The Red Rose Football Blog Number 22

                                   Number 22                        March 20 2017                                                                           

Chelsea v Manchester United; so much to discuss

I was left with all sorts of muddled thoughts after last Monday’s FA Cup Quarter Final. Who were the heroes and who were the villains? Were the sinners also those sinned against? The game was ruined by the sending off. We sometimes see worse fouls go unpunished and the FA needs to have a long look at inconsistent refereeing decisions, but Ander Herrera’s brain must have gone walkabouts. Michael Oliver had just read the riot act to Phil Jones and within moments, the Spanish midfield player, already on a yellow card, committed a completely unnecessary foul. I certainly do not want to see a return to the likes of Ron “Chopper” Harris who roamed the pitches of this country like a hungry T Rex but equally, the referees have a responsibility to the paying public and TV viewers and making fussy decisions is not conducive to retaining their interest in football. If he had walked Herrera away from the melee, shut him up and told him in no uncertain terms that he was now on his very last warning, would it have saved the game as a spectacle and still be strong refereeing? I believe it would, but there was no excuse for the United’s players surrounding and virtually jostling the referee. Along with more technology and sin bins, the game is crying out for 5 yard exclusion zones around referees. So full marks to the FA for charging the club with failing to control its players. From the off, the Reds’ mind set appeared to be to rile Costa and rough up Hazard but this duo do hit the deck rather easily. Interestingly Sky Sports News played a tape the following morning from two seasons back when Mourinho was at Chelsea and he was complaining about the number of times that opposing teams set out their stall to intimidate the Belgian wizard. His words have come back to haunt him and once more, Jose has made a rod for his own back. I do however think that Chelsea fans had no right to call him “Judas”. After all, the Board actually sacked him, he did not leave for greener pastures, but then can you expect considered opinions from moronic supporters? Like him or not, Mourinho is an outstanding manager; the most successful in the history of Chelsea Football Club, a fact their supporters to a man ought to recognise. Of course, lest we forget, there was a football match going on and the West Londoners are a most impressive outfit. They appear to be devoid of weaknesses and United would have struggled with eleven men. Sadly “us Northerners” will have to accept that the Premier League title is London bound. As for the FA Cup, the Sky Blues alone carry our hopes. Fingers crossed it could it be a repeat of the 1981 final; City v Spurs, with no Ricky Villa and a different result.

An England XI, selected from Red Rose County clubs

Following last week’s article on a “Red Rose County Representative XI”, it has been suggested that I look at a current England XI from the same area, so here goes.

Tom Heaton

Nathan Clyne, Michael Keane, John Stones, Leighton Baines

Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barclay, Raheem Sterling,

Marcus Rashford, Andre Gray,

Substitutes

Jason Steele, Chris Smalling, Jesse Lingard, Phil Jones, Michael Carrick, James Milner, Gareth Barry,

Captain Jordan Henderson                     Manager Sean Dyche

The Premier League lacks English players, particularly at goal keeper and up front. I also did not want to select anyone who makes infrequent club appearances. As a result I chose Blackburn’s Jason Steele (capped at U/21 level) as second keeper and ignored Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge, preferring regular club starters Gray and Baines.

Player Representation per club

Team	Starting XI	Substitutes
Burnley	3	0
Everton	2	1
Liverpool	3	1
Manchester City	2	0
Manchester United	1	4
Blackburn Rovers	0	1

                                       

                                        Jordan Henderson; the obvious selection as captain

Performances of the last week

Gillingham 0 Bolton Wanderers 4 EFL Division 1

A second consecutive haul of 4 goals is certainly noteworthy, particularly when both are away from home and the Wanderers are well and truly back to their best. Equally of note was the performance of Filipe Morais. The winger produced the assists for all 4 goals, each one a cross which David Wheater, Adam le Fondre, Mark Beevers and Josh Vela converted.

Manchester United 1 Rostov 0 (Europa League, Round of the last 16)

It is the result that counts, even though it was United’s fourth unimpressive performance on the bounce since winning the EFL Cup at the end of February. Juan Mata scored his 10^th goal of the season (the £89 million Pogba has 4) to give the Old Trafford faithful something to enthuse about as they qualified to play Anderlecht from Brussels in the quarter finals.

Manchester City 1 Liverpool 1 (Premier League)

Full marks to both sides for producing a cracker-jack of a game, but it was a bad result for the North West. I honestly did not mind which one of these giants won, as long as there was a victor; thus applying a final touch of Red Rose pressure to Chelsea. Unfortunately it is now game over and if we are not careful, it could be a London 1-2. Perish the thought!

Newport County 1 Blackpool 3

In less than perfect conditions at Rodney Parade, Blackpool skipped away to a 2 goal lead with scores from Bright Osayi-Samuel and a Mark Cullen penalty. A late rally put the Tangerines under late pressure but a bizarre second from Osayi-Samuel put the game beyond doubt; the keeper, having gone up for a corner, was unable to get back in time.

On the Non-league scene, National League Barrow came from behind to beat Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1, keeping their faint hopes of a Play-Off place alive. In the National League North, AFC Fylde’s 2 -2 draw with closest rivals Kidderminster Harriers and Salford’s 1-1 draw with Stockport County strengthened their positions. Northern Premier League Ashton United stayed in mid-table following a 1-0 victory over Matlock Town and Warrington Town won their 4^th straight game to move into 4^th place thanks to a Daniel Hattersley goal, although they have played more games than their rivals. In the Northern Premier League 1 North, Lancaster City narrowly beat Tadcaster Albion 1-0 to stay level at the top, but 3^rd placed Trafford dropped 2 points in a 2-2 draw with Ramsbottom United, Rammy’s Lee Gaskell converting 2 penalties. In the North West Counties Premier League, Atherton Collieries remain top after a 1-0 win at Maine Road but the shock of the weekend was Barnoldswick Town’s 4-3 win at the high-flying Runcorn Town. In Division 1, Litherland REMYCA and City of Liverpool defeated Silsden and FC Oswestry Town respectively to stay in 1^st and 2^nd places in the League. Finally Mossley Hill Athletic from Liverpool moved to the top of the West Cheshire League by defeating the previous incumbent Rainhill Town 3-0.

Games to look forward to this week

Bury v Fleetwood (EFL Division 1) Saturday March 25, 15.00

Bury, fresh from a fighting goal-less draw at Millwall where keeper Joe Murphy’s display was described as stunning, are now up to 17^th place. They could yet be relegation contenders but the new manager has turned around their season and suddenly they are extremely difficult to beat. Fleetwood have had a mini-stumble and dropped to 3^rd place, one point away from an automatic promotion place. The play-offs are a lottery and bear little correlation to previous form so 3 points will mean so much for the Cod Army at Gigg Lane.

Oldham Athletic v Sheffield United (EFL Division 1) Saturday March 25, 15.00

The high-rollers are paying a visit to Boundary Park and it ought to be the Latics’ highest gate of the season. The Blades have all but sewn up promotion but Oldham. although much improved under John Sheridan, are still having to look over their shoulder as they move into the final stages of what has been a dog fight since day one. They will not lie down, it will be a battle for 90 minutes and a point will probably be gratefully received.

Blackpool v Hartlepool United (EFL Division 2) Saturday March 25, 15.00

The Tangerines have suddenly found some consistency, something that the fans have been demanding all season. Following an 8 game unbeaten run, the play-offs are now within touching distance but Gary Bowyer has injuries to cope with. Hartlepool are poor away from home and Blackpool ought to win this game; in fact they have to win. It is as simple as that. 

Brad Potts; his return to form has coincided with Blackpool’s promotion charge

Chorley v Curzon Ashton (National League North) Saturday March 25, 15.00

Back in 1990, Chorley were relegated from the Conference (Tier 5), but Matt Jansen has prepared a side ready to return to those lofty heights. AFC Fylde appear to have the top spot at their mercy but Chorley are still in the race for the runners up slot. They did however lose at Harrogate Town on Saturday and Curzon Ashton are much improved. They will provide stubborn opposition but to gain promotion, Chorley must win this home game.

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

                  Each question has a Red Rose County connection

1                    In 1997, John Barnes left Anfield to join which Premier League club?

2                    There are 2 ex-Blackburn Rovers players in the current England squad. One is Michael Keane who was on loan but who is the one time permanent Rover?

3                    There are 2 German managers currently plying their trade in the Red Rose County. Jürgen Klopp and which other?

Jürgen Klopp; one of the few German’s to manage in England

4                    Who played 569 league games for Blackpool and went on to manage the Leeds United side which reached the 1974 final of the European Cup?

5                    Signed from Everton in 2000, which ex-Manchester City player holds 2 unwanted Premier League records. Most own goals and joint most sendings off?

6                    Ricardo Gardner was capped 75 times for Jamaica whilst playing for which Red Rose County club?

                                Ricardo Gardner; captained Jamaica for 4 years  

7                    From 2009-15, which French defender made 159 appearances for Everton?

8                    Who managed Burnley FC when promoted to the Premier League in 2009?

9                    Which club drew at Blackburn 1-1 on May 14 2011 to clinch the Premier League title?

10                The Northern Premier League North clubs, Mossley, Droylsden and Hyde United all have grounds situated in which Greater Manchester Metropolitan Borough?

Post Weekend Musings

Manchester City’s defeat amongst the Monegasque, the millionaires of Monaco, seemed somehow self-inflicted. There is no doubting the class and skill at the Etihad club but they never seem to chase back as fast as they run forward. Hence they were quickly 2-0 down. They came out after the interval with more determination and Sane gave them a life line. They then had to hold firm for 20 minutes and the newly revitalised Leicester for example would have won it from there. City however defend so feebly and it was no surprise when that impressive physical specimen Bakayoko powered home a header from a free kick. Talent is an important asset at a football club but often “guts” is even more important.

John Stones; so much talent but is he consistently tough enough?

There are three interesting Non-League games on Saturday. Marine, struggling to stay in the Northern Premier League for a record 39^th consecutive season, travel to Corby Town, one point below them and just above the relegation zone. In the Northern Premier League North, Colne, arguably the Red Rose surprise packet of the season, look to improve on their 5^th place as they host a resurgent Colwyn Bay. Finally Bootle accommodate Runcorn Linnets in the North West Counties Premier League match of the day, looking to hang on to the shirt tails of Atherton Collieries at the top of the Division.

Players from our local clubs were amongst the honours when the EFL Teams of the Year were selected. There was nothing for our Championship sides but in League 1, the Oldham goal keeper Connor Ripley, the Fleetwood right back Conor McLaughlin, Bolton centre backs David Wheater and Mark Beevers and Bury striker James Vaughan all made the eleven. In League 2, Blackpool’s Kelvin Mellor and Brad Potts at right back and in midfield respectively gained selection. Congratulations to all seven for flying the Red Rose flag.

Neil Warnock, not everyone’s favourite, claimed to have predicted Warren Joyce’s failure at Wigan Athletic. He argued that there is no comparison between running Manchester United’s reserves in a pressure free zone and the cut and thrust of the Championship where every point counts. Warnock may be right, but I felt sorry for Joyce because Wigan knew what they were buying into but gave him just 4 months to turn the club around. Hopefully his reputation is untarnished and he can return to this level; being far better prepared.

Red Rose County Player of the Week

Romelu Lukaku may be greedy when it comes to contracts but he is a handful on the pitch. They say his first touch is poor, but his physicality, pace, power and deadly finishing was too much for Hull City. With 21 league goals already, he has his eyes set on Gary Lineker’s Premier League record of 30 Everton goals in a season; a worthy Player of the Week.

 Tier 10 Club of the Week

Daisy Hill FC; becalmed at Tier 10 for nigh on 40 years

Daisy Hill sounds like a beauty spot, the place you would take the family for a picnic on an idyllic summer’s day. In actual fact it is a part of Westhoughton which in turn is a small town, part of the sprawling Metropolitan Borough of Bolton. The football club has a long history dating back to 1894 with much success at the lower levels prior to joining the Lancashire Combination in 1978. This league morphed into the North West Counties League in 1982 and amazingly, Daisy Hill has played at Tier 10 for 39 seasons. Their ground, intriguingly named New Sirs, has seen a number of upgrades as the club has developed but seen little success. They finished 4^th in 1986, their best season at this level and have finished in one of the two relegation spots on 6 occasions but always avoiding relegation. They have never won an FA Cup game and in 1989 the club changed its name to Westhoughton Town, reverting back to Daisy Hill 5 years later. The club’s colours are all blue from head to toe and the average crowd is 70 per game, not bad for this level. As per the norm; they are currently residing in 16^th place in the league, but providing football for the locals to watch.

       

                   The New Sirs Ground at Daisy Hill

Quiz Answers

1 Newcastle United, 2 Phil Jones, 3 Uwe Rosler, 4 Jimmy Armfield,   5 Richard Dunne,       

6 Bolton Wanderers, 7 Sylvain Distin, 8 Owen Coyle, 9 Manchester United, 10 Tameside,

                    Number 21                                                                           March 13 2017

Would this be the Red Rose County’s Representative XI?

If football was like cricket and it had a County Championship, then we could pick the best XI from the current list of Red Rose County players. I believe that all of the squad would be picked from Premier League clubs and as we are told that it is now an 18 aside game, here is my selected squad. Shout, laugh, applaud or gesticulate if you wish but it would be nice to hear your views, particularly if you regularly watch the Premier League live.

David De Gea,

Seamus Coleman, John Stones, Michael Keane, Marcos Rojo,

Sadio Mane, David Silva, Adam Lallana, Leroy Sane,

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku,

Substitutes Heaton, Williams, Clyne, Coutinho, Pogba, Sterling, Aguero,

Captain, Zlatan Ibrahimovic          Manager, Ronald Koeman

Colour code Burnley, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United,

Out of interest (and coincidentally) there are 4 Englishmen in the starting XI (36%), which is a similar percentage to the number starting in the Premier League each week. 

Team Representation

Team	Starting XI	Substitutes
Burnley	1	1
Everton	2	1
Liverpool	2	2
Manchester City	3	2
Manchester United	3	1

Rochdale FC; Their finest hour

Rochdale is famous for the Co-operative movement founded there in 1844 and its magnificent “Gothic Revival” Town Hall. Gracie Fields, who pre-dated Vera Lynn as Britain’s first ever female pop star and the 80s/90s pop icon Lisa Stansfield both brought fame to the town, but no-one talks about their Liberal M.P. Cyril Smith any more. And by the way…. it has a football team. The club was a founding member of the Football League 3^rd Division North in 1921 but it has never played at a higher level; sharing this unwanted record with Hartlepool United. Football League status has been continuous although there have been a number of near-misses which have sent panic waves around the town. Another unwanted record is a 36 year occupation of what is now Division 2 (Tier 4), described unkindly at the time as the “Rochdale division”. But the town can be proud of one magnificent season. The Football League Cup was in its infancy in 1962. Several of the top clubs refrained from entering and there was no Wembley Final. The “Dale” side had been put together on a shoe-string. To quote the old joke, “most of them were not even household names in their own houses”. Bizarrely I had vague links with two of them. Ray Aspden the centre half lived in the next terraced street to me in Darwen at the time, in fact his sister was in the year above me at school and inside forward Ronnie Cairns married the daughter of the butcher at the bottom of our street. Rochdale finished 12^th in Division 4 that year with full backs Stan Milburn, the uncle of the Charlton brothers and Doug Winton, signed from Division 1 Burnley, their best known players. Wins over Southampton and Charlton Athletic saw them paired with Blackburn Rovers in the semi-final. Norwich City v Blackpool was the other tie and the experts were predicting an all Lancashire final. The form book however meant nothing as Rochdale won 3-1 at Spotlands and then heroically hung on at Ewood, only losing 2-1. Second Division Norwich also scraped through to make it an underwhelming final but Rochdale sadly froze in the home tie. They crashed to a 3-0 defeat and the East Anglians strolled to a 1-0 victory in an anti-climactic second leg. But the cotton town had etched its name in the record books in its finest hour; the first Tier 4 club to reach a major final.

Rochdale FC; the boys of 62

Performances of the last week

Plymouth Argyll 0 Blackpool 3 (EFL Division 2)

The Tangerines totally dominated the second placed Devonians last Tuesday to climb the league and bring the play-off places into view. Goals from Mark Cullen, Brad Potts and Jordan Flores lit up the wet and windy night and a further point at Wycombe on Saturday means that Gary Bowyer’s underachievers may salvage something from this season after all.

Everton 3 West Brom 0 (Premier League)

The Toffees were a class above their Midland opponents, showing the panache previously associated with great Everton sides of the past. Romelu Lukaku, at the centre of everything, scored yet again and Ross Barclay was a close contender for Man of the Match. With a team above them certain to clinch a European place through the FA Cup and Man United already there as League Cup winners, the blues are favourites to be in the Europa League next year.

Preston North End 3 Reading 0 (EFL Championship)

This was a big win for PNE against Jaap Stam’s Reading side with promotion on their mind. Two goals from Tom Barkhuizen and a third from Daryl Hogan, both recent acquisitions, have reignited the push for promotion with a stumbling Sheffield Wednesday in their sights. Fulham however in 7^th place may be less easy to overtake considering their recent form.

Fleetwood Town 2 Bolton Wanderers 4 (EFL Division 1)

Take Fleetwood with the 2^nd best defensive record in the league against Bolton with the second worst scoring record amongst the top 8 and what do you get? The old adage that all good things come to an end is  the answer as the Wanderers rolled over the Town with Adam LeFondre netting a couple. The Cod Army’s 18 game unbeaten run is now in tatters and the second automatic promotion spot is up for grabs again.

Exeter City 0 Accrington Stanley 2 (EFL Division 2)

John Coleman is once again living up to his reputation as the Houdini of Division 2 as his Stanley side travelled a long, long way to claim 3 points at promotion chasing Exeter.

On the Non-League scene, wins for AFC Fylde, Salford City and Chorley have kept up their promotion hopes in the National League North. Marine’s win over the inconsistent Ashton United has given them a touch of breathing space in the Northern Premier League where Warrington Town’s 6^th win in 7 offers hope of a play-off place. In Division 1, Lancaster City have relinquished their top spot following a second consecutive defeat but 4 goals for Oliver Wood as Colne thrashed Burscough 8-0 keep them on track. Finally defeats for Atherton Collieries at rivals Runcorn Town and Litherland REMYCA to Charnock Richard have caused tremors at the top of the North West Counties Premier League and Division 1 respectively.

Games to look forward to this week

Monaco v Manchester City (Champions’ League Round of 16) Wednesday March 15, 19.45

It is a fascinating fixture and many clubs would park the bus and defend a 5-3 lead. But we are talking about two sides with sparkling attacking skills and defensive frailties. Literally any score is possible in this second leg and this is not a tie on which to place a bet. Barcelona showed last week that there is no such thing as a mission impossible so unless you are a staunch City fan, just sit back French style, sip a glass of wine and prepare to be entertained.

David Silva; City will need some Spanish magic on the French Riviera

 Manchester United v FC Rostov (Europa League Round of 16) Thursday March 16) 20.05

There was no banana skin lurking on Rostov’s threadbare pitch in the first leg and United will have been happy with the 1-1 draw “back in the USSR”. It seems inconceivable that they can lose from this position against limited opposition, but Mourinho will play a strong XI because he knows that it will be easier to win this competition than finishing in the Top 4 of the Premier League; therefore guaranteeing Champions’ League status next season.   

Blackburn Rovers v, Preston North End (EFL Championship) Saturday March 18, 13.00

There will be a decent crowd on Ewood Park come Saturday for this derby game. North End will not have given up on a play-off place now that the gap is reduced to 6 points. Tony Mowbray has shown that safety is possible for the Rovers but it was a shock to drop back into the bottom 3 following a well-deserved draw at Norwich. They have only 3 home games as opposed to 5 away after this fixture, so this game is so important to both clubs.

Millwall v Bury (EFL Division 1) Saturday March 18, 15.00

It has been a thrilling season at the New Den but the 6-0 thrashing at Spurs may have dented the confidence gained from a late league run which could yet be rewarded with automatic promotion. Bury’s year has also witnessed a long run……..of defeats.  New Manager Lee Clark however has steadied the ship and anything is possible with James Vaughan leading the attack, but I suspect the Shakers will be happy with a point.

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

It is a similar format to last week except the answer is the leading goal scorer in League Games amongst the current squad at the listed club. Clues are provided.

1                    No clues necessary here for the man with 180 Premier League goals for Manchester United.

2                    This Argentinian bought from Atletico Madrid has notched 118 times for Manchester City.

3                    He rarely makes the starting XI at the moment but this Liverpool striker has 45 league goals to his credit during his time at Anfield.

4                    This old fashioned centre forward is on fire this season and has 61 goals so far whilst playing with Everton.

5                    This number 9 has scored 8 International goals and been on target 44 times in league games for Burnley.

6                    More of a mid-fielder these days, this 33 year old has scored 20 times during 4 spells of playing for Preston North End.

7                    This rugged striker has netted on 18 occasions in 14 months at Blackburn Rovers.

8                    An attacking mid-field player who was signed from Carlisle United in 2015, he has scored 16 goals during his time at Blackpool.

9                    He scored in the FA Youth Cup Final for Manchester City in 2008 and since joining Fleetwood Town, he has scored on 39 occasions.

10                Now player-coach at Bury, he recently re-joined from Crewe Alexandra and has already found the net. In total he has scored 65 goals for the Shakers.

Post Weekend Musings

There is a massive National League North game on Saturday at Mill Farm near Kirkham where league leaders AFC Fylde welcome their closest rivals Kidderminster Harriers. If the home side can take the 3 points, the champagne may well be on ice.

There was speculation earlier in the season amongst the sporting media that the FA Cup was heading for second class status. The exploits of Sutton and Lincoln restored much of the sparkle but interestingly the semi-final will comprise of 4 of our top clubs. This will be the highest ranked line up since 2009 when 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th in the shape of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton reached the last four. Hopefully the harbingers of doom will be less inclined to write off this wonderful old competition next year.

I don’t like the current obsession with statistics because more and more, they refer to the Premier League only. I have 3 objections to this worrying trend. For one, it gives the impression that there was no life in football prior to 1992, secondly it is disrespectful to the multitude of greats who plied their trade in the past and thirdly it is lazy journalism; it being far more difficult to research back into the previous millennium. Gareth Barry however is worth a mention when it comes to current stats. The erstwhile Aston Villa defender reinvented himself as an extremely effective artisan in the engine room at Manchester City and now Everton. He already holds one record and is moving inexorably towards another. With 619 Premier League appearances, he is only 13 behind Ryan Giggs’ total, a record just beyond his grasp this season. His nearest rival amongst current players is John Terry on 488. He is a clear leader however in the “yellow card league”. With 116 bookings to his name, he is out of sight of all opposition and 17 clear of the retired Kevin Davies and Lee Bowyer.

Ryan Giggs; still the all-time Premier League appearance record holder

It may be comforting for Burnley fans to know that they are not alone in amassing a mere 2 points from away games in a season. Darwen also managed just 2 away draws in 1891-92 when they were relegated to the old 2^nd Division. But on a serious note, the Claret’s appalling record on their travels is threatening to draw them into a relegation battle. Breaking their duck with a win at Sunderland on Saturday would be most welcome.

Red Rose County Player of the Week

“Like a streak of lightning flashing cross the sky” is a line from the 50s hit “Champion the Wonder Horse” but it perfectly describes the arrival of Tom Barkhuizen at Deepdale. PNE took over the contract of the 23 year old from Morecambe FC in January as his parent club could not afford his wages. He had previously been released on “a free” by Blackpool and was on the bench for his first 5 games at Preston. Since starting the last 3 matches he has scored 4 goals including 2 plus an assist against Reading last Saturday. He is definitely “Player of the Week” but is he going to be the champion of the late developers?

Tier 10 Club of the Week

Holker Old Boys; founded in the shadow of Barrow FC

It was founded back in 1936 as a Junior Team for ex-pupils of Holker Street Secondary Modern School, an establishment on the same street as  Barrow FC’s ground where the ex-Football League team still plays. The Old Boys played in local leagues, graduating to senior football and eventually joined the West Lancs League in 1967. They moved to their current ground in Rakesmoor Lane in 1971 and as they became more successful, they developed the ground to North West Counties standard. The move to Tier 10 football came in 1991 and promotion followed three years later. They sustained their position in Tier 9 for 5 seasons with a highest placed finish of 11^th but following relegation in 1999, they have rarely looked like repeating a promotion run. The club has gone from strength to strength off the field (the ground having a panoramic view of the Lake District) and on the field where they now send out 7 teams each weekend. Being in a geographical backwater, travel to away games is an expensive business and although they are once again in the bottom half of the table this season, the club continues to support grass roots football in South Cumbria..

Rakesmoor Lane; home of Holker Old Boys in Barrow

Quiz Answers 

1 Wayne Rooney, 2 Sergio Aguero, 3 Daniel Sturridge, 4 Romelu Lukaku, 5 Sam Vokes,

6 Paul Gallagher, 7 Danny Graham, 8 Brad Potts, 9 David Ball, 10 Ryan Lowe.

The Red Rose Football Blog (Number 20)

             Number 20                                                                                         March 6 2017

Blackburn Rovers; Their finest hour

The Rovers’ greatest moment may have been at the Racecourse Ground in Derby in 1886 where they defeated West Brom 2-0 in the replayed FA Cup Final to make it three consecutive wins in the competition; a still unparalleled feat. The club won 3 other FA Cups and 2 League titles in the succeeding years but their fortunes then slumped after the last triumph in 1928. You have to fast forward to the 1990s to find a similar outpouring of joy in the town. Jack Walker made his fortune in the steel industry in Blackburn and as a fanatical “Roverite”, he grabbed the opportunity to take over the club during the 1990-91 season. At the time they were a 2^nd Tier side and he quickly brought in the biggest possible name to manage the club. Kenny Dalglish was a legend in the game and he secured promotion in his first season. Alan Shearer was bought from Southampton for a then record £3.5 million and Dalglish’s side finished 4^th and 2^nd in their first two years in the Premier League. In 1994-95, they went head to head with Manchester United and Shearer, playing in every game, knocked in 34 goals. He was ably supported by his strike partner Chris Sutton who netted 15 times, but the solid defensive set up featuring internationals Hendry, Berg and Le Saux was  equally as important. The title was decided on the final day of the season; United at Upton Park, the Blues at Anfield. Liverpool dominated but the Rovers hung on until the last minute; a Jamie Rednapp free kick appearing to scupper them. But then news filtered in that United had only drawn so Blackburn were champions by 1 point. Notts Forest limped home third, 11 points behind, as the town celebrated the Rovers’ finest hour within living memory.

        Alan Shearer; scored a staggering 112 goals in 138 Premier League games for the Rovers

The “haves and have nots” in Premier League history

Everton’s valiant defeat at Tottenham on Sunday was the last nail in the coffin for teams trying to break into the “Top 6” this season. It now seems certain to be a North West/London carve up as Tottenham, Arsenal, the 2 Manchester clubs and Liverpool scrap over the final 2nd-6th placings behind runaway leaders Chelsea. These are the current royalty of the English game with upstarts like Leicester banished to the Tower. There has always been footballing aristocracy, but the participants and locations in this annual drama do change. Those of you who have only known the Sky TV years may believe that these have always been the top clubs and accountants will confirm that that they are the wealthiest amongst the current crop, but their places in the hierarchy are certainly not set in stone. Owning a football club is not a license to print money; in fact it is often a money pit and the Oligarchs, the Arab Princes and American billionaire business men may tire of throwing money at pampered players. Sky may also discover a more profitable sport to promote so it will then be down to the real fans again to provide the cash. This is when the likes of Newcastle United, Sunderland and Everton, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa, all sleeping giants with huge fan bases, could have a renaissance. They have fanatical working class fans; all they currently need is a combination of stronger investment and sounder management. As long as the game remains “sexy”, promoted to the hilt by Sky and its acolytes, there is the possibility that the Brightons and the Bournemouths, havens of the wealthy, will continue to make progress. The small town clubs from the working class areas of the North and Midlands where money is in short supply will struggle to compete. But this is where professional football began and interestingly, only Accrington of the 12 original clubs has failed to last the distance, although the game does continue in “Accy” under the guise of the Stanley. The only 2 clubs not to have been relegated since 1954 are Arsenal and Everton, while Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have spent just one season in Tier 2, but during the 60 plus years that I have avidly followed the sport, there have been many changes in the Top 6. Arsenal, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Manchester United, Wolves and Newcastle were the elite when I was first taken to games but by the mid-70s, Leeds, Liverpool and Notts Forest had joined the party as Newcastle, Pompey and Wolves went into decline. In 1992, immediately before the birth of the Premier League, the pecking order was Leeds United, Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. Six members of the League that season are no longer in the top 2 Divisions, with only Sheffield United showing signs of resurgence. Oldham Athletic, Notts County, Coventry City, Wimbledon/MK Dons and Luton Town seem destined for further spells in the lower reaches of the game, as do the once formidable Portsmouth.  And like Roman candles on November 5^th, other clubs have briefly burned brightly and been crowned champions before fizzling out, some massively so. These include Burnley, Ipswich Town, Derby County, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and (I suspect) Leicester City. But Newcastle and possibly Leeds are on their way back, Burnley have found a toe-hold in the Premier League and let us not forget that Man City were briefly in the 3^rd Tier this millennium. Because of promotion and relegation, the game is never dormant. It is active and fluid with an ever-changing scenery. If it seems that a small group of clubs have cornered the market, fear not because history tells us that it will not be forever. So if you support the sky blues or the reds from Manchester, the reds, whites or blues from London or the reds from Merseyside, enjoy it while you can. You could be facing an away trip to Plymouth or Crawley in 10 years’ time.

Performances of the last week

Liverpool 3 Liverpool 1 (Premier League)

Liverpool briefly nosed back into 3^rd spot with this comprehensive victory. The Gunners scarcely turned up in the first half, Mane setting up Firmino for the first goal and scoring the second himself to create daylight between the sides. Welbeck pulled one back for Arsenal before a late Wijnaldum strike settled the game late on. It was exactly what Klopp’s side needed following their woeful performance at Leicester but the race for Champions’ League places shows no sign of abating; probably running till the season’s end.

Blackburn Rovers 1 Wigan Athletic 0 (EFL Championship)

Marvin Emnes scored a wonder goal, controlling a 70 yard punt from the keeper on his instep while at full speed and blasting the ball into the net. The 3 points lift the Rovers away from relegation making it 7 from 9 at the start of Tony Mowbray’s managerial tenure. Wigan came for the draw, offered nothing until they went behind and got what they deserved.

Scunthorpe United 0 Fleetwood Town 2 (EFL Division 1)

Fleetwood players and supporters may need oxygen this weekend to help to breathe in the rarefied air of second spot in this league. The Cod Army climbed above their opponents following this win at Glanford Park. It was back to the wall tactics for much of the game, but Uwe Rosler sets his side up to do just that, hitting the opposition on the break as they did for the goals at the end of each half from Devante Cole and Bobby Grant. It is now 18 unbeaten and still counting for the surprise packet of English football.

Accrington Stanley 1 Barnet 0 (EFL Division 2)

Stanley had by far the better of the game against a struggling Barnet side with only 1 win in 10 games. Shay McCartan’s 20 yard free kick extended their unbeaten run to 5 games and lifted them further from the relegation zone, 6 points above Leyton Orient in 23^rd place.

In the National League North, AFC Fylde grabbed a late point in a topsy-turvy 3-3 draw at Harrogate Town, remaining 11 clear of the opposition. They were helped by FC United of Manchester edging past Kidderminster Harriers 1-0, by Salford losing at Tamworth 2-0 and Chorley battling out a goalless draw away to Stockport County. Warrington Town moved up to 8^th in the Northern Premier League by virtue of a 2-0 win at lowly Ilkeston Town and in the North Division of the same league; Colne thrashed Goole AFC 4-0 to remain in 5^th place. Leaders Lancaster City slipped up, losing 3-2 at home to Brighouse Town, but retained their lead, whilst Ramsbottom United climbed into the top ten by winning at Tadcaster Albion. Finally in the North West Counties Premier Division, strugglers Nelson and AFC Darwen had surprising away wins at Congleton Town 3-0 and Irlam Town 3-1 respectively, encouraging hopes that relegation could be avoided.

Games to look forward to this week

Oldham Athletic v Bury (EFL Division 1) Saturday March 11, 15.00


Both these Greater Manchester clubs have benefitted from the arrival of new managers, John Sheridan at Oldham and Lee Clark at Bury. This has enabled them both to climb out of the bottom four, but neither 19^th nor 20^th positions can be considered safe havens. The 3 points for a victory will considerably lessen the tension but the defeat could plunge the victims back into a relegation spot. It will be tense at Boundary Park on Saturday. A draw?

Fleetwood Town v Bolton Wanderers (EFL Division 1) Saturday March 11, 15.00

It is impossible to ignore Fleetwood Town at the moment. Twelve years ago, Bolton finished 6^th in the Premier League, 8 Tiers above Fleetwood in the North West Counties League. Now this tiny town with little football pedigree or tradition will start favourites against one of the great names from the past. The Wanderers are 4 points behind in 4^th place but the gap can quickly narrow so this is yet another massive 6 pointer for both sides.

Liverpool v Burnley (Premier League) Saturday March 11, 17.30

It is a banana skin scenario for the Reds; remember they only lose to lowly sides. Burnley has yet to win away from home and although 9 points clear of the drop zone, the team is still well short of the accepted safety target of 40 points. Liverpool cannot afford to drop points here whereas Burnley possibly can. The Clarets could not hold out for a draw at Swansea so they will have to be at their obdurate best to glean anything from this fixture.

Tom Heaton; he will need to be at his best at Anfield

Chelsea v Manchester United (FA Cup 6^th Round) Monday March 13, 19.45

It is the tie of the round and possibly the game of the season. Two Leviathans, the two most successful clubs of this millennium, go head to head and play to the finish. United last lost in the Premier League in October, a 4-0 thrashing at Stamford Bridge so revenge will be just one of a number of sub plots. Add to that the return of Mourinho, Conte desperate for a domestic cup to supplement Chelsea’s inevitable league title and a host of household names desperate to prove that they earn their inflated salaries. What a game is in prospect.

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

All of the questions have Red Rose County connections

It is a different format this week. The answer is the leading appearance maker in league games amongst the current squad at the listed club. Clues are provided.

1                    This England international has made 386 appearances Old Trafford and his brother plays for Wrexham.

2                    He played 231 times at Oldham, then following spells at Blackburn & Bolton he is now back at Boundary Park.

3                    This England international with 301 games at Goodison is an undoubted penalty king.

4                    He started his career at Tottenham, then played 125 times for Hull City and has since logged up 202 appearances for the Turf Moor club.

5                    This England international was signed from Sunderland and has now clocked up 180 games at Anfield.

6                    He was signed from Tranmere 2 seasons ago and is now a regular in midfield with 78 games at the DW Stadium

7                    He has 1 Scottish cap, has played 161 times at Deepdale and turned out in the Premier League for another Lancashire team.

8                    He has played 184 games for Bolton having been bought from Wolves in 2009. Sadly he has missed most of this season through injury.

9                    This former England U21 international has been at Ewood Park from being a schoolboy where he has now started 161 first team league games.

10                He was bought from Hamburg, is much respected in the game and has represented Manchester City on 223 occasions.

Joe Hart; 263 league starts at the Etihad before he was shipped off to Torino

                                                    Post Weekend Musings
Southport lost for the 6^th time in 7 games, this time 4-2 at Maidstone United. They are now rock bottom of the National League, staring relegation in the face.

No doubt the FA Commission for Retrospective Action will decide who was in the wrong in the first half debacle during the Manchester United and Bournemouth game. Zlatan Ibrahimović’s suggestion however that Tyrone Mings attacked his elbow with his head bore a strong resemblance to defences provided by numerous assailants in GBH cases over the years; namely “he head butted my fist m’lud”.

Romelu Lukaku’s strike at White Hart Lane on Sunday made him Everton’s leading Premier League goalscorer, eclipsing the record of Duncan Ferguson who scored 60 goals. Lukaku just needs another 250 (!!!) to surpass Dixie Dean’s club record, the all-time second best in Tier 1 behind Jimmy Greaves’ incredible 357 scored for 3 different clubs.

The legendary William Ralph “Dixie” Dean

Playing a game with 11 men can be difficult but when you have a man sent off after 16 minutes and then another in the 81^st minute, it is no wonder that you finally crumple and go down to 2 late goals. Lee Croft and Brian Wilson were the villains as Oldham Athletic’s mini revival hit the buffers at Walsall.

It goes without saying that Sergio Aguero is an outstanding footballer; amongst the very best of a fine current crop of number nines in the English game. He struggled to regain his place following a suspension because of the outstanding form shown by the Brazilian Gabriel Jesus but a serious injury to the youngster enabled Guardiola to reinstate Aguero. He has since scored three times in two games and his manager has gone to great lengths to praise his performances, but we need to be realistic here. He scored against a virtual Huddersfield Town reserve side and against Sunderland. I feel that the manager ought to reserve his comments until they play against a side that knows how to defend.

Still on the Sky Blues, I feel that they are the only side in the country that have even the slightest chance of catching Chelsea. It will need consistently outstanding performances, a seismic loss of form from the Londoners and a huge chunk of luck, but it is City or nobody.

Red Rose County Player of the Week

With a goal and an assist against Arsenal on Saturday, Sadio Mane once more showed the Liverpool fans that he is possibly the most vital cog in the Klopp machine. Not only a maker and scorer of goals, his energy and determination disrupts the build-up of opposition attacks from deep, greatly contributing to Liverpool’s success against top sides this season. As a result the Senegalese wins the award for player of the week.

Tier 10 Club of the Week

Litherland REMYCA

All clubs, even the great ones, started locally and then grew into the multi-million pound businesses that they are today. Everton started life as St Domingo’s FC in 1878 whereas Litherland REMYCA, founded 81 years later was originally St Thomas’. Because of links with both REM Youth Club and Bootle YMCA however, this club in the Merseyside Borough of Sefton became REMYCA. They slowly made their way through the local leagues and Litherland (an urban district to the north of Bootle) was added as a prefix in 2013 to give the club a geographical identity. Two years later while members of the Liverpool County Premier League, they were successful with their application to join the North West Counties League Division 2. The first season saw a comfortable 9^th place finish, but this year the team managed by Phil Stafford has powered its way to the top of the league and although they still have 10 more matches to play, promotion is probably odds on. Colin McDonald with 21 goals is their leading scorer, Colin Quirk was presented with the League Player of the Month Award for January and for the same month, Sean Lake received the goalkeeping award. Although Litherland REMYCA may never rise to the heights of Everton, a club has to start somewhere and who knows what will be 50 years down the line.

                                     

                               The stand at Litherland Sports Park, home of Litherland REMYCA

Quiz Answers 

1 Wayne Rooney, 2 Chris Taylor, 3 Leighton Baines, 4 Dean Marney, 5 Jordan Henderson,

6 Max Power, 7 Paul Gallagher, 8 Mark Davies, 9 Jason Lowe 10 Vincent Kompany.