Transfer activity at Anfield?

With a third of the Premier League season now gone by, the table is starting to find its level and supporters are starting to get a better understanding of where their respective clubs are at this season and the challenge that faces them in the coming months. Once again the Premier League has been broken up into three tiers, with each team facing their own private battle.

Unlike previous years there has certainly been some stability on the managerial front with only Steve Bruce succumbing to the bullet so far, as clubs look to show patience with their managers to turn around their current plights. The managers may not be so patient with players at their disposal and may look to make significant changes in the January transfer window.

The January transfer window is loved and loathed in equal measures, with many managers and supporters alike welcoming the opportunity to freshen things up, while others see it as a source of distraction. History shows it is a renowned place for panic buying, as last January certainly proved, but there have been notable successes in the past that shows it can be a significant period to turn around a club’s fortunes. I feel the African Cup of Nations and the unprecedented amount of long term injuries we have seen will force many club’s hands and subsequently we can expect to see another expensive month for many Premier League chairman.

So how do you feel about Liverpool’s fortunes so far this season and would you look to see changes made in January? Who would you like to see brought in and ultimately who would you like to see moved on in the up and coming window?

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Can some clubs afford not to spend in January?

So with the January Sales in the football world opening imminently, the Guardian has today reported that the total amount spent will be less than half that of the 2011 amount – which to be fair included two vastly overpriced, underperforming donkeys, but luckily for both their managers are in need of a trip to Specsavers and feel both are performing just fine. In reality if either were to be sold now, they would come with an enclosed ‘with sympathy’ card.

That aside, the £225 million spent this time last year has no chance of being broken apparently. This is due to a number of reasons, and in no small part the FFP regulations, with clubs scrambling to adhere to these rules, or face being kicked out of the Champions League in the not so distant future – or in the Manchester clubs case, the UEFA cup should the precedent they set this season be repeated.

TV deals are also up in the air and will affect spending, especially in the case of Spanish clubs, who are currently attempting to end the dominance of the big two when it comes to this kind of revenue. Not to mention we are in a touch and go economy – sorry Mr Cameron but we are – and clubs simply do not have money to throw away – Chelsea and City being obvious exceptions here.

That being said, there are a number of clubs who for varying reasons simply have to enter the transfer market – yes they have to spend wisely, but spend they must if they want their seasons to stop going into disarray.

Let’s start with Blackburn – Steve Kean everyone’s favourite punching bag has claimed to have met with the Venky’s to discuss January targets and thinks they will sign 4 players, including a defender. Well considering their rate of conceding goals, this sounds like a stellar idea from Kean. Blackburn have injury issues and to be frank need a couple of players to come in and freshen things up. They also risk losing a couple of players, especially young prospect Junior Hoillet and will have to look to reinvest this money in the club.

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Right at the other end of the scale we have moneybags Chelsea, who are in desperate need of a defender, with Gary Cahill looking a cert to complete the move as soon as the window opens, and with the African Cup of Nations, Chelsea could do with a forward and some cover in the middle of the park as well. Now we all know Roman is not short of money, and with AVB eager to stamp his mark on the club, we could well see yet another big spending January from the Blues.

Wenger has stated there are funds to buy in the transfer window, and with players off to the African cup he may well be forced into doing so. The two month signing of Henry is brilliant news for not just Arsenal fans, but all Premier League fans who will love the chance to see a downright legend back even for a couple of months.

Clubs who have very little to spend may have to sell before they can buy, and take Everton – new players are needed so much it is not funny, yet the funds are not there – perhaps someone like Rodwell will be sold to make money available? This will again kick start the market likewise with players who are looking for a move, clubs will have to replace them, and will be forced to buy as a result.

Depending on which supporters you talk to, no fan would say their club does not need to buy anyone and is a complete squad. Yes, they may differ over where the money should be spent – United fans for example – some may feel a defender is where the money should be spent due to mass injuries, others may still long for a creative midfielder. Either way they feel someone should be bought.

Certain managers will be out for a bargain – Redknapp and Warnock to name a couple, and it would be no surprise if the transfer window threw up a shock or two. Never count big spending City out either, and they have the power to bid astronomical sums of money for any player.

Whilst the record of last season may not be breached, the fact remains, certain clubs simply have to invest, and a little money this January may mean big rewards at the end of the season.

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Sneijder not expecting January move

Wesley Sneijder has admitted that he is ‘90% certain’ that he will not leave Inter Milan for Manchester United during the January transfer window.

The Netherlands international was linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer, but in the end the Serie A side kept hold of their star playmaker.

Sir Alex Ferguson has not replaced Paul Scholes, who retired in the summer, and is thought to covet a new attacking midfielder to give the side a creative boost.

Despite reports in the press that United have made another bid for the 27-year-old, Sneijder is not expecting to leave Claudio Ranieri’s men in the next month.

“If I must give a percentage for it, I think I am 90 per cent certain I will stay,” he told Voetbal International.

“I enjoy myself here at the moment and at this point I don’t have anything to choose from.

“I don’t say that I am 100% certain, because something unexpected can always happen,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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A hugely important summer in the transfer market for Sir Alex?

As the noisy neighbours begin to establish themselves in the blue half of Manchester, Sir Alex Ferguson will surely need to look over a number of incredibly disappointing results so far this season and re-establish his side as the dominant club in Manchester when the summer transfer window kicks in.

When Manchester City became the richest club in football, marking their intention with the signing of Robinho and then vowing to purchase every major superstar in Europe, Alex Ferguson simply seemed to dismiss them as an annoying younger brother trying to make himself heard—and rightfully so. The Manchester United boss has managed to overcome every challenge he’s had to face: from Keegan’s Newcastle, Arsenal’s Invincibles to, most recently, Abramovich’s millions, Ferguson continues to swat away those who attempt to dethrone him from the summit of the Premier League. But as the second half of the season begins to gather momentum, the reigning champions still find themselves in second place to their city rivals and off the back of a number of disappointing results over the festive period. With all the resources at Manchester City, and despite where the title ends up this season, could this summer be one of the most important during Ferguson’s time at United?

There is absolutely no reason to suggest that Manchester City will out-do United for the next five consecutive years; history dictates that there has never and might never be a situation like that where Sir Alex is involved. However, the shortcomings in this United side are plain for all to see; there could even be a suggestion that the purchases made by the club in recent transfer windows are not of the quality to combat the current threats in the league and in Europe. As Wayne Rooney has expressed in the past, he does not feel the club are showing enough ambition with the type of player they are bringing in.

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Now, far be it from me to suggest where Alex Ferguson is going wrong in his transfer policy, but there are supporters who can see that a creative outlet in the centre of the pitch is perhaps the area of the squad that needs addressing first. There is a great core of young players, especially in the possible future centre-back pairing in Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, but the squad do need taking to the next level. But if the unthinkable happens—from a United fan’s perspective at least—and City win the league title and continue to attract star players who will further their club’s reputation, should there be cause for concern for at least the short-term future of Manchester United, considering as well that Ferguson could be calling it a day within the next few years.

Surely the last thing the Manchester United manager wants to do is retire with the club as second best in the city. It would be a tremendous shame considering what he has done to overhaul Liverpool’s 18 league titles and continue to place the club in the top three or four in Europe. But much like the case at other clubs in the Premier League and around Europe, there is a necessary cause for action amongst managers who need to keep up with ever-changing landscape of football.

At the same time, I also believe Alex Ferguson has enough respect for every new challenge that comes up against the dynasty he has created. A manager who lives for the challenges that people such as Jose Mourinho present; there is very little reason to believe he won’t take action when it’s needed. But that time must come in the summer. As City look to impress the world and strike fear into the Premier League with a huge spending spree, Sir Alex needs to bite back with an equally impressive move. It allows the club to keep face in what will be another intense battle next season.

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Will Arsenal be in a position to clean up in the transfer market?

Wealthy football club owners; whether you love them or hate them they seem destined to stay within the modern fabric of the game. Much criticised for their carefree spending and reputations as ‘non-football’ people who don’t know the game deep down, their escalating influence in football is likely to be quelled somewhat by FIFA’s new Financial Fair Play Regulations. Aimed at forging more long-term responsible spending and assuring a more level playing field, the rules which are planned to come into operation for the 2013/14 season, are likely to decelerate the passage to success such as Manchester City are discovering.

Sheikh Mansour’s investment has revolutionised the Citizens into a title chasing outfit and in direct comparison, old established top four outfits such as Arsenal, who maintain a more sustainable business model, are now struggling to catch up.

So we ask ourselves, can the new regulations really aid Arsenal’s cause in their pursuit of long-term success? Has Arsene been correct all along?

At the route of the issue is club debt and teams spending way more than they earn in the chase for short-term accomplishment, which indeed may hamper their long-term standing within the game. Last November, the Telegraph reported that Manchester City posted a record-breaking loss of £194.9 million with wages amounting to £174 million.

Similarly, Paris Saint Germain finds themselves in a comparable position following the clubs venture with the Qatar Investment Authority.

The new rules mean that high spending clubs are allowed to make a loss of £37.5 million over a two-year period, followed by £25 million in the three years following, with the longstanding aim of breaking even.

Compared to City’s recent loss, FIFA’s prescription is minimal, and clearly represents the cost cutting measures that will have to be made by trophy contending clubs such as Mancini’s side.

Of course, trimming the playing squad is the most obvious and damaging effect the new regulations pose for the carefree spenders, paying credence to the arguments of Wenger and Arsenal. Although their fans may be fed up with the clubs transitional state, Wenger’s careful stewardship could eventually pay off.

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Criticised by some for running a business instead of a football club, Wenger has always prioritised paying back the debt as created by the move to Emirates Stadium. As increased gate receipts allowed wages to rise sustainably so Arsenal could remain at least competitive on the pitch, Wenger has maintained his steady business plan not breaking the bank for players deemed overpriced or overrated, much to the growing disgruntlement of the Emirates faithful.

When the new regulations do come into operation, it is comprehendible that Arsenal may be one of the main beneficiaries. Part of a dying breed of sustainable clubs, Arsenal have at least managed to remain in and amongst the top end of the Premier League, competing on many fronts, most notably the Champions League.

This achievement has been deemed remarkable by ‘glass half full’ Arsenal fans who accept Arsenal’s long-term future as more important than short-term trophy hauls. But the overwhelming majority of ‘glasses half empty’ Gunners are now tired of the clubs slow evolution and want more assurances over the clubs ambitions going forward. Fourth spot is not a trophy Arsene.

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Everyone knows Arsenal pay their players less than they could receive at other clubs. The top earner in Robin Van Persie earns a reported £80,000 a week and the Dutchman could easily improve his pay packet with a transfer, but with the majority of the squad on more responsible wages than elsewhere, Arsenal could be the best of the rest to cope with the new rulings.

In Szczesny, Vermaelen, Song and Van Persie, Arsenal does possess a competitive spine, albeit inferior at present to their rivals in the current state of the Premier League. But it will be interesting to see the ramifications upon clubs like Manchester City following the Fair Play rulings and just whether Arsenal can rise again and compete to where their fans believe they truly belong.

Will FIFA’s Financial Fair Play Rulings give clubs like Arsenal the edge going forward? Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989

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Gunners march on

Arsenal have continued their excellent run of form by beating Everton 1-0 in a hard-fought fixture at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

Thomas Vermaelen scored the only goal of the game less than ten minutes into the encounter, and the Gunners held firm to make it six straight victories in all competitions.

Arsene Wenger feels his side have regained confidence, and that they are focused to continue their winning streak.

“When the team is very confident you see that many players can score,” he told Sky Sports.

“I felt that the attitude was always very good from the players and the confidence comes from results. We turned a few results around and that creates belief.

“We had a very strong start in the first 20 minutes, 30 minutes, dominating the game.

“We didn’t take our chances and then Everton came back into the game. They became stronger and stronger and we became weaker in the second half, especially. Our link play was not good anymore.

“I felt it was a psychological circumstance. We just wanted to keep the result because it’s so important at the moment. But Everton played very well in the second half.

“For us, when you look at the fixtures you know the games when you’re in danger. To come out of that will strengthen our belief.

“For us it is very simple – we know for every game until the end of the season we have to stay focused. We have gone through a very difficult period and I believe we have learnt from that,” he concluded.

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Arsenal have leapfrogged north London rivals Tottenham into third place, and take on Aston Villa at home on Saturday.

By Gareth McKnight

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Thank God It’s Over…The New Season Starts Here For Leeds United

An 11th home defeat of the season earned Leeds United another unwanted record in one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent memory. The 2-1 loss to Leicester City on the final day ensured that the Whites ended the season having suffered more home defeats than in any previous campaign.

The game was United’s season diluted into a handy ninety minute bite sized chunk. Leeds showed promise in the early stages of the game, with some neat and incisive football causing Leicester some early problems. However, the Whites lost the iniative and handed the visitors the lead with some characteristic comedy defending. Michael Brown sliced the ball horribly into the air in the centre circle putting the hapless Danny Pugh under pressure from Martin Waghorn. The former Manchester United man was caught in two minds, and used neither of them as he failed in his attempts to get the ball back to Andy Lonergan, allowing the Foxes striker to stride on and fire past the United keeper.

The majority of the second half was a non-event until Leeds stepped up a gear in the closing moments, roared on by the ever faithful Elland Road crowd. It looked as if the fans were to be rewarded with a point when Danny Webber forced the ball over the line for his first (and probably only) Leeds goal following good work by Robert Snodgrass with just eight minutes remaining.

However this season has seen Leeds find new ways to add to the suffering of the fans, and they allowed Leicester to snatch the points right at the death as the ball ricocheted into the path of substitute Harry Panayiotou to deflect the ball past Lonergan.

The game itself was of little or no importance to either club, although the result ensured Leicester finished above the Whites in the final table, with Leeds finishing the season in a lowly 14th place.

One of the major talking points of the match was the reception afforded to Jermaine Beckford on his first return to Elland Road since his departure following his promotion winning goal against Bristol Rovers two years ago. The Leicester striker was serenaded with the song commemorating his goal at Old Trafford in the famous FA Cup victory over Manchester United, and he showed his affections to the crowd with waves and blown kisses. This apparent love-in must have infuriated Nigel Pearson who withdrew the striker at the interval.

The likelihood of Beckford returning to Elland Road are slim, but it will be one of the rumours that will begin to circulate now that the season has drawn to a close. Neil Warnock’s real work as Leeds United manager will start now as he begins to dismantle the current squad and begins to assemble his own. With the signing of Portsmouth centre half Jason Pearce expected to be announced this week, United fans will be hoping that he is the first of the many signings that will be required if Leeds are to challenge for promotion next season.

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If the signings are not forthcoming, then Ken Bates can expect more afternoons like the uncomfortable one he had yesterday. The Leeds United Supporters Trust arranged a “party” in his new East Stand development, and spent the majority of the match berating the Whites chairman, and his chief executive Shaun Harvey.

With a disastrous season consigned to the history books, Leeds face a make or break summer. Just two years ago the club seemed on the up, with a return to the Championship, average crowds close to 30K and a general feeling that the good times were about to return. Two years on, all that good feeling has disappeared, crowds have dwindled and there is a definite feeling of malaise around Elland Road. The club have launched their new kit for next season with the tag line “New Shirt, New Start.” It’s time for the club to ensure that is more than just words and show the supporters that the good times are just around the corner.

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Tottenham slump to defeat

Tottenham’s hopes of finishing in the top four hang in the balance after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Norwich on Monday.

Anthony Pilkington gave the courageous visitors the lead after 13 minutes, before Jermain Defoe equalised with a deft chip over John Ruddy just after the half hour mark.

However, an Elliott Bennett strike in the second half gave the Canaries victory at White Hart Lane, meaning that Spurs stay two points behind Arsenal in the standings.

Harry Redknapp admitted that it was a poor result for his team, and prioritised finishing in the top four rather than winning back third place.

“We have not been in bad form the last few weeks, but today was a setback. We had a bad day,” he confessed to Sky Sports.

“It is all still to play for though.

“It is going to be close, but there are still five games to go. It is the team who wants it most.

“We would settle for finishing fourth, Champions League football is the key.

“It would be lovely to finish above Arsenal, but that is going to be tough now.

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“It is still all to play for – Chelsea have to play Arsenal, Newcastle have to play Chelsea, Chelsea have to play Liverpool away, so who knows?” he stated.

By Gareth McKnight

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John O’Shea warns Manchester United

Sunderland defender John O’Shea has warned former club Manchester United that they will not be in for an easy game on the last day of the season at the Stadium of Light.

The Premier League champions are locked on points with cross-town rivals Manchester City, but are in second place due to an inferior goal difference.

United need to beat Sunderland on the last day and hope QPR can take points off City, but O’Shea is predicting a difficult day for the Red Devils.

“First and foremost, you want to do well for yourself and your own team,” the Black Cats man told The Guardian.

“It could be a huge game for United, depending on how City do, but we want to finish with a win for our fans and we want to try to get in the top 10.”

Roberto Mancini has stated in the media that United would have an easy game against Sunderland, but O’Shea disagrees wholeheartedly.

“Believe me, the two times City have played against us this season, they knew it wasn’t an easy game. We’ve taken four points off them, and it should have been six if we think about the game at their place [a 3-3 draw in which Sunderland led 3-1].

“He had obviously forgotten to check the fixtures list properly.

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“I think he is starting to enjoy his psychological games but, as the gaffer said, to call the integrity of the Premier League into question is disappointing. He’s going for the title and he’s going to try certain things. But he doesn’t need to do that,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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The British Manager has suddenly become fashionable

A far cry from the fashionistas of Paris and Milan, the British man tends to be at the deplorable bottom rung of the trend setting ladder. However, as the managerial merry-go-round increases to full velocity in the Premier League, the foreign inquisition has been mostly overlooked and the home grown manager is now seemingly a much more desired entity. A notable example of this stems from Liverpool and their appointment of Brendan Rodgers. Considering the Northern Irishman has had just one successful year managing at the highest level of English football, the decision by owners Fenway Sports Group to bring him to Merseyside was certainly audacious. However, with Rodgers just one of many British managers carefully selected to lead Premier League teams, has the foreign policy worn down and are the British finally the most fashionable and desired managers?

Just 4 years ago, the future of the British manager looked bleak. With Paul Ince, Tony Adams and Ricky Sbragia all failing to deliver at their respective clubs, the brigade of unemployed coaches was ever increasing. Alan Shearer, Tony Mowbray and Gareth Southgate were also facing criticism for poor performances from their players, England seemed a breeding ground for substandard managers. Now, in 2012, the story seems to have had a patriotic twist, as British managers are now considered hot property.

The most obvious argument for the employability of British manager is the language barrier. When Harry Redknapp joined Portsmouth after the dismissal of the disastrous Frenchman Alain Perrin, the former Spurs manager stated that some of the players could not speak a word of English or French so were unable to understand the commands of him or his predecessor. What made it even more ludicrous was that Perrin could barely speak English, so even the home grown players were not able to follow instruction accurately. Jacques Santini was another notable disaster that many Spurs fans will undoubtedly remember. Santini could barely string a sentence of English together; his short spell at White Hart Lane littered with comedic translation.

The trouble of communication between foreign managers and British players is also indicated through many of the current England squad, who admitted that it was difficult at times to follow the direction of former national coach Fabio Capello. The entire starting XI at the current European Championships proudly singing the national anthem is a stirring sight and an act of patriotism undoubtedly the influence of home grown manager Roy Hodgson; an act that was never commanded under Capello.

With English managers, comes an understanding and an appreciation for the way in which the Premier League is played. The varying styles of Europe’s top football leagues is obvious, with the Premier League demanding much more physical intensity. Many British managers have played in English football so are aware of the ferocity that is so prevalent in the domestic league. Often foreign managers tactics are caught up and fragmented in the hustle and bustle of an English game. Of course, more continental ideas can be implemented into a teams tactics; you only have to look at Rodgers and his Barcelona style passing, possession game to see continental influences. However, with Rodgers having experience in a demanding league such as the npower Championship, the new Liverpool boss is also fully aware of the physical demands that are part of British football.

British coaches starting new tenures need only look at Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes to understand the appreciation, adoration and longevity that can all be discovered as a manager. Paul Lambert, Chris Hughton, Steve Clarke and the aforementioned Rodgers will all be craving to emulate the British managers who have achieved so much in the Premier League, especially Sir Alex. The United boss has continued to encourage British talent to thrive and whilst his young, home grown wonder-kids of the mid-nineties may never be emulated again, you would be hard pressed to find a foreign manager that could have such a desire to ensure young, British players get their opportunities.

It is without question that home grown managers popularity has increased over recent seasons. However, that does not indicate a drastic downfall of a foreign influx of coaches. Leading by the example of the tenure of Arsene Wenger, managers from overseas are still imprinting their mark onto the Premier League. You only have to look at the battle at the summit of the table this season to find that the Italian defeated the Briton. With European domination in mind for some of the elite clubs, a foreign manager has the ability to understand the European game and entice stars from around the globe to ply their trade in England. However, the nationality of a manager does seem to have an affect on the style and reputation of a club. It now seems that the English manager is not considered an easy or safe option, but can flourish and demand the exiting, fast flowing and dominating football that is usually applied to the foreign coach.

Whilst some supporters would prefer to have a coach from the continent who could apply some real European flair to a squad, their is no doubt that the new era of British managers will try their utmost not let fans down. Rodgers, Hughton, Clarke, Lambert and Co. will understand the history and traditions of their respective clubs and would not let the team stray from its roots, whilst still bringing a fresh approach to a club that is tantamount to some of the tactics employed by the “exciting” foreign manager.

With Brian McDermott, Nigel Adkins and Sam Allardyce all leading their teams to the promised land, how long will it be before they are plucked from their current clubs, should they achieve relative success in their first season in charge, just as Rodgers and Lambert did? No longer are owners turning to expensive foreign coaches but are instead looking closer to home and approaching the less costly, easily transitioned British manager, who has now climbed up the ladder and firmly cemented himself as well and truly fashionable.

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Fans of clubs managed by a Briton, what do you think? Is a home grown manager the more fashionable option? Let me know your thoughts. Tweet me @mattpegg1

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