All Leagues, EPL, England, Europe, Ian John, La Liga, Leagues, Regions POSTS
Off Season News : July 3rd 2009
Published by Ian John on July 3, 2009
Are you a soccer fanatic? Do you have strong opinions about the game? Think you have the chops to write about it? Contact Us then...
The Confederations Cup came to a close in the past week with the stunning performance of the United States falling just short of recording a historic victory in the competition. Brazil took the trophy coming from 2-0 down to defeat the U.S 3-2, but the American side can take huge pride in their performances in the competition. Brazil will be delighted with the silverware and South Africa will be pleased that a dress rehearsal for next summer’s main event seemed to progress well. My only minor complaint being the annoying use of the horns people were blowing at many of the games. It sounded as if a swarm of angry bees had descended on the stadium. The competition, I feel, proved that South African can be worthy hosts and while there are still a few problems for the hosts to iron out before next summer, it looks like being an interesting finals.
England U21′s succumbed to a somewhat crushing 4-0 defeat in the final of the European U21 championships. Germany deservedly lifting the trophy after what was something of a massacre in the final. The suspension of forwards Gabriel Agbonlahor and Frazier Campbell proved too much for England to overcome and the lone figure of Theo Walcott never troubled the Germans who controlled the game from midfield and put England to the sword with a calculated professionalism that has become the hallmark of the senior team over the past forty years.
Manchester City continue to make the main transfer news with a reported bid for Chelsea skipper John Terry being turned down by the London club. It is hardly surprising really that the England skipper would turn down a move. The problem Manchester City have got is that despite their vast resources, their history offers little in the way of enticement to the star players. When it comes to moving to England, City, for all their wealth, are still some way behind the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and perhaps even Aston Villa, Tottenham and Everton in their drawing power. As I think I have already said elsewhere in this column, a proven history of success is something money can’t buy and it is that which is proving to be Mark Hughes biggest problem.
Manchester United have been linked with a move to take Michael Owen on a free transfer after his contract with Newcastle United expired on 1st July. While many anti-United fans may laugh at this decision, I think this is a very shrewd move. Owen, it seems, cannot face the rigours of a long 50+ game season. At United, he won’t have to with Sir Alex’s squad rotation. Owen has always scored goals when given chances, that is the one thing he is likely to get plenty of at United, even minus Ronaldo and Tevez. United lose nothing from taking Owen on a short term contract and seeing how he performs. Quality has never been an issue with Owen, only fitness has. If it is in the pipeline I think it is a very shrewd move. Though, it will be interesting to see the reception Liverpool fans give Owen at the next game between the sides.
Florentino Perez quest for world domination continues unabated. Lyon’s Karim Benzema is the latest to join the ranks at Perez new look Madrid for next season. Lyon it seems will get around £30m plus striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy. I think I know who is getting the better part of that deal and it isn’t Madrid.
Many clubs returned for pre-season training on July 1st, of course those players who took part in the end of season international tournaments will be on a well deserved break. No doubt fitness will be a concern for club managers for these players. There can be no doubt the Euro 2008 tournament took it’s toll on Fernando Torres for Liverpool and possibly also Cesc Fabregas for Arsenal. No doubt managers will be hoping there is no repeat of the injuries that dogged these players last season. Within a few weeks the first pre-season friendlies will be being played, clubs will be finalising their squads for next season and hopefully, after a long summer of hype, there will be a few interesting transfers to report. I felt, dear reader, that hearing West Ham were being linked with a move for Southampton keeper Kelvin Davies, would not really grab your interest.
A more sobering thought to finish on is to think of the obscene amounts of money being spent in this transfer window and then think of Southampton F.C. Who look very much as if they could be going out of business. Already in administration and with a potential buyer, headed by former Saints legend Matt Le Tissier, pulling out of takeover talks, there is a real threat that this great and historic club, who were for a long time Premier League members, will go out of business. If Leeds United plummet through the division wasn’t warning enough for Premiership sides as to what can go wrong, Southampton’s tale of woe must surely be. It should also raise questions as to whether it is good for the game that all the finance is so lop sidedly in favour of the Premier League and indeed a few select clubs in that division.
Image Courtesy of **ynysforgan_jack** at Flickr.com
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...989 views
None
