How times have changed for Michael Owen. The former undisputed golden boy of English football, feared by defenders throughout the World and lauded by Europe’s biggest clubs, is, if growing rumours are to be believed, about to announce his retirement.
Injuries
Owen’s injury-plagued stay at Newcastle has proved to be a nightmare, with the player a mere shadow of his former self even when officially ‘match fit’ and raring to go.
The striker’s searing pace is long gone, never to return, and his explosive arrival on the global stage at the 1998 World Cup, with that wonder goal against Argentina, now a distant memory.
Posted by The Editor on June 16th, 2009
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Some things in life are inevitable; Politicians will never win popularity contests. You will always have a soft spot for your first love. Police officers will look more and more like 15-year-olds the older you get and football managers will be sacked.
The demand for instant success ensures most managers will be sacked several times, with only two or three of them escaping the experience.
Under the microscope
Premiership managers live in the spotlight almost 24/7 these days. Some take pressure in their stride whilst others constantly feel the strain.
Runners and riders
We take a look at which Premiership managers are safe and those who could be looking for work before the end of the 2009/10 season?
Posted by The Editor on June 10th, 2009
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I wonder what it’s like to have a limitless amount of cash to play with?
Manchester City’s Mark Hughes has that luxury. Unfortunately for him, he also has the expectation and responsibilty that goes with it.
The Welshman has already opened his cheque book with the signing of Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry earlier this week, and City are being linked with signing anybody and everybody. Lucas Neill from West Ham? Do me a favour. Carlos Tevez? That could be a brilliant signing and the City fans would just love to taunt United fans about that.
I can’t help thinking that despite all of this cash City will continue to struggle when it comes to attracting World-class talent to Eastlands. The signing of Robinho illustrated their intent, but the Brazilian already appears to be unsettled and there isn’t a long queue of international superstars knocking on Hughes’ door.
Posted by The Editor on June 4th, 2009
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Thankfully, Sunderland haven’t appointed Mr Forsyth as their new manager, though some would argue he’d be a better choice than many who have been in charge of team affairs on Wearside over the last few years. No, I’m talking about Steve Bruce.
Niall Quinn may well have made a shrewd appointment there. He’s resisted the temptation to recruit a European coach and opted to go with someone who has seen and done it at the bottom end of the Premiership. Let’s face it, Brucey will have just one target in 2009/10. Keep Sunderland in the Premiership and earn himself a Brucey bonus!
Posted by The Editor on June 4th, 2009
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