Fern Mc Costigan

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Athlone Town Set its Sights on the Airtricity League

For the Cumann Peile Bhaile Áth Luain or better known as the Athlone Town chaps, this 2014 will be their awaited debut in the League of Ireland.

After winning the top honors in the Irish league First Division, the Town will have its hands full and with an all-around challenge to prove its mettle against the top squads in the Airtricity League.

As its debut set on March 8^th, Athlone Town will be hosting the one and only Sligo Rovers the league 2012 champions and hungry for another shield.

A squad considered as one of the oldest in the Republic of Ireland Soccer since its inception on 1887 and since then the club has written and given its faithful many satisfactions.

Recently the Town added another Shield to its halls in Athlone Town Stadium in the League of Ireland First Division Trophy adding to its total collection of honor’s to thirteen.

Mick Cooke Athlone Town Manager is set and ready to prove that this club is for real and that can reach new heights in the Irish League.

Still with clubs with the league top clubs in the Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk, Derry City and others- this will be a challenge well meet by the Town and its top brass.

Challenges are aplenty in the League of Ireland and Athlone Town not only with the League Cup but with competitions such as the EA Sports Cup and the Setanta Sports Cup a competition were both Ireland Premier League clubs play for this coveted trophy- so far dominated by the Republic of Ireland squads.

At the end Athlone Town first orders of business in one of the league internal competitions, such the EA Sports Cup by playing another version of the Midlands Derby against archrival Longford Town.

For now the Town will be looking into ways to reinforce its weakest spots as well bring new players capable to withstand the big league challenges ahead for the chaps of Manager Mick Cooke- Athlone Town is up in arms and ready to challenge the pack in this 2014!

© Copyright All Rights Reserved Fern Mc Costigan 2014

Crest Credit and Property of © Athlone Town Football Club 1887-2014

Crest Credit and Property of © League of Ireland 2014

Monday, February 10, 2014

Hail to the Conquering Cottagers

Fulham’s Manager Rene Meulensteen couldn’t hide his joy after his squad almost pulled and all around upset at Old Trafford to an unresponsive and confounded United squad.

Nothing to lose but a lot to gain in this match were the Locals were in the urge of adding points to their cause after failing to do so in their last weekend match- against another squad fighting for its survival and permanency in EPL.

Another loss with a squad submerged in last place in Premiership and with difficulties of adding points to their cause, that would it been a total fracas for the Manchester chaps.

On the other side for the Lilywhites coming under the label of underdogs, this result was translated as a win; a point for them at their time of struggle is a light of hope for them- a quest coming as a top priority in their quest to maintain them in Premiership.

After all the Cottagers started dominating and controlling the match, opening the score in the 19’th minute courtesy of Steve Sidwell- taking it to halftime when the Whites were clearly looking a sort of optimistic and dominant going into the second half.

In the second half the Cottagers became a sort of tired or careless- something very common and taking this squad tolls throughout the season.

When in the 78’th minute the Red Devils make themselves visible in the match with a score of their all-star Dutch striker Robin Van Persie for the equalizer- not even two minutes went through and the Red Devils Michael Carrick fulminating kick gave the lead for the Red Devils.

Old Trafford started signing for its boys almost out of nowhere feat that was going to give those blokes three points and a climb in the EPL overall table.

It’s when a lad by the name of Darren Bent in compensation time and last minute of it, scored the equalizer and final score of the match- silencing the Theater of Dreams completely and filling it with rage over its current Boss man continuous mishaps.

At the end for this result, the Whites really show off their mettle and the way this team can play after stopping cold in its tracks a squad considered as a powerhouse- one merit we should recognize for this initial eleven that outplayed a stun Man- United squad.

Well done Fulham chaps, I tip my hat to your extra efforts and one of a kind performance as visitors; this isn’t over yet for these squad upcoming matches along their desire to salvage an odd campaign.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Diaspora or Mutiny in Old Trafford

After seeing their club sudden downfall and lack of direction, many Manu players are looking for an excuse to look of new horizons or clubs to be exact in the upcoming campaign.

As many players that couldn’t adjust or impress new boss David Moyes that made his debut at the Red Devils helm in this campaign- suddenly have made the decision to move out.

After this club has written many stories of success and glories in the Premiership as well in European competitions- all of a sudden has become a slumping club without any direction or game plan.

Many players became feed up with this new approach of the game the club is going as well a certain communication barriers that these lads are experiencing with their new skipper.

In the case of Anderson that hasn’t been able to play more than three matches in the season, he says that going to Fiorentina as a loan- it could revive and take a different tone for his career.

Another case is the contracts that expire for players as Ferdinand, Nani, Evra and Vidic that announced today that his playing days at Old Trafford are over.

By becoming a new resident at San Siro and playing for Serie A powerhouse AC Milan next season- the Red Devils faithful see with sadness the departure of one of the most dependable defenders they ever had in Nemanja Vidic.

Very well the rumors of Wayne Rooney going to Chelsea under Mourionho’s efforts to bring a notable to his offensive scheme at Stamford Bridge along the keen interest of Arsene Wegner’s Arsenal to bid for United’s luxury forward Javier Hernandez.

In the case of Nani and Rios Ferdinand is just a matter of the league end of activities to look for a new club as defender Rios Ferdinand constant visit to the DL as well in America’s MLS website his picture and name are becoming a strong rumor into next season expansion squads.

A mutiny very well looks like something cooking in the halls of Old Trafford after repeatedly the club is losing match after match by just sheer lack of direction.

Is this squad looks too big to handle for Manager David Moyes or just there’s a certain barrier between him and some of these player’s in their dire need to leave Manchester.

At the end of the campaign regardless of the position the Red Devils finish, we may be on the lookout of an exodus of several players- key during Sir Ferguson’s club prominence and glory days.

That for sure will make a dent in many positions of this traditional and respected club in Europe and Premiership itself- can the front office prevent a mutiny or an all-around diaspora?

At the end of the campaign our replies will be answered.

Glory, Glory Man United!

The Reds Persistence Delivered the Top

Tommy Breslin the Reds Skipper is a man on a mission and with a goal of defending the shield his squad won in the 2012-2013 edition of the Danske North Ireland Premiership.

By winning the coveted Irish League Championship trophy- becoming the fourth title of its importance to adorn the halls of Solitude Stadium.

Suddenly this club has become an all-around contender and competitive were no club in the Irish Premier won’t like to mess with.

As mentioned previously, nobody will like to cross paths with the Reds as in one of their matches considered as Derby between two Belfast giants and with league archrivals’ Linfield Blues.

The Cliftonville squad netted an important win that cut the Blues lead atop the league by just two points as well a midweek match pending for the Reds- being victorious in the Belfast Derby.

This proved to be the icing in the cake, for Manager Breslin chaps to take over the league top and defeat without any difficulty a modest Ballymena United as a visiting squad at the Showground’s.

Indeed, if this match proved to be crucial for the Reds, you are right as they reached the top of the NIPL by just one point lead over their Belfast neighbors Linfield Blues.

For now the only objective for the Cliftonville squad is to maintain their lead in first as well redeem their feat from last campaign in bringing a fifth trophy home as well get a European position that can prove this club’s surge.

Still this is not over yet for the Reds as their next match on Saturday against their Northern neighbors and foes in the Crusaders in what’s dubbed as the North Belfast Derby.

As this match considered as a challenge and a shot of optimism- going ahead into a not so easy schedule-up ahead in the rest of this campaign, were this North Belfast club is looking ahead as well for Manager Breslin keep his lads focus and healthy as well.

The founders of North Irish Football are looking ahead in their quest to grandeur and immortality, but in way of a one match a time.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Beckham United as the 22nd MLS Squad

Wow, it’s that true what I read on the tabloids about Spice Boy David Beckham being a soccer Baron in his epic return to Major League Soccer.

Still I do give credit to Spice Boy in his playing days in America’s top soccer league and the way he influenced this sport to apathy and indifference filled American sports faithful into their conversion.

By announcing on Wednesday that Miami will return to the big league of professional soccer after their ill-fated performances between 1997-2001 were the club won the Supporters Shield in 2001 and finished runner up in the classic Lamar Hunt trophy Classic.

This club went belly up, after his then owner lost millions in poor sponsorship, lack of interest and low attendances, making this club fold along its Florida counterpart Tampa Bay Mutiny now playing in the NASL.

As the league and the sport of soccer has gained a second wind as well acceptance of a once skeptic American fan, now it’s the time for the league to expand to this southern parts of the Union and bring back the beautiful game to the Floridians as well the South.

Who else but former Red Devils disciple, Merengue and LA Galactic- who can make another impact in this lands on a venture that couldn’t work- still the interest is there.

For Commissioner Don Garber known for his dynamic and risky enterprise’s that so far have worked wonders in the acceptance and awakening interest of the beautiful sport in America as well Canada.

His new plan to expand the league to 24 teams will be an idea well perceived by him and many other cities that have shown interest in getting a squad to play in MLS.

Getting back to Beckham United, the name of the squad won’t be as yours very truly has baptized it, maybe the return of the Fusion will be imminent or the Rowdies- for now hail to Spice Boy for his risky venture and vote of confidence to our nation growth and acceptance of professional soccer.

This one that’s equaling the likes of Baseball, Hockey, basketball and Nascar in popularity as the interest of this sport is growing in giant steps thanks to cities like the ones in the Pacific Northwest that have set attendance records in Seattle and constant sold outs in Vancouver and Rose City Portland- that this latter one has been dubbed as Soccer City USA!

Wednesday February 5 will be another historic day in Major League Soccer as Spice Boy Becks announces Miami as the 22^nd squad in this league dynamic expansion program.

Welcome aboard Spice Boy David Beckham and your Becks United!

The Showdown of Two Premiership Titans

Monday’s match was a showdown between two of Premiership titans looking for supremacy as well dominance in this campaign heated race to the top.

With a streaked Manchester City Citizens top notch squad facing a London Town ascent prone Chelsea Blues- that afternoon of football promised indeed to be clash between these two of the league top powerhouses!

If we say that this was a match to remember, you are very right as the one goal difference for the victors showed the tightness and level of difficulty between a couple of offensive strategies that both skippers put on the ground.

It seems that this campaign we have a new level of competiveness in a fight for the overall league lead with four squads on the run and fighting their way for the top position.

For the Gunners yesterday’s match was a relief in sight thanks in part to the Citizen’s misfortunes, their loss became a gain of two points for them in the overall EPL lead.

Still for the Blues this win and gaining three points of gold in this match, proved that the Blues are for real and its manager patience has its rewards as it was shown in yesterday match- were everything worked wonders for Jose Mourinho chaps.

All afternoon this match proved to be a game of strategies and cautious moves into both skippers book of plays- as it looked like Chelsea’s Mourinho and the Citizens Pellegrini were playing in a deadlock game of chess.

That at the end the visiting Blues check mate move gave them three points of gold and to tie them with the locals in second place just shy of Wegner’s Arsenal by just two points.

A match seen in disbelief by the Citizens faithful after seeing the streak stopped abruptly by a determined and hungry for their return of glories past, Pensioners squad that never stopped in their quest for the coveted win.

Still there’s a long way for this campaign to be over- as nobody tough that this campaign was going to be one of the most competed for several squads in their pursuit of the Barclays Premiership Shield.

At the end all eyes of EPL are on these top four squads fighting for their overall supremacy, still this win proved crucial for the Blues aspirations to win the league as for the Citizen’s is back to the drawing board in their effort to bring another shield to their halls as well play top notch teams without any difficulty.

Monday, February 3, 2014

The Heroes of Tyne- Wear

How about those amazing Black Cats, that suddenly have awaken during EPL’s second half and are playing like there’s no tomorrow, regardless of the rival they may come across.

After seeing a series of odd results and mediocre play from these chaps in the first half of Premiership, all of a sudden the squad Managed by Uruguayan Gus Poyet is on full speed ahead!

Indeed, after seeing a revival from the residents of the Stadium of Light, as previously mentioned there’s such a thing of a light at the end of the tunnel!

The Black Cats heartless days are over and they are up running whoever crosses their path, as this past weekend when they played the always controversial Tyne – Wear Derby against archrivals the Newcastle United Magpies.

Suddenly they say that the visiting Black Cats squad is playing like an all-around contender- looking to claim old bragging rights as well obtain maximum glories that these contests have amassed throughout time.

It was a total embarrassment for the Magpies in front of their faithful at Saint James Park, after a possessed Sunderland squad gave his rivals a lesson in football with a 3-0 rout.

By far this club is playing like there’s no tomorrow, thanks to their Manager in Gus Poyet injecting lots of that optimism lost during the beginning of the campaign, that translates to an all-around contenders in his Black Cats.

The past is gone and now focus on the future of his Sunderland squad with a revival never seen or probably experienced by this club once destined to fight for their survival and save their hive in Premiership.

Still with the league in its peak, the Black Cats are firm in their intentions of not saving themselves but redeeming in climbing into the overall table and possibly claim a European position by winning in their next compromise at the final of the Capitol One Cup formerly known as the Carling Cup.

If Sunderland wins this match against a not so easy foe in a hardened Man City squad currently on fighting for the EPL top- the Black Cats will claim a European position as well bring a Cup to the halls of the Stadium of Light.

With a lot of matches in league play and a calendar in the upcoming months that doesn’t looks promising but not impossible for the lads of Sunderland- Skipper Poyet is somehow poised to take his club to any confines in order to salvage this season that once looked lost.

By netting 11 points out of eighteen in play, the Black Cats are doing the ultimate to overcome adversity as well upsetting many of its rivals regardless their importance or enthronement in Premiership- ask the Magpies sudden reversal of fortunes in the Derby.

Time will tell how real this club is playing and determined in their quest for glories past and future under Manager Gus Poyet, for now focus is the name for the Sunderland chaps as well their salvation and permanency in Premiership, for now enjoy your achievements.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Britannia is Alive and Kicking

One madhouse was the result at Britannia Stadium; after its prodigal sons really played with heart and came away with an all-around victory that let them breath momentarily in the Premiership table.

Yes, those Potters that really shook one of their worst performances, ending their five losing skid with style and courage- by defeating one of the most prominent squads in EPL!

Those Red Devils that in seasons past were invincible and in this edition of Premiership are struggling to really play a one on one with any squad, regardless of its record and position in the table.

Something that the visiting skipper didn’t count on a man possessed with desires and determination of returning his squad to victory, being the hero of today’s match.

In today’s match it was versions of David versus Goliath in those Red Devils wanting the victory at any cost as well add points to their favor as well its Manager seeking a vote of confidence.

That didn’t happen today, as another skipper currently walking on a tight rope in the Potters Mark Hughes wanted to resuscitate his squad after many setbacks currently experienced in this campaign.

A squad that can really played on a one to one basis to anyone as earlier in the season defeated powerhouse Chelsea Blues in their always antagonistic Derbies- direction is somehow vague, still this chaps can rebound with the right formulas as they did today.

Call this luck or purely determination for a belligerent Stoke City squad, which they want to redeem themselves in the remainder of this campaign.

As for their foes in the visiting Manu really had in its initial eleven, its top guns coming out of the DL and were ready to inflict pain as well earned three points of gold- that went vice versa in this match were the locals as underdogs inflicted the defeat.

To the incredulous look of the visitors Skipper David Moyes that still claims of being the best that showed to play, still a win is a win for the Potters that really exorcise those demons of mediocrity and delivered to its faithful- an important victory that will raise their spirits.

After all there calm after the storm is past, as for Stoke City leaving their downfall behind is something to be proud, for now of course.

As they say in any sport, there’s no such thing as an easy foe to underestimate- because at the end the results speak for themselves, something that Manager Hughes will always cherished in his endeavor of top man, good show Potters!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

A Villainous Awakening in the Derby

In today’s match considered as the grand event for both of these squads- in this edition of the West Midlands Derby it was a show of force between the Villains and the Baggies.

An established match and rivalry that dates a good while- as many other contests played throughout the league- were this one had a certain importance for both crews in need to add points to their cause as well claim bragging rights.

After a change in the helm for the Baggies, their new skipper Pepe Mel was poised to earn for his chaps three golden points to continue their ascent to salvation.

On the home page, the Claret and Blue was determined to go for the glory as well give its faithful the joy and hope that they’re for real and will try for new endeavors in the remaining matches of this campaign.

It when Paul Lambert the Manager of the Lions was determined to win this edition of the Derby, in what was considered an exciting match not recommendable for those with poor health.

With a fantastic finish thanks to a penal well performed by the Villains Christian Benteke and what became the final and decisive score of a one of a kind and competed Derby not won by the Villa chaps since 2011.

At the end this match assures and gave the Villains some breathing room in their quest for salvation from the always infamous relegation positions- leaving them with 27 points and in command of the tenth position.

Still the league is not over yet and with upcoming matches and a not so easy schedule for the Claret and Blue, it’s when their man at the helm should became creative as well try to get a couple of players capable of pulling this squad out of the danger zones.

Good job done by Manager Lambert after getting a positive result in front of his club faithful and with a well-deserved win that lift his chap’s spirits into their next match.

At the end the Aston Villa squad has done its work, although its fan base demands more from the Villa- still their club hasn’t done a bad job in earning eight points out of eighteen in play.

Still this Villains are capable of mounting and attack that can really surprise the titans of this league as well consider their upcoming matches left in this campaign as a one of a kind challenge for their survival as well their quest for positioning into the European positions.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Liverpool’s Madness at the Merseyside Derby

Whatever happened to the Toffee’s in this edition of the Merseyside Derby, after Everton’s Manager Roberto Martinez saw in disbelief the way his lads were victimized by Liverpool’s terrible trio.

A match were everything was at stake as well honor that always is disputed in the field in every season when these two colossus, always bring the best in both of them.

This was a match for both squads as important as these two are already embarked in the quest for the top and as every point counts- today’s loss for the Everton squad became a setback for their hopes into the league top position as well put them on sixth place.

With an all-around performance by its fab three headed by Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, Anfield really gave its faithful a show worth for their money, after seeing its chaps beat a decimated and clueless visiting Blue squad.

For Manager Brendan Rodgers todays victory was a step in the right direction as well gives his chaps an injection of optimism in their hunt for the Barclays Premiership Shield.

Red hot is the word for this edition of the English Premier League, that has seen fight for the top position and the Liverpool squad is determined to conquer it whatever the price!

Still with several matches left in the campaign, the Anfield chaps are preparing for every match as it was their last as well playing their heart out in each one of them.

What is done is done and for now Skipper Rogers needs to focus for their next match as well hold their fourth place position as well try to make a move over Chelsea, Arsenal and the league leading Man City Citizens- to claim the pole position of EPL.

After a couple of back to back loses and a draw, the Reds really put on a hell of a show as well climb slowly but surely in the overall table by earning ten points out of eighteen in play.

In the Reds upcoming schedule many can say it looks somehow easy- but among those foes to face off at home are the Arsenal Gunners hungry to recover the top that suddenly was lost after their stumble against a reluctant Saint squad.

As I always said, there’s no easy foe as well in this edition of Premiership the odds can turn against anyone in every match played regardless of the position you are in the table- for the Reds they cannot to afford to lose any upcoming matches as well let go any of their points freely.

This off course if they want to aspire for the Barclays Premiership Shield and bring to the halls of Anfield this coveted prize that’s been so elusive for this Merseyside club, still Luck can be on their side.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Linfield Couldn’t Capitalize on the League Table

With a match considered as an easy affair for the Blues, suddenly for the Windsor residents, things didn’t work as expected in what was an afternoon full of surprises and letdowns.

As the North Ireland Premier League is in its critical stages, so far the Blues are becoming somehow concern of their slim lead of five points from their closest foes in the Clintonville Reds.

After last campaign that the Blues opposites lifted the Danske Bank Premiership League trophy as champions- this campaign was one to take very seriously in their hopes of bringing back the coveted silverware to the halls of Windsor Park.

Still for the Blues Manager David Jeffrey it was a day of frustrations after seeing his lead that his lads put on the board in the early stages of the match, very well seeing an all-around effort from the visiting Ards.

Indeed, a match considered a compromise in league and playing against the lowest seed in the overall table- the Ards and its blokes never looked back in every minute of the match as well in each score from the locals, they really counter attacked and hence their efforts for the draw.

In what was considered a goal feast, the visitors really capitalize on the local’s mishaps for the final score in the 85^th minute and hence the result that was considered as a win for the White and Blue squad.

For now this result is in the past for the Linfield squad and now, this skipper focus is on their next compromise against their archrivals the Clintonville Reds- on a match considered as another Belfast Derby for its importance!

In this Derby were the Reds versus the Blues, considered a duel to the death between these two titans in their quest of the NIFL shield.

For now on David Jeffrey and his lads need to add points to the Blues cause, if they want to stay in the league top and with a loss for the Blues, sadly means a compromise in their overall position in the table as well it can deflate their ambitions for the league top honors.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

A Serious Contender in the 2014 Portland Timbers

A contender is in the works at the Rose City, were its Timbers are looking like an all-around contender for this upcoming 2014 campaign of Major League Soccer.

After last season that saw in this squad much improvement in the Rose City lads- that gave them a nice record in what many saw a high level of competiveness in MLS.

Suddenly after last season the arrival of its Designated Player and grand performance from Diego Valeri- all of a sudden this club has turn its attention to a remote region of the world to reinforce its areas in need.

Indeed, is the land of silver Argentina that’s becoming the favorite spot for the Portland Timbers Manager and its front office to reinforce any aspect and position of this club’s resurgence in MLS.

Its why the Timbers are on the verge of making their club one of the most competitive in league play to really counter any challenge from MLS clubs and future tourneys, as well their newly incursion into CONCACHAMPIONS tourney.

This campaign Manager Caleb Porter and his front office think thanks are determined to bring an all-around spectacle to its faithful as well make Jeld- Weld Field a place to vibrate with emotion and make its Timbers an almighty squad.

As with the arrival of last season of Maxi Urruti alongside superman Diego Valeri- things looked somehow promising for the Timbers in its frontal attack- that’s why they brought another of his countrymen to reinforce the offensive attack in Gaston la Gata Fernandez to make a one two Andean attack.

Another highlight is the reinforcement of its defensive side and in the center was it matter the most for the Portland squad in the arrival of Norberto Papparato that somehow reminds me of his playing like another Argentine great defenders in Newcastle United Fabricio Colocinni and former International great Daniel Pasarella.

Not bad for a small market squad that has brought all the attention from the world of soccer in the US and abroad with it’s one of a kind followers that never ceased to support its beloved Green and White chaps- as well being an influence in injecting interest in the game throughout the league.

Still rumors never cease to come to the halls of Jen- Jeld Field, with the arrival of maybe its fifth Argentinian player in Racing de Avellaneda midfielder Agustin Pelletieri who can reinforce the defensive and offensive attack of the Rose City squad.

As other squads in big cities and markets want to attract its fan base with big names as well exorbitant contracts, the Portland Timbers silently and in a conservative way are building a squad that nobody will want to mess with.

The way this club has been reinforced by this Andean players, we will be calling it the Albicelestes of the Pacific Northwest, a nickname given to Argentina National team for its White and sky-blue uniform colors.

Very well the front office will see its new gladiators adapt to the Porter scheme and start writing into this club’s history a lot of golden moments as well bring the much coveted silverware of the MLS Cup and Supporters Shield and why not the CONCACAF Shield.

This is it! The year of the Portland Timbers rebirth as one of the top clubs of North American soccer as well its representative to face off against any rival in any league- a lesson to many out there in how geniuses at work can make an all-around contender in this and many seasons to come!

Hail Portland Timbers!

Saturday, January 25, 2014

A Dramatic Descent for the Swansea Squad

Michael Laudrup is one worried man at the helm of the Swans, after seeing its squad sudden decline in the table- that’s becoming somehow worrisome for its front office and follower’s at Liberty Stadium.

After a winless skid in their last compromises of league play, the Jacks are becoming embroiled in the always fatidic fight for their permanent stay in Premiership.

Even though their current position in the table is becoming somehow decadent- after their last six matches, were their performance only managed to gain one point out of eighteen in play- this is becoming a reason to worry for the Dane skipper.

Simply a slim lead of three points from the last squads currently on hold of the league cellar and prominent candidates for the Championship league- is raising red flags for the Swans faithful.

With glory days being in the past, after winning the League Cup known as the Capitol One Cup for sponsor reference- the Swans tasted some of Europe’s glory briefly and now their current debacle.

For now Manager Laudrup needs to focus on the club future as well try to rescue his Jacks from the abyss- they’re embroiled and fight for their salvation and permanent stay for another campaign in the EPL.

Unfortunately the league calendar can be a sort of tricky or coincidental after the Swans losing streak was to blame in its matches with clubs of the caliber of Manu, Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham and Everton.

Still nothing is lost and this campaign is far from over as the Jacks next compromises with squads considered as modest, but cannot be trusted as easy as in this league- as they say, there’s no such thing as an easy foe.

That can be the light at the end of the tunnel as the Swans are already on the radar of the football experts of being considered as serious candidates for descending Premiership.

At the end the Jacks and its Manager need to really focus in the upcoming matches and really be serious about each point in play as well unite this club players that suddenly are apart and its becoming a sort of distraction.

Hope mounts as well their participation on internal Cup play, were the Swans can display certain looseness as well confidence after their last season feat, time will tell as well for Manager Laudrup’s destinies at the end of this campaign.

Friday, January 24, 2014

How Determined Is Anfield for the Premiership Shield

Anfield is becoming a madhouse after displaying an all-around performance for its Reds, which so far have given to its followers a reason to dream of a possible shield of a season.

Indeed, the Liverpool squad is poised to go for the Premiership shield and bring it to the halls of Merseyside- something not experienced since the departure and tenure of Spaniard Rafael Benitez.

Something not won for a good while, especially a shield from the Barclays Premiership that can really turn things around in Liverpool!

When it was the middle of league play the Liverpool squad occupied first place momentarily, after a sudden slide from current league leaders Arsenal Gunners.

Still the club hasn’t seen a certain determination at the time they face one of those so called league titans, after losing a couple of matches back top back- as in the Citizens and Blues.

Liverpool showed a certain weakness and lack of determination when playing some of these squads; it’s when the Reds Manager Brendan Rogers needs to start getting some creativeness in it initial eleven as well motivate his lads to go all the way.

In their last matches played, the Reds have nested ten points with a couple of losses and a draw to their cause as well having a sort of an easy schedule ahead in this second half.

At the end this Merseyside squad , really needs to take advantage of the winter market window to reinforce its weak spots as well its bench to really be a competitive entity after all- the Gunners hold in first isn’t a sure thing that Manager Brendan Rogers is aware.

An sooner than later the top position in this edition of Premiership can be open to the best bidder as well this campaign many of us followers of the best soccer league in the world, the level of competiveness is shown in squads like the Reds fighting for position.

For now Brendan Rogers will have to play with intelligence in its initial eleven as well motivate his squad as this were their last match of this campaign and play without any pressures or inhibitions whoever they face.

By mentioning about this season in how the English Premier League has shown a certain level of competiveness among squads in Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Man City and Liverpool- anything can happen and at the finish of this 2013-2014 campaign for sure we will see a new champion.

The Reds now need to focus in this weekend match in what were familiar with the Merseyside Derby against their bitter rival the Everton Toffees, that promises to be a one of a kind match as well the winner will have bragging rights in the overall table position.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Big Names Aren’t the Solution at Old Trafford

The Red Devils troubled campaign is reflected on this squad need of attention to its troubled midfield, either in its attacking or defensive side.

In need of some miracle or turnaround for this club odd campaign, its current skipper David Moyes is doing an overall search for the missing link to its initial eleven.

One that’s currently under the eye of the team medic for its growing number of players in the disabled list as well lack of a playmaker that could turn things around at Old Trafford into a contender.

After all the name of Juan Mata the Spaniard that currently is on United archrival’s Chelsea Blues, the rumors of going to Manchester are becoming a sound reality every day.

If we mentioned the list made by the Scotsman for this club to see a change for the better, you could not believe your eyes from every club in England, France, Germany, Africa and Spain- being in this club shopping if not wish list.

At the end the arrival of big names to Old Trafford won’t solve this man’s desperate quest to turn things around and salvage his club campaign with a European position.

If I say the solution is not in these big names, is because of its immediate adaptability to Moyes scheme and its teammates alongside the return of these club top players in Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and newly DL man Michael Carrick.

Still the question is on the air, after many successful campaigns under their belt, the Manchester United Red Devils are desperate for urgent results in a positive of ways.

After Mata arrival if this deal is consumed, many others are on the verge of joining one of the top clubs in the world currently on a slump as well in need of help!

Only one thing can come out of tis deals as many players of United’s old guard are on the way out as new ones are to make a grand entry into the Theater of Dreams to see if miracles can happen in this majestic field and return to its faithful the lost glories of campaigns past.

Moyes needs to do something not to critique its players but give them the lost confidence and sense of security lost at the beginning of this campaign; a big name is not the solution- as my doubts are if he can turn things around in a campaign already lost.