GiveMeSport exclusive: Ian Holloway in awe of José Campaña’s tactical prowess

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway believes new signing José Campaña’s tactical knowledge is far greater than many other players he has worked with in the past.

 

The 20-year-old midfielder signed for the south London side in a £1.7million move last week but he was absent from the Palace squad that beat Dagenham on Saturday, as the club awaits international clearance for him.

 

The Spanish Under-20 captain, who joined the Eagles on a four-year deal from Sevilla, had attracted interest from a number of clubs around Europe after a string of impressive performances at the Under-20 World Cup in Turkey this summer, but Holloway was able to land the talented youngster for a bargain fee.

 

“He is a young man who knows how to play and how to pass the ball,” Holloway told GiveMeSport, following his side’s 2-1 win at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham stadium.

 

“The knowledge he’s got – I want to try and impart on my young lads as they are growing up.

 

“Spain are getting it right. The young teams that they have got can change shape two or three times and they understand it.

 

“As a coach I’m quite embarrassed how much he knows and how little some of my players in the past have known.”

 

In what was seen as a huge coup for the club, Holloway underlined the reasons how he managed to capture the Spaniard and what he believes he can do to help him settle in.

 

“I know some very good people who like the way I try and play and the way I encourage their young players particularly –  to be a better person first and then a better player second.

 

“All we’ve got to do is make him settle in very quickly. But I’m sure once I start working out on the grass with him then he’ll start feeling so at home.”

 

The former Sevilla youngster does not speak English – but Holloway has insisted there will be no problem in conveying his tactics across to him.

 

“I’ve already shown him some sign language with my fingers, because I can place things, and he just knows it already,” added Holloway.

 

“Wherever you put him he knows his job, he’s so mentally right, and I haven’t seen him not smile yet – it’s just quite unbelievable.”

This can also be found on: http://www.givemesport.com/361986-ian-holloway-in-awe-of-jose-campanas-tactical-prowess

 

New-boys shine as Rangers avoid cup scalp with comfortable win at Exeter

Exeter City 0 QPR 2

 

Charlie Austin and Danny Simpson scored their first goals for QPR as they eased into the second round of the Capital One Cup.

 

Striker Austin, making his full debut following his recent move from Burnley, took only 73 seconds to get on the scoresheet, reacting quickest to turn in Jermaine Jenas’ shot.

 

And fellow summer signing Simpson netted five minutes into the second half when he finished a nice move by firing home after being teed up by Andy Johnson, who replaced Bobby Zamora at the interval.

 

Exeter went close to reducing the deficit through substitute Arron Davies, whose stinging 25-yard volley rebounded off the bar.

 

Johnson and Joey Barton came close to adding a third for Rangers, who gave a competitive debut to South Korean left-back Yun suk-Young.

 

And in injury-time, substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips’ effort struck the underside of the Exeter bar.

 

QPR (4-4-2): Murphy, Simpson, Dunne, Hill, Suk-Young, Barton, Jenas, Faurlin (Derry 64) Hoilett (Wright-Phillips 75) Zamora (Johnson 45), Austin.
Subs not used: Green, Onuoha, Henry, Ehmer.

 

This can also be found on: http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/exeter-v-qpr-match-report

Mbia ‘100%’ committed to QPR’s promotion push in the Championship

QPR midfielder Stephane Mbia insists he is ’100% committed’ to helping the club bounce back from relegation and gain promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Mbia, who made 32 appearances for the R’s, last season, was expected to move on this summer as boss Harry Redknapp looks to trim the club’s wage bill in order to build a promotion-winning side.

But with less than a week to go until the season opener, Mbia remains a QPR player and the 27-year-old says he is ready to put the past behind him and help the team push for promotion this season.

“I’m 100% happy to stay here,” he said.

“I am happy to work hard under a great manager. Harry is a very, very good man with a good heart.

“I want to make everything OK. I want the team to start quickly for next season. I am happy because the manager understands me and so does everybody here.

“I try to give my best for the team. Last season was really difficult for me and my family to go down to the Championship, but I’m willing to work hard.

“I was disappointed for the fans last season. They suffered. I hope the manager gets the chance to keep all the good players and we can win games.

“I’m happy in England and I want to get the team up quickly for the next season.”

Mbia scored his first goal for QPR in their 3-1 pre-season win at Southend United on Friday and revealed his reasons for running over to the bench and celebrating with the Rangers staff.

He added: “I was celebrating with the medical team, because I didn’t score last year and I was so happy to score. Everyone was laughing about it, that’s why I ran over.”

This can also be found on: http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/mbia-insists-he-is-100-committed-to-qpr

Simpson: QPR squad is united

Summer signing Danny Simpson insists QPR’s players are united ahead of the new season.

Rangers were plagued by dressing-room divisions last term but Simpson, signed from Newcastle on a Bosman free transfer, says he has not encountered any problems.

“I read a lot of stuff last season about it, but I haven’t seen any of this from the players and the staff during my time here so far,” he said.

“Everyone has been working hard in training and getting themselves fit.

“We’re all focused on getting ready for what will be a tough season.”

The 26-year-old will bring much-needed Championship experience and believes the key to being successful in the second tier is having a good team bond.

“I’ve been in this position before with Sunderland and Newcastle. You need to have a good team spirit – it’s a tough schedule in the Championship,” he explained.

“A big part of doing well in this league is getting off to a flying start and carrying that momentum forward.”

This can also be found on: http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/simpson-qpr-do-not-lack-team-spirit

Coming of age season for Jenkinson

What a difference a year can make. Carl Jenkinson typifies this statement, after being on the fringes of the Arsenal first-team last season he has gone on to feature in every one of his side’s Barclays English Premier League fixtures this season. The young full-back, who signed from Charlton for an undisclosed fee in June 2011, has been one of the Gunners’ star performers so far this season, with his chances of a call-up to the national side surely only a matter of time away.

Jenkison, who has represented both England and Finland at youth international level, has caught the eye of England coach Gary Neville in particular, who has admitted the 20-year-old is being closely monitored.

“Carl Jenkinson has improved immeasurably over the last 12 months”, Neville told Talksport.

“It was very difficult for him at the start of his Arsenal career last year because of the changes in the defence – there was never a settled defence for him to perform in.

“But you look at the way he’s performing now and he’s been magnificent for Arsenal in the early stages of the season. He’s definitely someone who is being watched continuously…he’s definitely catching the eye.”

Jenkinson, a lifelong Gunners fan, had only featured 8 times for Charlton before moving to the Emirates last season, but Arsene Wenger clearly saw the potential in the young defender.

Jenkinson has gone on record tosay that his club future is his main focus at the present time as speculation continues to grow on his international future  and whether he will eventually represent England or Finland.

“To be honest I’m just concentrating on my club football, that’s my bread and butter,” he told the Daily Mail.

“I think I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. “Finland have contacted me. My exact words when I spoke to them were ‘I’m focusing on my club football’ so that’s all there is to it.

“I’m going to have to make a decision at some point. As I’ve said many times, I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Until then I’m just concentrating on each game as it comes.”

After a shaky start to his Arsenal career that was disrupted by a a three-month spell out with injury, Jenkinson has now grabbed his opportunity in the first-team with both hands, giving Wenger a selection dilemma at right-back when Bacary Sagna returns from injury later this month.

He added: “You’re always going to have downs in football, but at the same time, you’re always going to have ups as well and I’ve just tried to not take the downs too personally and just concentrate on my own game and respond.

“I feel comfortable at this level now. I think acclimatised you could say.  I just want to push on from now and hopefully keep going as I’m going.”

The young defender is not only pressing ahead for personal success this season, but also belives the Gunners can achieve European glory, just like London rivals Chelsea, who won the UEFA Champions League last season.

“If Chelsea can do it, then we can do it. There’s nothing stopping us going all the way. I think the Champions League is the pinnacle of football — it’s something I really look forward to.”

Whether the young Jenkinson and his Arsenal colleagues can match those ambitions remains to be seen.

FOOTBALL’S STRIFE: Suffered stress fracture in his lower back in maiden season at the Emirates forcing him to miss three months of the season

ONE TO REMEMBER: Jenkinson impressed for the Gunners against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in a 1-1 draw, arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt to date.

ONE TO FORGET: Sent-off in only his third game for the club as Arsenal were humiliated at Old Trafford losing 8-2 last August.

 

You can also find this on http://www.overtimeonline.co.uk/?p=9421

Zamora the bright spark for struggling QPR

Amidst Queens Park Rangers’ dismal start to the season there has been a bright spark, that being Bobby Zamora. The experienced frontman, signed by Mark Hughes from former club Fulham last January, has enjoyed a fruitful start to the season with four goals in eight appearances.

 

Despite this Rangers have struggled enormously, finding themselves rock-bottom of the Barclays English Premier League with just two points from their opening seven games.

 

Zamora, however, remains confident that the West London side will recover from this dreadful start and push for a top 10 place this season.

 

“The new faces are in now and I’ve been impressed with them,” Zamora told the London Evening Standard.

 

“We have played a couple of good teams and it is early days. We are certainly not worried.”

 

Zamora still harbours hope of a recall to the England squad, despite only having two caps to his name during his career so far. Injuries have plagued the 31-year-old’s career, resulting in him missing out twice on representing his country at a major tournament.

 

In 2005 the striker turned down the chance to represent Trinadad and Tobago – the country of his father’s birth – as he waited for England to call. Four years had passed and Zamora’s patience had run out, so he agreed to play for T’n’T in a World Cup qualifier, before injury struck.

 

A year later and after a fine season at Fulham, scoring 19 goals in all competitions and helping them get to the UEFA Europa League final, then England manager Fabio Capello was earmarked to name Zamora in his provisional 30-man squad for the 2010 World Cup.

 

But a recurrent achilles tendon problem ended any hopes of Zamora being included in Capello’s final squad.

 

His first cap came against Hungary at Wembley in August of that year, but a broken leg shortly after again halted his momentum, having to wait more than a year for his second cap and first start coming against Sweden in November 2011 at Wembley.

 

Zamora has admitted that the current England head coach Roy Hodgson, a man he knows very well, has been in touch to let him know he is still being considered.

 

“He was not in touch before Euro 2012 but I have spoken to him a few times recently, just touching base really and seeing how I am,” said Zamora.

 

“Obviously, I understand that I am still in the picture. I am just on the fringes so I have just got to keep doing my thing, keep working hard, score some goals and maybe get another look in.”

 

Zamora is now at his fourth London based club, after previous spells at Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham.

 

After joining West Ham as a schoolboy he failed to make the cut at the East London side, before joining Bristol Rovers and then moving on to Brighton where he made his name, scoring 83 goals in 136 appearances.

 

Despite  a disappointing season at White Hart Lane where he only notched one goal in 18 appearances, he returned to the Hammers in 2004, enjoying a successful four year stint at the club. During this spell he scored 40 goals for the club, helping them earn promotion back to the Premier League and reach the FA Cup Final in 2006 where they narrowly lost to Liverpool on penalties.

 

Injured hampered his progress shortly after, before an encouraging spell at Fulham was ended last January after a public fall-out with manager Martin Jol, resulting in him linking up with former manager Mark Hughes at West London rivals QPR. At the time Zamora cited his reasons for joining Rangers as being the ‘ambition’ shown by the club, and still maintains the club will show this as the season wears on.

 

If the rest of the QPR squad begin to show the same sort of ambition that Zamora has shown in his performances for the club this season, they should have no problems in avoiding relegation and finishing comfortably in mid-table, but time will tell. Just like Zamora who continues to cling on to his England dream.

 

FOOTBALLER’S STRIFE: Limited to two national caps for his country despite having a good career to date

 

FOOTBALLER’S WIFE: Zamora is married to Louise Zamora, who is the mother of his two twin girls, Gisele and Siena

 

ONE TO REMEMBER: Struck superb winner for Fulham in their 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League Round of 32 first leg in 2010

 

ONE TO FORGET: Breaking his leg in a league game against Wolves in 2010 resulting in a lengthly lay off for the experienced frontman- this coming shortly after he had just won his first England cap against Hungary.

 

You can also find this on http://www.overtimeonline.co.uk/?p=9354

 

Who are the favourites for the npower Championship next season?

Who will win the Championship next season?

Wolves

Wolves will be keen to bounce back from relegation at the first time of asking after a season to forget. A poor run of form, coupled with managerial uncertainty spelled disaster, resulting in them finishing bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

After taking the decision to part company with Mick McCarthy in January, finding a successor for the Irishman was hard to come by, with the club having to settle for Terry Connors, who moved up from his assistant manager role to take the job on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

Unfortunately this didn’t spell a change in fortunes for the club, as they drew only four games from a possible 12 towards the end of the season.

Wolves moved swiftly to appoint a permanent manager appointing ex-Cologne boss Stale Solbakken, who admitted the job was a “dream come true”.

The 2004 Norwegian Manager of the Year played briefly in England for Wimbledon during the 1997-98 season and revealed he is delighted to return to the country – but hopes it is for longer this time.

Wolves’ success falls largely down to keeping big-name players such as Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher, and will be keen to keep hold of outstanding winger Matt Jarvis – who was one of the bright notes of a dismal campaign last season.

Jarvis has attracted the interest of Stoke, but Wolves’ £10 million valuation could detract suitors, and Jarvis may remain in the npower Championship with Wolves.

All in all, if Wolves manage to keep the majority of their squad together they will bounce straight back at the first time of asking. Even the sale of Jarvis could raise much-needed funds to bolster the squad in other areas.

Prediction: 1st

Leeds United

With Neil Warnock at the helm there is no doubt Leeds have to be among the favourites to secure promotion from the npower Championship next season. After being harshly sacked from his previous club Queens Park Rangers in January, Warnock was not out of a job for too long, taking the reins at the Yorkshire club in February.

However his initial time at the club hasn’t been as successful as he would have hoped for, with only three wins in 14 games. However, Warnock has stressed the fact he needs the chance to build the squad to get Leeds back in the Barclays Premier League.

Their chances of doing so could fall hugely down to whether captain Robert Snodgrass stays with the club. The 24-year-old has just a year left on his existing contract, with the club offering him fresh terms – which would make him the club’s highest earner.

However, Snodgrass is uncertain about where his future lies, as he wants to play in the Premier League as soon as possible and ensure he plays a prominent role in Scotland’s 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Neil Warnock has told the midfielder that if the Whites fail to achieve promotion next season he will happily let him leave the club, but still Snodgrass would seemingly rather be plying his trade in the Premier League next season, where it is likely he would have a number of suitors competing for his signature.

If Warnock loses Snodgrass, Leeds’ automatic promotion chances will take a colossal hit, but nevertheless, Warnock must obtain four to five accomplished Championship players anyway to mount this promotion bid. The departure of 19-goal striker Ross McCormack would spell disaster for Warnock, although this looks likely after he rejected the chance to extend his contract at the club. The likes of Wigan and West Ham are reportedly interested in the Scottish international and with only a year on his contract he would be available for around £2.5 million.

The Leeds manager has already begun the rebuilding process, releasing five players, including the likes of Alex Bruce and Danny Webber. A further six have been transfer-listed, the most notable being young midfielder Adam Clayton, who made 46 appearances in all competitions for the club last season.

The Whites boss will be keen to add some much-needed quality and experience to his squad ahead of the new season as he looks to earn a record breaking eighth promotion in the Football League, surpassing the likes of Dave Bassett and co.

Warnock has been linked with the experienced duo of Clint Hill and Shaun Derry, both very well known to him. However, after Hill’s impressive second half to the season for QPR, including being named the club’s Player of the Season, it appears the veteran centre-half will sign an extension with the club after being offered a new one-year deal.

Leeds’ manager will also be keen to acquire the services of QPR keeper Paddy Kenny, a player who has played under him at Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United and Bury. With QPR being linked with the likes of Shay Given and Paul Robinson, it looks as though the Sheffield-born keeper is deemed surplus to requirements at Loftus Road, with Leeds keen to pounce and tie up a deal for the keeper.

Kenny was instrumental in QPR’s 2010-11 Championship winning campaign, keeping a remarkable 24 clean sheets. The addition of Kenny, coupled with the capture of Jason Pearce from Portsmouth would signify a huge coup for the Yorkshire club.

It will be a tough summer for Warnock, who will be keen to improve on last year’s position of 14th place – winning just two of their last 10 games. But with someone like Warnock at the helm, the club are in safe hands as he knows more than most what it takes to get out of this division and can identify the right players to do just that job.

If McCormack and Snodgrass both leave, Leeds are still capable of a top-six finish, but would have no chance of getting automatic promotion. However with both at the club, and a good transfer window for the Whites, Leeds could yet be celebrating a return to the Premier League after an absence of over eight years.

Prediction with Snodgrass and McCormack: 2nd.

Prediction without them: 4th.

Birmingham City

Although Birmingham failed to bounce back from relegation at the first time of asking, they should take credit for their overall performance in the npower Championship last season.

After the majority of the squad left the club following their relegation from the Barclays Premier League in the 2010-11 season, Chris Hughton has done a fantastic job at the club in such a short space of time. Not only did they finish a respectable fourth place in the league, last year’s Carling Cup triumph saw them compete in the Europa League, falling just short in the group stages.

Twenty-nine players made at least one appearance in first-team competition, and there were 13 different goalscorers. Chris Burke, who received Birmingham’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards, played in all but one of the Blues’ 62 matches over the season, notching an excellent 14 goals and made 19 assists.

Marlon King was their leading scorer with 18 goals, 16 of which came in domestic competition, with 12 assists. A bright spark in their season was also the form of young midfielder Nathan Redmond – who looks to have a positive future ahead of him.

Despite losing on aggregate to Blackpool in the play-off semi-finals, and their ongoing transfer embargo, Birmingham fans should have reason to be optimistic ahead of the new season – that is if Chris Hughton remains at the helm ahead of the new season.

Hughton has been heavily linked with the vacant managerial position at arch-rivals West Bromwich Albion following Roy Hodgson’s appointment as England manager.

Birmingham’s manager was pipped to the West Bromwich job just a year ago by Hodgson, and the opportunity to manage in the Premier League again may be too good an opportunity to turn down for the ex-Newcastle manager – although any decision would rest on whether Birmingham would grant their Midland rivals permission, which is unlikely.

If Hughton stays, Birmingham will be strong candidates for automatic promotion, but if he doesn’t they could struggle to reach the top six. However, Hughton is unlikely to depart at this stage and Birmingham are likely to enjoy another productive season, which may return them to the promised land of the Barclays Premier League.

Prediction: (With Hughton) 3rd.

Prediction: (Without him) 6th-8th.

Leicester City

Leicester City will have been disappointed with their npower Championship campaign last season. After spending heavily last summer – acquiring the services of the likes of Jermaine Beckford and Matt Mills – the Foxes slumped to a ninth-place finish.

The Foxes have already started planning for next season, releasing eight players from the club – the most notable of these being Darius Vassell. The early signs have looked promising, as they have acquired the services of young duo Ritchie De Laet and Matthew James from Manchester United on three-year contracts.

Nigel Pearson described them both as “hungry young players with winning mentalities”, as he agreed an undisclosed fee for both players.

Belgian defender De Laet, 23, was recently on loan with Norwich City, but also made six starts for United during his time at Old Trafford.

England Under-20 midfielder James, 20, had spent two loan spells at Preston and was an integral part of the reserve side after signing professional terms in July 2009.

They have also signed non-league sensation Jamie Vardy from Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in the region of £1m. Vardy scored 34 goals to help win Fleetwood promotion to the Football League and has signed a three-year deal with the ambitious Foxes.

This time around Leicester look better equipped than ever to gain automatic promotion. Nigel Pearson is a good manager at this level and deserves the chance to get the best out of his players.

Last season the Foxes were under pressure given their heavy investment, but a more relaxed mentality will most likely reap the finest of rewards.

Former Leicester striker Emile Heskey, now surplus to requirements at Aston Villa, could represent a superb coup for the Foxes. At the age of 34, Heskey would be a terrific signing, and would add much-needed experience and power to the Foxes front line, something which they currently lack.

Prediction: 2nd

Sean Gallagher

Web Link is http://www.overtimeonline.co.uk/?p=7900

King Kenny no longer untouchable

Still King Kenny?

Eight points in 2012. Two wins all year. The worst form in the Premier League bar Wolves.

Liverpool have only picked up fewer points in a 12-match period in 1957.

The cold, hard facts are alarming. But the harsh reality is turning into a joke.

How appropriate then that the final straw for club icon Kenny Dalglish’s managerial reign came on April Fools’ Day, a humbling defeat at the hands of Newcastle, slipping further behind the top four and at this rate, the top six.

This afternoon, the Magpies eased past a hapless Liverpool team, with their Carling Cup triumph barely covering up what has been a season to forget with everyone connected to Liverpool Football Club.

Dalglish was very much a short-term resolution at Liverpool to boost morale; however, he is not the man to lead Liverpool forward for their long-term future.

Without the creativity and impact of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, the Reds’ would be a team languishing in the realms of mid-table.

Liverpool undoubtedly have bought poorly in the transfer window. The acquisition of Jordan Henderson for the sum of £20 million has proved profligate. Henderson hasn’t proved anyone wrong thus far, he has been very poor, and he looks a shadow of his former promising self at former club Sunderland.

Charlie Adam has been underwhelming, but has at least been consistent. But compared to the £35 million walking disaster that is Andy Carroll, perhaps criticising Adam is slightly harsh.

Carroll, for once, looked interested and showed glimpses of his quality in the first-half against Newcastle. However, you have to wonder where this effort was in his other 28 league appearances this season. Incidentally, this came against the same team that accepted Liverpool’s act of desperation, when the Reds’ threw £35 million at Newcastle’s doorstep just last January.

And how these two clubs have adapted since is quite startling.

There were a lot of raised eyebrows around Tyneside, and indeed the footballing world, when Newcastle felt it necessary to offer Alan Pardew a five-year contract just last January. What a decision that was by the Newcastle board. Pardew has stabilised the Newcastle team and brought in some real bargains, whilst his team has epitomised the drive and desire he talked about in his first press conference as a Newcastle manager.

These in the shape of star striker Demba Ba on a free, and for £8.3m Newcastle have constructed a formidable central midfield of Cheik Tioté and Yohan Cabaye. Not forgetting the £10 million signing of Papiss Demba Cissé from Freiburg, who has made an instant impact bagging seven goals in as many games, and linking up superbly up top with Senegalese team-mate Ba.

A wonderful season could get even better if the Magpies manage to overhaul a 5 point gap between them and Spurs before the end of the season, and seal a shock Champions League spot. Don’t rule them out.

Liverpool are closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places, and that really says it all. The likes of Stewart Downing, Henderson and Carroll have been, on the whole, woeful. Luis Suarez is the only player in the team who you could say possesses the ‘wow’ factor.

If I were John W Henry I would be looking no further than Rafael Benitez, who was harshly sacked by the club in June 2010 after one poor season.

Liverpool were a far stronger domestic force with him at the helm, and tactically masterful on the European stage. Benitez took Liverpool to two Champions League finals, winning one of them in 2005 after a heroic comeback against AC Milan.

You just feel as though one of the special European nights at Anfield is a distant memory and will become even more so if Liverpool don’t act accordingly and get a new manager in and let him build up the team as he sees fit.

Under Benitez’s tutelage, Liverpool were guaranteed to finish in the top four and even managed a top two place in the 2008-2009 season. On current form, Liverpool will be fortunate to finish in the top ten this season, with teams like Fulham and Swansea looking more than a match for them at this stage of the season.

The fashion in which they capitulated with 13 minutes to go at Queens Park Rangers’ Loftus Road typified their year thus far. They had dominated QPR for long periods, but their defending deservedly cost them the match.

You wouldn’t have seen Liverpool sacrificing such a lead at a relegation-threatened club under Mr Benitez.

Liverpool’s success in the transfer market has almost been non-existent, and if Dalglish had been any other manager, considering the awful form Liverpool have been in, the fans would be calling for his head.

Luckily for him, a low-burning light at the end of the tunnel may have formed, after booking another date at Wembley for the Reds’ when they meet arch-rivals Everton in the FA Cup semi-final later this month.

This year’s Carling Cup victory over Cardiff only served to paper over the cracks. The underlying truth of that game was that Liverpool struggled to beat an average Cardiff City outfit who have again faltered in the promotion race and look set for another season in the Championship next term.

This is why King Kenny has to go. If Liverpool fail to attract the calibre of players needed to compete with the top four, it will be only be a matter of time before Suarez et al leave the club.

Sean Gallagher

Unsung Hero in Hoops

Alejandro Faurlin’s form for Queens Park Rangers this season has not gone unnoticed. The Argentinean midfield maestro has impressed in his maiden season in the Premier League as QPR have made a solid start back to life in the Barclays Premier League after a 16-year exile.

Operating in the central role of midfield, Faurlin has already moulded a good partnership with the controversial Joey Barton and has continued to operate well alongside Shaun Derry, after forming a formidable double attack at the heart of the Rangers midfield with the veteran midfielder last season, as Rangers secured promotion to the Premier League.

After joining the R’s in 2009 from Instituto de Córdoba, Faurlin enjoyed an excellent first season picking up both the Players’ and Supporters’ Player of the Year accolade in a season to remember for the Argentine midfielder.

The following season was one of mixed emotions for Faurlin after the joy of promotion and a lingering court case which threatened to spoil Rangers’ party. Their place in the Premier Leaguecame under serious jeopardy after the club were charged with breaching strict third -party ownership rules concerning his move from Instituto in 2009.

Luckily for Rangers and Faurlin, the club were found guilty of just two out of the seven charges and escaped with a £875,000 fine, but more importantly no point’s deduction.

Faurlin has since come out in the media and claimed he would have killed himself had Rangers been docked points and missed out on promotion.

“We were so happy it ­finished in the right way, otherwise I would have killed myself. From the beginning of the season to the end we were ­always top of the league and worked hard for everysingle point.

“Imagine how I would have felt if I had let down my team. It wasn’t about me, just about my contract. But my name was there and I really felt it.”

Faurlin, now nearly halfway through his third season at the club, has reiterated in the press at how much he is enjoying life at Loftus Road and how pleased he is that he decided to join the West London club, turning down a number of clubs in Italy, Spain and Greece.

Inter Milan were believed to be extremely interested in securing the services of Faurlin however it is believed that Faurlin turned down the chance to sign for the Italian club after Jose Mourinho could not guarantee him first-team football.

Faurlin, now aged 25, has without doubt a very bright future ahead of him. There has already been speculation that Napoli are looking to sign the midfielder, with Chelsea and Arsenal also monitoringthe Argentine’s form. Faurlin has insisted he is happy at Loftus Road, but it is a matter of time before the midfielder moves on to a bigger club in Europe.

However the notion that he is the most underrated player in the League is one I would strenuously disagree with. Faurlin is currently in his first season in the Barclays Premier League so it would be unfair to judge his overall potential in the league until at least a season, although he has proved to be very consistent as thus far.

In my eyes the likes of Micah Richards of Manchester City and Lucas Leiva of Liverpool are two far more illustrious examples of a player’s potential being underrated. Richards is continuously being overlooked by national manager Fabio Capello despite being in outstanding form for table-toppersManchester City. His versatility is another reason why he should be in the England squad, but clearly Fabio disagrees.

Lucas is without doubt one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League and the progress he has made over the last few years has been nothing short of remarkable. Albeit he has been given praise in the media, in my eyes he has not been given enough, he has been consistently good for a sustained period of time, and is currently one of the top midfielders in Europe let alone the Premier League.

Although Faurlin is without doubt a talented midfielder who will inevitably one day play for a top team in Europe, it is too hasty a statement to make to say he is the most underrated player in the league. A player’s potential and form should be judged over the time span of a year or more, not three months into a season.

http://www.footballfriendsonline.com/blogs/2011/12/1/unsung-hero-in-hoops.html

The football networking site Football friends online published my work after picking up on it after seeing it my university’s sport journalism website overtime.co.uk

Sean Gallagher

Billy Sharp- A credit to the footballing world

Billy Sharp – The man every footballer should look at and admire

Last Saturday Billy Sharp’s world must have felt like it was crumbling into pieces. The Sheffield born striker and his girlfriend Jade Fair should have been celebrating the birth of their child Luey Jacob Sharp, but instead experienced the moment any mother or father dreads, the death of their child.

Sharp, understandably in shock and disbelief, was excused from training and was widely expected to not be in contention for Tuesday’s Npower Championship match against Middlesbrough with the tragedy still rift in his mind.

However in a remarkable act of courage and bravery Sharp contacted his manager Dean Saunders on Monday evening and insisted he was available for selection, stating he wanted to play ‘to score for his son’.

Saunders couldn’t refuse and Sharp was named captain for the evening lining up alongside debutant El-Hadji Diouf on Tuesday night as Doncaster looked to secure three vital points that would hopefully lift them off the foot of the table.

Sadly for Sharp and Doncaster this would not be the case as Boro ran out 3-1 winners, but it would be Sharp and not Middlesbrough who would take all the headlines after the match.
Sharp had done what he had set out to do. He had scored for his son. It wasn’t any ordinary goal either. After a flick on from Diouf, he looked to be too wide of the goal to even attempt a shot, but that didn’t stop him unleashing a exquisite volley over keeper Jason Steele in the 14th minute.

Sharp celebrated with his team-mates, pulling up his top to reveal the message ‘That’s for you son’, touching the hearts of the football fraternity.  As Tony Mowbray said in the post-match conference it was ‘the goal from heaven’ and was a fitting moment for the whole occasion.

Sharp understandably touched by all the messages of support he had received from his family, his club and fans across the world, used social networking site twitter to emphasise how grateful himself and Jade were for all the kind words. Some of his tweets included: “My goal tonight was the most important goal of my career dedicated to my brave boy Luey Jacob Sharp. I love u son sleep tight.”

“To captain the side tonight was an honour and a pleasure. I was crying [during] the minute’s applause. Thanks to both sets of fans.”
“My goal had to be something special tonight for my special boy. I’m so proud of him, and his mum.”

Common sense prevailed as referee Darren Deadman opting against booking Sharp, something he should be given high praise for.

Fellow professionals should look at Sharp, in particular a Mr Carlos Tevez, and admire his bravery, commitment and pride. He wanted to play not only for his club and his family, but for the Doncaster fans who follow him week in week out, and they would have been delighted to see their star striker in the starting line-up on Tuesday evening.

Carlos Tevez in particular should learn a lesson from this. After allegedly refusing to warm up for Manchester City against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, in the press there was an unprecedented amount of coverage surrounding this issue, including the high profile rift between Tevez and his manager Roberto Mancini.

The whole issue was just pathetic. You’re getting payed £250,000 a week but it just isn’t enough is it? What Tevez despised more than anything was the fact he was no longer the focal point of the team. The Manchester City team no longer need him. They are good enough without him.

It really is sad when topics like this are being so heavily discussed in the press when you’ve got heroic figures such as Sharp, putting his heart and soul into the game, and still doing so after such a horrendous tragedy.

To play just three days after such personal heartbreak is just unbelievable. A lesser footballer would have made himself unavailable for selection. All this shows us is exactly what type of person Sharp is. The English game should be extremely proud of him indeed. How proud Little Luey must be up there thinking of his dad.

 

http://www.football.co.uk/doncaster_rovers/billy_sharp_-_the_man_every_footballer_should_look_at_and_admire_rss1925514.shtml

I contribute regularly to the website http://www.football.co.uk, where this article is published on.