The Joys of (Amateur) Football Management….

Going into the game, I was happy, I was confident. I had 13 players, including 2 subs that I knew were decent at football.

Kick-off was looming, I gathered the players round in a circle and started telling them how I wanted us to play. Utilise the wings, let our wingers use their pace. Hit the channels and use the speed of the striker to get onto the ball over the top. Keep it on the deck when we can to bring their defence out and then hit it over the top. In my head, it all sounded good, the players looked like they had taken it on board.

Again, I won the coin-toss and I wasn’t allowed (apparently it is a rule) to opt to kick-off, so I stayed as we were, knowing that we’d have the slight slope in the 2^nd half.

The game started and we didn’t switch on. Straight from kick-off a ball was played down the right which was flicked into the striker who’s first time shot beat the keeper and we were 1-0 down with around 10 seconds played – shocking. I tried my hardest to shout encouragement at my players, telling them to get stuck in and switch on.

My mind was racing and thinking about what I could do to change the situation. It was too early and would have been to knee-jerk to change anything after such little time.

We got the ball down and passed it around. But were hit twice in quick succession and I found my team 3-0 down with 10 minutes to half-time. It appeared everything they struck was going in. The half-time whistle blew and I couldn’t wait to get the lads around.

If this was Football Manager, my team-talk would have been “aggressive – I want to see something different from you”. I lay into my players, saying how we had discussed before about what we wanted to do, and that no-one was doing it. I ended with some encouraging words about how even if we lose, we need to go back to the changing rooms and say we gave it our all. I handed over to my vice-captain, who again, re-iterated the points that we hadn’t shown up, we had shown nothing that we were capable of – “everyone needed to step up”.

 The "Aggressive"teamtalk.... It didn't work for Phil Brown and it didn't work for me.

We went out for the 2^nd half and immediately put them on the back foot. Camping in the opposition half, we pummelled them with long throws and corners, with the ball always just falling out of reach of the striker.  I thought to myself “That’s done the trick, the lads have listened”.

A few minutes later, due to some shoddy defending and bad luck, we were 4-0 down. I subbed myself off and brought a substitute.

From the sidelines, I tried my best to encourage the team, but to no avail. 5, 6, 7-0 down. I tried to get the lads to play for some pride and encouraged them to attack. We got a goal back, a scrappy tap-in from a throw in. But, heads were down. The game finished as a 9-1 loss. I felt terrible. This was shocking. The opposition weren’t anything good, they didn’t really out play us. I was gutted. On basis of play, we deserved to lose, but not that heavily.

The lads all came in after the game and we spoke for a few minutes about what had happened. “We didn’t show, we had no heart, we let them bully us”. After speaking to them sternly and honestly, they all agreed that must do so much better next week. I finished off with “Right, we sweep this under the carpet and learn from it. We have to play better next week”.

The lads trundled back to the changing rooms miserable, I hang around with my vice-captain to discuss which lads we wanted to keep, what we were going to do next week and what formation to play.

In the pub after we literally dissected everything about the game. Tactics will change and the lads have to work harder. We need to stop trying to play football and clear the ball when it is needed. Get more shots of, utilise the wingers, play an out and out holding midfielder to help the defence.

Anyway, after a spanking like that, I just wanted to get on to the next match and put it right. Unfortunately for the guys, I’m taking the next training session and they are going to have to work very hard to make up for that performance.

So, still looking for that first legitimate win, and hoping to not get another drubbing. 

Cup game next week, and we have been drawn against the league champions of the division above us..... Brilliant.

The Joys of (Amateur) Football Management

Dave Nicholls

I've recently been appointed as the 4th team player-manager for my Saturday team. We play in the 4th division (of 4) in Bristol and this will be my weekly (maybe fortnightly) blog to let you see what its like to be a Saturday team football manager. I will state one thing though, this blog will not be talking about my players in a sense of who was good/rubbish.

Ok, so we are 3 games into the season, and so far my record is Played 3, won 1, lost 2, scored 1, conceded 6.  So, it hasn't been the best of starts, and did I mention that the win was because the opposition couldn't get a team together, meaning we got a 0-0 win (figure that out). I put this down to numerous reasons. 1) Not having a settled side. 2) Not really knowing anyone. 3) Not being sure of who plays best in what position.

A little note: There will be more structure and managerial insight in my  future blogs, I just felt that I had to fit both previous games into this first post to give you an insight into my team.

The first week I think I'll remember for a while, and I know I'll use it as a motivational team talk in the future. After the selection meeting on Monday, I had a team lined up, there were 11 players (a good start) and no subs. By the time it got to Thursday, I was down to 9 players and was texting everyone I knew that could kick a ball relatively well. By game time on Saturday I had 12 confirmed players, with a goalkeeper saying his was available that morning.

Come game time and I had 10 players kitted and ready to go. We trundled over to the pitch and I got one of my more senior players to put the others through, what actually seemed like, a vigorous warm up whilst I frantically tried to phone any stragglers. After none of them picking up their phones, I joined in the warm up and got the lads doing the classic amateur football team warm up of piggy in the middle.

The ref called me into the centre circle for the coin toss and I won..... a good start to my managerial career I thought. just before kick-off an injured spectator (who played for the team last year) said he would be happy to stand up front and be a man for them to mark. Bonus, that gives me 11 (10.5) players, he quickly got changed and stood (literally, as he had an ankle injury) on the edge of the opposition area.

The game started well, we kept the ball and cleared it when necessary, created a few chances and pretty much stopped them from attacking. We went in at half time 1-1 with our injured 11th man scoring a tap in from a few yards. I was delighted and told the guys that if we can keep going, we can win this game. We had the better players.

The 2nd half was a mixed bag. The players put all their effort into the game, but with my injured team-mate going off and then my left winger pulling his hamstring 5 mins after the 2nd half start, it was always going to be tough. Down to 9, we battled on and defended solidly. A very dodgy linesman decision put the opposition striker through 1 on 1. He was fouled by the keeper and tucked away the resulting penalty. We lost the game 2-1, but I was very pleased with my team, especially as we ended with 9 men and hit the bar in the last few minutes.

After the first game, I thought I was in for a torrid time selection wise and although I was happy with how the team did, I knew that those players who had played well for me were probably going up to the 3rd team for next week game.

The mid-week game on Thursday was called off, and we secured an infamous 0-0 win, and gained 3 vital points.

I went to the selection meeting preparing for the worst. And low and behold, for the game on the next Saturday, I lost my attacking creative midfielder (called to 3rd team), both full backs (called to 3rd team), my goalkeeper (back to uni), my right and left winger (called to 3rd team and injured respectively) and my centre forwards (Injury and holiday).

Still, I left the selection meeting on Monday with 11 players in a standard "keep it simple" 4-4-2 formation. I was happy. Come Saturday, I wasn't. I was on my 5th centre back pairing since Monday and had lost another winger to a higher team.

          "Lets keep it simple" - Your bog standard 4-4-2        

However, with other players returning from holiday and what-not, I was able to put out a full 11 and even have 2 subs (both players new to the club). My problem this time was I had no strikers. Meaning that I had to play myself, a centre back by trade, up front as an emergency centre forward, being supported by a guy that normally plays left back or left midfield.

We started poorly and went down 1-0 straight away to a very flukey freekick goal. No one was to blame. It stayed this way to half-time after I had squandered a few chances with my shovel of a right foot.  During the break I said how well we were doing and we just needed to keep going. I mentioned things that, looking back, I probably picked up from football manager, like "hit the channels a bit more" and "lets try and play the ball into the space". I felt like I was getting through to the players.

After another freak wonder goal for the opposition, a blistering shoot from just inside out half, I switched formation to 3-5-2. We were dominating them and creating plenty of chances. However, we were very vulnerable on the counter and got beaten by 2 long balls. We ended up losing 4-0, which was a very flattering scoreline for the opposition.

I gathered the lads in after the game and said the scoreline was unfair and undeserved. I was proud of all of them and we were the only team trying to get it down and play football. Our keeper got MoM on his debut after he had kept us in the game at 2-0 down when were hit on the counter a couple of times.

I knew that it would be tough when I agreed to take the role as player-manager of the 4th team, I mean after all, my job is to get new players playing for the club and get them moving up the teams if they are good enough. Or, if they aren't destined to go up the teams, then keep them in the 4ths and get them enjoying their run out. Hopefully picking up some wins on the way.

At least, after the selection meeting this Monday, I had a set 13 players for Saturday's game. It is now Wednesday and I have 14 confirmed players. Here is hoping they all show up and I get my first legitimate win as a football manager!

Euro 2012 Predictions

Dave Nicholls

Group A Winner: Russia
Group B Winner: Germany
Group C Winner: Spain
Group D Winner: France

Finalists: Germany vs. Spain

Winner: Germany
It is their time. Although the recently friendly performances before the tournament have shown Germany in poor form, in competitive and knock-out football they have shown they will be there or there-about come the end. A group of young players from the World Cup have matured into a well oiled machine. Low will have them playing well and the goals will flow.

Dark Horse: Russia
The Russians are hard to break down and have a distinctively average team on paper. However, they will win their group at a canter and will then get a surprise result against the Netherlands (or Portugal) in the Quarter finals. I predicted the winner to be Germany, and they will knock Russia out. However, Russia can not be disappointed after a vast overachievement of reaching the Semis. A chance they could go all the way – a definite dark horse.

Underachiever: Italy
They will not qualify from the group. A disappointing tournament will be compound by a draw with Ireland as their only solitary point.

Golden Boot: Mario Gomez
He will lead the line for the eventual winners. He will definitely be amongst the goals. 

Josh Coull
Group A Winner: Poland
Group B Winner: Netherlands
Group C Winner: Spain
Group D Winner: England

Finalists: Spain vs. Netherlands

Winner: Netherlands
By my predictions we’ll see a repeat of the World Cup final, only with a different result this time. Spain are clearly a technically superb side, but when these two match up the Dutch will have the added motivation of revenge on their side. They have potent strikers, a balanced midfield and experience throughout their side, three factors that will see them through.

Dark Horse: Poland
Host countries normally overachieve at major tournaments, with two to pick from here I’m plucking for Poland (cue Ukraine winning the tournament). With the in form Lewandowski leading the line, the support of the crowd behind them anything can happen.

Underachiever: Italy
There is quality amongst the squad, but I just don’t see where the goals will come from. None of their strikers have been in prolific form this season and as we know, goals win games.

Golden Boot: Robin van Persie
The combination of his own finishing prowess, the ability of the players around him to create him chances and playing the most number of games will see RVP lead the way.

Euro 2012, who to take?

Come the end of today, Roy Hodgson will be in the hot seat of English football. His West Brom career will have ended and he will be days away from naming his Euro 2012 squad. So, who should he take?

Formation 4-4-1-1 / 4-4-2

We can't attack teams like Spain or Germany, we need to be solid before we attack. Flooding the midfield with 5 and reverting to a 2 man attack on the counter attack is the way we should play, utilising the speed and fast paced football that the premier-league has shown us week in week out.

Goalkeeper

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart

John Ruddy

Ben Amos

I don't think anyone could look past Joe Hart as England's goalkeeper for the Euros and many tournaments to follow. So the choices are for the back-up and the back-up's back-up.

Much like Josh, I think Ruddy has had a great season and being the only other English 'keeper available for the national side who is playing regularly in the premier league, he should definitely go.

My choice of Ben Amos as the 3rd keeper is controversial, but I look at it like this; How often is the 3rd choice goalkeeper used in a major tournament? Why not pick a youngster that will benefit from the experience? Why not use the current U21s goalkeeper who may benefit from being around goalkeepers and coaches who he won't train with everyday at his club? - putting these factors in, I would rather take Amos, than Ben Foster or Rob Green – especially as neither of these will replace Joe Hart as England's No.1 in the future.

Defence

Right Backs

Kyle Walker

Micah Richards

Winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award topped of a fantastic season for Tottenham's pacey right back. He looks like he could be the right back England have been missing since Gary Neville retired. Solid defensively and great attacking. I think he could do a great job for England over the next number of tournaments.

Backing him up would be the immoveable object that is Micah Richards, a man mountain who can attack with pace. However, his defensive lapses (although not overly common) would make him my back-up to Walker.

Left Backs

Ashley Cole

Leighton Baines

Er, Ashley Cole. Why, why, why must you be so good at football. For such a notorious scum-bag of a human being he makes up for being a knob with his footballing ability. Undoubtedly England's best left-back and a certainty to be in everyone's selections for Poland & Ukraine.

Although Cole is England's first choice, his back-up is equally consistent if not blessed with quite as good ability. Leighton Baines can deliver a great set-piece, he can defend and can cross well from deep – its just a shame his in the same era as Ashley Cole. A more than adequate back-up.

Centre Backs

Rio Ferdinand

John Terry

Joleon Lescott

Gary Cahill (if fit) / Phil Jones

A tough decision as England never seen to lack a good centre half. Joleon Lescott has had a graet season alongside Vincent Kompany for the blue half of Manchester – however, I'm still keen to see how he would cope without the big Belgian next to him. Would the likes of Rio Ferdinand be able to bring the best out of Lescott too. I am certain that John Terry wouldn't.

In fact, I'd prefer to not take John Terry, his constant 'run behind Petr Cech for a goal-line block rather than make a tackle' appraoch to defending is really starting to annoy me. But, for his experience and (annoyingly) leadership qualities, he does need to go – however, he doesn't need to start.

If Gary Cahill is fit, I'd take him. I think he has played well for Chelsea when he has been picked. However the injury he picked up against Barcelona could rule him out of selection and Hodgson may look elsewhere. If he can't make it, I'd take Phil Jones – experience is good for youngsters, he is playing for the biggest club in England and he also has versatility of playing at right back and holding midfield – which could come in handy in tournament football.

Midfield

Central Midfielders

Rather than splitting them into defensive/attacking/playmaker players, I thought I'd list all the central midfield players who I feel warrant a place on the plane – and why.

Scott Parker

Michael Carrick

Gareth Barry

Frank Lampard

Steven Gerrard / Paul Scholes

Scott Parker has been instrumental for Spurs and solidified his place in Capello's team before the Italian's resignation. I feel that he has done enough at his club, and for his country when given the chance, to warrant a place on the plane. He will most likely be given a place in the starting eleven in the upcoming friendlies to continue to prove his value to the England set-up.

Michael Carrick has been possibly the most consistent midfielder in the Premiership this year after Scott Parker. I will agree that previous seasons has seen him regress, but this season I feel he has stepped up to the plate for United, and with the re-emergence of Paul Scholes, has shown that he can break up play and spread accurate passes to the wingers.

Although Gareth Barry has been a constant in the Manchester City team, he wouldn't start in my England team. I just can't shake that image of him lumbering against Germany. I feel that he doesn't give more than Scott Parker or Michael Carrick could give. However, he does deserve a place on the plane and is decent replacement to have.

Then we come to the golden generation, the last hurrah for the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Both have great, genuine attacking talent and both, as per usual – would be fighting for one place in the England team. If this question had been asked to me about 4 months ago, neither of these players would be on the list. Lampard was a shadow of his old self due to AVB's man management techniques and Gerrard was hounded by injury. But, both have had more regular football recently and have shown the ability of there old-selves. Frank Lampard has been in better form than Gerrard and so would get a nod ahead of Liverpudlian for a starting place. Gerrard to come on as substitute and, hopefully, produce the magic he is capable of.

Paul Scholes, if he makes himself available, would be the ideal man to bring on when a team can't be broken down – or when protecting a lead. His passing accuracy has been above 95% in the Premier League since his return for United. He gives the ability to keep possesion and knock an accurate ball over the full backs to an on-rushing wide man. However, as I feel he won't come out of international retirement - he is not in my actual selection.

Wingers

Ashley Young

Theo Walcott

Matt Jarvis

I'm of the opinion that players need to be playing to go to a major tournament. All of the wingers I've listed are currently playing and are playing reasonably well for their clubs.

Ashley Young, in my opinion is the best English winger availbale – diving aside, he is good with both feet, can control the ball well and can ping in a decent cross. Playing him on the left allows the option to swing in a very good delivery from out wide, or cut into his favoured right foot and have a go at goal – as with seen at United a fair few times this season.

Theo Walcott should go just because he could decide to do something useful. When he doesn't think about what he is doing he is a great play. As soon as he is given time, he panics and confuses himself. Probably the man to start on the right wing, he can deliver and good ball, and he can shoot – we just have to hope the 'can' turns into 'does'.

Matt Jarvis was arguably Wolves' best player this season in a relegation ending season. He was a constant threat and assisted most of Steven Fletcher's headed goals. Would be a good edition to the England squad and would be another player that could go on either winger. He is pacey and controlled and can also deliver a good ball.

Although my selection of wingers is controversial, I feel that Jarvis would represent a better selection than Stewart Downing (far to poor this season) and Adam Johnson (Not enough playing time at Man City).

Forward

Strikers

Wayne Rooney

Daniel Sturridge

Danny Welbeck

Grant Holt / Peter Crouch

Basically, I'd take Wayne Rooney, even if he plays one game. He can be a genuine world-beater on his day and can help link play to a striker ahead of him or play as the lead role of the front line. Simpy put, he is England's best.

Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck fall under the same category. Young, fast and goalscorers. Both can be deployed on the wing if injuries to the squad mean that it is needed. This tournament could give them great experience for the future.

I can't choose between Grant Holt and Peter Crouch. Both have scored a reasonable number of goals this year. Crouch would probably just edge it over Holt as he has proved he can score for England – however, saying that Holt is a stockier more old fashioned centre forward and I'd love to give him a chance. That pick is to hard to call.

If I had to, I'd go for Holt to give him a chance as he has been in slightly better form than Crouch, and after all, he'd do better than Carroll!

Final XI

GK: Joe Hart

DR: Kyle Walker

DL: Ashley Cole

DC: Rio Ferdinand

DC: Joleon Lescott

MR: Theo Walcott

ML: Ashley Young

MC: Scott Parker

MC: Michael Carrick

AMC: Frank Lampard (Possibly Wayne Rooney)

FC: Grant Holt / Wayne Rooney

Dave

Read who Josh Coull and Owain East think Roy should take to €2012 here and here.

Euro 2012, who to take?

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart

John Ruddy

Rob Green

Out of the twenty Premier League clubs, only four have an Englishman as their first choice Goalkeeper, and two of those have retired from International duty. So it’s slim pickings for top flight Goalkeepers, luckily we have one of the world’s best between the sticks, Scott Carson Joe Hart. The other two spots will hopefully be taken up by players we only see warming the bench, but just in case they have to come on I suppose it would be advisable to choose the next best options. John Ruddy has had a barnstorming season and is the only other available top flight English goalkeeper. Rob Green also comes in, and when has he ever let England down? What? Oh has he, ah. And Rob Green also comes in; he has his own pair of gloves.

Defence

Right Backs

Micah Richards

Kyle Walker

No no Glen, not this time.

Micah Richards was ostracised from the England team by Capello, but I really can’t see Hodgson ignoring him. Richards is a freight train of a man when going forward, and has improved defensively, mainly because he’s so wide that it’s a real struggle to get round him. To give him his full title - PFA Young Player of the Year - Kyle Walker is a man of more than adequate backup. Has made the right-back slot his own at Spurs and will push Richards all the way for a place in the starting XI.

Left Backs

Ashley Cole

Leighton Baines

God I hate Ashley Cole, not just because he’s seemingly a sub-par human, but because combined with that he’s a world class footballer. He's one of the best left backs in world football and *grits teeth* we’re lucky to have him. In backup we have Leighton Baines, the left back included in the PFA Team of the year. Very consistent and provides an attacking threat having weighed in with the same amount of assists and goals as Andy Carroll (that was meant as a compliment).

Centre Backs

Joleon Lescott

Rio Ferdinand

John Terry

Phil Jones

The centre backs of England are currently going through a transitional period. The old guard are nearing the end of their career and as a result their abilities are beginning to decline. Whereas the young up and comers, although have shown plenty of promise, they have not yet reached the standard where you feel confident of placing the expectation of a whole country upon their shoulders.

So I feel a blend of youthful exuberance and the old headed experience will be the best way forward. Joleon Lescott has been one of the stand-out performers at centre back this season and for me would be first choice. Partnering him would be Rio Ferdinand, a player in the similar mould to Kompany who has worked so well alongside Lescott. Backing these two up would be John Terry *spits* and Phil Jones, with the latter being able to cover at right back and defensive midfield if required.

Midfield

Defensive Midfielders

Scott Parker

Gareth Barry

It is rumoured that when the Spurs players try to indulge in a bit of shooting practice, Scott Parker instead sees this as an opportunity to up his blocking skills to level 99. The tenacious midfielder will surely be on the plane to €2012, and should be starting in the defensive midfield role. Backing him up is Gareth Barry. He’s been a consistent figure in Man City’s midfield and offers a valuable air of calm to the midfield with his ball retention. However Gareth if you’re reading this I still haven’t forgotten or forgiven you for your performance against Germany in the World Cup, namely getting obliterated on the wing by Mesut Ozil.

Central Midfielders

Frank Lampard

James Milner

Steven Gerrard

How we will miss Jack Wilshere, the poor man’s Luka Modric is unfortunately injured otherwise he would be guaranteed to start for England. So what other options do we have? Well, we have the rejuvenated Frank Lampard. Neglected by Villas-Boas, but nurtured by Di Matteo, Lampard has shown the nation once again that he’s not quite past it. I’m not sure whether I’m feeling a little sentimental in making this decision, because his league form hasn’t been exceptional, Steven Gerrard. One of the greatest English players of his generation, he could single handily wrangle games from the jaws of defeat. For me his experience and the hope that he might produce something brilliant is why he’d be on the plane. Then for completely the opposite reasons James Milner would be joining him. His consistency, work ethic and versatility make him a must have at tournaments.  

Wingers

Ashley Young

Theo Walcott

Aaron Lennon

I may have coined the now world famous “Theo Walcott is a waste of pace”, but my word what pace he does have. One of the world’s quickest players and, when he feels like it, he can even incorporate a football into those runs. Ashley Young, I detest when you dive for Man United, but although it pains me to admit it, I’d probably protest that you had been cynically fouled if you do that in an England shirt, you’re in! Versatility is key when you have such a closed group of players, so I should probably have picked Adam Johnson, but instead Aaron Lennon has been given the nod. He too can play from either wing and has the pace and ability to come inside or go out. Having recently recovered from a longer term injury he may offer a freshness that other players will as per usual, lack.

Forward

Strikers

Wayne Rooney

Danny Welbeck

Andy Carroll

Daniel Sturridge

Although missing the first two matches we don’t have any other forward of Wayne Rooney’s class, so he’s definitely going to be on the plane. As I mentioned earlier versatility is key which is why the forwards that I have picked all offer something different. In Andy Carroll we have a lumbering idiot powerful target man who will wreak havoc in the air having finally found some form. Daniel Sturridge is one of the more technically gifted players in the squad and can play from the wing if needed. He has also shown that if thrust to the wider areas he can still offer a goal threat. Finally there would be a seat on the plane at the back, probably with not much leg room and next to a screaming baby for, Danny Welbeck. A player whom I think will develop into a top all-round striker, he has pace, power, technique and composure in front of goal, added to this his link up play with Rooney should be well established he could be a surprise package this summer.

Final XI

GK - Hart

RB - Richards
LB - Cole
CB - Ferdinand
CB - Lescott

CM - Parker
CM - Lampard

RM - Walcott
LM - Young
AM - Gerrard

TS – Carroll / (Rooney)

Josh

Read who Owain East and Dave Nicholls think Roy should take to €2012 here and here.

Euro 2012, who to take?

As Roy Hodgson settles down in his new England office, after throwing out all of Steve Pearce’s good luck charms which surely littered the room, his attention will then turn to the squad for Euro 2012 Championships. After an unpredictable season, there are several key decisions to be made. As football fans up and down the country will be busy telling anyone who will listen that Danny Simpson deserves a shot, we thought we’d throw in our two-pence worth with our Euro 2012 Squad Selections:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart
Ben Foster
Robert Green


After the obvious choice of Joe Hart, who has cemented himself as England’s number one by consistently putting in outstanding performances, England’s goalkeeping options are a bit light. However Ben Foster could be persuaded by his old boss to come out of retirement to warm the bench, and USA’s favourite Rob Green, who’s performed brilliantly…against Championship opposition, probably deserves to go – even just to make up the numbers.

One of the few world class players in the England side

Defence

Right Back

Micah Richards
Kyle Walker

No contest here, both these players have been outstanding this season. Micah Richards has held down the right back slot in a team so flush that they can afford to buy a £30million replacement when ever they like. In Kyle Walker England have a raw talent whose game can only benefit from some international experience. The young player of the season would be my second choice behind Richards, but has certainly earned his spot.

Left Back

Ashley Cole
Leighton Baines

Again, a simple choice. We’ve got no-one better than Ashley Cole, who is consistent as he is annoying…very. In Leighton Baines, England have a willing and able understudy, who is good enough to stop complacency from creeping in.

Centre Back

Joleon Lescott
John Terry
Gary Cahill
Rio Ferdinand

The trouble with English centre backs is, at the moment there are so many nearly men. The only consistently excellent player has been Lescott, who is an obvious choice. John Terry, while nobody’s best friend, is probably the best of a bad bunch. His relationship with Ferdinand may prove to be a stumbling block though, after all given a choice between a stupid, violent racist and Rio Ferdinand, who would you pick? If Rio and Terry can stand to be near each other for the tournament I’d take them both, with Gary Cahill, who has looked decent, in places this season, making up the numbers.

Midfield

Defensive Anchorman

Scott Parker
James Milner

While Parker does not keep things classy like his position suggests, he is easily the best anchorman that England posses. The Writers’ player of the year 2010/11 is a master at breaking things up and playing nice sharp passes, his marauding runs can inject life into the game where needed. I’ve included James Milner here too because defensively he is very capable and his versatility could come in very handy.

Deep Lying Playmaker

Paul Scholes
Frank Lampard

Old Mother Time is an unforgiving mistress and these two would be the first to admit it. No longer the box to box threat they used to be, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes have adapted their games well to suit a deeper role. Picking up the ball in deeper positions and playing intelligent passes to the flanks or front line would be their main role, both have exceptional passing ability but for me Scholes’ re-introduction to the Manchester United team has shown that the old boy can still cut it. His runs from deep, though less frequent, still have the ability to worry defences. Lampard too is a player who suits this role down to the ground, he’s rediscovered his form and the end of this season and for what is likely to be his last competition in an England shirt certainly deserves a spot. 

There's life in the old dog yet

Wingers
Aaron Lennon
Adam Johnson
Theo Walcott
Ashley Young

As a nation, we’re not blessed with many outstanding wingers. In fact we’ve got a lot of average players, Stuart Downing – I’m looking at you. However, in Lennon and Walcott there are two pacey, dangerous wingers who can cause defences all sorts of problems. Lennon has started to rediscover the form that caused left backs all over England to wake up in a cold sweat; his final delivery is improving too. Walcott is a frustrating player, one of the only players who makes it look like the ball is dribbling him. He can be breathtaking, or invisible. England will hope his recent Arsenal performances are a sign of things to come and his injury problems stay away.

The left wing is more problematic, it has always been England’s weak spot. However I am a big fan of Adam Johnson, criminally underused at Manchester City and in need of a move during the summer. He has a burst of pace and enough skill to worry the opposition and is good with both feet. The same can be said about Ashley Young, plus he’s good for one penalty at some point.

Forwards

Wayne Rooney
Steven Gerrard
Grant Holt
Andy Carroll 

Ok, so as I’m playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, it leaves room for a centre forward and support striker. Wayne Rooney, an obvious choice for support striker is out for the first two games, and so Gerrard – in his favoured position – would fill the space between the two lines. Up front I’ve gone for Grant Holt, controversial maybe, but his 13 goals this season – his first in the Premier League - is an impressive return. His movement and ability to bring others into play makes Holt a decent shout for a call up. Andy Carroll has shown glimpses this season of the player he could be; hopefully his confidence will start to grow as he has potential to become a great England number nine.  The attacking options are furthered more by Walcott's ability and apparent want to be used as a Striker.



Will he be showing of his nipples for England?

Final XI:
GK - Hart

RB - Richards

LB - Cole

CB - Lescott

CB - Terry

CM - Scholes
CM - Parker

RM - Lennon

LM - Johnson

SS - Gerrard / (Rooney)

TS - Holt

Owain

Read who Josh Coull and Dave Nicholls think Roy should take to €2012 here and here.

Buying Bold - What's required

I read last week that Harry has called for the club to be bold this summer in their transfer dealings, which got the inner manager in me thinking – How would I change the squad? So here are my thoughts on the Tottenham squad starting from the back working my way forward.

Goalkeepers

Current Players

Brad Friedel
Carlo Cudicini
Heurelho Gomes
Ben Alnwick

To be honest I don’t know why I included Ben Alnwick, can someone explain to me why we ever signed a player who’s most notable appearance was in a sex tape? Sell him for whatever we can get; I’d take a Zat Knight esque exchange of player for tracksuits. One of the highlights of the season has been seeing Gomes sat on the bench, last season he was at fault for far too many goals, with his contract running out in the summer we’ll bid him a fond farewell. That leaves Friedel and Cudicini, with a combined age of one Judi Dench, their best years are behind them. With two safe pairs of hands at the club, I feel it’s a perfect time to sign a new ‘keeper in the summer, with the comfort that you can ease them in gently if required.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £0m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £50k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions = Tim Krul, Michel Vorm, Hugo Lloris

Alnwick playing a game for Spurs, I'm as surprised as you.

Defence

Right Back

Current Players

Kyle Walker
Vedran Corluka
Kyle Naughton

We currently have the PFA Young Player of the year at Right back, and what a player he’s going to be, he’ll hopefully usurp Stephen Carr in my Favourite Spurs XI and be a constant fixture in our side for years to come. So that leaves one place for a player who wants to play second fiddle. As we’ve seen, ‘Charlie’ wasn’t content and I would envisage him making a permanent move away from the Lane in the summer, which by default leaves Naughton. As far as back-up full-backs go I don’t think that’s too bad.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £5m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £40k
Transfer Required = No
Transfer suggestions = N/A

Left Back

Current Players

Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Danny Rose

‘Benny’ is a man who divides opinion, some people love him, and some people, well, don’t. I’m a fan, he’s ultra consistent and his distribution from deep is one of the best in the league. If he irons out some of his erratic clearances then he’d improve further, he's a keeper. Danny Rose, oh Danny boy, there’s only so long you can live of ‘that’ goal, and with your dismissal at the weekend that time has got a little shorter. The issue I have is for the consistency of Benoit, the lack of rotation Harry offers and the cost of buying a new player I just don’t think it’s worth it, Therefore I’d stick with what we have in this position

Estimated Transfer Revenue = N/A
Estimated Wage bill reduction = N/A
Transfer Required = No
Transfer suggestions = N/A

Centre Back

Current Players

Younes Kaboul
William Gallas
Ledley King
Michael Dawson
Ryan Nelsen
Bongani Khumalo
Sebastien Bassong
Steven Caulker

That’s eight centre backs, that’s as many times as we’ve won the FA Cup, one less than the amount of goals Andy Carroll has scored this season. We’ve got three players too many, the problem we also face is we’ve only got one player I’m really happy with, Younes. He’s been outstanding this season and he’s only going to get better. Straight out the door are Ryan Nelsen, Bongani Khumalo and Sebastien Bassong they aren’t good enough and are taking up valuable space. That leaves Kaboul, Gallas, Dawson, Caulker and...King. Oh Ledley, Ledley, you’re going to the glue factory. My favourite player of all time could have been an all-time great. That’s why I want him to bow out at the top, have an ambassador role, a coaching role, just not a role on the pitch, sorry Ledley love you really. That leaves only four centre backs left, so one place for a new signing.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £5m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £150k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions = Jan Vertonghen, Nicolas Otamendi, Javi Martinez

A King amongst men, legend.

Midfield

Right Midfield

Current Players

Aaron Lennon
David Bentley

If we can get any money whatsoever for David Bentley then Daniel Levy is truly a Jedi master of negotiations, he’s been a complete and utter flop and is never ever going to make it for Spurs, he needs a fresh start. That leaves us with just ‘Azza’, whom I’m happy with; as second choice. He can win games on his own, and adds a lovely balance to our side when he plays, but I can’t help but feel we can do better. This is one position I think we really need buy big, Eden Hazard big.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £4m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £50k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions = Eden Hazard, Marko Marin, Mario Gotze, Iker Muniain

Left Midfield

Current Players

Gareth Bale
Niko Kranjcar
Steven Pienaar

With Gareth Bale *crosses fingers* at the club we only need one back-up player here, with Kranjcar and Pienaar we have two (I’m an accountant don’t you know). Pienaar’s Spurs career seems to be going the same way as David Bentley’s. It faltered, stuttered, stalled; it’s been shit. He looks a different player for Everton and I think that’s where he belongs, au revoir Mr Pienaar.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £3m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £50k
Transfer Required = No
Transfer suggestions = N/A


Central Midfield

Current Players

Luka Modric

Sandro
Tom Huddlestone
Scott Parker
Jake Livermore
Jermaine Jenas

Yes, we still own Jermaine Jenas unfortunate I know but it won’t be for long, hopefully. We have a fantastic midfield; the variety in there is what makes it so good. The exquisite class of Modric, the power and finesse in the tackle of Sandro, the range of passing from Huddlestone (how many of you missed those 60yrd passes this year), the tenacity and blocks of Parker and the, the, theee surprising ability of Jake Livermore, one of the surprise packages this season. So with all that, after selling Jenas our central midfield is complete.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £5m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £40k
Transfer Required = No
Transfer suggestions = N/A

Forwards

Support Striker 

Current Players

Rafael van der Vaart
Giovani dos Santos

I feel almost guilty for putting ‘Gio’ beneath a title of ‘current players’, the man the myth the never to be legend. We all wanted him to succeed, and who knows if he’d been played for more than 5min here and there he may have been, but he hasn’t, so he won’t be a success, bye Gio it was arduous and forgetful. That leaves ‘Rafa’, I love this man, the best technique in the team, an eye for goal, and a football brain as the men in the know always say. As a backup I’d like to see someone a bit more raw, some potential, a crowd pleaser.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £6m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £40k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions = Junior Hoilett, Younes Belhanda, Georginio Wijnaldum

Striker

Current Players

Emmanuel Adebayor
Jermain Defoe
Louis Saha

Well that’s a formidable trio. In truth I’m thankful for Adebayor, he’s been good for us this season. But I don’t think I’m alone in saying – Did you not think he’d be more clinical? He’s missed a lot, but he’s scored and setup a fair few so he’s partly forgiven. I really don’t think we’ll be able to afford to retain him next year, so goodbye Ade. Louis Saha, why did we sign you? I hated Pavlyuchenko so at least you’ve stopped me screaming at him, but now I just scream at you, bye. Jermain Defoe, what can I say that hasn’t already been said? A scorer of great goals, rather than a great scorer of goals, I still don’t forgive you for that miss at Eastlands; RUN YOU LAZY MIDGET. Ok now that’s out in the open, I’m going to implore Spurs to sell him, he’s had his time, he can’t score goals regularly, he can’t link up play, he can’t play up top on his own, he can’t be at our club anymore. The problem that this now creates is that there are no strikers left. Ever since Keane and Berbatov left we’ve struggled up front and it needs to change, we need to invest heavily in two or three strikers.

Estimated Transfer Revenue = £12m
Estimated Wage bill reduction = £150k
Transfer Required = Yes
Transfer suggestions - 

Expensive = Fernando Llorente, Seydou Doumbia, Gonzalo Higuain, Edinson Cavani, Leandro Damiao, Loic Remy, Olivier Giroud

Cheaper = Didier Drogba, Hugo Rodallega, Dimitar Berbatov, Jefferson Farfan, Demba Ba

Can you hear the drums Fernando?

So having rid the club of 13 players, raked in an estimated £40m and freed up almost 600k on the wage bill it’s now time to spend that money wisely. From our 2011-12 transfer dealings I would also estimate that we earned nigh on £50m, so I’ll add that to the war chest making £90m in total.

Goalkeeper = Hugo Lloris £15m
Centre Back = Jan Vertonghen £8m
Right Midfield = Eden Hazard £25m
Support Striker = Junior Hoilett £0m
Striker = Gonzalo Higuain £20m
Striker = Demba Ba £6m

Total Spend - £74m

Now obviously we aren’t going to get these players, in the four years that Harry has been at the club I can only think of one or two players that weren’t sourced from within the Premier league. But that doesn’t stop a man from dreaming. One thing that I would appreciate though is if we got our transfer dealings done early one, as much as I love a transfer deadline day, I'd rather not have to wait until then to see players come in. One final point worthy of a mention is the manager, I've got £16m left over there, more than enough to give Harry a nice pay off and bring a new manager in, suggestions anyone?

Josh

A Trip to the Camp Nou

Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited with a work colleague to go to Barcelona for 4 days with some of his friends. Whilst over there we decided to watch a certain team play in one of the greatest sporting arenas in the world.

Although picking up our pre-ordered tickets was rather harder than expected, we decided to also take in some local culture on match-day. Whilst hunting for the correct place to pick-up our tickets we took in the areas of Barcelona around the Camp Nou – it was a buzz of excitement and the ticket area outside the stadium was busy with punters looking to purchase last minute tickets.

The game in question was classified ‘Grade 2’, a minor detail of Barcelona vs. Getafe. A win would close the gap at the top of La Liga to 1 point. A near sell out crowd was expected and we were delighted to have pre-booked our tickets rather than fight the crowds on the day.

Once we picked up our tickets, a visit to the Barcelona store was in order. Although I had been to the 'club shop' before, myself and the others were blown away as soon as we stood inside the building. Covering 2 levels is an array of merchandise for the fans, visitors and corporate attendees to buy. Stock ranges from the brand-new, latest kits with printing and competition labels to a baby’s dummy, if you could think of it, they sold it…. Ever fancied a 24inch flat screen TV with built in DVD player in Barcelona colours? Yep, it’s in the store. 

Anyway, I digress. As you set foot in the store, you’re greeted by a large Barcelona crest with manikins sporting the latest home and away kits in a semi-circle, arching around a large set of stairs. The top floor is a mass of replica shirts – all the latest, all this years. Wherever you look kids are grabbing Messi, Iniesta and Xavi shirts, begging their parents to part with the frankly disgusting price of €99 (adults) or €79 (kids). In comparison to English club shirts, this is incredibly high.

Heading down to the 2nd floor, you are welcomed by the famous statement “'més que un club”. Not even half-way down the stairs and more replica kits are the first thing you see, a TV is playing clips of the Barcelona football and basketball squads whilst above is a gold F.C. Barcelona emblem on a dark wooden background. As you look around the 2nd floor, you see the quite spectacular floor-space the shop takes over. More merchandise is available, this time taking in previous kits, or kits with no names, numbers or badges. (Also, an interesting rail of shirts is spotted – the miss-prints and the errors. For some reason, a shirt with Bert #10 is hanging here; we wondered when Bert was planning to make his debut for the mighty Barcelona).

The shop continues to offer scarves, a varying size of footballs, photos, calendars and much more. As common with most football shops now-a-days, an in-house number printing is offered and many buyers are opting for this. An interesting feature that caught my eye is that Barcelona sell the Under Armour to match the home kit in their store – a crafty ploy for the eager child who wants the whole package. After taking all this in, some of the guys decided to purchase shirts (not the €99 ones I’m pleased to say!) and we moved on, wishing that time would speed up as we were eager to return for the game.

As kick-off time loomed we head to the stadium. The underground metro is rather quiet until the stop closest to the stadium – other foreign fans here for the day are easily spotted, but the crowds are mostly locals. We leave the station and wander down the streets mingling in the crowd. Beer is available to buy all the way up to the stadium and people are offering cans to anyone that passes. Street vendors are selling shirts, scarves and are selling them in large numbers. We stopped at a stall outside the stadium which sells official merchandise – the lads who didn’t buy a shirt in the stadium buy one now caught up in the buzz. For the first time in my life, I saw a street stall that did name printing – not missing the opportunity, names were printed – Xavi and Piqué proving popular. 

We enter the stadium and take our seats, only to be told we are sitting in the wrong place as some disgruntled Barca season ticket holders pointed out to us in very broken English. Failing to find are actual seats, we asked a steward, who was very helpful and showed us were to go. Sitting in the 2nd tier behind one of the goals gave us a fantastic view of the whole pitch.

The teams came out to warm up with Barcelona not really doing much. They pinged a few passes between them in groups of 3, did a little jog. High 5s for everyone and then went back in to prepare. The announcer read out the teams, no-one from Getafe got booed; everyone from Barcelona got a big cheer (no prizes for guessing who got the biggest cheer).

The teams lined up and we sat watching the end that Victor Valdes would defend in the first half. Immediately we saw how Barcelona was going to play – a dynamic 2-5-3 formation. Messi was allowed to drift were he pleased, Cuenca and Pedro performed the winger roles whilst Puyol and Adriano played as 2 of the most attacking full backs I’ve ever seen. The centre back partnership of Mascherano and Busquets was rarely challenged and were positioned mainly in the Getafe half. Xavi, Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez finished off the starting 11.

The game started at a frantic pace with Messi missing what seemed a guilt edged chance – however as we were at the wrong end, we gave him the benefit (later replays showed he probably should have scored). The first half flew by with the atmosphere building and chants seeming to be similar to an English game – a certain area starts them, everyone joins in and then it dies down as another starts. The score at half time was 2-0 to Barcelona, with goals from Alexis and Messi giving the home team a comfortable lead.

The second half was what we were waiting for – Barcelona, literally, attacking straight at us. Just as the 2nd half kicked off, the scoreboard showed a results which was greeted by a loud cheer, Osasuna 2 Espanyol 0. It appeared the local rivalry was still rather important.

Although the football was entertaining and warming, we were desperate for a goal as the wind had picked up and it had become incredibly cold. A women in front of us got hit by a puddle of water from the tier above which got a big cheer and laugh. The chants continued and seem to become more ferocious with every Barcelona attack. Eventually a sublime header from Alexis Sanchez gave us the goal we were so desperately waiting for. Messi swung in a free-kick and Sanchez performed a backward directed header which looped over Moya and into the Getafe goal. The crowd around us went wild and we joined in. 3-0 Barcelona.

Barcelona seemed to have their tails up now and scored the 4th in a matter of minutes – Pedro grabbing it. Puyol seemed desperate to get a goal and as he was rarely needed to perform his defence duties, he ventured up the pitch like a right winger. He eventually came close with a header which was well saved by Moya. 

With the game dead and buried at 4-0, Barcelona took their foot of the gas and started to play some exhibition football. At one point Messi had 2 people on him, he cut through the middle of them and was faced by another defender, a quick turn of pace beat this 3rd man taking him to the by-line. Knocking the ball round a 4th man and using his unbelievable agility, he went round the other side of the helpless defender. Literally standing on the by-line the keeper came rushing out; Messi scooped the ball over his head going for goal. The Getafe defenders could only stand and watch as the ball hit the bar and deflected to safety – denying Messi what would have been a truly outstanding goal.

As the final whistle went, the crowds took some last minute photos and then headed for the exits. Even the exiting crowds were a sight like nothing I've really seen. Swarms of people outside the stadium in one of the most organised bits of chaos ever witnessed. Again, beer was offered, we found a restaurant that was open and popped in for some food. Whilst eating, the TV was on and we found ourselves watching the game back and commenting on everything – as a side note, if you think SKY are bad for going over incidents, Spanish TV showed one little incident at least 20 times. We finished our beers and headed home. 
 

Overall the atmosphere was brilliant, the buzz before the game was huge and the enthralling way Barcelona play football is always going to be good to watch. The lack of away support did nothing to dampen the mood with the Barca crowd always making some sort of noise.

And of course, we saw the best player in the world. In my opinion, he had an off day, he looked lazy and disinterested – but, even in this sort of mood, Messi scored one and assisted another and produced some unbelievable pieces of skill.

It was a great trip and something that I would recommend any football fan to do and the sooner the better before the likes of Xavi and Iniesta retire. My one disappointment is that I didn't get to see David Villa play due to his injury - But, I think I can live with that.

Dave