Fern Mc Costigan

Monday, February 17, 2014

Toronto’s Well Taken Statement!

Talking about making a statement in all of Major League Soccer circles, as the way TFC is assembling an all-around contender for this 2014 campaign.

Oh yes, this squad since its inception in MLS on 2006 has been in a struggle to make the league postseason, still on the 2010-11 campaign, making a big impact on CONCACHAMPIONS play with a sound victory over Mexican strong Cruz Azul.

Still this club has been in a constant parade of skippers numbering a total of eight, as many in the TFC are betting that this club campaign will have a sudden turnaround with newcomer in Kiwi Ryan Nelsen.

As many credit TFC’s man at the helm for the assembling of this squad, parade of big name players that have made it to this Canadian squad.

The Reds are up and running as their front office really put all of their best efforts in building a contender for the Toronto faithful as well try make the league postseason alongside bring several shields to BMO Field halls.

After all TFC is one for the top tiers in Canadian soccer as its dominance in the always competed Amway Canadian Cup won by the Reds four years in a row- as well seeing how its MLS counterparts in the Caps and interstate rivals the Impact have both made the postseason.

Indeed it hurts this club pride, that’s why the arrival of top players in Jermaine Defoe from Tottenham, Michael Bradley from As Roma, Dwayne De Rosario and the negotiations with DP Matias Laba, their Argentinian sensation to remain in the club and contribute to its upcoming success.

Adding to that, now the club is raising its voice in unison to all of the league circles in signing Brazilian great goalkeeper Julio Cesar, the TFC is putting icing on the cake to its league dominance as well its possibility of winning the MLS and Supporters Shields.

I do believe the Reds are making an extraordinary statement that this squad is for real and is determined to rewrite history in this campaign as well exercise certain hegemony in this cross border rivals in the Columbus Crew, New York Red Bull and its I 99 rivals in the Montreal Impact.

Time will be this squad ally as many rumors persist in the web that Uruguayan sensation Diego Forlan is in the plans for the TFC, many more names to that circle, still there’s only one way to find out if this club is for real at the start of hostilities.

There’s only one way to find out if this club expenditures were well unfunded as well accurate, names can say a lot- but in the field is where we'll find out if this was a worth declaration, Good Luck TFC!

Julio Cesar Brazilian Sensation goalkepper has joined the TFC to reinforce its posts!

Saturday, February 15, 2014

A Lesson Well Taught at Etihad

Jose Mourinho the Manager of the Chelsea Blues was given an all-around lesson in football this afternoon at Etihad Stadium, seeing how his squad got shut down cold!

Lately this skipper in the Portuguese being constantly in a war of words with its Premiership counterparts Manuel Pellegrini from Man City and Arsenal’s Arsene Wegner.

If this chap has been critical, you may be right, as his destructive comments are becoming a sort of spark to make these two men at the helm- to be a sort of defensive and wise about their upcoming moves.

This was proved this afternoon at Etihad Stadium at Manchester City- were the lads commanded by Argentinean Manuel Pellegrini really gave a lesson in how football should be played, as well that the Citizens are for real and they’re no picnic.

Indeed we can say that round one went for the Andean Skipper and really gave the Chelsea squad a humiliating loss as well eliminating them from FA Cup play.

What if Sergio Aguero would it play as Samir Nasri did as this latter one was considered doubtful after an injury and Manager Pellegrini didn’t wanted to risk his player on the eve of Champions play next week against invincible Barcelona.

We can say that this win was well-earned and made the whole of Manchester City celebrate in unison their rout over controversial Jose Mourinho Chelsea Boys.

Still there are a lot of obstacles to sort for the Man City squad as their next compromise, being silverware in play at the Capitol One Cup against surprising Sunderland- that could be their first trophy of four that they’re going for.

Maybe if everything falls into place for the Sky Blues in their upcoming matches and play with courage and heart as they did today and making their Manager see four trophies in his destiny.

Yes four in the always coveted Barclay Premiership trophy, the long eared cup of Champions League, the Capitol One Cup match pending against Sunderland and the FA Cup if lucky.

For now the Man City squad has to focus in all of its upcoming matches and play them patiently- this if they want their goals to become a reality.

At the end we will see how this club is made of and its mettle was made at the beginning of this campaign.

Photo Credit and Property of © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2014

Man City Pellegrini in the backdrop had the last laugh with a win in this match over Chelsea's Jose Mourinho

Friday, February 14, 2014

I Miss the Almighty Rangers

Going up, is what the motto at Ibrox is heard lately, as the almighty Rangers FC or better known as the Old Firm has set its sights in their quest to seek old glories past!

As you may recall 2012 was a year of infamy after the club became insolvent and couldn’t agree with its creditors and went into that infamous administration.

That was then and now is now; after all the Teddy Bears are determined to their imminent return to Scottish top notch positions as well the Scottish Premier League.

After winning last campaign in their position in the IRN BRU or better known as the third division- the lowest in Scottish Professional football- the Rangers added a new trophy to its already filled halls, with their promotion to second division for this 2014-2015 campaign.

With Ranger legendary Ally Mc Coist at the helm of the Gers- things are looking somehow promising for the Light Blues- still there’s a lot of work ahead for this institution.

Recently stated by Skipper Mc Coist, were his statement about his club in need of some competiveness in their upcoming endeavor in the Second Division- his philosophy in order to make a contender in the long run.

The infusion of some needed cash to recruit new players as well make an all-around competitor as its faithful were accustomed in the club splendor years.

In their next endeavor the Gers have set their sights on the Scottish League one or better known as the second divisions were nine of its current teams- were the Teddy Bears must endure and overcome in their quest to the top.

For the Ranger’s followers that really number in the millions and with this old firms in the Bluenoses and Bears- these showing an all-around patience for their club imminent return to its lost glory days and the new ones to come.

Still there’s a new challenge in the works for the Light Blues and for Manager Ally Mc Coist surely is up for the challenge as well focus his players in their new quest to reach new heights and write this clubs pages new feats.

Indeed, as I do miss how the Old Firm matches between these two Glasgow titans really put on the field as we all knew it as the Glasgow Derby against archrivals Celtic FC- I do miss the Rangers, but I know their return to the SPL will be sooner than expected.

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!