The Red Rose Football Blog (Number 43)

 

Red Rose Football Blog Edition 43

August 16^th 2017

Red Rose Player of the Week

Romelu Lukaku

With all the pressure on him following his move from Everton to Manchester United for at least £75 million and playing in a United shirt for the first time at Old Trafford, full marks to the Belgian for doing what he is paid to do; scoring twice v West Ham United. He is the perfect shape and size for an English league centre forward, his pace, strength and power capable of frightening the life out of opponents with the ball in the air and on the floor. He will compete against much better defensive sides than the Hammers during the ensuing 9 months, but what a way to endear yourself to your new fans.

Great Red Rose Wide Players

They used to be referred to as wingers. They stayed in a wide position and their task was to receive the ball, dance or fly past the full back and play in a cross which the centre forward would despatch without ceremony. Occasionally they jogged back to the half way line but first and foremost they were attackers. They said it was Alf Ramsey that killed off the breed in 1966 with his reliance on a 4-3-3 system and in more recent years, we have seen the emergence of the attacking full back. Innovative developments in technology have determined the evolution of the modern day football, aiding the emergence of the likes of David Beckham.

The easiest ball to head is the one coming towards you which you can meet full on, but in days gone by, the ball sailed straight and true. It was virtually impossible to swerve or bend the old leather case and bladder so the winger had to reach the by-line before pulling the ball back. Beckham, playing with a much lighter ball whipped in crosses from a much deeper position which had bent so much by the time it reached its destination that it was almost coming back towards the attacker. Hence the post-Beckham generation do not need guile and electrifying pace to go past the defender in order to deliver the most dangerous of crosses. They do however have to defend, a concept which was totally alien to the pre-1966 wingers. The first defensive wide man I saw was Jimmy Leadbetter, a spindly Scottish left winger for Ipswich Town, Champions of England in 1962. By playing deep at Ewood Park, he made it difficult for the Rovers to thread the ball to Bryan Douglas. It took me a long time to realise that I had witnessed a new development in the game, but now the link is obvious. The manager of Ipswich Town through that period was none other than Sir Alf himself. But irrespective of the category of the wide players, the Red Rose County clubs have produced, developed and played many great exponents of this particular art and the list below includes all those having played in 150 league games or more for the club and been awarded a minimum of 10 international caps in that period of time.

Blackburn Rovers: Bryan Douglas (England 36 caps), Damian Duff (Republic of Ireland 100 caps), Morten Gamst Pedersen (Norway 83 caps) Brett Emerton (Australia 95 caps)

Burnley: John Connelly (England 20 caps), Leighton James (Wales 54 caps).

Preston North End: Tom Finney (England 76 caps),   

Manchester City: Roy Clarke (Wales 22 caps), Peter Barnes (England 22 caps), Shaun Wright-Phillips (England 36 caps), James Milner (England 61 caps),  

Blackpool: Stanley Matthews (England 54 caps).

The wizard of the dribble was for years, the most famous footballer on the Planet. Wherever he played, clubs could be guaranteed a full house. He played his last game in the 1^st division (Tier 1) for Stoke City at the age of 50. His acceleration, pace, superb touch and balance simply destroyed the best of full backs. It was a different game back in those days and so I cannot believe we will ever again see a player performing at the highest level in the land at such an advanced age.

Everton: Tommy Eglington (Republic of Ireland 30 caps), Kevin Mirallas (Belgium 56 caps).

Liverpool: Billy Liddell (Scotland 26 caps), Peter Thompson (England 16 caps), Steve Heighway (Republic of Ireland 34 caps), John Barnes (England 79 caps),

John Barnes has probably been England’s finest left winger in the last 30 years. He had mesmeric ball skills to go with blistering pace. His individual goal against Brazil in 1984 at the Maracanã Stadium will go down as one of the greatest ever scored by an England international, selling dummies and drifting past the world’s best defenders.

Manchester United: George Best (Northern Ireland 37 caps), Willie Morgan (Scotland 21 caps), Steve Coppell (England 42 caps), Ryan Giggs (Wales 64 caps), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal 143 caps), Nani (Portugal 110 caps),

 

                                                     Performances of the last week

There is only one place to start this review; down the King’s Road at Stamford Bridge. In my mind, it was a home banker. Would you have backed Burnley, my tip to go down this year, to win at the home of the reigning Premier League Champions? Not a chance in hell. It helps of course when one of the opposition’s key defenders (Gary Cahill) leaves for an extremely early bath but the Clarets scored 3 memorable goals, a Sam Vokes volley, a Stephen Ward screamer and a typical Big Sam header to go 3-0 up at the break. The second half was always going to test Burnley’s morale but they finally survived, in spite of Chelsea pulling a couple back. One swallow of course does not make a summer, but what a confidence boost to this small town, low budget club who last won at the “Bridge” in 1971. That win came courtesy of Steve Kindon’s last minute goal, but worryingly for those who believe in omens, the Turf Moor side went down at the end of that season. There was of course another 2 goal hero this weekend, this one making his debut in a red shirt. Romelu Lukaku left Everton during the summer, Manchester United paying a whopping £75 million and he immediately did the business, scoring twice against a flaky West Ham United who were thrashed 4-0. There have been suggestions that the Belgian is something of a bully boy who scores his goals against weaker opposition, but he certainly knows where the net is. Time will tell if he can do it on a regular basis, especially in Europe. The highlight of Everton’s 1-0 win over Stoke was Wayne Rooneu’s headed debut goal. 

I believe that the majority of neutral fans will want to see the ex-England captain having at least 2 good years at Goodison Park before he hangs up his boots and even his critics will find it difficult to argue against a 15 year run of goal scoring at the top level. The next celebration could happen quite quickly as he needs one more for 200 Premier League goals. He is unlikely to catch Alan Shearer but his 2^nd place will certainly be secure for a while because it will probably take Sergio Aguero (even if he stays that long) another 4 years to catch Rooney. And talking of the Argentinian, his goal plus an own goal was sufficient to see Manchester City over the line at Brighton. It was a potential banana skin opening game but the Sky Blues had too much of everything for their recently promoted opponents. Their line-up is scary with quality all over the pitch and on the bench. If they can defend better than last season, the title should be theirs.

In the Championship, Preston North End showed battling skills galore at Elland Road, defending for half an hour with 10 men following Ben Pearson’s dismissal. Leeds United were roared on by over 32,000 supporters but Chris Maxwell made a couple of good saves and PNE held on for a most worthy point after the 0-0 draw; unbeaten in 2 games. The 2 Fylde Coast League 1 clubs both gained valuable 1-0 victories. Blackpool had a tough task on paper against Milton Keynes Dons in their League 1 fixture, but an early goal from Sam Longstaff, a loanee from Newcastle United, settled the nerves, the Tangerines holding on to their slender lead to register their first points of the season. The club started with 7 new faces but there was little change in the attendance, just a meagre 3412 coming through the turnstiles. Fleetwood Town meanwhile travelled to Northampton Town and made it 2 out of 2. The Cobblers were searching for their first points and goalkeeper Alex Cairns had to be at his best to keep Northampton at bay.

The Cod Army improved in the second half and Devante Cole, son of Andy notched the winner in the 75^th minute. They are up at the top of the league and have been joined by Wigan Athletic who, after a close first half, hammered Bury 4-1. Ex-Manchester United man Nick Powell helped himself to two goals and Paul Cook has certainly sent out a statement to the rest of the league after his first few weeks as Wigan manager. In the National League, Barrow made it a win and a draw from 3 games by comfortably defeating Woking 3-0 at Holker Street. The Scotsman Jordan White, a prolific goal scorer at this level of football who signed from Wrexham in the summer, scored twice in the second half. Both Southport and Salford City recorded impressive away victories in the National League North. Following their 1-0 victory at Leamington, the Sandgrounders have a 100% record after 3 games, This is most encouraging news after a poor 2016-17 season which saw them relegated from the National League and the Ammies are 3 points behind after a comfortable 2-0 win at AFC Telford United. It was the opening fixture in the Northern Premier League and the recently promoted Lancaster City gave their fans hope for a successful season with a 2-1 victory at Buxton. Equally Warrington Town, quietly fancied as promotion candidates, eased to a 2-0 triumph against the Midland side Rushall Olympic. In the Northern Premier League 1 North, the performance of the day at this level was Mossley’s 5-2 win at Kendal Town. The Seel Park outfit were 2-1 down at half time but a Jack Tuohy double set them on their way to victory. It was City of Liverpool who showed promotion form in the North West Counties Premier League on Saturday, destroying Irlam 5-0 with Karl Noon netting twice. In the NWC League 1, promotion favourites Litherland REMYCA caught the eye with an easy 4-0 victory over Stockport Town. The result of the day in Tier 11 saw Wythenshawe Amateurs lay down a marker to the rest of the league with a 3-1 victory at Springfield in the Manchester Premier League.

Games to look forward to this week

Everton have a busy 4 days in front of them, kicking off with a home Europa League Qualifying Play Off (1^st leg) tie against Hadjuk Split on Thursday, followed by a trip to the Etihad for their Premier League fixture on Monday evening. It will be interesting to see how Ronald Koeman manages his starting elevens for the two games. The Europa League can be an extremely important competition, but he will also want to indicate to the fans that the Toffees can challenge at the sharp end of the Premier League. Putting it simply, will he start with Rooney on both occasions? Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola has a different problem. How do you keep happy all those stars warming the bench at Brighton last Saturday? As I predicted, the first season back in the Championship is proving to be difficult for Bolton Wanderers. Saturday’s opponents Derby County have made an equally indifferent start to the new campaign so hopefully the Wanderers can grab their first 3 points at the Macron. It is the Latics derby in League 1 at Boundary Park where Oldham entertain Wigan. John Sheridan’s side finished last season strongly to escape the drop but a “nul point” return from 2 games indicates further struggles. No such problems over in Wigan where Paul Cook’s side has an unblemished record. The supporters are already dreaming about an instant return to the Championship. The League 2 encounter at the Wham Stadium pits Accrington Stanley against the highly touted Mansfield Town, managed by the famously overweight Steve Evans. Stanley slipped up at Yeovil last week but all the signs are that John Coleman’s side will be competitive this term, so look out for a humdinger of a game this Saturday. You can argue that AFC Fylde’s haul of 3 points from 3 games in their debut National League season is relegation form, but they are yet to be beaten which bodes well for a promising year. Either way, they have to face the stiffest of opposition when Dagenham & Redbridge arrive at Kirkham this Saturday. The Londoners are also unbeaten with 7 points from 3 games and everyone’s title favourites. The result of the game will tell us much about the Coaster’s future prospects. National League North’s Salford City had some battle royals with Kidderminster Harriers last season but Worcestershire’s top side have made a stuttering start this time around. Salford however are now into their stride and tracking the leaders so will hopefully pick up another 3 points at their own Moor Lane ground. Northern Premier League side Ashton United face potentially tough opposition in Grantham Town who thrashed Marine in the season opener. Ashton defended stoutly to gain a point on their travels at Hednesford and seem prepared for yet another season at this level. It is the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup; Tier 8 clubs making their entrance. The Radcliffe Borough v Burscough tie is of interest to the Red Rose Community and there is a Manchester derby between Abbey Hey and Maine Road; games that give our clubs the opportunity to progress in the World’s oldest football competition. Finally in the North West Counties Division 1, AFC Blackpool and Bacup Borough (both of whom easily won their season openers) clash at the “Mechanics”. The winners will top the league at the day’s end.

Quiz of the Week (Answers at the foot of the Blog)

                  Each question has a Red Rose County club connection

1                    1      Wilfred Bony has struggled at Manchester City but which club did the Sky Blues sign him from in 2015 for £28 million?

2                   The 31 year old centre back Anthony Gerrard (cousin of Steven) has currently played 39 games for which Red Rose County club? 

3                    Which defender between 1996 and 2013 played in 737 games for Liverpool in all competitions, 2^nd in the club’s all-time list?

4                    Barry Roche has currently made 400 appearances in goal for which Red Rose County club?

5                    Which current Burnley Republic of Ireland international helped Blackburn Rovers to reach the FA Youth Cup final in 2001?

6                    Which Liverpool born player has currently made exactly 150 league appearances for Everton?

7                    Alan Stubbs captained which club in the 1995 Football League Cup final?

8                    Doug Holden played for Bolton Wanderers in the 1953 and 1958 Cup Finals and for whom in the 1964 final?

9                    Which England international played for Manchester United, Inter Milan and Liverpool between 1989 and 1999?

1                 Paul Pogba has played for 2 clubs. Manchester United twice and which other?

                                               Post Weekend Musings

The first time I saw Doncaster Rovers in action was at Ewood Park in the 1955-56 season. As a little boy, I was astonished to see a “black man” run on to the pitch in a Doncaster shirt; in fact I believe it was the first Afro-Caribbean man I had ever seen. He was a decent 2nd Division centre half, quick and strong and his name was Charlie Williams. Fifteen years later he was one of the stars of ITVs hit show “The Comedians” along with the likes of Bernard Manning and Frank Carson. Sixty years on and the only comedy at Ewood Park came from the Rovers’ defenders as they gifted Doncaster 3 goals, subsiding to a 3-1 defeat.``

There is one debate in football that is currently making all of the headlines; “what do the clubs do with players who make it clear that they do not want to play for the team?” To name but three, there is Virgil van Dijk at Southampton, Sanchez at Arsenal and in our neck of the woods, Coutinho at Liverpool. They are all contracted to their clubs but they know that they can earn more elsewhere and they believe that there is a better chance of silverware should they move on. In many respects, the club is in a lose/lose situation. Liverpool, for example, can sell their Brazilian play-maker for a colossal amount of money, but as they found out when they off-loaded Suarez to Barcelona in 2014 for close to £65 million, he was impossible to replace. Coutinho is also a special player. Even if they pull in around £100 million, who, with similar talent, is available? However, I have heard several ex-players state categorically in recent days that players do not want to play with someone whose heart is patently not with the club. I believe there is some truth in this, so what course of action does a club take? No matter how firm a manager may be, he will probably not keep a player who wants away. Even the dictatorial Alex Ferguson could not persuade Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford, a club which could compete with any in the world at the time. There is also the feeling that many top stars do not want to move north. London has all the attractions for the young and rich sportsman so Chelsea and Arsenal already hold a massive advantage in the transfer game. Part of me would like to see Arsenal tell Sanchez that there is no way they are selling him and, if he sulks and performs badly, let him play for the Development Squad for the rest of the season. With the World Cup on next summer’s horizon, dare the Chilean risk being ignored by his country because he is not playing at an appropriate level? But his contract is up next year and he will be able to slink away on a “Bosman free” so the Gunners will have lost £50 million.  If Sanchez’s attitude is poor, I believe he will be quickly sold. If so, Arsenal will be yet another club with a wallet full of money but no-one worthwhile to spend it on. So the real debate is quite simple. Who now holds the power in football? It pains me to say it, particularly when you read about the obscene wages that many of these young men can command, but sadly it is the player. 

Quiz Answers:  1 Swansea City, 2 Oldham Athletic, 3 Jamie Carragher, 4 Morecambe, 5 Jonathan Walters, 6 Ross Barkley, 7 Bolton Wanderers, 8 Preston North End, 9 Paul Ince, 10 Juventus.