Jarvis for England?

After a recurring sight of seeing Wolves’ bright young winger impress the Molineux faithful, it seems no suprise to most he has recently been linked with a possible inclusion in the England squad for the France game. The quick, intelligent winger started his career at Gillingham where he repeatedly frightened championship and league 1 defences with the constant threat he posed with pace no defence could handle, and now, his performances are shortly becoming reminiscent of his performances as a young talent in the lower leagues. As a Gills player, Gillingham chairman Paul Scally stated he felt Jarvis would achieve an England cap by the age of 24 and this appears an accurate predicition with football pundits and experts alike, expecting Jarvis to make the squad.

Mick McCarthy has not hidden away from expressing his joy of Jarvis’s performances in the games against Man United in the Carling cup and also in the 2-1 victory over Man city in the weekend and stated he felt ‘there aren’t many better wingers around.’ Rumours are also circling that Franco Baldini (England assistant manager) has shown great interest in Jarvis which inevitably raises his chances of being included in the England set up on November 17^th at Wembley. This rumour has been confirmed by McCarthy who told the press, ‘I sat next to Franco Baldini on Saturday and he spoke very highly of him.’

Since moving to Wolves in 2007, Jarvis has shown an inspiring work ethic that has shortly seen him become a fan’s favourite at Molineux where he’s enjoyed a promotion from the Championship and successfully played a vital role in Wolves’ survival from relegation last season. Early results suggest it’s going to be another difficult year for the Wanderers, but with the likes of Jarvis impressing as he is and other key players such as Fletcher and Kevin Doyle turning in top performances, there appears no reason why Wolves should not be able to survive another year at what has repeatedly been quoted as ‘the greatest league in the world.’

After receiving a standing ovation from the crowd on Saturday, and the incessant chant of ‘Jarvis for England’ ringing out around Molineux, the Wolves fans will have their eyes peeled in anticipation and hope of seeing their left midfielder being named amongst the likes of Steven Gerrard and John Terry when the squad is announced.

Representing your country is nothing new in the Jarvis household as both his parents represented England in professional table tennis both reaching number one in the British rankings. His fans and family will be hoping Jarvis can carry on this family tradition and like his Father and Mother, can proudly play the sport he loves, for the nation he loves.

Let Ollie do his job!

Ian Holloway was left fuming not only because his Blackpool side lost 3-2 away to Villa on Wednesday, but also because speculation has risen that he will be fined by the Premier League for making 10 changes to the side that drew to Everton. This is indeed reminiscent of last season when Wolves were fined £25,000 after fielding a significantly weaker team for the 3-0 defeat to Man United in a midweek game.

But what gives the premier League the right to investigate this incident when Holloway was merely carrying out his duties as manager, surely should be allowed to pick whatever side he wishes ahead of any game? Holloway was understandably left frustrated after these claims and confirmed that if he is fined, then he would regretfully resign as Blackpool manager as a demonstration of his discontent with the Leagues actions.

It will be fascinating to see under what terms the League can prove Holloway fielded a weakened side and the Blackpool manager has already stated that he did it to ensure all his squad were playing in the way he wants them to play, and not because he wanted to rest 10 regular first team starters. But even if Holloway or any other manager for that fact decided to rest nearly his whole squad, what gives the Premier League the right to dictate what methods the managers can take in choosing their preferred starting line-up. As Holloway correctly stated, not even his Chairman would tell him how to pick his team, so who are the Premier League to interfere in a Manager’s job description. Whether its 1 change or 11, it’s the managers prerogative to have complete control over his squad and to pick his team accordingly based on what team he deems right for each game. There is no one else in football who sees more of the Blackpool players day in day out than manager Ian Holloway, and only he knows how physically fatigued they are and how well they are performing in training. So for people to criticise him as ‘undermining the Premier League’ is an absolutely ludicrous statement and people should respect Holloways managerial methods which are clearly proving successful after an excellent start to the season, and especially after previously being tipped for a ‘certain’ relegation.

"Let them try and fine me, it's an absolute disgrace. I'll show the Premier League. We were a credit to football, and let the Premier League try to tell me otherwise."

Holloway left out first team regulars such as Captain Charlie Adam and Goalkeeper Matt Gilks but despite the absence of their star players, Blackpool will feel aggrieved to have been narrowly beaten 3-2 when on another day, they may well have won the game. More managers have come out in support of Holloway including Houllier who said after beating Blackpool that "Holloway deserves great credit for what he's doing. They throw everything offensively and make the game spectacular. I hope they stay up."

Another manager to come out in support for Holloway was Stoke manager Tony Pulis who added "Who is to say the other 10 players he left out would have done as well as the 10 that played?"

One thing that is definite is that if the Premier League decide to fine Holloway and he does indeed resign, then the English game is losing not only a great manager, but also an entertaining and passionate football fanatic who’s sense of humour and enthusiasm for the game would be sorely missed not only in Blackpool, but in the Premier League as well.

Blackpool travel away to Upton park next against West Ham and the tangerines faithful will be hoping to still have the manager in charge who against all odds, led Blackpool to promotion last season despite being tipped for relegation from the Championship.

Charlton Athletics fall to League 1

A former well established premiership club, and now a league 1 team fighting to restore the glory days at The Valley. Indeed, the past few years have been nothing short of a nightmare for Charlton fans as they watched their favourite team fall to the club's lowest point for almost 20 years. Much debate has risen as to what is the main cause for the Addicks downfall and even the legendary Alan Curbishley has been the subject of much criticism after leaving the club at a pivotal time. "Curbs" left the club as a hero in 2006 after placing Charlton in an era of ecstasy where they competed for European football. Since his departure, no manager has been able to restore the passion in the Charlton shirt and reignite a plagued club. This left much anger within the Charlton faithful as some argued that Curbishley left the club in an unstable situation and should have left once they were secured for the years ahead.

The tenure of Ian Dowie is the subject of which fans try to forget as money was wasted and the club was placed on a downwards spiral which would continue right to the present day. Alan Pardew can not be forgetten, his wreckless use of money has to be scrutinised thoroughly and especially when you evaluate the 2.5 million signing of Luke Varney. Many Charlton fans would agree Varney was a decent signing, however, for such a heavy price tag many would have expected a much better record than what he produced. Millions more were thrown on failures such as Chris Iwelumo and Andy Gray, a strike partnership that was inevitably never going to set the footballing world on fire. This wreckless spending seems to be a formality for Pardew as he evidently has proven at his new club Southampton. Despite arguably doing an excellent job for the Saints, he has spent over 5 million in his first year at the club, and for a league 1 club this is extremely excessive. I recognise that their new owners aren't exactly lacking cash, however, this spending spree for Pardew could destroy many other clubs who haven't got such secure finances as he proved in his prolonged stay at SE7.

Speaking from an unbiased point of view, i do also recognise that the blame must equally be passed right to the top at the hands of the board. Its all very well condemning Pardew for his excessive spending, but the root of this money comes from the likes of Richard Murray who could have easily had said 'no'. Perhaps the real blame is that of the Chairman, perhaps not but one thing is for sure, something has to give at Charlton Athletic soon to kick start and revitalise a club that is punching way below its weight.

In 1984 Charlton Athletic went into administration, and i feel i speak for many Addicks as i say that de ja vu isnt out of the question as fans are constantly kept in the dark over financial affairs. Phil Parkinson, despite his critics, does appear to have restored some pride in the red Charlton shirt and has attracted many supporters back to the Valley which became an intimidating journey for league 1 clubs this year. Despite losing in a fiercely contested play off semi-final against Danny Wilson's Swindon, the passion and effort the players showed on that nerve jangling night reassured many supporters that good times may lie ahead. Credit has to be given to Parkinson, he has walked into a club that many managers would have opted to have steered well clear of. With extremely high expectations, Parkinson fully well knew the demands expected as many want a fast track back to the Premier League. And he didn't shy away and take a easy road out of SE7, he stuck around and has begun to form a team capable of great things. Indeed, he has his critics and has on several occasions not showed the tactical expertise expected from a manager, but he has a lot to learn and with the guidance from fan favourite Mark Kinsella fans will hope they can form a winning formula for Charlton Athletic and start a revival that will see the red robins bob bob bobbing along back to the Premier league.

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Bye Bye Benitez

A year of utter turmoil at Liverpool football club appears to have reached its pinnacle with the news that Rafael Benitez will step down as manager after 6 years at Anfield. Failure to gain that elusive first Premiership title for the reds became frustrating for one half of Merseyside and ecstasy for the blue side. Despite failing to win the domestic title, he did however manage to master a Champions league title in 2005 against European giants A.C Milan meaning that Liverpool's history of cup winnings in Europe increased further. But after 6 roller coaster years at Liverpool, the club and Rafa sat down and decided it was time for change after a turbulent year seeing Liverpool sink to 7th place and an early exit from the Champions league which they normally fare well in. But amongst most Liverpool fans this wasn't the change they wanted as they have grown increasingly angered by the American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett's reluctance to sell the club. Financially, these loathed owners claim that Liverpool is in a healthy state, but others would argue otherwise. Benitez had been restricted in his spending this year and despite spending a healthy some on Aquilani, he hasn't been blessed with the riches that a club of Liverpool's stature would come to expect. 'It's not a club it's a business to them.' A view heard all too frequently amongst the kop as they beg the 'yank' owners to sell to someone who passionately cares for the club and not the riches they can gain from it.

So what now for Liverpool football club? Many fans accept the fact that they now must be patient and give the new manager time to settle and rebuild a club which has been abused to say the least by these two American antagonists. The primary objective for the new boss must be to keep hold of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard who for the last two years have been pivotal in Liverpool's success. The Kop will be less patient however as every day they become incessantly frustrated with the owners and cry out for someone willing to take the club forwards.

Unless you're a Mancunian or a Toffee, its hard not to sympathise to a club who seemed two years ago to be moving in the right direction with an impressive second place, only to drop 5 places in the subsequent season and not even achieve Champions league football. Early contenders to succeed Benitez are Martin O'Neill and Kenny Dalglish, so who would be the best for a highly demanding managerial position? Il leave that decision up to you so please leave your views in a comment below and also comment on the blog as a whole. Thank you.

McCLaren secures Dutch title with Fc Twente.

Two years on from Steve McClarens failure to guide England to a European championships, he has restored some credibility with a magnificent success in the Dutch Eridivisie. He has only been manager of Fc Twente for two seasons but has already made himself a hero by securing a league title with a 2-0 victory over NAC Breda. A break from English football has proved to be exactly what McClaren needed as critics bombarded him as the worst England manager to record. Out of the media spotlight, McClaren has masterminded Fc Twente's success and has loved every moment of his time in the Netherlands. Formally labelled as "the wally in the brolly", Mclaren has reinvigorated his managerial career and will look to put that cold wet night at wembley firmly behind him. Speaking after the game McClaren said it was "a fantastic achievement." He was clearly in buoyant mood after his success as he spoke to the English media in his infamous Dutch accent. Despite not mastering the Dutch accent, he has clearly mastered Dutch football and speculation has already begun that he may soon return to English football at the helm of West Ham or another club. He went onto saying "to win this championship is more than a miracle", and it was he and his players who perfected such a miracle. Beginning the season as underdogs to Ajax and Psv Eindhoven, McClaren wasn't sure if he had a team capable, but they rose to the occasion to secure the title for the first time since they were founded in 1965. English managers who have managed abroad have always returned with a sixth sense for the game, an added intellect of the game. Examples such as Roy Hodgson are evidence for this who is working wonders for Fulham. Much criticism has been laid onto the English managers and accusing them of being incapable of managing the national team, perhaps if they were to go abroad like Hodgson did with Norway and McClaren with Fc Twente, then they may develop their managerial abillity.

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Should King go to the World Cup?

A player who over the years has been plagued by an endless amount of injuries to his knee. A player who cant train with his club team every day of the week. A player about to go to the world cup?

This season, Ledley King has made Fabio Capello's pressure driven job of delivering a world cup that ever bit harder with decisions like taking King on the plane to South Africa. One thing that is definite is that King's performances for Tottenham have been nothing less than brilliant for a man who is constantly surrounded by injury. Recent performances against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United make it even harder to deny King a place on a world cup journey that a couple of years ago would have seemed impossible. At the moment King substitutes the average training session for swimming twice a week and only once with the rest of the team. More significantly, he is unable to play more than once a week which if in the starting 11, would be required from him in the 2010 world cup. Despite the injuries, could anyone deny such a talented and solid centre back such as Ledley King even if it is to be for a place on the bench. Unlike the other centre back options, many would argue he is the only one that offers real competition to the ever present Terry and Ferdinand. Ledley's boss Harry Redknapp believes that "he is a cert to go to the World Cup." Its a decision causing great debate and controversy, but with a six day break between games in the World Cup, could this be enough for King to recover. If so then fine, but surely its important to see how he does in the friendlies against Mexico and Japan. With the usual centre backs Terry and Ferdinand seeming vulnerable for the first time in years, is Ledley King about to make a late charge onto the plane and also into a centre back position?

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Time runs out for the Owls.

This was a game that didn't disappoint and certainly lived up to the hype surrounding it, palace and Sheffield Wednesday put on a cracker. The reaction from the seasoned Shaun Derry epitomised exactly what this game meant to the players and fans as he was reduced to tears of joy as the referee blew the whistle on not only the game, but also Sheffield Wednesday's spell in the Championship. Indeed, the majority of the bumper crowd in Hillsborough left disappointed from the heartbreaking result, but also proud of the positivity their side showed at times through the pace of Jermaine Johnson and the inspiration from Darren Purse. But they came up short to a Palace team who only needed a point to secure their status as a Championship team for another season.Goals from target man Alan Lee and the prolific Darren Ambrose were enough to doom Sheffield Wednesday back to the 3rd tier of English football, a goal from Darren Purse came in the 87th minute but it proved too little to late for the Owls. So what now for both sides? Crystal Palace will hope that this can inject some life back into the club and some money so they can progress on in the Championship next season whiles hoping for a light in what has been a very dull affair off the pitch this year. The club will hope that the passion displayed in today's game can convince any potential buyers that they are a club worth investing in. The Owls on the other hand will need to re-group and assess over the summer which way they now want to go in order to progress. Alan Irvine is a highly experienced manager and has a proven track record despite this blip in his managerial career. With the likelihood of players such as Marcus Tudgay, Luke Varney and Jermaine Johnson being sought after from other clubs, Wednesday will need to ensure to keep the bulk of the team intact and ready for a tough yet optimistic season in league 1. With the passion that Irvines side displayed today, it bodes well for next year when they will need to dig deep on occasions if they are to stand any chance of returning to the Championship.
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