Please take the time to read some of my articles below:
Leicester City: Is the Foxes' current position really that surprising?
February 15, 2017
After last weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures, one question remains on everybody’s lips: ‘will Leicester City have been relegated come the end of the season?’
The Foxes could become the first defending champions of England to be relegated from the top flight since 1938, when Manchester City dropped into the second tier just a year after securing the title.
Despite the rarity of this occurrence, its possibility has become an increasingly likely reality for Leicester after they lost their fifth consecutive Premier League game on Sunday – a 2-0 defeat away to Swansea. The result leaves the champions sitting precariously in 17th position, with just one place and one point separating them from the relegation zone.
Throughout the previous week, even before Sunday’s loss, discussion amongst journalists, and pundits alike, was rife regarding the cause of Leicester’s rather dramatic fall from grace. A multitude of factors have been cited as a cause of this, including Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez’s struggle for form, as well as the sale of N’Golo Kante to Chelsea in the summer for around £30 million.
Struggling for form: Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez
Ultimately, several factors have been deemed accountable for Leicester’s current plight, and whilst there is undoubtedly a stark contrast between this season and last for the Midlands club, I fail to see why this has come as a surprise to so many.
Let us not forget that this is only the club’s third season back in the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship in 2014, and that for much of their first season back in 'the big time' they sat rock bottom of the table, with only a miraculous run of games ensuring their safety.
Not only this, but such a dip in form is not exactly a distant memory for Premier League fans. Just last season we saw the reigning champions Chelsea drop as low as 17th place in the table, despite retaining a squad that was considerably stronger than Leicester’s is now. This squad included the likes of PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard, 20-goal Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas (18 assists), and Thibaut Courtois, who secured an impressive 12 clean sheets.
If that Chelsea team could suffer such a dip in form, then surely it can’t be so shocking to see Leicester, a side who sat bottom of the Premier League just two seasons ago, suffer a relatively similar slump?
Before the current season had even begun, many speculated as to what impact the added commitment of Champions League football would have on the title winners, with some suggesting that the extra games would take a heavy toll on the squad.
Statistics now show that the fixtures have indeed had an impact, with Leicester not picking up a single win in Premier League games that have preceded a Group G match in the Champions League – losing five and drawing just one.
As many journalists and fans have already suggested, last season’s title winning campaign was a one-off. A fluke, Something that will never again be repeated.
If we therefore take this exceptional year out of the equation, and consider that it was only the season before last that the Foxes were involved a relegation battle, it really should come as no surprise that we are seeing a repeat situation this time around. Add in the loss of N’Golo Kante, as well as the added commitment of Champions League football to the equation, and Leicester’s current league position becomes ever less surprising.
Gabriel Jesus: Star in the making?
February 5, 2017
When Manchester City signed Gabriel Jesus in the January transfer window for £27 million, I doubt too many fans would have expected the 19-year-old to hit the ground running in quite the immediate manner he has done.
Whilst the Brazilian forward came to England with an already impressive CV under his belt, as well as a growing reputation, his signing was mostly billed as ‘one for the future’ with City already having the services of Sergio Aguero, Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho at their disposal.
Despite this, Jesus has quickly found his way into the Manchester club’s starting-XI; netting a notable three goals, and contributing a further two assists, in just four appearances for his new side.
A record such as this was bound to draw attention to the player as it was, but with Sunday’s performance against Swansea proving to be a match winning one, Jesus’ name will only be thrust further into the headlines. What I want to ask though is whether we’re at risk of getting carried away in our praise of the young man’s form?
Gabriel Jesus: Star in the making?
February 5, 2017
When Manchester City signed Gabriel Jesus in the January transfer window for £27 million, I doubt too many fans would have expected the 19-year-old to hit the ground running in quite the immediate manner he has done.
Whilst the Brazilian forward came to England with an already impressive CV under his belt, as well as a growing reputation, his signing was mostly billed as ‘one for the future’ with City already having the services of Sergio Aguero, Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho at their disposal.
Despite this, Jesus has quickly found his way into the Manchester club’s starting-XI; netting a notable three goals, and contributing a further two assists, in just four appearances for his new side.
A record such as this was bound to draw attention to the player as it was, but with Sunday’s performance against Swansea proving to be a match winning one, Jesus’ name will only be thrust further into the headlines. What I want to ask though is whether we’re at risk of getting carried away in our praise of the young man’s form?
Gabriel Jesus
For any forward, it is generally a given that three goals in their first four games would be considered a good return. In Jesus' case, however, it should not be forgotten that two of his three goals so far have come against a Swansea side which has conceded a divisional high 54 goals in 24 games - an average of over two goals per match. Not only this, but the striker's first goal for the club came against a West Ham side who have leaked 12 goals in just three games against City this season.
A case can also be made to suggest that Jesus’ match winning goal against Swansea was somewhat fortuitous as before eventually scoring, the Brazilian forward squandered a great chance to secure the points; placing a tame header at the gloves of Lukasz Fabianski. Luckily for the number 33 though, the Swans’ goalkeeper was unable to keep hold of the ball and Jesus was gifted with a second opportunity to finish; a chance which he duly took.
Despite the clear element of luck to this goal, there is an argument to be made that you’ve got to be in the right place at the right time to score, and that regardless of the opposition it was still Jesus’ two goals that earnt City an invaluable three points on Sunday.
Moments of brilliance have also been apparent in his appearances so far. A stunning assist in the FA Cup fourth round against Crystal Palace particularly stands out, and another brilliant assist would have followed in the Premier League had David Silva converted the Brazilian's back-heeled flick into a goal.
As well as this, pundits have also been quick to praise the youngster’s visible confidence on the ball, specifically singling out his athleticism and intelligent forward thinking. Whilst these are all great traits to have, is it not a bit early to be giving a 19-year-old such high praise?
Obviously, a footballer cannot make his name in just four games, and with Jesus being so new to the Premier League it’ll be hard to truly gauge his potential until he secures a prolonged spell in the City team. The youngster has certainly made some impact already though, and I for one very much look forward to seeing the development of Gabriel Jesus as a Manchester City player.
Special Report - The plight of Portsmouth FC
February 19, 2013 (Aged 15)
Amazingly, this isn't the only occasion the crisis stricken club has come close to liquidisation. In the 1998/99 season, a supposed year of celebration for the club, the atmosphere turned sour when Pompey went into administration in December 1998 and were a fraction away from extinction. Milan Mandaric would prove to be the saviour of the club when he took cash out of his own pocket to buy the club in May 1999. This would ultimately prove to be the start of a new era for Portsmouth.
A case can also be made to suggest that Jesus’ match winning goal against Swansea was somewhat fortuitous as before eventually scoring, the Brazilian forward squandered a great chance to secure the points; placing a tame header at the gloves of Lukasz Fabianski. Luckily for the number 33 though, the Swans’ goalkeeper was unable to keep hold of the ball and Jesus was gifted with a second opportunity to finish; a chance which he duly took.
Despite the clear element of luck to this goal, there is an argument to be made that you’ve got to be in the right place at the right time to score, and that regardless of the opposition it was still Jesus’ two goals that earnt City an invaluable three points on Sunday.
Moments of brilliance have also been apparent in his appearances so far. A stunning assist in the FA Cup fourth round against Crystal Palace particularly stands out, and another brilliant assist would have followed in the Premier League had David Silva converted the Brazilian's back-heeled flick into a goal.
As well as this, pundits have also been quick to praise the youngster’s visible confidence on the ball, specifically singling out his athleticism and intelligent forward thinking. Whilst these are all great traits to have, is it not a bit early to be giving a 19-year-old such high praise?
Obviously, a footballer cannot make his name in just four games, and with Jesus being so new to the Premier League it’ll be hard to truly gauge his potential until he secures a prolonged spell in the City team. The youngster has certainly made some impact already though, and I for one very much look forward to seeing the development of Gabriel Jesus as a Manchester City player.
Special Report - The plight of Portsmouth FC
February 19, 2013 (Aged 15)
Portsmouth Football Club was formed all the way back in 1898, but could 2013 be the year that the club ceases to exist? Today, we look into the recent highs, and the recent lows of the club, and where Pompey can go from here.
'NO MATCH' - Could this soon become a familiar sight to Pompey fans?
In the year 2002, Harry Redknapp was appointed Manager of the club and within a year's time of being on the south coast he had lead the 'blue army' to the Premier League after winning the then Division One title. This promotion proving to be down to the willingness of Milan Mandaric to spend money on new players for the club and the fantastic fan support Harry Redknapp received.
Pompey would go on to record a thirteenth place finish in their first season in the Premier League and all seemed to be going well for the south coast club. However, midway through the club's second season in the top tier of English football, disaster struck as Harry Redknapp left the club after a dispute with the Chairman, Milan Mandaric. The club would go on to finish the season in sixteenth position and would slip a place to seventeenth in the year after. The only positive to be found from the third season being that Harry Redknapp made his return to the club.
2006 saw a new owner for Portsmouth as Alexandre Gaydamak bought the club from Milan Mandaric. His investment was immediate and numerous new players saw Portsmouth to their first top-half finish in the Premier League.This success continued into the 07/08 season as Portsmouth won their second ever FA Cup after beating Cardiff City 1-0 in the final at a packed out Wembley Stadium. This meant that Portsmouth would participate in the 08/09 season's UEFA Cup, the first time Pompey would take part in a European competition.
However, all of this success would come at a huge cost and at the start of the 09/10 season it was revealed that Portsmouth were in yet another serious financial crisis. This because of over spending on so called 'top players' who failed to perform in their time at Pompey and would eventually be sold on for big losses. During the season, new owner Balram Chainrai discovered that the club were in around £135 million debt and so Portsmouth became the first Premier League team to enter administration. This automatically en cured a nine point deduction and all but doomed Portsmouth to relegation.
Ultimately, the season would end in relegation for the club and a return to the second tier of English football, the Championship. However, after more financial troubles the club would slip even further down the English football pyramid into League One in 2012 after the club once again entered administration and suffered yet another points deduction.
So where does this leave Portsmouth now? Well the club currently sits bottom of League One after almost a year in administration and without new owners by the summer, Portsmouth will be kicked out of the Football League. However, the Football League's preferred bidders are the Pompey Supporters' Trust and bids from any other group or investor will be turned down.
With the end of the season growing ever nearer and the chance of a takeover becoming ever smaller, Portsmouth's future is only becoming ever more clouded. However, one thing that is for sure is that football always finds a way.
Special Report: Chester FC, soon to be back in the Football League?
December 20, 2012 (Aged 15)
Today, I have decided to delve into the affairs of Chester FC. After numerous administrations Chester City FC finally dissolved in 2010 after being unable to pay off excessive debts. Then, under fan-ownership, the club reformed as Chester FC in the same year and have began a sharp rise up the English, football pyramid. The possibility of a Football League return is not far from the Blues' sights and this has intrigued me enough to discuss the possibility of this sensational return.
For a number of years Chester City FC were plagued by not only debt but on the pitch problems as well. However, these on the pitch matters were soon put to the side, when in 2004, they were promoted into the Football League. This meant that, for a while at least, financial difficulties were cast aside and the football took centre stage. However, said football was not always of the quality required, and Chester often found themselves flirting with relegation back to the Non-League.
The 2008/09 season did not start well for Chester. They may still have been in the Football League, but their league position wasn't the prettiest and they were soon dumped out of all cup competitions. This lead to financial difficulties appearing once again and a transfer embargo being placed upon the club. On the final day of the season the Blues were relegated from the league after a 2-1 defeat to Darlington.
Financial problems however, did not disappear as their league status had done previously. They continued to cause the club problems such as unfulfilled matches, unpaid wages and shortage of players until finally, on 10 March 2010, the club was wound up and soon ceased to exist. It was announced that the club was to reform as Chester FC and were to begin their journey in the lower divisions of Non-League football.
After two successive promotions, Chester now find themselves in the Conference North. They currently sit twelve points clear at the top of the table and look set for a third successive promotion, this time to the Conference Premier. This would leave Chester only one more promotion away from a sensational return to the Football League, and who knows, if Chester can carry their current passion and commitment into the Conference Premier, they may soon find themselves back in the Football League!
Special Report: Do English football grounds need protective corner netting?
December 14, 2012 (Aged 15)
After Rio Ferdinand was struck by an object (believed to be a key-ring) in last weekend's Manchester derby, there has been yet more speculation as to whether players need more protection from fans sat around the pitch. However, many Premier League managers and players have come out and said that protective netting is not needed. General consensus would appear to be that better stewarding is needed to help spot the hooligans who throw objects onto the pitch. Today, I take a look into whether or not English football needs protective corner netting.
Rio Ferdinand quite obviously took the incident as a joke. As he later tweeted after the incident saying: "Whoever threw that coin, what a shot! Can't believe it was a copper 2p....could have at least been a £1 coin!"
Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has today come out to say that he is not in support of protective netting. He also added that he believes an improvement in stewarding is a better idea, "It's not a consistent thing. Stewarding is a better policy."
Brendan Rodgers followed along the lines of Sir Alex, by coming out and saying that he was also against the idea of netting. He then commented that a few supporters should not ruin the enjoyment of a game for the majority of fans who are well behaved.
As a football fan, who regularly visits games, I have to say that the thought of netting obstructing my view is certainly not a pleasant one. I agree with Sir Alex's point of stewarding being a better policy. However, I have to ask the questions: How much can stewards do? And can they really spot everything that goes on in the crowd? For me the answer to both of those questions has to be no. Despite these problems with stewarding, it does not make me look any more positively on netting. Thankfully though, it is not my decision to make as to whether netting should be used and so, we will have to sit back and wait for the FA to make a decision.
Special Report: Chester FC, soon to be back in the Football League?
December 20, 2012 (Aged 15)
Today, I have decided to delve into the affairs of Chester FC. After numerous administrations Chester City FC finally dissolved in 2010 after being unable to pay off excessive debts. Then, under fan-ownership, the club reformed as Chester FC in the same year and have began a sharp rise up the English, football pyramid. The possibility of a Football League return is not far from the Blues' sights and this has intrigued me enough to discuss the possibility of this sensational return.
For a number of years Chester City FC were plagued by not only debt but on the pitch problems as well. However, these on the pitch matters were soon put to the side, when in 2004, they were promoted into the Football League. This meant that, for a while at least, financial difficulties were cast aside and the football took centre stage. However, said football was not always of the quality required, and Chester often found themselves flirting with relegation back to the Non-League.
The 2008/09 season did not start well for Chester. They may still have been in the Football League, but their league position wasn't the prettiest and they were soon dumped out of all cup competitions. This lead to financial difficulties appearing once again and a transfer embargo being placed upon the club. On the final day of the season the Blues were relegated from the league after a 2-1 defeat to Darlington.
Financial problems however, did not disappear as their league status had done previously. They continued to cause the club problems such as unfulfilled matches, unpaid wages and shortage of players until finally, on 10 March 2010, the club was wound up and soon ceased to exist. It was announced that the club was to reform as Chester FC and were to begin their journey in the lower divisions of Non-League football.
After two successive promotions, Chester now find themselves in the Conference North. They currently sit twelve points clear at the top of the table and look set for a third successive promotion, this time to the Conference Premier. This would leave Chester only one more promotion away from a sensational return to the Football League, and who knows, if Chester can carry their current passion and commitment into the Conference Premier, they may soon find themselves back in the Football League!
Special Report: Do English football grounds need protective corner netting?
December 14, 2012 (Aged 15)
After Rio Ferdinand was struck by an object (believed to be a key-ring) in last weekend's Manchester derby, there has been yet more speculation as to whether players need more protection from fans sat around the pitch. However, many Premier League managers and players have come out and said that protective netting is not needed. General consensus would appear to be that better stewarding is needed to help spot the hooligans who throw objects onto the pitch. Today, I take a look into whether or not English football needs protective corner netting.
Rio Ferdinand quite obviously took the incident as a joke. As he later tweeted after the incident saying: "Whoever threw that coin, what a shot! Can't believe it was a copper 2p....could have at least been a £1 coin!"
Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has today come out to say that he is not in support of protective netting. He also added that he believes an improvement in stewarding is a better idea, "It's not a consistent thing. Stewarding is a better policy."
Brendan Rodgers followed along the lines of Sir Alex, by coming out and saying that he was also against the idea of netting. He then commented that a few supporters should not ruin the enjoyment of a game for the majority of fans who are well behaved.
As a football fan, who regularly visits games, I have to say that the thought of netting obstructing my view is certainly not a pleasant one. I agree with Sir Alex's point of stewarding being a better policy. However, I have to ask the questions: How much can stewards do? And can they really spot everything that goes on in the crowd? For me the answer to both of those questions has to be no. Despite these problems with stewarding, it does not make me look any more positively on netting. Thankfully though, it is not my decision to make as to whether netting should be used and so, we will have to sit back and wait for the FA to make a decision.
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