Wrexham AFC Anniversary - 150 Not Out

Wrexham Football Club is 150 years old this year and although celebrations would ideally continue until next spring, culminating in promotion back to the Football League, in the short term, October 11^th 2014 is the focal point with what is billed as the Anniversary Match against Grimsby Town FC. Provided I can still get a ticket on Friday afternoon, I will be there (travelling from Newark on Trent) to make sure I am part of the historic occasion.

I am not the most religious of followers – there are those that simply don’t miss a match, ever – so I can’t and won’t claim to be in their league but I do love Wrexham FC! I have witnessed promotions, relegations, incredible cup ties (ones that have gone well for the Dragons and those that have not), I have seen the team play at famous stadiums like Wembley (twice), Old Trafford, Goodison Park and I have seen them play at Runcorn. I have also seen the club on the brink of extinction and in this modern era of football, where the game (especially at the top level) is more of a business than a sport – it is nothing short of a miracle (and some amazing supporters) that the club has survived to reach this incredible milestone.

I am really looking forward to an afternoon at the Racecourse Ground, especially such a significant one. I am sure fans of other teams would say the same about their own stadiums, but there really is no place like the Racecourse! It’s a million miles from being a state of the art stadium, where even the newest Mold Road stand is beginning to show its age a little (leaky roof anyone?) but it just feels like my football home. It can generate a pretty awesome atmosphere too – even with only a few thousand in the ground and one end completely empty but I remember the days of a full Kop (I also remember standing at the back of a near empty Kop!) bouncing and in full voice.

I am only in my early 40’s, so I’ve missed almost 110 years of Wrexham’s 150 but still have a lengthy list of amazing memories. It will be great to see the legends - not Rockin Robin or Wrex the Dragon (although they are great too) – but those ex-players who gave their heart and soul for the club. My first favourite player was Dixie McNeil and I have enjoyed watching many others since - scoring great goals, making fabulous tackles and flying across the goal making match winning saves!

There is no other team like Wrexham AFC, there is no other football ground like the Racecourse Ground - it’s all just really special! Happy Anniversary Wrexham AFC and here’s to another 150!

Should Luis Suarez be banned for “Biting” at the World Cup in Brazil?

Luis Suarez is a supremely gifted footballer who unfortunately has a habit of losing control on the pitch and after “allegedly” biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Uruguay’s final World Cup group game, Suarez’ career is once more in the dock.

At the time of writing, FIFA have yet to come forward with a decision on what disciplinary action (if any) it will hand out to Suarez. Some are suggesting a complete ban from the remainder of the world cup, others believe a much harsher sentence is deserved, with this being the third “biting” incident the player has been involved in.

There are certainly those who dislike Luis Suarez and would love to see his career ended and there are those (not just Liverpool fans) who would somehow like to see him rehabilitated so that the sport can retain the services of one of its greatest modern day players.

There are many different arguments of course, one being that if a company employee were to bite a fellow worker, that he (or she) would surely be sacked. Others point to the fact that this is not a one off lapse in concentration or self-restraint and that Suarez might have deeper underlying problems that need dealing with. All valid points.

Some might say that football is out of control altogether. How many players receive multiple red cards in their career and simply get away with a three match ban every time and perhaps an insignificant fine from their clubs? Remember, very often a red card is dished out for violent conduct! There is no excuse for biting – it is violent and vile but perhaps the same can be said of the deliberate use of elbows or those horror tackles where the studs are showing – they are all acts of violence and very often they are repeated by players again and again with intent. Where is their punishment?

Luis Suarez is at a critical point in his career and one would argue, his life in general. A hefty ban, could impact not just his (and his country’s) World Cup but his club career too. Despite a simply stunning season for Liverpool last time out, the Uruguayan is clearly unhappy with the way he is treated by the English media and may possibly be looking for an escape route with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid showing more than a little interest. However, will anyone want to pay in excess of £70 million for a player who not only has some major issues but might also be banned for a significant amount of time? Will Liverpool, or can Liverpool stand by their man once more in the face of such global condemnation and pressure?

For what it’s worth, I believe that Suarez needs to be punished accordingly and given perhaps a final warning, that when returning from the latest ban, if it were to happen again a life ban would be waiting. At the same time, I am neither a Liverpool fan nor Uruguayan, but I believe that losing Luis Suarez for good from our football pitches would be a genuine loss. Such a wonderful player, such a shame.

Who will win the World Cup in Brazil 2014? Lifting the Trophy at the Maracana

England have fallen by the wayside alongside defending world champions Spain, but there are still plenty of big hitters left in World Cup 2014 as we close in on the last 16 (or round of 16 as it's often called). Brazil, Argentina, The Netherlands (Holland) and Germany are all still present and correct at the time of writing. On South American soil, we also still have Colombia, Uruguay (with or without Luis Suarez) and Chile who must not be underestimated in a climate they are (relatively) used to and with massive backing from their fans.

Mexico and Costa Rica are also still in there and will be hard to beat in the knock-out stages. Of the European contingent, France, Germany, Holland and Belgium look the strongest prospects and are indeed the only four safely through at this time.

It’s difficult to make a concrete case for any of the teams, however, having all showed frailties in their opening matches. Hosts Brazil may have scored 7 goals (Neymar with 4 of them) but they have looked anything but secure at the back. Argentina have underwhelmed and have been bailed out of trouble by two pieces of magic from Lionel Messi. The Dutch have been generally excellent but laboured in their win against the Socceroo’s of Australia and now face an unbeaten and stubborn Mexico for a place in the quarter finals. Chile looked the part until they were undone by Holland and now face Brazil in the last 16. Belgium were much fancied before the tournament began and they may yet be, but two narrow wins at the group stage against unfancied opponents haven’t exactly left us drooling yet!

Germany were excellent against an ordinary Portugal but then struggled to overcome Ghana, who certainly look the most promising of the African teams (despite their progress hanging by a thread). Colombia have looked very comfortable playing some very nice football but again have yet to be tested by strong opposition. Perhaps the team who have surprised the most is France. Very poor in recent tournaments with plenty of unrest in the camp, the French seem to have sorted themselves out. Admittedly, the group with Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras was one of the friendlier groups to have been placed in but impressive demolitions of the Swiss and Honduras surely bodes well for Didier Deschamps’ squad.

So, I wouldn't like to hang my hat on a definite winner at this stage but my personal feeling is that perhaps one of the South American teams will still just have the edge in familiar surroundings. With that said, as a neutral (my own country didn't even qualify for the finals), if the matches continue to be as entertaining as the ones we have witnessed so far, football (or soccer to much of the world) will be the winner when someone lifts the world cup at the Maracana on 13^th July 2014.

Will Premier League Team "F" be Fabulous or Flops?

If you were with us for the Team “E” post, you will remember that they were possibly the weakest squad in this series of alphabetic Premier League teams (essentially squads made up entirely of players with surnames of a particular letter of the alphabet). I am not sure I would label team “F” as fantastic but they certainly look an improvement (on paper at least) over team “E”.

Let’s have a look at the starting eleven.

Goalkeeper: Fabianski (Arsenal)

Defenders: Flanagan (Liverpool), Ferdinand (Man United), Fonte (Southampton), Fabio (Cardiff City)

Midfielders: Flamini (Arsenal), Fernandinho (Man City), Fer (Norwich City), Fellaini (Man Utd) Darren Fletcher (Man Utd)

Forward: Steven Fletcher (Sunderland)

Squad Members/Reserves: Friedel (Spurs), Fryers (Spurs), Faye (Hull City), Fryatt (Hull City), Fox (Norwich)

With a lack of strikers in this category, we have once again opted for a 4-5-1 formation. If all of them play to their potential though, it’s a pretty tasty midfield! In fact there isn’t an awful lot more depth to this squad than there was for Team “E” but at least there are a handful of substitutes to just about keep the squad fresh.

I have opted for Fabianski in goal. Friedel would be another solid choice but he is 42 now so I have opted for the younger goalkeeper.

Rio Ferdinand (I still don’t understand why he isn’t featuring more often under David Moyes) and Jose Fonte are the two centre backs - No spring chickens but entirely capable with bags of experience. The full backs are Jon Flanagan of Liverpool who is enjoying a good run in the side at present and Fabio who hasn’t really fulfilled his potential yet but a recent move to Cardiff City might kick start his career.

The midfield five is strong. Flamini can sit just in front of the defensive unit and provide valuable cover whilst also using his ball winning skills in midfield. Fernandinho, after an unconvincing start at the Etihad Stadium has now won the fans and critics around with his busy and effective performances. Fellaini and Fletcher are two of the misfiring Manchester United midfielders but if form returns are both classy midfielders. Leroy Fer meanwhile has enjoyed a solid start to his Norwich career in a season of struggle for The Canaries.

The lone striker is Steven Fletcher who enjoyed a more productive season last time and is struggling for game time but he is our only available striker in this category.

What do you think of the line-up?

Can Dembele, Dejagah and Dzeko Propel Team "D" Up the League?

Throughout the series so far, teams have tended to line up with either a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 system, so team D is certainly a first, with a 4-5-1 system seeming like the best option given the availability of players under this “D” category. Let’s have a look.

Goalkeeper: De Gea (Man Utd)

Defenders: Debuchy (Newcastle Utd), Michael Dawson (Spurs), Ben Davies (Swansea City), Demichelis (Man City)

Midfielders: Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur), David Luiz (Chelsea), De Guzman (Swansea City), Downing (West Ham Utd), Dejagah (Fulham)

Forwards: Dzeko (Man City)

Squad Players/Reserves: Dummet (Newcastle), Delph (Aston Villa), Demel, Diame & Diarra (West Ham), Curtis Davies (Hull City), Dann, Delaney & Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace) Do Prado (Southampton), Duff (Fulham), Deulofeu (Everton)

As with team “C”, David de Gea is really the only available choice in the goalkeeping position and I am not going to complain, despite Manchester United’s poor form this season, de Gea has certainly now established himself as number one at Old Trafford and at still only 23 is becoming a very capable goalkeeper.

In the full back positions, we have the highly rated Debuchy of Newcastle and the equally highly rated Ben Davies of Swansea. In the centre we have the steady Michael Dawson and perhaps the most controversial choice in this team, Demichelis of Man City. Others may opt for Demel or Curtis Davies but I stick by my choice.

Now then, the 5 midfielders in this 4-5-1. Dembele would probably walk into at least 18 of the Premier League midfield units, so is a strong choice here. Perhaps the same could be said of David Luiz, although some might prefer to play him as a defender. Stewart Downing on his day (although he does seem to be having fewer of them) can be terrific and can supply a steady stream of crosses into the box. De Guzman is also creative and gets from box to box well, while Dejagah has been one of the few bright lights for struggling Fulham this season. Dejagah is also possibly the only Iranian international to be playing regular Premier League football.

The lone striker then is Edin Dzeko. I would imagine that Dzeko has one of the best Premier League strike rates (goals per game time) in recent years. He has 38 goals in 98 league appearances for Man City with many of those appearances being as a late substitute. One goal in every 2.5 matches is relatively decent in normal circumstances but taking his game time into account, it’s nothing short of prolific. Dzeko is probably the only out and out striker in the team “D” squad with perhaps only Deulofeu offering any challenge for the position.

I think that this team pretty much picks itself, what do you think?

Can the "B" Team Raise its Game to Compete at Premier League Level?

If you have been following this series, you will know how it works. We select a single letter from the alphabet (in this case “B”) and try to pick a first 11 and hopefully some squad members too, selected entirely from players whose surnames begin with that letter and who currently ply their trade in the English Premier League.

Team B turns out to be surprisingly strong, let’s take a look.

Goalkeeper – Begovic (Stoke City)

Defenders – Baines (Everton), Wes Brown (Sunderland), Bacuna (Aston Villa), Bardsley (Sunderland)

Midfield – Ben Arfa, Gareth Barry, Ross Barkley, Chris Brunt (West Brom)

Forwards – Benteke (Aston Villa), Bony (Swansea City)

Subs and squad players – Boruc (Southampton), Buttner (Man United), Bruce (Hull City), Bennett (Norwich), Briggs (Fulham), Baker (Aston Villa), Britton (Swansea), Bentaleb (Spurs), Bannan (Crystal Palace), Bent (Fulham), Bellamy (Cardiff City), Berahino (West Brom), Demba Ba (Chelsea), Borini (Sunderland), Bendtner (Arsenal)

Perhaps the most noticeable thing about team B is the strength on the bench, particularly in forward positions. The manager could effectively start with a different strike force every week and still be a threat.

This is an all-round solid team rather than being particularly spectacular, although the strength and power of Benteke and Bony is likely to cause any defence some problems. Midfield has a nice blend of experience, hard graft, vision and skill, although the 4 starters shouldn't have too much trouble holding down their positions.

So, what do you think? How do you think the A Team would fair against this B Team?

Team "T" is in Town - A Terrific Premier League Line Up

If you were a football manager who could assemble a squad of players from the Premier League with the only restriction that their surnames begin with the letter “T”, then your team may look something similar to the one below.

Theoretically, you could field a back 4 of Taylor’s (2 from Newcastle, 1 from Swansea and 1 from Cardiff) with another Taylor (Matt from West Ham) in midfield. Alternatively, you could opt for a double Taylor, Turner (Ben from Cardiff and Michael from Norwich) defensive unit, but that’s up to you. Let’s see who I would pick and you can agree to disagree if you have a preferred 11.

Goalkeeper – Tremmel (Swansea City) I couldn't unearth another current “T” Premier League goalkeeper, so let’s hope he doesn’t get injured!

Defenders – John Terry (Chelsea), Neil Taylor (Swansea), James Tomkins (West Ham United), Kolo Toure (Liverpool)

Midfielders – Yaya Toure (Man City), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle United), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Alexander Tettey (Norwich City)

Forwards – Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Lacina Traore

Subs and Squad Members: Taylor x 4 (See above), Turner x 2 (See above), Tonev (Aston Villa), Tiendalli (Swansea), Tunnicliffe and Tankovic (Fulham)

On paper, this “T” team doesn’t look as strong as some of the previous entries into the series but there is still plenty of quality on show. A leader at the back in John Terry, plenty of other experience from Kolo Toure (who has had a hard time from fans of both Liverpool and Man City in recent seasons). The midfield is quite tasty with many believing the Kolo’s brother, Yaya is one of the best (if not the best) midfielders in world soccer. Cheick Tiote will provide plenty of steel and Townsend the flair going forward.

Up front, Fernando Torres may not be the prolific striker he once was but he would still walk into the starting line-up of the majority of Premier League teams, while Everton’s Traore is really untried at this level, but he is an Ivorian international goalscorer so plenty of pedigree.

Do you think you can assemble a better “T” team from the current crop of English Premier League players?

FA Cup 3rd Round Weekend - Glory Goals, Glamour, Money and Dreams of Wembley

The 3rd round of the FA Cup is perhaps one of the most famous dates in world football and even the sporting calendar. It’s probably fair to say that in recent years, for many Premier League teams, it’s lost a bit of its lustre but for everyone else the FA Cup is massive!

For those teams outside of the elite few at the top of the Premier League, it’s a genuine chance to win a trophy, play on the hallowed Wembley turf, make a bit of money and indeed qualify for European competition. For those outside of the top flight altogether, a good run in the FA Cup can not only draw attention to a club or town that may be deemed “unfashionable” by some but also bring massive reward in terms of cash, which in some cases could literally save a club from extinction.

As a Wrexham FC fan, I have many fond (as well as plenty of dismal) memories of FA Cup fixtures down the years. Who could forget standing on the KOP on a cold January afternoon as the team who just the season before, finished 92nd in the football league had put Arsenal (who had finished the previous season as First Division/Premier League Champions) to the sword. A wonder free kick from Mickey Thomas and a scrambled goal from Steve Watkin (who I once spent the day with on an accountancy course) ensured there was a giant killing act that 3rd round weekend. The Dragons (they were the Robins back then) went on to take West Ham to a replay in the 4th round and narrowly lost by the odd goal.

The team from North Wales fell to Oxford United at the 2nd round hurdle this season so in 2014, another club will be hoping to make the headlines. Looking at the 3rd round draw makes you wonder if the true giant killing might have to wait until round 4, with perhaps Oldham playing Liverpool and Carlisle taking on Sunderland the best sources for a potential upset. Grimsby, Kidderminster and Macclesfield (all with home ties against Huddersfield, Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday respectively) would be considered giant-killers if they can be victorious but all 3 Conference sides will be hoping for an even bigger challenge if they can make it to the next round.

Arsenal v Spurs, Man United v Swansea, Newcastle v Cardiff, Norwich v Fulham will ensure that Premier League representation will be at least 4 lighter when the 4th round draw is made.

Let’s hope the wild and windy weather sweeping the UK doesn't decimate the fixture list too badly but with a chill in the air, it’s definitely a weekend for those football scarves.

Whoever you are following in the FA Cup this year, I wish you all the very best!

Battle of the Managers - Pellegrini, Pardew, Poyet, Pochettino and Pulis

Have you heard the one about the Englishman, Welshman, Chilean, Argentine and Uruguayan? We don’t have a punch line for it yet but each of them are making their own headlines in the English Premier League this season.

It’s probably fair to say that Manuel Pellegrini has the biggest job – at least in terms of expectation levels – with a Manchester City team that underwhelmed in the league last season (after being triumphant the year before) and totally flopping in the Champions League. Phase one of Pellegrini’s plan has already been accomplished with City finally reaching the knock-out phase of the Champions League. However, in the Premier League, there is a little more work to be done. At the Etihad Stadium, they have looked every inch title contenders and are scoring goals galore but on their travels they have won just 2 of 8 games.

Tony Pulis is both the newest manager to join the Premier League battle this season and perhaps the most experienced. He led Stoke City to promotion from the Championship in 2008 and turned the Potters into a team that were really difficult to beat, especially at home. 5 seasons later and Stoke were still in the top flight and had enjoyed a season of European football but Pulis and the club parted ways at the end of the 2012/2013 season. He has now taken on the unenviable task of trying to keep Crystal Palace in the Premier League after an abysmal start to the season under previous boss Ian Holloway. Pulis is no stranger to a relegation dogfight and if anyone can get those red and blue football scarves waving again, it’s probably him.

Many people predicted doom and gloom for Alan Pardew and Newcastle United this season but they currently sit just 4 points behind Liverpool in second place. It seems that Pardew doesn’t really have an average season at St James’ Park, it’s either really impressive or awful! Last season was pretty dire, so the Magpies seem to be running to form again this year with a really decent start. There are probably eruptions (Joe Kinnear?) waiting to happen though and a bad run could soon bring them all to the surface again.

Has Gus Poyet walked into a job that is going to prove to be beyond him? Steve Bruce, Martin O’ Neill and Paulo Di Canio have all flirted with relegation at the Stadium of Light in recent seasons and Poyet has inherited a really difficult situation at Sunderland, with a squad that isn’t really his. Just 2 wins in his first 8 league games in charge and the Black Cats are now rooted to the bottom of the league. Whereas Crystal Palace were probably simply hoping to stay up this season, for Sunderland fans, after money was spent in the summer, expectations were and still are much higher. A tough task for Mr Poyet!

Although plenty of money has been spent both during their ascent to the Premier League and their current 2 year stay, how many people genuinely thought there would be quite so much progress at Southampton FC? Many people felt that Nigel Adkins was hard-done by when sacked midway through their first season back in the top flight, but while there might still be some sympathy and appreciation for the great job he did, most Saints fans are now more than happy with their new man, Mauricio Pochettino. They are playing exciting attacking football, they are genuinely competing (on the pitch at least) with the big clubs and are perhaps now being seen as European hopefuls rather than relegation contenders.

Football Alphabet - Managers Moyes, Mourinho, Meulensteen and Mackay do Battle

The battles at the top and bottom of the Premier League are starting to take shape now that we are 15 games into the current season and I have picked out a quartet of managers with names beginning with "M" that may well be contesting some of those vital league positions.

Moyes versus Mourinho

This battle may yet develop into the close contest many thought it would be at the start of the season but thanks to Manchester United’s dreadful (by their own standards) start to the season, David Moyes is struggling a bit and United are already playing catch up. Jose Mourinho, despite a much healthier league position and return of points, hasn't had it all his own way either. Just when Chelsea look like they are really hitting their stride and playing great football, they throw in a lazy draw or unlikely defeat and at the time of writing, remain 5 points behind early pacesetters Arsenal.

However, there is still plenty of time for the Moyes v Mourinho battle to take shape, if not this season, then over the coming seasons. Both managers are adapting to a new environment (albeit Mourinho is a little more familiar with his) and really have their hands full in attempting to deliver silverware for their expectant supporters this year. Most pundits believe that the league season is already over for Man United (who sit 13 points off the top of the table) and although there is an almighty gap to make up, history tells that they don’t often “get going” until January anyway. Most pundits also believe that they need to buy 3 or 4 world class players in the January transfer window.

Mackay versus Meulensteen

At the time of writing there is only 1 point and 2 league positions separating Fulham and Cardiff City (1 point better off), so although new Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is fresh to the fray, this battle is already in full swing. Fulham, frankly have had a dreadful start to the campaign and although many believe Martin Jol is a highly competent manager, the body language from both him and his team had been very, very poor in the month prior to Jol’s unfortunate but inevitable sacking. Fulham have already shown considerably more fight in Meulensteen’s first 2 games in charge and are perhaps unlucky to only have 3 points to show for their efforts.

Cardiff City have only 1 win in their last 9 games and despite some impressive performances (a win against Man City and a draw with Man United), the Welsh team now seem to be finding the Premier League as tough as they might have expected when they got promoted. Malky Malkay (perfect initials for this episode) hasn't just had to contend with getting his team to perform on the pitch but also issues behind the scenes, with a chairman who although undoubtedly has put money into the club, very much has his own way of doing things.

On paper at least, Fulham seem to have the more creative squad and are perhaps better equipped to survive, but Cardiff will battle, make no mistake about that and the Mackay v Meulensteen battle may well turn out to be a more interesting contest than the one involving Moyes and Mourinho.

Liverpool, Lukaku, Lloris and Lallana Light up Premier League Alphabet

It’s still relatively early days but Liverpool can be really happy with their season so far. However, with Everton, Man City, Chelsea and Spurs to play (all away from home) before the New Year, things may look quite different come the half way stage of the season. In recent seasons though, Liverpool have not been flying quite as high as they are right now. Brendan Rodgers has settled in and his team is starting to take shape after he inherited a squad that had been built largely by Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson.

Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have been prolific so far. Steven Gerrard, admittedly now in the twilight of his career, is probably having his most injury free run in the side for a few years and seems to be relishing the responsibility he has been given with the England captaincy. Coutinho has added some much needed flair to that midfield while Jordan Henderson is having is best spell ever in a Liverpool shirt.

Defensively, it’s been a mixed bag. The Reds kept 3 clean sheets in succession at the start of the season but didn’t get another until the recent thrashing of Fulham. Many will point to the experimentation of playing 3 centre backs which doesn’t really seem to have worked but also to Glen Johnson. He was present for the opening 3 clean sheets but then effectively missing through injury until the latest clean sheet against Fulham. So, a great start for Liverpool and by January 1^st 2014 we should know whether they have the legs for a title challenge or whether they will be content with battling for a Champions League spot.

There are some great players in this “L” category too and many of them have already created good talking points this season.

Hugo Lloris – Is the Tottenham goalkeeper the best in the Premier League and should he have been substituted after that head injury at Everton?

Romelu Lukaku – What a great loan signing for Everton and sure to be amongst the league’s top scorers this season.

Frank Lampard – Still a favourite of Jose Mourinho but could this be Frank’s final season at the very top? I am a massive Lampard fan and in my opinion he has been the best midfielder in the league for 10 years, but there are signs that age is finally catching up with him.

Ricky Lambert and Adam Lallana – Have now both been capped by England and their terrific form has helped Southampton to the dizzying heights of the top 4 in the Premier League.

Erik Lamela – Many hadn’t even heard of him when Spurs made him their most expensive signing ever and with the emergence of Andros Townsend coupled with his (Lamela’s) inability to speak English, he has found settling in London really tough. However, those who saw his display against Sheriff Tiraspol in the last round of the Europa league, will have noted the potential of the young Argentinian. It may take a while but there could be a superstar waiting to explode at White Hart Lane – and they certainly need one after the departure of Gareth Bale!

Premier League Football Alphabet - The "K" Team

After the relatively successful experiment last time out of compiling a functional team of current premier league football players whose last names begin with the letter “J”, I thought I would try it again with the letter “K”. Off the top of my head, I was struggling but I think I found enough players to probably form a better team than team “J”.

Think of the past and names such as Keegan, Kennedy, Klinsmann, Keane, King, Kanu and Kuyt have all graced the top flight of English football, but what of the current “K” team?

How they line up:

Goalkeeper – Krul (Newcastle United)

Defenders – Koscielny (Arsenal), Kompany (Man City), Kolorov (Man City), Kaboul (Spurs)

Midfield – Kasami (Fulham), Kagawa (Man Utd), Karagounis (Fulham), Kacaniklic (Fulham)

Forwards – Kone (Everton), Kozak (Aston Villa)

Subs: Kane, Kim, Ki, Kebe

There wasn't much in the way of available substitutes for team “J” but the “K” team has strength in depth for starters.

This defensive unit is truly impressive although one of those centre backs is going to have fill in at right back in order to play a flat back four. You could play a 3 at the back and push Kolorov into midfield so there is flexibility too.

The midfield is perhaps a little but Fulham heavy – so perhaps Kebe (Crystal Palace) in for Karagounis (since he is getting on a bit) might work a bit better. An in form (his Borussia Dortmund days) Kagawa adds a touch of class to a team that is full of seasoned internationals but is perhaps erring on the side of solid rather than spectacular.

The front two perhaps indicate that the long, aerial ball might better suit this team but you could probably swap out the currently injured Kone for Tottenham’s Harry Kane if you wanted a bit more guile.

I personally thing that this “K” team could certainly hold its own in the Premier League with plenty of 1-0 victories and draws away from home. Put them head to head against team “J” and there is only one winner – what do you think?

Play Your Scarves Right - Looking Cool, Feeling Warm

Is it time to dig out the football scarf yet? The timing is of course crucial. Start wearing it too early and you end up sweating at the game, too late and you could endure what feels like the coldest couple of hours ever!  It’s been a really mild autumn so far, which has followed on from a surprisingly decent summer in the UK, so it’s really complicated the issue this time around. Usually by the end of October, scarf wearing season is in full swing but not so this year.

However, as November approaches, I can just feel it in my bones, that the trusty scarf will need to be fully operational soon. Of course, there are all kinds of football scarves and I have owned a fair few over the years. There’s that first one you get when you are a kid – at the time it’s really cool with your team’s name and badge plastered all over it and when you are not out at the match, you sort of hang it from your bedroom wall as a banner. I still have that one somewhere, but it’s not looking its best these days.

Then there’s the first football scarf you buy as a young adult – it still has your team’s name on it but it’s a bit more conservative and it’s something you tend to wear for football only. As soon as you get home from the match…it goes into the wardrobe or onto the hanger and stays there until next match day. It certainly doesn't get draped from your bedroom wall – especially if you have a girlfriend by then!

Then there’s the football scarf you inherit from a fan of the opposing team – this seems to happen more at international matches (perhaps less frequently now than it used to and perhaps not at all at an England v Scotland fixture), when after the game everyone is in good spirits after a friendly draw and some jovial (and a bit drunk) chap comes up to you and asks if you want to swap scarves. You don’t (want to) of course, but feel a bit intimidated and on the spot, so you reluctantly hand over your colours and hope your pocket is big enough for these new strange colours as you try and stuff it all in there before any of your friends see.

There is also the scarf you buy by mistake, either at the club shop or from one of those ropey street vendors selling “official” merchandise. Your forgot yours (or it was in the wash) and you desperately need a scarf for the game, so you look for the cheapest one you can find and hand over your fiver, feeling pretty pleased with yourself! That is, until you realise that it barely wraps once around your neck! You might be wearing your team colours but you look like a complete idiot.

Then finally, there is the designer football scarf. This is the one with a branded name on a tiny label and the one you are willing to pay a bit extra for – because it has that branded name on a tiny label! However, if you play your scarves right, this one turns out to be of real quality and although it doesn't have your team’s name splashed across it, it’s the right colours and it does mean you can also safely wear it down at the pub on a non-match day.

There are a few different companies that sell this kind of designer football scarf but I got my mine from Appleberry and it really is impressive! The first thing that struck me about it was the length – it must be nearly 6ft long! It’s so warm too, apparently it’s made completely from wool and it certainly feels like it. I don’t rejoice in watching fellow spectators shiver but I certainly feel a bit smug when I am all snug - wrapped in my toasty warm scarf! Check them out if you are looking for your next really cool football scarf.

Football Alphabet - "I" Ivanovic and Ibe to the Premier League Rescue

Just a brief instalment for the letter "I" and without Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic and Liverpool’s Jordan Ibe it would have been even briefer!

Branislav Ivanovic – The Serbian defender is now in his now in his 7^th season with Chelsea (although he failed to make an appearance in his first season). Despite not always being a regular in the starting 11, Ivanovic has chalked up in excess of 220 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit. In the last couple of seasons in particular, he has been a favourite for fantasy football managers, thanks to his knack for popping in the opponents penalty area and scoring goals at a decent rate (for a defender at least).

He can play at right full back or in the centre of defence and seems to find himself in a different role each time Chelsea appoint a new manager! Ivanovic has 64 caps for his country and was of course the recipient of the Luis Suarez “bite” which led to the Uruguayan’s 8 game ban.

Jordan Ibe – No disrespect to Jordan here, but had there been a larger abundance of current “I” named players or teams in the Premier League, then the Liverpool FC winger probably wouldn't have made this list. He’s in though, so let’s have a quick look.

With just one Premier League appearance so far (in the last game of last season) the former Wycombe Wanderers player has time on his side. He is still only 17 years old and has frequently been on the Liverpool substitute’s bench so far this season, without yet making an appearance. So, Jordan Ibe is officially in my Premier League football alphabet and is certainly a name to keep an eye on in the coming seasons.

Premier League Football Alphabet - "H" for Hull City, Hazard, Hernandez and Half Time

Johnny Howson deserves a mention in this part of the alphabet simply because he scored the winning goal for Norwich City today in their 1-0 victory at Stoke City. The win takes the Canaries onto 7 points from 6 games and 15^th position in the Premier League table at this early stage of the season.

Hull City – The Tigers took 3 seasons to fight their way back into the Premier League after their relegation in May 2010. Although they have tasted defeat twice in 6 games (away to Chelsea and away to Man City) it’s been a hugely impressive start to the season, with not only 3 league wins under their belts but also progression through 2 rounds of the League Cup. From the moment that new signings Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore were introduced after an hour (already 2-0 behind) of their opening day defeat at Stamford Bridge, Hull have played some terrific football.

Steve Bruce has assembled a decent looking squad and you would think that if they keep picking up points against teams that are supposedly meant to finish in the lower reaches of the table, then Premier League safety will be assured. A note of warning, however, in 2008-09 the Tigers enjoyed a similarly excellent start to the season and only escaped relegation on the last day of the season.

Eden Hazard – It’s fair to say that Hazard had a terrific first season in the Premier League with Chelsea, weighing in with 9 goals and 11 assists and a host of man of the match performances. It’s probably also fair to say that the skilful Belgian hasn't yet come to life under new manager Jose Mourinho. It’s early days though and there is plenty of time yet for Hazard to begin tormenting defenders once again. For a player that is still only 22 and with 38 international caps already won, we have yet to see the very best of this talented winger.

Javier Hernandez – Chicharito is rated very highly by just about everyone in football and in his first 3 seasons at Manchester United he averaged very close to a goal every 2 games. The problem for Hernandez may well be Man United. With Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie and others as attacking red devils, his starting opportunities are always going to be limited. This season could be the most important of his career; he is 25 now and should be approaching his most productive years as a footballer. The Mexican international (35 goals in 53 appearances) needs either a sustained run in the United team or to look for pastures new (possibly even as early as January) because even though he will never be a doubt for the Mexico World Cup squad (should they qualify) in Brazil 2014, he will want his fitness and form to be in good order. Watch this space!

Half Time is very important in any Premier League match. If you are at a game, these are the very precious 15 minutes when you get to stamp the feeling back into your feet, get a hot drink and get the smart phone out to scan the rest of the half time scores. It’s also the time to dream that you can get back into a match that you are losing convincingly, if only the manager well reshuffle the pack or the time to panic if you have dominated the first half and only have a 1 goal lead. It’s also usually the time when your club tries to outdo itself with some particularly bad half time entertainment!

10 Things that Could Happen in the Premier League this Season

Number 1 on my list was going to read: “Paolo Di Canio could get the sack before the season is out.” Now, I am neither fortune teller or rocket scientist, I think the writing was on the wall for this one but it does mean I have to think of something extra for this list!

1. Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku could end up as this season’s Premier League top scorer – for Everton! His impressive Toffees debut resulted in his first goal of the season but with Leighton Baines supplying the ammunition, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Lukaku score more than the 17 he got last season whilst on loan at West Brom.

2. Someone other than Man City, Man United and Chelsea could win the Premier League this season! Most pundits are still plumping for one of those 3 but with Ozil, Ramsey and Giroud firing on all cylinders, Arsenal have a chance. Spurs fans must also be wondering (albeit it silently for now) just how far their new team can go. For a team that is still gelling, they have been mightily impressive so far. The London derby with Chelsea this coming week may give us further clues.

3. Paolo Di Canio might not be the only Premier League manager to lose his job this season. By my reckoning, by the time last season had come to a close, no fewer than 7 Premier League managers had paid the ultimate price (Mark Hughes, Nigel Adkins, Brian McDermott, Roberto Di Matteo, Roberto Mancini, Tony Pulis and Martin O’Neill). Di Canio has already gone, so who else could be in danger this season? Ian Holloway? Chris Hughton? Alan Pardew? Martin Jol? Jose Mourinho? The new Sunderland manager?

4. This could be the closest title race for years. Okay so Man City sneaking past United on goal difference a couple of seasons back was pretty close but those two were miles ahead of the rest. This season could see a 4 or even 5 horse race. (see number 2 above)

5. Leighton Baines could finish the season playing for another club. Man United will be favourites to land the left back in the January transfer window but after such a scintillating start, other clubs could come knocking too. If Baines does leave, it might seriously scupper the chances of number 1 (see above) happening.

6. Manchester United could finish outside the top 4! Although teams in the lower reaches of the table would still covet most of United’s squad, the Red Devil’s failure to significantly strengthen in the summer could signal their lowest finish for ages!

7. Another one for Lukaku here – The Belgian could score more goals than the current Chelsea front-line combined! Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba might yet come good but you can’t help sensing that it’s Chelsea’s midfielders that will weigh in with the majority of Blues goals this season.

8. A Welsh player could win Player of the Year for the second time in a row! Gareth Bale has gone to pastures new, but if he can keep his current form going who could rule out a chance of Aaron Ramsey succeeding the ex Spurs player?

9. Tom Huddlestone could cut his hair! Apparently, the Hull City midfielder has vowed not to give it the chop until he scores a Premier League goal. Whilst his appearances were restricted for Spurs last season, if he can avoid injury, there has to be a very good chance he could burst the net this season.

10. Stoke City could become the next Arsenal! Mark Hughes has them playing a totally different style of football and who knows, with a few more quality additions in January, the transformation from “lump it forward” to “knock it around very nicely” might be complete!

Football Alphabet Premier League - "G" for Giggs, Giroud, Giaccherini and Gedo

It really should be against the law to go through an alphabet of the Premier League and not mention Ryan Giggs and that’s why Mr Premier League himself is first up in our foray into the letter “G”.

Ryan Giggs is probably the only player that will be mentioned in this whole series that actually pre-dates the beginning of the Premier League, making his league debut for Manchester United in March of 1991 (the Premier League kicked off at the start of the 1992 -1993 season). In the twenty plus years since that debut, Giggs has ended up with a league winners medal on no less than 13 occasions! In November 2013 he will be 40 years old and has already featured in 3 of the first 4 games of the current season. The Welshman is the only player to have scored in every season (114 league goals total) of the Premier League’s existence so far and has never been sent off for his club. I don’t think any genuine football fan would begrudge this player his place in this alphabet.

Olivier Giroud has a goal per game (4) at the start of this new season and one would think he is well on the way to smashing past the 11 goals he scored in the league last season. Signed on the back of a very impressive season for Montpellier (21 league goals) in 2011-2012, Giroud initially struggled to make his mark in English football. However, he seems to have settled and with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Carzorla, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey to feed him the ball, you sense it could be a bumper season for the French international.

Emanuele Giaccherini is one of the (it feels like hundreds) new signings at Sunderland this season. With 15 caps for Italy and 40 appearances for Juventus, on paper at least the player has plenty of pedigree. There are so many new players at the Stadium of Light, however, that it may be a tough season to be thrown into English football. At least he will be able to understand his manager’s frantic gesticulating on the touchline!

Gedo (Mohamed Nagy) rounds off our look at this section of the Premier League alphabet and he is a player that at the time of writing has yet to feature for Hull City in the top division. With 17 goals in 33 appearances for the Egyptian national team, Steve Bruce will be hoping he can do something similar for the Tigers. On the 16^th September 2013 it was confirmed that the club had received all of the relevant paperwork to allow Gedo to begin his Premier League career.

Premier League Football Alphabet – F for Fulham, Fellaini, Fletcher and Fernandinho

Fulham have started the new season in typical Fulham style – unpredictable and inconsistent with signs of both promise and concern. 4 games in, they have 2 defeats, a victory and a draw.

Comparing the new squad to last season’s you would certainly say it’s looking stronger this time out, with Scott Parker and Adel Taraabt added to the midfield offering both defensive and attacking options. Up front, Darren Bent has been added to the already useful Berbatov, Ruiz and Rodellega but the challenge will be to get Bent on the pitch for long enough to strike up what could be a very useful partnership with the skilful Berbatov. If Fulham can get that duo firing on all cylinders, there could be plenty of goals to follow.

New goalkeeper, Maarten Stekelenburg, should prove to be a useful replacement for the now departed Mark Schwarzer but he was injured on his debut and hasn’t featured since. Elsad Zverotic and Fernando Amborebieta have been brought in to add some more experience and cover to an already experienced (ageing?) defensive unit. Overall, however, the new signings look promising and if manager Martin Jol can encourage the best out of them, then Fulham should have a relatively comfortable season – but a lot will depend on this team “gelling”.

Fellaini – Marouane Fellaini secured his much expected move to Old Trafford on deadline day and became Manchester United’s sole summer signing and there are great expectations from the 25 year old Belgian who cost the Red Devils in excess of £27 million. His last 2 seasons at Everton were probably the player’s best and if he can take that sort of form to his new club then United might finally have that dynamic midfielder they have been craving.

Fletcher – Steven Fletcher, from early season evidence, will have a real struggle on his hands this year along with the rest of his Sunderland team. Granted, it’s far too early to make sweeping judgements but manager Paolo Di Canio doesn’t yet seem to have a grip on this radically altered Black Cats squad. With just 1 point from 4 games it already looks like a long, hard season ahead. Fletcher’s goals (if he gets enough game time) will be just as crucial as they were last season.

Fernandinho (or Fernando Luiz Rosa) started the first 3 league games for Manchester City this season but was left out of the starting 11 for their 0-0 draw with Stoke City. In Negredo, Navas, Jovetic and Demichelis, there are plenty of potential new stars in the City squad and it might be difficult for Fernandinho to make an impact. At 28, the Brazilian only has 5 international caps, which suggests there are a whole host of Brazilian midfielders ahead of him in the cue for a place in the World Cup 2014 squad in Rio. With Yaya Toure, Nasri, Navas and David Silva all laying claims to a starting position, perhaps the Brazilian (who cost City £30 million by the way) might be more of a “cup” player this season.

Premier League Football Alphabet 2013/2014 – E for Everton

It’s an important season for Everton. In fact, that might be an understatement, it’s a massive season for Everton and all those associated with the Goodison Park club. After 11 years of hard work and quality service, David Moyes left his managerial post to take on the biggest job in English football as manager of Manchester United. In stepped former Wigan Athletic manager, Roberto Martinez – highly respected but somewhat unproven at the very top levels of the game. In his final season at Wigan, Martinez led the Latics to FA Cup Glory but also relegation from the Premier League.

So, there is a change at the top and new ideas to not only bring in but to bed in. There are some new players too and one might argue that despite the loss of hugely influential Belgian, Marouane Fellaini (who followed his old boss to Old Trafford) on transfer deadline day, they did manage to hold onto (some would say even more influential) Leighton Baines. The Toffees also managed to secure the services of midfield duo James McCarthy and Gareth Barry as well as striker Romelu Lukaku. Many expected Lukaku (dubbed by some as the new Didier Drogba) to feature heavily for Chelsea this season after his 17 goals for West Brom last time out and an impressive pre season for Chelsea, so his signature (even on a season long loan) could be highly significant. It does perhaps leave Arouna Kone wondering what he might have to do to become a first team starter.

How high can Everton finish? Before the transfer window closed, many may have settled for mid table solidity in the first season under a new manager, but with those new additions, perhaps there will now be hope of something a little better. After the first 3 games, the Toffees defence looks as solid as ever but with just 2 goals scored, the Goodison faithful will be pinning a lot on Lukaku getting on the end of those delicious crosses from Baines.

Football Alphabet 2013/2014 - B for Bale, Benteke and Bony

BALE – the 2012/2013 season saw Gareth Bale establish himself as a sporting superstar! Frequently referred to as the 3^rd greatest player in the world, behind only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo the Welshman had a terrific season for both club and country.

£60 million is considered to be the ballpark fee for any club wishing to prise Bale away from Tottenham Hotspur and there are only a few European clubs that can afford that sort of money – so although there is plenty of time before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August, there is a good chance that Gareth Bale will once again be able to strut his stuff on the Premier League stage.

The defender-cum-midfielder-cum-attacker will have all eyes on him during the new season to see if he can replicate his form of last year in which he scored 21 league goals and was crowned Player of the Year by both his fellow professionals and the sports writers. One of the hallmarks of greatness is consistency, something both Messi and Ronaldo have proved over a number of seasons. So, if last season was Bale’s first truly world class season, he now has do it again and again to be heralded in the same breath as other legends of the game.

BENTEKE and BONY – Christian Benteke and Wilfried Bony will both be interesting this coming season. Benteke has finally agreed to stay with Aston Villa and if his mind is on the game and Paul Lambert manages to strengthen Villa up a bit, we could witness something really special from the big Belgian. In the scoring stakes, only Robin Van Persie, Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale scored more than Benteke last time out.

Meanwhile, Wilfried Bony is a 24 year old Ivorian striker who has signed for Swansea. While Michu was rattling the goals in from whichever position he played in, the Swans were clearly lacking an out and out striker. Michael Laudrup clearly believes that Bony is the answer. With 46 goals in 65 appearances for Vitesse Arnhem and 8 for his country in just 20 appearances, the pedigree certainly seems to be there. If he handles English football like that other great striker from Ivory Coast, one Didier Drogba, Swansea could improve on an already impressive first season in the Premier League.