All posts by h79snht.top

Today I’m tasked with writing a blog on Sheffield Wednesday on the same day that David Cameron stated in the House of Commons, “Today’s report is black and white. The Liverpool fans were not the cause of the (Hillsborough) disaster.”

Cameron then went on to issue a “proper and profound apology on behalf of the government and the country”.

How am I meant to follow this? Lets face it, the biggest news to come out of Sheffield Wednesday of late is that, 23 years after the incident, the club have apologised for what happened that day.

A statement said, “Chairman Milan Mandaric and the current board of directors have adopted a policy of complete compliance with the requests of the Hillsborough Independent Panel and on behalf of the club would like to offer our sincere condolences and an apology to all the families who have suffered as a consequence of the tragic events of 15 April, 1989.”

As for the national news, the full extent of the huge police cover up that ensued after the Hillsborough Disaster is now out in the open. Sickeningly, it is thought that 41 of the 96 fans that died could have survived after the cut-off point of 15.15pm set by the coroner, meanwhile, 116 of the 164 police statements had been altered to fit better what the police wanted people to believe.

In the HoC, Ed Miliband said it best, he said, “It shames us as a country that it has taken 23 years to get to the truth of what happened at Hillsborough.”

I’m sorry, as a Wednesdayite I wanted to do a blog on how we need to use the Brighton game this weekend to bounce back from the Crystal Palace defeat, how the international break may have given us a chance to regroup, and how I want Dave Jones to make sure that the defeat remains as a blip and not the beginning of a bad spell.

However, as a football fan it’s hard. 96 people were lost at a football game, in my home city. I know that the state of football grounds back then was an accident waiting to happen. I know that there are several factors to look at with regards to what happened that day and that several people must take the blame for what transpired. I also know that it shouldn’t have taken place, those people shouldn’t have died, and more importantly, my local police force shouldn’t have tried to cover it up and try to blame the innocent.

I have no doubt there were a handful of drunken Liverpool fans in and around Hillsborough that day, I think you’d be pushed to find a football ground in the country that doesn’t have a few people who are bevvied up in it’s parameters on match day, however, does that mean they can be blamed for what happened? Of course it doesn’t. Does that give the police the right to try and scapegoat them? No it bloody well doesn’t.

I can’t really even fathom what the families of the victims must have been going through all these years. Personally I’m horrified that the police force in my local area would have gone to such extents to exonerate themselves, and secondly, I’m embarrassed that I didn’t do more to help the cause over the years.

I wasn’t even born when all of this went on, all I’ve been able to do is read about it from people who were there, who saw it all. I’m not going to profess to being an expert on the matter, but after today’s revelations what I can do is concur with my team’s statement when they say, “We can only hope that the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report goes some way to providing the closure sought by all those involved.

“The thoughts of everyone at Sheffield Wednesday FC remain with the 96 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives, their families, and the wider Liverpool community who have all been affected so deeply by the disaster of 23 years ago.”

This weekend we take on Brighton, a team level with us on points, but five goals ahead of us with regards to goal difference. A win would put us back on track and help us continue the push towards the Premier League that so many Owls fans are looking for.

It’s going to be a tough week or so for Jones and his boys if they’re looking to start another unbeaten run, after Brighton we’ve got Huddersfield and Bolton to consider, but I’m confident.

I’ve said it before, one defeat isn’t a problem, it’s a stumbling block. It’s all about how you overcome that block that sets the tone for your season. And do you know what? I have complete faith that DJ can help our talented squad overcome this stumble with flying colours. Onwards and upwards boys.

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By the way, it looks like we’re all but certain to get Ross Barkley from Everton on loan. No one can really say how this will work out, but he’s a damn talented boy and should be a good addition to our ranks.

After truth, comes justice. JFT96

Can We Kick It? @YesWeCrann

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Liverpool have made an approach for Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge but the player reportedly wants certain guarantees from the club before he is willing to move, according the Mirror.

The Chelsea forward is demanding £80,000 a week from Liverpool if he is to join in January while also insisting that he must play as a striker through the middle.

The Reds have been interested in signing him since the summer and after checking the strikers availability following Chelsea’s appointment of new manager Rafa Benitez, they looked set to follow up their interest.

However there is a feeling at Anfield that Sturridge hasn’t done enough over the last year to justify his demands, scoring just five times for the European Champions since last December.

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Liverpool have spent big on young English talent in recent years without seeing the results they had hoped for. Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson, and Stewart Downing who Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish brought to the club in his most recent time in charge are examples of such players who have failed to deliver.

The Red’s have also been linked with moves for the likes of Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and Blackpool’s Thomas Ince in the January transfer window in a bid for manager Brendan Rodgers to bolster his squad.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is confident that club captain Steven Gerrard will sign a new contract with the Anfield side.

The 32-year-old has been an ever-present for the Reds this term, turning in a number of impressive displays in the Premier League and Europa League.

But, with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season, there are lingering doubts surrounding his future, especially with the club’s owners keen to slash the wage bill and usher in a new generation of players.

However, Carragher, who has announced recently that he will retire at the end of the campaign, believes that Gerrard will end his playing days with Liverpool by penning a new contract:

“I’m sure Stevie will sign a contract and finish his career at Liverpool the way I’ve done,” he is quoted by Sky Sports.

“There is no doubt about that. I’m sure he’ll sit down and sort it out in the next couple of months.

“Steve will be finishing his career at Liverpool. He is ‘captain fantastic’ every week.”

Gerrard stole the headlines during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa by netting the winning goal from the penalty spot.

But, Luis Suarez was once again impressive, linking well with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Stewart Downing before being felled in the area for Gerrard’s spot-kick.

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Carragher believes that his consistent displays should be rewarded with the PFA player of the year award:

“He put in another top performance and shows why he deserves to be PFA player of the year.”

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It feels quite difficult not to be blinded be all the razzmatazz that’s surrounding Manchester United at the moment. A Marouane Fellaini induced defeat at Goodison Park last night may have brought supporters back down to earth, but the summer additions of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa have certainly brought a bit of glitz and glamour back to Old Trafford.

The Hollywood high profile feel of these sorts of acquisition always create a nice sense of pre-season belief, but it’s important not to forget the components of an already successful team.  Because there is one player in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side who may not necessarily bestow the flair and high profile of some of his colleagues, but he isn’t half crucial to the team’s future prospects. Antonio Valencia is more industry than ingenious; but he must start games for United.

It was a refreshing sight to see that amongst the influx of talent at Manchester United this summer, there was still room for Antonio Valencia in the starting line-up at Everton last night. It did however, soon become very clear that the Ecuadorian was in the team more as emergency cover than essential winger, as his stint at right back suggested. But whilst he suffered a difficult evening at the hands of the marauding Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar, his first-team prospects may strangely have been handed a boost.

Because for all United’s crisp passing and pretty patterns across the midfield, they failed to really create anything in the way of clear-cut chances. Now, before the sirens come out for media stirring and overreaction, you can’t read too much into the first game of the season; especially against a team as dogged and competitive as David Moyes’ Everton. But they were craving a more direct outlet last night or at least something a little more effective.

And they have the asset to do just that, although emergency right-back probably isn’t the most effective way to deploy him. Antonio Valencia is the quiet man of Old Trafford and his lack of baggage and fuss is perhaps testament to a Premier League profile that is often overshadowed by the likes of Nani and Ashley Young. Valencia gets on with the job and does it effectively. No rubbish, no whining and little theatrics. Just an outstanding work ethic and one of the most wicked deliveries in the league.

It’s always been like that since day one of Valencia’s Old Trafford career. He was brought in amongst a strangely muted atmosphere at Manchester United in 2009, following the £80miilion departure of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, and expectations for the new season were somewhat mixed. Despite the gifted talent of the man that had just departed, Valencia is of course a completely different package to the Portuguese, but that didn’t necessarily stop him being labeled as a replacement.

But Valencia got his head down and stuck to his game, paying dividends for both Manchester United and Wayne Rooney in particular, during his first term in Manchester. United narrowly lost out to Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea for the Premier League title during the 2009-10 term, but Valencia played his part, contributing seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions. The biggest benefactor was Rooney, who owed Valencia more than a few drinks as the winger played a key part in helping the Englishman net 34 goals in all competitions during his real breakthrough season as a goal scorer. Valencia didn’t showcase the sort of showboating or goal scoring talents of his predecessor, but it didn’t matter- his game is about effectiveness and he proved that in abundance.

Even last season, as Sir Alex Ferguson swooped for the services of Ashley Young, some still raised question marks about Valencia’s ability to survive in a squad that boasted both Young and Nani. But the statistics speak for themselves. Valencia knocked up 13 assists in the Premier League last season, second only to David Silva’s tally of 15 for eventual champions, Manchester City. Nani may be more of a match winner, but Valencia is perhaps the more consistent outlet with his almost industrial levels of performance.

He needs to add more goals to his game, but his role is as that of the provider, not the show stealer. His game is built around selflessness- he puts in the sort of tireless shifts defensively that his rivals would baulk at; look no further than Fergie’s decision to start with him in the Champions League final against Barcelona for evidence. But it’s his delivery that is the centerpiece of his game. In a league where we so often talk about the fabled notion of end-product, Valencia has it in abundance and he has produced the goods time and time again. His explosive pace and imposing strength catalyze the wonderful craft of his right foot. No need for step overs and no need for messing around- just a truly scintillating ball into the box.

And this is what Manchester United have to ensure they keep in their starting XI. Sir Alex has a lot of options in midfield now, but he can’t become too seduced by the aesthetically pleasing passing game or creating his own ‘carousel’ as he likes to call it. They need a cutting edge to compliment the craft. Shinji Kagawa is a wonderful prospect but he’s no wide player and his success at Borussia Dortmund came in a far more central role. Balancing the team is an art but there is one man who could prosper more than any from Valencia’s presence in the team.

When you sign a 30-goal-a-season striker, you need to give him the best possible service you have available. Valencia was, as already mentioned, a crucial component in eeking goals out of Wayne Rooney when he started playing higher up the pitch. There’s no reason why he can’t repeat the trick with Van Persie. Young and Nani are both creative outlets and they offer perhaps a more dynamic option to Sir Alex on the flanks. But surely the best bet in terms of getting the best out of Robin van Persie is plumping for the Ecuadorian.

Robin van Persie harnessethe sort of firepower that can see Manchester United back as Premier League champions again. But he’s not going to be able to do it all on his own. But be it Van Persie and Rooney up front together, Rooney just behind, or even Danny Welbeck for that matter, the purest choice of winger to get the most out of your attack must be Antonio Valencia.

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Manchester United host Fulham this Saturday at Old Trafford and it’ll be interesting to see if Ferguson will maintain his faith in Valencia. Let’s just hope he’s played a little bit further up the pitch this weekend.

How do you feel about the role Valencia has to play in the United team this season? Guarenteed starter or forever in Nani & Young’s shadow? Let me know how you’d get the best out of Van Persie on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus and tweet me your line-up. 

Few football clubs have had starts harder to gauge than Sunderland.

Martin O’Neill’s men have picked up seven points from their opening five games and are one of only three unbeaten Premier League teams; the other two are Chelsea and Manchester City.

So with four draws and just a solitary win last time out against Wigan Athletic it is still extremely difficult to know how far the Black Cats have progressed since finishing 13th last season.

Scoring goals were the North East outfit’s Achilles heel last year, but summer additions Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson were roped in to improve that aspect at the Stadium of Light. Fletcher has hit the ground running netting all five league goals scored by the Wearsiders. While a groin injury picked up on international duty has restricted Johnson to just two starts in the league this term.

However goal scoring and dominating matches is still something Sunderland have barely done since O’Neill’s arrival. The excellent Ulsterman installed a feel-good factor and confidence around the Stadium of Light which had been missing since a home defeat to Newcastle in late August 2011. But emphasis on shape and counter attacking under the 60 year old still raise questions about whether Sunderland are playing the kind of football that allows them to score numerous goals, and beat the so-called lesser teams in the division.

Saturday’s fixture against Wigan was truly the first game to test this theory of whether Sunderland could conjure enough chances and play fluidly enough to dominate and beat a team with fewer resources. The Black Cats did triumph but not in a way which solved these under-lying issues. Athletic retained possession better than Sunderland something the Wearsiders have looked helpless at doing this term, and a now over-turned red card for Jordi Gomes, preceded the matches only goal. An early wonder-save from Simon Mignolet was also required to en route to a tough victory.

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In my opinion Sunderland look like a team that will struggle to win enough matches to truly get in and amongst the top eight and possibly even the top ten. Dominating matches remains a big ask for a team so dependent on organisation and resilience and I don’t see that changing any time soon. This is perhaps a premature statement to make with Sunderland’s two most creative player’s both still finding their feet in the 2012/2013 season. Johnson remains lacking in match-fitness due to his groin problem and could yet prove inspirational to the North East club. While last season’s star player Stephane Sessegnon has struggled after injuries meant he was unable to play any part in the Black Cats pre-season. Hopefully once these two start firing on all cylinders Sunderland can boost a deadly attacking quartet, with Johnson and Sessegnon hopefully developing an understanding with James McClean and Fletcher.

While progressing up an extremely competitive Premier League table will prove problematic and may expose the weaknesses of O’Neill’s developing team, cup competitions offer other areas for potential success at the Stadium of Light. Through to the last 16 of the league cup and facing winnable home draw against Middlesbrough, fans may eye this competition as Sunderland’s best prospect of major triumph this term. The Wearsider’s manager has already lifted the competition’s trophy four times, twice as a player and twice as a manager. The Irishman also reached the league cup final as recently as 2010 with Aston Villa. In the club’s favour also is feeling on their day they can beat anyone in the country. Victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City under O’Neill will breed confidence for any future big game cup matches. Last year’s run and deflation at losing out two Everton in FA Cup quarter final replay should also motivate the Premier League side.

We all love an underdog story. To see anyone face up to a challenge that seems impossible and yet overcome it provides hope and excitement for everyone. The story of an underdog battle through adversity is no more prevalent than in the Premier League when, on many occasions, a team who is not given a hope of survival, defies the critics and achieves success in the toughest competition in the world.

The 10 stories listed here are heralded as some of the greatest moments in Premier League history. From incredible comebacks and relegation avoiding victories, to unfounded league success and ‘David Vs Goliath’ style victories, all of these moments captured the watching football world and truly indicate why the English game is the most exciting, unpredictable and emotionally resonating in the world.

 Click on the picture of a rocking Hawthorns to start the countdown

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Summary: Southampton and West Ham moved another point closer to Premier League safety after sharing the spoils in a lively encounter at St Mary’s.

The Saints dominated much of the game but failed to make their first half pressure count with top scorer Rickie Lambert going closest to breaking the deadlock as he stretched to meet Gaston Ramirez’s free kick at the far post only for Jussi Jaaskelainen to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men continued to press and eventually took the lead through Ramirez just before the hour. Taking advantage of a loose clearance, the Uruguayan saw his first effort blocked but had the presence of mind to pounce on the ball as it became free again and expertly finished pas Jaaskelainen.

That sparked the Hammers into life and they equalised six minutes later. Jos Hooiveld brought an end to Mohamed Diame’s powerful run 25-yards from the home goal and Andy Carroll proceeded to smash the free kick towards goal with the ball deflecting twice before finding its way past Artur Boruc.

Mauricio Pochettino post-match…”I do think we deserved the victory. We worked superbly and were better than them. We knew they would be physical and direct but I want to congratulate my players because we managed to impose our brand of football even though the pitch suited them.”

Sam Allardyce post-match…”In the end I thought we were more than comfortable. Away goals have been our problem all season and we again created some simple chances which we didn’t convert. There are six games left, we have 38 points and are in a nice position in the league.”

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Good day for?…James Collins: West Ham centre back was a tower of strength at the back keeping Rickie Lambert in close quarters for 90 minutes – a feat most Premier League clubs have failed to achieve this season.

Bad day for?…Jos Hooiveld: Found life difficult up against the physical presence of Carroll and was penalised for a foul on Mohamed Diame that led to West Ham’s equaliser.  

It has been coming for a few seasons now. Bacary Sagna’s injuries have finally caught up with him. He has lost that yard of pace and incision which used t0 ensure he was a cut above of all the other full backs in the Premier League.

The right hand side is a flank which is left heavily exposed with Arsenal due to Theo Walcott choosing to wreak most of his havoc down this wing.

Nacho Monreal has been signed on the left hand side to combat the wing threat other teams posses which has been the undoing of the North London club recently but this only half resolves the issue.

Bale and Lennon painfully exposed the inefficiencies down the sides of the Gunners and they will not want to see that slicing apart repeated any time soon.

Wenger’s success used to be built on knowing when it was the right time to move players on and develop the team for the better when it is necessary.

Despite Sagna still being capable enough he is not up to the burden of the upper echelons of the Champions League anymore so drastic action needs to be taken.

Arsenal’s dominant play has always been based around counter attacking starting from the fullbacks so solving their current right back conundrum could reignite them back to the glory trail they so desperately desire.

To see who Arsenal need to defensively deploy on the right click on the man himself to reveal the list