Leon Best is in talks with Blackburn over a £2 million switch to Ewood Park according to The Sun.
The emergence of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse has left Best in limbo at the Sports Direct Arena and it is thought that more new signings arriving at the club spells the end of Best’s 2 year tenure with the Magpies.
Best impressed last year when Andy Carroll left Tyneside for Liverpool. The former Coventry man was called upon as a replacement and delivered 6 goals in 12 appearances. However, the successes of the Senegalese duo at the spearhead of Newcastle’s team means that the Irishman has slipped way down the pecking order in the North-East.
Rovers, who are expected to lose their star players this summer after the disaster of relegation, are thought to be seeking some experienced players in order to balance their squad which could be primarily made up of youngsters next term. The signing of former Fulham captain Danny Murphy is an astute capture and it is thought that Best would add a proficient, experienced head to the frontline at Ewood Park.
Scottish giants Celtic are also rumoured to be interested in Best but the uncertainty and turmoil north of the border could disinterest the 25-year old, who will be looking for guaranteed first team football.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
This season’s Championship promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive for many years. Across the league there are a number of big names, teams of former glories that are desperate to get back to the top. But with that desire to return to the top division comes an enormous pressure on the managers who have been given the job to get them back to the Premier League.
The 24 teams that make up the second tier include Southampton, Leicester, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Birmingham, West Ham and Leeds. These are just some of the clubs that will be fighting for only three promotion spots come the end of the season. Some will undoubtedly miss out and for the managers that don’t guide their teams to the top or even make good starts to their campaigns, the chop may loom. The increased competition in the league should prove to be an amazing spectacle for fans but for managers, the pressures and headaches will only be greater. Those big clubs will not face an easy task getting back to the Premier League as the standard of England’s second tier continues to increase year on year.
Two of the league’s big teams and favourites for promotion are West Ham and Leicester City. The Hammers have appointed Sam Allardyce to lead them this season and the demand for success and an immediate return to the Premier League means the pressure will be on Allardyce from the start. A bad run could easily see the former Blackburn boss shown the door.
Another manager who sees himself in a similar position is Sven-Goran Eriksson at Leicester. The incredible spending at the club means that the manager will face the expectation of success this season and missing out on promotion could easily spell the end for Sven. In previous years the likes of Leicester and West Ham could have run away with the league but whilst they are still favourites, both face intense competition for the promotion places in a league that could realistically include at least half the teams chasing automatic promotion.
Nottingham Forest’s decision to appoint Steve McClaren as their new boss looks like a great move on paper. The former England manager is experienced and hungry to return to the Premier League. But his experience within the game and the club’s tradition means he has everything to prove again with Forest. McClaren faces the challenge of returning them to the top after years away and this will be no easy task despite his experience and obvious skills as a boss. It is often said that the Championship is the hardest league to get out of and managers (including McClaren) will have to step up to the challenge and prove they can guide their team straight up if most want to stay in their jobs come May next year.
The opening weekend of fixtures didn’t disappoint and the prospect of a whole season of enthralling Championship action is mouthwatering. But the managers of those big clubs will all face an uphill battle and huge pressure to get their teams out of the second tier and back where they belong.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Which Championship manager do you think is under the most pressure? If you want to read more of my bite size, 140 character views and thoughts follow me on Twitter @jennyk5
Inter Milan boss Leonardo paid tribute to Cesena after the Serie A strugglers gave his side a scare on Wednesday.Inter ran out 3-2 winners at the San Siro in Wednesday’s rescheduled top-flight clash, with Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito putting the hosts 2-0 up within the first 15 minutes.
But the treble-winning champions were nearly brought undone soon after as Erjon Bogdani and Emanuele Giaccherini drew Cesena level with strikes before the half hour.
Christian Chivu scored in the shadows of half-time to restore Inter’s advantage, and the improving Italian giants held on through a nervous second half for a fourth straight league victory under Leonardo.
The Brazilian boss credited his side’s improved defence in the second half for keeping Cesena at bay, with goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi a standout for his hard work in the net.
“We started excellently, but we have to give credit to Cesena for coming back from two goals down,” Leonardo told reporters.
“We scored two quick goals, but we weren’t mentally ready in defence.”
“We hadn’t had anything to do, so weren’t organized and suddenly we have conceded a goal. But I’m pleased with how our defence improved later on.”
“The ball pinged around a lot out there, but we worked extremely hard and deserved the win.”
Cesena coach Massimo Ficcadenti was upbeat despite the loss, arguing his men had done well to nearly hold the form side in the Italian league.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“We nearly matched the strongest team of the moment,” Ficcadenti said.
“At 2-0 it could have been a blowout but we did well to stay in the game. I think we did well to come close (to Inter).”
When Hodgson was approached for the England job seven weeks ago his doubters outnumbered the supporters en masse. Seen as a cheap, safe alternative to Redknapp the former Fulham, Liverpool and West Brom man was far from the choice of the people.
For many, his best opportunity was to se the European Championships as way to prepare for tests further down the line. Criticisms included that he was a ‘small team’ manager who worked better with lesser players. Hodgson may have won over fans and critics alike but the sentiment of using the tournament as preparation for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 still rings true.
Yes, England can do well in this tournament but that doesn’t mean it is not a lesson for the future and, with the World Cup qualifiers beginning in September, the performances of our players in this tournament will have some bearing in how England progress post Euro 2012.
So, looking at the performances so far, and taking in to consideration the relative age of the team, which players should we be looking at for the road to Brazil?
Joe Hart
To be described by Gianluigi Buffon as one of the best keepers in the world is no mean feat, especially considering the Italian captain was thought by many to be the number one in the world for many years.
What makes the prospect of Joe Hart’s development even more impressive is that, at 25, there is so much more to come. England legend David Seaman recently said he believed Hart could go on to become the greatest English keeper of all time – that in itself is debateable, yet the quality of his play and the confidence he inspires is undeniable.
England’s defence may soon say goodbye to the likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole who are all over thirty but with Hart at the base of the defence the plans for development at least have a secure foundation. A possible future captain, Hart seems unlikely to be moved from England’s line up for years to come.
Phil Jones
Yet to play in Euro 2012, Phil Jones might not be everybody’s idea of the future heart of the English defence, but he doesn’t have a whole lot of competition. Yes, there is Chris Smalling, and Gary Cahill and Joleon Lescott will make it to the next World Cup, but Phil Jones has the potential to easily surpass his compatriots. Like it or not it is unlikely that Ferdinand or Terry will play another international tournament for England and Hodgson must start looking to the future now.
Jones started last season exceptionally well and despite his dip in form you’d have to say that Hodgson must have faith in the United youngster to include him ahead of Micah Richards. It remains unlikely that he will feature in Poland or Ukraine as even if one of our centre halves were to get injured or suspended you would imagine that Jagielka, with his not inconsiderable international experience, would be the man to fill the void. However, Jones remains England’s brightest hope for a future centre half and he will definitely have a role to play in the qualifiers for 2014.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
A raw talent, but a talent nonetheless. Not since Wayne Rooney’s goal for Everton against Arsenal as a teenager have fans and pundits been so excited by an English prospect. Chamberlain has gone, in the space of 18 months, from playing in League One to scoring in the Champions League and starting against France in an international tournament. Exuding confidence and technical ability there’s no telling how fast the former Southampton winger can progress.
Wenger himself expressed his surprise as to the speed of his development claiming that he had not really intended to use him at all for Arsenal last season. However, such was his growth, Chamberlain ended up playing 26 times for Arsenal, scoring 4 goals along the way. If, in a year, Chamberlain has progressed from League One to Champions League, in a further twelve months he could be ready to nail down a place in England’s starting line up. All of the experience he gains from these European Championships can only benefit his advancement.
Wayne Rooney + Danny Welbeck
Ever since Rooney came on to the international scene in 2004 he has been crying out for a decent strike partner. Yes, Michael Owen initially formed an on-field rapport with the United forward but his demise coincided with Rooney’s rise. Vassell, Heskey, Crouch, Bent, Defoe and others have all tried and failed to develop a meaningful football relationship with the former Everton man but at last Welbeck appears to be answer. Rooney may have looked rusty against Ukraine but after only one season of playing together at United the partnership they have formed is a proven combination.
Rooney will soon be 27. The time between now and the World Cup in 2014 will be the best years of his career, and now Welbeck is here to help get the best out of him.
We should expect Carroll’s form to improve over the next few years but it will be hard to replicate the effectiveness of a partnership honed at club level.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Whatever your thoughts on England’s future, our friends at Samsung are interested in hearing them. Samsung have asked football fans ‘what matters most’ to them. I have added my thoughts to the process and I suggest you do the same by clicking here to be in with a chance to win a whole host of goodies, including a Samsung Smart Television ES8000 55”. Why not join the debate…
Click here to let Samsung know what matters most to you in football…
David Beckham will line up for the MLS All Stars in a friendly against his former side Manchester United next week.Beckham, who plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy, was named in the 22-man MLS All Stars squad which will face the English Premier League champions in New York on July 27.
Former Arsenal striker and MLS equal-leading scorer Thierry Henry will also get the chance to renew hostilities with his old Premier League rivals, with the New York Red Bulls man named as one of six forwards.
The other big name in the team which will face United in the penultimate game of the American tour is USA international Landon Donovan, who is level with Henry at the head of the MLS goal-scoring charts this season with nine.
All-Star veterans such as Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo) and Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake) also feature in Hans Backe’s side, as do exciting newcomers like Sporting Kansas City’s Omar Bravo, Colombian international Faryd Mondragon and speedy Jamaican striker Omar Cummings.
It is the second consecutive year that Manchester United has played the MLS All Star team, with the English side winning 5-2 last time they met.
MLS All Stars: Goalkeepers: Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Faryd Mondragon (Philadelphia Union).
Defenders: Corey Ashe (Houston Dynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Bobby Convey (San Jose Earthquakes), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (Red Bull New York).
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Portland Timbers), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Nick LaBrocca (Chivas USA).
Forwards: Juan Agudelo (Red Bull New York), Omar Bravo (Sporting Kansas City), Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Thierry Henry (Red Bull New York), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes).
Let’s face it; the transfer window system is a little rubbish. The concept of convenience is thrown out the window (how apt) as football clubs are forced to do their business in accordance to the rules laid down by an external governing body. This only benefits teams with well-developed squads and often leaves newly-promoted sides in the lurch as they fail to bolster any success they may have earned by bringing in reinforcements. The day of the short-term replacement is well and truly over.
Once the season has begun, injury-struck teams are unable to plug the leaks in their squad until January. Each and every club is forced to participate in a confined player-feeding-frenzy, which can often reveal the worst side of football – accusations of tapping up, transfer bungs and the manipulation of the press to unsettle the players (I’m looking at you Marca). It’s not pretty.
Hate it or love it, the January transfer window plays a defining role in the course of a season. So how important is the transfer window likely to be for the top five teams this season? Who needs to spend what if they can hope to win anything this season?
Manchester United have already claimed that they aren’t looking to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window. Despite this, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did make an addition or two. They’re currently in pole position for the Premier League title and may want to add some strength in depth as they attempt to maintain their grip. This season United have been lacking down the wings: Giggs isn’t getting any younger, Ji-Sung Park is off at the Asian Cup, and Gabriel Obertan isn’t making the grade. I wouldn’t be surprised to see United make an addition in that area of the park.
Manchester City are likely to be the window’s biggest spenders. They’ve already agreed a fee for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko. Rated at £27 million, the 24-year-old represents an important acquisition for City. With strikers like Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor on the way out they needed to reinforce that area of the pitch. It would surprise nobody if they made further purchases this January in order to build on the success they have had so far this season.
Not so long ago Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke about how he saw no need to add to Chelsea’s squad in the oncoming transfer window. After the last month or so, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had changed his tune. With a history of big-spending, Chelsea are likely to make some additions to their squad in the hope that they can improve their form. I expect that at the very least they’ll bring in a striker to perk up their aging attack force.
Arsene Wenger has been typically obtuse regarding the January transfer window. The Gunners are notoriously tight-pursed when it comes to spending and I can’t see things being any different this time round. Any spending is likely to depend on whether or not Vermaelen recovers from his troublesome ankle-injury. If he doesn’t, expect to see Wenger bring in another defender as the Gunners attempt to deal with their fragility at the back.
Tottenham are a whole different kettle of fish. If they are to stand any chance of winning the Premier League they will have to spend and spend big. This doesn’t mean bringing in players just for the sake of it. With Harry Redknapp in charge, I’m sure Spurs will only go after players who add something to their squad. That’s why I was glad to see Redknapp express some concern at the prospect of Tottenham signing David Beckham. The likes of Ashley Young or Luis Suarez would make more suitable additions at White Hart Lane. If Spurs play their cards right, who knows what they can achieve?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Whose January transfer window do you think will be the most significant? Are there any players you’d like to see join your club? Please feel free to leave comments or to follow me on Twitter @ThePerfectPass.
[divider]
Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of Arsenal v Man City and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!
Leeds fans are once again impressed by Ronaldo Vieira, as the young midfielder made his return to action in the 2-1 win against Bolton.
Paul Heckingbottom finally got the win he so desperately needed on Friday, as his side overcame Bolton thanks to goals from Caleb Ekuban and Pablo Hernandez.
Fans were particularly impressed by Ronaldo Vieira, as the young midfielder played for the first time since the 3-0 loss to Middlesbrough last month.
Vieira is still raw, and Heckingbottom says the pressure from his tremendous breakthrough season has hampered his form this season.
“He burst onto the scene and he’s got tremendous attributes and big potential but he’s got to learn about himself and about the game, about what’s required,” the manager said.
[ad_pod ]
“That’s our job but sometimes when young players burst in like that, the pressure put on them is not necessary. It can be tough to handle when you’re already playing at a big club in a tough league, as a young person.”
The 19 year-old’s form has certainly dipped this season, but there is a feeling amongst fans that he is the best long-term option in midfield, especially given the poor form of the likes Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips.
Vieira was everywhere on Friday against Bolton, making four tackles, four clearances and one block, while also managing four successful long balls, which was the most of any outfield player.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
While it’s hard to disagree with the manager’s comments that the youngster needs time and patience, fans want to see more of Vieira, who has already made over 50 league appearances for the club.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
With the January transfer window closed, Louis van Gaal now has six months to decide who does and who doesn’t have a long term future in his Manchester United squad, before it reopens in July.
Indeed, it’s been a season of transition at Old Trafford despite the Red Devils’ respectable standing of third in the Premier League table, with £150million worth of new players arriving alongside a new manager, a new philosophy and several new formations.
Resultantly however, there’s now plenty of deadwood piling around Old Trafford that appears to be surplus to requirements.
So, with that in mind, here’s FIVE players the 13-time Premier League champions should throw on the scrapheap come the summer.
ASHLEY YOUNG
The sheer presence of Ashley Young at Old Trafford is more than enough justification for Louis van Gaal to spend fortunes on another wide-man this summer, because the former Aston Villa star is way below Manchester United standard.
To give credit where it’s due, the one-time England man produced some impressive performances as an emergency wing-back earlier in the season, but that’s more a homage to van Gaal’s bizarre selection antics than Young’s ability as a footballer.
He’s scored just two Premier League goals in the last two-and-a-half terms at Carrington, hasn’t represented the Three Lions since 2013 and is widely considered as one of the most prolific, cynical and dramatic divers in English football.
Now 29 years of age with just a single season remaining on his contract, Young’s United tenure has surely run its course.
JUAN MATA
Juan Mata’s top-class quality remains undoubted, and the Spaniard’s return of eleven goals and seven assists in 35 Premier League appearances since moving to Manchester United last January is certainly nothing to be sniffed at.
But the former Chelsea star’s inclusion in United’s starting Xi tends to cause more problems than it solves, not least resulting in Wayne Rooney moving deeper into central midfield to accomodate for Mata’s preferred role of No.10.
The top heavy nature of the Red Devils’ squad is no secret and swapping the 26 year-old for a more defensive midfielder this summer, such as Sami Khedira or Kevin Strootman, would certainly balance it out somewhat.
Then again, United would likely make a significant loss on their original £37million investment if they sold Mata just 18 months later, and for that reason alone his Red Devils career could span past the summer.
NICK POWELL
Nick Powell was tipped for great things when Manchester United signed him from Crewe Alexandra back in summer 2012 but he’s since gone on to make just two league appearances for his parent club, spending the majority of his time struggling to convince amid loan spells with Wigan and Leicester City.
With the Latics for example, the midfielder-come-striker found just seven goals in 32 Championship appearances, whilst the Foxes called upon him on just three occasions this season before cancelling the England U21’s loan stay six months early.
Powell’s still just 20 years old and has plenty of football ahead of him, but after failing to imprint upon Sir Alex Ferguson’s, David Moyes’ or Louis van Gaal’s first team plans, his development might progress quicker at another club.
Even if Powell isn’t parted with on a permanent basis this summer, he desperately needs a loan move to a top flight club that will guarantee him regular football.
CHRIS SMALLING
Regardless of his Man of the Match display against Burnley, Manchester United should be aiming a little higher than hap-hazard defender Chris Smalling.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
There’s no doubting the 25 year-old’s credentials off the ball, particularly when it comes to the defensive basics of headers, interceptions, tackles and clearances, but he’s a real liability in possession and struggles to cope with the pressure in important matches – his red card against Manchester City earlier this term being a classic example.
Although Smalling is a decent enough member of the squad, Manchester United should be making room for more coveted defensive arrivals this summer, such as Marquinhos or Mats Hummels, who would truly lift the quality of the Red Devils’ starting Xi.
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
A controversial suggestion perhaps, considering Robin van Persie is Manchester United’s leading goalscorer in the league this season with ten goals from 23 appearances, bringing his total across all competitions for the Red Devils to an impressive 57 in 97.
But the Dutch assassin requires an incredibly unique kind of service to get the best out of him – particularly, pin-point accurate long passes from deep positions – which seems impossible for the Red Devils to produce in every game.
Likewise, the 31 year-old offers no physical presence at all in the lone front-man role, rendering the Red Devils worryingly undynamic going forward this season, and his long-term injury problems are well known.
It wouldn’t constitute the worst situation imaginable if RVP stayed on at Old Trafford past the summer. But inevitably declining as a top-class striker and set to enter the final year of his contract come July, United have certainly reached a crossroad regarding the former Arsenal star’s future.
The recent publication of this year’s Deloitte Football Money League review was hardly met with untold worry by Tottenham Hotspur fans, but the news that the club had posted an overall loss in revenue would have certainly provoked a universal grunt of frustration.
You don’t need to have anything in the way of an economics degree to figure out why the club’s total revenue took a £19.3million hit during the 2011/12 season, with the glaring absence of Champions League football proving an inescapable demon for all connected with the club.
The frustration on missing out on another chance to dine on Europe’s most exclusive table was always going to hit the club’s bank balance as much as it left its supporters dreadfully disappointed. The doors that Champions League football opens in terms of both financial luxury and player recruitment hardly need preaching to a set of supporters who are reminded almost daily about its merits.
But it was within another statistic within Deloitte’s annual review that bears a similar level of perpetual frustration, yet an even more harmful word of caution to their long-term financial prospects.
Deloitte’s description of ‘capacity constraints at White Hart Lane’ might serve to do Spurs’ hallowed old ground something of a disservice, but as is always the case when the Football Money League is wheeled out, a glance down the road to fierce North London rivals usually tends to bring a brutal sense of perspective.
Because although a £20.6million disparity in broadcasting income between Spurs and Arsenal can be accounted for amongst their failure to gain Champions League qualification, a staggering £54.1million difference in their matchday income, most certainly cannot.
It’s the elephant that’s been in the room for several years now in North London and after what feels like a lifetime of struggles to get their long-awaited Northumberland Development Project off the ground, talk of the new White Hart Lane has a touch of the taboos about it.
Not because fans harness anything in the way of anger towards the project; most supporters are well aware of the delicate need to attain naming rights before phase two of the development (the stadium itself) can even begin to be thought of as a reality. Yet with there being no immediate news in sight from a club who continue tend to give very little-away in regards to stadium developments, some have felt it easier to simply just put it to the back of their minds.
Although for however far your head may have been in the sand in regards to Spurs’ stadia-based woes, this latest round of financial figures should leave you with little doubt as to quite how important attaining an increased capacity stadium is to the club’s future.
Because while they might be on the same plateau of competition with Arsenal in the Premier League this season, financially, the Gunners are in a different postcode. And regardless of whether Andre Villas-Boas’ side achieve their target of qualifying for the Champions League this season, without the eventual development of White Hart Lane or the less-likely arrival of a sugar-daddy in N17, that fight to attain elite European football may become unsustainable.
There is a school of thought amongst some sections of fans that following their Uefa Champions League adventure during the 2010-11 season, that chairman Daniel Levy was hiding a nice chunk of money behind the White Hart Lane sofa for him and ENIC head-honcho Joe Lewis to sit upon.
Yet for all the lavish financial gains that their run to the quarterfinals brought to the club, it also brought its fair share of financial pain as well, primarily to the tune of a 36% increase in their wage bill from £67million to £91million. If you consider that the total of Spurs’ additional revenue as a result of their Champions League run was estimated to sit at around £37million, the hit they took in wages hardly equates to peanuts.
Should Tottenham qualify for the Champions League again next year, they will of course be able to look forward to a similar slew of riches that will fall their way, although those expecting a change in attitude from Levy towards a summer of excess on transfer fees and wages are likely to yet again feel disappointed.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The supporters know better than anyone just how volatile qualification for the Champions League may be. Some will argue that you have to speculate to accumulate and show ambition to get there in the first place. Although it’s worth noting that Chelsea harness a £170million wage bill and still finished outside the top-four last year.
Of course, they still eventually qualified for the competition. Although should that hypothetically happen to Spurs next season after splashing out on couple of big money transfers tied down to £100,000-a-week contracts, they haven’t got a Russian billionaire to balance out the books when the Champions League party reneges for another season. The point is here that while Champions League football is absolutely vital to the club in both the long and short term, it doesn’t represent a secure means of income of which to finance the sort of financial boost the club needs to take them to the next level.
As the club have proved in recent years, you don’t need a relatively gargantuan wage bill to compete for a top-four finish, yet as they continue to loose financial ground to their rivals, it’s going to become increasingly difficult to do so. Qualifying for the Champions League this season would be a massive stepping-stone en route to further success both on and off the pitch. But without securing the funding for a new stadium, the chances are their Champions League pushes are likely to become fewer and further between.
Make sure you do your Tax Return before the 31st January, click here now
Former Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has suggested Magpies striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, rated at £7.2m by Transfermarkt, is thriving during a loan spell with Fulham because he has been shown the love by Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic that he has never really got from Rafa Benitez.
McClaren brought the Serbia international to St James’ Park when he was in charge in 2015, with the centre-forward scoring five goals before the former England boss was sacked in March 2016.
However, he has found life difficult under Benitez since with his temperament likely to be one of the Spaniard’s biggest concerns, and he often found himself as the third-choice striker behind Dwight Gayle and Joselu this term before the arrival of Islam Slimani on loan from Leicester City on January 31 allowed him to drop down into the Championship with Fulham.
The 23-year-old has since netted seven goals in nine appearances for the in-form west London outfit, with all of those coming in his previous six outings, and 67% of Newcastle fans said they wanted him back on Tyneside in a poll conducted last month.
[ad_pod ]
It is form that hasn’t surprised McClaren, who believes it is down to his positive relationship with his manager at Craven Cottage.
The 56-year-old said, via the Chronicle Live: “He came in as a young boy at Newcastle, he needs to be loved, needs to be believed in, trusted.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“I think Jokanovic, being Serbian, I think they’ve got that connection and once you get the best out of him, he’s not only a good player outside the box, bringing other players into it, he scores goals.”
Newcastle can move a step closer to securing their Premier League status for another season when they host fellow strugglers Huddersfield Town on March 31, and Benitez will be hoping that Slimani is finally fit enough to feature in the matchday squad.