The 2009/2010 campaign will surely be one of the best remembered in the history of Blackpool FC, no matter the outcome of their first season in the Premier League. Ian Holloway led the Seasiders to unlikely promotion via the play-offs in his maiden season at the helm, after being given just a one year contract by the board, and won over the fans and the media with his spontaneous and quirky quotes and personality.

But as 14 August approaches, and the euphoria from promotion slowly dissipates into anticipation of the new season, Blackpool’s luck seems to have run out. An extensive check of the relegation odds from prominent bookmakers finds the best odds at 1/3 for them to beat the drop, from Paddy Power. There are even low odds for Holloway’s men to lower the bar for least points ever managed, set by Derby County during a tortous 2007/8 season where they managed just 11 points.

Seamus Coleman and DJ Campbell, both important cogs in the play-off success, have returned to Everton and Leicester, respectively. Coleman looks set to stay at Everton and fight for his spot, as he is highly-rated by manager David Moyes, and the Irishman poised to break into the first team at the expense of againg Tony Hibbert. Campbell is still a possibility, but Leciester gaffer Paulo Sousa has repeatedly stated that Campbell is a part of his plans.

Holloway has yet to make a signing, but it seems he sees the loan route as the preferred option. He wants to bring in Manchester United youngsters Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, and this could well happen as Alex Ferguson is eager for both to gain first team football. And if the team is to play attractive, attacking football, as Holloway intends to, then reinforcements are indeed needed.

In the current squad, there are just three strikers; Billy Clarke has no Premier League experience, and is likely out for the season, Louis Almond is just 18 and has made no senior appearances for the Tangerines, and Brett Ormerod is nearing the end of his career and would struggle to get playing time at any other top flight club. Gary Taylor-Fletcher has often been employed at the center of the three strikers, even though he is a midfielder by trade. Even if the club were to bring in Welbeck or Campbell on loan, the 4-3-3 formation that Holloway employs would call for at least four quality strikers in the squad.

The midfield situation is a bit better, but still needs a lot of work. Charlie Adam enjoyed a resurgence at Bloomfied Road following his move from Rangers, and his heart and grit is unquestioned, but the Scot has never been given the chance in the top flight. Jason Euell impressed for Blackpool last season, and the 33 year old’s Premier League experience may prove useful, even if his legs aren’t quite as fresh as they once were. 

Keith Southern and David Vaughan are both dependable, hard workers, but their quality is in question and with little depth behind them, an injury to either would be disastrous. Ishmael Demontangnac and Stephen Husband have a combined age of 37, and despite the promise that each have shown (rewarded by underage caps for England and Scotland, respectively) they have only mad 11 combined appearances for Blackpool.

Alex Baptiste and Stephen Crainey are useful and experienced at for the back four, but Coleman’s departure leaves Holloway searching for a right back; Neal Eardley was easily displaced upon Coleman’s arrival, and is not thought highly of by Holloway. Rob Edwards is one of the tougher centre backs in England, and all of his determination will be needed to keep out ravenous attacks this season. Matt Gilks and Paul Rachubka have alternated at keeper in recent years, and both are very experienced. It seems Holloway is content at that position.

The pending addition of Dekel Keinan from Maccabi Haifa brings some much needed quality to the defence. The centre back has 15 caps for Israel, and will certainly go straight into the starting eleven. For months now Celtic’s Pat McCourt has been linked with Blackpool, and the winger would certain bring some pace and creativity to the side. However, fellow Northern Irishman Neil Lennon seems to have taken more of a liking to McCourt then predecessor Tony Mowbray, and this season could see McCourt feature more often for the SPL side, lowering chances of the move. Francis Jeffers could be given a second chance in the Premier League, with the former Everton wonderkid being given a trial. Holloway could do well by inquiring about a few of Arsenal’s young guns, many of whom go out on loan each season. A lot of work is left to be done.

This season’s Premier League looks to be the toughest in years.  Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are all looking typically strong. Tottenham were able to break into fourth spot last year, and there are genuine opinions that they and Manchester City, powered by their seemingly limitless millions, can mount real title challenges. It is also impossible to forget Liverpool, who look to rebuild after last year’s disappointing finish in seventh, as well as Aston Villa and Everton, both full of European ambition.

Roy Hogdson swapped Craven Cottage for Anfield, but the majority of the side that almost won the Europa League remains intact. Roberto Martinez has improved Wigan with a batch of new signings from around the world, and Birmingham and Blackburn Rovers will be keen to improve on their top half finishes. Sunderland and West Ham are traditionally considered “big clubs,” and their fan support will expect much more than last year, where
 relegation was closer than European competition. Newcastle defied the doubters to come back up on the first try, and their huge fanbase and strong squad is a tough task for almost any opponent.

It seems there are almost no easy matches anymore; Blackpool may find out the hard way.

By Andrew McCarten

For many, the phrase “its just a game” is an adage to live by when dealing with football. After a major disappointment, like a relegation or a heartbreaking loss, we are often told that, in reality, football is not the most important thing in life, even if that late goal or that blatant handball may make happiness seem a distant memory. But football is, in many cases, more than that; football can be the impetus for change in society, and can create social opportunities beyond a joyous group of supporters enjoying themselves in the post match pub. Football to many is not just a 90 minute distraction, but a way to change one’s life.

These scales of change often differ dramatically; for superstars like Lionel Messi, Didier Drogba, and Robbie Keane, it has brought financial security to their family and loved ones, as well as incredible fame and notoriety. On a much more prevalent and grassroots level, though, football works in local 
communities to enable people who will never play in a World Cup, or be subject to a multi-million euro bid, to gain self-confidence and a set of tools for improving their life off the pitch, as well as helping society to understand some of the unique problems they face. One such organisation is the Irish Deaf Football set-up.

Though deaf people do not face the hardships and obstacles that those afflicted with conditions like Cerebral Palsy, blindness, and Down’s Syndrome do,their condition is often frighteningly misunderstood and “under-represented,” according to team manager Thomas Coyle. Far away from the massive stadia and contracts, the ethos of football is kept alive and well around the world, and a great example of this is the Irish national deaf team. The Irish Deaf Football team and organisation have provided a benchmark for football associations around the world to emulate in their work with the deaf in Ireland, and have had a high degree of international success to go along with it.

Technically, FIFA defines deaf football competition as disabled football, under the “Football For All” programme; however, if you were to watch a match, that would be a tough sell based on the quality of play. The public seems to think deaf football is “slow and ragged”, says Coyle, but “the games run remarkably smooth, particularly at international level, where the skill of the players is extremely high. Anytime new fans come to watch the team they are impressed”. There are  only two main deaf clubs in Ireland, St Vincent’s of Dublin and Belfast Deaf United. However, Coyle notes that Irish players working or studying in England often turn out for Fulham Deaf FC or Arsenal Deaf FC. Further, “7 or 8 Irish players compete for mainstream clubs, some at Intermediate levels”, dispelling any myths about the quality 
of deaf football. 

The competitive atmosphere is indeed very intense, and ahead of the 2007 European Championships team captain Darren Dunne said the team were “highly motivated to reach the final”, and even had to put up with malicious, “blatant” diving from their Russian opponents at the quarter-final stage, just like their senior national team brethren. Coyle experiences some of the same problems Trapattoni does, due to the “smaller quota of players to pick from,” but this didn’t stop the side from achieving their biggest feat to date, taking third place.

And the loyal fans were not left bored in the slightest, as every goal was celebrated with a Ric Flair-like salsa dance. Dunne says the team were inspired to do this after meeting the hugely popular professional wrestler in Dublin Airport, and it certainly stuck out as one of the most impressive celebrations (imagine Keane and co pulling that off!). 

The future, too, looks bright for the Irish. The FAI “has become more and more involved” in the process, adding both funds and assistance in identifying new talent. And the hard work of all involved means that those who come to a training camp or try-out “see how professionally run the environment is, and are always keen to become involved”. Coyle and his staff devote a lot of time to scouting opponents and working on fitness and tactics, as well as looking for new players to bolster the squad.

To qualify for the 2011 European Championships, Ireland faced a two-legged tie against Slovakia, who Coyle knows all too well took traditional heavyweight France to the wire in the 2007 edition. But the Irish put in a heroic, extremely efficient display in the first leg in Dublin, running out 6-1 winners.  Coyle, quick to remind both myself and the players that “the tie isn’t over yet”, was extremely happy with the “work-rate and hunger” the players showed.

The effort by all involved is the main catalyst behind the remarkable success of a team so small, but Coyle describes the real reason why he is involved with the team; “I have personally witnessed so many quality-of-life improvements gained by young deaf players through participation in football. Many of these lads have been given a disadvantage because of their disability, but to boost the self-esteem and confidence through footballing success often leads to knock-on benefits in other areas of their lives such as education and jobs”.

A bigger success than any scoreboard or league table could ever measure.

By Andrew McCarten

Whilst everybody basks in the warm afterglow of the World Cup, it’s perhaps important to put a bit of perspective on things and not paper over the cracks of some of the less positive aspects from the tournament. For example, the need for video technology has been particularly well documented, particularly in this country, following Frank Lampard’s ‘goal’ against Germany. However, equally pressing for the game’s governing bodies to address should be ‘player simulation’, or in other words, diving.

If anything, the situation is getting worse and it was frankly embarassing to see so many incidents of feigned injury during the tournament. It not only disrupts the flow of play but more importantly it is just plain cheating and at its worst can change the outcome of a game. Witness Kader Keita collapsing after being brushed by Kaka and getting the Brazilian sent off. Fortunately for Brazil the game was already won, but imagine if that had been inside the first ten minutes of the game.

Joan Capdevilla could also be criticised for a similar overreaction to a tangle with Ricardo Costa in Spain’s last 16 game with Portugal. Again, Portugal’s fate had already been sealed but it could have been all very different. Referees are becoming gradually more conscious of players’ attempts to dive their way to a penalty or free kick and there were some yellow cards brandished by way of punishment. However, it is clearly not enough as the video below highlights.

Over a year ago we published an article highlighting the damage that diving is doing to the game. Unfortunately, since then next to nothing has been done to eradicate it from the sport and it is threatening to blight the game for years to come unless some preventitive action is taken. What that is remains the big question though, and nobody has yet dared to propose the radical solution that is required.

What do you think? Can you suggest something which might help prevent diving and simulation? Or could it be argued that it adds to the drama of a game, despite its unfair nature? As ever, let us know your thoughts.

As the sun sets in South Africa, this summer’s World Cup has answered many questions about the world’s top footballers whilst raising some about others.

Modern players, especially the superstars of the game, have given rise to a new phenomenon: the fad footballer. Some of these galacticos of the game have had or will enjoy tremendous longevity. Others will fizzle out as their star wanes.

Lifestyle changes mean that players can now persevere into their mid-thirties. However the developing pace of the game has resulted in the window signifying the peak of a career getting ever smaller given the ferocious intensity of the sport.

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas stepped into the Everton and Arsenal first teams at the tender ages of 16 and 17 respectively.

Rooney is still only 24 and perhaps yet to enter his full peak with manager Sir Alex Ferguson predicting this will be by the time of the next World Cup in 2014.

At least fans of Manchester United and England will be hoping is best years are still ahead of him. Team-mate Michael Owen, 30, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, with a general feeling that perhaps he peaked too early.

The fact is, football is a fleeting career and fans as much as clubs are always on the look-out for next ‘big thing’.

For some players, the expectation is almost too much. Remember Bruno Cheyrou’s ill-fated time at Liverpool having joined aged 24? He was touted as the next Zinedine Zidane, an impossible feat to live up to. All geniuses like Zidane are not just blessed with creativity but individuality too so attempting to replicate them is ultimately futile.

What of Freddy Adu, the ‘next Pele’ and big star to ignite U.S soccer? The American was perhaps one of the first internet video stars as home footage of him at just 13 bamboozling opponents was just emerging.

Alas, he now plays for Benfica having made his debut for D.C United at 15. Adu could perhaps take advice from compatriot Landon Donovan on how to develop into a true star.

Of course, as the old adage goes, form is temporary and class is permanent. It is a great footballing paradox that signing for Real Madrid, the club that has actively collected and harboured galacticos has recently had a stifling effect on star players.

Dynamic Dutch duo Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben were unfavoured and floundered during their stint in Madrid a few years ago.

Both moved onto pastures new and re-invented themselves, Sneijder at Inter Milan and Robben at Bayern Munich.  Both reached last season’s Champions League final and the recent World Cup final, playing a huge role in their teams’ successes.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka had moved in the other direction to the Bernabeu and have so far failed to reach the dizzy heights they scaled at Manchester United and AC Milan. The Madrid Effect can harm the fad footballer’s form if not enhance their marketing prowess.

In an age where youth is beauty, there are encouraging examples of hope for late developers. Chelsea’s Didier Drogba was a relative unknown, playing for Le Mans in France’s Ligue 2. His eventual move to Marseille and subsequent performances in the UEFA Cup, including a semi-final where he ran Newcastle United ragged, attracted the attention of the London club who signed him at the ripe old age of 26.

So-called stars can come and go, flitting in and out of the public’s consciousness. Everyone loves a resurgence too. Think Ronaldo at the 2002 World Cup after a troubled few years, Zinedine Zidane at the 2006 World Cup before his shocking sending-off and latterly something of a comeback from Ronaldinho, written off as a has-been.

Whoever the next flavour of the month is to replace Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, fortunes will change. The greatest players can adapt to poor form and circumstance whilst there are some whose art will carry romantic brevity, unable to be sustained over a long period. Fad footballers come and go but the best will linger for a while yet.

By William Geldart

Away from the World Cup, Chris Sievey, along with his character Frank Sidebottom, has sadly passed away. Sidebottom, who was instantly recognisable with his giant papier mache head, had been a cult figure on the Manchester comedy scene and beyond. He had also made a number of television appearances, his proudest being on Match of the Day, as his song of the same title will attest.

I had been aware of Frank Sidebottom for a long time, but not really given him much thought. He was an unusual cult figure that I didn’t really understand, and had no real inclination to try to. It is only in the past couple of months that I’ve really taken to him, and understood why he is so loved by his faithful following.

What was wonderful about Sidebottom was that he captured the essence of watching football as a child. Everything about him screams a naive and wide-eyed love of the game.

His songs and discussions of playing football in his garden evoke a distinct memory. He still exists in a time where you check scores on teletext and feel like the world is ending when your favourite football shirt is in the wash and you can’t wear it.

It’s a wonderful world, away from multi-million pound transfer fees and tabloid coverage of players’ personal lives. It’s a world that I’d forgotten about, but listening to Frank brings it all flooding back.

I’m still excited by football, but in a different way to when I was a child. The world cup brings with it a tremendous joy, but I don’t cherish every aspect of it. I don’t even watch every game, whereas I used to get over-excited at the prospect of watching highlights of Wrexham on regional television.

I suppose the sheer volume of football today, and the access to it, makes you take it for granted, but Sidebottom is a reminder of how I used to cherish any exposure I could get. As a young child, the sight of anything even remotely connected to football would make my heart skip. Frank never lost that feeling.

Sidebottom was in a state of arrested development; he still lived with his mum and played football in his garden. I haven’t gone next door to ask for my ball back for fifteen years, but it was still a regular part of his life. He had never let go of that childish, almost giddy love of football and seeing him would reawaken that memory. His final song, ‘Three shirts on my line’ captures it perfectly, far better than I can. I can only hope it now comes to further prominence.

He was the perfect antidote to the pitfalls of the modern game. He had a wilful ignorance towards the growing impact of money shaping the game, preferring to enjoy the simplest of footballing pleasures. Amidst humourless fans who take the game too serious is Frank had such a playful love of it. The discomfort of hearing fans aggressively swear at a player and fades into distant memory when you hear the playful chants of ‘nil-nil’, or ‘there’s only one referee’.

Chris Sievey had been diagnosed with cancer, but concealed the extent of his illness. It’s a fitting epithet to Sidebottom – protecting others from the harshness of reality. When listening to Frank there was no negativity or responsibility in the world; it would feel like you were again seven years old and it was the first day of the summer; a summer of playing football in the park or your garden that went on forever.

May he rest in peace. In his big shorts.

Luke Catterson

As we head towards the latter stages of our World Cup preview on The Football Blog, we focus on Group E, containing the Netherlands, Cameroon, Japan and Denmark.

The Netherlands are favourites to top the group and their squad oozes class throughout. Despite their traditionally gifted players, the Dutch have still not won the World Cup, a runner-up placing in the 1974 and 1978 competitions remaining their best performances.

In-fighting has damaged their hopes in the past and they’ll be hoping to display a united front to end decades of underachievement.

Cameroon will be looking to perform well on their home continent whilst Denmark topped a group that included Portugal and arch-rivals Sweden. Japan enjoyed a relatively easy passage to the Finals themselves and despite problems scoring goals; their ambitious manager Takeshi Okada has already targeted a semi-final spot.

DUTCH BREEZE THROUGH QUALIFICATION WITH PANACHE AND STYLE

Although the Netherlands didn’t have much in the form of stiff competition, they still eased through their qualifying group, winning all eight games, scoring seventeen goals and conceding just two along the way.
Manager Lamberus ‘Bert’ van Marwijk kept a settled side, using twenty-five players throughout qualifying with seven of those being utilised only once qualification was assured.

Goals came from all over the pitch with eleven players getting on the score sheet. AC Milan’s Klass-Jan Huntelaar and Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt were joint top-scorers with three apiece.

ROBBEN & CO. HOPING NOT TO CHOKE

For all of the talent that the Netherlands have boasted at past tournaments, their European Championship success of 1988 remains their sole major honour. Momentum is starting to build behind the arguments that suggest the Dutch have a very strong chance of winning the World Cup trophy this time round.

The in-fighting that has marred previous camps, leading to the implosions similar to their last tournament outing in Euro 2008 where they flew through their group only to lose to Russia in the quarter-finals, are beginning to seem like a distant memory.

Preparations haven’t been entirely without incident though and words have been exchanged between Dirk Kuyt and Robin van Persie after the former was rumoured to be unhappy with some of the Arsenal striker’s comments to the manager regarding team selection.

Kuyt hit out and said: “Everyone is entitled to an opinion. That’s good. Dutch players like to think and talk about football. But, at the end of the day, the team manager decides.”

Van Marwijk has favoured a selection that benefits the unit as a whole rather than pandering to the needs of individual talents.

Veterans Edwin van der Sar and Ruud van Nistelrooy were shunned despite their ability to still perform on the world stage. This is perhaps an even more ominous indication of the strength in depth in the Dutch squad and an emerging togetherness.

BLEND OF YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE LOOKING TO TRIUMPH

The provisional 30-man party contained some notable surprises when announced earlier in May. Ajax’s 21-year-old defender Vurnon Anita, Twente midfielder Wout Brama and AZ Alkmaar winger Jeremain Lens have only one cap between them however they could soon be realising every footballer’s dream if chosen in the final squad.

One player who will be hoping to travel to South Africa is Liverpool’s Ryan Babel, who is desperate to forget the disappointing season he endured at the Anfield club.

Babel told the club website: “The World Cup is something special for every footballer. I was 18 when I was in the squad in 2006 and it was a great experience. I think we have a good squad. If everyone is fit then we have a great team that can give anyone a game.”

Amongst the high-profile names such as Arsenal’s Robin van Persie, Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben , Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder and Real Madrid’s Rafel van der Vaart are a host of players plying their trade in Holland’s Eredivisie.

Veteran Feyenoord defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst is planning on retiring following the tournament and he could be lining up at the back alongside former Blackburn man, PSV Eindhoven’s Andre Ooijer.

Behind them and between the sticks is likely to be Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg who has big gloves to fill having replaced Edwin van der Sar and the pressure will be on him to perform well at the highest level.

In midfield and up-front, the Netherlands are spoiled for choice. Holding midfielders of the quality of Bayern Munich’s Mark van Bommel and Manchester City’s Nigel de Jong will provide a formidable shield in addition to possessing the creative capabilities to release their team-mates higher up the pitch.

With Sneijder, van der Vaart and Robben driving forward, they can rely on the hard work of Dirk Kuyt to create space for them as they look to supply a front-line that could include key man van Persie and Huntelaar.

QUESTIONS REMAIN OVER THE DEFENCE AS THE DUTCH PREPARE FOR GROUP E OPENER

It has been said by Dutch bloggers and columnists that one of van Marwijk’s biggest strengths (and weaknesses) is his loyalty to players.

A settled side helped the Dutch to the World Cup however there are doubts as to whether their defence of van Bronckhorst, the unpopular Ooijer, Ajax’s Joris Mathijsen and Everton’s Johnny Heitinga have the quality to stop the world’s best.

There’s no doubting the quality of their midfield and attack if they can remain consistent and cohesive at the Finals.

The Dutch will kick-off their campaign against a resolute Denmark side who can also boast an enviable defensive record in qualifying.

The Netherlands thrashed their second group opponents, Japan, 3-0 in a friendly in 2009. Although this is a competitive match, there could be a similar outcome if the Dutch can overwhelm their toothless opponents.

The highlight of the group looks to be the final game where the Netherlands will take on Cameroon in what could be a flair encounter.

The Netherlands face Mexico, recently beaten by England 3-1, on May 26 in Germany, before ending their preparations with two warm-up games against Ghana on June 1 and Hungary on June 5, both on home soil.

THE INDOMITABLE LIONS ARE AFRICA’S HIGHEST RANKING NATION AT THE TOURNAMENT

Cameroon are the highest ranking African team at the tournament and they’ll be hoping to challenge the Netherlands for top spot in group and progress further in the competition.

Their World Cup best of 1990, where a Roger Mila inspired side made it to the quarter-finals before defeat to England, will be looking to emulate their predecessors’ achievement.

Managed by former Lyon and Rangers boss, Frenchman Paul Le Guen, the team possess talent playing at the highest level in Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o, Arsenal’s Alexandre Song plus Tottenham Hotspur’s Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Sebastien Bassong who will play in the Champions League next season.

Largely supported by Eto’o’s nine goal haul in qualifying, Cameroon made it to the World Cup for the sixth time with Le Guen taking over from Otto Pfister who was sacked following defeat to Togo and a goalless draw with Morocco. Four wins followed, with a double over Gabon and victories over Togo and Morocco in the return games managed to secure top spot in their group.

CAMEROON’S QUALITY RUNS DEEP HOWEVER MANAGER STILL OPEN TO EXPERIMENTATION

Not unlike England manager Fabio Capello, Paul Le Guen was keen to experiment with his line-up in a recent 0-0 draw with Georgia. Similar to his counterpart, this has worried some followers who aren’t keen on excessive tinkering this close to the tournament.

Perhaps though, Le Guen has the luxury of assessing different players as his squad has the experience and quality that most other African teams lack.

Regular goalkeeper, Espanyol’s Carlos Idriss Kameni, has been a mainstay for the La Liga club however he was replaced by Valenciennes’ Guy Rolland N’dy Assembe.

Defensively, Cameroon can call upon the likes of Tottenham’s Assou-Ekoto, captain and former Liverpool player, Rigobert Song and Marseille’s impressive Stephane Mbia who started out as a midfielder and can still play just in front of the back line. He has allegedly attracted the attention of Arsenal having been courted by Everton in the past.

In midfield, Augsburg’s Marcel Ndjeng put in an impressive first-half shift against Georgia and he could be assisted by Lyon’s workhorse Jean II Makoun, Alexandre Song and the experienced former Chelsea and Real Madrid player, Geremi.

In attack, Samuel Eto’o could be one of the stars of the tournament and his strike partner could be Mallorca’s Pierre Achille Webo who was instrumental in securing unfashionable Osasuna a Champions League qualification a few years ago.

CAMEROON LOOKING TO HEROES OF THE PAST IN THEIR QUEST FOR GROUP GLORY

Unsurprisingly, Cameroon icon Roger Milla has supported African hopes of triumph in South Africa. Cameroon’s performance at Italia ’90 secured Africa a third World Cup place and in Milla’s opinion, the gulf in class that used to exist prominently in international football, has lessened significantly.

Milla spoke to reporters at The Daily Telegraph and said: “On the field, everyone is equal. It’s no longer the Brazil, Italy or France we saw 10 years ago. It’s 50-50. The English, French, Italian players play in the major championships in Europe alongside African players. It will be the teams with the best preparation who go furthest.”

Cameroon will begin their campaign with a vital encounter against an organised Japan side that may lack the quality and experience of their opponents.

This will be followed by a potentially defining tie against Denmark. Cameroon’s defence can be breached however they have the firepower to blow the Danes away.

The African side’s final group match against the Netherlands is a highlight on the fixture list and hopefully it will live up to its top billing. Cameroon will be hoping that qualification is all but assured by this stage.

Cameroon have a busy warm-up schedule with games against Slovakia on May 29, Portugal on June 1 and Serbia on June 5 planned.

JAPAN CONFIDENT OF PROVING THE DOUBTERS WRONG, POINT TO QUALIFICATION RECORD

On paper, Japan are the weakest side in Group E and a recent 2-0 defeat to South Korea did not provide much evidence to dispel these assertions.

They’ll be hoping their status as underdogs will work in their favour as they look to fulfil the ambitious promise of manager Takeshi Okada of achieving a place in the semi-finals.

A long qualifying campaign was only blotted by defeat to Asian Football Confederation newcomers Australia, who defeated them 2-1 in Melbourne in the final game.

Otherwise, it was an organised Japan side who waltzed through the remaining fixtures, with a double over Bahrain and their biggest winning margin coming courtesy of a 3-0 win over Qatar.

Following qualification, Japan also blitzed Togo 5-0 with 23-year-old Shinji Okazaki scoring a hat-trick to announce himself on the international stage.

LOFTY AMBITIONS CHECKED BY DEFEAT TO SOUTH KOREA AS COACH PUTS HIMSELF ON THE LINE

Japan’s decision to play rivals South Korea was a risky one given the morale-sapping consequences of the defeat. Coach Okada has put his position on the line following the 2-0 home reverse and met with the head of the Japanese Football Association (JFA) to seek advice.

“I asked the [JFA] president if I should continue as coach,” Okada said. “He said ‘Yes’ – so I’ll carry on. It’s a question of taking responsibility”, he said.

Okada’s target of a semi-final spot looks like it could be a major footballing faux-pas and the manager has admitted could instigate further criticism and cause embarrassment to a nation devoted to honour and saving face.

“It’s not that I have lost confidence. I just asked if he wanted me to stay and warned him he will take a lot of criticism if he sticks with me” he added.

Indeed, Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai was less than impressed with what he witnessed.
“I only saw brief glimpses of a desire not to be beaten,” he said “You can’t win games like that. It’s a real disappointment. That sort of a performance won’t get anyone excited about the World Cup.”

LARGELY DOMESTIC SQUAD SEEKING GROWTH IN FOREIGN CLIMES

Japan’s provisional World Cup squad is predominantly made up of those playing in the domestic J-League and they’ll be excited at the potential for growth and the opportunities for personal development that the World Cup offers.

Ex-Celtic man Shunsuke Nakamura has returned from his European travails and he will be the chief architect for Japan. At 31 years of age, this could be his chance to cement his position as the darling of Japanese football.
Of the few squad members playing abroad, Catania striker Takayuki Morimoto has been vocal in his desire to appear at the World Cup. A player with the experience of playing against top-class defences, he only managed 5 Serie A goals this season but will looking at the competition as a chance to help his country and put himself in the shop window.

“I still had various experiences during the season. I know a lot of people are watching the World Cup, so I’ll try to show my potential,” he said.

Morimoto might have to initially settle for a place on the bench with Grampus forward Keiji Tamada and Shimizu S-Pulse man Okazaki the preferred options.

In midfield, Shunsuke Nakamura will likely be playing alongside CSKA Moscow and successful Japanese export, Keisuke Honda.

At the back, an organised Japan rearguard is well-marshalled by Grampus’ Markus Tulio Tanaka with former Portsmouth ‘keeper, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi the captain.

Japan face a difficult task to qualify from their group and improve upon their last 16 finish of 2002. They could be overpowered by their opponents. They’ll be desperate to build momentum in their remaining warm-up games before they face Cameroon in their Group E opener.

The Blue Samurai will be looking to take some positives from their friendlies against England on May 30 and the Ivory Coast on June 4.

DANES UNDER THE RADAR HEADING INTO THE FINALS DESPITE IMPRESSIVE QUALIFICATION

Many pundits have plumped for the Netherlands and Cameroon to emerge from Group E and this may suit Denmark. The Danes are not regarded as tournament hopefuls despite an impressive run to the Finals where they topped a qualifying group containing Portugal, Sweden and Hungary.

Manager Morten Olsen has been at the helm since 2000 and he knows his side may struggle to improve on their best ever World Cup finish where they made it to the quarter-finals in 1998.

They’ve been a solid team since the mid-eighties with their peak culminating in their triumph at Euro ’92 and a Confederations Cup win in 1995. They could certainly take advantage of the weaknesses within an inconsistent Cameroon team and an ineffective Japan side.

Highlights from their qualifying campaign included a 1-0 away win over arch-rivals Sweden and an incredible late comeback win in Portugal where they defeated their illustrious hosts 3-2.

DENMARK LOOK TO SURPRISE THEIR GROUP OPPONENTS

A recent FIFA profile of Denmark’s underrated attacking prowess has highlighted the dangers they pose.
Jon Dahl Tomasson, Soren Larsen, Jesper Gronkjaer, Dennis Rommedahl and Nicklas Bendtner are the players who come under the spotlight and it’s pointed out that they have no fewer than 300 caps between them.

Arsenal striker Nickclas Bendtner’s comments to Fifa.com exemplify the understated approach of the Danes.
“We have to accept that we won’t be the best team when we get to South Africa. We’ll give it our best shot though. Denmark have already created quite a few surprises over the years, so there’s no reason why we can’t do the same this time.”

Meanwhile, leading scorer in qualifying, Duisburg’s Soren Larsen, elaborated on the Danish style of play and the key to their recent success.

“Team spirit is our real forte. We have a very tight formation but we can break quickly by passing the ball out wide like the Dutch do, but obviously not to the same standard” he said.

Larsen is perhaps at the peak of his powers at the age of 28 however for Tomasson, Rommedahl and Gronkjaer, all approaching their mid-thirties; this will surely prove their last hurrah.

In keeping with other nations though, Morten Olsen has chosen to include a few youngsters too in an effort to balance out the squad.

Highly-rated Ajax youngster Christin Eriksen and Malaga full-back Patrick Mtiliga have both been named in the provisional 26-man squad.

SOLID TEAM COULD BE UNDONE BY INJURIES OR SUSPENSIONS

The Danes can call on a wealth of experience in all positions. Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is hoping to be fit enough to play in the World Cup and just in front of him could be the experienced Fiorentina defender, Per Kroldrup besides main man, Liverpool’s Daniel Agger.

Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen, Wolfsburg’s Thomas Kahlenberg and Werder Bremen’s Daniel Jensen possess quality and experience and they’ll be aiming to supply Bendtner and Tomasson.

With the majority of their starting line-up touching thirty years old or above, the Danes will have one of the most experienced squads at the tournament. Their only disadvantage in that respect is that their team missed out on the last two major tournaments, World Cup 2006 and Euro 2008 so recent big match experience may be lacking.
Injuries or suspensions to key players could take their toll as Denmark will have to be at full strength if they are to advance from a difficult group.

Denmark line-up against Senegal on 27 May, Australia on 1 June and World Cup hosts South Africa on June 5.

EACH TIME LOOKING TO ACHIEVE A NEW PERSONAL BEST

The Netherlands have ambitions of winning the trophy, Cameroon would be ecstatic if they could get further than the quarter-finals, Japan would be amazed if they could get into the quarter-finals and a Danish side capable in the past of achieving the impossible would see anything better than the quarters as surpassing a tremendous milestone.

Each side in Group E will be looking to at least equal, if not better, their previous World Cup best performance and all four sides have compelling cases put forward as to why this could be possible.

The reality is, the Netherlands should prove too strong for their group opponents and it is again in the latter stages where they might fade. Cameroon have quality players throughout their team however patchy performances could see them punished. Japan have made some outlandish statements and they’ll just be hoping not to be embarrassed. Denmark meanwhile could emerge as the dark horses of the group.

By William Geldart

Reports today suggest that Carlos Tevez is unhappy with the training methods used by Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, a complaint which appears to throw his Eastlands career in jeopardy with Mancini telling him that he can leave if he is not happy. Less than a year into life at his new club, there is a certain sense of déjà-vu about the Argentine’s petulant outcry.

Let us rewind to last summer. Tevez was telling anybody that would listen that he felt underused and underappreciated at Manchester United. He very publicly sought a move away from Old Trafford when he was not lauded over in the manner in which he saw fit and not offered a permanent contract as quickly as he would have liked.

So having gone from being, in his opinion, underworked at a football club, he now believes he is being overworked by being asked to train twice on a Tuesday. Putting aside the fact that this serves only to fuel the common belief that modern day Premiership footballers are a bunch of prima donnas, it also highlights a common theme in Tevez’s career. 

Go a little further back, and you will find that in order to push through his transfer deadline day move to West Ham in August 2006, Tevez had gone on strike at his club Corinthians. This is the club that paid £13.7 million for his services less than two years earlier and who had given him a £6.85 million five year contract, the biggest in South American. Some show of gratitude then.

Tevez is remembered fondly at Upton Park as the man who saved their Premier League bacon when he scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over United on the final day of the 2006-2007 season. What will be less well remembered is Tevez’s tantrum and walkout after being substituted early in the season against Sheffield United, with his teammates deciding he should wear a Brazil shirt in training as punishment (something he refused to do).

At the end of that season, it became apparent that Tevez wanted away from West Ham. So after just one season, he thought himself bigger than the club that gave him his opportunity to impress on the European stage. As it transpired, his transfer to Manchester United turned into a transfer saga the complications caused by his ownership by Media Sport Investment.

So Tevez had eventually landed at United, English champions and European footballing powerhouse. During his stay he won two Premier League winners medals, a Champions League winners medal, and a League Cup winners medal to boot. Loved by the fans, who chanted “Fergie, sign it up” from the terraces, things couldn’t have looked better when he was eventually offered a five year contract that would have made him one of the club’s top earners. Could they?

Carlos obviously thought so when he jumped ship to the other side of the city and joined the mega-million revolution at Eastlands. Having plundered 21 league goals to date and ensured the adoration of another set of fans, the Argentine international appears to be ready to once again pack his bags in search of a club which meets all of his demands, all of the time.

There is no doubting Tevez’s ability but you get the sense that his potential to win the game’s greatest prizes may be undermined by his petulant attitude and those that are advising him. Despite the player’s heroics this season, Mancini is right to offer him an ultimatum. Should he choose to accept the invitation to leave, any manager keen to secure his services may like to consider the impact of Tevez’s actions off the pitch, as well as on it.

Richard Bourne

Having missed out on promotion to the Football League fourteen years previously because of ground grading rules, Stevenage Borough will be heading for League Two having clinched the Blue Square Premier title last weekend. Their 2-0 victory at Aggborough, the home of Kidderminster Harriers, means that the Hertfordshire club can look forward to their first ever taste of Football League action next season.

Borough have had a fantastic season and fully deserve promotion to the upper echelons and the honour of being crowned Blue Square Premier champions. Fighting from the front, they boast the firepower of non-league scoring sensations Charlie Griffin and Tim Sills.

Both of these men have had previous Football League experience. In Griffin’s case, he’ll be anxious to replicate his scoring feats further down the pyramid on the bigger stage, having had previous moves to Swindon and Wycombe that didn’t quite work out.

With inspirational captain and 2008-2009 ‘Supporters Player of the Year’ Mark Roberts keeping attackers at bay alongside fellow lynchpin Jon Ashton, Borough fans will be looking to consolidate next season.

Indeed, the omens look good. Teams promoted from the Blue Square Premier tend to fare well or at least cement their League status. In recent years, Aldershot and Dagenham and Redbridge have both found their feet in League Two and are now challenging for play-off positions. Burton Albion were promoted last season and have enjoyed a period of consolidation in what has been their first ever experience of life in the Football League too.

Perhaps Stevenage should aspire to follow the examples set by Yeovil Town and Carlisle United, two sides with differing histories who managed to achieve great successes after promotion to the League. Yeovil had long had a reputation as a fantastic giant-killing side in the Cup however they had never gained promotion to the Football League.

That was until 2003 when the Glovers became Conference champions. Under the stewardship of Gary Johnson, their success wasn’t to end there. In their first League season they finished eighth and won through to the third round of the FA Cup where they were beaten 2-0 at home by Liverpool. In the 2004-2005 season though, they were promoted again, this time to League One as they finished champions of the fourth tier.

Carlisle United achieved similar success. Having flirted with relegation to the officially titled Conference National for years, the Cumbrians finally succumbed in the 2003-2004 season where they lost eighteen of their twenty-one opening games of the season. Despite a spirited second-half to the campaign, manager Paul Simpson couldn’t stop the inevitable drop.

The team did not dwell on their misfortune for too long, winning the Conference at the first attempt. Similar to Yeovil, they built quickly upon their success and in only their first season back in the League, they earned promotion to League One, cinching another title in the process.

Arguably, promotion to the Football League perhaps does not hold the lustre of yesteryear. Once the professional Holy Grail for all non-league footballers to strive for, many clubs in the Blue Square Premier now operate under the paid ranks of professionalism. There are also now two promotion spots, not just the one and many non-league sides have grounds up to League standards, once a huge stumbling block to promotion.

For the fans though, being in the League does matter. Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace told BBC Three Counties Radio that he was “Really proud and so pleased for all the fans. You have to be here to see what it means to all the fans. That is what you go into football for in the first place.”

The fans echoed his sentiments. The Stevenage fan site fcboro.co.uk beamed,” It will be great to be one of the 92. It will be great to be playing in the Carling Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy as well as entering the FA Cup at the 1st round stage.”

Stevenage’s trips to Morecambe, Stockport and Macclesfield aren’t just the reward of one season of successful toil. They’re symbolic of years of attempting to enter the elite. In essence, as Borough fans sample the delights of Burton’s Pirelli Stadium next season, they can look across at the opposition fans and say “we’re here too now. We’ve arrived.”

By William Geldart

As we reach the climax to the 2009/2010 football season across Europe, it’s fascinating to see that a whole host of clubs are in contention for honours across the continent. In Europe’s top leagues in England, Spain, Germany and Italy, nothing is certain, especially at the top, where fans are primed to witness a set of thrilling finales to whet the appetite for this summer’s World Cup.

In England, there might not be something wholly original about witnessing Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal battling for the title. Owing to the inconsistency of the top-four, however, all three are still in with a realistic chance of winning the league.

Chelsea are front-runners, having now gone four points clear of Manchester United in second who themselves are two points ahead of Arsenal. United’s recent 2-0 defeat to the Blues and their subsequent 0-0 draw away against Blackburn Rovers seems to have put paid to their chances of winning an historic four titles in a row. Under the tutelage of Sir. Alex Ferguson though, it would be unwise to completely write off the Red Devils.

Should United pull off a remarkable end of season turnaround, they will secure their nineteenth English league title, eclipsing Liverpool’s eighteen and securing them bragging rights over their bitter rivals.

Manchester United manager Ferguson had already cranked up the pressure on Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelloti by stating before Tuesday night’s game, “To my eyes they have an easy game against Bolton on Tuesday. We would expect them to win that and it will put them four points clear.” Ferguson’s mind games obviously did not deter a professional Chelsea side who ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Nicolas Anelka winner.

With Arsenal on the periphery, lagging six points behind the league leaders, it might be fair to deduce that their inexperienced squad will have to endure another trophy less season. United meanwhile, face a difficult trip to Eastlands on Saturday in the Manchester derby. Their opponents, Manchester City are four points clear of Tottenham Hotspur as they occupy the fourth Champions League place, challenging the traditional ‘Big Four’ in their bid to usurp troubled Liverpool.

Chelsea still have some tricky encounters to negotiate as they bid to secure the Double having advanced to the FA Cup Final with a win over Aston Villa last weekend. They have a London derby against Tottenham, challenging for fourth place and looking to get over their FA Cup semi-final heartbreak against Portsmouth. Also, the Blues have a difficult trip to Anfield to play Liverpool in arguably their biggest remaining test of their title credentials.

Barcelona’s 2-0 win at the Bernabeu in the latest ‘El Clasico’ match-up between themselves and Real Madrid put the Catalans three points clear of Real as they look to win successive titles under manager Pep Guardiola.

With seven games left, Barcelona have been hit by a leg injury to influential midfielder Andreas Iniesta which looks likely to keep him out for up to four weeks and the majority of the end of season run-in. Such is the form of the Catalans at the moment, even the absence of a player of Iniesta’s quality might have little detrimental effect.

On paper, Barcelona’s most challenging remaining fixture is the penultimate game of the season that sees them travel to fourth-placed Sevilla. In reality, the leaders are twenty-nine points above the Rojiblancos and such is the confidence flowing through the side, they’ll probably remain undaunted.

Real, on the other hand, look like an expensively assembled team struggling to match expectations. They still have to face third-placed Valencia and a Mallorca side who have had an impressive campaign as they fight for a European place. Manager Manuel Pellegrini, will be charged with removing himself, plus his team, from the slump that befell all of them as they were outclassed last weekend by their arch-enemies.

Champions League semi-finalists Bayern Munich may have recently beaten second-placed Schalke 2-1 away and drawn with third-placed Bayer Leverkusen, however they still only lead Germany’s Bundesliga by two points.
The Bavarian giants are on course for a monumental treble, with the league, cup and Champions League crown in their sights. The last time this feat looked achievable, Bayern only managed to secure the league title in the 1998/99 season. Famously, they lost out on all three with defeat to Werder Bremen in the DFB Pokal final and to Manchester United in an infamous Champions League final.

The remaining fixtures of the title challengers involve an interesting assortment of town-hopping as all three will face relegation threatened Hertha Berlin and both Bayern and Leverkusen will meet Borussia Monchengladbach, Hanover and Hertha in intermittent weeks.

Bayern star Arjen Robben has a warning to his team-mates and fans though, especially after his side could have already had the league wrapped up by now. Bayern have only won once in four league games, having thrown away another 1-0 lead, this time against challengers Leverkusen.

Robben fumed: “We are making the same mistakes again and again. We have seen it many times that were led 1-0 and then lost control of the match. That is not acceptable.”

In Italy, Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan were on course to win their fifth Scudetto in a row. Last weekend, however, top spot was snatched from them by a rampaging Roma side that beat struggling 2-1 Atalanta whilst Inter could only draw 2-2 with Fiorentina.

Roma now enjoy a one point lead over Inter who look increasingly weighed down by the expectation of their Champions League campaign, where they will meet Barcelona in the semi-finals. They enjoyed a nine-point lead at the top in February which has since dissipated.

Montenegro forward Mirko Vucinic and inspirational figurehead Francesco Totti have scored the goals that have largely contributed to the Romans’ late bid for success. Having had a mixed start to season, former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has overseen a reversal in fortunes.

With five games remaining, it looks to be a straight challenge between the top-two after AC Milan dropped more points in their recent 2-2 draw with Catania. Despite fighting back from 2-0 down, Marco Borirello’s brace still means the Rossoneri are four points away from top and are now probably classed as outsiders.

Roma still have a tense Rome derby against Lazio to overcome with five games left of the season. It’s the first time they’ve enjoyed the summit of Serie A since 2007 and it’ll be interesting to see if they can last the pace. Inter may have too much experience, despite pressure on them to succeed in the Champions League to restore Italian pride in the competition and win their first European Cup in it’s modern guise.

It’s not just the predominant leagues in Europe where thrilling fights for the title are taking place. In France, Lyon’s dominance was broken by Bordeaux last year and an enthralling race is still very much far from complete. Marseille currently lead the way by two points from Auxerre however Lyon, Montpellier and Bordeaux still harbour title ambitions.

Plus, let’s not forget Steve McClaren’s FC Twente who have a good chance of winning the Dutch Eredivisie. They lead the way, four points ahead of Ajax although the Amsterdam side do have a game in hand and Twente have recently slipped up, losing 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar.

Whatever the respective outcomes this season, fans across Europe should be able to look forward to engrossing title battles that will last until the dying embers of the campaign. What’s more, they’ll get to witness their favourite stars strutting their stuff on the international stage at the World Cup. Roll on summer…

By William Geldart

Highly-rated Manchester City defender Nedum Onuhoa is considering switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria in a bid to appear at the forthcoming World Cup. Onuhoa has already appeared for England Under-21s however he was born and raised in Africa until the age of seven.

Although Onuhoa has stated that he ‘hasn’t even been called up yet’ to the Nigeria squad, he hasn’t ruled out appearing for them in future as he weighs up his respective international chances with either country. Football’s world governing body, FIFA, instigated eligibility rule changes last year which mean that as long as a player hasn’t appeared for the senior side in a competitive match, excluding friendlies, he is free to choose which country he will represent.

Since the rules’ introduction, there have been numerous instances where players have been faced with the choice of switching international allegiance. In the UK and Ireland alone, players have had a selection of countries that they are eligible for. One of the most complicated recent instances of players attempting to exploit the rule change has occurred north of the border and involved a choice between England and Scotland for 22 year-old Andrew Driver.

Heart of Midlothian midfielder Driver faced a similar dilemma to Onuhoa in so far as they appeared for England Under-21s in the 2009 European Championships and both have been faced with multiple international options. Driver had committed himself to playing for Scotland and was set to make his debut in Craig Levein’s first match in charge, a friendly against the Czech Republic. As it turned out, upon further investigation from the SFA, Driver had only completed four years and eight months schooling in Scotland and not the required minimum of five years as stipulated in FIFA article 16.

The protracted and messy case of Andrew Driver will probably not be the only instance where an attempt to exploit the new rules becomes complicated. In the past there was the ‘grandparents’ rule whereby if a player could prove that one of their grandparents was from a certain country or territory, they would be eligible to play for them. This benefitted Jack Charlton’s Republic of Ireland side of the nineties however FIFA’s extension of the eligibility criteria only seems to further cloud the nature of international allegiance.

To solve what was once considered an England goal-keeping crisis, it was rumoured that Arsenal stopper Manuel Almunia might be persuaded to fill the number one jersey, simply because he’d lived in the country for five years or more. Such cases seem to make a complete mockery of the notion of nationhood and what it means to represent the land of one’s birth. In reality, this change might benefit the smaller home nations as those considered not quite good enough to represent England might decide they’ll have more fulfilling international careers if they choose Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Certainly, Driver must have weighed up his chances of international selection for England’s senior side and felt he had a better chance of recognition from Scotland, especially playing in the Scottish Premier League – a love of haggis and the Highlands probably didn’t influence his decision. It’s precisely this problem of an international lottery that will irk fans and lead to disharmony amongst a warring contingent of nations.

By William Geldart