable and memorable - gigs of all time. On a par with the likes of Live Aid in 85 and Bowie's own tours in 72-73 (Ziggy) and 83 (Serious Moonlight).
Fingers crossed.
But I have heard he might be tempted by a one-off at the site of the Berlin Wall outside Hansa Studios where he made Low and Heroes (of course the title track of the latter's heroic couple were the ones he spotted at the wall from the windows of Hansa).
Sounds ridiculous? Well, not really. After all, his first single in a decade was Where Are We Now? - a wry look back on those times in Berlin. Bowie feels a real nostalgia for the place and a real artistic and emotional draw to it. It was where he and Iggy (Pop) got well after the years of drug abuse.
If it comes off, it would be one of the greatest - and most remarkable and memorable - gigs of all time. On a par with the likes of Live Aid in 85 and Bowie's own tours in 72-73 (Ziggy) and 83 (Serious Moonlight).
Fingers crossed.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
FERGIE 'SELLS ROONEY TO BUY BALE'
I HEAR from sources that Man United want Gareth Bale - and that Gareth is interested in a move to Old Trafford.
Fergie plans to sell Rooney for £25MILLION to raise half the money for Bale. He knows that Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy is the hardest of negotiators and that he will not contemplate letting Gareth go for less than £50million.
The final deal - if it comes off - could see United handing over £50Million cash plus a player valued at £10MILLION! Such is the value of Bale now.
Gareth would not be against a move to Manchester. His girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones and their first baby, little Alba Violet live in Cardiff and a move to Manchester could see them all living there.
The speculation over a move to United would also give a reason for Gareth turning up at Old Trafford for the Real Madrid match the other night. Most people thought he was there to see Ronaldo and Real as they were his most likely next employers - but I am told he was actually there to see his real hero, Ryan Giggs, and see the United set-up for himself.
Fergie plans to sell Rooney for £25MILLION to raise half the money for Bale. He knows that Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy is the hardest of negotiators and that he will not contemplate letting Gareth go for less than £50million.
The final deal - if it comes off - could see United handing over £50Million cash plus a player valued at £10MILLION! Such is the value of Bale now.
Gareth would not be against a move to Manchester. His girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones and their first baby, little Alba Violet live in Cardiff and a move to Manchester could see them all living there.
The speculation over a move to United would also give a reason for Gareth turning up at Old Trafford for the Real Madrid match the other night. Most people thought he was there to see Ronaldo and Real as they were his most likely next employers - but I am told he was actually there to see his real hero, Ryan Giggs, and see the United set-up for himself.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
UTD BUY £18MILLION BENFICA CENTRE-HALF
MY SPIES at Old Trafford tell me that Fergie is starting to come out of his 'distraught' shell as he surveys the wreckage of this season's Champions League campaign.
Apparently he has already made his first move towards a better future - by setting up a deal for Benfica's highly-regarded centre-back Ezequiel Garay...a 26-year-old Argentine.
Ironically, the ball-playing No 5 moved to Benfica 18 months ago from...Real Madrid!!
He will cost Utd in the region of £18million.
Apparently he has already made his first move towards a better future - by setting up a deal for Benfica's highly-regarded centre-back Ezequiel Garay...a 26-year-old Argentine.
Ironically, the ball-playing No 5 moved to Benfica 18 months ago from...Real Madrid!!
He will cost Utd in the region of £18million.
HOW FERGIE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEFEAT
I AGREE that United were at an unfair disadvantage when Nani was sent off.
But I do believe they could have still gone on and won if they hadn't suffered a collective loss of heads.
Remember how Chelsea triumphed in Barca when Terry was dismissed?
Surely Terry was a greater loss than Nani - a peripheral figure on the wing rather than a key man at the heart of the defence?
Yet Chelsea went through and United didn't.
I think Fergie's meltdown on the touchline affected the team. When he needed to keep calm and encourage his men to also stay cool and on course, he turned into the Incredible Hulk. And you're not telling me that show of nerves and anger didn't transmit itself to the team?
No, if Fergie had stayed cool I honestly believe United would have coped better - rather than mirroring their boss and crumbling.
But I do believe they could have still gone on and won if they hadn't suffered a collective loss of heads.
Remember how Chelsea triumphed in Barca when Terry was dismissed?
Surely Terry was a greater loss than Nani - a peripheral figure on the wing rather than a key man at the heart of the defence?
Yet Chelsea went through and United didn't.
I think Fergie's meltdown on the touchline affected the team. When he needed to keep calm and encourage his men to also stay cool and on course, he turned into the Incredible Hulk. And you're not telling me that show of nerves and anger didn't transmit itself to the team?
No, if Fergie had stayed cool I honestly believe United would have coped better - rather than mirroring their boss and crumbling.
UTD FANS TURN ON 'TRAITOR' ROY KEANE
A FEW years back I did Roy Keane's biography.
It has always struck me that he is a stubborn man, but as a player he was brilliant.
Since leaving Utd and then Celtic, things have not gone as smoothly for old Roy.
He has not really proved himself as a manager and his punditry on the box is certainly not of the level of say Gary Neville.
When Man United are on, Roy seems to have particular problems with anger management.
Basically, he is still pissed off after Fergie got rid of him back in 2007 and cannot hide his resentment at the Utd boss.
That is why he was awkward last night about the Nani sending off. It was clearly a foul but just as clearly a foul without intent. Nani did not even see Arbeloa until they clanged into each other.
But Keane maintained it WAS a sending off.
His view has not gone down well with the Stretford End. The Utd fans I have spoken to today feel he is 'a traitor' and 'will lose a lot of our respect'.
Maybe Keano needs to ask himself why he is so bitter when he is commentating on United - it might help him be fairer in his opinions.
It has always struck me that he is a stubborn man, but as a player he was brilliant.
Since leaving Utd and then Celtic, things have not gone as smoothly for old Roy.
He has not really proved himself as a manager and his punditry on the box is certainly not of the level of say Gary Neville.
When Man United are on, Roy seems to have particular problems with anger management.
Basically, he is still pissed off after Fergie got rid of him back in 2007 and cannot hide his resentment at the Utd boss.
That is why he was awkward last night about the Nani sending off. It was clearly a foul but just as clearly a foul without intent. Nani did not even see Arbeloa until they clanged into each other.
But Keane maintained it WAS a sending off.
His view has not gone down well with the Stretford End. The Utd fans I have spoken to today feel he is 'a traitor' and 'will lose a lot of our respect'.
Maybe Keano needs to ask himself why he is so bitter when he is commentating on United - it might help him be fairer in his opinions.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
MY PREDICTION UTD v REAL
I AM rooting for a Utd win but I have a bad feeling in my guts that Real will leave Old Trafford with a 3-1 victory.
I think the loss of Phil Jones - who policed Ronaldo so well in the Bernabeu - will prove a major loss.
I hear Fergie is thinking of flooding the midfield with Valencia, Carrick, Anderson, Rooney and Young - with Van Persie alone up front.
If that happens, they will have a chance. The power of Anderson will certainly be needed against Madrid's strong midfield.
If Fergie drops a clanger and starts with Giggs instead of Anderson I fear the worst. Giggs has been a genius but when he and Carrick start together they are simply too slow.
I think the loss of Phil Jones - who policed Ronaldo so well in the Bernabeu - will prove a major loss.
I hear Fergie is thinking of flooding the midfield with Valencia, Carrick, Anderson, Rooney and Young - with Van Persie alone up front.
If that happens, they will have a chance. The power of Anderson will certainly be needed against Madrid's strong midfield.
If Fergie drops a clanger and starts with Giggs instead of Anderson I fear the worst. Giggs has been a genius but when he and Carrick start together they are simply too slow.
REAL STAY AT THE HOTEL DESIGNED BY MY BRILLIANT COUSIN IAN SIMPSON
I SEE Real are staying at the Hilton while in Manchester.
The hotel was designed and constructed as part of the new Manchester by the brilliant Manchester architecht Ian Simpson.
Being a Mancunian, I am proud that Real are staying there and that it is such a remarkable landmark - and I am especially proud as Ian is my cousin as well as being a genius.
The hotel was designed and constructed as part of the new Manchester by the brilliant Manchester architecht Ian Simpson.
Being a Mancunian, I am proud that Real are staying there and that it is such a remarkable landmark - and I am especially proud as Ian is my cousin as well as being a genius.
WHY JOSE IS BEING SO NICE IN MANCHESTER
THE pundits have expressed surprise that Mr Mourinho is being so statesmanlike and considered before Real's match with United.
Some have suggested it is because he wants the Utd board to consider him in a different light to his normal Machiavellian combustible self - indeed as someone who might one day even be considered as a grown-up successor to Fergie.
I hear differently. I hear it is because he wants Man City to know he has grown up - and that helps explain why Real have been training at City rather than United.
I stick by my assertion that Mourinho will be the next boss of Chelsea - but City's interest provides an interesting sideshow.
Some have suggested it is because he wants the Utd board to consider him in a different light to his normal Machiavellian combustible self - indeed as someone who might one day even be considered as a grown-up successor to Fergie.
I hear differently. I hear it is because he wants Man City to know he has grown up - and that helps explain why Real have been training at City rather than United.
I stick by my assertion that Mourinho will be the next boss of Chelsea - but City's interest provides an interesting sideshow.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
THE END OF BARCELONA'S RULE
IT looks like time has caught up with the self-styled 'greatest club team of all time'.
After their 2-0 Champions League setback in Milan, Barcelona then lost 3-1 at home to Real Madrid in the Spanish Cup semi at the Camp Nou.
It looked like a watershed to me: the baton passing from one Spanish team to another.
Barca suddenly had the appearance of a fragile old man in comparison to Real's youthful dominance.
Iniesta and Xavi, one of the greatest midfield duos, looked aged and slow. And without their briliance Messi looked half the player of Ronaldo.
I believe Ronaldo will now go on to confirm his position as No 1 player in the world, above Messi. Just think if he had had Iniesta and Xabi playing behind him for the last five years - I reckon his impact would have at least equalled, if not excelled, that of Messi's.
In one sense I am glad that Barca's rule appears over. They always projected themselves as angels who lived and died by their playing the beautiful game. In reality, they many times were just as cynical and machiavellian as Mourinho with their dives and dirty fouls. I am thinking in particular of the horrible Busquets and Alves.
So farewell Barca...time waits for no man...and I wouldn't be at all surprised if Inter Milan provide the killer blow at the Camp Nou in their second leg of the Champions League tie.
After their 2-0 Champions League setback in Milan, Barcelona then lost 3-1 at home to Real Madrid in the Spanish Cup semi at the Camp Nou.
It looked like a watershed to me: the baton passing from one Spanish team to another.
Barca suddenly had the appearance of a fragile old man in comparison to Real's youthful dominance.
Iniesta and Xavi, one of the greatest midfield duos, looked aged and slow. And without their briliance Messi looked half the player of Ronaldo.
I believe Ronaldo will now go on to confirm his position as No 1 player in the world, above Messi. Just think if he had had Iniesta and Xabi playing behind him for the last five years - I reckon his impact would have at least equalled, if not excelled, that of Messi's.
In one sense I am glad that Barca's rule appears over. They always projected themselves as angels who lived and died by their playing the beautiful game. In reality, they many times were just as cynical and machiavellian as Mourinho with their dives and dirty fouls. I am thinking in particular of the horrible Busquets and Alves.
So farewell Barca...time waits for no man...and I wouldn't be at all surprised if Inter Milan provide the killer blow at the Camp Nou in their second leg of the Champions League tie.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
WHY WOULD MAN CITY GO FOR A LOSER LIKE PELLEGRINI?
THE rumours persist that Man City will dismiss Roberto Mancini at the end of the season - unless he wins the FA Cup or somehow magics up a run that knocks Utd off their perch.
But there's no point in getting rid of him if the man to replace him isn't as good, is there?
The latest name to be bandied around sums up the situation - why would City want to lose Mancini, who has won them a league championship, an FA Cup and a Community Shield and bring in Manuel Pellegrini?
The bloke has done OK at Malaga but he was sacked by Real Madrid and could not win the Champions League or La Liga with them despite having the likes of Ronaldo and Kaka at his disposal.
He is not even the best South American manager in La Liga - that accolade must go to Marcelo Bielsa, the hardline but brilliant boss of Atletico Bilbao.
If Mancini must go - and I believe he deserves at least another season in lieu of his achievements and for the sake of stability - City need to get someone who is guaranteed to aim higher than him. Not some nobody who had his chance at the top with Real and blew it.
The only men who could conceivably take over from Roberto and offer hope of more silverware are Guardiola, who is now wrapped up in a three-year deal at Bayern, Fergie, who would never leave Utd, and Mourinho, who is the best option but who may well be on his way back to Chelsea.
But there's no point in getting rid of him if the man to replace him isn't as good, is there?
The latest name to be bandied around sums up the situation - why would City want to lose Mancini, who has won them a league championship, an FA Cup and a Community Shield and bring in Manuel Pellegrini?
The bloke has done OK at Malaga but he was sacked by Real Madrid and could not win the Champions League or La Liga with them despite having the likes of Ronaldo and Kaka at his disposal.
He is not even the best South American manager in La Liga - that accolade must go to Marcelo Bielsa, the hardline but brilliant boss of Atletico Bilbao.
If Mancini must go - and I believe he deserves at least another season in lieu of his achievements and for the sake of stability - City need to get someone who is guaranteed to aim higher than him. Not some nobody who had his chance at the top with Real and blew it.
The only men who could conceivably take over from Roberto and offer hope of more silverware are Guardiola, who is now wrapped up in a three-year deal at Bayern, Fergie, who would never leave Utd, and Mourinho, who is the best option but who may well be on his way back to Chelsea.
ABUSE? FANS SHOULD BE DEMANDING A STATUE OF WENGER
I also hope Arsenal win today for Arsene Wenger's sake. Here is one of the great managers of the last 20 years being abused by his own fans...those abusers should shake their heads in disgrace. He rebuilt the club, gave them a new brilliant stadium, Champions League football every year and was forced to sell by his board.
Arsene is right: those very same abusers will only truly appreciate what they had when he is gone.
I am not saying his successor, likely to be Michael Laudrup, will not do well - but he will face the same financial constraints Arsene has had to face.
Then the abusers will truly see the magnificent job he has done. Abuse? Those fans should be demanding a statue of Wenger be built outside the Emirates...
Arsene is right: those very same abusers will only truly appreciate what they had when he is gone.
I am not saying his successor, likely to be Michael Laudrup, will not do well - but he will face the same financial constraints Arsene has had to face.
Then the abusers will truly see the magnificent job he has done. Abuse? Those fans should be demanding a statue of Wenger be built outside the Emirates...
I HOPE ARSENAL BEAT BIGHEADS OF BAYERN
SO Bayern Munich are on a winning streak going back to last year - and their keeper Manuel Neur is so underused in matches that he sometimes does not need a shower.
Add the names of the repulsive Franck Ribery and the similarly bigheaded Arjen Robben and it does not take much to understand why many people cannot stand Bayern.
I truly hope that Jack Wilshere and Co stick one up 'em at the Emirates tonight and bring them down a peg or two.
Why are they known as FC Hollywood? Who in their right mind would want to go and play in a second-rate league that is less Hollywood and more dullsville. Would you pay to watch the German league on the box? Thought not.
And it is to his great discredit that Pep Guardiola chose the easy option - to manage in a poor league with its biggest fish - than to test himself in England's Premier League.
OK, we all know that Pep's plan is to use Bayern as a stepping stone to the really big league of Manchester United, but it is a gamble that could backfire. What if Fergie retires on ill health before his three years at Munich is up?
Will Pep leave Bayern in the lurch and ruin the image of himself as the man with the halo?
Add the names of the repulsive Franck Ribery and the similarly bigheaded Arjen Robben and it does not take much to understand why many people cannot stand Bayern.
I truly hope that Jack Wilshere and Co stick one up 'em at the Emirates tonight and bring them down a peg or two.
Why are they known as FC Hollywood? Who in their right mind would want to go and play in a second-rate league that is less Hollywood and more dullsville. Would you pay to watch the German league on the box? Thought not.
And it is to his great discredit that Pep Guardiola chose the easy option - to manage in a poor league with its biggest fish - than to test himself in England's Premier League.
OK, we all know that Pep's plan is to use Bayern as a stepping stone to the really big league of Manchester United, but it is a gamble that could backfire. What if Fergie retires on ill health before his three years at Munich is up?
Will Pep leave Bayern in the lurch and ruin the image of himself as the man with the halo?
Monday, February 18, 2013
GARETH BALE 'TO SIGN FOR REAL MADRID - IN 60MILLION EURO' DEAL
I HEAR this morning from my friends in Madrid that Gareth Bale will 'definitely join Real in summer for 60MILLION euros'.
I did Gareth's biog a couple of years back and wish him all the best in his new venture.
I also wouldn't be at all surprised if Gareth moves to Spain with the Player of the Year awards with him.
We will miss you Gareth - and I bet Europe will shudder at the thought of Ronaldo on the right and Bale on the left wings!
I did Gareth's biog a couple of years back and wish him all the best in his new venture.
I also wouldn't be at all surprised if Gareth moves to Spain with the Player of the Year awards with him.
We will miss you Gareth - and I bet Europe will shudder at the thought of Ronaldo on the right and Bale on the left wings!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
I FEAR FOR MAN UTD IN MADRID
I REALLY, REALLY hope I am wrong. But the demise of English clubs in Europe makes me fear for Man United in Madrid tonight.
If it is correct that English football has not moved on over the last five years and that the continentals have not only caught up but overtaken us, United could be in for a lesson at the Bernabeu.
The consensus appears to be that the English Prem is not what it was - and if that is the case, Utd's 12-point lead at the top will count for little tonight.
They may simply be the best of an average bunch in England.
But the beauty of Ferguson is that you can never write him or his team off. Especially with the brilliance of Van Persie and Rooney.
It could be 4-1 to Madrid, but we will only know the truth after 90 minutes. If Fergie has, as he would have us believe, but a Utd team that stands fair judgment against his great teams of the past, we might witness the Miracle of the Bernabeu.
But with Ronaldo, Benzema, Ozil and Alonso coming at them, I still have doubts.
If Fergie pulls off a win or even a draw tonight, I believe it will rank up there as one of his greatest managerial achievements - even up with the 1999 3-2 win at Juve that led to the eventual realisation of the treble dream.
If it is correct that English football has not moved on over the last five years and that the continentals have not only caught up but overtaken us, United could be in for a lesson at the Bernabeu.
The consensus appears to be that the English Prem is not what it was - and if that is the case, Utd's 12-point lead at the top will count for little tonight.
They may simply be the best of an average bunch in England.
But the beauty of Ferguson is that you can never write him or his team off. Especially with the brilliance of Van Persie and Rooney.
It could be 4-1 to Madrid, but we will only know the truth after 90 minutes. If Fergie has, as he would have us believe, but a Utd team that stands fair judgment against his great teams of the past, we might witness the Miracle of the Bernabeu.
But with Ronaldo, Benzema, Ozil and Alonso coming at them, I still have doubts.
If Fergie pulls off a win or even a draw tonight, I believe it will rank up there as one of his greatest managerial achievements - even up with the 1999 3-2 win at Juve that led to the eventual realisation of the treble dream.
PLAN B SHOULD FORGET PLAN A
SAW Plan B last night and loved the first half of his show when he worked through the Strickland Banks stuff.
Ben Drew is a great soul singer and we are lucky to have him here in the UK.
But the second part of the show highlighted Ben's achilles heel.
He thinks he is a world-class rapper along the lines of Eminem. But he ain't, which the Ill Manors second section proved.
I am told that Ben believes he is a rapper first and a soul singer second - and that he is happy to do the soul stuff as its success enables him to also push the rapping down our throats.
But the rapping didn't work. Ben gets muddled and tangled up when he resorts to it. He is famed for helping out disadvantaged kids in his spare time, encouraging them to seek a better way of life and not to follow a path that leads to booze, drugs, violence and despair.
Yet here he was, drumming up the rowdier section of the audience into a frenzy with backdrop scenes of kids stealing from shops as London burned and singing, 'What you looking at posh boy' with a growling vengeance.
Forget Plan A...the rapping, Ben. Stick to Plan B, the soul - you have nothing to prove, mate. You are a great bloke, a great actor and a great soul singer and we love you for all those attributes.
Ben Drew is a great soul singer and we are lucky to have him here in the UK.
But the second part of the show highlighted Ben's achilles heel.
He thinks he is a world-class rapper along the lines of Eminem. But he ain't, which the Ill Manors second section proved.
I am told that Ben believes he is a rapper first and a soul singer second - and that he is happy to do the soul stuff as its success enables him to also push the rapping down our throats.
But the rapping didn't work. Ben gets muddled and tangled up when he resorts to it. He is famed for helping out disadvantaged kids in his spare time, encouraging them to seek a better way of life and not to follow a path that leads to booze, drugs, violence and despair.
Yet here he was, drumming up the rowdier section of the audience into a frenzy with backdrop scenes of kids stealing from shops as London burned and singing, 'What you looking at posh boy' with a growling vengeance.
Forget Plan A...the rapping, Ben. Stick to Plan B, the soul - you have nothing to prove, mate. You are a great bloke, a great actor and a great soul singer and we love you for all those attributes.
JOSE MOURINHO 'IS THE NEW CHELSEA BOSS'
MY spies at Stamford Bridge tell me that Jose Mourinho will return to manage Chelsea in the summer.
Apparently the deal is '95 per cent' done - and both Roman and Jose 'are both looking forward to working together again'.
The move was engineered by Roman after he became perturbed by the fans' seeming disilusionment with him following his appointment of Benitez as interim coach.
Roman likes to be loved and to have the No 1 place in the fans' hearts - which explains why he sacked Jose in the first place. He felt that Mourinho had the monopoly on their affections.
Now he has decided to bring Jose back to recapture the love of the Chelsea fans.
Jose will be handed full control of all playing matters and will have the final say on transfers in and out - the latter luxury which none of his successors enjoyed.
I am told he has 'been given the brief to rebuild the team and breathe new life into it' and he will be given time to do so.
It is an exciting development and one I am sure most Chelsea fans will welcome.
Good luck, Jose - it's good to have you back in England where you belong.
Apparently the deal is '95 per cent' done - and both Roman and Jose 'are both looking forward to working together again'.
The move was engineered by Roman after he became perturbed by the fans' seeming disilusionment with him following his appointment of Benitez as interim coach.
Roman likes to be loved and to have the No 1 place in the fans' hearts - which explains why he sacked Jose in the first place. He felt that Mourinho had the monopoly on their affections.
Now he has decided to bring Jose back to recapture the love of the Chelsea fans.
Jose will be handed full control of all playing matters and will have the final say on transfers in and out - the latter luxury which none of his successors enjoyed.
I am told he has 'been given the brief to rebuild the team and breathe new life into it' and he will be given time to do so.
It is an exciting development and one I am sure most Chelsea fans will welcome.
Good luck, Jose - it's good to have you back in England where you belong.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
GAZZA'S 'BENEFACTORS' HAVE GOT IT WRONG
I CAN tell you now that it will be a small miracle if Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne returns from America cured of alcohol addiction.
I can tell you because I was just like Gazza almost 20 years - I could not stop drinking and my life was a terrible mangle of a mess.
The thing is this: I didn't want to stop drinking - and you can only get well when you have a true desire to stop.
So all the flashy rehabs in America will not provide the answer if Gazza has gone there merely for another spa break.
He has been to AA and he has been to rehabs before - and look where he is now. He seems to be like George Best; another tragedy unravelling in front of our very eyes. He does not appear to want to stop drinking.
There is no miracle cure. Just a reprive contingent on him changing his thinking - and there you have it. There is all this talk about his problem drinking but it is actually his problem thinking that is his real curse.
Drinking, drugs, sex, spending sprees - they are all but the symptom of the illness of addiction.
And until Paul really wants to stop drinking, and accepts he has to change his thinking, he will struggle.
And while the apparent generosity of his 'benefactors' - including Chris Evans and Gary Linkeker - is admirable at face value, it does leave me feeling slightly uneasy.
It would have been all the more admirable if they hadn't felt the need to go public with their generosity - and it might have made Paul's exodus easier. If he had left quietly and anonymously, he would not have had the added pressure of press intrusion when he arrived in Phoenix.
Good luck, Gazza. Get honest, get humble, go to AA again when you come back home - and listen and ask for help in the rooms.
Then you will have a proper chance of not becoming another George Best.
I can tell you because I was just like Gazza almost 20 years - I could not stop drinking and my life was a terrible mangle of a mess.
The thing is this: I didn't want to stop drinking - and you can only get well when you have a true desire to stop.
So all the flashy rehabs in America will not provide the answer if Gazza has gone there merely for another spa break.
He has been to AA and he has been to rehabs before - and look where he is now. He seems to be like George Best; another tragedy unravelling in front of our very eyes. He does not appear to want to stop drinking.
There is no miracle cure. Just a reprive contingent on him changing his thinking - and there you have it. There is all this talk about his problem drinking but it is actually his problem thinking that is his real curse.
Drinking, drugs, sex, spending sprees - they are all but the symptom of the illness of addiction.
And until Paul really wants to stop drinking, and accepts he has to change his thinking, he will struggle.
And while the apparent generosity of his 'benefactors' - including Chris Evans and Gary Linkeker - is admirable at face value, it does leave me feeling slightly uneasy.
It would have been all the more admirable if they hadn't felt the need to go public with their generosity - and it might have made Paul's exodus easier. If he had left quietly and anonymously, he would not have had the added pressure of press intrusion when he arrived in Phoenix.
Good luck, Gazza. Get honest, get humble, go to AA again when you come back home - and listen and ask for help in the rooms.
Then you will have a proper chance of not becoming another George Best.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Balotelli's farewell gift to England - his Bentley
I AM hearing that Mario has left his Bentley - you know the one, the big camouflaged thing that has been all over the papers of late - to help charities in England.
It goes to show that the guy is not all bad as some would have you think. In many ways, he is big hearted and a kind, generous guy away from the cameras - as Noel Gallagher will testify.
He decided it would be a nice gesture to leave it here and let it be auctioned off for charity.
It is apparently his parting gift to England and the City fans he loves.
It goes to show that the guy is not all bad as some would have you think. In many ways, he is big hearted and a kind, generous guy away from the cameras - as Noel Gallagher will testify.
He decided it would be a nice gesture to leave it here and let it be auctioned off for charity.
It is apparently his parting gift to England and the City fans he loves.
City wanted rid of Dzeko rather than Balotelli
I HEAR that Man City really wanted to unload the big lumbering Edin Dzeko rather than Mario - but that Mario's wish to join Milan scuppered those plans.
Dzeko had been lined up for a move to Arsenal or Juventus for the same sort of fee that Milan bought Mario.
But Mario's insistence that he wanted to move back to Milan ended those hopes.
I believe that Mario is a much better player than Dzeko - but whether Mario ever reaches his potential is very much up in the air.
He is a troubled man-child, a much more likeable guy than you would imagine from the rather lurid headlines that follow him around.
As a child, he was insecure and unsure of his identity.
He is still insecure and immature. But if he does concentrate on his football he has the potential to be the best No 9 in the world - and that is why City would rather have kept him than Dzeko.
Dzeko had been lined up for a move to Arsenal or Juventus for the same sort of fee that Milan bought Mario.
But Mario's insistence that he wanted to move back to Milan ended those hopes.
I believe that Mario is a much better player than Dzeko - but whether Mario ever reaches his potential is very much up in the air.
He is a troubled man-child, a much more likeable guy than you would imagine from the rather lurid headlines that follow him around.
As a child, he was insecure and unsure of his identity.
He is still insecure and immature. But if he does concentrate on his football he has the potential to be the best No 9 in the world - and that is why City would rather have kept him than Dzeko.
Balotelli goes - and Mancini could follow him to Milan
So Mario has finally gone.
Left City for the club he has supported all his life.
It is a sad day for City but it could prove an even sadder one for Mario if he does not settle in quickly at Milan.
He has left his 'surrogate father' Mancini behind at City and he will certainly miss him.
Mancini is the only manager who has been able to control him (to an extent!) and he may not like working under Massimiliano Allegri, who is more hardline and will be less sympathetic to Mario and his idiosyncracies than Mancini.
I heard from a source close to Mario that his big hope is that Roberto will follow him to Milan in the summer - and there is a good chance that will happen.
If City don't win the league, Jose Mourinho is looming large over Mancini and could well replace him.
Then the surrogate father would be available to resume his work with his surrogate child in Milan.
Left City for the club he has supported all his life.
It is a sad day for City but it could prove an even sadder one for Mario if he does not settle in quickly at Milan.
He has left his 'surrogate father' Mancini behind at City and he will certainly miss him.
Mancini is the only manager who has been able to control him (to an extent!) and he may not like working under Massimiliano Allegri, who is more hardline and will be less sympathetic to Mario and his idiosyncracies than Mancini.
I heard from a source close to Mario that his big hope is that Roberto will follow him to Milan in the summer - and there is a good chance that will happen.
If City don't win the league, Jose Mourinho is looming large over Mancini and could well replace him.
Then the surrogate father would be available to resume his work with his surrogate child in Milan.
Balotelli to buy Pato's house
I HEAR that Mario is planning to move into Brazilian striker Pato's luxury home in Milan.
Pato has moved back to Brazil in a £12million deal from Milan to Corinthians.
And the AC hierarchy have persuaded Mario to buy his house - which has a price guide of around £2million.
Mario has agreed but has not agreed to request to live a quieter life than he did in Manchester.
His brother Enock is set to join him there and Mario will soon be out on the town with him and his old pals from his Inter days.
He does not plan to settle down with Raffaella Fico, the model who gave birth to his baby girl, Pia.
I would think the Milan fans, who have greeted the signing of Mario as if it were Messi or Ronaldo who was joining the club, will soon let him know if he does not knuckle down in training and matches. They will want to see him deliver the fireworks on the pitch - not off it.
Pato has moved back to Brazil in a £12million deal from Milan to Corinthians.
And the AC hierarchy have persuaded Mario to buy his house - which has a price guide of around £2million.
Mario has agreed but has not agreed to request to live a quieter life than he did in Manchester.
His brother Enock is set to join him there and Mario will soon be out on the town with him and his old pals from his Inter days.
He does not plan to settle down with Raffaella Fico, the model who gave birth to his baby girl, Pia.
I would think the Milan fans, who have greeted the signing of Mario as if it were Messi or Ronaldo who was joining the club, will soon let him know if he does not knuckle down in training and matches. They will want to see him deliver the fireworks on the pitch - not off it.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
PAT NEVIN AND EDEN HAZARD ARE A DISGRACE
I WAS shocked and saddened when I saw Eden Hazard kick a ball boy at Swansea last night.
This is a player who earns millions attacking a young lad who does the job for the joy of it.
OK the lad shouldn't have kept the ball, but that is no excuse for Hazard to assault him.
I think Hazard is lucky not to be facing an assault charge today.
And I think Pat Nevin is lucky not to facing the sack as a pundit after he outrageously defended Hazard on TV this morning.
I don't know what Nevin was thinking of - probably a misplaced loyalty to Chelsea from his playing days there - but he was out of order and very wrong.
Hazard has apologised and Nevin now needs to follow suit - and quickly before his reputation suffers any more damage.
This is a player who earns millions attacking a young lad who does the job for the joy of it.
OK the lad shouldn't have kept the ball, but that is no excuse for Hazard to assault him.
I think Hazard is lucky not to be facing an assault charge today.
And I think Pat Nevin is lucky not to facing the sack as a pundit after he outrageously defended Hazard on TV this morning.
I don't know what Nevin was thinking of - probably a misplaced loyalty to Chelsea from his playing days there - but he was out of order and very wrong.
Hazard has apologised and Nevin now needs to follow suit - and quickly before his reputation suffers any more damage.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
HUGH JACKMAN - BETTER THAN DANIEL DAY-LEWIS
WENT to see Les Mis (as the trendy dub it) and was really impressed.
It is the movie of the year with Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe remarkable in singing roles.
It is the first time I have been at the cinema and witnessed an audience clapping at the end of a film!
Yes, it was that good.
And I do hope Jackman wins the best actor gong at the Oscars rather than Daniel Day-Lewis, who is becoming a much a pain in the arse as his fellow Irishman Bono with his pontificating and his sickening up his own arseness in interviews.
It is the movie of the year with Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe remarkable in singing roles.
It is the first time I have been at the cinema and witnessed an audience clapping at the end of a film!
Yes, it was that good.
And I do hope Jackman wins the best actor gong at the Oscars rather than Daniel Day-Lewis, who is becoming a much a pain in the arse as his fellow Irishman Bono with his pontificating and his sickening up his own arseness in interviews.
BARCA'S VALDES FOR MAN UNITED
I HEAR today that Victor Valdes may join Man United at the end of the season - with David de Gea moving the other way.
Valdes is a free agent in the summer and wants to leave Barca while De Gea continues to struggle with the physicality of the Prem.
So a swop - with a sum of say £7million also going to Utd - would seem to make perfect sense.
Valdes is a free agent in the summer and wants to leave Barca while De Gea continues to struggle with the physicality of the Prem.
So a swop - with a sum of say £7million also going to Utd - would seem to make perfect sense.
ALAN PARDEW: THE NEW JOHN GREGORY
Newcastle United did brilliant last season and credit for that to Alan Pardew.
But this term they are in a relegation battle and so some of the criticism for that must also fall on Pardew.
I was surprised when the Toon took him on - he never struck me as a particularly top-class manager.
I always saw him as a sort of glorified bean counter who had been drafted into the job.
He can talk a good talk and would make you believe that football success can be formulaic.
That is what appealed to Mike Ashley when he took him on - that Pardew told him he could bring success on a shoestring and that any players they bought they would also be able to sell for at least the same money, if not a good profit.
This is football by the balance sheet, not football as something magical and wonderful.
And so it comes as no real surprise to me that the bubble seems to now have burst for Pardew on Tyneside. The bean counter is having to make do with bargain buys and cannot spend big money on big players.
Pardew reminds me a lot of former Aston Villa boss John Gregory. You remember him? He was smooth and could also talk a good talk - but he eventually got found out.
If I were a Newcastle fan, I would want a manager who was ambitious but also a dreamer; someone who believed the game is magical rather than to be played out to a rigid financial formula.
How about someone like Roberto di Matteo?
But this term they are in a relegation battle and so some of the criticism for that must also fall on Pardew.
I was surprised when the Toon took him on - he never struck me as a particularly top-class manager.
I always saw him as a sort of glorified bean counter who had been drafted into the job.
He can talk a good talk and would make you believe that football success can be formulaic.
That is what appealed to Mike Ashley when he took him on - that Pardew told him he could bring success on a shoestring and that any players they bought they would also be able to sell for at least the same money, if not a good profit.
This is football by the balance sheet, not football as something magical and wonderful.
And so it comes as no real surprise to me that the bubble seems to now have burst for Pardew on Tyneside. The bean counter is having to make do with bargain buys and cannot spend big money on big players.
Pardew reminds me a lot of former Aston Villa boss John Gregory. You remember him? He was smooth and could also talk a good talk - but he eventually got found out.
If I were a Newcastle fan, I would want a manager who was ambitious but also a dreamer; someone who believed the game is magical rather than to be played out to a rigid financial formula.
How about someone like Roberto di Matteo?
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
RAUL WILL BE GUARDIOLA'S NO 2 - EXCLUSIVE
JUST heard from my sources that Spanish legend RAUL, the Real Madrid hero, will be Pep's assistant at Bayern.
You heard it here first - again.
FRANK WORRALL
You heard it here first - again.
FRANK WORRALL
GUARDIOLA TO BAYERN AS I PREDICTED A WEEK AGO
PEP GUARDIOLA is to take over as boss of Bayern Munich next season - as I predicted seven days ago.
I said that Pep would disappoint English clubs vying for his signature because he only wants to manage one club in England - Man United.
I also said that Pep would be the next manager of Man United when Fergie resigns - and that it is a done deal - and that is why he would manage abroad in the interim.
Bayern is merely a stepping stone to the really big job at United.
Most commentators in England have been saying all week that Pep would be the new manager of Man City in summer.
Well, the cat is now out of the bag. So stick with me if you want to know what's happening first - as the old footie song goes, So now you're gonna believe me!
FRANK WORRALL
I said that Pep would disappoint English clubs vying for his signature because he only wants to manage one club in England - Man United.
I also said that Pep would be the next manager of Man United when Fergie resigns - and that it is a done deal - and that is why he would manage abroad in the interim.
Bayern is merely a stepping stone to the really big job at United.
Most commentators in England have been saying all week that Pep would be the new manager of Man City in summer.
Well, the cat is now out of the bag. So stick with me if you want to know what's happening first - as the old footie song goes, So now you're gonna believe me!
FRANK WORRALL
Thursday, January 10, 2013
FRANK LAMPARD WILL SIGN FOR MAN UNITED
I WONDER how Chelsea fans will react to Frank Lampard when they learn that he is going to sign for Alex Ferguson in the summer?
Right now, he is the hero of the terraces - and rightly so after the service he has given to the club.
I just hope the fans will be as magnanamous with Frankie when he puts pen to paper on a 12 month deal at Old Trafford, with the option of another 12 if things go well.
Fergie plans to use him to replace Scholesy as one of his two 'old heads' - along with Giggsy who will do one more year at the club, then probably bow out along with the manager himself/
Right now, he is the hero of the terraces - and rightly so after the service he has given to the club.
I just hope the fans will be as magnanamous with Frankie when he puts pen to paper on a 12 month deal at Old Trafford, with the option of another 12 if things go well.
Fergie plans to use him to replace Scholesy as one of his two 'old heads' - along with Giggsy who will do one more year at the club, then probably bow out along with the manager himself/
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
CAITLIN MORAN IS THE BEST WRITER OUT THERE RIGHT NOW
When i was younger I used to love reading Julie Burchill's stuff.
Nowadays there is no one in her league..apart from Caitlin Moran of the Times.
Her piece on Bowie's return in today's paper was brilliant, it brought tears to my eyes and summed up everything I would like to have said but struggled to do because I am simply not as talented as her.
She deserves a much bigger platform for her skills - maybe the Mail or the Sun will come calling.
Nowadays there is no one in her league..apart from Caitlin Moran of the Times.
Her piece on Bowie's return in today's paper was brilliant, it brought tears to my eyes and summed up everything I would like to have said but struggled to do because I am simply not as talented as her.
She deserves a much bigger platform for her skills - maybe the Mail or the Sun will come calling.
GUARDIOLA PLANNING TO GO TO MILAN OR BAYERN BEFORE MAN UNITED
I have heard today that Pep Guardiola may take a job in Italy (Milan) or Germany (Bayern) before he moves to the big one at Man United.
He is reluctant to go to Chelsea or Man City in the summer as he really only wants to manage United in England, but must wait for Fergie to call it a day.
I hear Chelsea are still more likely to end up with Mourinho back in charge, or Jurgen Klopp from Dortmund.
He is reluctant to go to Chelsea or Man City in the summer as he really only wants to manage United in England, but must wait for Fergie to call it a day.
I hear Chelsea are still more likely to end up with Mourinho back in charge, or Jurgen Klopp from Dortmund.
By the way, it's Bo-wie, not Bow-ie!!
Just to set the record straight - David pronounces his surname Bo-wie (as in Zoe) not Bow-ie as in cow.
Thought you should know!!
Thought you should know!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
MICHAEL LAUDRUP FOR ARSENAL
I HAVE hears some interesting talk from my contacts at the Emirates.
Namely that Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is being talked about within the corridors of power as the man who just might take over at Arsenal when Wenger finally calls it a day.
I have also heard that his name has been mentioned at Man United - although Pep Guardiola remains the man they want to take over from Fergie, and who will do so barring a late change of mind on his part.
But I can see the logic of Laudrup at Arsenal and I can see it coming off.
He is a highly intelligent man and an advocate of fine football - in other words he is a young Wenger.
Certainly I would rate him ahead of Brendan Rodgers, his Swansea predecessor who was lucky to get the Liverpool job.
Laudrup for Arsenal - you heard it here first.
FRANK WORRALL
Namely that Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is being talked about within the corridors of power as the man who just might take over at Arsenal when Wenger finally calls it a day.
I have also heard that his name has been mentioned at Man United - although Pep Guardiola remains the man they want to take over from Fergie, and who will do so barring a late change of mind on his part.
But I can see the logic of Laudrup at Arsenal and I can see it coming off.
He is a highly intelligent man and an advocate of fine football - in other words he is a young Wenger.
Certainly I would rate him ahead of Brendan Rodgers, his Swansea predecessor who was lucky to get the Liverpool job.
Laudrup for Arsenal - you heard it here first.
FRANK WORRALL
BOWIE, THE KING IS BACK - AND ON FORM AFTER 30 YEARS OF MEDICORITY
HE is, without doubt, the greatest 'pop star' of all time - and my musical hero.
So it was wonderful to watch as David Bowie stunned us all by releasing a new single today, the day of his 66th birthday.
Ziggy/the Thin White Duke has always had that ability to take us by surprise. The biggest shock of all, of course, is how - in this world of constant communication and news feed - he managed to keep it quiet for two years that he was even back in the studio working on new material.
Indeed, only a year ago a friend of mine claimed he had seen Bowie 'at a cancer clinic' in Manhattan - and that he might not be long for this world.
Yet here he is on my TV screen this morning, singing his new number in a video that left me smiling and shaking my head in wonder.
The video - of Bowie's head on top of a small puppet - was amusing but also telling: it flicked through images of David's time in Berlin, when he produced the mind-blowing change of direction that was Low and Heroes, plus the rather less distinctive Lodger.
This is Bowie at his best: Bowie's Johnny Cash moment, whereby the Man in Black glanced back over his life with a mesmerising commentary on just what he had been through, what it all amounted to and the frailty of humanity as
(im)mortality beckons.
Bowie's new single, Where Are We Now, brought me close to tears. It is a great artist's valedictory statement and one of his best songs since Five Years, from Ziggy. You could probably say it is Five Years now - Bowie's final lament in 2013 as he faces up to the final curtain.
I can tell you for certain now that he will never tour again. But if this and the imminent album are his final statements, and the album is half as good as the single, we Bowie fanatics can at least be grateful for that. This latest recording was something we did not expect - it is a bonus from a genius.
The single is also undoubtedly is best piece of work in 30 years - yes, since Let's Dance. I often think it is a tragedy that he never called it a day then, certainly the catalogue of rubbish that followed was never worthy of the man.
For me, Bowie ruled from 72 to 83 and all after was instantly forgettable.
But, maybe at the final bend, he has come up with something that is up to the standard of that period.
Bowie is back, it may not be for long, and it may be his final hurrah, but I for one am just grateful he is back with something worthy of his name.
The king isn't dead....long may he reign....
FRANK WORRALL
So it was wonderful to watch as David Bowie stunned us all by releasing a new single today, the day of his 66th birthday.
Ziggy/the Thin White Duke has always had that ability to take us by surprise. The biggest shock of all, of course, is how - in this world of constant communication and news feed - he managed to keep it quiet for two years that he was even back in the studio working on new material.
Indeed, only a year ago a friend of mine claimed he had seen Bowie 'at a cancer clinic' in Manhattan - and that he might not be long for this world.
Yet here he is on my TV screen this morning, singing his new number in a video that left me smiling and shaking my head in wonder.
The video - of Bowie's head on top of a small puppet - was amusing but also telling: it flicked through images of David's time in Berlin, when he produced the mind-blowing change of direction that was Low and Heroes, plus the rather less distinctive Lodger.
This is Bowie at his best: Bowie's Johnny Cash moment, whereby the Man in Black glanced back over his life with a mesmerising commentary on just what he had been through, what it all amounted to and the frailty of humanity as
(im)mortality beckons.
Bowie's new single, Where Are We Now, brought me close to tears. It is a great artist's valedictory statement and one of his best songs since Five Years, from Ziggy. You could probably say it is Five Years now - Bowie's final lament in 2013 as he faces up to the final curtain.
I can tell you for certain now that he will never tour again. But if this and the imminent album are his final statements, and the album is half as good as the single, we Bowie fanatics can at least be grateful for that. This latest recording was something we did not expect - it is a bonus from a genius.
The single is also undoubtedly is best piece of work in 30 years - yes, since Let's Dance. I often think it is a tragedy that he never called it a day then, certainly the catalogue of rubbish that followed was never worthy of the man.
For me, Bowie ruled from 72 to 83 and all after was instantly forgettable.
But, maybe at the final bend, he has come up with something that is up to the standard of that period.
Bowie is back, it may not be for long, and it may be his final hurrah, but I for one am just grateful he is back with something worthy of his name.
The king isn't dead....long may he reign....
FRANK WORRALL
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