WEATHER A NIGHTMARE

Football faces a shut-down because of the current big freeze.Everything else too is being affected on the run in to Christmas..but please no calls for a mid-season break.When do you take it?This country is all weather and no climate.You never know quite when it will strike.If you get it wrong it just prolongs the season or managers complain there are too many matches in too few days! And what happens in World Cup finals and European Championship finals years?Sorry folks we have to force our way through.

CHELSEA HAVE BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW;ARSENAL THE MOST DIFFICULT!

Chelsea have the easiest European Champions League draw as the competition enters the knock-out stage.They are paired with FC Copenhagen,in the last 16 for the first time,who are considered as the weakest opponents.Chelsea will be at home in the second leg. Arsenal will be at home in their first leg against the favourites Barcelona,Lionel Messi,Andres Iniesta,Xavi et al.Barca are favourites to win the competition.They met last season-2-2 at the Emirates but 4-1 to Barcelona in the Nou Camp!Marseille of France face Manchester United who are not always comfortable against French opposition but usually get through and will again.Finally Spurs have a toughie against AC Milan in the San Siro but if they can hang in there then Spurs will still have a chance back hom in the second leg.But they have a lot to do.Good tie.

SIR ALEX FERGUSON TO CARRY ON...BUT WAS THERE A DOUBT?

Sir Alex Ferguson,having past the late Sir Matt Busby's record of service as Manchester United manager,has made it clear he is staying on for quite a while yet...and why ever not? He is still the best,Manchester United are still in the thick of things including leading the Premier League and looking most likely.He is still on top of the game,still successfully rebuilding squads and most important of all he still has the drive and desire.Carry on Sir Alex!

DAVID BECKHAM WANTS TO REGAIN ENGLAND PLACE

David Beckham received a terrific and long standing ovation at Birmingham's NEC Arena when he received the life-time achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.He was visibly moved and wife Victoria wiped away some tears.Becks gave a fine speech and later revealed he wants to come back to Europe in a bid to regain his England place...but not AC Milan and no other Premier League club than Manchester United.He is 35,can still play but its a tough ask on both counts.Stay tuned.I have known David since he started out at United.Always liked him,always respected him and admired his skills.Now he has the confidence that success and money brings-and he has plenty of both.I noticed in his speech that he never once said "you know".Far different from a few years ago.Well deserved award.

SAM ALLARDYCE SACKING A SHOCK-AND DISGRACE

Sam Allardyce sacking as Blackburn manager is a shock and a disgrace.I was stunned at Newcastle sacking Chris Hughton and replacing him with Alan Pardew.Chris did not deserve it.But the dismissal of Sam was a bigger shock and not deserved.He has done a pretty good job in difficult circumstances and the new Indian owners should have given him a chance and supported him with funds.Its tight down there in the relegation zone.Blakcburn are 13th of 20..five points clear of the drop zone.I expect Martin Jol to be the new manager.He will need to maintain at least what Sam has done.

MANCHESTER UNITED FOR TITLE-AGAIN

Every season I pick Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson to win the Premier League.They do it most seasons! Of course this particular season is off the wall but I still fancy them strongly.Sir Alex is consistent in his desire,his ability to re-create great squads..and his skill in solving player problems...and keeping control.At times United have not played well and have drawn 7 of their 16 games but still remain unbeaten in the Premier League.They have the most points,a game in hand and the best goal-difference.If they win at Chelsea on Sunday they will have completed a great six days having beaten Arsenal one nil at home on Monday...all this and Wayne Rooney yet to return to regular goal-scoring.It will come and so will the title!

ANDY CARROLL IS A REAL TALENT

Andy Carroll is making the headlines for the right reasons.A few weeks ago he was in trouble and England boss Fabio Capello was reported as to warning him about the future.Whether that happened or not Carroll has arrived on the scene with England and is banging in the goals for Newcastle.He has size,strength,goal power and a good pass on him as well.What a future ahead!

CARLOS TEVEZ

Feel sorry for money bags Manchester City? You are having a laugh! But I do feel that over Carlos Tevez who is showing all that is wrong on one aspect of importing players.He should put his head down...and get on with earning his enormous fees and wages.He is a real talent but this is not on.City should make him sit it out if he won't play for them.What is his game off the pitch?

CHELSEA NEED WINS-AND QUICKLY!

Chelsea need to start winning-and quickly.New leaders Manchester United are at Chelsea on Sunday ( 4p.m. kick-off live on Sky Sports 1).This match may decide their season even in this current topsy turvy Premier League.Chelsea have only taken 6 points from a possible 21..they have won just two of their last nine games and are on their worst run since September 2000.Didier Drogba comes on as sub at Spurs and scores only his first away goal in 13 League games....and he misses a penalty.Anelka has not scored away.That tells one major part of Chelsea's current run that has somehow managed to throw away a five points lead.Ray Wilkins has clearly been sacked at a cost even if Chelsea want to differ!Football has a habit of suddenly changing but Chelsea have to improve a lot at present!

GERARD HOULLIER DOES ME GREAT TURN AND I WISH I COULD REPAY HIM WITH LOTS OF WINS!

What a week for Gerard Houllier! He does me a great favour the lunchtime after Aston Villa's Carling Cup defeat at local rivals Birmingham.He kept his word by joining me for the annual Lord Taverners Xmas lunch 'Gary Newbon and his sporting friends' which this year raised £20,000 for disabled sportspeople.Gerard,who I knew well in his Liverpool days,agreed to take part in a Q and A with Birmingham manager Alex McLeish,ITV's football presenter and mad West Brom fan Adrian Chiles and myself.The verdict of the 410 sell-out audience at the Warwickshire Cricket ground in Edgbaston was a huge success.McLeish paid public tribute to Houllier for showing when many others would have changed their mind after defeat.But Gerard faced another defeat-3-0 at his old club Liverpool on the Monday and somehwhat ill-advisedly commented afterwards:"If I have to lose 3-0 thern Id prefer it to be to them as I like Liverpool"....of course Gerard did not want to lose but his remarks really upset the Villa fans.General Charles Krulak,who seems to spend much of his time reading the fans website and appeasing them in his role as aide/friend to owner Randy Lerner,added fuel to the flames by posting"Those are looking for Gerard Houllier's head,who are asking that he be fired have the right to feel that way.They buy the tickets and they can say what they like"...who needs enemies with colleagues like that.What sort of support is that.You can bet your boots that it would be completely different all round in that had been Villa's first defeat instead of latest!.Then its revealed that defender James Collins was in a nightclub hours before the squad left for Liverpool.What sort of idiot is he?I hope for Gerard's skae Villa beat other local rivals West Bromwich Albion at home this weekend.Gerard deserves a break...and he has just been given the dreaded vote of confidence.Just what a decent,gentleman does not need!

HOW COME AN OUT OF WORK MANAGER LANDS 5 YEAR CONTRACT?

Forgive me if I appear stupid!Been trying to work out if Newcastle is such a great club as they all tell us ,how an out of work manager becomes Newcastle's eighth manager in five and a half years and gets a contract for that length of time.I like Alan Pardew and I hope( that's all I can give him)
he does well but his last four jobs have been Reading,West Ham,Charlton,and Southampton.He was poached by West Ham who,together with Charlton and Southampton went on to sack him.Most people in his position would have snapped Newcastle's hand off.Give Pardew his credit,he argued hard for a five and a half year contract.Well done,Alan..but more fool Newcastle.The sacking of Chris Hughton was terrible.I never saw him more than an outstanding number
two but give him his due-the got Newcastle promoted back in style and they were 11th in the Premier when he unfairly got the boot at the weekend.Owner Mike Ashley will either get his just desserts if this does not work out of the fickle fans will quickly forgive him if Pardew puts together a string of wins.That's the nature of the beast..............

CHELSEA SLIDING BUT WILL ARSENAL SUSTAIN LEADERSHIP

Chelsea's draw at Everton last Saturday means just one win in their last six Premier League games.Hardly the form of champions or what you expect from the modern Chelsea and their talented manager Carlo Ancelotti.They need to get back to winning ways--the mid-week defeat in Europe was not relevant because Chelsea had already qualified.Coming up hard games against Spurs,Arsenal,Manchester United,Bolton,Aston Villa and Wolves--starting with Spurs away live on Sky Sports next Sunday afternoon(4.00p.m.)Chelsea are two points behind current leaders Arsenal and one behind Manchester United who have a game in hand over both of them because their match at Blackpool was called off last weekend.United are home to Arsenal on Monday night(also live on Sky Sports with an 8oclock kick-off).Now of course its still tight underlining what a crazy Premier League season we are watching.But I always tip Manchester United while Sir Alex Ferguson is manager.He is relentless and always rebuilding the team.He and Chelsea have something Arsenal do not--a really world class consistent goalkeeper.I am a huge fan
of Arsene Wenger but I cannot understand at various times why he has not signed Joe Hart,Shay Given,Ben Foster or Mark Schwarzer.Hey Fabianski has surprisngly done well but would you want to put your title chances coompletely in his hands?Wenger has rebuilt a good team and is capable of proving his own fans wrong after over five years without a trophy.But I still think Manchester United are going to regain the title.Monday will be interesting if not decisive to say the least

GREAT NEWS THAT ALL FOUR ENGLISH CLUBS PROGRESS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Thius year's European Champions League is at Wembley on May 28.Brilliant and even better if one or both finalists are English.Stuff that up Monsieur Platini's shirt! Well the Premier League's finest took a step closer with all four qualifying for the knock-out stage--Chelsea,Manchester United,Arsenal and Spurs.The draw in on December 17 at Nyon,Switzerland for the knock-out stage for the last 16.Group winners will play runners up in a two leg ko format.Clubs from the same country and winners and runners up from the same group cannot be drawn against each other.The first legs are in February;the second in March.

CANNOT TRUST FIFA BUT MEDIA TIMING DOES NOT HELP

FIFA always makes me nervous especially Sepp Blatter.Its a game of politics with Blatter and his cronies.It is typical that several of the voting cast should promise our VIPs, ie future King,new Prime Minister and hero David Beckham ,that they would vote for England for 2018 World Cup venue...and then apart from one not do so.Don't blame the English media.Any voting for something as important should base their decision on the venue and not the outside factors such as the media.It did,however,give FIFA the perfect excuse.The BBC stand accused of cynical timing with their programme.They knew what they were doing.So much for the national broadcasters!However and why ever the English FA lost the bid they should have been more graceful in defeat whatever the perceived injustices.Their re-action smacked of arrogance.There was no divine right-especially with the likes of Blatter and Michel Platini who clearly have no time for English football and especially the Premier League.Maybe the time is right to pick more dynamic and fewer members of the FA.

WHAT'S HAPPENED TO CHELSEA?NO WAY TO TREAT ANCELOTTI

The wheels are falling off Chelsea and they are clipping the managerial wings of the outstanding Carlo Ancelotti.He says he is more of a technical director than a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson.The sacking of assistant manager Ray Wilkins seems crazy and Chelsea haven't picked up a Premier League point since.Three defeats out of the last 4 games,no goals in four of their last five away Premier League games,eight less points than this stage last season and now level with points with Manchester United spells out that United may well regain the League title.The inconsistencies of the other big teams keeps them top but December brings these opponents for Chelsea--Spurs,Man Utd,Arsenal and the team in form Bolton.John Terry and Frank Lampard(he's missed 16 first team games since his August hernia op) need to return and Chelsea need to start scoring and winning again very soon...or Ancelotti will be sacked.One thing is for sure,he will not resign.Why should he when Roman Abramovich has spent heading towards £35 million on managerial and back room staff pay-offs?Its a crazy Premier League season and the owner's decisions seemed to have added to the unpredictability!Who would have thought Birmingham would have beaten Chelsea one nil last Saturday.Chelsea had so many chances to score in the game but as that famous American football coach Vince Lombardi once said:" They don't ask how;they ask how many!"

SCOTTISH REFEREES THREATEN STRIKE BUT SHOULDN'T THEY SACK ONE OF THEIR OWN?

Picked up a Scottish newspaper recently and saw Celtic manager Neil Lennon ranting at the referee.English newspapers had more of the same from Premier League and Championship managers.Not a word of their own players shortcomings.But thats par for the course...and its getting very predictable and boring! The Scottish referees have clearly had enough and are threatening strike action.But they would have more credibility if they sacked Dougie McDonald who admits he lied to Lennon.McDonald's decision to rescind a penalty to Celtic in their away match to Dundee United last month led to his fib...but the SFA have yet to take any action about McDonald.If managers continue to slag off the standard of referees north and south of the border then future officials of top standard will be hard to encourage.The League Managers Association are quick to issue statements on their members behalf.Its about time now that they encouraged them to show more respect for the officials.Without them there would be anarchy.That's why I have sympathy for the Scottish refs-their integrity is being questioned and that's why they now must also sack McDonald.No double standards,eh?

ENGLAND OUTPLAYED BY FRANCE BUT ANDY CARROLL IMPRESSES

England short of some regulars but who says they would have played any better.Some of the seniors were not very good in manager Fabio Capello's first defeat at Wembley.France played a strong side and scored two good goals,looking much better for most of the match.England's two strikers made their mark--debutant Andy Carroll is an old fashioned type of striker and when England finally plonked the ball up in the air towards him Carroll was very effective.He is 21 and should be the new fixture up front.You have to feel for Peter Crouch who has done well for England.He comes on as sub in this one,scores England's only goal and acknowledges afterwards that the competition will be between Carroll and himself.Crouch has scored 22 goals in 42 England games.Some against the likes of Jamaica but in general a fine strike rate yet he is on the fringe these days.Biggest problem might be Capello's reluctance to change the playing system.

IAN HOLLOWAY SHOULD NOT THREATEN TO RESIGN

Ian Holloway is a great character in the game.Goodness knows we are short of some bubbly personalities.Harry Redknapp is another.But who is advising them about threatening to resign,in Holloway's case and not giving TV interviews in Harry's if the FA take action because of Ian fielding weaken teams and Harry saying something that may bring the game into disrepute( as if it would by the way)?Its not right to threaten-particularly before anything has happened!There are correct procedures for that.What example does it set their own players?Otherwise both are going a great job for their clubs and we love them!

SURPRISES SO FAR..........

My surprise packages so far this season are:Bolton in fifth place under the impressive Owen Coyle;Sunderland in 6th not long after Steve Bruce was apologising for that huge defeat at Newcastle;Liverpool down in 11th spot( still a recent improvement after being in bottom three!)and the form of promoted clubs Newcastle(8th),West Brom(12th) and Blackpool(15th).However it is tight in the Premier League-Villa in 9th place are only four points clear of the drop zone.Unluckiest team to date? Wolves who have been so close to picking up more than their 9 points that leaves them one place above bottom team West Ham on one better goal difference!

ITS AN UNPREDICTABLE PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON

The Premier League is showing some strange results and form.Would you have expected Chelsea to lose 3-0 at home to Sunderland?If you heard the result cold you would be forgiven for thinking the Champions had suffered a red card!Some fancied Arsenal to have a good season while still playing their so attractive football.Arsene Wenger has still got it Arsenal fans!Manchester United are not playing well but they are still unbeaten albiet they have drawn 7 of their 13 matches.They are one point behind second place Arsenal and three behind leaders Chelsea...Noisy neighbours Manchester City,having spent millions,are in fourth place at present.

SYMPATHY FOR TONY PULIS BUT HIS PLAN WILL NOT WORK

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has been upset at some of the referee's decisions in his team's matches.He has a point.For example when Gary Neville should have has an obvious second yellow and sent off.There does seem to be more pressure on some referees in matches involving the big clubs.Others are not affected.That is down to the refs boss Mike Riley who is not as forthcoming as the previous occupant,Keith Hackett.I would like to hear more from Riley.But the Tony Pulis plan for clubs..ie managers..to mark referees and at the end of the season relegate the bottom three and promote the best three from the Championship is a non-runner and unfair.Clubs will hold grievances against certain refs an the officials could make even more mistakes.Of course the refs will make errors but managers should support them.When their own players cheat or try and con the ref I never hear managers condemning it.They use the attack on refs to cover their own teams shortcomings at times.Anyway the managers would soon be critising the refs from the Championship no doubt saying they are only good for that level!So Tony some of your players have been hard done by but they have always fallen short on the field particularly away from home.Its not just a few decisions that have left you level with the relegation zone.I have not heard West Bromwich Albion moaning too much...

MANCHESTER UNITED NOT ALWAYS GREAT BUT THEY HANG IN THERE

No Wayne Rooney but Manchester United keep finding unlikely heroes.Latest is the South Korean Park Ji Sung who popped up at Old Trafford with two late goals.The first in terms of the first half...45th minute and the winner 90+3..Wolves lost 2-1 but consider themselves rightly unlucky!United are unbeaten in the Premier League but have five draws-four away from home...Chelsea who lead their defence of the title by two points have drawn one and lost two away.Manchester United have two away games this week;Chelsea two at home. United go to Manchester City on Sky Sports 2 this Wednesday and then travel to Aston Villa (12.45p.m. ) this Saturday on Sky Sports 1.Meanwhile Chelsea are at home to Fulham on Wednesday and against Sunderland on Sunday(4.10pm) on Sky Sports 1.

FERNANDO TORRES IS REALLY BACK

Lately we have wondered which Fernando Torres is playing for Liverpool?The hardly fit off tune one or the Torres we saw on Sunday with those two goals.The second being world class.I hope the REAL Fernando Torres is back.Meanwhile I am glad the new Liverpool owner American John W Henry is indicating he is bewildered by the role of agents in English football.I have always been baffled how they are able to work for both club and player.That cannot be right.Some agents encourage players to change clubs too often.The clubs cannot agree on much collectively so Mr Henry should not hold his breath for anything other that sympathy on this subject!

GARETH BALE'S RUNS ARE SO EXCITING

Its normally striker and wingers that excite us.Step or rather sprint forward Spurs left back Gareth Bale.Super speed and attack....and goals.Its wonderful stuff.We are all loving it unless you support or are involved in his opponents.

GERARD HOULLIER UNDER PRESSURE TO WIN AND SCORE

Aston Villa should have won at Fulham on Saturday.I felt for new manager Gerard Houllier.Villa have just one win in eight Premier League matches under the Frenchman.Indeed they have not won in five games and only scored twice since Emile Heskey's late winner against Wolves.Now Houllier has a run in with striker John Carew.I am sure Gerard will show Carew who is boss!Meanwhile Villa desperately need a home win over Blackpool on Wednesday.Its that tight at the bottom that only five points seperate 5th place Bolton and the three teams in the drop zone!

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO MARTIN O'NEILL?

Why is Martin O'Neill not back managing in football?The answer is that a top job in the Premier League has not become available.When there is an opening where will it be and will the Northern Ireland man be offered it and will he take it?Martin quit Aston Villa at the start of the season.Top managers earn so much money these days that there is no pressure when they are out of work.Nice!

SIR ALEX FERGUSON WINS THE DAY-AT A PRICE!

Wayne Rooney does a U turn and stays at Manchester United.Manager Sir Alex played it brilliantly leaving the door open but Rooney's hard nosed agent Paul Stretford squeezed Rooney a new five year IMPROVED money contract with United.Wasn't that what they were arguing about in the first place?All this talk about lack of ambition was both an insult and a false claim for United and Sir Alex.The trophies and medals in his watch tell the tale.No, you have to assume the likes of new moneybags Manchester City turned his agent's head.What really changed it all? I hate to think it was the mob threats at his house and elsewhere.No-one should be subjected to that rubbish and unpleasantness.But the outcome is now settled and once Rooney refinds his form and behaves himself on and off the pitch United will be the winners.Maybe massive money situations cannot buy everything-yet!

LIVERPOOL HAVE NEW OWNERS BUT WILL THEY BRING IN A NEW MANAGER?

You have to think that John W Henry and his NESV group will be better Liverpool owners from the USA than the previous pair Tom Hicks and George Gillett.At least the club is now debt free and Henry's transformation of my favourite baseball team the Boston Red Sox has been remarkable.It bodes well.
I did exchange emails earlier in the year with the new man in charge at Liverpool, Joe Januszewski who is Liverpool and soccer mad! A mutual friend Chuck Taylor made the introduction.Nothing to do with me but it was Joe's suggestion to his boss John W Henry that led to the takeover.Joe ran the Red Sox corporate sales team at the Red Sox.Now he is Liverpool's new chief operating officer replacing managing director Christian Purslow. Where does it leave Roy Hodgson as manager?Results will determine that although apart from Manchester United and Arsenal new owners have a track record of soon changing the manager after take-overs!

GREAT COMEBACK BUT NO CIGAR!

Spurs showed they have a great left back in Gareth Bale.Its the most remarkable hat-trick I have ever seen from a defender and probably the same will go for you.It was dramatic after Spurs trailed 4-0 to Inter in Milan at half time.4-3 is some scoreline but despite the plaudits it was down to one player..Bale..and theere were still no points for Spurs.Its all about points in the group stage.Still Spurs are still in with a decent chance of progressing.

ENGLAND POOR AND MAY NOT FINISH TOP OF THEIR EASY GROUP

England were poor in their 0-0 draw with Montenegro at Wembley-and were lucky to survive their opponents hitting the cross-bar.This Euro qualifier should have been won against a country with a population of just 650,000!Wayne Rooney,with all his problems and absence from the Manchester United team,should not have been selected.Sure England were missing some though injury and yes the opponents swamped defence but Fabio Capello is paid £6 million to deal with all that and get England top of the group.He failed badly in the World Cup and belately blamed the players.This time Senor Capello the buck stops with you...but by then it may be too late!

LIVERPOOL'S FATE DECIDED TODAY-SHOULD GO TO JOHN W HENRY

A Texan court will give its verdict at British lunchtime today and when we know the result I will update this blog.Courts can be unpredictable but the London High Court judge was very firm in his verdict and we would all be mightily surprised now if John W Henry and his NESV group are not in charge of Liverpool next week.Everyone it seems will be glad to see the back of Tom Hicks and George Gillett at Anfield.

WAYNE ROONEY MAY BE MIXED UP BUT DON'T TAKE ON FERGIE

Wayne Rooney has been going through a torrid time on and especially off the field.Most of it self inflicted.Over the many years I interviewed Sir Alex Ferguson I learnt two important things about the long reigning Manchester United manager.One is that he will fiercely protect his players in public but if any of them ever challenge his authority as manager they have to go.....Jaap Stam,Ruud Vann Nistelrooy,David Beckham and Roy Keane are classic examples.Now we have Wayne Rooney contradicting his manager in public.Sir Alex has said Rooney has been suffering from an ankle injury. Rooney says that is not the case.The ankle he says has not been a problem.What is Rooney playing at whether the ankle has or has not been a problem? Rooney must forgive me for therefore thinking that he must one of these things:stupid,arrogant,or wanting a move.All that money and attention can turn young people's heads.I don't know what is inside Rooney's head if he wants to stay at Old Trafford.And please don't come up with that misquoted line in hindsight.Now we wait to see the gaffer's public re-action.

DANNY MURPHY SHOULD BE HEARD

Fulham's captain and mid-fielder Danny Murphy is articulate and experienced whose views are worth listening to.I find it sad that he had to stand down from being and ITV analyst for the England match on Tuesday because he claimed certain bosses sent out teams to deliberately injury opponents.He cited Wolves Mick McCarthy,Blackburn's Sam Allardyce and Stoke's Tony Pullis as the main culprits.Pretty serious charges but there have been a few very dangerous tackles this season.Some pretty horrific.I am not sure Murphy was wise to actually name them.He should have made his points without actually naming individual managers unless he could show examples.But it does raise an interesting point.Its ok to mention the controversial( and in my book as well as no doubt Murphy's) tackles by Wolves captain Karl Henry and Manchester City's Nigel de Jong but not their managers,who will have their strong say on other matters.Managers and players may say no one sets out to injure opponents and you have to accept that although sometimes what you see makes that claim difficult to believe.Football managers have plenty to say on most matters with stinging words whether it is on referees or say Birmingham's Martin Taylor late challenge on Eduardo but as soon as an experienced player like Murphy makes a claim they get all sensistive.Whether Murphy was right or wrong he should not have been pulled off that TV show for an honest view,if in
hindsight ill-advised to mention actual individuals.Leave that to the managers!

LIVERPOOL NEED TO BEAT HICKS AND GILLETT IN COURT NEXT WEEK

Liverpool must win the High Court case next week in order to accept the £300 million bid from Boston Red Sox owner John W Henry and his consortium and get rid of the current owners,fellow Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett.Henry has proved what he has done at the Red Sox and would be a real hero in turning the great English club around.Randy Lerner has done a good job at Aston Villa,Henry will I am sure do even better at this big club.Liverpool may be worth more than £300 million but in current times and with the Royal Bank of Scotland about to call in their £200 million from Liverpool,its a fair deal with the investment promised by Henry.By the way when Villa's previous owner Doug Ellis was open to sell the club he turned down George Gillett for Lerner.Villa fans should be very grateful...as Liverpool fans will be if the three other members of their Board win next week's court case to allow the sale to go through.The sooner this happens the better for a great club and their supporters!Its a disgrace that it has to go to the High Court,in view of everything we have been told this week.

ROY HODGSON AND LIVERPOOL STRUGGLING

Roy Hodgson was voted manager of the year by his peers after a good season by Fulham standards.Liverpool's expectations are far,far higher.Today the club that have not won the League title for donkeys years (while great rivals Manchester United do it with the frequency of shampoo!)are languishing in the relegation zone which just six points from 7 games,7 goals scored and 11 conceeded--all under Hodgson!The latest defeat 2-1 at
Anfield no less to the still favourites for relegation Blackpool.I know,I know Hodgson is class and its a long season.Rightly you argue you don't become a bad manager overnight but I will tell you what, Liverpool have for a variety of reasons become an average team.The club has the wrong owners,the wrong attitude and some pretty disappointing players.I feel for Roy Hodgson but he took the job knowing the score.Now he need to get some scores-quickly!

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON LATEST MANAGER AT LEICESTER

Sven Goran Eriksson has become Leicester's eighth manager in the three years that Milan Mandaric has been chairman.Nigel Pearson was not encouraged to stay at the end of last season despite being the best of the seven.The League Managers Association understandably condemned Mandaric for the latest sacking of Paulo Sousa after just nine games but failed to point out that Sousa walked out of Swansea after serving just one year of a three year contact.You cannot always have your cake and eat it.Ther LMA,like lots of other bodies,have selective memories.You get what you see with Mandaric,an ambitious,impatient,ruthless chairman but I have told Milan several times that you don't get success by quickly changing your manager so many times.Ian Holloway may have ultimately got Leicester relegated but where are Blackpool right now.Personally I did not think Sousa was what Leicester needed.I certainly don't rate him above Pearson who was told he was free to talk to Hull.Now Eriksson who has a two year contract and is seriously wedged up from football.He did ok for England,ok for Manchester City.But will he do it for Leicester without huge financial backing and top class players?I really doubt it.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION GREAT START TO LEAGUE SEASON

Barclays Premier League manager of the month is West Bromwich Albion's Roberto Di Matteo and the player's award went to his stunning new striker Peter Odemwingie.The Baggies have been yo-yoing between the Premier and Championship in recent seasons but this time it looks different.Di Matteo is getting the best out of talented wingers Chris Brunt and Chris Brunt while tightening up the defence.Albion's recent 3-2 win at Arsenal followed up by the weekend's 1-1 home draw with Bolton leaves them sixth in the league with 11 points from 7 games,five clear of the drop zone.Long way to go but what a fine start.

KARL HENRY HORROR TACKLE CONDEMNED BY HIS BOSS

Well done Wolves manager Mick McCarthy for stating that Karl Henry deserved to be sent off for an ill-timed,reckless tackle on Wigan's Jordi Gomez.McCarthy has defended Wolves reputation of being a dirty team but that tackle,two sent off in the last four Premier League games and an average of 3 yellows per game(7 PL matches to date) is not exactly helpful!

GERARD HOULLIER GETS HESKEY TO PLAY

Emile Heskey has most things going for him...size,speed and the skill to score.Too often he has been found wanting in other areas.Even Martin O'Neill did not resurrect the Leicester Heskey into the Aston Villa Heskey..and then along came Gerard Houllier and the Liverpool at his best Heskey suddenly gets it all back!Pity he did not do it for England but at least its happening again now for Villa.The question now is for how long?
Meanwhile Houllier moans about the referee in Saturday's 2-1 deat at Spurs,playing a little bit more added time than indicated in the first half.Maybe he should have highlighted his team's failure to capitalise in that first half.Ah well,always the ref never the players who cop it from managers in public.Bring back Brian Clough-types.

TECHNOLOGY WORKS FOR FANS BUT NOT UEFA OR FIFA!

Baseball spectators in Philadelphia can now use their machines to order food to be delievered to their seats while watching play.They can tap in their order and credit card details and wait for their food to arrive!Here in Europe UEFA have refused to use technology for major decisions in their European competitions.Instead they have added actual goal-line area officials one of whom some how missed Twente goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov rushing metres off his line to save Rafael van der Vaart's penalty for Spurs at White Hart Lane.The penalty itself was disputed.The referee would not say whether it was the extra official or him.Very helpful! This is not the first instance of it not working.The video replay is to overcome human error!Football is stupid not to use it.Rugby League is a non-stop action game but I watched video used well in the weekend Grand Challenge final at Old Trafford.But it will not be used there for football.Barmy!In the end by the way Spurs won their European Champions League match 4-1 but that's not the point.It might have been a match decider............

DIMITAR BERBATOV ANSWERS CRITICS

Dimitar Berbatov is a high talented footballer.That was never in doubt but his attitude and performances were severely questioned after hius £30 million pounds move from Spurs to Manchester United two years ago.I recall Sir Alex Ferguson telling me that Berbatov can look deceptive and that it does take time to settle as a United new boy.The 3-2 win over Liverpool which United needed to win as Chelsea continue to defend their title with maximum points was down to Berbatov.His hat-trick,the first for United v Liverpool since Stan Pearson in 1946,was his 6th in 5 Premier League games.His application,work rate,and above all efforts to be in the box makes him a real match-winner this season.It was just Wayne Rooney;now its Berbatov and I am sure before long Rooney again!~United and Arsenal are both four points behind Chelsea but there is a long,long way to go.Berbatov? He may be Footballer of the Year if he keeps this up!

HOW QUICKLY FORTUNES CHANGE!

How quickly fortunes change.One year ago Irish goalie Shay Given was Manchester City's big buy from Newcastle.He looked as good as most.His understudy Joe Hart was on loan with Birmingham,went to South Africa with England after playing brilliantly for the Blues,and is now England and Manchester City's regular goalkeeper.Given,on the other hand,had a bad injury and now cannot get into the team.

WEST BROM AND BIRMINGHAM SURPRISE

I did not expect West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City to make such good starts.Early days but early promise.Roberto di Matteo has spent the limited budget well and has a winnner in Nigeria's striker Peter Odemwingie signed for £1.5 million only from Lokomotiv Moscow.Chairman Jeremy Peace runs Albion on strict budgets but they do have a chance with the current squad of staying up.Albion are currently 10th with 7 points.I did not expect that good start....nor Birmingham whose 3-1 defeat at Albion was their first of the season.Manager Alex McLeish has finally got his new contract and has done a very good job at Birminghbam who are very difficult to beat at home.But he has lost striker James McFadden with a damaged cruciate ligament.Both should stay up this season which would make a nice change for the Baggies!

MOTSON,SHILTON AND NEWBON ON STAGE..BUT NOT STRICTLY COME DANCING

England's most capped player,goalie Peter Shilton and the legendary BBC football commentator John Motson will join Sky Sports and former ITV Sport presenter Gary Newbon for an evening of chat and fun in Solihull on Tuesday September 28.The venue is the Solihull Arts Complex in the Touchwood Shopping area.Shilts 125 caps will have a chance to explain why he has entered "Strictly Come Dancing"..Also on the bill TV impressionist Kevin Connelly who will be interviewed by Motty! Some tickets still available from the Box Office on 0121-704-6962.

PUKKA PIES RENEW SPONSORSHIP

Pukka Pies,the great piemakers and supporters of community sport,have renewed their sponsorship of this website.We are thrilled for their support which will enable us to develop some exciting new ideas which I have already discussed with managing director Tim Storer.

FABIO RIGHT TO QUIT IN 2012

Hard to be critical of England's win over Switzerland.3-1 in Basel is a good scoreline and Fabio Capello took advantage of a swipe at his critics.He would have been better to have ignored it.Results speak for themselves.Good wins over Bulgaria and the Swiss,who did beat Spain in the World Cup.But qualifying in these groupings should always be expected from England.Doing the business in the actual finals is the benchmark.Very few England managers come out of the experience without being mullied by the media.Even the man who won the World Cup Sir Alf Ramsey got slaughtered by the media for his subs v Germany in the 1970 World Cup when winning and then lost 3-2 and for failing to beat Poland and not qualifying in 1974.Capello has clearly been surprised by the critics...he realises as the FA will honour his contract rather than pay him off and that short of winning Euro 2012 it will not be renewed .So understandably he has already announced that he will be gone.Who next?Lets be glad he will be English.Harry Rednapp should be the choice but maybe Steve Bruce or Big Sam Alladyce

WHAT WILL GERARD HOULLIER DO FOR ASTON VILLA?

Gerard Houllier is a surprise appointment for Aston Villa.He has been away from English football for six years.Liverpool was his last Premier League job,actually his only one.Like his successor Rafa Benetiz he started well with a Cup treble( although not the European Champions League),spent a fair bit of money but failed to land the Holy Grail-the Premier League title.Will the wily,articulate Frenchman do better than Martin O'Neill?Will he be able to spend as much money?Was he really the best choice?Don't take too much notice about immediate results good or bad.Players who felt comfortable under the previous manager now know they are under threat.Aston Villa is the biggest club in the Midlands and Randy Lerner is a good owner.I wish Houllier well but when he diplomatically praises the Villa supporters I do not think he has any idea of their expectations.He should ask Martin O'Neill..they turned on him at times.Unbelievable!

FOOTBALLERS SHOULD KNOW THE SCORE OFF THE FIELD

Standards have been slipping in public life.An apology seems to cover everything.Scandal..then "oh that's all right then,he or she has apologied"
So there is no point passing judgement on the Wayne Rooney and hookers story.Maybe at the end of the day its something between Mr and Mrs Rooney.Mind you giving some-one £200 to buy a packet of cigarettes for you does rather support the argument that footballers are paid too much!The biggest crime maybe the stupidity of footballers or any one else in the public eye.The media makes you famous but it can also destroy you.Its not good blaming the media.You know the score,you know the tabloids agenda.So why not behave yourself in your years of making money.You have the rest of your years as a faded star to do what every you must.And please lets stop using the word role model unless you want to talk about people such as Ryan Giggs.

ENGLAND MAKE GOOD START TO EURO 2012

It was always going to be an improvement on England's woeful experience in South Africa.I still cannot believe the blind support Fabio Capello is receiving but give the manager and players credit on Friday.4-0 is a very good scoreline in a competitive match.Bulgaria were clever but Jermain Defoe scored a fine hat-trick and Adam Johnson weighed in as well.Steven Gerrard in the centre paid off and Wayne Rooney was free in this 4-4-1-1 system.Rooney did not score but he was involved in all four England goals and generally played well.The win by the way was England's 11th successive at Wembley which amazingly is claimed as a record!So good start.Well done and on to Switzerland on Tuesday for I suspect a much harder game.But Group G should be a doddle for England.Besides the two mentioned its Montenegro and Wales.Hard group? You are having a laugh!But England didn't pick it and
the players and coach will be judged on the finals.

ENGLAND YOUNGSTERS

I promise not to go on but I consistently urged Fabio Capello to pick Joe Hart for the World Cup as number one goalie and to take young Adam Johnson in the squad.Hart was outstanding on loan for Birmingham;Johnson will give you something different when all else fails.Everyone kept saying: no experience;not ready yet.Rubbish.Some of those with lots of international experience stop producing.Emile Heskey is a classic example.Brazil keep blooding young talent.Its always been the same for England.I recall Ron Greenwood getting really angry with the Midlands media,including me,for pushing West Bromwich Albion's outstanding player Bryan Robson.When he was finally picked we were justified.The same with Don Revie and the Birmingham hero Trevor Francis.When Francis finally played he was also class.Just as England supporters have short tolerance spans so England managers need to give youngsters time.It now paying of for Theo Walcott.

MIXED FORTUNES FOR IRELAND AND UK TEAMS IN EURO 2012

Good opening match wins for England,the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland,defeat for Wales and a draw for Scotland.Those are the facts but what will be the outcome?The winners of the nine groups qualify for the finals,the runner's up go into the plays off.That's the basic idea.In our groups England should be certs,the Republic of Ireland will be in the frame with Russia( probably as runners up),Northern Ireland will dip out behind Italy and Serbia,Scotland will disappoint behind World and European Champions Spain and Czech Republic,while Wales have no chance.So that's settled then.........

GERARD HOULLIER REALLY THE MANAGER FOR ASTON VILLA?

Find it strange that Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner looks certain to appoint Frenchman and former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier as successor to Martin O'Neill.Houllier is over his ill health and that should not be a factor but he has been out of English management for six years.And he is France's technical director.What happened to France in South Africa?The 63 year old did a Cup treble for Liverpool in 2001 with UEFA Cup,FA Cup and League Cup.He spent a lot of money.Kevin MacDonald is there to coach.But I don't see it changing Villa's fortunes.Glenn Hoddle of Paul Lambert would have been better choices for me.O'Neill's departure suggests the transfer kitty may not be as big as Houllier may need.

IIF YOU ARE ENGLISH GET BEHIND YOUR NATIONAL TEAM

England players are always doing their best even if at times it does not appear so by their performance.The expections are too high.England are not the best in the World but get behind the team,full of changes and youngsters.Booing is counter-productive.Trevor Francis was never nervous before games and he played at the highest level,apart that is from his debut for England.He once told me his legs were like jelly on that Wembley pitch.Lets give the team a clean sheet after the awful World Cup display.

VUVUZELAS BANNED IN EUROPE ...NOW STOP MEXICAN WAVES

Those Vuvuzelas irritated me during the World Cup.What a boring,monotonous sound that drove many in the world-wide TV coverage to complain.FIFA so often fussy about things,said it was part of the national culture so it had to be respected and stayed.I suppose by the end we got used to it.However I am pleased that Vuvuzelas havr been banned from all UEFA competitions.While they are about it what about kicking out that harmless Mexican Waves.Heck,it started in Mexico in the 1986 World Cup.We all enjoyed it then but that was 24 years ago.It pretty boring now but crowds still do it.Get a life,lets do something different but please harmless!

Mikel Arteta

I have never been happy about cricketers with South African sounding accents playing for England but the thought of the Spaniard Mikel Arteta playing for the English national team is not on.The Everton mid-fielder is a brilliant player and would improve the England sqaud.Hey and the Italian Senor Capello has apparently spoken to Senor Arteta about it.Residency laws in this country enable him to apply for a British passport.But there is another reason why it cannot happen.Arteta represented Spain at Under 16 and 17 level.FIFA rules are that he would at least have to hold dual nationality to play for England. If John Smith ,born in London say played for Barcelona after playing for England at similar levels it would be puzzling if he suddenly got picked for Spain.Agree?

LIVE SHOW IN SOLIHULL

My new venture of Sports Legends on Stage opens at Solihull on Tuesday September 28 at 7.30p.m.It will be at the Solihull Arts Complex in the Touchwood Shopping complex and stars John Motson,an institution as BBC football commentator at major matches over four decades,and goalkeeper Peter Shilton,who is England's most capped footballer with 125 international appearances.I will be hosting a fun night full of anecdotes and humour with plenty of inside track stories.An added bonus will be special guest Kevin Connelly,sports impressionist from the TV and Radio Series Deadringers.Ticket,piced £15 each are now on sale at the Box Office,0121-704-6972.If you live in the Midlands area try and join us.....

MARTIN O'NEILL FOR ENGLAND

England begin their Euro 2012 Qualifying Campaign against Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday and then in Basle,away to Switzerland on Tuesday.Lets not get carried away about the "wonderful achievement" to reach the finals.England keep being drawn into manageable groups.Reaching the final stages is not the problem,its getting to the actual final let alone winning it!The highest paid national coach is not in many people's view,certainly mine,the right man for England.Fabio Capello at the every least should win the group.Waiting in the wings at present is one of two managers I have always felt should be Engand's manager and that is Martin O'Neill.The other one is Harry Redknapp.Martin did not give the FA the sort of interview they wanted,just like his mentor Brian Clough,and Im told thew FA didn't like the idea of Martin's able assistants John Robertson and Steve Walford.What do the FA really know?Would players be picked on the way they interview? If a person has talent is the one-off interview really the way to decide.In football everyone knows about everything about the top people.There are many people in life who interview brilliantly but do not in the end do the job well.If Capello got the job on what he achieved at club level in Italy and Spain then it makes mockery interviewing some-one for the England job.Capello is still struggling to learn English.Let us hope for a fine England performance and result over the next few days but lets not get carried away either.

ENGLAND DATE

Sorry folks,finger trouble...the date for England match in Basle is of course Tuesday September 7!

Fabio Capello rings the changes.Now he must take responsibility

Fabio Capello has been forced to make some changes and also decided to bring in some new faces for the Euro 2012 Qualifiers against Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday ( 8.00p.m. kick-off UK time and live on ITV) and in Switzerland at Basle on Monday(live on Sky with 7.45p.m. kick-off UK time).There are several injured players including Chelsea pair Frank Lampard and John Terry but he has also brought in younsters.Capello must no longer blame the players as he suggested for the World Cup farce.Qualifying is a lot easier for England than in the finals.He took the praise and the money for the former.It is his responsibility for the latter as well as the players.He picks them and decides most aspects.He is the highest paid national coach in the world.Now he needs to justify it.

CHELSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED AGAIN?

Champions Chelsea look unstoppable.Played 3 Premier League matches,won all three,14 goals scored and none conceeded.Wow is that impressive or what?Manchester United also have a top squad and Dimitar Berbatov is starting to look the part.They,like Arsenal,are two points behind,United dropping two late points at Fulham:Arsenal drawing at Liverpool.Arsenal will have a decent season,better I expect than recently,but they might just still be a notch behind the big two as they are now becoming.Long way to go but the signs are there.

WEST HAM'S WRONG CHOICE

Avram Grant may or may not be a good manager.Who really knows? But I thought at the time he was the wrong choice for West Ham.The start hardly proves me wrong.Played 3 lost 3.Bottom of the Premier League with no points and just 1 goal with 9 conceeded.Owners David Sullivan and David Gold usually keep their manager for 6 years.Will this one last six months?

ASTON VILLA NEW MANAGER

Villa have stated that their new manager must have had Premier League experience.Well I suppose Kevin MacDonald has now had that.The players want the care-taker manager to be Martin O'Neill's successor.But they would,wouldn't they?They feel safe with him but his public answers to whether he wants the job hardly fill you with confidence.He has little experience in the transfer market.Overseas managers with no experience over here are obviously ruled out but it still lives a few good candidates home and abroad.Owner Randy Lerner knows he has to get this one right.Martin O'Neill's boots are hard to fill in this role but hardly impossible.

ONE LEAGUE BUT TWO WORLDS

The Premier League may be the most popular in the world.We all over watching it but the gaps are broadening within it.Chelsea and Manchester United have big wins.Liverpool and Arsenal draw against each other and Manchester City keep spending and spending.We all know that the title will be between Chelsea and Manchester United plus possibly one or two more.Blackpool started brilliantly but will they keep it up?We all know now that the bottom tier teams will expect to lose to the top teams and that they have to beat clubs like themselves to survive.So in that respect Blackpool's was a very good result.It was the opening weekend.Make no mistake we will enjoy it all but while last season was pretty open for a long while this season does have that inevitable look about it.

ENGLAND'S FRIENDLY UNDERLINES MY PRE-WORLD CUP PLEA

Before the World Cup I predicted England would not go far but I did not expect them or their manager Fabio Capello to be so poor.I asked that Joe Hart be the goalkeeper but the arguments against me were his so called inexperience.I still maintain he is England's current best.The ball did not look over the line by the way, when the French linesman signalled to the referee to award the Hungary goal.I had pleaded in these blogs as well for Capello to take Adam Johnson to the World Cup because the young Manchester City forward can give you something else..and what about Theo Walcott?The FA cannot afford,it seems,to pay off Capello and while he might be a great European Club manager he sure ain't the right one for England.Steven Gerrard saved his Palma ham last night.We would struggle to win anything under Harry Redknapp or Martin O'Neill ( the right sort of choices) but under Fabio our chances are much slimmer and right now slim is out of town!

TREATMENT OF DAVID BECKHAM AWFUL MAN MANAGEMENT

David Beckham has been great for England on and off the field.But for the news of the end of his international career to be told to a massive TV audience before a conversation with Beckham is dreadful mis-management by the coach Fabio Capello.Beckham deserved much better than that.By the way the wrong person might well have been retired here! Capello asked his number two to ask Paul Scholes to re-consider this retirement and go the World Cup.It might have made a huge difference if Capello had travelled to Manchester United and asked Scholes on a one to one basis in person.All this from a man on £6 million a year-the highest paid international coach.

MARTIN O'NEILL'S AWFUL TIMING

Martin O'Neill praises the Aston Villa supporters verbally and then kicks them in the proverbials the next.His resignation just a few days before the start of the season is awful.Owner Randy Lerner claims he and the manager differ on how to take the club forward.O'Neill has by all accounts,had huge control at Villa Park in many areas and until recently conducted all the transfer deals.Lerner has spend something like £148 million in buying and strengthening the club.No doubt that both are responsible for improving Villa.O'Neill is highly paid and obviously a good manager but I believe he should have given notice of his intentions and served some notice time until a new appointment is/was made.The managers are often sacked but if they and the League Managers Association want the level playing field most of them deserve it has to be both ways.If a club has a sensible looking policy and I believe Villa have that then highly paid employees should accept it.Martin O'Neill clearly does not agree.

SPAIN WIN WORLD CUP FOR FIRST TIME AND PLAY THE FOOTBALL

The European Champions Spain have become the World Champions for the first time in their first final-and deserved it.They were the better side with better players.Holland did well to reach the final and had a physical and fouling game plan to stop the Spanish. Arjen Robben still had two great chances to win it for the Dutch.But they finished up with 7 yellow cards and Johnny Heitinga being sent off for two yellows.I warned pre-match that Van Bommel may have been sent off.He was lucky that did not happen in the first half.English referee Howard Webb came in for some stick afterwards but it was a difficult match and his 12 yellows and one red were justified.He did try and make it a match but the Dutch players did not allow it or the Spanish defenders marking Robben.The only goal that seperated the two teams was scored four minutes from the end of extra time by Andres Iniesta,the match's best player and for me the best player at the World Cup.So how come the football writers gave the Golden Ball for the best player to Uruguay's Diego Forlan?This was a World Cup full of surprises when many of the big names failed to perform.There were many disappointing games.But in the end the best team won.

CLOSER TO CALL THAN MOST IMAGINE

Nearly a billion people will watch the World Cup final between Holland and Spain on their television sets around the globe.Its still a mind blowing figure.Spain in their first final will be favourites and most lovers of football will want them to win.Holland,my dark horses to be World Cup champions,are well organised but not so much flair although they have key players in Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.There are so many great players in the Spanish team with ace scorer David Villa but its been that sort of tournament with upsets galore along the way.At the outset I predicted in my blogs that it would be one of the three usual suspects,Spain,Brazil or Argentina but I also had a strong fancy for my dark horses Holland.My big worry for the Dutch,though,is not so much the football Spain play but whether Mark van Bommel will avoid a red card.He has survived quite a bit so far but now he comes up against English referee Howard Webb who I am sure will give van Bommel every chance but eventually enough will be enough.Lets hope for a red-card free final,a good match and the team that deserves it wins.I remember hoping Holland would win the first World Cup final I attended,1974 in Munich,when Holland and Johan Cruyff played total football but still lost to Garmany.That day I sat in the ITV commentary seats behind two legends,Sir Alf Ramsey and commentator Hugh Johns.Both would turn in their graves if they knew how England had played in this World Cup.

GOLDEN BOOT PREDICTION WAS SPAIN'S DAVID VILLA

I tipped David Villa to be the top goalscorer.It will be decided in the World Cup final because Spain's Villa and Holland's Wesley Sneijder top the Gold Boot with 5 goals each! I expect Villa to edge it.Sneijder has been one of the outstanding players on this South African tournament.Villa though is the sharp shooter and may get more opportunities from the position he plays.

ENGLISHMAN HOWARD WEBB TO REFEREE WORLD CUP FINAL

Top English referee Howard Webb will be in charge of the World Cup final-the highest honour for this South Yorkshire policeman.I didn't think he had a great domestic season but there is no doubt he has a commanding manner and is able to make tough decisions.The 38 year old will have Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey as his assistants.My first World Cup as an ITV interviewer was in Germany in 1974.I recall taking a message that a Wolverhampton butcher Jack Taylor has been given the West Germany-Holland World Cup final and track him down.It began a long friendship.Taylor had the strength to give a penalty AGAINST Germany in the opening minute!I am sure Webb won't hesitate to go the same.Then at least England will have something to be proud of from this tournament.

DUTCH REACH FINAL BUT MY DARK HORSES HAVE THE LUCK

My pre-World Cup tip that Holland were the dark horses is standing up.They are in their first World Cup final for 32 years having beaten Uruguay in an outstanding semi-final 3-2.Some of the Dutch goals included debatable decisions which the slow-motion TV replays showed the referee wrong.But in normal speed you are not sure and we all know where FIFA stand on those non-existent replays!You need a bit of luck and Holland had that.They also have a wonderful player in Wesley Sneijder.He looks a World Cup winner.The Dutch are getting stronger.It might well be a Holland-Germany final unless the talented Spanish team step up their game in tonight's other semi-final and who would have thought that on June 11.The Germans have had an excellent game plan,scored stacks of goals and their young team has impressed everyone.Joachim's Low's side has been the most impressive with Bastian Schweinsteiger defying his earlier critics.The Bayern Munich player still thinks Spain are the best team in the world.For sure the Germans will miss Thomas Muller who is suspended for tonight's match.Its a wonderful looking semi-final for the right to meet Holland in what will be an all European final.England may have been very poor but Europe has still seen off South America and Africa.

CLOSE CALL FOR GOLDEN BOOT AS WELL AS WORLD CUP WINNERS

Its hard enough trying to work out the World Cup winners in this tournament of surprises.Its not going to form.Its a tight call,too, for the Golden Boot. The winner is the player who scores the most goals in these World Cup finals.My tip was Spain's David Villa who plays tonight in the semi-final with under-estimated Germany.David Villa has five goals,the same number now as the outstanding Dutch player Wesley Sneijder.The two German players Thomas Muller(who is suspended for tonight's semi-final) and Miroslav Klose both have one less with four each.I still fancy Villa but Spain have to do the business and step up a gear or two.

HOLLAND AGAINST GERMANY IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL?

The experts said the Germans were not very good before the World Cup started.Bet they are changing their minds.Four against the Aussies,four against the old enemy England and now four against the Argies.They only conceeded one goal-to England-in the process and only one other so far in the World Cup-one nil defeat to Serbia when they had a player sent off and missed a penalty.No good eh?Will they beat Spain?Its a tough call but Spain will have to raise their game.The Germans are organised and stick to their game plan.Holland,my dark horses to win the competition,should beat Uruguay to set up an all-European final.I would like to see Spain but I have a feeling its going to be those tournament specialists Germany.

PICK OF MY EMAIL BAG

My thanks for your emails...Eddie Archibald's summed them up.He wrote:Apart from Stuart Pearce and the physio Gary Lewin England should have a complete clear out apart from the younger players like Wayne Rooney.I would like the see Steve Bruce and David Beckham running the team......well Eddie since you posted your email the FA have decided to keep Fabio Capello who will want to maintain his backroom team including the two you have mentioned.But you can bet your bottom dollar that he will be making lots of changes in the team line-ups in future.

AS I PREDICTED BEFORE KICK-OFF HOLLAND KO BRAZIL

Holland have been my dark horses to win the World Cup.I certainly fancied them to beat Brazil today and I predicted that they would beforehand(see earlier blog).I am not much of a gambler but I placed £20 with Star Sports( the gentleman's bookmaker) at 11-4 this morning.Mind you I was a little concerned at half-time but away from South America there is always a chance that Brazil could self destruct...and that's what happened.One nil up early on through a fine goal by Robinho,the second half was a reversal in form and outcome for both sides.Felipe Melo own goal,little Wesley Sneijder with the header and then Melo sent off for a horror job on Robben.Holland in the semi-finals and with now a great chance of reaching the World Cup final.

994,213 PLAY MY PIEMAN GOALIE GAME

Tamba Internationasl who created my Pieman goalie game report new offical figures of 994,213 playing since February.Great news,thanks for your support.If you have not played it why not try it and then pay a visit to my Pieman's shop which is full of goodies......

FABIO CAPELLO TO STAY

The FA who don't get many things right it seems these days have decided to keep Fabio Capello to his contract.They will say he is still the best for the job,outsiders may say its because they have given him too big a contract and they don't fancy shelling out £12 million or a similar large figure in pay-off.How good is Capello as an international manager? We still don't know.But I don't think he is the right person for the England job.His English is not great and his playing culture is more Italian than English in terms of off the field rules.Qualification is not surely what £6 million a year should be all about.Its about real progress in the finals tournament,the right selection,right results and playing well at the same time.Heck football managers on a lot less are sacked for a lot less!But if that is what the FA have decreed lets at least get behind Capello next season.He will make changes;he has to and will do that.We live in hope.But don't hold your breath that will be be European or World Champions soon...or under Capello.

HOLLAND TO BEAT BRAZIL!

Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-days sun! I must be slightly off my trolley but I think Holland will beat Brazil.Yes Brazil can be brilliant but the Dutch are wiser than Chile and technically they can do the business as well as Brazil.All along I have fancied one from these four to win the World Cup-- Spain,Argentina and Brazil with Holland as my dark horses.Brazil have injuries and suspensions but they do have enough defensive minded players to be extremely difficult to beat.Everyone is fit for Holland.Both teams are unbeaten.Brazil are odds on to win today:some bookies go 3-1 against Holland.The Dutch will play 4-2-3-1 today with a real game plan.Some flair players like Robin van Persie don't always enjoy it but it has been effective so far.Brazil have been so solid at the back with the last two results build on successive clean sheets.But the Dutch are a different prospect and there is an upset,I think,on the cards.On the other hand pass the sunhat please!!....Uruguay,Argentina and Spain to win the other quarter-finals.

ENGLISH MANAGERS ON THE MOVE

Roy Hodgson's move to Liverpool as manager makes sense on both sides.Hodgson is English,experienced and will be able to address the problems at Anfield.He is a very good manager but he needs to keep the best players from leaving.Easier said then done with the club's money problems.Liverpool is a great club but it has not been behaving like one in recent years......Nigel Pearson is a manager with a good future.He was a brilliant captain.Ron Atkinson says he best he ever had and they include Bryan Robson and Andy Townsend.Now he has proved at Leicester he can do it off the scenes.He feels he was not wanted there any more and surprised with the ease Leicester allowed him to talk with Hull.Now have turned round the fortunes of the Foxes if he can grab the Tigers by their tails and restore their fortunes he will really have arrived!Good stories during the rest days at the World Cup.Football never closes!

England were terrible...

England were terrible.The defence shocking apart from goalkeeper David James and the 4-1 defeat to old rivals Germany was England’s biggest ever in the World Cup finals.The players did not perform.They were poor against the USA,dreadful against Algeria,improved but not great in the 1-0 win over Slovenia and simply outplayed by the younger,quicker and more inventive Germany.Fabio Capello at £6 million a year the highest paid national coach in the World,made mistakes.His team selection was open to big debate such as playing Robert Green instead of David James at the start. Emile Heskey before Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch,and the centre back partners for John Terry.Wayne Rooney never performed.There were problems before the World Cup,some self-inflicted,and I was never convinced that Capello understood the culture of English players.They did not appear to respond to being cooped up in their rooms for long hours,no mobile phones,hours of boredom,all having to eat at the same time and the lack of alcohol..The FA will point to England’s excellent qualification but it is all about the World Cup finals.England had an easy qualifying group so no shocks there.Then they were drawn in an easy to progress Group C but failed to beat the USA ,Algeria or finish top of that Group.The players let Capello down but he has to take the rap as well.It goes with the territory.His methods may work in Italy and Spain but not for England on an international stage.Managers are judged by results.The money comes with success.Results are everything.Capello says he will not resign.He wants a meeting with the FA.It could be to discuss compensation if he goes or if they want him to see out his contract.I would love to hear his explanation for England’s performance. I feel for England and Capello about the goal that was not give when Frank Lampard ‘s chip clearly crossed the line but was missed by the match officials.I don’t think in the end it would have changed the result but I suppose we will never know…...


Goal line videos...

Everyone is screaming for technology.Lets at least start with goalline videos we yell.The world ruling football body,particularly their chief Sepp Blatter will always resist it.But that’s a disgrace in the modern game and the world we live in.It would take seconds….less time that an injured player having to leave the field.The latest glaring example of course was Frank Lampard’s should have been a goal chip against Germany when the whole world saw the ball clearly over the goalline—everyone that is except the match officials.Its a joke and disgrace.

Shirts off!

Lets credit the World Cup match officials for allowing goalscorers to celebrate in real style without being given a yellow card..even when they took their shirts off.Its the greatest feeling in the game and it is crass that exuberant scenes are punished unless they deliberately wind-up opposition supporters.The British game please note!

Who will win?

Who wins the World Cup? Still the likes of Spain,Brazil and Argentina.But my dark horse was and still is Holland.There will be many of England followers though who probably now could not care less.I covered seven World Cup finals for ITV and whenever England went out the viewing figures crashed.ITV and BBC have a big investment in the South African tournament and they will be extremely disappointed at England’s exit.It affects the interest in the rest of the competition.

England v Germany - a classic pairing

I'm always happy to try to make a prediction but I really can't call the England v Germany second round match. It may well revolve around a mistake or a missed chance. I must be the only person who doesn't think it will go to a penalty shoot-out. 120 minutes will produce a winner and we will all be wise in hindsight. It's a classic pairing although England haven't got the better of Germany in the World Cup finals since that great day in 1966. Indeed, Germany have progressed farther in all of the World Cup finals tournaments since then. Fabio Capello is suddenly accepted again as a very good coach since Engand's 1-0 win over Slovenia. England weren't as good as the hype but there was certainly an improvement. There needed to be. Capello says he knows his team and hinted the only position he had to consider was the central defensive spot between Matthew Upson and Ledley King. It's an interesting choice because in the past, one of England's weaknesses in my book is not to change a winning team. I think you should pick horses for courses. Upson did play well after a shaky start but with Terry and Upson there is a lack of pace and I think that King and Terry could handle Klose much better. It could be a vital factor. There is a vulnerabilty about the first choice left-back Holger Badstuber. He missed the last match but if, as expected, he returns, England have to put speed up against him. If all that happens there is a real chance in that position for England. It's all ifs and buts. That's what makes it all so tense, exciting and appealing. The whole nation, whichever one it is, will particularly enjoy victory. It won't matter at the time that Argentina will be the probable quarter-final opponents.

ENGLAND WILL WIN AGAINST SLOVENIA

Alright I know !I wrote that England would definately beat Algeria.I was as shocked as you at England's woeful performance and result.But this time I really believe it!I think England will win both the match and the Group to go into Saturday's knock-out stage.Capello must listen to the players views and make changes.He contradicted himself with his late selection by stating that Matthew Upson plays in place of the suspended Jamie Carragher.But when asked about Joe Cole he talked about respect to other players.Cole has to start in most people's book,but will that stop stubborn Capello?I have said all along that England will not win the World Cup much as I would love them too.You don't have to be a rocket scientist to work that out.I have always had my doubts about Capello in his first World Cup.But I am convinced both the coach and players have enough to turn this round and make the next stage.Three o'clock on Wednesday afternoon is High Noon for English football.The team Capello picks will hold the key.Who plays with Wayne Rooney? Rooney will score his first World Cup goal,mark my words.The boy will come good!

VICTORY CHANGES EVERYTHING

If England beat Slovenia the suggested tensions in the England camp will ease.Results can change everything.There is no doubt there have been a few problems but we won't know the full story until later.Sir Alex Ferguson's conversation with Wayne Rooney has been reported revealing tensions in the camp.John Terry has spoken out in public.Was that off his own bat or as I suspect it was reflecting the views and feelings of several players? Now as Fabio Capello has re-acted have they have distanced themselves from Terry's comments? The thing upper most in players minds is to be selected for the big match.Terry clearly feels he is an automatic choice.It does look that way.No smoke without fire.Something prompted his remarks.I find it hard to believe its back to being stripped of the captaincy pre-World Cup.Capello,however,is right to keep in complete control but he has to look at himself.Boredom is one of the biggest problems.He has to ease up on that score.He has to listen to the players more and why not let the team know earlier?Something is clearly not working at present.England have been poor in their opening two games.

FRENCH FARCE

French farce..are the French getting their true deserts after the Thierry Henry handball against the Irish that secured their spot in the World Cup finals?Actually its all to do with their nutty coach Raymond Domenech.These problems have been coming.Thne French squad refused to train because the French Football Federation sent Nicolas Anelka home after the 2-0 defeat to Mexico.Will some opt out of today's game with South Africa?Outside France not too many tears will be shed if the 1998 World Champions exit this World Cup.A week ago I was hosting an NSPCC quiz at Villa Park.When I gave the result that France had lost the cheers nearly matched an England win!

FIFA MUST STOP PLAYERS FEIGNING INJURIES

Fifa make a big thing about fair play.Good.Now they need to review the feigning of being poleaxed.Kaka's sending off for Brazil was a good example of the opponent acting.Named,shamed and suspended will cure it overnight.The World if watching.Don't let it continue,spoil matches and affect the outcome of the World Cup.

WORLD CUP WAKING UP

The Group stages are often disappointing matches through caution,tension and fear.Now we are seeing some proper action.Portugual powered past North Korea,Spain's David Villa gets going and should have had a hat-trick.There have been one or two shocks but mostly the big boys will get going now.

NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS

They say it never rains but it pours!England players troop off after an awful performance and Wayne Rooney has a go at England fans because they booed...and one of them then breaches security and gets into the England dressing room to have a go! Just what the players needed...On my TV show after the match some wag suggested the fan should have broken into the Algerian penalty area because England's forwards hardly did! Some of the World Cup stadium security people are in dispute over money.Just what we need!FIFA,so busy being busy,must do something about this NOW.To add to England's woes Jamie Carragher is suspended after receiving two yellow cards-one each from the opening two group games.Maybe Michael Dawson should play but then maybe Fabio Capello won't pick him.Too risky for the Italian! Rooney was wrong to have a go at England fans.They are entitled to boo and the team did deserve it.England have to take it on the chin together with all the public and media re-action.It goes with the highly paid territory.Ok Wayne was frustrated with his own poor performance and the result,But he knew what he was doing when he re-acted into the live international camera taking it around the world.His temper is much more controlled these days but that re-action was ill-advised.Some-one suggested a fine.But that is equally crass.It was not offensive just silly for him to re-act.Capello hopefully will speak to him about it.Then lets move on.

BAD,BAD DAY AT THE ENGLAND OFFICE BUT ITS NOT OVER YET

One England goal in the easy looking Group C leaves two draws,two points and a must win final group stage match against Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon.I stated England would beat Algeria but I never thought the team would play so badly.I am pretty sure they will beat Slovenia but how can you be confident at present about England or their highly paid coach Fabio Capello.He picked the wrong goalie to start against the USA..and that is not just hindsight...he persists with Emile Heskey and 4-4-2,he won't play Joe Cole,he plays people out of their best position and he needs to find another way to get the best out of Rooney,Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Capello may yet have a good run in the World Cup but this will be the acid test.He does not pick the opponents or make the draws but England had an easy qualifying group and at this stage they have opponents ranked 14th,25th and 30th in the World compared with England at 8.We are entitled to expect England to comfortably make the knock-out stages.Capello needs to relax on the bench.Easier said than done but that anger cannot be helping the players who are quite obviously frightened of him in the first place.There is a lot resting on Wednesday..If we can't qualify from this Group C...well its not worth thinking about.Hope? The Germans missed their first World Cup finals penalty since 1982..( including shoot-outs)!Anything is now possible......

MY EMAIL STUFFED WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR FABIO CAPELLO

Thanks for all the emails with ideas for Fabio Capello.He needs them right now although he is very much his own man.Paul Wilson is a typical emailer on this subject.His three emails to date suggest we have a break in the Premier League season as our players appear fatigued.He says stop playing our stars out of position.Wayne Rooney should play the way Manchester United use him and not drop so deep and that the best players in the Premier League are not necessarily the best for England internationals because they play as individuals....Paul,I agree about Rooney's role and your plea not to play our players out of their best position.The problem with the mid-season break is when? The clubs don't want to lose revenue and with break for Internationals the season is crowded anyway.It should be noted that the Premier League is full of the world's top players involved in the other top World Cup squads so tiredness cannot no longer be an excuse.As for our best Premier League players,sorry I know Paul you say we are talking about individuals but the England team has to be full of our BEST players.There is a shrinking number of English players in the Premier League as it is...Thanks Paul for emailing me..and to all the others.Keep them coming on....gary@garynewbon.com

ENGLAND WILL BEAT ALGERIA.WILL CAUTIOUS COACH MAKE CHANGES?

England will beat Algeria.I cannot see any other result.Algeria are expected to drop their goalkeeper but will Fabio Capello drop Robert Green?No good asking me because I would have gambled with Joe Hart in the first place as readers of my previous blogs are concerned.Capello made a big thing last season about picking players in form and appearing in the first team.David James and Robert Green were trying to skirt around relegation all season.Hart was the star of the Birmingham City side and hardly put a foot wrong for club and on the few times he appeared for country.I think Green will probably be the manager's choice.What about up front?Most critics raved about Emile Heskey in the last match.I didn't.Sure he did exactly what he was asked.But he missed a very good chance and never looks like scoring.England cannot just rely on Wayne Rooney,Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to score goals.Capello has to try Jermain Defoe or Peter Crouch as starters.Bet he doesn't!

REFEREES ARE DOING TOO WELL SO THE BALL GETS THE BLAME!

The Jabulani ball is getting the blame!No doubt its different and difficult.But its use has been known for some time.The conspiracy theory is that the Germans have had longer to prepare for it.But I did not hear much talk about the Jabulani until the tournament was well under way-at least as far as the blame game is concerned.Now,sometime after the USA game,England coach Fabio Capello wants us the believe the Jabulani was responsible for goalkeeper Robert Green's error.Neither the honest,brave for facing up to it,Green nor Capello mentioned it after the match.Managers like to deflect their team's errors or poor results on the referee.But the officials are having a good World Cup so far-better than most of the teams.There will always be excuses.You won't hear too much about the Jabulani if England get the necessary and vital win over the poor Algerian team tomorrow.But,shock,horror if England were to lose( they won't by the way) then it will be blame the ball...........

LOVE MY FOOTBALL..LOVE THE BALLET!

Took time out from the World Cup last night.I went as the guest of the Birmingham Royal Ballet to their ON THEIR TOES.I kept thinking about when I was a kid how footballer Albert Quixall used to take ballet lessons to help his balance and agility.He played for Sheffield Wednesday and won five England caps in 1954.Far more recently former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin has become a big fan of the Birmingham Royal Ballet who are based at Birmingham Hippodrome.Dion and his wife Louise regularly attend goes to their performances and Dion is a good friend of their brilliant Director David Bintley who is an Aston Villa season ticket holder.Football clubs could do worse that use the services of these talented people.

DULL WORLD CUP GROUP STAGE? ITS NEARLY ALWAYS THE SAME!

Why are you surprised that the opening group stages matches have by and large been poor? Its is usually like that.Teams are cagey,worried about losing their opening game,scared of making mistakes.Knock-out football is a whole new ball game.9 of the opening 17 matches to date have been scoreless at half time.28 goals only have been scored and if you took away Germany's four against Australia you have just 24 in 16 games.Its been pretty boring at times. That has been the main topic of conversation this week.Sure there is a long away to go before the final on July 11.It will get better!

NEVER UNDER-ESTIMATE THE GERMANS.

I kept hearing a few weeks ago.The Germans are young,inexperienced,not good.England would beat them easy.Well those views should be revisited after one of the World Cup specialists thrashed the Australians 4-nil their opening match.They always seem to arise to the occasion.The same was said when I was in Japan in 2002 and yet the Germans reached the final yet again.
England be warned.Avoid the Germans in the knock-out stages if you can.

VUVUZELAS ARE DOING ME HEAD IN AND ITV HD'S MISSED GOAL

The South Afrrican singing and cheering sounds great..if only you could hear them!These noisy horns the Vuvuzelas sound awful and are drowing everyone out.They are starting to irritate and do my head in.I know its a local thing but with the world's broadcasters and many of the spectators reported to be complaining the World Cup organisers should say "stop it" -that is if they can be heard!......Meanwhile I was watching the England-USA match on ITV HD when Steve Gerrard scored.Like millions of others I missed it because ITV HD was on a sudden,short very quick advertising break.They have to hold an immediate enquiry and give an explanation as to why it happened an that very moment?Its the second time it has happended in recent months.

ENGLAND DISAPPOINTING RESULT

England should have beaten the USA.Fingers will correctly point to goalie Robert Green because it was a real howler but there were other factors as well.Team selection was not quite right was it? ITV gave Emile Heskey man of the match.He did control,hold up and lay-off the ball very well.But he missed a good chance when through on goal and he was never quite in the right position to score inside the goal area.Too many England crosses found no one in the box.Peter Crouch has to come on earlier.Gareth Barry does make a difference to the England performance and England need him back in the side on Friday.Central defence has now become a problem which Fabio Capello must solve quickly.I would play Michael Dawson but it will be too much of a gamble for Fabio Capello.Whatever happened to Matthew Upson?Will Capello continue with Jamie Carragher?

But England rely too much on Wayne Rooney.He is a great player but in England's opener he did not get into the match until the closing stages.Not a good night for him but hey he is our main hope and he will come good.But it will take more than Rooney on song for England to progress far.I thought John Terry did not put a foot wrong.The USA should thank goalie Tim Howard for their point.I hope Robert Green will come again although readers of my blog know that I would have started with Joe Hart.International managers are big tournaments are often cautious and this is a case in point.Still,not that it will make Green feel any better but the Algerian keeper Faouzi Chaouchi messed up too to cost England's next opponents that match against Slovenia.He failed to deal with Robert Koren's 20 yard curler and it cost
his team a point.Slovenia's first win a major tournament puts them top of Group 6 but England will still qualify.They are sure to beat these two poor teams.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS BUT WATCH OUT FOR HOLLAND

Sadly England will not win the World Cup.Reachinng the quarter-finals would be decent,making the semis,would be very good.But winning it? There are better teams--Brazil,Spain,despite their mad coach Diego Maradona Argentina plus the strong dark horses Holland.Spain look so strong but seem to blow it often when the chips are down,Brazil look the business but apart from Sweden 1958 do not win it in Europe,Maradona looks bonkers but his team are so good on paper and Holland have the potential.I would narrow it down to Spain or Holland.Of course I hope England do well but I cannot justify naming them as World Cup winners.What we will find out in the knock-out stage is just how good is Fabio Capello as an international manager.This is his first tournament and the platform does not get any bigger. He has put discipline in the team but that should have been there in the first place.Don't take any notice of the players praising Capello.They will always say the right things about any current manager because they want to be selected.How else can they answer?Capello may be as good as is they claim. Lets hope they are right.We will discover that over the coming few weeks.And the golden boot? I think Spain's David Villa will score more than his brilliant team-mate Fernando Torres.All to play for,lets enjoy the terrific TV coverage and lets pray for a miracle!

HOPES TOO HIGH FOR ENGLAND?ITS ALWAYS THE SAME

Its a great sight if you live in England.St.George's Cross flags everywhere-cars,houses,pubs and even flying over Number 10.Its great for the nation's bonding.But will it end in the usual disappointment somewhere along the road?Almost certainly yes of course,but not right now.You hear always the same claim,"Our best chance since 1966.We have great players like Wayne Rooney.We have a great coach in Fabio Capello.We are in an easy group and could have a decent path to the final and then its anyone's".If only it was that simple.An Englishman cannot win the Mens Singles at Wimbledon.Fred Perry the last to do so in 1936.England as we know have only won the World Cup in football once-at home,all at Wembley in 1966.The late Sir Bobby Robson came oh so close in 1990 losing the semi-final penalty shoot-out in Turin.I was there,ironically sitting next to the late,great 1966 England captain Bobby Moore in the broadcasting seats.We both winced and suffered together.Would you trust England to win a crucial,late stage penalty shoot-out?So what might happen.England will top Group C.They would then face the runners up of the much tougher Group D in the last 16 knock-out stage-from Germany,Serbia,Australia or Ghana.Should just do that and into the quarter-finals where most likely to meet France.Then England-if as we would hope still in it-would expect to face either Brazil or Holland.Should England surprise most and reach the final I would expect,Argentina,Spain or Italy to be waiting.And by the way if we were runner's up in Group C our next opponents would then probably be Germany,into the quarters facing Argentina or Spain.Still think England will win the World Cup?As an Englishman I would love it.As a veteran of covering 7 World Cup finals from 1974 to 2002 ( missed 1978) I cannot see it.
In my next blog I will give you my World Cup champions.

RIO BLOW FOR ENGLAND

Not a good start for England with our World Cup captain Rio Ferdinand ruled out through injury.He is,when fully fit,a class act but he does spend too much time on the injury list.Obviously a big disappointment for Rio and England but while you do not want any fitness problems ,an injury to Wayne Rooney would be more crucial.Meanwhile which team will coach Fabio Capello start against the USA on Saturday evening?Will he play in form Joe Hart in goal for go for Robert Green or maybe David James? Will Emile Heskey really start with Wayne Rooney before Jermain Defoe or Peter Crouch?You have to believe that Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard can play together and who will play centre-half?.Sadly I cannot see England winning the World Cup.AS in previous years all England believes this is THE World Cup when England will emulate the 1966 team who played all their matches at Wembley.We are good but not good enough in realistic terms.Managers make a difference and Fabio Capello is doing well but the real test for all comes in the various knock-out stages.

RAFA BENITEZ TO LEAVE LIVERPOOL AFTER SIX YEARS

Rafa Benitez is set to leave Liverpool after compensation has been sorted for the remainder of his contract as the manager at Anfield.It will not be the full sum.But it will be expensive because whatever figure is hammered out Benitez had brought in a huge backroom staff including many Spanish which I would assume the new manager will not want.It is part of the cost of changing the boss!Rafa Benitez attracted more calls to the Sky Sports phone-in YOURE ON SKY SPORTS apart from England during the four years that I have hosted the show. Most wanted him out although Liverpool fans are loyal and there was always a section supporting him but even that was fading fast last season.Benitez did a very good job with early success winning the European Champions League and the FA Cup but the six year reign slowly got worse and Liverpool finished 7th in the Premier League last season and well away from a European Champions League place.Liverpool's quest for the holy grail--the Premier League title--now puts as much pressure on the Liverpool manager as Alex Ferguson faced in those early years at Manchester United.Since then Sir Alex has rubbed the title in Liverpool's noses many times.Benitez did his best,spent a lot of money on new players.Like any manager he has poor signings but also some very good ones such as goalkeeper Pepe Reina and striker Fernanado Torres.It is time to move on to it seems a lucrative job at Inter-Milan although what a challenge that will be after the Special One's treble to Champions League,Italian League and Cup!

FABIO CAPELLO SEAL ENGLAND DEAL

I would not argue that Fabio Capello has done a good job for England so far...he has put back the iron fist of management that should have been there is the first place.And by the way he should have done well for £6 million pounds a year and the qualifying group England were drawn in followed by the relatively easy World Cup group in South Africa.The real test will come in the knock-out stages.The revised contract to keep Capello as England coach until after the Euro Championships in 2012 no doubt means yet more dosh-obviously promoted by the interest reportly shown by Inter-Milan.Outside interest always helps improve your lot.Good luck to Capello who says he is confident England can win the World Cup...well he would would'nt! Lets hope he will be prove right.We have waited a long time but what a boost it would be as it was in 1966..and what a hero Capello would be.Sadly I need convincing it is going to happen.[

I CHOSE 6 OF THE 7 CAPELLO LEFT OUT BUT NOT THEO WALCOTT!

So on Monday I gave you the seven I thought Fabio Capello would leave behin d for the World Cup.I got one wrong.He is taking Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock but not Arsenal's Theo Walcott.Not that Walcott was consistent but he played in both the England friendlies last week! I was sure he would not pick Adam Johnson but it is the one I do not agree with.Johnson would bring something extra in a game when all else might have failed.Sure he is very young and his time will come.But in previous World Cups when England are facing the exit they often have not been able to play with something different.I feel that Johnson could do that and was worth the gamble as the 23rd player to go..Fabio Capello has done the Italian thing by doubling up on every position but under his management England have conceeded in most games.You won't win the World Cup doing that....my starting choice would include Joe Hart in goal,Terry and Ferdinand if fit in central defence,Gerrrard and Lampard in mid-field,Rooney with Defoe or Crouch up front and Lennon on one wing,Joe Cole on the other.Lets see who the only vote that matters polls....

WHICH SEVEN ENGLAND PLAYERS WILL GO HOME?

So England beat Japan 2-1 in Graz.It was a nervy and poor first half for England.When Fabio Capello put Steve Gerrard on in the second half things did improve but until the final 23 is chosen and the regular team is known it is always going to be like that.You would think Capello knows what he is doing but it sure doesn't seem like that in these friendlies.After a long season why doesn't Capello play his strongest team.He has known,surely,his 23 for some time..Capello clearly must have a lot of qualities but I need a lot of convincing that even he can lift England to World Cup victory.Love to think so but I cannot see it....Meanwhile who will be the unlucky seven not to be in the final 23?I will have this guess:Stephen Warnock,Michael Dawson,Tom Huddlestone,Adam Johnson,Scott Parker,Darren Bent and Leighton Baines.The last one is the trickiest.Some say Baines just in;Shaun Wright-Phillips out.We will know this Tuesday.
My starting team for England would have Joe Hart in goal with Wayne Rooney and either Peter Crouch or Jermain Defoe partnering him.Will Fabio start with Emile Heskey?

DOMESTIC SEASON FINALLY OVER-NOW FOR THE WORLD CUP

The Daggers beating Rotherham at Wembley to gain the final promotion spot to League One via the Wembley play-offs finished off the domestic season.Not long ago Dagenham and Redbridge were a Rymans League team so their rise under manager John Still has been very good.He says you have to be a Dagger to play in his team! Never a Wayne Rooney,just someone prepared like Rooney to give all!
So this is the outcome of another long domestic season....FA Premier League Champions and FA Cup winners,Chelsea.Carling Cup winners..Manchester United.European League qualifiers Manchester United,Arsenal and Spurs as well as Chelsea.Europa League Qualifiers: Manchester City,Aston Villa and Liverpool.Relegated: Burnley,Hull and Portsmouth.....those are the headlines.All the other divisions produced winners and losers.The biggest surprise is the return of Blackpool to the Premier League albiet surely for not very long.

ENGLAND BEAT MEXICO 3-1 BUT IT IS ONLY A FRIENDLY

I hate friendly sport fixtures.Sport is meant to be competitive.England's 3-1 win over Mexico at Wembley was,I accept,a necessary event as part of England's build-up for the World Cup.There is another on Sunday lunch-time from Graz again Japan...live on ITV.Fabio Capello says he and the players learnt a lot from last night's game but he would,wouldn't he.Surely he knows his best team and just about all the 23 final squad.Ok he has to take,fitness and injury apart,seven names out of the current 30.But he must know 5 or 6 right now.He has seen enough matches this season...Alright in a few minutes Adam Johnson showed his class.Surely Capello will be brave enough to include him.Johnson could unpick a defence late in a game as substitute when all else has failed.Leighton Baines and Michael Carrick looked very ordinary to be kind last night but will Capello be basing his selection on last night's game? I doubt it.Would you write off England because of last night's showing? NO.I love England but will some-one convince me why England will win the World Cup.Ever since 1966 the nation is full of hope and experts keep saying its the best England squad to leave this shores since then.Of course it is not.Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence in goal is just one reason.There are better squads from Spain,Brazil and Argentina going to South Africa--three more reasons why England will not win the trophy.

869,000 PLAY MY PIEMAN GAME SINCE FEBRUARY

Wow! Thank you to those 869,000 of you who have played my Pieman goalie game since we launched in February.If you have not had a chance yet,why not now make a visit on this website?There is a tray of Pukka Pies from our wonderful sponsors awaiting the player with the highest monthly score....more on those figures from the game makers Tamba....60,000 players last week and an average of 2.35 minutes on the brand.....our Pieman football goodies shop is also on this website for you to browse as well.Why not make a visit?

BLACKPOOL ARE PROMOTED TO PREMIER LEAGUE!

Ollie and Blackpool in the Premier League.Last August Ian Holloway's team were 40-1 to be promoted!Only Scunthorpe were a shorter price to be relegated to League One! In the end it was another example of the team just making the last spot in the play-offs and carrying on the late surge into the actual play-offs themselves. Blackpool played brave attacking football and twice came back from trailing at Wembley to beat the favourites Cardiff City in a wonderful game.They reckon promotion is worth £90 million....Blackpool,back in the top flight of football for the first time since 1971,can only get 12,555 into their Bloomfield Road ground.More worrying is how will they avoid being the 12th club to be relegated instantly on the 19 clubs promoted via the play-offs? Still Holloway should enjoy this result.He took over Blackpool in the summer after being sacked by Leicester City when they were relegated to the third tier for the only time in their 125 years history..that's football!....meanwhile please visit my Pieman football goodies shop.Better stock some Blackpool gear!!!

JOSE MOURINHO SET FOR REAL MADRID AFTER INTER TREBLE

Jose Mourinho proved how special he really is by taking Inter-Milan to a 2-0 European Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.He has now won the Champions League managing two different clubs.The other was Porto.He did a great job in between for Chelsea.Inter-Milan have also,by the way,done the domestic Italian League and Cup double this season.He will love Madrid and they will love him.Mourinho will eventually be coming back to England-probably Manchester City, because who in their right mind would want to take over eventually from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United after all his success?..... Hang on a bit.Maybe Jose Mourinho!!.........don't forget to visit the Pieman's football shop and why not play my Pieman footie game and win a tray of Pukka Pies..it's all on this website.

CHELSEA'S PREMIER LEAGUE AND FA CUP DOUBLE FOR 1st TIME

Chelsea won a thrilling FA Cup final 1-0 against brave Portsmouth to complete their first ever League and FA Cup double.It could have been oh so different if Kevin-Prince Boateng had not missed a penalty for Portsmouth.Seconds later that regular Chelsea Cup final scorer Didier Drogba scored at the other end for Chelsea.Mind you Chelsea did hit the wood-work five times and Frank Lampard also missed a penalty.What a first season then for manager Carlo Ancelotti.....and former manager Jose Mourinho still had a crack at his old club.Never mind,hey.I love the fella!

LEAGUE MANAGERS DINNER BEST OF YEAR

The League Managers Association Annual Awards Dinner at the London Marriott was the best of its kind this year.It had great style in every way-the latest touch of their outstanding chief executive Richard Bevan and his talented team.

LORD TRIESMAN GOES AFTER NEWSPAPER STING

We have a golden rule in TV.Don't say anything when a microphone is around that you would not want EVERYONE to hear.My big pal Ron Atkinson fell foul to that in 2004 when ITV were off air and he thought he was having a private conversation with a fellow commentator.Look what happened to Big Ron.Never to be forgiven.Now Lord Triesman is protesting he is the victim of a private conversation in a restaurant with an old friend,a younger lady with a hidden microphone.The Mail on Sunday published the conversation which may have damaged England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.Lord Triesman,a Labour peer,has since resigned from being both the FA Chairman and the Chairman of England's World Cup 2018 bid.How quickly things change.You only have to tell Lib-Dems leader Nick Clegg that!

OXFORD UNITED RETURN TO FOOTBALL LEAGUE AFTER 4 YEARS

I am thrilled for my TV pal Jim Rosenthal.His team Oxford United are back in the Football League after beating York in the Blue Square Conference play-off final at Wembley 3-1.They join Stevenage in League Two next season.
Jim was at Wembley with another Oxford Jim,former manager Jim Smith.Well done for my old mates and the Oxford manager Chris Wilder.

HEARTBREAK FOR FULHAM AND LEICESTER

Heartbreak for both Fulham and Leicester. Roy Hodgson’s Fulham lost 2-1 in Hamburg to Atletico Madrid with five minutes to go in extra time of the Europa League Final. Hodgson and Fulham have had a marvellous season for a club of their size but in the end Diego Forlan’s two goals won it for the Spaniards.

Meanwhile Leicester City, last season’s League One champions came so close to making this season’s Championship Play-Off Final in Wembley on May 22 but they lost to a penalty shoot-out at Cardiff who now play Blackpool for the final place in next season's Premier League. Cardiff under their manager David Jones will just be favourites. Leicester’s disappointment will be slightly tempered by the quick progress they have made by the manger Nigel Pearson.

MARTIN O'NEILL STAYS AT ASTON VILLA

Speculation,partly fuelled by the manager's words,that Aston Villa and Martin 0'Neill would be parting are thankfully wrong.Owner Randy Lerner has confirmed it.Martin has done a great job at Villa,sixth again,Carling Cup final;FA Cup semi-final and a Europa League spot to look forward to.He is the best they could hope to have as manager........why not by the way visit my website shop....

FABIO CAPELLO PICKS 30 FOR WORLD CUP.:THE FINAL SQUAD:23

Not too many shocks in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad of 30.It will whittled down to 23 for the actual squad to play in South Africa.England expects...Any missing.I agree with Blackburn manager Sam Alladyce that goalkeeper Paul Robinson should have been picked;I am disappointed but respect Paul Scholes decision to stay retired from Internationals..otherwise it looks dandy to me.I just cannot believe that England really will win the World Cup.I would love it if England did but they have to beat the likes of Brazil,Spain and Argentina.Cannot see it........you can see my website shop,have a butchers now.....

GIANFRANCO ZOLA SACKED;ROY HODGSON VOTED TOP BOSS

..What a contrast for two London managers!Fulham's Roy Hodgson is voted as the LMA (Managers Association) Manager of the Year.Gianfranco Zola,having kept them up,is sacked by West Ham United.Hodgson has done a remarkable job at Fulham who again finished in a decent position in the Premier League,despite only one away win,and has done brilliantly going into tonight's Europa League final against Atletico Madrid in Hamburg.Fulham have played 63 matches this season..and travelled 20,000 miles in 18 matches in Europe.I am told Zola and co-owner David Sullivan have not been speaking on a regular if any basis.There was only going to be one outcome.Zola kept
Fulham in the Premier League but it was not enough for the new owners.His replacement will have a much longer run.Sullivan once told me he does not like changing managers once they have appointed one.The new boss always wants loads of money for new players and new backroom staff.It cost fortunes every time with no guarantee of course of success.Mark Hughes,I hear,has turned down the chance to manager West Ham.