Kicking Off!: 2013

Friday, December 13, 2013

Premier League Christmas Gifts

Christmas is under two weeks away and while the rest of European clubs are about to enter their winter break the Premier League soccer schedule is cranking up to the most intense part of the season, which leaves the players very little time to go and do their shopping.

Manchester United: David Moyes And The Boo Boys.

It has been seven months and only fourteen games since Sir Alex Ferguson stood on the Old Trafford turf and told the listening fans to give the new man time. Applause rang out among the masses and yet this morning I see quite a few posts on social media saying Moyes out. One person even stating that Moyes wasn’t in his top 15 Manager shortlist because ‘He never won a trophy or qualified them for any European tournament’.

Manager Magic Roundabout In Full Swing

To be a football manager in today’s modern game is something that I think is becoming akin to a stunt man in the early days of Hollywood. No matter how good you are, someone else gets the plaudits. In Hollywood it is the film star of the piece to get the Oscar and in football it is the striker who scores the winning goal or defender who gets the last ditch tackle to secure the points who wins the fans hearts. The life expectancy in both jobs is about the same too with it currently widely accepted that no side will ever have the long term manager of Alex Ferguson or an Arsene Wenger. While in Hollywood the Stuntmen’s Association have managed to get the working conditions better for the daredevils the LMA have yet to slow the ever increasing spin of Managers revolving doors.

New Zealand Maori All Blacks v USA Eagles

The excitement for me personally had been building since I had purchased the tickets back in September. This Saturday evening at PPL Park in Philadelphia the Maori All Blacks would take on the USA Eagles in an exhibition rugby match.

Darren Kenton Interview

It has been a while since I last posted something on this site. This week though I managed to get in contact with another ex Norwich City player Darren Kenton. The ex Norwich player agreed to an interview and here it is:

Premier League Preview (Sept 28-30)

Last weekend the Premiership seemed to erupt with goals. City beat United 4-1 in the Sunday’s Manchester derby and on Saturday goal strugglers Newcastle and West Ham both scored twice, although their opposition scored three. In all twenty nine goals were scored, averaging just under three goals in each game.
What will be the talking points be come this Monday morning around the water cooler? Will we see as many goals as last week? Maybe not, but you can bet there will be more than a couple of talking points. I will do my best to tell you how I think the weekend will pan out.

League Cup Round 3

Today and Wednesday sees the big boys join the League Cup competition, which is already at Round Three. Swansea were last years winners and as such have embarked on their European adventure this term. This is not a high priority for the some of the top clubs with Champions League, the Premiership and even the FA Cup taking priority over this competition. That said it is still a trophy and it is a back door into next seasons Europa League competition. It also allows some of the bigger sides to get competitive games under the belts of their fringe players and promising youngsters. With that in mind here is the run down of the games today and tomorrow.

Premier League Review

Match week five may be looked back on at the end of the season as the point when the Premier League exploded into life. 78 goals had been scored up to this point, an average on 19.5 per game. This weekend we saw 29 goals, a sacking and a number of other Managers start to feel the heat. So for the week five review lets start at the beginning and the opening game on Saturday.

Premier League Preview

Already this season there are no teams in the Premiership still with 100% records and only two teams, Everton and Liverpool who remain undefeated. That is under half the amount at the same time last season where, although no teams still had 100% record, five still remained undefeated.

Champions League (Week 1, Part 2)

Yesterday the first four Groups played on match day one of the Champions League. The eight games saw a total of 30 goals scored. Tonight the last four Groups play, will we see just as many goals this time around? Let’s take a look.

The Emotional Game Of Soccer (Part Four)

The beautiful game has been proven over the years to bridge gaps, bring people together and give hope where politically there may not be. Over the next few days I am going to be taking single games which changed the world, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worst and sometimes only for 90 minutes, but all powerful nonetheless.

Champions League (Week 1, Part 1)

Well it is finally here, the first round of Champions League fixtures take place today and tomorrow with Groups A-D kicking off today and Groups E-H kicking off 24 hours later. Today I will look at the first games involving the two Manchester clubs, Real Madrid, Juventus and current Champions, Bayern Munich.

USA Boys To Brazil

So there you have it! Team USA will be going to the World Cup in Brazil next summer after a 2-0 win against the struggling Mexico side. On first glance it seems like the perfect night for the Men’s National team but the truth is that there are still a lot of questions to answer for Klinsmann before next summers tournament kicks off.

England To Win 2022 World Cup and Miley Cyrus Joins Nunnery

It really does blow my mind when these new FA Chairmen come along and make bold statements. Sure there is nothing wrong with the way you target objectives. I have no problem with the fact he said the English National team should reach the 2020 Euro Semi Finals and win the World Cup in 2022. I think it is bold and ambitious, in not slightly flawed.

With the break in European football comes the International fixtures, including two World Cup Qualifiers for the USA Men’s National Team. Jurgan Klinsmann has both Dempsey and Donovan fit and in the squad along with positive signs that the three goal’s against Bosnia, Jozy Altidore could also be available.

The Emotional Game Of Soccer (Part Three)

Transfer Window Round Up

If the soccer season is the male’s version of a soap opera with all it’s twists, turns, ups, downs and last minute drama then the transfer deadline day is a cross between the Antiques Roadshow and the Shopping Channel. A marathon day of expensive assets going for silly money, and it started off with one Welshman. I don’t mean Gareth Bale, I am actually referring to Billy Meredith. Over 100 years ago he played for both Manchester clubs and was heavily involved in getting a players union started and in 1908 the Union stated their aims to allow unlimited wages, transfer from club to club and for players to take a percentage of the transfer fee.

League football takes a break now with the International fixtures taking centre stage for the next two weeks. First up on Saturday was Manchester City who were desperate to get back to winning ways before the departure of their players. A draw or defeat to Hull would have set alarm bells ringing.

Premier League Preview (Week 3)

The final Premiership weekend before the International break takes place this weekend. Chelsea and Aston Villa are the only two teams not in Premiership action this week. Chelsea’s participation in today’s Super Cup Final meant that game was played nine days ago.
After this weekend each team will be back to three games before the League resumes again on September 14th. So what will the League throw up this weekend, well let’s take a look.

All soccer fans around the World were facing Monaco on Thursday at 12pm EST where the Groups for the 2013/14 Champions League would be drawn. Once again the procedure, which could take 15 minutes was drawn out for a full hour with voting for UEFA Best Player in Europe for the 2012/13 season.

The Emotional Game Of Soccer (Part 2)

Wenger You Gonna Spend Some Money?

After Saturday’s defeat in the opening game against Aston Villa, there was an increased frustration among the Arsenal fans with the way their club is being run and their lack of activity in the transfer market. On Monday apparently Arsenal did indeed make a bid for a player of another club who was due to play that evening and in fact had to be pulled by his manager at the last minute because ’his head wasn’t right’ after the bid.

In Afghanistan crowds gathered in the streets of Kabul, shouting and waving flags. It is a picture Western TV has shown many times before but this time it was different. These people were not mourning an attack that had left loved ones dead, in fact the complete opposite, it had life. The reason for the gathered crowds was not war, it was soccer.

Here we go again for another weekend of Premiership football. Already Arsene Wenger is feeling the pressure from fans after the defeat to Villa meanwhile both Manchester sides dominated their games, both scoring four. Chelsea have played an extra game due to their European Super Cup commitments next Friday and currently top the table with 6 points after a very controversial midweek win against Aston Villa.

In Rob's Memory

For most of us August 4th was three days after a defeat to Bayern Munich in a Friendly Cup Final, the Audi Cup in Munich. Just over 5,000 miles away a friend of mine, and fellow City fan posted this on Facebook,

I was wondering exactly how long it would be after the recent big MLS announcements before Landon Donovan piped up and tried to put himself front and centre. I will state right up front that I have never been a big fan of Landycakes Donovan and preferred to look to players such as Clint Dempsey, DeMarcus Beasley and Claudio Reyna among others as potential role models for the American youth.

Home Is Where The Win Is.

Out of all the games played in the MLS this weekend only 1 away side got a point. Yes all the other games resulted in a win for the home side, remarkable. Over in England the Premiership got underway this weekend but in our own backyard it was week 27. As teams all across the MLS try to kick on and get a good run of results going for the sprint to secure playoff places or even named Conference Champions.

Well the first weekend of a long Premier League campaign is in the books with all teams having played a game. All except Manchester City and Newcastle who face off later today. So how did the first weekend shape up? Here is my review of the games played this weekend in the Premiership.

The late 1980's and early 1990's for City fans was a time of mixed emotions. Relegation in 1987 meant we had two seasons of Division 2 football before coming back to the top Division. Then two seasons in we finished 5th and above Utd, and who can forget the Maine Road massacre of that first season back when a new Man Utd Manager by the name of Alex Ferguson was struggling.

Recently I got in contact with one of the fans favorites from that era, David White, and put some questions to him about his time at City, his transfer away and England.

MLS Preview (week 27)

Across the pond the English Premier League starts and much has been made about the television coverage in the States of this league. Taxis and trains have been decorated to celebrate this event and for the first time in over 200 years Americans are shouting, ‘The British are coming!’

It is great that the sport is getting this attention but don’t forget you have your own league in progress and the arrival of the Premier League should highlight the MLS and not eclipse it. The MLS season is in full flow and still has a lot to be decided and taking the games in order of Kick Off times this is how I see it.

Well guys, it is finally here. After what seems like an eternity since the last season finished it is now once more time to turn our attention to the English Premier League. Over the course of the season I will try to give you my humble opinion on the match ups, some facts and my guess at the scores for you all to either ridicule or be amazed at my Nostradamus type powers! So here we go.

Slick Rick Is Just The Trick

Scotland traveled down to London Wednesday night to take on the ‘Auld enemy’ and hopefully break England hearts and ruin the FA’s 150th birthday celebrations. Scotland have not been a force at International level for some time now but a few years ago this was a great fixture, and by the sound of the crowd along with the opening few minutes it had announced its return. That said like another Scottish hero against England they would need strong minds for the 90 minutes along with their brave hearts!

Football v Homophobia

You may have read my article a while back about Racism within English football. An example of what I was talking about raised its ugly head in a recent Baltimore Oriole game and obviously is a big problem within the Italian soccer scene.

However, another taboo in Football is the homophobia that exists. This upcoming Saturday though, in Manchester England a conference will be co-held by two groups FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) and ’football v Homophobia’. It will include fans from all around Europe and will focus homophobia and transphobia in the game. I am encouraged that this might just be a serious attempt to address the issue because it is taking place in England, at the home city of two of the biggest teams in the Premier League on a day when eyes all across the world will be focused on England. The FA is celebrating it’s 150th anniversary, the Football League will kick off for the 125th time and of course the first Premier League games of a new and exciting season takes place.

The USA Men’s National side went to Sarajevo to play their friendly game against Bosnia. If the crowd were anything to go by though it was clear this was going played at a little bit of a higher intensity than your regular, run of the mill, friendly.

Bosnia started stronger, which as the home team you would expect. The USA kept their shape for the first few attacks but then got distracted in the 7th minute by Ibisevic, who was clearly offside, and just seemed to stop, allowing an onside Edin Dzeko to score at the second attempt past a very frustrated Tim Howard. At this level, not playing to the whistle, is something that will frustrate Klinsmann who will demand better.

Jurgan's Euro Experiment

As you may remember a few weeks ago, at the conclusion of the Gold Cup competition, I had said that although that Final was an important game in terms of getting another trophy I was more interested in friendly to be played this week against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo

A few days ago I had written an article talking bout this year being the 125th running of the Football League in England and that the FA had arranged special fixtures for the occasion, which also happens to be their 150th year. On Wednesday, and right before the Premier League starts up, England will face Scotland in London as part of the celebrations. The U-21 teams will also face off 24 hours before, but their game will take place at Sheffield United‘s ground, Bramell Lane. England against Scotland is the oldest International fixture in the world and was first played back in 1872 which ended 0-0.

Robin's Brace, Saves Face.

On a sunny afternoon in London, new Manchester United Manager, David Moyes, won his first silverware at Manchester United and as a top flight manager. The history books will record a 2-0 win for the Reds thanks to a Van Persie double but that far from tells you the story of the game. Certainly it will never be in danger of going into the history books as one of the greatest but was one of the more important games, a win for Moyes in what was a must win.

Courtesy: BBC

Robin Van Persie scored the opener after six minutes with a superb header which had enough power and precision to beat the Wigan keeper, Scott Carson, who was at full stretch. Interestingly at this point the goal was against the run of play and actually United’s first chance. Although Wigan didn’t do much to ruffle the United feathers or make DeGea nervous at the back either.

A lot has been made in the past few days regarding the move back to MLS by Clint Dempsey. Questions have been raised about whether he has taken a step back with his move to MLS? Questions have even been raised as to whether he is too good for MLS.

Community Shield Preview

Manchester United, the current Premier League Champions take on Wigan, the current FA Cup winners in what is traditionally the season curtain opener Sunday. If you got to hear comments from ex United players such as Pat Crerand and Lou Macari, you would think that this game is not all that important and as the latter said, ‘just another friendly’. Rio Ferdinand was also on record this week as saying that he would still be confident if Manchester United went into the season with the squad they have. Personally I say, you may not have a choice Mr Ferdinand. All the reported targets this go around have opted to either stay at their current club or move to others around Europe.

Premier League Season Predictions

So the last four days I have gone through the teams in the English Premiership (found here http://pacityboy.blogspot.com/) and let you know the incomings and outgoings at all teams. On occasion I let you know what my little humble opinion on the side was also. Well as the window doesn’t close until the 2nd September you can bet that more will arrive and more will leave but as I do every season I have compiled my predicted end of season table. Obviously you may have your own opinions on this and I am sure I will upset more than the odd fan with certain teams positioning but here goes, in reverse order:

20) Crystal Palace:

Although I think Palace will go down in their very first season, you have to look at the positives. As I said with Mondays look at this team, I think the signings have experience but can they really handle the pace of the Premiership anymore?

19) Hull:

A lot of new players for Bruce and his own Premiership record is what is working against him I feel. Teams have to gel quickly and if Hull do they might stand a chance, however, I think they will be struggling all season and Bruce doesn’t do well when things are not going right. Impulse buys in January a possibility, end of the season relegation battle a certainty.

Courtesy: Stoke City F.C.
Courtesy: Stoke City F.C.
18) Stoke:

Mark Hughes will have to really improve on his last few attempts in Mangement if Stoke are not to go down this season. Pullis last season guided them to 13th but the truth is I do not think there has been enough done to bring in players to kick them back up the top half. In this league if you are not constantly improving you are standing still and standing still is dangerous.

17) Cardiff:

In the report on Monday I said that I didn’t see how these guys could stay up. That said, every season there is a surprise and I think maybe Cardiff could be the one to provide that just beating the drop.

16) Swansea

Dropping down a bit from last season, not because I think they will be worse this season. I think the European adventure will prove to me too much of a distraction for the Swans and will bring them close to the relegation zone.

15) Southampton:

Potentially great purchases since last season ended and Saints fans should be feeling a little less nervous going into this season. Be cautious though as anything can happen and sometimes the second season is the one that gets you. I think they will slip a little position wise from last season and it will be scrappy toward the end but if after 38 games they still have three below them then that’s all that matters at this time of rebuilding and establishing yourself back in the EPL.

14) West Brom:

A slight backward step for West Brom this season. Nothing too bad though and again, maybe a cup run will distract the fans a little. Anelka is experienced but not the permanent answer for West Brom but will do a good job for now.

13) Newcastle:

Another tough season for the Toon army. Pardew will be at war with Ashley and Kinnear I guess for the players he wants. Like I said in Wednesdays review of the team Ashley tried this before with Dennis Wise when Kevin Keegan was Manager and it resulted in Keegan walking away and then suing, surely Ashley hasn’t made that same mistake again has he?

12) West Ham:

Mid table for the Hammers which isn’t too bad. It is a slip from last seasons finishing spot but I think another season in the Premiership has to be the goal for Hammers fans for this season at least. Then you can kick on from there.

11) Aston Villa:

Last season this side finished 15th with 41 points. I expect this season for them to finish a few positions up and a few more points than last season. Maybe if, like many other Managers, they can have a decent cup run also it will ease the pressure on Paul Lambert.

10) Fulham:

New owner, new players. Martin Jol will again improve this Fulham side and improve on last years 12th position.

9) Norwich:

Chris Houghton is odds on to be one of the best Managers in this league, considering the resources available to him compared to others. Certainly a signal of intent with Wolfswinkle, Fer and Cooper. Was last seasons good finish to the season just a springboard? The Canaries fans will be hoping so, On The Ball City!

8) Sunderland:

A tough season for Sunderland last go around. This time though I see they have moved quickly and decisively in the transfer market and I really can see them rocketing up the league. American Jozy Altidore will have a chance to show what he can do in the Premiership and probably take honors as top American in the league following the departure of Dempsey from Spurs.

7) Liverpool:

As you were last season for Mr Rodgers and I think many Liverpool fans will not want him to be their neighbor. If Suarez does go (or is gone when this goes to press) then I think you will find Liverpool struggling even more than this. The good ship hasn’t been sailing right for a while now and with Carragher retiring I think you may see more movement in that Managers office before Christmas.

6) Everton:

Roberto Martinez finishing 6th in his first season for Everton would be massive for both him and the club. Sure Everton finished that exact position last season but when there is new regime change you never know how it’s going to go. So far he has managed to hold on to the bigger names expected to go and invested in some quality. If he can avoid signing Joey Barton then he may just have the desired team harmony he needs to bring the Toffee back to where they need to be, 6th is a great start.

5) Tottenham:

So Clint Dempsey has gone, Gareth Bales future is undecided at the time of writing so what now for Spurs? Last season they finished 5th and with the disruptions pre season I think another 5th place finish will be fantastic for AVB.

Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
4) Man Utd:

Got my hard hat on for this positioning, but really when you think about it it really isn’t that bad. Like I said on Wednesday the opening schedule will be tough for him I think. He has the community shield, which is a must win, followed by away to Swansea and home to Chelsea. Away to City and Liverpool in September means United may head into October not on double figures.

3) Arsenal:

With or without Suarez I think Wenger will have that consistency with his team that will just see them pip Manchester United to third. If they can do this and win one of the two domestic trophies on offer then it may just be one of Wengers best seasons for almost a decade.

2) Man City:

All the signings coming to the Etihad are quality and have shown good things during preseason, Navas and Fernandinho in particular. The departures haven’t been anything for City fans to cry about either really, except maybe Kolo. Tevez wanted to go and so I think he had his back patted by the City faithful and wished well and the only reason we question Kolo now is because of the Nastasic injury. Despite the signings already on the books it is still clear City need to strengthen that Centre back roll, the various replacements tried in preseason were not all that good, with Boyata probably the best, but only after a shakey start.

1) Chelsea:

This was a tough one to call. I really think that this team and Manchester City will start the campaign flying and for me was really just a coin toss as to who would have the upper hand. I went for Chelsea because their Manager has Premier League experience, along with the signings they have managed to get so far, just give them the edge.

Jason is a Freelance Soccer Writer. You can follow him on Twitter @PACityboy and www.facebook.com/jasonbardwell1979.

EPL Final Table Prediction

125 Years Of English League Football

When this seasons various English Leagues kick off it will represent the 125th year of League football in England. The FA will mark this with six significant games across all leagues, except the Premier League, on the opening day. The Leagues below the Premier League actually kick off two weeks earlier and in the Championship you can see Burnley take on Bolton and Derby against Blackburn. Burnley actually played Bolton in the second week of that first season but the game is significant because it involved the first hat-trick in league play.

With the start of the 2013/14 Premiership season just around the corner I thought I would take a look at the various teams and the transfers in and out. What can the supporters of each team really expect from the upcoming season.
Each day I will take five teams in what will be a four part preview. Yesterday I looked at current Champions Man Utd, Newcastle, Norwich City, Southampton and Stoke City. Today we have the final part as I look at Sunderland, Swansea, Tottenham, West Brom and West Ham.

With the start of the 2013/14 Premiership season just around the corner I thought I would take a look at the various teams and the transfers in and out. What can the supporters of each team really expect from the upcoming season.
Each day I will take five teams in what will be a four part preview. Yesterday was Everton, Fulham, Hull, Liverpool and Manchester City. Today it is the turn of current Champions Man Utd, Newcastle, Norwich City, Southampton and Stoke City.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Monday, September 30, 2013

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Friday, September 20, 2013

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Monday, September 16, 2013

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Monday, September 2, 2013

Friday, August 30, 2013

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Friday, August 23, 2013

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Friday, August 16, 2013

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Thursday, August 8, 2013