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.