BRILLIANT BARCELONA WIN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Barcelona would have beaten any team in the world with their performance against Manchester United in Saturday's European Champions League final at Wembley.3-1 could have been a lot more but United,despite some mistakes,were not disgraced.Lionel Messi proved he is the best in the world and United did not give or need any excuses.They were just outplayed by a side that have won this trophy 3 times in 5 years--including a win over United in Rome.United do reach the final and of course beat Chelsea in the Moscow final.But this Barca side has to rank as one of the greatest of all time.Game,set and match-and a pleasure to watch!....By the way when the pairing for the final was known I could not give United much chance.Then last week I changed my mind.Hands up I should have stuck with my gut feeling!

SWANSEA,PETERBOROUGH AND STEVENAGE PROMOTED

Great play-off Championship final at Wembley.Swansea beating Reading 4-2 to gain promotion to the Premier League.Lovely football played most of the season by Swansea under Brendan Rodgers who was sacked by Reading two years ago after only five months.I worry for them next season but the Premier is the only place to be.....Peterborough hit three late goals very quickly,78minutes,80 and 85 to beat Huddersfield in the League One play-off final.Darren Ferguson banned his dad,Sir Alex from Old Trafford to watch his son's team.The Posh boss claimed Sir alex had become a jinx!Darren had been sacked by Preston in December and returned to Peterborough after leaving acrimoniously in 2009 after taking them from League 2 to the Championship in successive seasons.But bit looks as if 35 goals Craig Mackail-Smith will be leaving.Mind you Posh did score 129 goals this season!..and Stevenage,not that long ago of the non-league won the League 2 play-off final 1-0 over Torquay United

BUSY WEEK FOR YOURS TRULY

A great week for me TV wise.I presented the William Hill Greyhound Derby third round from Wimbledon on Saturday on Sky Sports 4...I am back tonight( Tuesday) for the quarter-finals on Sky Sports 2...then Wednesday I am recording an episode of Living the Life for Sky Arts with Lord Sebastian Coe( due to go out in September),Thursday there is a repeat of Time of Our Lives at 11.00p.m. with Darts ace Phil Taylor,Mike Gregory and Tony Green.On Saturday from 10.30p.m. until 4.00a.m I am presenting a triple bill of Boxing on Sky Sports 1 headed by the Carl Froch WBC fight from Atlantic City.Plenty of homework but hey better than a proper job.I am still excited by it all

DAVE JONES SACKED AS CARDIFF MANAGER;SAM ALLARDYCE SET FOR WEST HAM

Dave Jones is a good manager and unlucky to be sacked as Cardiff manager after dipping out of the Championship play-offs.They have been peppering promotion under Jones despite their apparent problems.Lets see who they get next.....I am sure Jones will get a good job before long....Sam Allardyce loks set to return to football as the new boss at West Ham.Their co-chairman David Gold told me recently they need an experienced new manager.They will certainly have that in Sam who will need and want to change the squad.There is no easy way out of the Championship and their will be plenty to challenge there with the likes of Birmingham,Blackpool, Reading,Leeds and Leicester--just to name five!

MANCHESTER UNITED TO BEAT BARCELONA

As we approach the Manchester United-Barcelona European Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday I have changed my mind.Hope that is ok.I thought Barca would win,could not at the time of knowing the finalists see another result.Well form,injuries and so on change.So Sir Alex and his squad will win at Wembley.Then the squad will get the acknowledgement it deserves! Fergie will find the best way to stop Lionel Messi.If it works United will win.I hope it lives up to its billing.

CARLO ANCELOTTI SACKED AS CHELSEA MANAGER

A few years ago I asked Ron Atkinson why he had been sacked as the Atletico Madrid manager after only three months."Because we have slipped all the way down to second in La Liga!" was his reply.Last season Carlo Ancelotti did Chelsea's first League and FA Cup double.This season he slipped all the way down to second in the Premier League and went out in the quarter-finals of the European Champions League.He was sacked within an hour of the final game at Everton.A bit like West Ham's sudden sacking of Avram Grant in the room after their last game...no style!Working for Roman Abramovich brings a big lucrative contract but no long-time job prospects at Stamford Bridge.The Russian has bought some success--an enormous amount in fairness by Chelsea's standards but he will never match Manchester United's!

BIRMINGHAM CITY AND BLACKPOOL RELEGATED FROM PREMIER

Sad days for Birmingham and Blackpool who go back to the Championship,in Blackpool's case straight back....Birmingham did not score enough goals,Blackpool conceeded too many when scoring all the while themselves.Ian Holloway is safe as Blackpool's manager.I hope I can say the same about Birmingham's Alex McLeish who has done well in difficult circumstances.He also gave the club of course a memorable day out at Wembley beating Arsenal to win the Carling Cup final.But injuries took their toll.

DO WHAT I SAY NOT WHAT I DO

Puzzled to see the Daily Telegraph's Jonathan Liew write in the paper's sports section that the TV commentary boxes " still a stubbornly male domain despite the fall-out from the Sky TV controversy"....he claims the UK is a country where more women watch football than Eastenders and claims that the fact that the game has produced not one regular TV commentator is a disgrace.So I looked through the several pages that the Daily Telegraph provide on football and guess what?I could not find one football report or column from the female sex!Perhaps Mr Liew could in lieu of this absence give his column over to a female.I am all for using females if they are good enough.I have Sky's presenter Sarah-Jane Mee her first on screen studio job and look how good she is.Gabby Logan,Sue Barker,Clare Balding and so on do great jobs.Commentating on football may or may not happen.It should be all about who is good enough for the job.The BBC have tried Jacquie Oakley but obviously do not think she is better yet than the male counter-parts.

MANCHESTER CITY SHOULD NOT GET CARRIED AWAY JUST YET!

Manchester City clinched the third and final automatic qualifying spot in next season's European Champions League.Arsenal finished fourth in the Premier and will have to play a qualifer to make the ECL proper but you would expect the Gunners to do that ok.Manchester City of course beat Stoke 1-0 in the FA Cup final..and now everyone is predicting that they are going to win much bigger things pretty quickly.Steady on,its still Manchester United and Chelsea up front,depending who Chelsea appoint as their new manager.Lets not get carried away yet!

PLAY-OFF PREDICTION BANG ON APART FROM ACCRINGTON!

Mt predictions for the outcome of the League play-offs were smack on apart from Stevenage beating Accrington.So its Swansea v Reading for the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Monday May 30 at 3.00p.m....Huddersfield v Peterborough for the League One final on Sunday May 29 at Old Trafford at 3.00p.m. and Stevenage v Torquay for NPower League Two final on Saturday May 28 also at Old Trafford at 3.00p.m........I take Swansea,Huddersfield and Torquay to be the winners........

MANCHESTER UNITED DOUBLE FOR BARCLAYS PREMIER AWARDS

Sir Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United central defender Nemanja Vidic were voted Barclays Premier League Manager and Player of the Season respectively.I am a member of the voting Panel and these two certainly got my votes.There is a merit award voted for United's retiring goalie Edwin Van der Sar.

LEAGUE MANAGERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS TONIGHT

Off to the London Hilton in Park Lane tonight as guest of the League Managers Association for their annual awards which include the Managers Manager of the Year.I would expect Sir Alex Ferguson to be voted their Manager of the Year.This is in my experience the best football awards night of the season.Former England Rugby Union international forward,the giant Martin Bayfield will again be the compere.He is extremely funny!

WHAT A WEEKEND FOR MANCHESTER!

What a weekend for Manchester.United win the Premier League and Manchester City are the new FA Cup holders....read on...

WEST HAM UNITED ARE RELEGATED AND SACK AVRAM GRANT

West Ham United sacked Avram Grant at Wigan shortly after they were relegated.The Hammers lost 3-2 at fellow strugglers Wigan after leading 2-0.Vice chairman Karren Brady who rarely goes to away matches was present as were co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold.Its was pretty obvious what was going to happen once West Ham had lost and were relegated.Grant should never have been appointed.This is not hindsight.I and many others thought so at the time. He has never seemed assertive and had taken Portsmouth down before joining West Ham.At any rate West Ham should have made a change much earlier when it was obvious it was not working.The question now with one match left is which two from five will also be relegated to the Championship.Only one point seperates Blackburn and Wolves from Birmingham,Blackpool and Wigan.Blackburn,who play at Wolves on Sunday--all games kick-off Sunday at 4.00p.m.--have the best goal difference.Wigan play at Stoke who will be tired in their third game in eight days.Blackpool play at Old Trafford against the Champions Manchester United.Birmingham face a tough game at Spurs,who having won at Liverpool,now want to finish 5th.Its,as Sky Sports are already calling it,Survival Sunday!

MANCHESTER UNITED WIN RECORD 19TH LEAGUE TITLE

Manchester United regained the Premier League title with a record 19th League title......and it's Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs 12th Premier League title!They were the best team this season even if they did not always play to their best which they certainly did not a struggling Blackburn.United got the point they needed through a penalty by Wayne Rooney.United have so many good players and key players have big games at different times of the season.Its this all round team skill and the manager's wonderful ability that keeps them on or near the top.Now the challenge of the European League Champions Cup final at Wembley again the Spanish champions Barcelona on May 28.Will United stop Lionel Messi and his team-mates?Rest assured United will prepare for Messi and give their very best in a classic match up.

MANCHESTER CITY DESERVE FA CUP FINAL WIN

Moneybags Manchester City deserved their 1-0 win over plucky Stoke city in the FA Cup final at Wembley.They were the better side even if they only scored the one goal in the 74th minute by Yaya Toure.Stoke's gamble to play the recovering from injury Matthew Ethrington did not come off.This was City's first major trophy for 35 years and the way their billionaire Arab owner is spending more can be expected to follow fairly soon!

RANGERS WIN SCOTTISH PREMIER FOR THIRD SUCCESSIVE TIME

Well done Walter Smith as Rangers win 5-1 at Kilmarnock to pip Celtic to the SPL by a point.The manager hands over the reins to his assistant Ally McCoist after clinching the title for the third successive season.Smith has had two spells with Rangers as manager.Walte won these trophies:9 Scottish League titles,5 Scottish FA Cups,6 Scottish League Cups,and was SPL manager of the Season twice and voted by the Scottish Football Writers as their Manager of the Year seven times! Some record for an outstanding manager!

KENNY DALGLISH DESERVES NEW CONTRACT

Kenny Dalglish has done a super job with Liverpool since replacing Roy Hodgson.Now he has been given the manager's job officially with a 3 year contract.Well deserved.Great signings with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.Liverpool will continue to climb.

PLAY-OFFS NERVY TIME

Play-offs underway and its a tense time with some much at stake-particularly in the Championship.The semi-final first legs have been played.I fancy Swansea v Reading in the Championship final;Huddersfield v Peterborough in League One's final and Torquay v Stevenage in League Two

MANCHESTER UNITED V BARCELONA PERFECT WEMBLEY MATCH BUT BARCA LOOK TOO GOOD!

You should bet your last dollar that Sir Alex Ferguson will ensure that his Manchester United team give their everything in the classic match up for the European Champions League final at Wembley on May 28.But don't put your house on United beating Barcelona.Lionel Messi looks unstoppable.Barca are a great team and you would expect them to win this final.But as my old on screen partner Jimmy Greaves used to tell me:"football,gal,is a funny old game"

MANCHESTER UNITED V CHELSEA CLASSIC NEAR DECIDER

Manchester United v Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon is a classic not to be missed on Sky Sports.United 73 points 38 goals difference.Chelsea 70 points also 38 goals difference.The winner take all? Not quite but nearly!After this weekend United will play relegation threatened Blackburn away and finish with struggling Blackpool at home.Chelsea then have Newcastle at home and Everton away,slightly trickier.If United beat Chelsea you have to fancy them strongly again.If Chelsea win then goal difference is going to be a massive factor.A draw definately favours United.I have been with Manchester United all season and I am going to stay with them now.I believe that United will get a result against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

BORING AND FRUSTRATING WAIT FOR TECHNOLOGY

Chelsea had a lucky win over Spurs.They deserved the resulT but both goals were dodgy.The ball was not completely over the line for the equaliser.The linesman,who gave it,could not possibly tell from his position.The winner was offside but in fairness to the officials you need a slide rule to tell,not the human eye at first sight,normal speed....I have been campaigning for years for technology but if Blatter and his boys cannot give it after the World Cup "goal" by Frank Lampard what hope has the English game with the current FIFA set-up? I am blue in the face with frustration..and the negative attitude and arguments about the amount of time.It could be done in the same amount of time that the game is delayed by the players arguing over it with the officals! And the grassroots argument is rubbish.They have it in cricket Test matches but not county and village cricket..they have it in Rugby Union internationals but not club matches.Its a cop out by the richest sport in the world!

ITS SO TIGHT IN THE RELEGATION STAKES

Who goes down?Forecasts keep changing because it is so very tight at the bottom.West Ham keep being tipped by some to go down;others to stay up.They do look to have an easier fixture list than their rivals...threatened Blackburn at home,bottom three Wigan away and off form but safe Sunderland to finish at home.Wolves have biggest rivals West Brom at home on Sunday(just what you need!),Sunderland away and Blackburn at home on the last day.Wigan have Villa away,that West Ham home match and then Stoke away after the FA Cup final!Blackpool,very much in trouble have Spurs away,Bolton at home and Man Utd away.....and Blackburn have West Ham away,Manchester United at home and just what they need Wolves away on the last day! Take your pick....I'Ve got Wolves,Blackpool and Blackburn to go down!

WEST BROMWICH ALBION PAIR MY CHOICE

I enjoy sitting on the Barclays Premier League manager and player of the month awards panel.Its good to be involved.This month my votes went to Roy Hodgson as manager and his striker Peter Odemwingie.The Baggies has a great month.Hodgson has brought organisation to the team and lifted them to safety,currently 11th...Odemwingie has scored 14 Premier League goals this season.I look forward to seeing what my fellow panelists come up with.....

DAVID COLEMAN GREATEST TELEVISION SPORTS PRESENTER

Did you see BBC's excellent documentary of that great television sports presenter David Coleman on his 85th birthday?He was brilliant as presenter,interviewer and commentator.He did everything including eleven Olympic Games...and they only come round every four years.David is the best I have ever seen and heard by miles and I have been in the same game for 43 years...Its wonderful that his channel should remember this ultimate professional.We don't have enough on screen journalists these days.A mixture of former sports stars and journalist trained performers is always the best mix.,

SAD ABOUT THE PASSING OF SIR HENRY COOPER

A few months ago I hosted the Variety Club of Great Britain Golfing Society's tribute to their former captain Sir Henry Cooper.It was an honour.Among the tributes to this modest,friendly,down to earth boxing legend were those from Jimmy Tarbutt,top writer Colin Hart, and former World champion John Conteh.Afterwards I asked him to sign my menu after sitting at his table.He did so and thanked me for the nice things I said about Henry.Typical of him.
Henry looked frail.He was going deaf and his body would no longer allow him to play his golf.He was recovering from recently losing his identical twin brother George and he would never recover from losing his wife Albina two years earlier.Indeed the day after our event he flew to Italy to scatter her ashes in her native country. His emotions must have been an ordeal for him.Albina had been his rock.Sir Henry,the only boxer to be Knighted was one of the truly great English sporting heroes.The punch that floored Cassius Clay will live on forever as will his image.The passing of a proper man.

LEICESTER CITY DIP OUT BUT NEED PROMOTION NEXT SEASON

Off to see my beloved Foxes play Ipswich in their last home match of the season on Saturday."If only" was the name of former Nottingham Forest chairman Fred Reacher's house in the Brian Clough days."If Only" Sven had started the season with Leicester I am pretty sure they woould be in the play-offs.But he didn't and they aren't.The new Thai owners have given him all the money he has needed to bring a stack of on loan players including the highly paid Yakubu but they have fallen short.They will need to do it next season with all the resources available.Here's hoping!...Player of the season?Richie Wellens....

PAUL LAMBERT IS ANOTHER MARTIN'ONEILL TYPE TOP MANAGER

Congratulations to Norwich.Regular readers of this blog will know how much I fancied the Canaries for promotion and how highly I rate Paul Lambert.I recommended him to my team Leicester City at the start of the season but I was told that the Foxes were too far down the road with Paulo Sousa ( what every happened to him?).Lambert played under Martin O'Neill,looks like him in a tracksuit;glasses,socks tucked in plus fours style and gestures.And clearly has the same managerial talent.The team have done well even if the directors are more famous,ie Delia Smith and Stephen Fry!Delia and her husband Michael have poured millions into their club and deserve their return to the Premier League.I hope they can stay up.

QPR CASE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH EARLIER

Rules are rules folks and should be obeyed.QPR face points deduction if fou nd guilty over charges of a transfer irregulation.It would mean almost certainly that they would have to go into the play-offs.Surely this should have been dealt with earlier.There will be controversy whatever happens..and delays to play-offs if an appeal is necessary and sought!Messy! Only winners besides the other team to be automatically promoted would be the lawyers...

MANCHESTER UNITED CERTS FOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS FINAL

Manchester United are bang on course for the Champions League-Premier League double.They won in Germany 2-0 in last night's first leg against Schalke 2-0 with goals by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.It would have been far bigger but for brilliant German international goalie Manuel Neuer who could well finish up at Old Trafford if he does not choose Bayern Munich.United are absolute certs to get through in the return at Old Trafford to reach the final at Wembley on May 28.Now all eyes on the Arsenal-United Barclays Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday before Schalke play in Manchester three days after that........Meanwhile Real Madrid or Barcelona....got a feeling it will be United v Barcelona.

NEIL LENNON'S GESTURE NOT SMART

Its terrible that a parcel bomb should be sent to any one.I felt so sad for Neil Lennon.I knew the Celtic manager very well when he was a Leicester City player and he is a top guy.It was digusting what he had to experience.But Neil that cupping your ears to Rangers fans last weekend was not as you described "humour".With the mood and re-actions up there I am afraid it was not clever!

QPR ALMOST THERE.NORWICH OR CARDIFF TO JOIN THEM IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE?

Queens Park Rangers are almost in the Premier League.They are certs to go up and deserve to be there.Super job by manager Neil Warnock and star player Adel Taarabt.They have made several key signings.Who will finish second.Norwich hold a slender advantage over Cardiff and I think they will just do it.Football management is a big key.Warnock is proven,Paul Lambert of Norwich has a great future and David Jones has been and done it.By the way am I dreaming or were people calling for Jones to go at Cardiff a little while ago?That is yet another example of showing some patience.Cardiff would not be there now without Jones at their helm

ARSENE WENGER'S SIXTH SEASON WITHOUT TROPHY FOR ARSENAL

I feel sorry for Arsene Wenger.He is a good manager but he is stubborn when it comes to buying good English players like a top centre-half or goalkeeper.Six seasons without a major trophy at Arsenal tell the story.He keeps getting close and must be respected.He is Arsenal and must stay but he has to have a good think about certain aspects.Its all slipped away again since losing to underdogs Birmingham in that Carling Cup final.

TAMIR COHEN'S EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE MAKES MOCKERY OF YELLOW CARD

We all know rules are rules.But Tamir Cohen's emotional tribue to his late father when he scored the late winner against Arsenal did not deserve a yellow card.The Bolton player celebrated by taking off his shirt to reveal a T shirt with a picture of his father Avi who died in a motorcycle accident.Discretion should have been allowed.I do not blame referee Mike Jones.His hand his forced by inflexible rules.On this occasion it was a daft yellow from football....

KENNY DALGLISH HAS MADE BRILLIANT RETURN

Sure Liverpool are going to lose now and again.But from where they were you have to say Kenny Dalglish has done brilliant job as Liverpool ( albeit caretaker!) manager.They are playing well,there is a buzz and Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez have been wonderful signings.They say you should never go back but King Kenny is obviously the exception

I DID NOT VOTE FOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

For the first time since I have had a vote I did not fill in my form for Footballer of the Year.The season is a tight long one and there is not yet in my opinion a clear winner.Certainly with all due respects to my London football writer friends Scott Parker would not have been my choice.Sure he has had a fine season in a poor team but so have the likes of Vidic,Van der Sar,Gareth Bale and the young Mexican Hernandez who has to be the buy of the season at £6 million.Has anyone had a bigger impact?

GERARD HOULLIER TO BE DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL.HE MUST BE CAREFUL

Gerard Houllier must put his health first.The Aston Villa manager is leaving hospital after suffering from chest pains.Gerard,63,was admitted to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital Coronary unit last Wednesday.I was at Anfield when he was rushed to hosital during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Leeds in October 2001 when he was boss there.It was very serious..a repair to the main aortic valve.He was lucky to survive.Houllier who has always treated me very well formed a sort of medial bond because in February 2011 he was aware that I had a stroke on my way to Old Trafford.We had lunch soon after he arrived at the Villa training ground and he appeared at the big charity lunch for me shortly afterwards.It has been a very tough season at Villa with plenty of problems.For his own sake I hope this highly intelligent and very good man reviews his future in football management.Health has to come first.I certainly assessed and adjusted my career after my big warning.

MANCHESTER CITY V STOKE CITY-THIS YEAR'S FRESH LOOKING FA CUP FINAL ON MAY 14

Manchester City versus Stoke City at Wembley for the FA Cup final on May 14 gives the competition a really fresh look.City,looking for their first major trophy since 1976....Stoke's only previous was the League Cup when they beat Chelsea 2-1 in 1972,a match I was at.They were not favourites then and they will not be now in their first FA Cup final in their 148 years history.But you write them off at your peril!Their 5-0 win over Bolton was a shock scoreline and the biggest semi-final win for 72 years! Manager Tony Pullis and chairman Peter Coates are a great combination and have both done a wonderful job for the club who enjoy a magnificent and noisy support.Staying in the Premier League has been a fine achievement but they are improving on that all the while...City? You expect success with the fortunes they have and continue to spend.So you still wonder if Roberto Mancini will keep his job.One should not have to think like that but that's the name of the game!I actually think Stoke will win the FA Cup...and that would be a wonderful result for the game.....
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Arsenal again no Trophies

Arsenal's whacky 1-1 draw with Liverpool(both goals being penalties deep into added time) put pays to any chance of a trophy.Arsene Wenger's agony goes on.He keeps hitting the crossbar in that respect.Its not improving his judgement or selected eye sight but Gooners Monsieur Wenger is still a very good football manager at a great club.

MY PREDICTIONS ON COURSE

All season I have been banging on about Manchester United winning the Premier League title.They are right on course.Mind you I thought they would beat Mancester City in the FA Cup semi-final.Dimitar Berbatov should have scored an easy one.But hey the old nottingham Forest chairman Fred Reacher called his house "IF ONLY"......and sadly I have been saying for some time that Blackpool would be relegated.When they were flying some people thought I had fallen off the trolley but this season is so long!They now look like going down.

DEATH OF ARSENAL DIRECTOR DANNY FISZMAN A SAD LOSS

I was so sad to learn that the Arsenal director Danny Fiszman has died from throat cancer at the age of 66--just two months younger than myself. When I was ITV's reporter on the live coverage of Arsenal in the George Graham title winning days it was always a pleasure to go to Highbury.After a nice welcome from George in the manager's office before the game I would always be invited to the Director's room after the match.Danny and David Dein would always be up for a long chat with plenty of smiles and laughter.Danny did a great job as the driving force in Arsenal's successful move to the Emirates stadium.He was a mult-millionaire diamond dealer and life time Arsenal supporter.He often flew fellow directors and friends in his private plane to away European Champions League matches. He was also,like Dein,a huge supporter of manager Arsene Wenger.

ENGLAND COAST TO 2-0 WIN TO HEAD GROUP G BUT ITS AN EASY GROUP

We are always being told there are no easy games at International level.Well that theory was put to the test on Saturday when England stolled and passed their way to a comfortable 2-0 win over Wales in Cardiff.Just as it did in the World Cup England look to have an easy qualifying Group G.So the question left is will Fabio Capello get more out of England in the finals?You cannot blame a lack of talent.As long as our top players stay fit everything seems to be improving from goalkeeping to strikers.Plenty of emerging talent,plenty of competition...up front Darren Bent,Andy Carroll,Jermain Defoe,Peter Crouch and so on.Add the so far untried but in form Matt Jarvis and the mid-field star at West Ham Scott Parker plus the brilliant youngster Jack Wilshere and England have a lot to get excited about.Ashley Young and others are there as well to be added to the usual regulars.Its a pity Rio Ferdinand is struggling with injury and Theo Walcott is missing.We cannot get too excited about beating Wales 2-0 but we can have hope for the immediate future.Capello does not have long is the job from his own choice and we desperately need,in my opinion Harry Redknapp to be the new England manager,head coach or whatever you want to call him.I hope the FA do not mess it up!

WALES ARE VERY POOR

Gary Speed has a massive job on his hands to make Wales into a good team.I wish him well.They looked very poor against England and it is no surprise that they are bottom of their Group without a point.

I REALLY HAVE A GREYHOUND TO WATCH AND HE RACES ON SKY ON WEDNESDAY

Nothing to do with football but its involves Greyhound Racing which I also present on Sky Sports.For nearly 40 years I have been trying to own a Champion.I may have one now called Droopys Greg.He has just won the £12,500 Ladbroke Monmore Puppy Derby in Wolverhampton to make it 7 wins from 10 open races with 2 seconds and one unplaced.He runs in a support race at 8.15p.m.on Sky Sports 4 this Wednesday(March 30).Mind you brilliant as he promises to be, he always has Derby winning trainer Nick Savva and myself on tender hooks.Its a four bend race.He is hopeless at the break,usually gets bumped at the first bend,shakes it off and eventually overtakes the other five.He is real theatre and the crowds are loving him.The problem is that he is always odds-on....You never know is racing but I am very hopeful and excited.,about this grandson of Westmead Hawk,the legendary double English Derby champion.

SAD DAY BUT HUGE TURN OUT FOR FUNERAL OF SPORTSWRITER RAY MATTS

Hundreds packed into the funeral this afternoon for much loved and respected sportswriter Ray Matts,who wrote football and Formula 1 for the Daily Mail.Mattsy as he was called most of his life,was a lovely,great character who made us all laugh and could disarm any situation.He died recently,just a couple of weeks after his lively 70th birthday party.It was standing room only at Streetly in the West Midlands..and then several lines deep.Among the mourners joining his family and many friends were famous names from football and the media including Ron Atkinson,who spoke,Martin O'Neill,Trevor Francis,Brian Little,Brendan Batson,and former players of his beloved WBA including the FA Cup winning team.His best man and closest friend Jeff Farmer also spoke.The Formula One stars would have been there but for the weekend's Grand Prix in Australia.

GREAT CHUM JIM ROSENTHAL TAKES ME TO HIS BELOVED OXFORD

Had a lovely day at Oxford United on Sunday with their director,my great friend Jim Rosenthal.They beat 9 men Burton Albion 3-0 and were always the better side apart from switching off for a few minutes after they scored.They are now just 3 points off the League Two play off spots.Oxford born Jim loves his club and goes to as many matches as he can.It was great to see John Bond visiting there and catch up with both Burton's manager Paul Peschisolido and his father in law Terry Brady.I was at Paul and Karren's wedding.Their marriage is a great success but both their clubs are struggling( Burton and West Ham).Karren's club might be in a better place.Also good to see Oxford manager Chris Wilder who was recommended by Jim Smith and is doing a good job.His goalkeeping coach is an old mucker of mine,73 year old former Sheffield United stopper Alan Hodkinson.Oxford's goalie Ryan Clarke looks outstanding and several big clubs are watching him.

NORTHERN IRELAND HAVE IT ALL TO DO

Northern Ireland have by and large done their best but they do not appear strong enough to qualify from Group C.They took the lead in the last match away in Serbia but lost 2-1.Nigel Worthington is a good man and doing his best as boss,so I hope they stick with him.

WHY PUT A STATUE OF MICHAEL JACKSON AT CRAVEN COTTAGE?HE WAS AL FAYED'S FRIEND!

I suppose if you own the club you can do what you want! Certainly that is the case at Fulham where owner Al Fayed is planning to unveil a statue of his friend,the late pop star Michael Jackson.This potty idea is scheduled for April 3 for the home game at Craven Cottage with Blackpool!Al Fayed commisioned it for Harrods but then sold the department store.Even so when you think of some of the club's great players of yesteryear its hardly appropriate!

GREAT FA CUP DRAW FOR SEMI-FINALS

Great FA Cup draw.Manchester United v Manchester City in one semi-final and improving Bolton v survivors Stoke City in the other.I think it makes for an interesting final. The purists would say City v United but the way its been drawn is more "FA Cup".Its hard to call it but I would shade Manchester United and Bolton to be the finalists although I would not want to put money on it.Saw a super second half at St.Andrews where injury hit Birmingham put up a terrific effort before Bolton scored the 3-2 winner in the last minute.The managers,Owen Coyle and Alex McLeish are doing a very good job for their respective clubs.But for me the difference on Saturday was Kevin Davies.He is tough,strong,determined and a real handful.The Nat Lofthouse of Bolton's current team.

FA CUP VERY MUCH ALIVE AND KICKING

I hope they don't mess around with the FA Cup structure too much.Championship Reading's plucky display in their 1-0 defeat at Manchester City was great.Ask Stoke or Bolton supporters what a trip to Wembley will mean to them-in the case of one club twice!I am all for the Premier League and the European Champions League for the really big clubs but we must have meaningful competitions for the other clubs.Take Birmingham City,it was fantastic for the club and their supporters and alot of the City itself when they beat Arsenal to win the Carling Cup...I remember working on the Stoke 2 Chelsea 1 League Cup final in 1972 and attending the Stoke after match banquet at the Russell Hotel.It meant everything to them...and it would do again if they won the FA Cup for the first time.

JOURNALISTS SOMETIMES SENSITIVE SOULS!

Talking to a Scottish born top manager recently and he told me that he was warned how sensitive some football writers can be south of the border when the tables are turned.He is right...if you dish out stick you have to be to take it. Not everyone in the sports media has been good at that.I learnt to take it on the chin many years ago andI have had plenty of stick. Sometimes fair;often not!Not everyone is going to share your view. Now most of it in my case has come from bias fans.I understand their passion and love of their clubs.Its what the game should be all about.So no surprise when Arsenal fans got stuck into the internet to whack me for critising Arsene Wenger's behaviour after the Barca match.I stand my what I wrote but some fans like Arsene at times have selective eye-sight.About the Robin van Persie sending off I actually wrote.."Barca may have won against 11 men but certainly Arsenal were hard done by." The referee Massimo Busacca should have used his common sense in most people's opinion including mine.Meanwhile maybe Arsenal fans will let me know what they think about being knocked out of three competitions this season and what they think of the Premier League title race.Arsenal do have less matches than Manchester United and Chelsea but the bookies go Utd 4-5,Arsenal 21-10 and Chelsea 8-1.Pretty fair odds I would say.By the way when I was presenting Sky Sports phone in show I spent a considerable time defending Arsene Wenger against those Arsene fans who wanted him sacked.He has done a very good job over the years for the club.

QUIZ QUESTION: WHO SCORED IN A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH AND NEVER HAD A SHOT ON TARGET?

Here's a new football quiz question for you.Who scored a goal in a European Champions League match and never had a shot on target? Answer:Arsenal.That's what happened in the Nou Camp on Tuesday as Arsenal lost 3-1 to the brilliant holders Barcelona and went out 4-3 on aggregate.Most people agree the sending off of Robin Van Persie by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca was wrong but Arsenal were outplayed by Barca and had not managed a shot on goal when Van Persie received his second yellow.It was 1-1 thanks to an own goal by Busquets.Barca may have won against 11 men but certainly Arsenal were hard done by.Still it does not excuse Wenger's pathetic behaviour at the ref afterwards and he deserves to be charged by UEFA. Decisions sometimes go for you or against you.As if the referee was going to change anything after the final whistle.Managers have to show restraint and discipline.Their continual rantings at the fourth official are pathetic and so was Wenger's behaviour.Passion and frustration are no excuse.Pick on their own players shortcomings.Why no ranting at Bendtner who with better control could have put Arsenal through in the closing seconds.Its always the ref!

ANOTHER GLORY,GLORY NIGHT FOR SPURS

Spurs did it.They held an inform AC Milan 0-0 at White Hart Lane to reach the Championship League quarter-finals after their brilliant 1-0 away win in the San Siro.They had to withstand non-stop AC Milan attacks but the defence was outstanding.William Gallas cleared one off the line but for me the real hero was the young Brazilian Sandro who was my man of the match.The 21 year old mid-fielder was terrific especially when defending.Manager Harry Redknapp took over Spurs when they were bottom of the Premier League two and a half years ago.Now look at them.Fingers crossed they don't get Barcelona in the quarters or semis!

BIRMINGHAM FOCUSED BUT SO MANY INJURIES

Going to watch Birmingham-Bolton FA Cup quarter final at St.Andrew's on Saturday lunch-time.One of my twin sons Laurence is an ESPN cameraman at the match.I don't know what sort of team Alex McLeish will field.He has a stack of injuries including his inspirational mid-fielder Barry Ferguson who has a broken rib.Also McLeish,who has done an excellent job at the Blues,has survival in the Premier League as his priority now that he has the Carling Cup.But it will need to be a strong side to knock-out Bolton who look good under manager Owen Coyle.We will see.By the way my other twin son Neil is an actor-google him!-and was striker Luke Davonport in the Sky football series Dream Team.He once told the Daily Star that one of the few football matches he had attended was at Birmingham a few years ago where he found himself joining in with the home crowd singing "Gary Newbon is a *anker!"

NORWICH AND MANAGER PAUL LAMBERT LOOK THE BUSINESS

A little while ago I highlighted Paul Lambert and Mark Robins as the up and coming managers to follow.Barnsley are having a solid season while Norwich looked terrific in their second half at Leicester.I enjoyed catching up with Paul in Sven-Goran Eriksson's office afterwards.Lambert has assembled a good team playing excellent football,with stars like goalscoring striker Grant Holt and the skilled Wes Hoolahan.I expect them to be promoted.Lambert reminds me of Martin O'Neill in lots of ways,including tucking his football socks into his tracksuit bottoms plus fours style.I am told that he is much quieter in victory afterwards than Martin!By the way whatever happened to Martin? I am told he is regularly on the golf course.A mate of mine uses the same club.

HAVE QPR SHOT THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT?

The Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers may receive a points deduction if found guilty of breaking the rules.QPR are seven points clear at the top and 11 points clear of the bottom of the play-off zone.But it could end in tears if they are found guilty after the Football Association have charged them with a breach of the rule banning third party ownership of their £3.5 million signing Alejandro Faurlin.Seven charges in all including allegations of false information when the Argentine player was registered in the summer.They are also charged making payments to an unauthorised agent over the signing.QPR and their chairman Gianni Paladini,a former agent himself,deny the charges.The other promotion hopefuls wait with baited breath for the outcome

BLACKPOOL SLIPPING INTO REAL DANGER

All season I have been warning that plucky attacking Blackpool will be relegated.Most have disputed that strongly but their poor home record has now put them in danger.Their record of 7 home defeats from 14 matches(just 4 wins) is the worst in the Premier League.Monday's 3-1 loss at Bloomfield Road to champions Chelsea leaves them still two points clear of the drop zone and now having played thesame number of matches-29.Birmingham do have two games in hand over all those in trouble,who have nine matches left.Bad news for Blackpool is that 5 of theirs are at home-Arsenal,Wigan,Newcastle,Stoke and Bolton.The away trips are Blackburn,Fulham,Spurs with the finish at Manchester United on May 22!

LIVERPOOL DESERVE TO BEAT MANCHESTER UNITED 3-1

Liverpool deserved to beat Manchester United 3-1.They look a new team under Kenny Dalglish.Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll are massive signings both in financial and playing terms.Suarez was outstanding and the prime mover behind Dirk Kuyt's first hat-trick against United who had a poor day and clearly missed Vidic and Ferdinand.Both sides could have lost players through red cards in a fierce physical battle-Jamie Carragher for the home side and Rafael Da Silva for United.But don't right off United.It still looks a two horse race between Arsenal and Man Utd even if Liverpool are looking the business again.Arsenal and Manchester United still have to meet in London on May 1 and United have Chelsea at Old Trafford straight after that on May 7 but the rest is managable.That is apart from Liverpool who come to the Emirates on April 17.Great finish top and bottom of the Premier League.Its a great season for not knowing the outcome but I will stick with my season long prediction of Manchester United to win the Premier League.

DESPERATE IN AND AROUND PREMIER LEAGUE DROP ZONE

Its mighty tight at the botom of the Premier League after West Bromwich Albion played really well to win 3-1 at Birmingham and Wolves salvaged a well deserved point at home to Spurs in the 3-3 thriller.With West ham winning 3-0 at home to Stoke it means that only 8 points seperates the bottom half of the table and only five points are the difference between the bottom 5 and the drop zone.Wow!Looking at the remaining fixtures I would say that West Brom,with the likes of Arsenal,Liverpool,Chelsea,Spurs and Wolves away have the hardest fixtures together with West Ham who include Spurs,Man Utd,Bolton,Villa,Chelsea and Man City in their list but also have their final three against Blakcburn,Wigan and Sunderland.There are no easy games from now on but some are more difficult on paper than others....Blackburn are being dragged into it too.

WILL ARSENAL KNOCK-OUT BARCELONA AND SPURS GET PAST AC MILAN

Two huge European Champions League ties this week,both involving the North London clubs.Arsenal go to the Champions Barcelona with a brilliant 2-1 lead from the Emirates but will it be enough? Barca have that away goal and you would expect them to score in the Nou Camp.I take Barca to win...Spurs bring the current Italian League leaders AC Milan to White Hart Lane with a magnificent 1-0 away win.They are in pole position,particularly having scored in the San Siro.But its going to be tough.Another great European night in prospect.Who will get through or will it just be one or none from North London?Spurs have surely the better chance.

FA CUP QUARTER FINALS WEEKEND

The FA Cup is still a magic competition.The eight remaining clubs will hopefully field their strongest teams.Birmingham have won the Carling Cup,have several key injuries,and their priority is to stay in the Premier League.I do not know what team Alex McLeish will field at home to Bolton on Sunday lunchtime.But if he wants to go back to Wembley then he will need his strongest against Bolton who are currently 7th in the Premier League.The tie of the round is Manchester United at home to Arsenal on Saturday lunch-time.United have just lost two big ones to Chelsea and Liverpool.They and Arsenal and their managers are great rivals.Arsene Wenger,without a major trophy for six years,needs to win something again.Then on Sunday Stoke are at home to West Ham at 2.00p.m. while Manchester City play Championship Reading at 4.45p.m.Birmingham's tie is at 12.45p.m. on ESPN,the United-Arsenal at 5.15p.m. on ITV1 while Stoke's home tie is on ITV1 and Manchester City's on ESPN.

SAD BUT WONDERFUL FAREWELL TO DEAN RICHARDS

Family,friends,colleagues,the media and supporters did the memory of former Bradford,Wolves and Spurs defender Dean Richards proud. And rightly so.Dean died at the young age of 36.Bradford Cathedral was packed for his funeral and then both Wolves and Spurs gave him a wonderful salute before Sunday's thriller at Molineaux.The sight of Dean's widow Samantha and their young sons Rio and Jaden on the pitch was emotive.Despite their great sadness they must have been moved at how Dean was held in such respect and affection by all.

CELTIC-RANGERS MEET TOO OFTEN

Celtic and Rangers play each other too many times each season.That is not to excuse the behaviour of some the Rangers players and the two managerial benches.The scenes between two intelligent people,Neil Lennon of Celtic and Aly McCoist of Rangers was disgraceful.The police chief's answer to play behind closed doors defeats the object of public entertainment but the benches apart from substitutes and physios could be cleared in these games for sure.In the "old days" managers watched from the stands.These days they are on the bench barking orders,spending half the match moaning to the fourth official and often throwing tantrums-hardly great examples.Once again its all down to passion!
That is Cobblers,more like a lack of discipline.Football rage as opposed to road rage.If a goalscorer gets booked for taking his shirt off celebrating because"it might incite crowd trouble" what should this lot get for their behaviour?Sir Alf Ramsey would have been a great role model."Oh yeah" some-one will say" its was alright for him,he was only trying to live up to expectations and win the World Cup!"

LMA AND PFA HAVE TO BE BALANCED

The PFA and LMA are always quick to defend their members but they cannot shout foul one way all the while.I admire Gordon Taylor and Richard Bevan,chief executives respectively of those organisations.But where was Gordon's voice when Kolo Toure was charged with failing a durgs test and I heard Richard almost defending Sir Alex's latest verbal attack on a referee when Richard was a guest on Talksport this week.Toure is clearly ignorant of banned substances,if the charge is proved,while Sir Alex cannot berate the media for wanting the book thrown at Wayne Rooney for a bad elbow which only brought a yellow and then throw his verbals at the referee for not red-carding a Chelsea player.He was wrong on the first instance but although his call was right on the decision at Stamford Bridge he was wrong in the manner he complained. In fairness there is often method in Sir Alex's rage.The problem is there is no deterrent at times.The FA seem to have one law for some and another for others.Their weakness is the problem.How many times do football people stop and think?Heat of the moment and passion are no excuse.People in the public eye have to show discipline. Sure we are all human and that includes referees.Where would the game be without them? Too often they get the abuse instead of the highly paid players who are often to be blamed for a team's defeat.

BIRMINGHAM MAY MISS TWO KEY MID-FIELDERS V WBA

Barry Ferguson and Wayne Gardner are doubtful for Birmingham City's home lunchtime derby with fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.Ferguson played 60 minutes with a broken rib while Wayne Gardner was injured as well....It is a vital match against the Baggies.Three days after Wembley may have been difficult for the Blues but they have had nearly a week to re-focus.However both Ferguson and Gardner missing would be a real blow.

BIRMINGHAM WIN CARLING CUP...FIRST MAJOR TROPHY FOR 48 YEARS

Birmingham deserved to win the Carling Cup.Sure they had some luck with the winner but they were unlucky early doors when Lee Bowyer was not offside as given and should been awarded a penalty with the Arsenal goalie Szczesny red-carded but it didn't happen.Birmingham fans have waited..and waited..and waited for something like this.They will really appreciate it and enjoy the event.The Blues are not an outstanding side but but their spirit is enormous and it is great for their club and the West Midlands.Once a goal came a poor final turned into a very good one.I was lucky enough to watch the match from the Royal Box.It is some stadium with a great view from everywhere!

ALEX MCLEISH CHAT TODAY

I spoke to Alex McLeish today to congratulate him and say for what it was worth that I thought Birmingham were the better side.He agreed.We also agreed that neither of us realised before the final that a Europa League place was up for grabs.I thought they had dropped that.Alex then reminded me that my neighbour Malaysian Mat is due to entertain us all with one of his outstanding curries.Plan: drinks at mine with Jasper Carrott,Trevor Francis,Alex and wives then over to Mat's.Trawling through their diaries Jasper and myself came up with February 27-neither of us had put the Carling Cup final in ours!I rang Alex just before the West Ham semi-final legs..."So you don't think we will win then?" Oh dear...today Alex reminded me of the date! I am seeking a new one........

BIRMINGHAM IN BLUE HEAVEN

I live in Solihull which is basically Birmingham City land.Its certainly on the Blues side of the City.One of my sons is a passionate Blues fan.I tried to bring him up properly...but there you go.He was a happy bunny at Wembley yesterday.

ARSENAL STILL WITHOUT MAJOR TROPHY AFTER SIX YEARS

Arsenal were firing on all four fronts--Premier League,European Champions League,FA Cup and Carling Cup.The easiest appeared to be the Carling Cup.They were 2-7 to win the final;Birmingham 6-1 against.They lost 2-1 after gifting the better team on the day their two goals.Don't expect Arsenal to pip Man Utd to the Premier title although if Chelsea do happen to beat Utd on Tuesday it will tighten things up again.I can't see Arsenal winning in the Nou Camp despite leading Barcelona 2-1 and after they have beaten Leyton Orient in the FA Cup replay they have to go to Old Trafford to face United in the quarter-finals of that one.Good luck Arsene.You may still be potless.

MANCHESTER UNITED WIN 4-0 AT WIGAN TO INCREASE LEAD BUT WAYNE ROONEY OUT OF ORDER

Manchester United,my season long tip for the Premier League title,head to Chelsea for Tuesday's match with a four point lead over Arsenal.They win 4-0 at Wigan with a late flurry of goals but the talking point was Wayne Rooney.TV replays show clearly that the elbow of Rooney hits James McCarthy's head.It could have been more serious if they had been a bad injury as a result. We await referee Mark Clattenburg's report.Sir Alex Ferguson hit out at the media afterwards but, irrespective of the fact it was Rooney, the aggressor was out of order.In this instance it was Rooney.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner is a class act in every department.There was no way he was ever going to sack Gerard Houllier when results were bad and the fans were baying for the Frenchman to go.Houllier has brought in some of his own players and Villa,having thumped Blackburn 4-1, continue to climb the table.

BOTH WEST HAM AND WOLVES WIN TO TIGHTEN RELEGATION STRUGGLE

West Ham's 3-1 win over Liverpool and Wolves 4-0 home defeat of Blackpool tightens up matters at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League.Only five points seperate the bottom five clubs and only one point the bottom four!Wigan,West Brom,and either Blackpool or Blackburn to go down for me.And if it were to be Blackburn it will serve them right for the absurd sacking of Sam Alladyce.But folks its a hard call at present and Birmingham need to beat West Brom at home this Saturday lunchtime.

LOOK THE PART;FEEL THE PART AND YOU WILL BE THE PART!

Most successful managers dress in a suit on match days..Sir Alex Ferguson,Arsene Wenger,Jose Mourinho,Harry Redknapp,Fabio Capello,Sven- Goran Eriksson,Roberto Mancini,Kenny Dalglish and so on.Others don't Martin O'Neill,Tony Pullis,David Moyes,the late Brian Clough,Steve Bruce ,Owen Coyle and so on.I have always believed in smart suits,ties etc on duty for matches etc.Now sports scientists at the University of Portsmouth studied the effect that coachs' appearances had on players impression of their competence.Their observations include many arguments for wearing suits.They found that a coach in a suit suggests strategic prowess;sporting gear technically more competent.....I actually think the coach feels more in command in a suit and the opponents note it. Old players now managers looks a bit sad to me.But I respect their choice....Two experiences for me.When I was a kid reporter on £10 a week in 1966 the Sunday Mirror picked me to cover a rugby international in Cardiff.They gave me first class rail money.I asked a senior from another paper what should I do as I have no money .Should I go second class and pocket the difference?.He told me travel first class,you will feel and write first class and its not your money!..Then many years later on a cold night in Eindhoven I watch PSV players looking at the AC Milan squad on the pitch (pre-match) in their wonderful dark Armani long overcoats.Milan were two up quite quickly.Tell me it was a co-incidence!

WILL CARLO ANCELLOTI SURVIVE AT CHELSEA?DOUBTFUL

Carlo Ancelotti is a very good manager.He proved that at AC Milan and at Chelsea last season where he did the Premier League-FA Cup double.Now with some poor results you would fear for him this season.Poor that is by Chelsea's recent standards and the demands of owner Roman Abramovich.I don't know the owner.I have only met him once.He was surrounded by bodyguards( nothing to do with my questions!) and he,I was told,did not understand English(really or was it me?).So one way or another I would not fancy working for him apart from the wages!

ROY HODGSON OFF TO DECENT START BUT WILL HE SAVE THE BAGGIES?

West Bromwich Albion left it late to equalise against deadly local rivals Wolves in the Black Country derby.But it gives new manager Roy Hodgson a point to keep them out of the bottom three at present.But will he really keep them up?I doubt it.My pre-season and mid-season tip that Blackpool will go down is sadly looking more likely.I was the guest of Doug Ellis a few weeks ago at Aston Villa.He asked me what I thought.He said Villa will not go down.I agreed.He disagreed about Blackpool and reminded me during the match when they had build a good lead elsewhere.I still stick by my guns.Its a very long season.

UEFA ACT TO BAN HEAD BUTT GENARO GATTUSO

UEFA have given AC Milan vice captain Genaro Gattuso a four match ban for his disgraceful attack on Spurs coach Joe Jordan in the recent European Champions League match. The head butt was out of order in front of millions of TV viewers. It should have been more games but at least they did something!

FA CUP MINNOWS HAVE TO DO IT FIRST TIME

The FA Cup is said to be a one off game and it often is that.Orient will not win at the Emirates;Notts County and Leicester did not win their respective replays at Manchester City and so on.When you play the really big boys you have to do it first time round.That does not mean there should not be replays.It just means the Davids don't often win against the Goliaths second time round!The big fella is ready this time!

ARSENAL'S GREAT WIN OVER BARCELONA BUT THE NOU CAMP TOO MUCH?

Arsenal's 2-1 win over Barcelona in the European Champions League was as outstanding as the actual football played.But most of us think it may be a bridge too far to expect a winning result in the second leg in the Nou Camp.Meanwhile the Gunners are firing on all fronts--challenging in the Premier League;an FA Cup replay with Leyton Orient which surely they will win,the Carling Cup final against Birmingham City at Wembley on Sunday and that return against Barcelona.I have always defended Arsene Wenger who may not have won a trophy for over five years but is a very good top manager.Arsenal fans must appreciate him as I am sure they do this season.

FA CUP MINNOWS CREATE ADMIRATION AND ATTENTION

Leyton Orient and their shy chairman Barry Hearn had a great and marvellous FA Cup day with Arsenal.The late equaliser means a end of season trip to Las Vegas and a replay at the Emirates against the Arsenal.Lovely,wonderful stuff.Crawley did very well,too,going down just 1-0 at Old Trafford against Manchester United.It was up to Sir Alex Ferguson what team he picked so give full credit to Crawley.Lovely,wonderful stuff..and Everton's thrilling penalty shoot out win at Stamford Bridge against the holders Chelsea was terrific,capped by Phil Neville clinching the result.He is a top man.Lovely,wonderful stuff.

FA CUP:LEAVE IT ALONE

Premier League clubs have mostly had it their own way.The Carling Cup for instance has been modified to suit their "crowded" season.But the FA Cup,which still has its magic,must be left alone...that means no seeding( they have some protection anyway with the Premier League and Championship clubs not entering until the 3rd round proper),maintain replays and insist clubs play their full strength sides.The same rich clubs dominate everything so one lovely competition should be open to all on a level playing ground.There has to be something for the lifeblood of the game as well.It cant be all about Tesco,we need some little corner shops in life as well!

WAYNE'S OUT OF THIS WORLD STRIKE GREAT BUT NOT THE BEST EVER

Its not the greatest goal ever seen.Everyone is getting a bit carried away with Wayne Rooney's over head kick that sealed Manchester United's 2-1 win over Manchester City.Sure it was wonderful,brilliant,spectacular and so on.But there have been many great goals over the years.Claims of the best ever are way over the top.But it was one to enjoy and made me jump out of my television chair.What was better?Too many to list here but lets still enjoy this moment

WEST HAM LAND OLYMPIC STADIUM ON MORAL GROUNDS

I am glad West Ham have been given the Olympic stadium as their new future home.They have promised to keep the running track...and must be made to do so for many years to come.Millions of taxpayers money and a pledge by the likes of Lord Coe to win the Olympics is a moral obligation.I am horrified that it was even considered otherwise.Football has a big part to play in the future of the Olympic stadium but on the terms of why it was built with public money.Covering the track with seats for matches is fine but the track must be protected and preserved.

MY OLD NUMBER TWO JEFF FARMER RESIGNS WBA DIRECTORSHIP FOR GENUINE REASONS

Jeff Farmer,my number two at Central Television for many years,had genuine reasons for quitting as West Bromwich Albion non-executive director.It was nothing to do with manager Roberto di Matteo being sacked and Roy Hodgson being appointment.Jeff, who is 72,had planned to step down in the summer because there are other things he wants to do and he found his role was taking up a lot of time.He chose the void between managers to get it out .Jeff was one of the very best journalists I have met and was a stalwart at the Daily Mail when I offered him a top jon in ITV in 1981.He was outstanding in tv and I know he was much valued at the Baggies.He has left the club and chairman Jeremy Peace on excellent terms.

ROY HODGSON LOOKS GOOD SHOUT

Roy Hodgson looks a good choice for West Bromwich Albion.He did a very good job at Fulham last season and was voted Manager of the Year by his fellow bosses.It was loaded against him at Liverpool and he made some mistakes as well.Top man as a person,hopefully a good Baggies manager.We'll see what happens after the initial matches which usually get a good re-action from players now unsure of their own futures.Albion will hype it up.It looks a good appointment on paper.

WEST HAM HAVE THE MORAL CAUSE FOR THE OLYMPIC STADIUM

The image of the London Olympics is being slightly soiled by the unseemly squabble between would be owners West Ham and Spurs with the former the favourites with the moral argument.Forgive me for thinking that millions of taxpapers money is going to build the stadium for the Olympics and that Lord Coe and co secured it with a promise of a legacy which included the running track!West Ham must be forced to keep that track;the Spurs bid and alleged legal threats should be overturned in my(and I suspect many neutrals) opinion.We have our world wide reputation to consider;not the future of a Premier League football club!

CRAIG LEVEIN NEEDS LUCK AND BARRY FERGUSON

I was pleased for Scotland's manager Craig Levein that his team secured a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland in the Carling Nations Cup.He is making progress and Charlie Adam was man of the match.What a pity that so far Craig cannot persuade Barry Ferguson to return.Week in and week out Ferguson is a class act for Birmingham City.

JACK WILSHERE SHINES

Normally I keep looking at my watch during friendly matches.I hate them..meaningless apart from the manager's benefit.Against what competitive sport is about and too many changes during the "game".But somehow this week's match in Copenhagen felt different.I enjoyed the football,impressed with 19 year old Jack Wilshere and the passing of Ashley Young.Darren Bent will score goals if given the service and now we know with Andy Carroll and co we will score goals.Scotty Parker looked good as well.It all good stuff until we get to the real tournament finals.We will never it seems overcome the usual hurdles but we could change the manager.Only one choice to give us a belief and chance:Harry Redknapp.The FA passed on Brian Clough and Peter Taylor for the wrong reasons.Don't do the same for Harry Redknapp!

LMA NEED TO CHANGE THE STATEMENT SHEET

Let me start by saying that I think the League Managers Association is a very good,well run organisation.I hope they can hold on to their talented chief executive Richard Bevan.He has some excellent ideas.It was good when he first issued a statement when a member was sacked.But not every time,Richard.It is the same argument and the same type of managerial sackings.Those statements are nearly as predictable as football managers getting the sack.Better to use your talented energy is your members forcing a season long ban on sacking managers other than for legal reasons!It would also help the game as well as your members.We have a closed window on transfers,why not on managerial changes?

ROBERTO DI MATTEO UNLUCKY

At the start of the season West Brom chiefs were telling me what a good manager Roberto di Matteo was proving to be.This is a club whose chairman Jeremy Peace runs it financially frugally and whose transfer policy is no more than ok.Albion were briefly in the bottom three early days but a losing run and the panic of losing that regular £30 million Barclays Premier League loot has made the chairman make a change.So no more :2hat a good job our fella is doing" for a while please Baggies!

MILAN MANDARIC HAS TO SHOW MORE PATIENCE

He protesteth too much!Milan Mandaric chairman of Sheffield Wednesday after being the same at Leicester and Portsmouth says sacking manager Alan Irvine was the hardest decision has has taken.Really Milan? You should know its your 14th managerial change in 7 years.Could it be that you get it wrong?More likely you have no patience.Long serving managers are usually the best bet.Harry Redknapp is the best manager Milan has had as he is wont to remind you.The rest have never had very long.A spell of bad results often means bye bye to the manager usually after Milan has pleaded with the fans to be unbderstanding to that manager! Its all a bit rich and Milan will struggle to reach his own goals if he keeps doing it.But give Milan some credit.He left Portsmouth and Leicester in good shape-the latter with good rich Thai owners and Sven Goran Eriksson in charge.

TRANSFER CRAZY EVEN BY THE MAD WORLD OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

I have always believed that if you gave a football club £5 they would spend it..likewise £500,£5000,£5 million or even £5 billion.Often the players are of the same ilk.The difference from when Trevor Francis became the first million pound footballer over 30 years ago is that the agents are very influential today and take too much money.Its in their interests that players move around so much and for so much money.The transfer fees of this week have been well reported.What is not known are the players and agents deals.The agents are paid ridiculous fees in my opinion if some of the figures I have been told off the record are true.I just shake my head.Football clubs do at times bring it upon themselves.Meanwhile for supporters of the buying clubs it all looks very exciting.Lets see how much success these massive purchases lead to at the end of the day.What will UEFA make of it all and will they bring in new rules to trim these mind blowing signings?

CHRIS POWELL WILL BE VERY GOOD AS A MANAGER

Chris Powell is a top person and has the qualities to be a very good football manager.Until recently he was chairman of the PFA and on the coaching staff at Leicester where I was responsible for bringing him into the club.Its happened like this: Leicester's then left back Joey Mattock was carried off in an early season game in 2008-2009.I had a drink afterwards with the then Leicester manager Nigel Pearson who asked me where he could sign another left back.I told him that Chris was without a club,great person to have around and was fit despite a month away from his 39th birthday.A few weeks later Nigel told me that I had done "your club" a big favour.Chris has signed and played.He was,said Pearson,one the fittest in the club and was great with the younger players.He was management material.Now Powell gets his chance with his old club Charlton where he made over 200 appearances as a player.

BIRMINGHAM CITY TO PLAY ARSENAL IN CARLING CUP FINAL

You never quite know in football but Arsenal will be such hot favourites to beat Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.There is such a gulf in class between the squads and the Blues are struggling to score goals from their strikers.But Alex McLeish,proving to be a very good manager,has created at wonderful team spirit in his club that may well keep them in the Premier League for next season.Wednesday night was a thriller.They were one nil down aqt home to West Ham at half time( 3-1 on aggregate) thanks to a Carlton Cole cracker.But as often happens these days West Ham played decent in one half and poor in the other,in this case the second.Birmingham,boyant with their niosy supporters behind them,bounced back to score three times.But once again it was mid-fielders and a defender scoring.However the huge half time substitute Nikola Zigic unsettled the West Ham defence particularly Matthew Upson and the match changed.Zigic is limited,should be much better with his size and often looks unlikely to score but made a difference in this outcome.I sat in the directors box behind two empty West Ham seats that should have been filled by two from three of owners David Sullivan,David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady.They did a big job for Birmingham and its a pity that they could not make last night for whatever reasons.Maybe they would say nolw they are pleased they did not attend.

I WAS WRONG ABOUT AVRAM GRANT

Along with many other media commentators I got it wrong in these blogs about Avram Grant.I had him sacked and Martin O'Neill as the new West Ham boss.But either O'Neill said no or the West Ham owners were right when they said Grant's position was always going to stay the same.Then I saw that O'Neil was signing...yes,yes...then I realised it was the Middlesborough player..oh dear,apologies Avram..but will Avram keep them in the Premier League and will he get them to Wembley? Probably not but lets see about the latter later this week.I could be eating humble pie again as well as my favourite Pukka Pies!

MANCHESTER UNITED WIN THRILLER

Blackpool 2 Manchester United 3.What a great match.2-0 to Blackpool at half-time.They were denied a penalty soon afterwards..and then strong United powered back in the second.Two great substituations by the master manager plus two more goals for Berbitov and United not only keep their unbeaten Premier League record this season but they head the table by five points.Blackpool?I had them down as dead certs for relegation but their fearless and attacking attitude has made them formidable opponents.Credit madcap manager Ian Holloway.He has been a star so far this season!

ARSENAL IN CARLING CUP FINAL

Arsenal were always expected to win their home leg of the Carling Cup semi-final with Championship strugglers Ipswich.The tractor boys did well to secure a 1-0 win at Portman Road in the first leg..and held out for a long period until well into the second half before losing 3-0(3-1 on aggregate).Its been five long years since Arsene Wenger won a trophy.You would expect his talented team to beat either West Ham or Birmingham,wouldn't you? Especially at Wembley.The two poor opponents meet in Birmingham on Wednesday.Poor in form,rich in support but fighting for their Premier League lives.They could both get relegated.Birmingham lack a striker.

ASTON VILLA BACK ON TRACK

Gerard Houllier at last has Aston Villa moving out of trouble in the Premier League.£24 million spent on Darren Bent immediately paid off with the new striker scoring the only goal in the home win over Manchester City at the weekend.....and last season's stars Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young scored the goals in Tuesday's 2-1 win at Wigan.I am pleased for the Frenchman.

AVRAM GRANT TO BE SACKED AT WEST HAM.MARTIN O'NEILL LOOKS THE NEW MANAGER

Football is a results business.West Ham are bottom of the Premier League,only two points adrift but under Avram Grant they don't really look like staying up.David Sullivan,David Gold and Karren Brady usually support their manager.When they arrived at Birmingham they did replace Terry Cooper as manager with Barry Fry fairly quickly.But Fry,then Trevor Francis and lastly Steve Bruce all had six years each.Quite a spell these days and Bruce left.They put up with relegation and waited and got promotion.The same appplies to current manager Alex McLeish..Now having replaced Gianfranco Zola,(who like Cooper at Birmingham,was there when they arrived) with Grant they are poised to recruit Martin O'Neill.The talks are dragging on....Martin walked out on Aston Villa six days before the season started in August.He did not see eye to eye with owner Randy Lerner over transfers and players wages.Heck what is the scene at West Ham in comparison to that? The top jobs at present do not seem available to the talented Irishman.Lets stay tuned.It should be interesting!

FOOTBALL LEGEND NAT LOFTHOUSE DIES AT 85

Sad to see that great England and Bolton legend Nat Lofthouse has died aged 85.He played under my old boss,the late Billy Wright,for England.Billy brought me to ATV as a presenter in 1971.He used to talk about those great days,some of which I remember as a kid.Nat scored and was known as the Lion of Vienna in a famous 3-2 England win over a then great Austria side.He was battered from pillar to post,even unconscious at one point.Youngsters today don't obviously recall these great players,may not have heard of them and didn't realise how tough the game was then.Little protection from referees.Billy was wing-half and centre-half.Played for Wolves for 21 years and 105 times for England...yet was never booked.Nat Lofthouse spent all his career with one club,too.Bolton and I saw him there until the last few years.What an ambassador,what a legend!

REFEREE MIKE DEAN MAKES ERROR

Last week at the Leicester-Manchester City FA Cup tie I congratulated referee Mike Dean afterwards for having a good game and not even dishing out a yellow card.But at Spurs he should not in my opinion have given Manchester United's Raphael a second yellow card.First one yes,second no!United's point points them back on top through goal difference with Manchester City,who have played two games more,in second spot.United still unbeaten in the Barclays Premier League but keep drawing away from home!

CRAIG LEVEIN SCOUTING IN MIDLANDS

Sat next to Scotland manager Craig Levein at the Birmingham-Aston Villa match.I knew Craig in his days as Leicester City manager.Craig took in West Bromwich Albion-Blackpool the previous day.It was good to spend some time with him again.The Blues-Villa match was ok and 1-1 was a fair result.Birmingham goalie Ben Foster currently has the same builder as myself,Geoff Beck.When working at Ben's house the day after his mistake at West Ham in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg they decided not to mention it.After an hour Ben said"Ok lets get it over with"..Geoff said" I wanted to make you a cup of tea but I thought you might drop it!"..Foster took it well and the building works are continuing!

SHOULD YOU EVER GO BACK?I DON'T THINK SO BUT ASK KENNY DALGLIGH

Don't judge a manager of two games but I do not think you can go back in life-particularly if you have been successful there.Kenny Dalglish was a brilliant player and a fine manager at both Liverpool and Blackburn.I understand why he want to return to Liverpool but I will be pleasantly surprised if it works out as well as he and their supporters hope.When you have been successful once it is difficult to return to a high profile job and even harder when the goal-posts have moved.Its a far different Liverpool then Kenny left.Don't jump to conclusions over the first two results.No time for the first one and it was Manchester United away ( I thought in real time it was a penalty by the way) and the second away to the surprise package Blackpool.Others may do that.It will take a long time to rebuild Liverpool and if Kenny thinks he can do the trick with the present squad then he will have to prove a lot of people wrong!

ARSENAL-BIRMINGHAM CITY FOR CARLING CUP FINAL

Arsenal and Birmingham both trail their League Cup semi-finals by a single goal after their away defeats.But I expect both to win their second legs at home.Then they would meet in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.Birmingham's Ben Foster made a rare mistake at Upton Park to give the Hammers a 2-1 scoreline.But the Blues are extremely difficult to beat at home.They don't score many goals but although West Ham notched a couple there earlier this season I expect Alex McLeish to be successful.Arsene Wenger's team whatever it is will be too strong for the Championship team Ipswich at the Emeriates.A 1-nil deficit is not asking much to turn around.Wenger has not won a trophy for five long years and the Carling Cup would be a start.

TRANSFERS--YOUR CLUB GOT ANY-ONE REALLY GOOD APART FROM DZEKO?

January is often panic time.Manchester City have splashed out on Edin Dzeko.But have your club bought value for money? Have they made a sound or desperate investment.Will the new signings make any real difference?The Daily Telegraph highlighted two that did..Eric Cantona to Leeds and helped them beat Man Utd to title in 1992 and Henrik Larsson January 07 to help Man Utd win the title after four years......three that didn't Rodney Marsh in 1972 for Man City who went from first to fourth;Andrew Cole for Man Utd in 1995 and Tino Asprilla in 1996.Newcastle were first and 9 points clear when he signed on February 10.They finished 2nd four points adrift and Asprilla scored 3 goals from 14 games.....

EDIN DZEKO IS A BIG LAD

Took my first look at Edin Dzeko after his £27 million transfer to Manchester City.The Bosnian is a tall lad.He was on the Manchester City table in the Leicester City boardroom before Sunday's FA Cup tie.Brian Marwood told me they are very excitied about his signing who had scored 12 goals in 24 games for Steve McClaren's Wolfsburg this season.City have scored just 33 in 22 Premier League games this season and just 1 in five against Arsenal,Chelsea,Spurs and Manchester United.Dzeko will move them up a gear..and maybe a place!In the extreme unlikelyhood that he does not hit form I asked if Sven would be able to borrow him on loan for Leicester in the play-offs.Brian is a good lad with a very nice smile which is all I got!

BLACKBURN NOT CHICKEN ABOUT RONALDINHO

Ronaldinho really worth £6.2 million in the Premier League?Forgive me if I laugh at the new owners of Blackburn if they think this player will solve their problems.Managers are the key signings for clubs.They were potty to sack Big Sam,I don't think his assistant is the right choice at present and there are others players with grit,stamina and determination that I would have picked before this Brazilian wonder.Sure he has skills but he is a luxury and that is not what Blackburn need or are all about at present.

DAVID BECKHAM STILL IN DEMAND!

David Beckham is 35 but he is still fit,still a great crosser of the ball and still commercially very attractive.That is why so many clubs want to sign him on loan even for only two months.LA Galaxy may not allow it but if they do I would fancy Spurs to get his services.Harry would love it!

MANCHESTER UNITED LOOK CHAMPIONS EVEN IF THEY DON'T ALWAYS LOOK IT!

Sir Alex Ferguson is right to argue that his Manchester United is one of five teams who might win the Premier League this season.Its that tight and that changeable.But deep down the sport's best manager must know he has a great chance.The side is unbeaten,albiet with a lot of draws,has not yet hit their top form,has a better squad than many realise,are top with a game in hand going into tonight's home match with Stoke,has Dimitar Berbatov in goalscoring form and there is the Sir Alex factor.Every-one is getting excited by Manchester City and Arsenal.Stand by me,it will be United.

ROY HODGSON MUST WIN OVER FANS AS WELL AS WIN MATCHES!

Managers are in the results game which is why we are witnessing the regular round of sackings.But Roy Hodgson has also managed to upset the Liverpool fans and that is risky on three grounds...one the results are poor,two you don't upset the Kop and three the American Sports Owners are more into what their fans think that the other sports owners.Roy,the managers manager of the season,last term,knows time is the current enemy!

CHELSEA STRUGGLING LIKE CRAZY

Chelsea have real problems in terms of what is expected from them.Its going pear shaped for the double team and their coach Carlo Ancelotti knows the skids will be under him if they lose at bottom vclub Wolves this Wednesday.They may be anyway judging by the previous form on Chelsea's owner.Their 3-3 home draw with Aston Villa sums it all up.That would not have happened last season.In fact Chelsea won 7-1.This result may have eased the pressure on Villa'a boss Gerard Houllier particularly if Villa beat Sunderland this Wednesday.Ah how things can change so quickly.

LEICESTER CITY CLIMBING UNDER SVEN - GORAN ERIKSSON

My team Leicester are now just two points off the play-off positions in the Championship.Under Sven-Goran Eriksson and with both his contacts and the money from the new Thai owners don't bet against the Foxes making the play-offs.And then who knows? This Sunday Sven's Leicester host his old club Manchester City in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.One of my twin sons Laurence is an outside broadcast cameraman and will be part of ESPN's team covering this match live.I tried to bring him up properly but he supports Birmingham City!