Does Adebayor deserve to be charged by the FA?

Man City's £25m signing, Emmanuel Adebayor, played some amazing football in last Saturday's clash with his former club. However his skills on the ball were overshadowed by a totally inappropriate goal celebration and an alleged deliberate stamp on the head of his former team mate, Robin Van Persie. The FA have as a result charged Adebayor with improper and violent conduct.

Adebayor has until 6pm tomorrow to formally respond, but in post match interviews he has apologised for his goal celebration, claiming pure adrenalin led him to run the length of the pitch and celebrate in front of the away supporters, and has denied any intent to injure Van Persie. Is his apology enough? Even if you disbelieve his claim that his sprint to the Arsenal fans was not intentional, it is impossible to deny that he spent much of last season being derired by the Gooner supporters and his claims that these fans abused him and his family throughout Saturday's match are almost certainly true. However in my view, when you are paid tens of thousands of pounds a week, part of your job is not only to score goals, but also to be mindful of how your behaviour can influence supporters. Anyone who knows anything about football could predict that to celebrate in that way in front of the Arsenal fans would drive a number of idiots to start throwing missiles on the pitch, which is what happened and resulted in a steward being knocked unconscious and hospitalised. This mindless violence was not Adebayor's fault directly, but he and other footballers need to be made absolutely aware that they play a part in minimising the occasions which provoke the thugs who claim to be fans. Plus Adebayor owes some respect for the club which allowed him to make his name in the premiership.

Adebayor's alleged stamp on Van Persie certainly looks nasty from certain angles. Van Persie himself has issued a statement on Arsenal's website berating Adebayor for what he claims was a deliberate act of violence. The FA will no doubt be studying all angles before they make their judgement. I hope that this was an accident because Adebayor is undoubtedly a very talented player and it would be a shame if this sort of behaviour defines his career. Footballers are paid too much to be as stupid as some of the fans.

England v Croatia team latest 8 September 2009

Fabio Capello is holding his cards closely to his chest in terms of Wayne Rooney's striking partner going into the exciting World Cup qualifier tonight between England and Croatia. Emile Heskey has the physical, team player strengths and Defoe is simply on fire - who will he go for? I think he'll be prudent and go with Heskey to start with the option of playing Defoe for either the last 30 mins or even all of the second half if necessary.

The other tricky one is the right hand side of midfield. Using Beckham tactically as a dead ball super sub works, Theo Walcott is out with a back injury so will he go for Wright-Philips or Lennon to start?

Does it feel like 2 years ago that England lost to Croatia with Steve McClaren hanging his head in shame underneath his umbrella? For me it doesn't, I vividly remember the feeling of disbelief as we failed to qualify for the European Championships 2008 losing 2-3 to the Croats. Scott Carson did have a shocker but there were other more experienced players playing at new Wembley for England that night.

Now under Capello, England at qualifying level are a sturdier propoposition. To some degree, England laid the ghost to rest when beating Croatia 1-4 in Zagreb and are 4 points of the opposition going into this home fixture. We question whether they would be World Cup winning material but are assuming that we will be in South Africa because we are in pole position with the opportunity to book our place tonight at Wembley.

Croatia themselves are not in the best of positions and need the points making this a great little midweek international clash. If they lose and the Ukraine win they could be border line for World Cup qualification which would be a bit of a shock when looking at the group. Also without key Spurs players, Corluka and Modric England will really be looking to ruffle the Croatians. Their star player is definitely Eduardo and you could picture him popping up and bagging a goal just when least expected.

Potential England line up for this World Cup qualifier:

GK Green,
RBJohnson
CB Terry
CB Upson
LB Cole
RM Lennon
CM Lampard
CM Gerrard
LM Barry
CF Rooney
CFHeskey

Chelsea banned from buying new players until 2011

Yesterday Fifa announced that Chelsea will be unable to operate in the transfer market for the next two windows as a result of a complaint from French side Lens regarding the signing of Gael Kakuta two years ago. This effectively means Chelsea will not be able to sign any new talent until January 2011.

Chelsea have also been hit with a £130,000 fine but this is nothing compared to the potential financial implications of their punishment. If the blues can't match their big spending premiership rivals in the transfer market they may be unable to match them on the pitch and could ultimately lose their champion's league or even premiership place. The fortunes of Leeds United, who have plummeted into league one obscurity since (for very different reasons) losing their championship league place, tell a cautionary tale to all.

Having to rock up to the grounds of the likes of Exeter and Swindon on a weekly basis is however some way off for Chelsea fans. Chelsea is planning to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).and given the harshness of the sanctions, I believe will be successful in at least reducing the ban. The same punishment was handed out to Roma and was reduced on appeal to one transfer window. Given the strength of Chelsea's squad, they should do well this season even without the ability to do shopping in the January sales.

Blues will however still be worried of injuries and illness. For the rest of us, coming days after Eduardo's ban for diving and Platini's statements on clubs in debt, should we be worried that these international football bodies are flexing their muscles a little too much?

Premier League clubs face 3 year Platini Champions League squeeze

Michel Platini is proposing to phase out any club in debt from the Champions League within the next 3 years.

Platini's latest brain wave follows an idea to cap European club spending which was heavily criticised at the time.

Platini sounds serious - he has met with Russian business tycoon Roman Abramovich with the objective of getting Chelsea onside with the concept of getting all clubs under some type of debt control. Man City are on course to turn in the biggest financial loss than any other club, Real Madrid will be plummeting into the red to the tune of £800m...this is football's own credit crunch waiting to happen and my view is that Platini is correct to dig his heels in now. However, the reality is that the Champions League is a football extravaganza for the heavy weights ... if in 3 years time Man Utd or Real Madrid are in debt then their expulsion is this reallistic? It would surely de-value UEFA's prestiguous competition.

In Germany, there is real practical financial management each and every season within the Bundesliga. All teams apply for a licence to appear in the German league each season and this is based on the solvency of the football club in question. Perhaps these measures at domestic level prior to any drastic changes at European competition level.

The perfect club from an ownership perspective is Barcelona. The fans are a huge stakeholder group in any club of substance and at Barca they own the club. Therefore there are no 'sugar daddies', no buying/selling and look at the result now - European champions.

Violence at West Ham v Millwall match

Following this on Sky Sports news like everyone else. Apparently there's been lots of trouble outside the stadium resulting in at least one stabbing. West Ham currently leading 3-1 but the fans invaded the pitch after their second goal postponing play for a while. This is a disgrace and a kick in the teeth for all us genuine fans who do our best not to live up to the reputation of English fans and try to enjoy our game in a fun but not intimidating way. Regardless of the result, boot both clubs out of the competition and dock them some points. The football league can't dock little clubs like Chester huge numbers of points for financial problems and leave appalling behaviour like this from the bigger clubs unpunished.

Sol Campbell joins Notts County

Imagine the reaction of the bookie if you'd placed a bet a few months ago that Sven would end up at Notts County. Imagine his laughter if you'd gone on to do an accumulator with Sol Campbell. Well, if you have the gift of second sight you'll be counting your piles of money right now, as it has been confirmed today that the former England, Spurs, Arsenal and Pompey defender has gone on a free to the second division club.

Although big Sol hasn't been part of the England set-up since Capello took the helm, and although at 35 he is in the twilight of his career, Campbell is far from a desperate ageing star. Harry Redknapp has stated that he would have signed him for Spurs, if the fans their did not still harbour such a hatred for him after his move to Arsenal in 2001 (get over it Lilywhites ... footballers are allowed to change jobs just like the rest of us). Campbell confirmed that he'd had offers from Premiership clubs but chose the Notts County gig as it would keep him playing first team football for hopefully another 3 years and was a very interesting challenge for him to help take Notts County to the Premiership in this period.

Another of Campbell's former bosses, Arsene Wenger, has also sung the big defender's praises, but in typical Wenger style also added a note of caution; namely that Campbell would find the conditions in League 2 very different and might struggle mentally. Campbell has of course had problems in the past in this area, but hopefully it will be challenges of a more physical nature that will be the hardest to overcome, for example the pitches!!

Since Sven arrived at Notts County, rumours have been rife. Beckham has even been linked with the club!! It is however fascinating to see how what must be a fairytale for Notts County fans is unravelling - two weeks ago Schmeichel Junior arrived at the club and almost certainly Sven will have other surprises up his sleeve. It makes for great 5 live debates and blogging, so you have to wish the club (and Sol) luck.

Is Liverpool's title challenge over?

Liverpool's run of 31 unbeaten matches at home was abruptly ended last night, with an impressive defensive display from Aston Villa and a lacklustre performance from Liverpool resulting in a 1:3 defeat. Although the Scousers beat Stoke mid-week, their defeat to Spurs in the opening match of the season means they have lost the same amount of matches in 2 weeks as they did in the whole of last season. Liverpool are therefore six points behind early leaders Tottenham and Chelsea, who have won all three of their matches, while Arsenal and Manchester City hold 100% winning records with a game in hand on the leaders. It will be of small comfort to Liverpool fans that Manchester United have six points from three games, having lost to newly promoted Burnley last week.

Liverpool fans must be worried that the gap left by Alonso is proving significant, particularly as the intended replacement Alberto Aquilani is injured. Benitez has not been given the money to be anything like as active in the transfer market as 2 of the clubs currently ahead of Liverpool in the table (Man City and Spurs). The only remaining members of the victorious champions league squad are Gerrard, whose talisman status has taken a battering after giving away a penalty last night, and Carragher. Whether the rest of the sqaud have the quality to hold their own against the likes of Man U and Arsenal os yet to be seen, but the evidence so far this season is not promising. It would definitely be a great boost to the Anfield as well as the squad if Benitez could complete a big name signing before the end of the transfer window.

Clearly however anyone sensible will know that it is entirely possible to lose 2 matches and win the title race. The current holders, Man United, lost 4 matches in the 2008-9 season and 5 matches in the 2007-8 season. Suggesting that Benitez' men have no chance of winning their first league title in over 20 years is definitely premature, even if it does lessen the pain for Everton fans of being at the bottom of the table after some shocking performances.

So in answer to whether Liverpool's title challenge is over, I'd say not, but you'll get good odds right now! Plus if you know any reds, then it's a great line to wind them up!

Mark Hughes signs Sylvinho for Manchester City

Brazilian left-back Sylvinho has signed for Man City after a spell of 4 years at Barcelona. Sylvinho is no stranger to English football as a former gooner and at 35 will be looking to cash in on the Eastlands billions in his last shot at the big time.

Sylvinho and Lescott have been brought in 1 week before the transfer window ends in an attempt to answer any questions about the strength of this new set up at Manchester City.

"Sylvinho has a wealth of experience at the very top level, having represented Brazil and played for some of the very top clubs in Europe. When the chance presented itself to bring him to Manchester City as a free agent I saw it as representing excellent business for us. Sylvinho won the European Cup last season at Barcelona and he will strengthen our defensive options."

Good signing - they will be pushing top 5 now perhaps . . .

Moyes hold out for £22m as Lescott moves to Man City

Everton have parted company with central defender Joleon Lescott, with Moyes holding out to get a £22m payment from Manchester City subject to personal terms and a medical test.

After criticism from the Toffees fans, Lescott was left out of Everton's defeat against Burnley and Mark Hughes has got his man. After the first 2 games, Manchester City have looked great going forward but many Premier League teams would fancy their chances against the current back four. However, when Lescott is added to the first 11 it could propel them on to being top 5 material.

Good signing, premium price for Man City. If you've got it, then spend it - and any jealous fans looking to bitch about Mark Hughes' boys just remember that if it was your club you would be in seventh heaven.

Premier League fixtures 22nd August 2009

Premier League matches 22/08/2009

Isn't it great to have Premier League football back?! This season is going to be a corker. The league has been blown wide open after a tricky transfer window for Sir Alex, losing the super talent of Tevez and Ronaldo. Their team will still be good but their squad has undoubtedly been weakened. Looking forward to this weekend, all of Manchester United's rivals will be looking to gain an early advantage after their shock defeat on 19th August against Burnley. Chelsea have a tricky away tie at Craven Cottage against South London neighbours Fulham, however I predict a win for them. Arsenal have looked awesome and I think they'll convincingly beat Pompey. The Red Devils will be looking to restore some pride against Wigan, with a return to his old stomping ground for Valencia.

Here are the fixtures - I reckon some potential for some great football accumulators here:
22/08/2009 Premiership fixtures
Arsenal v Portsmouth 3pm
Birmingham v Stoke 3pm
Hull v Bolton 3pm
Man City v Wolverhampton 3pm
Sunderland v Blackburn 3pm
Wigan v Man Utd 3pm

23/08/2009 Premiership fixtures
Burnley v Everton 3pm
West Ham v Tottenham 1.30pm
Fulham v Chelsea 4pm