Matchmaking players returns with a little cracker from London who is not getting the love he needs in Manchester from his new Italian partner. Don't worry Shaun, there's plenty more fish in the sea, and luckily I'm well versed in rod skills, so let's sort you out...
Shaun Wright-Phillips - Manchester City
Shaun's had to cope with some turbulent relationships throughout his career, and this isn't the first time he could have been a candidate for a matchmaking. His first love was at Manchester City, where he became a huge hit with the fans after securing regular first team football in the 2001/02 season under Kevin Keegan. The relationship seemed to be flourishing, and after playing up front and at wing-back, Shaun settled down to play on the right wing and netted 11 goals in both the 03/04 and 04/05 seasons, which isn't half bad from midfield. He was becoming a more and more attractive prospect with these kinds of performances though, and the most seductive temptress at the time started fluttering her eyelids in Shaun's direction in the form of Chelsea. Shaun couldn't help himself, poor lad, and ran off down south with the exciting new girl. However, as with many that have been brought under Chelsea's spell, it didn't end happily. There were some happy times for our man at the Bridge, but he was never quite made to feel special, and his first team opportunities and the relationship eventually ground to a halt. Luckily his old flame was there to take him back and show him some love again at Eastlands. It looked like he was back where he belonged, but Roberto Mancini took over from Mark Hughes, the likes of David Silva and Adam Johnson arrived on the scene and Shaun has to sit on the bench watching his girl getting with other guys. Well you don't have to do it anymore my man, because I'm finding you another girl, and she's going to be a corker.....
Everton?????
The Toffees have been in unusual form this season, mainly thanks to their lack of goals. Players that should be banging in the goals like Yakubu and Louis Saha just havn't been doing it and David Moyes constantly relies on his midfield, and his left-back to do the strikers' job. Now Shaun is clearly not a striker, but he is a goal-scoring midfielder and a player that will certainly create opportunities for the forwards, that you'd hope they'd convert at least some of. Tim Cahill is heading off to the Asian Cup in January, and speculation continues that Steven Pienaar is to leave continues which means that there may be gaps in the Everton midfield that Shaun could well fill. As far as inspirational signings go, it has been a while since the Goodison faithful had a lot to shout about with Jermaine Beckford hardly getting the juices flowing in the summer. Shaun has an impressive 36 caps for England and is still a big name in the English game and would be sure to excite the scousers that where blue shirts. Can Everton excite our man though and there be an exciting match to be made on Merseyside?????
Newcastle United?????
After the surprising dismissal of Chris Hughton from St. James' Park, Mike Ashley said it was because he wanted more Premier League experience at the helm. This could well mean that they are looking for some more of the same on the pitch as well. Wayne Routledge has been fairly successful on the right-side for the Magpies, and Jonas Guttierez has a decent pedigree, but it's fair to say that SWP would be an improvement on both of them. The Newcastle faithful were wholly underwhelmed by the appointment of Alan Pardew, but they absolutely love a big name signing, and if Pardew wants to get them onside then that would be the best way, after winning games obviously. With Newcastle continuing with big men upfront, especially Andy Carroll, they need quality delivery from midfield, and Shaun can definitely provide this. There seems to be a lot of reasons for this relationship working, but will our man be tempted up to the north-east? He's never had to wear strips before, maybe they're not his thing?????
Stoke City?????
Now this seems slightly less likely than a move to Newcastle, but that is harsh on Stoke who have become an established Premier League club with a team (mostly) full of very good players. The Potters, much like The Magpies play with big front men, usually in the form of Kenwyne Jones, and will also appreciate quality wingers, as they have with Matthew Etherington who has excelled in the last couple of years. Jermaine Pennant has come in on-loan and done well, but Zaragoza might be pricing Pennant out of a permanent move to the Brittania Stadium, leaving the right-wing spot in the Stoke side vacant. Tony Pulis' signings have been very impressive since getting his side into the Premier League, with the likes of Jones, Tuncay, Huth and Begovic all having Premier League experience and quality, and SWP would add to this impressive list. He would certainly feel loved and wanted in the Potteries, as he would arguably be the biggest signing in the history of the club. Could this be a match made in heaven? Or the Potteries?????
So who's about to change their relationship status on facebook and show a lot of love for the little man?????
I think it's pretty much a certainty that Shaun will be in pastures new by the end of the January transfer window, as the spark has well and truly died out in his current relationship. He's a man with a lot of character and clearly loves his football as you can see from the smile he wears on his face. So the question is, where is he going to enjoy his football the most? Any of the three would be an improvement on him sitting on the bench at Man. City where there is an unhappy dressing room anyway, and it's hard to pick one that would be a better option than the other two. The initial reaction would be to choose Newcastle as their fans probably have the best reputation in the country, and really do show their players some love. This would be harsh on Stoke, who have the loudest fans in the land, and Everton who are known as the People's Club so they would welcome him with open arms. Being pushed for a decision though, I am going to go with The Magpies, it could well be the perfect place for Shaun to finish his career with first team football and being adored by the fans. I think the Newcastle midfield needs an image improvement as well, and Shaun would certainly soften the gruff exterior displayed by Nolan, Barton and Smith. Come on Mike Ashley, get your cheque book out and make this happen, there could be sparks flying in the north-east very shortly.
Newcastle fans, can you make this a dream come true?
Everton or Stoke, have I made a terrible decision?
Who else wants Shaun to ride into town?
Tuesday 28 December 2010
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Manager Needing Love - Sam Allardyce
Having fixed up Blackburn Rovers with a new man last week, it's time to find their estranged lover Sam Allardyce a new club to snuggle up with this winter...
Sam Allardyce - Unemployed
Big Sam has impressed pretty much everywhere he has worked in his managerial career. He started a whole 19 years ago at Irish side Limerick and won promotion in his first and only season, impressing enough for Preston North End to bring him back to England as a coach. He had a brief spell as caretaker-manager at Deepdale, but was never offered the job permanently and so when the opportunity to manage Blackpool came up in 1994 he grabbed the opportunity. But in the 1995-96 season Allardyce was on the wrong end of one of the most bizarre sackings in history, having missed out on promotion to Division One with the Tangerines by a single point on the last game of the season, and then being unfortunate in losing in the play-offs, Big Sam was dismissed with no explanation. He was back in the game at Notts County though who were bottom of division two, and he couldn't keep them up, but then did win division three by 19 points the following season. It was the following October (1999) that he moved to Bolton, and his career from there is very well documented. He won promotion in his first full season via the playoffs and went on to establish The Trotters as a successful Premier League club and was good enough to come very close to getting the England job in 2006. He went to Newcastle, which was the only disappointment in his career and only lasted 24 games, but he was back in the game at Blackburn in 2008, saving the club from relegation and re-establishing themselves as a mid-table Premier League club. However, new owners have come in, and they arn't part of the Big Sam fan club and have made that clear straight away by getting Blackburn back into the dating scene and getting rid of our man. So, that's enough of the history lesson it's time to sort Sam out, because he's not had much action since leaving Ewood Park....
West Ham United?????
They may well have a partner at the minute, but it's far from a happy relationship as the Hammers sit at the bottom of the Premier League table and havn't really impressed anyone since Avram Grant took over in the summer. 13 points from 18 games is a pretty poor return, and the fans in East London are going to be tired of it very soon as they have only seen two wins all season so far. The Hammers are likely to be single in the near future and Sam could be the man to catch them on the rebound. He has an excellent record with Bolton and Blackburn in keeping clubs in the division against the odds and could very well do the same at Upton Park. There is one problem though as The Hammers have a very particular type they go for. They like attractive, pass and move football, not the long-ball route one nature that Big Sam brings to the table. However, their principals are getting them nowhere, and most would accept that it's better to win ugly than not win at all. Could there be Big love for Big Sam at the Boleyn Bround?????
Sheffield United?????
Sam wouldn't have to do any home-wrecking to find some love at Bramall Lane as The Blades split up with partner Gary Speed a couple of weeks ago and are looking for a new spark. It might be a step down in divisions for Big Sam, but there's no doubt that Sheffield United have the potential to be a big club in the Premier League and with a good manager in charge, they could get there fairly quickly. The Championship is a very difficult league, but Big Sam has got a team promoted from it before and could do it again. The issue is whether Sam will have the energy and motivation to drop down a league and build a club up at this stage of his career. He is a respected, successful Premier League manager, and may well look for a more attractive prospect than the one in South Yorkshire. Could the Blades tempt in this very eligible batchelor into their bosom?????
Fulham?????
Mark Hughes has made a surprisingly uninspiring start to his job at Craven Cottage. He did a great job at Blackburn, and it's roundly accepted that he was very unlucky to be removed from his post at Manchester City. However 10 draws and only 2 wins from his first 17 games in charge is a pretty terrible return compared to how impressive the Cottagers had been under Roy Hodgson. They play bottom club West Ham on boxing day, followed by tricky away games at Stoke and Spurs and three poor results could well spell the end for the Welshman in West London. This would be a very attractive prospect for Big Sam and Fulham, like West Ham would see him as a very real candidate due to his ability to keep teams in the Premier League. Could Sam be going cottaging in the near future?
So who has bagged the biggest single man in town and will be shacking up together in the near future???
Well there is no doubt that given Big Sam's record and ability to get clubs punching above their weight, he will be back in management in the near future somewhere. He has already expressed his hunger to get back involved as quick as he can, even considering a move abroard (I'm not sure how he would go down in Italy or Spain personally). So which of these three lucky ladies has bagged herself Big Sam? Unfortunately, although I don't always like to do it, it's going to have to be West Ham. Within hours of Sam leaving Blackburn he was being talked about as the obvious choice for a struggling Hammers side, and there arn't many arguments against it. If the West Ham board's sensibilities are so delicate that they couldn't possibly compromise on their ideals of tippy-tappy football, then unfortunately they will be trying to play like Barcelona in the Championship next season. Sam is much more likely to save the club from relegation than Avram Grant and it could be a loving relationship that is formed between man and club.
West Ham fans, do you want Sam in?????
Do Blades fans reckon they could tempt him to Sheffield?????
Anyone else want Sam to manage their boys?????
Sam Allardyce - Unemployed
Big Sam has impressed pretty much everywhere he has worked in his managerial career. He started a whole 19 years ago at Irish side Limerick and won promotion in his first and only season, impressing enough for Preston North End to bring him back to England as a coach. He had a brief spell as caretaker-manager at Deepdale, but was never offered the job permanently and so when the opportunity to manage Blackpool came up in 1994 he grabbed the opportunity. But in the 1995-96 season Allardyce was on the wrong end of one of the most bizarre sackings in history, having missed out on promotion to Division One with the Tangerines by a single point on the last game of the season, and then being unfortunate in losing in the play-offs, Big Sam was dismissed with no explanation. He was back in the game at Notts County though who were bottom of division two, and he couldn't keep them up, but then did win division three by 19 points the following season. It was the following October (1999) that he moved to Bolton, and his career from there is very well documented. He won promotion in his first full season via the playoffs and went on to establish The Trotters as a successful Premier League club and was good enough to come very close to getting the England job in 2006. He went to Newcastle, which was the only disappointment in his career and only lasted 24 games, but he was back in the game at Blackburn in 2008, saving the club from relegation and re-establishing themselves as a mid-table Premier League club. However, new owners have come in, and they arn't part of the Big Sam fan club and have made that clear straight away by getting Blackburn back into the dating scene and getting rid of our man. So, that's enough of the history lesson it's time to sort Sam out, because he's not had much action since leaving Ewood Park....
West Ham United?????
They may well have a partner at the minute, but it's far from a happy relationship as the Hammers sit at the bottom of the Premier League table and havn't really impressed anyone since Avram Grant took over in the summer. 13 points from 18 games is a pretty poor return, and the fans in East London are going to be tired of it very soon as they have only seen two wins all season so far. The Hammers are likely to be single in the near future and Sam could be the man to catch them on the rebound. He has an excellent record with Bolton and Blackburn in keeping clubs in the division against the odds and could very well do the same at Upton Park. There is one problem though as The Hammers have a very particular type they go for. They like attractive, pass and move football, not the long-ball route one nature that Big Sam brings to the table. However, their principals are getting them nowhere, and most would accept that it's better to win ugly than not win at all. Could there be Big love for Big Sam at the Boleyn Bround?????
Sheffield United?????
Sam wouldn't have to do any home-wrecking to find some love at Bramall Lane as The Blades split up with partner Gary Speed a couple of weeks ago and are looking for a new spark. It might be a step down in divisions for Big Sam, but there's no doubt that Sheffield United have the potential to be a big club in the Premier League and with a good manager in charge, they could get there fairly quickly. The Championship is a very difficult league, but Big Sam has got a team promoted from it before and could do it again. The issue is whether Sam will have the energy and motivation to drop down a league and build a club up at this stage of his career. He is a respected, successful Premier League manager, and may well look for a more attractive prospect than the one in South Yorkshire. Could the Blades tempt in this very eligible batchelor into their bosom?????
Fulham?????
Mark Hughes has made a surprisingly uninspiring start to his job at Craven Cottage. He did a great job at Blackburn, and it's roundly accepted that he was very unlucky to be removed from his post at Manchester City. However 10 draws and only 2 wins from his first 17 games in charge is a pretty terrible return compared to how impressive the Cottagers had been under Roy Hodgson. They play bottom club West Ham on boxing day, followed by tricky away games at Stoke and Spurs and three poor results could well spell the end for the Welshman in West London. This would be a very attractive prospect for Big Sam and Fulham, like West Ham would see him as a very real candidate due to his ability to keep teams in the Premier League. Could Sam be going cottaging in the near future?
So who has bagged the biggest single man in town and will be shacking up together in the near future???
Well there is no doubt that given Big Sam's record and ability to get clubs punching above their weight, he will be back in management in the near future somewhere. He has already expressed his hunger to get back involved as quick as he can, even considering a move abroard (I'm not sure how he would go down in Italy or Spain personally). So which of these three lucky ladies has bagged herself Big Sam? Unfortunately, although I don't always like to do it, it's going to have to be West Ham. Within hours of Sam leaving Blackburn he was being talked about as the obvious choice for a struggling Hammers side, and there arn't many arguments against it. If the West Ham board's sensibilities are so delicate that they couldn't possibly compromise on their ideals of tippy-tappy football, then unfortunately they will be trying to play like Barcelona in the Championship next season. Sam is much more likely to save the club from relegation than Avram Grant and it could be a loving relationship that is formed between man and club.
West Ham fans, do you want Sam in?????
Do Blades fans reckon they could tempt him to Sheffield?????
Anyone else want Sam to manage their boys?????
Tuesday 14 December 2010
Football Club Needing Love - Blackburn Rovers
So it's a first for the matchmaker, as I try and find a whole club a new lover. I have to say after the way they treated their last spouse I'm not that keen on finding them some action but duty calls. I don't think I'll get many opportunities to matchmake an 135-year-old lass from Lancashire. So here goes...
Blackburn Rovers
So the new owners have come in from the footballing heartland that is the Indian chicken industry, and with their vast knowledge of the game that they've built up there have decided that Sam Allardyce isn't the man for the job at Ewood Park. They have unceremoniously put all his stuff in bin-bags and thrown them into the street in true bunny-boiler style. What is understandable from Venkys (the owners) is that they didn't like Big Sam's brand of football, which admittedly wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but it did a job and the way he has turned Rovers round from the state Paul Ince left them in has been very impressive, and playing direct football is how he's done it. Venkys have also changed their mind about settling for mid-table football and want to push for Champions League football, however have not mentioned anything about changing the initial £5m that they were offering for transfers. I'm afrad if your Sam Allardyce, Sir Alex Ferguson or anyone else without a wand and pointy hat, you arn't getting Blackburn into the Champions League with 5 million quid. So as difficult as this sounds, I'm going to try and find this newly available, high-maintenence lady a new man. One that can get an ugly mid-table side playing entertaining football and qualifying for Europe with no money, we shall see.....
Martin Jol?????
He's been made the favourite with the money people, and they usually have a good idea what they are talking about, but would he be the right man for our girl? Well he was in the strangely fortunate position, last time he managed in England, of being fired when people generally still thought he was doing a decent job and still liked him. So he got to leave his post with dignity and a reputation that was still intact. Since leaving Spurs he's had good with Hamburg and Ajax (win ratios of over 60% at both is pretty handy) but is now a single man, and I'm sure be relishing the prospect of a return to England. Venkys have said they'd like an Englishman to take charge, but having just ditched one of the few reputable English managers I don't think they're that fussed. Jol has one a couple of cup competitions in his managerial career and this is all a club like Rovers can really hope for, so he seems to have the credentials. Whether he is the inspirational figure that could lead a relatively small club to league and cup glory though I'm not so sure. Will Rovers get up some Dutch courage and ask Martin out on a date?????
Martin O'Neill?????
Martin number two on the list of potentials is another high calibre manager, and unless Venkys are really willing to give him some funds to spend, you would think he would be out of Blackburn's league. Again he is a manager who left his last job with reputation firmly intact, epecially since Gerard Houllier has done so badly since taking over from him. This would suggest Martin would be after a stand-out babe rather than the one or two pinter that is Blackburn Rovers, but as mentioned a substantial war-chest could change his mind. O'Neill is certainly an inspirational type figure and has had success wherever he has managed. His brand of football might not be as crude as Big Sam's, but he does have a tendency for the long ball to the big man, as his affinity with Emile Heskey throughout his career has demonstrated, so it might not quite be the sexy football the Indians are after. Although I have no doubts that if Rovers could slip on some lingerie and lure Martin their way then they certainly would, but have they got the figure for it?????
Alan Curbishley?????
Here's a man that has been single for rather longer than you'd expect. Did an incredible job at Charlton, which maybe was taken for granted, but their decline to league one also-rans has proved that what he did was truly sensational. He also did a better job at West Ham than any that have followed him and only left over transfer disputes. If this is likely to be an issue though, the situation at Ewood might just put him off a bit (as it would O'Neill for that matter). I'm sure Alan will be looking to get back on the dating scene soon though, and it's not often that a Premier League club that arn't struggling with relegation becomes available (except last week) so it might be an opportunity too good to turn down. However, whether he is the big name that the new owners might be looking for is questionable. Will Alan give up the batchelor lifestyle and settle down at Ewood Park?
Owen Coyle?????
Make an ugly team play attractive football. Check. Take a mid-table team to in and around the Champions League places. Check. Spend next to no money on your squad. Check. Well it looks like it's Owen Coyle then. He really has done an amazing job at Bolton and has done to them exactly what the Indians want done to Blackburn. The Trotters are also reportedly in pretty dire financial straights and if they are forced to sell prize assets like Gary Cahill or Johan Elmander then Owen might see his efforts as a little futile. The prospect of strong financial backing as opposed to a dodgy bank balance might tempt him to yet another Lancashire club. Owen is in a very loving relationship right now though, and it would really be a wrench for him to leave his current partner, but if Blackburn could tempt him their way, then it would be the steal of the year.....
Diego Maradona?????
I suppose El Diego is the equivalent of the really wierd girl you see around, who for some reason is attractive even though you know she's not really. You sort of want to go out with them because it would be mental but fun for a while, but you know it wouldn't be a serious relationship. There is no evidence that Diego could achieve anything at all in club managment. He got to the quarter finals of the World Cup with Argentina, but with the talent in the squad that's no great achievement, and in the more league-like format of qualification he only just scraped through. He is a volatile and unstable character but he is ofcourse a massive name in football, and for a seemingly naive new owner could be a tempting choice. It would certainly give Venkys some more publicity which is the whole point behind their venture into the world of football. Could English football be about to become a whole lot more exciting with the hand of God getting involved?????
So who are the new owners tempting round with a pint of Cobra and a Madras????? (I hope that's not racist)
Well I've splashed out here and gone for five contenders, but in truth there are a few more that could equally take fair Blackburn's hand in marriage. Also, with Venkys saying that they are in no hurry to appoint and they could leave temporary boss Steve Kean in charge for as much as two months, more contenders could arise. However, of the five I've offered up today they all have their appeal. For pure neutral viewing El Diego would be the choice, because it would be insane. For what the club want to achieve it would seem Coyle is the obvious choice, but here at matchmaker we want to build, not crush relationships and Bolton really would be devastated by that loss. So the match I'm going to make today is Blackburn with Martin O'Neill. If Venkys are really serious about getting anywhere near the top four they need to get their cheque-book out, and this is what could tempt Martin their way. He didn't quite manage the top four with Villa, but he could potentially go one better this time. Do you think Martin would get off with Blackburn? I reckon E wood (pleased with that one)
Who do you reckon should fill Big Sam's Big Shoes?????
Bonus article from goal.com ramblings: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/12/14/2260543/blackburn-owners-explain-sam-allardyce-sacking-we-wanted
Blackburn Rovers
So the new owners have come in from the footballing heartland that is the Indian chicken industry, and with their vast knowledge of the game that they've built up there have decided that Sam Allardyce isn't the man for the job at Ewood Park. They have unceremoniously put all his stuff in bin-bags and thrown them into the street in true bunny-boiler style. What is understandable from Venkys (the owners) is that they didn't like Big Sam's brand of football, which admittedly wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but it did a job and the way he has turned Rovers round from the state Paul Ince left them in has been very impressive, and playing direct football is how he's done it. Venkys have also changed their mind about settling for mid-table football and want to push for Champions League football, however have not mentioned anything about changing the initial £5m that they were offering for transfers. I'm afrad if your Sam Allardyce, Sir Alex Ferguson or anyone else without a wand and pointy hat, you arn't getting Blackburn into the Champions League with 5 million quid. So as difficult as this sounds, I'm going to try and find this newly available, high-maintenence lady a new man. One that can get an ugly mid-table side playing entertaining football and qualifying for Europe with no money, we shall see.....
Martin Jol?????
He's been made the favourite with the money people, and they usually have a good idea what they are talking about, but would he be the right man for our girl? Well he was in the strangely fortunate position, last time he managed in England, of being fired when people generally still thought he was doing a decent job and still liked him. So he got to leave his post with dignity and a reputation that was still intact. Since leaving Spurs he's had good with Hamburg and Ajax (win ratios of over 60% at both is pretty handy) but is now a single man, and I'm sure be relishing the prospect of a return to England. Venkys have said they'd like an Englishman to take charge, but having just ditched one of the few reputable English managers I don't think they're that fussed. Jol has one a couple of cup competitions in his managerial career and this is all a club like Rovers can really hope for, so he seems to have the credentials. Whether he is the inspirational figure that could lead a relatively small club to league and cup glory though I'm not so sure. Will Rovers get up some Dutch courage and ask Martin out on a date?????
Martin O'Neill?????
Martin number two on the list of potentials is another high calibre manager, and unless Venkys are really willing to give him some funds to spend, you would think he would be out of Blackburn's league. Again he is a manager who left his last job with reputation firmly intact, epecially since Gerard Houllier has done so badly since taking over from him. This would suggest Martin would be after a stand-out babe rather than the one or two pinter that is Blackburn Rovers, but as mentioned a substantial war-chest could change his mind. O'Neill is certainly an inspirational type figure and has had success wherever he has managed. His brand of football might not be as crude as Big Sam's, but he does have a tendency for the long ball to the big man, as his affinity with Emile Heskey throughout his career has demonstrated, so it might not quite be the sexy football the Indians are after. Although I have no doubts that if Rovers could slip on some lingerie and lure Martin their way then they certainly would, but have they got the figure for it?????
Alan Curbishley?????
Here's a man that has been single for rather longer than you'd expect. Did an incredible job at Charlton, which maybe was taken for granted, but their decline to league one also-rans has proved that what he did was truly sensational. He also did a better job at West Ham than any that have followed him and only left over transfer disputes. If this is likely to be an issue though, the situation at Ewood might just put him off a bit (as it would O'Neill for that matter). I'm sure Alan will be looking to get back on the dating scene soon though, and it's not often that a Premier League club that arn't struggling with relegation becomes available (except last week) so it might be an opportunity too good to turn down. However, whether he is the big name that the new owners might be looking for is questionable. Will Alan give up the batchelor lifestyle and settle down at Ewood Park?
Owen Coyle?????
Make an ugly team play attractive football. Check. Take a mid-table team to in and around the Champions League places. Check. Spend next to no money on your squad. Check. Well it looks like it's Owen Coyle then. He really has done an amazing job at Bolton and has done to them exactly what the Indians want done to Blackburn. The Trotters are also reportedly in pretty dire financial straights and if they are forced to sell prize assets like Gary Cahill or Johan Elmander then Owen might see his efforts as a little futile. The prospect of strong financial backing as opposed to a dodgy bank balance might tempt him to yet another Lancashire club. Owen is in a very loving relationship right now though, and it would really be a wrench for him to leave his current partner, but if Blackburn could tempt him their way, then it would be the steal of the year.....
Diego Maradona?????
I suppose El Diego is the equivalent of the really wierd girl you see around, who for some reason is attractive even though you know she's not really. You sort of want to go out with them because it would be mental but fun for a while, but you know it wouldn't be a serious relationship. There is no evidence that Diego could achieve anything at all in club managment. He got to the quarter finals of the World Cup with Argentina, but with the talent in the squad that's no great achievement, and in the more league-like format of qualification he only just scraped through. He is a volatile and unstable character but he is ofcourse a massive name in football, and for a seemingly naive new owner could be a tempting choice. It would certainly give Venkys some more publicity which is the whole point behind their venture into the world of football. Could English football be about to become a whole lot more exciting with the hand of God getting involved?????
So who are the new owners tempting round with a pint of Cobra and a Madras????? (I hope that's not racist)
Well I've splashed out here and gone for five contenders, but in truth there are a few more that could equally take fair Blackburn's hand in marriage. Also, with Venkys saying that they are in no hurry to appoint and they could leave temporary boss Steve Kean in charge for as much as two months, more contenders could arise. However, of the five I've offered up today they all have their appeal. For pure neutral viewing El Diego would be the choice, because it would be insane. For what the club want to achieve it would seem Coyle is the obvious choice, but here at matchmaker we want to build, not crush relationships and Bolton really would be devastated by that loss. So the match I'm going to make today is Blackburn with Martin O'Neill. If Venkys are really serious about getting anywhere near the top four they need to get their cheque-book out, and this is what could tempt Martin their way. He didn't quite manage the top four with Villa, but he could potentially go one better this time. Do you think Martin would get off with Blackburn? I reckon E wood (pleased with that one)
Who do you reckon should fill Big Sam's Big Shoes?????
Bonus article from goal.com ramblings: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/12/14/2260543/blackburn-owners-explain-sam-allardyce-sacking-we-wanted
Friday 10 December 2010
Footballer Needing Love - Alexander Hleb
If ever a man has been on the rebound, then it's Alex Hleb right now. Out on loan at a mid-table Premier League club who are prone to the long ball is not where he should be right now, and it is a result of him being so harshly cast aside by his dream girl of Barcelona. Let's sort you out Alex...
Alex Hleb - Birmingham City (On loan from Barcelona)
Here we have one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League, arguably in Europe, and is certainly the most skilled Belarussian to grace these shores since Pyotr Kachura (Sheffield United fans will remember him, met him once, lovely man). Alex was in his prime at Arsenal where his incredible technical ability suited The Gunners' pass and move football down to a tea. He seemed a personification of their one touch, pass and move play, although this included an inability to shoot at goal which was frustrating at times. Our man had already earned the nickname "The Wizard's Apprentice" from his time at Stuttgart for his silky skills and trickery. In the summer of 2008, the loving relationship Alex had with Arsenal was severed as he was lured away by the temptress that is Barcelona. It was understandable, Barca really are the best gal around, and when she flutters her eyelashes in your direction it's impossible to resist. Things didn't work out at the Nou Camp though, Alex couldn't break into the star-studded first team and first returned to Stuttgart on a season long loan, and now is at Birmingham on a similar deal. Al has already complained about the direct nature of Birmingham's play, and has declared himself embarrassed at being left on the bench on occassions. This is clearly not a match made in heaven, so let's find him one that is.....
Bolton Wanderers?????
Not that I want to jump on any band wagons, but Owen Coyle really has done an incredible job at the Reebok Stadium. The Trotters were an ugly but effective team under Allardyce, then an ugly and ineffective team under Megson (wierd how teams can describe their managers as well) and Coyle has somehow managed to turn this situation round in less than a year into Bolton being an incredibly exciting footballing side. It really is a phenomenal achivement after the years of drudgery that has been engrained on the minds of the Bolton squad. Two years ago, matching Alex with Bolton would have been derided and I would have had to resign from matchmaking under a cloud of public abuse, but now it really is an option, as they have become the geeky girl who has turned out to be really fit when she finally puts some nice clothes on. They already play with some similar types of players like Lee Chung-Yong and Mark Davies, but you'd think Al would be an improvement and would play regularly at the Reebok. With Martin Petrov in there aswell, it really could have the potential of a top midfield. Could Al be tempted by the new look babe from Bolton?????
Sunderland?????
The Black Cats have been impressive this season, obviously the thrashing of Chelsea away being the highlight, and are establishing themselves as a genuine top-half club. They struggled for goals a little at the start of the season, but this seems to have been cured with Bent, Gyan and Welbeck all getting in on the act. They do have the distructive, and some what mental, presence of Lee Cattermole in midfield, but with Malbranque, Henderson and Zenden there, it shows they want to pass the ball and create from the middle of the park. It would be a signal of intent from Steve Bruce that he really is trying to push the club on to be real contenders by signing a player of Alex's quality and reputation. However, he would have to do what Birmingham have failed to and give him a pivotal role in the team, and play the brand of football that would suit him. This sounds like Al is being a bit high maintenance, but surely that kind of football is what everyone wants to see. The Wizard's Apprentice with the Black Cats? A magical matchmake perhaps?????
Villarreal?????
Unfortunatly for fans in England, I just don't think there's that many options in the Premier League for Al to find some love. He's got to be playing in the top half, because he's an excellent player, but I can't see any of the really big clubs being interested after his slump in form. A return to Arsenal is a possibility, but I can't really see it happening, reconcilliations don't work too often. So it could be a return to sunny Spain for Alex, but to somewhere that will appreciate him and treat him with the love and respect he deserves, so where better than Villarreal. The club's success is an incredible achievement seen as the town of Vila-real where they are based only has just over 50,000 inhabitants. But the club has come from nowhere to be a real force in La Liga, and has some excellent players that the locals all adore. Nilmar and Guiseppe Rossi upfront is an impressive strike-force, but it is the link-up with the likes of Santi Cazorla and Cani in midfield that Alex could really benefit from. As a point of reference, when Robert Pires left Arsenal for El Madrigal he absolutely loved it, maybe this is a path for Al to follow. Will temperatures be hotting up for Alex en Espana?????
So Al needs a destination as he comes From Belarussia With Love.....(sorry)
It really is a tricky one for Al here. He has quite a specific set of credentials he's looking for in a lady and certainly in England there arn't many where a match could be made. There is no doubt that he is still an excellent player, and at 29 he still has a lot to give to any club that makes him there's. There is always the possibilty that his relationship with Birmingham could get over it's initial troubles and blossom into something beautiful, but I can't see it happening. Of the three choices I've offerred up to Al, the one I really want to matchmake him with is Bolton. They really have been so impressive this season that they deserve to get even more quality into their team. However, their financial situation has been publicly declared as shakey at best and I think the expense of a partner of Alex's calibre might just be out of their reach. Therefore I'm going to go for the obvious choice which for me seems to be Villarreal, and if Al had to choose one of the three I think it would the Yellow Submarines that he'd go for. So enjoy our man in the Premier League while you can, because he might not be around for long....
Alex Hleb - Birmingham City (On loan from Barcelona)
Here we have one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League, arguably in Europe, and is certainly the most skilled Belarussian to grace these shores since Pyotr Kachura (Sheffield United fans will remember him, met him once, lovely man). Alex was in his prime at Arsenal where his incredible technical ability suited The Gunners' pass and move football down to a tea. He seemed a personification of their one touch, pass and move play, although this included an inability to shoot at goal which was frustrating at times. Our man had already earned the nickname "The Wizard's Apprentice" from his time at Stuttgart for his silky skills and trickery. In the summer of 2008, the loving relationship Alex had with Arsenal was severed as he was lured away by the temptress that is Barcelona. It was understandable, Barca really are the best gal around, and when she flutters her eyelashes in your direction it's impossible to resist. Things didn't work out at the Nou Camp though, Alex couldn't break into the star-studded first team and first returned to Stuttgart on a season long loan, and now is at Birmingham on a similar deal. Al has already complained about the direct nature of Birmingham's play, and has declared himself embarrassed at being left on the bench on occassions. This is clearly not a match made in heaven, so let's find him one that is.....
Bolton Wanderers?????
Not that I want to jump on any band wagons, but Owen Coyle really has done an incredible job at the Reebok Stadium. The Trotters were an ugly but effective team under Allardyce, then an ugly and ineffective team under Megson (wierd how teams can describe their managers as well) and Coyle has somehow managed to turn this situation round in less than a year into Bolton being an incredibly exciting footballing side. It really is a phenomenal achivement after the years of drudgery that has been engrained on the minds of the Bolton squad. Two years ago, matching Alex with Bolton would have been derided and I would have had to resign from matchmaking under a cloud of public abuse, but now it really is an option, as they have become the geeky girl who has turned out to be really fit when she finally puts some nice clothes on. They already play with some similar types of players like Lee Chung-Yong and Mark Davies, but you'd think Al would be an improvement and would play regularly at the Reebok. With Martin Petrov in there aswell, it really could have the potential of a top midfield. Could Al be tempted by the new look babe from Bolton?????
Sunderland?????
The Black Cats have been impressive this season, obviously the thrashing of Chelsea away being the highlight, and are establishing themselves as a genuine top-half club. They struggled for goals a little at the start of the season, but this seems to have been cured with Bent, Gyan and Welbeck all getting in on the act. They do have the distructive, and some what mental, presence of Lee Cattermole in midfield, but with Malbranque, Henderson and Zenden there, it shows they want to pass the ball and create from the middle of the park. It would be a signal of intent from Steve Bruce that he really is trying to push the club on to be real contenders by signing a player of Alex's quality and reputation. However, he would have to do what Birmingham have failed to and give him a pivotal role in the team, and play the brand of football that would suit him. This sounds like Al is being a bit high maintenance, but surely that kind of football is what everyone wants to see. The Wizard's Apprentice with the Black Cats? A magical matchmake perhaps?????
Villarreal?????
Unfortunatly for fans in England, I just don't think there's that many options in the Premier League for Al to find some love. He's got to be playing in the top half, because he's an excellent player, but I can't see any of the really big clubs being interested after his slump in form. A return to Arsenal is a possibility, but I can't really see it happening, reconcilliations don't work too often. So it could be a return to sunny Spain for Alex, but to somewhere that will appreciate him and treat him with the love and respect he deserves, so where better than Villarreal. The club's success is an incredible achievement seen as the town of Vila-real where they are based only has just over 50,000 inhabitants. But the club has come from nowhere to be a real force in La Liga, and has some excellent players that the locals all adore. Nilmar and Guiseppe Rossi upfront is an impressive strike-force, but it is the link-up with the likes of Santi Cazorla and Cani in midfield that Alex could really benefit from. As a point of reference, when Robert Pires left Arsenal for El Madrigal he absolutely loved it, maybe this is a path for Al to follow. Will temperatures be hotting up for Alex en Espana?????
So Al needs a destination as he comes From Belarussia With Love.....(sorry)
It really is a tricky one for Al here. He has quite a specific set of credentials he's looking for in a lady and certainly in England there arn't many where a match could be made. There is no doubt that he is still an excellent player, and at 29 he still has a lot to give to any club that makes him there's. There is always the possibilty that his relationship with Birmingham could get over it's initial troubles and blossom into something beautiful, but I can't see it happening. Of the three choices I've offerred up to Al, the one I really want to matchmake him with is Bolton. They really have been so impressive this season that they deserve to get even more quality into their team. However, their financial situation has been publicly declared as shakey at best and I think the expense of a partner of Alex's calibre might just be out of their reach. Therefore I'm going to go for the obvious choice which for me seems to be Villarreal, and if Al had to choose one of the three I think it would the Yellow Submarines that he'd go for. So enjoy our man in the Premier League while you can, because he might not be around for long....
Friday 3 December 2010
Footballer Needing Love - Robbie Keane
A man with a string of ex-clubs that would have most other players drooling, he's Ireland's all time record goalscorer, he's the 11th highest scorer in Premier League history with 121 and he can do a cracking forward role, who wouldn't fancy a date with Robbie Keane? Well I'll find three clubs that just might be interested in our man....
Robbie Keane - Tottenham Hotspur
I may have got over excited and reeled off all Robbie's credentials in the opening, but to be honest he has been such a good player over the years, I just couldn't wait to big him up. Since bursting onto the scene at Wolves way back in 1997 he has scored regularly if not prolificly throughout his career. His 157 goals in 428 games isn't the hallowed ground of 1 in 2 that all strikers are looking for these days, but as mentioned, he's up in 11th in all time Premier League scorers which really puts him up amongst the elite. Throwing 45 goals for his country into the mix puts him up there in potentially legendary status. However, enough of the facts and figures, Robbie has fallen out of love after his career went some what off the rails with a move to Liverpool in 2008. He seemed to have hit the height of his powers for Spurs and got his dream move to Anfield, but it just didn't work out there, and he returned to White Hart Lane, but hasn't recaptured his form since. It's tempting to think that Robbie is past it and will be scouring the retirement home for a date, but he's only 30 years old and has some life in him yet, so let's find him a young fily to recapture his form and loving feeling......
Aston Villa?????
The Villains are definitely in the hunt for a new striker. Whatever Houllier says in the press, he doesn't get on with Carew and will not put any faith in him, Heskey is not the answer to any question, unless it's who should be playing in the Championship nowadays? Agbonlahor has lost his form quite badly in the last year and a half, and Delfouneso isn't being risked regularly in the first team yet. Potentially Agbonlahor and Delfouneso could go on to be very good Premier League strikers but Houllier needs a quick fix and Robbie could well be it. Robbie is lacking form and confidence, but a run in any first team would get him scoring again, and with the service that would certainly be provided by the likes of Ashley Young and Stuart Downing he could get back to his best. If Houllier is wanting to bring his two young strikers on effectively, a presence like Robbie Keane in the dressing room will only help him, and will certainly be more of an inspirational figure than Heskey or Carew. Villa are also under-performing so far this term and the signing of Robbie, who is still a big name, might just be a catalyst to turn their season round. Will Robbie go back to his roots in the Midlands, maybe he'll fancy a French connection with Gerard......
Fulham?????
If we thought Villa needed a striker, it's nothing compared to the Cottagers' need. Andy Johnson is a good forward but has been injured for so long it is going to take time for him to regain any form. We've seen Eddie Johnson and Diamansy Kamara so far this season, which shows Mark Hughes' desperation and the goal scoring burden seems to be falling almost entirely on the likes of Clint Dempsey and Zoltan Gera. This has got to push Hughes into the market for a stiker in January and an available and potentially cut-price Robbie Keane would be very welcome at Craven Cottage. This could well be a necessity rather than a luxury for Fulham, as they slip further and further towards the relegation battle and their lack of goals will soon turn from a problem into a crisis. Fulham would certainly be the doting wife if Robbie struck up a relationship with them, they need him, but will this intice Robbie to move from North to West London?????
Newcastle United?????
It's been a very impressive return to the Premier League that Newcastle have made, and I think they'll be looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table with some more Premier League quality and a man who has scored so many goals in the top flight would certainly give them that. The Magpies are playing Carroll and Ameobi up top together regularly this season which is a tactic that is getting them results for now, but playing it long up to two big men is probably a tactic Chris Hughton has been using to establish themselves in the league before playing a more attractive brand of football when they have a foothold in the division. Big Shola is still not a Premier League quality striker as well, and there's no doubt that Robbie would be a significant improvement on him. Hughton also has strong links with Spurs, that could just swing any potential deal his way. Will Newcastle get their mini-skirt on and get hammered in time honoured fashion looking to attract Robbie's attention?????
So who's getting off in the cloak room at the Christmas party?????
Robbie has got bags more goals in him yet, and with his character, will be determined to prove it until he physically can't get himself onto a pitch anymore. It will just take someone to boost his confidence back to where it should be and that could see him becoming the bargain of the year as he could well be available for just £6 million. I think the confidence issue will be improved the most if he goes to a club on the up, and I'm afraid there's only one of the three clubs mentioned that look like they're heading in the right direction and that's Newcastle. With the rise and rise of Andy Carroll continuing, a partnership with Robbie could be lethal for the Toon, and really re-establish them as a force in the league. He would also be loved by the Newcastle faithful and that is only going to have a positive affect on his game. So can Robbie and Newcastle hook up next month? Let's all hope so
Spurs fans, is it time for Robbie to call it a day in London?????
Who thinks they can tempt Robbie their way?????
Robbie Keane - Tottenham Hotspur
I may have got over excited and reeled off all Robbie's credentials in the opening, but to be honest he has been such a good player over the years, I just couldn't wait to big him up. Since bursting onto the scene at Wolves way back in 1997 he has scored regularly if not prolificly throughout his career. His 157 goals in 428 games isn't the hallowed ground of 1 in 2 that all strikers are looking for these days, but as mentioned, he's up in 11th in all time Premier League scorers which really puts him up amongst the elite. Throwing 45 goals for his country into the mix puts him up there in potentially legendary status. However, enough of the facts and figures, Robbie has fallen out of love after his career went some what off the rails with a move to Liverpool in 2008. He seemed to have hit the height of his powers for Spurs and got his dream move to Anfield, but it just didn't work out there, and he returned to White Hart Lane, but hasn't recaptured his form since. It's tempting to think that Robbie is past it and will be scouring the retirement home for a date, but he's only 30 years old and has some life in him yet, so let's find him a young fily to recapture his form and loving feeling......
Aston Villa?????
The Villains are definitely in the hunt for a new striker. Whatever Houllier says in the press, he doesn't get on with Carew and will not put any faith in him, Heskey is not the answer to any question, unless it's who should be playing in the Championship nowadays? Agbonlahor has lost his form quite badly in the last year and a half, and Delfouneso isn't being risked regularly in the first team yet. Potentially Agbonlahor and Delfouneso could go on to be very good Premier League strikers but Houllier needs a quick fix and Robbie could well be it. Robbie is lacking form and confidence, but a run in any first team would get him scoring again, and with the service that would certainly be provided by the likes of Ashley Young and Stuart Downing he could get back to his best. If Houllier is wanting to bring his two young strikers on effectively, a presence like Robbie Keane in the dressing room will only help him, and will certainly be more of an inspirational figure than Heskey or Carew. Villa are also under-performing so far this term and the signing of Robbie, who is still a big name, might just be a catalyst to turn their season round. Will Robbie go back to his roots in the Midlands, maybe he'll fancy a French connection with Gerard......
Fulham?????
If we thought Villa needed a striker, it's nothing compared to the Cottagers' need. Andy Johnson is a good forward but has been injured for so long it is going to take time for him to regain any form. We've seen Eddie Johnson and Diamansy Kamara so far this season, which shows Mark Hughes' desperation and the goal scoring burden seems to be falling almost entirely on the likes of Clint Dempsey and Zoltan Gera. This has got to push Hughes into the market for a stiker in January and an available and potentially cut-price Robbie Keane would be very welcome at Craven Cottage. This could well be a necessity rather than a luxury for Fulham, as they slip further and further towards the relegation battle and their lack of goals will soon turn from a problem into a crisis. Fulham would certainly be the doting wife if Robbie struck up a relationship with them, they need him, but will this intice Robbie to move from North to West London?????
Newcastle United?????
It's been a very impressive return to the Premier League that Newcastle have made, and I think they'll be looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table with some more Premier League quality and a man who has scored so many goals in the top flight would certainly give them that. The Magpies are playing Carroll and Ameobi up top together regularly this season which is a tactic that is getting them results for now, but playing it long up to two big men is probably a tactic Chris Hughton has been using to establish themselves in the league before playing a more attractive brand of football when they have a foothold in the division. Big Shola is still not a Premier League quality striker as well, and there's no doubt that Robbie would be a significant improvement on him. Hughton also has strong links with Spurs, that could just swing any potential deal his way. Will Newcastle get their mini-skirt on and get hammered in time honoured fashion looking to attract Robbie's attention?????
So who's getting off in the cloak room at the Christmas party?????
Robbie has got bags more goals in him yet, and with his character, will be determined to prove it until he physically can't get himself onto a pitch anymore. It will just take someone to boost his confidence back to where it should be and that could see him becoming the bargain of the year as he could well be available for just £6 million. I think the confidence issue will be improved the most if he goes to a club on the up, and I'm afraid there's only one of the three clubs mentioned that look like they're heading in the right direction and that's Newcastle. With the rise and rise of Andy Carroll continuing, a partnership with Robbie could be lethal for the Toon, and really re-establish them as a force in the league. He would also be loved by the Newcastle faithful and that is only going to have a positive affect on his game. So can Robbie and Newcastle hook up next month? Let's all hope so
Spurs fans, is it time for Robbie to call it a day in London?????
Who thinks they can tempt Robbie their way?????
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Footaller Needing Love - Shay Given
Possibly the most popular candidate for some matchmaking so far is this plucky Irishman, who has quite spectacularly fallen out of love with his club. I suppose Shay has learnt the hard way that if you ditch your girl for a rich "sugar mama" they're always prone to run off with a younger model.
Shay Given - Manchester City
Unsurprisingly it is Manchester City who are the first team to feature twice on the matchmaker as the side who have treated there men badly. The machine-like accumulation of footballing talent that has gone on at Eastlands, just as it did at Stamford Bridge not so long ago, was always going to leave some casualties. What is slightly odd is that Shay (like Santa Cruz who I matchmade before) were both brought in since the investment, and are still deemed surplus to requirements. Although some were seen as mercenaries when they joined the City revolution, there was little or no bad feeling going the way of Shay. He had been keeping Newcastle in games with consistantly excellent performances for over ten years, but seeing the way the club was going, probably being sick of having to try and organise the likes of Bramble and Boumsong and wanting to add trophies to his career he decided to move on. Man. City were lacking an established 'keeper and it seemed the perfect place to go and finish his career in style. However, the emergence of Joe Hart has ruined Shay's time in Manchester and he is resigned to the bench, probably being the best number 2 'keeper around in world football. We all know he's too good for this, he needs a new love and I'm going to find it for him. Come on Shay, we're going on the pull!
Arsenal?????
Arsene Wenger has proved to be a very stubborn man in his long years in charge of Arsenal over various issues, but one that I'm sure is grating Gunners fans more than most is his refusal to buy a top keeper. It's bad enough that he assembles indecisive central defenders (Koscielny especially does not look up to it) but putting a dodgy, flappy keeper behind them is just asking for trouble. Yes Fabianski and Almunia have put in good performances for Arsenal, but nowhere near consistantly enough and their mistakes have not just cost them consolation goals, but serious goals and therefore serious points. Wenger was seemingly trying to address the situation as he made bids for Mark Schwarzer in the summer that were rejected, if Shay is available then its time Arsene sent him some flirty texts and got him well and truly confirmed as the Number 1 at the Emirates.
Manchester United?????
Unlike the inconsistant performers between the sticks at the Emirates that I mentioned, Edwin van der Saar is a model of consistancy and has been throughout his career. He does have the added bonus of playing behind an exceptional defence at Old Trafford, but still he makes the saves and catches on an incredibly regular basis. Unfortunately for Sir Alex though, Big Ed is 40 years old and will be calling time on his illustrious career very shortly. They have recently signed Danish keeper Anders Lindegaard, but the jury is out as to whether he will go straight in at number 1 at Old Trafford. If Sir Alex is looking for a safe pair of hands to take over from van der Saar immediately then Shay is definately his man. It would also be a big bonus for United fans if Shay was to prove Mancini wrong by recapturing his form and performing at his best on the red side of Manchester. Will Shay cause a stir and run off with the girl next door?
Celtic?????
This is an interesting option for Shay if he was to choose a move north of the border. He would be guaranteed the number 1 jersey for as long as he could still walk and breath if he went to Celtic Park, the madness that ensued when Robbie Keane went there on loan would, I'm sure be repeated if Shay made the same journey. The opportunity for guaranteed action and being idolised by the fans might be just what Shay needs after his prolonged sit down on the City bench. However, he may well also consider it a step down in quality that he doesn't need or want to take just yet in his career. He is now 34, but that's not old for a 'keeper by any stretch, and if he does want the perks that would come with a move to Celtic, he might want to leave it a year or two yet.
So who's bought Shay a guiness and stroking his leg under the table????
The quality of the sides that I have put on offer for Shay shows how desperately he needs this matchmaking. There is no way that a goalkeeper of his class, with over 100 caps for his country should be sitting in a dugout anywhere, especially in his early to mid thirties when he should be at his peak. You get the impression that he is not the sort of character to happily sit out matches content with picking up his pay cheque (however enormous it is) at the end of the week, so may well push for a move in January. I originally started writing with every intention of fixing Shay up with the boys at the Emirates, but I'm going to do an about turn on this one and match make him with Manchester United. Fergie, I'm sure will want experience to take over from van der Saar and Shay perfectly fits the bill. Also the chance for both Sir Alex and Shay to put two fingers up to City will be too good an opportunity to turn down. Will there be a very local fling in January? Let's hope so.
City fans, do you think it's right Shay has been left out of so much football?
Man U fans, is he the right replacement for Edwin?
Everyone else stake their claim for Shay, I'm sure most clubs would love to have him
Shay Given - Manchester City
Unsurprisingly it is Manchester City who are the first team to feature twice on the matchmaker as the side who have treated there men badly. The machine-like accumulation of footballing talent that has gone on at Eastlands, just as it did at Stamford Bridge not so long ago, was always going to leave some casualties. What is slightly odd is that Shay (like Santa Cruz who I matchmade before) were both brought in since the investment, and are still deemed surplus to requirements. Although some were seen as mercenaries when they joined the City revolution, there was little or no bad feeling going the way of Shay. He had been keeping Newcastle in games with consistantly excellent performances for over ten years, but seeing the way the club was going, probably being sick of having to try and organise the likes of Bramble and Boumsong and wanting to add trophies to his career he decided to move on. Man. City were lacking an established 'keeper and it seemed the perfect place to go and finish his career in style. However, the emergence of Joe Hart has ruined Shay's time in Manchester and he is resigned to the bench, probably being the best number 2 'keeper around in world football. We all know he's too good for this, he needs a new love and I'm going to find it for him. Come on Shay, we're going on the pull!
Arsenal?????
Arsene Wenger has proved to be a very stubborn man in his long years in charge of Arsenal over various issues, but one that I'm sure is grating Gunners fans more than most is his refusal to buy a top keeper. It's bad enough that he assembles indecisive central defenders (Koscielny especially does not look up to it) but putting a dodgy, flappy keeper behind them is just asking for trouble. Yes Fabianski and Almunia have put in good performances for Arsenal, but nowhere near consistantly enough and their mistakes have not just cost them consolation goals, but serious goals and therefore serious points. Wenger was seemingly trying to address the situation as he made bids for Mark Schwarzer in the summer that were rejected, if Shay is available then its time Arsene sent him some flirty texts and got him well and truly confirmed as the Number 1 at the Emirates.
Manchester United?????
Unlike the inconsistant performers between the sticks at the Emirates that I mentioned, Edwin van der Saar is a model of consistancy and has been throughout his career. He does have the added bonus of playing behind an exceptional defence at Old Trafford, but still he makes the saves and catches on an incredibly regular basis. Unfortunately for Sir Alex though, Big Ed is 40 years old and will be calling time on his illustrious career very shortly. They have recently signed Danish keeper Anders Lindegaard, but the jury is out as to whether he will go straight in at number 1 at Old Trafford. If Sir Alex is looking for a safe pair of hands to take over from van der Saar immediately then Shay is definately his man. It would also be a big bonus for United fans if Shay was to prove Mancini wrong by recapturing his form and performing at his best on the red side of Manchester. Will Shay cause a stir and run off with the girl next door?
Celtic?????
This is an interesting option for Shay if he was to choose a move north of the border. He would be guaranteed the number 1 jersey for as long as he could still walk and breath if he went to Celtic Park, the madness that ensued when Robbie Keane went there on loan would, I'm sure be repeated if Shay made the same journey. The opportunity for guaranteed action and being idolised by the fans might be just what Shay needs after his prolonged sit down on the City bench. However, he may well also consider it a step down in quality that he doesn't need or want to take just yet in his career. He is now 34, but that's not old for a 'keeper by any stretch, and if he does want the perks that would come with a move to Celtic, he might want to leave it a year or two yet.
So who's bought Shay a guiness and stroking his leg under the table????
The quality of the sides that I have put on offer for Shay shows how desperately he needs this matchmaking. There is no way that a goalkeeper of his class, with over 100 caps for his country should be sitting in a dugout anywhere, especially in his early to mid thirties when he should be at his peak. You get the impression that he is not the sort of character to happily sit out matches content with picking up his pay cheque (however enormous it is) at the end of the week, so may well push for a move in January. I originally started writing with every intention of fixing Shay up with the boys at the Emirates, but I'm going to do an about turn on this one and match make him with Manchester United. Fergie, I'm sure will want experience to take over from van der Saar and Shay perfectly fits the bill. Also the chance for both Sir Alex and Shay to put two fingers up to City will be too good an opportunity to turn down. Will there be a very local fling in January? Let's hope so.
City fans, do you think it's right Shay has been left out of so much football?
Man U fans, is he the right replacement for Edwin?
Everyone else stake their claim for Shay, I'm sure most clubs would love to have him
Saturday 20 November 2010
Footballer Needing Love - Nicklas Bendtner
It's not easy to find love when you think everyone else on the planet is beneath you, but after recent public outbursts, I'm going to try and do this for the pink boot wearing, irritating bell end that is Nicklas Bendtner. Wish me luck!
Nicklas Bendtner - Arsenal
Big Nick has all the qualities that should lead him to being a huge force in the Premier League, and at times has shown that maybe he will be. He is a huge presence upfront, standing at around 6 ft 5in, and has the power and strength that a good big man in attack should have. He also has shown the touch, control and calmness on the ball that you'd expect from a man that's played for Arsene Wenger from a young age, however, this is not shown anything like every week. He'll look like a young Alan Shearer one week, strong in the air, impossible to shake off the ball, banging in goals with his head and his feet, and then miraculously transform into an Ade Akinbiyi impersonator for the next game, missing endless chances and looking horribly out of his depth. This is a bizarre situation for someone who is seemingly, behind maybe Ronaldo, the most confidant man in professional football. On more than one occasion he has claimed to be the best striker not just at Arsenal (sorry van Persie), not just in the Premier League (sorry Drogba) but in the world (really sorry Messi). Nick's deluded thoughts are probably part of the reason why he doesn't understand being third or fourth choice at Arsenal, behind Chamakh, van Persie and maybe Walcott, and has said recently he may be looking to move on. So can we find the Danish Delight a place where he'll feel the love again and prove us all wrong by becoming the best player in the world? I hear he's already patented the nickname "The tall white Scandinavian Pele." Catchy.
Liverpool ?????
Nicklas Bendtner - Arsenal
Big Nick has all the qualities that should lead him to being a huge force in the Premier League, and at times has shown that maybe he will be. He is a huge presence upfront, standing at around 6 ft 5in, and has the power and strength that a good big man in attack should have. He also has shown the touch, control and calmness on the ball that you'd expect from a man that's played for Arsene Wenger from a young age, however, this is not shown anything like every week. He'll look like a young Alan Shearer one week, strong in the air, impossible to shake off the ball, banging in goals with his head and his feet, and then miraculously transform into an Ade Akinbiyi impersonator for the next game, missing endless chances and looking horribly out of his depth. This is a bizarre situation for someone who is seemingly, behind maybe Ronaldo, the most confidant man in professional football. On more than one occasion he has claimed to be the best striker not just at Arsenal (sorry van Persie), not just in the Premier League (sorry Drogba) but in the world (really sorry Messi). Nick's deluded thoughts are probably part of the reason why he doesn't understand being third or fourth choice at Arsenal, behind Chamakh, van Persie and maybe Walcott, and has said recently he may be looking to move on. So can we find the Danish Delight a place where he'll feel the love again and prove us all wrong by becoming the best player in the world? I hear he's already patented the nickname "The tall white Scandinavian Pele." Catchy.
The Reds are very much a one man show in the striking department, and have been for some seasons now. Kuyt is really no longer a frontman, Ngog I think is a little underrated, but still isn’t really up to it and the less said about Jovanovic the better. Torres has it all to do by himself most weeks, and Liverpool are very lucky that he is good enough to do this a lot of the time, as there aren’t many forwards around that could. I think it’s fair to say that Fernando would like a bit more help on occasion, and that Liverpool fans would like to see him given it. Although we didn’t see the best of him at the world cup, he and David Villa have been deadly for Spain
Everton?????
The Toffees have struggled with their forwards recently, quite surprisingly really. In Saha and Yakubu they have two proven goal scorers at Premier League level who should not be struggling to find the net. However, they have been and Everton really almost entirely on their goals coming from midfield. They do almost exclusively only play one up top which means Saha and the Yak have rarely played together, but still, their goal returns haven’t been the best. As a focal point for an attack that would bring the likes of Cahill and Arteta into play, Mr. Bendtner really fits the bill, obviously being big and strong and capable of holding the ball up. Nick has played out wide for Arsenal on occasion as well, so could fit into Everton’s five-man midfield if needs be. He would certainly get more games than at the Emirates and that would probably get his heart pounding again. Could it be Merseyside magic for Nicklas????? Used that before, could it be Goodison Park Greatness for Bendtner????? That’s better.
A.C. Milan
The matchmaker’s first delve into the foreign dating scene here as we look to pair Nicklas up with a fine mate. It’s come to this firstly because he’s been linked with the Rossoneri but mainly due to his attitude I don’t see him getting into bed with anyone but a really big club, so that rules out many an option at home that I would love to have matched him with, but just don’t think he’d go for. He’s a bit like an average looking bloke who’ll only date super models (also known as a twat). Milan have declared some interest in Nick as their legendary striker Fillipo Inzaghi has been hit with a serious injury and apparently Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Ronaldinho aren’t enough to lead the line. I’m not convinced Nick will find the love he’s looking for at the San Siro where he will be surrounded by such huge name and talent. He certainly wouldn’t be guaranteed first team football and him and Ibra is a potentially explosive relationship. It’s a move that would tempt any footballer though, and his pink boots would fit in in the fashion capital of the world, maybe. Will it be an Italian Affair for Nicklas?????
Bonus Fourth Option – Bayern Munich?????
What a treat for all involved as I continue my tour of Europe looking for love for Nicklas. Again this is thanks to Bayern declaring some interest in bringing Nicklas to Bavaria Europe . Nick would have to displace inform Mario Gomez and world cup hero Thomas Muller, but I would still expect him to get games. Performing for Bayern, one of the biggest clubs in the world would probably stroke his ego just as he clearly wants. Bavarian bliss for the Dane?????
So after this Europe-wide game of spin the bottle, who’s puckering up for some action?
As mentioned, Nick’s incredible ego has limited the options for matchmaking here to clubs that he doesn’t feel are beneath him, and to be honest he might even put Everton into that bracket. I think the Liverpool move makes real sense and I would be tempted to match Nick up with the Reds, but I am infact going to pair him up with Bayern Munich. This is a real tough one as there is a lot to take into account with this bizarre character, but if Bayern are genuinely interested in taking him to the Allianz-Arena then he couldn’t help but flutter his eyelashes back at them. Nick is still only 22 and if he went to Bayern and established himself in the first team, he could go on to become a real legend at the club. So maybe there will be some Anglo-German dealings in January, for love’s sake let’s hope so.
Arsenal fans, do you want to see the back of Nicklas?
Does anybody actually want him in their side?
Monday 15 November 2010
Footballer Needing Love - Anderson
"The new Ronaldinho" has looked more like the current Steve Sidwell since arriving at Old Trafford - average. He hasn't been shown the love and affection from Fergie that he wants and maybe its time for him to have a new sugar daddy.
Anderson - Manchester United
The Brazilian came to Manchester for big money back in the summer of 2007, and it looked a lovely match when he arrived having a very solid first season, but the relationship has become increasingly strained ever since, appearing in less and less league matches ever since, dipping to just 14 last term. His talents arn't doubted although they are not always the most eye-catching on the pitch. He doesn't score goals (1 in 105 appearances for the Red Devils is a shocking return) but he does work hard, he can break up play, has an excellent touch and can pick a pass instantly. He's also picked up 8 caps for Brazil, which isn't a bad return at 22 years old. "Ando" as apparently he's known, seems to have dropped out of contention in the United midfield and it might be time for look for pastures new and get loved up once again.
So who's going to show the fiery passion that will spice up the Brazilian's life?
Bolton Wanderers?
The Trotters have been transformed under the stewardship of Owen Coyle into an attractive, free-flowing attacking side. Their performances this season have seen them well and truly shake off the ugly but effective tag that Sam Allardyce had built up for them and they are competing at the right end of the table nowadays. It is their skillful and creative midfield that is the basis of this turn-around, with Lee and Holden performing especially well providing Elmander, Davies or Klasnic with the chances that they have so far been converting. It would obviously be a major signing for Wanderers, but their capture of Martin Petrov in the summer shows that they can attract the big names and if they are really looking to establish themselves as a top-half team its the kind of signing they will be looking at. They have recently announced some very poor financial figures which might scupper any move, but you have to speculate to accumulate Mr. Gartside. Will Anderson be loving life again at the Reebok Stadium?????
Aston Villa?
Gerard Houllier has immediately put an emphasis on the Villa academy players since his arrival, with mixed results, but largely glowing reports of the youngsters. He can't rely on them forever though and it might be central midfield that is his priority after having to bring in Bannan and Hogg against Man. Utd. at the weekend. Stiliyan Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker are solid performers but Anderson has the potential to out-perform them both by some way, and if Stephen Ireland can ever find some form at Villa Park they could be an excellent pairing in the middle of the park. Villa seem to have dropped off from European challengers under O'Neill to average mid-table contenders this year, and they will be keen to get back to where they were, and with a couple of good signings they certainly could. Will Ando and Houllier be amending their facebook relationship status' in the near future?????
Liverpool?
Oooo its a controversial one. Have the might Liverpool really been relegated to having to sign United cast-offs? Would a man who's spent three years at Old Trafford really be able to stomach turning out for their big rivals? Well yes and yes in my humble opinion. It would be extremely harsh to call Anderson a United cast-off, he has just simply not fitted in as well as he might in Manchester and with Fergie's love of Darren Fletcher and the renaissance of Paul Scholes he's found it understandably difficult to get in the team. Liverpool's midfield isn't a bad one but the unimpressive start to his Anfield career from Christian Poulsen and the continuing inability of Lucas Leiva to do anything could see a space for Anderson to come in and fill. There is also talk of a substantial warchest that the manager (whoever it may be in January) will have to spend. A young, exciting presence in the middle of midfield might be just what the Merseysiders need to base their rivival on. Is Anderson about to break United hearts and run off with their old foes?????
So who's suspiciously disappearing into the disabled toilets together?
This entire post might well be a moot point if Fergie is just nuturing him, as he does with other young talents, to unleash him at the height of his powers when he sees fit. If so, he certainly won't be letting him go, but the ever decreasing appearances would say that he thought he was ready when he was signed and has just not been as good as expected. If he were to go, he wouldn't be a cheap buy for anyone, which may, I'm afraid, rule out Bolton. I'm going to go for the controversial choice today matchmaker fans and pair up Ando with Liverpool. The Reds are going to be looking for fresh blood in January, especially if a new manager comes in and wants to put his stamp on the club and as mentioned Lucas and Poulsen might well need improving on. Having spent his whole career at club's challenging for titles, he may well be looking to stay at one, and although Liverpool certainly arn't one of those right now, they have the potential to be. So is Ando going to swap one red shirt for another in his search for love?
United fans, has your relationship with Anderson come to a grinding halt? Could you bare seeing him in a Liverpool shirt?
Bolton, Villa fans, do you think you could tempt him your way?
Liverpool fans, would Anderson add something to your midfield?
Anyone else think they could lure him away from Old Trafford?
Comments Please.
Anderson - Manchester United
The Brazilian came to Manchester for big money back in the summer of 2007, and it looked a lovely match when he arrived having a very solid first season, but the relationship has become increasingly strained ever since, appearing in less and less league matches ever since, dipping to just 14 last term. His talents arn't doubted although they are not always the most eye-catching on the pitch. He doesn't score goals (1 in 105 appearances for the Red Devils is a shocking return) but he does work hard, he can break up play, has an excellent touch and can pick a pass instantly. He's also picked up 8 caps for Brazil, which isn't a bad return at 22 years old. "Ando" as apparently he's known, seems to have dropped out of contention in the United midfield and it might be time for look for pastures new and get loved up once again.
So who's going to show the fiery passion that will spice up the Brazilian's life?
Bolton Wanderers?
The Trotters have been transformed under the stewardship of Owen Coyle into an attractive, free-flowing attacking side. Their performances this season have seen them well and truly shake off the ugly but effective tag that Sam Allardyce had built up for them and they are competing at the right end of the table nowadays. It is their skillful and creative midfield that is the basis of this turn-around, with Lee and Holden performing especially well providing Elmander, Davies or Klasnic with the chances that they have so far been converting. It would obviously be a major signing for Wanderers, but their capture of Martin Petrov in the summer shows that they can attract the big names and if they are really looking to establish themselves as a top-half team its the kind of signing they will be looking at. They have recently announced some very poor financial figures which might scupper any move, but you have to speculate to accumulate Mr. Gartside. Will Anderson be loving life again at the Reebok Stadium?????
Aston Villa?
Gerard Houllier has immediately put an emphasis on the Villa academy players since his arrival, with mixed results, but largely glowing reports of the youngsters. He can't rely on them forever though and it might be central midfield that is his priority after having to bring in Bannan and Hogg against Man. Utd. at the weekend. Stiliyan Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker are solid performers but Anderson has the potential to out-perform them both by some way, and if Stephen Ireland can ever find some form at Villa Park they could be an excellent pairing in the middle of the park. Villa seem to have dropped off from European challengers under O'Neill to average mid-table contenders this year, and they will be keen to get back to where they were, and with a couple of good signings they certainly could. Will Ando and Houllier be amending their facebook relationship status' in the near future?????
Liverpool?
Oooo its a controversial one. Have the might Liverpool really been relegated to having to sign United cast-offs? Would a man who's spent three years at Old Trafford really be able to stomach turning out for their big rivals? Well yes and yes in my humble opinion. It would be extremely harsh to call Anderson a United cast-off, he has just simply not fitted in as well as he might in Manchester and with Fergie's love of Darren Fletcher and the renaissance of Paul Scholes he's found it understandably difficult to get in the team. Liverpool's midfield isn't a bad one but the unimpressive start to his Anfield career from Christian Poulsen and the continuing inability of Lucas Leiva to do anything could see a space for Anderson to come in and fill. There is also talk of a substantial warchest that the manager (whoever it may be in January) will have to spend. A young, exciting presence in the middle of midfield might be just what the Merseysiders need to base their rivival on. Is Anderson about to break United hearts and run off with their old foes?????
So who's suspiciously disappearing into the disabled toilets together?
This entire post might well be a moot point if Fergie is just nuturing him, as he does with other young talents, to unleash him at the height of his powers when he sees fit. If so, he certainly won't be letting him go, but the ever decreasing appearances would say that he thought he was ready when he was signed and has just not been as good as expected. If he were to go, he wouldn't be a cheap buy for anyone, which may, I'm afraid, rule out Bolton. I'm going to go for the controversial choice today matchmaker fans and pair up Ando with Liverpool. The Reds are going to be looking for fresh blood in January, especially if a new manager comes in and wants to put his stamp on the club and as mentioned Lucas and Poulsen might well need improving on. Having spent his whole career at club's challenging for titles, he may well be looking to stay at one, and although Liverpool certainly arn't one of those right now, they have the potential to be. So is Ando going to swap one red shirt for another in his search for love?
United fans, has your relationship with Anderson come to a grinding halt? Could you bare seeing him in a Liverpool shirt?
Bolton, Villa fans, do you think you could tempt him your way?
Liverpool fans, would Anderson add something to your midfield?
Anyone else think they could lure him away from Old Trafford?
Comments Please.
Friday 12 November 2010
Footballer Needing Love - Daniel de Ridder
"28 appearances in the Premier League since 2007!" Its the famous chant that Wigan's rivals just love to haunt Daniel de Ridder with as he watches on from the sidelines. Daniel's not feeling the love at Wigan, and its time to pair him up with a hot new club.
Daniel de Ridder - Wigan Athletic
Unfulfilled potential would be two words that spring to mind when thinking of Daniel. He burst onto the scene in 2004 at Ajax, quickly establishing himself in their first team and appearing in the Champions League. As quickly as he got there though, he was out of the first team, and just a year later off to Celta Vigo. He went through spells in and out of the first team in Vigo, and his time there came to a disappointing end with their relegation in 2007. It was then that Daniel moved to England with Birmingham City. It's fair to say that it wasn't his club form that attracted Birmingham, but more his performances for the Dutch U-21 side. He was an ever-present in the team that won the 2006 European Championship, and was a key figure again in the side that retained the title the following year, clocking up 30 U-21 caps. However, this was the start of his less than spell-binding time that he has spent in England. A move to Wigan didn't really improve things and Daniel is certainly looking for love to spark an improvement in his fortunes.
So who's going to show Daniel de Love?
Blackpool??????
The Seasiders, it's fair to say, have shocked everyone with their performances in their debut season in the Premier League. Their high-tempo passing game is great to watch, and their unrelenting philosophy of ultra-attacking football is both brave and incredibly exciting. Being a forward thinking midfielder, either on the right flank, or just behind the strikers, Daniel is known for his passing and crossing abilities and he would fit into Blackpool's style of play. With Jason Euell still soldiering on in the 'Pool squad, it might be coming to the time where he needs to be replaced and Daniel could very well fit the bill, being a similar type of player. Ian Holloway has certainly not been afraid to bring in players who are not proven at Premier League level (Campbell, Varney) and has had no choice but to use existing players who were not proven (HIS ENTIRE TEAM!) so Daniel's sketchy record so far shouldn't put him off. Blackpool is exactly the kind of club where the players do seem loved and Daniel might just appreciate this kind of warm feeling. Will he find his perfect partner by the seaside?
Queens Park Rangers???????
Daniel might have to accept that he needs to step down a level if he's going to stay in England and find a perfect match. This may be no bad thing as if he moves to a top half of the Championship side he may well be playing regularly and winning matches, a combination that is surely going to bring his confidence back. QPR are certainly a team who fit this bill. They are playing some really good football this season and seem to be full of goals. Daniel would fit right in at Loftus Road as they play some good stuff on the floor, but are also happy to throw in the crosses if Helguson, Agyemang or Hulse are lurking in the box. Neil Warnock has never been afraid of bringing in players with his wheeler deeler type of attitude, and if he recognises Daniel's quality then I'm sure he'd jump at the chance of making a bid. Getting in the QPR team and gaining promotion would see Daniel return to the Premier League as a first team regular and not trying to butt his way into a team from the subs bench. Will we be seeing some flirty texts coming out of Loftus Road?
Norwich City?????????
The Canaries are performing very well after returning to the Championship this year, at the time of writing being sat comfortably in the play-off spots in fifth. They will certainly be looking to maintain this position if not push on and look for automatic promotion and Paul Lambert will be aware that his current squad may struggle to maintain such a challenge and look to keep things fresh with a couple of signings in January. Norwich play with a very creative midfield with the like of Wes Hoolahan and Andrew Surman (when fit) so Daniel would fit nicely into their philosophy. With Blackpool and Burnley having come up through the play-offs in the last two seasons, its certainly a possibility that Norwich could follow them. Will Daniel be shacking up with the boys at Carrow Road?
So who's bunch of tulips is big enough to lure the Dutchman their way?
It is undoubtedly going to be a step down for Daniel after his noted lack of success in the last few seasons, but as mentioned this might be the perfect move for him. With this in mind I'm going to match Daniel with the suitors from London, QPR. If the R's can maintain anything like the form they've shown so far this term then they are going to be very much up there at the end of the season. Daniel might not walk straight into their first team with the likes of Taarabt there, but he would certainly get games, and in a successful, winning side he is bound to enjoy his football again. Geograpically it might suit him aswell, being from Amsterdam I think the bright lights of London might suit him more than the more questionable delights of Wigan (no disrespect meant). I think love could be in the air at Loftus Road for Daniel, lets hope January can confirm this for the man who looks surprisingly like a muskateer.
Wigan fans, are you truly out of love with Daniel? Have you seen enough of him?
Blackpool, QPR, Norwich fans, would you be willing to welcome him with open arms?
Daniel de Ridder - Wigan Athletic
Unfulfilled potential would be two words that spring to mind when thinking of Daniel. He burst onto the scene in 2004 at Ajax, quickly establishing himself in their first team and appearing in the Champions League. As quickly as he got there though, he was out of the first team, and just a year later off to Celta Vigo. He went through spells in and out of the first team in Vigo, and his time there came to a disappointing end with their relegation in 2007. It was then that Daniel moved to England with Birmingham City. It's fair to say that it wasn't his club form that attracted Birmingham, but more his performances for the Dutch U-21 side. He was an ever-present in the team that won the 2006 European Championship, and was a key figure again in the side that retained the title the following year, clocking up 30 U-21 caps. However, this was the start of his less than spell-binding time that he has spent in England. A move to Wigan didn't really improve things and Daniel is certainly looking for love to spark an improvement in his fortunes.
So who's going to show Daniel de Love?
Blackpool??????
The Seasiders, it's fair to say, have shocked everyone with their performances in their debut season in the Premier League. Their high-tempo passing game is great to watch, and their unrelenting philosophy of ultra-attacking football is both brave and incredibly exciting. Being a forward thinking midfielder, either on the right flank, or just behind the strikers, Daniel is known for his passing and crossing abilities and he would fit into Blackpool's style of play. With Jason Euell still soldiering on in the 'Pool squad, it might be coming to the time where he needs to be replaced and Daniel could very well fit the bill, being a similar type of player. Ian Holloway has certainly not been afraid to bring in players who are not proven at Premier League level (Campbell, Varney) and has had no choice but to use existing players who were not proven (HIS ENTIRE TEAM!) so Daniel's sketchy record so far shouldn't put him off. Blackpool is exactly the kind of club where the players do seem loved and Daniel might just appreciate this kind of warm feeling. Will he find his perfect partner by the seaside?
Queens Park Rangers???????
Daniel might have to accept that he needs to step down a level if he's going to stay in England and find a perfect match. This may be no bad thing as if he moves to a top half of the Championship side he may well be playing regularly and winning matches, a combination that is surely going to bring his confidence back. QPR are certainly a team who fit this bill. They are playing some really good football this season and seem to be full of goals. Daniel would fit right in at Loftus Road as they play some good stuff on the floor, but are also happy to throw in the crosses if Helguson, Agyemang or Hulse are lurking in the box. Neil Warnock has never been afraid of bringing in players with his wheeler deeler type of attitude, and if he recognises Daniel's quality then I'm sure he'd jump at the chance of making a bid. Getting in the QPR team and gaining promotion would see Daniel return to the Premier League as a first team regular and not trying to butt his way into a team from the subs bench. Will we be seeing some flirty texts coming out of Loftus Road?
Norwich City?????????
The Canaries are performing very well after returning to the Championship this year, at the time of writing being sat comfortably in the play-off spots in fifth. They will certainly be looking to maintain this position if not push on and look for automatic promotion and Paul Lambert will be aware that his current squad may struggle to maintain such a challenge and look to keep things fresh with a couple of signings in January. Norwich play with a very creative midfield with the like of Wes Hoolahan and Andrew Surman (when fit) so Daniel would fit nicely into their philosophy. With Blackpool and Burnley having come up through the play-offs in the last two seasons, its certainly a possibility that Norwich could follow them. Will Daniel be shacking up with the boys at Carrow Road?
So who's bunch of tulips is big enough to lure the Dutchman their way?
It is undoubtedly going to be a step down for Daniel after his noted lack of success in the last few seasons, but as mentioned this might be the perfect move for him. With this in mind I'm going to match Daniel with the suitors from London, QPR. If the R's can maintain anything like the form they've shown so far this term then they are going to be very much up there at the end of the season. Daniel might not walk straight into their first team with the likes of Taarabt there, but he would certainly get games, and in a successful, winning side he is bound to enjoy his football again. Geograpically it might suit him aswell, being from Amsterdam I think the bright lights of London might suit him more than the more questionable delights of Wigan (no disrespect meant). I think love could be in the air at Loftus Road for Daniel, lets hope January can confirm this for the man who looks surprisingly like a muskateer.
Wigan fans, are you truly out of love with Daniel? Have you seen enough of him?
Blackpool, QPR, Norwich fans, would you be willing to welcome him with open arms?
Monday 8 November 2010
Footballer Needing Love - John Carew
After popular demand, its time to find a match for the big man who has just had a very public lover's tiff.
John Carew - Aston Villa
If you had to make a list of what you were looking for in a successful striker, John Carew would tick most of the boxes. He's big, strong, fairly quick, good in the air, can hold the ball up and can finish, what more do you want from a frontman, or infact any man? Well apparently these arn't the qualities that current Villa boss Gerard Houllier looks for in a striker as he seems to prefer the more questionable talents of Emile Heskey. Unfortunately this isn't quite the full story, as with a lot of the most attractive looking prospects in the dating scene, there seems to be something lacking in the personality department from big John. He's been in trouble before at Villa under Martin O'Neill for some late night escapades, and now Houllier is in charge there seems to be a huge personality clash. The Frenchman has sold John before in his career (to Villa from Lyon) and has recently come out in the press saying he is "stupid" and "living in the past." It's not looking good for this relationship and I think it's time that JC looked for new love.
So who's got a big heart for the big Norwegian?????
Blackburn Rovers?
These are potentially exciting times at Ewood Park with their new Indian investors. The businessmen havn't got people drooling with their claims of £5 million or less to spend in January and the fact they might rename the ground, but these might well just be smoke-screens for a big investment. Even if Big Sam only had the £5m claimed, I think this might be enough to bring John to Lancashire given the fact he's now 31. Rovers have got a fairly average frontline currently, Kalinic has got quality but doesn't score a great deal of goals, Diouf is only on loan, Benjani is inconsistant and Jason Roberts seems to have dropped out of contention and wants to leave. Given the importance that Allardyce gave to Kevin Davies in his Bolton days would suggest he'd love the prospect of working with Carew who is basically a more mobile version of the England striker, Carew being the only person for years that has beaten Davies to the prestigous, most fouls in a Premier League season award. The potentially biggest couple of the year could be about to hook-up in the north-west..........
Stoke City?
John is Tony Pulis' type of striker, big, strong and a presence up front. The Stoke strike force proves this in the form of Jones, Fuller and Sidibe, the latter who is out long -term and even when fit isn't really Premier League quality. Stoke have been struggling for goals of late and may be looking to provide record signing Kenwyne Jones with some more support up top. The potential partnership of Jones and Carew would have many a defender trembling in their boots as they would know they are in for a long hard day trying to wrestle with them. Having spent £8m on Jones in the summer, the Stoke chairman might be less than happy at the thought of shelling out for another big man upfront, but sometimes love doesn't come cheap. John at the Potters could just make an attractive pairing........
Newcastle United?
Chris Hughton is doing an excellent job at Newcastle, and will be looking to further add proven Premier League players to his squad to consolidate their position in the top half of the table. He has shown, especially in the wins against Sunderland and Arsenal, that putting his two big men upfront (Ameobi and Carroll) is a very effective tactic, and although Shola grabbed a couple of goals against the Black Cats he has not been regarded as many at any point in his career as a quality Premier League forward. Big John could be the perfect competition for his first-team place, and importantly for The Magpies and England could help Andy Carroll's development into a genuine top-class forward. Is it time for the geordie faithful to start singing love songs to our favourite Norwegian??????????????
So, who's sneaking each other into their bedrooms without their parents knowing?
There is no doubt that John Carew is a Premier League quality striker, and he could do a good job for most teams in the division if he stays fit. However, after showing his attitude problems and at his age it is only going to be a slight step down from Villa (no disrespect to these clubs) that he is going to achieve. All three of these suitors are distinct possibilities but I am going to matchmake John today with his fellow big man at Ewood Park. Allardyce has a stunning track record at dealing with ageing egos and getting the best out of players seemingly unwanted elsewhere. John would also be sure to feel the love as he would certainly be a first team regular for Rovers and potentially him and Kalinic could create a nice little partnership. Will Big Sam be splashing the Rupees in January to get John loved up again? Let's hope so.
Villa fans, is it time for John to look for new love interests?
Blackburn, Stoke, Newcastle fans, would you want him in your teams?
Who else wants to have the affections of the Norwegian?
John Carew - Aston Villa
If you had to make a list of what you were looking for in a successful striker, John Carew would tick most of the boxes. He's big, strong, fairly quick, good in the air, can hold the ball up and can finish, what more do you want from a frontman, or infact any man? Well apparently these arn't the qualities that current Villa boss Gerard Houllier looks for in a striker as he seems to prefer the more questionable talents of Emile Heskey. Unfortunately this isn't quite the full story, as with a lot of the most attractive looking prospects in the dating scene, there seems to be something lacking in the personality department from big John. He's been in trouble before at Villa under Martin O'Neill for some late night escapades, and now Houllier is in charge there seems to be a huge personality clash. The Frenchman has sold John before in his career (to Villa from Lyon) and has recently come out in the press saying he is "stupid" and "living in the past." It's not looking good for this relationship and I think it's time that JC looked for new love.
So who's got a big heart for the big Norwegian?????
Blackburn Rovers?
These are potentially exciting times at Ewood Park with their new Indian investors. The businessmen havn't got people drooling with their claims of £5 million or less to spend in January and the fact they might rename the ground, but these might well just be smoke-screens for a big investment. Even if Big Sam only had the £5m claimed, I think this might be enough to bring John to Lancashire given the fact he's now 31. Rovers have got a fairly average frontline currently, Kalinic has got quality but doesn't score a great deal of goals, Diouf is only on loan, Benjani is inconsistant and Jason Roberts seems to have dropped out of contention and wants to leave. Given the importance that Allardyce gave to Kevin Davies in his Bolton days would suggest he'd love the prospect of working with Carew who is basically a more mobile version of the England striker, Carew being the only person for years that has beaten Davies to the prestigous, most fouls in a Premier League season award. The potentially biggest couple of the year could be about to hook-up in the north-west..........
Stoke City?
John is Tony Pulis' type of striker, big, strong and a presence up front. The Stoke strike force proves this in the form of Jones, Fuller and Sidibe, the latter who is out long -term and even when fit isn't really Premier League quality. Stoke have been struggling for goals of late and may be looking to provide record signing Kenwyne Jones with some more support up top. The potential partnership of Jones and Carew would have many a defender trembling in their boots as they would know they are in for a long hard day trying to wrestle with them. Having spent £8m on Jones in the summer, the Stoke chairman might be less than happy at the thought of shelling out for another big man upfront, but sometimes love doesn't come cheap. John at the Potters could just make an attractive pairing........
Newcastle United?
Chris Hughton is doing an excellent job at Newcastle, and will be looking to further add proven Premier League players to his squad to consolidate their position in the top half of the table. He has shown, especially in the wins against Sunderland and Arsenal, that putting his two big men upfront (Ameobi and Carroll) is a very effective tactic, and although Shola grabbed a couple of goals against the Black Cats he has not been regarded as many at any point in his career as a quality Premier League forward. Big John could be the perfect competition for his first-team place, and importantly for The Magpies and England could help Andy Carroll's development into a genuine top-class forward. Is it time for the geordie faithful to start singing love songs to our favourite Norwegian??????????????
So, who's sneaking each other into their bedrooms without their parents knowing?
There is no doubt that John Carew is a Premier League quality striker, and he could do a good job for most teams in the division if he stays fit. However, after showing his attitude problems and at his age it is only going to be a slight step down from Villa (no disrespect to these clubs) that he is going to achieve. All three of these suitors are distinct possibilities but I am going to matchmake John today with his fellow big man at Ewood Park. Allardyce has a stunning track record at dealing with ageing egos and getting the best out of players seemingly unwanted elsewhere. John would also be sure to feel the love as he would certainly be a first team regular for Rovers and potentially him and Kalinic could create a nice little partnership. Will Big Sam be splashing the Rupees in January to get John loved up again? Let's hope so.
Villa fans, is it time for John to look for new love interests?
Blackburn, Stoke, Newcastle fans, would you want him in your teams?
Who else wants to have the affections of the Norwegian?
Thursday 4 November 2010
Footballer Needing Love - David Bentley
He's got lovely hair and a fetching goatee..........
David Bentley - Tottenham Hotspur
He's an England international, cost Spurs £15 million, and has scored a Premier League hat-trick against Manchester United, yet Dave Bentley is not feeling the love right now at White Hart Lane. After impressing hugely for Blackburn under Mark Hughes, Bentley got called up for England and was for a time labelled, "the next David Beckham" thanks mainly to his excellent crossing and free-kick taking. Times were looking good for Dave and he got a dream move to child-hood heroes Spurs for a whopping 15 mill. The honeymoon period didn't last too long though. Apart from a ridiculous 40-yard volley against bitter rivals Arsenal, the Spurs faithful didn't see a lot from Dave in the first year and a half at Tottenham and he was relegated to the bench to watch Aaron Lennon take charge of right wing duties. Dave and Spurs looked like they'd been to marriage counselling in the second half of last season, however, and due to an injury to Lennon, Bentley was back in the side and playing well. The summer was not one of love though it seems and so far this season Dave has been ditched again and has just made one appearance in the Carling Cup.
Surely there's someone who David can run into the open arms of............
Everton?
David Moyes loves attack minded midfielders. This seems to be an incontrovertible fact that has arisen over the last few years in the Premier League. With the likes of Cahill, Arteta, Bilyaletdinov, Osman, Fellaini and Pienaar all playing regularly at Goodison Park, Moyes has not even seen it necessary to play any strikers at all in the past (although injury may have had something to do with that). It has also been widely rumoured that Steven Pienaar's time at Everton is coming to an end with his contract expiring and many a big club sniffing around, there could just be a gap for our David to fill. Dave would certainly fit into the Everton side as he is a very creative midfielder himself, and playing alongside the likes of Cahill and Arteta could get the best out of him. When Everton are playing forwards they are an aerial threat in the shape of Yakubu and Saha, so David's whipped crosses could well prove deadly. Maybe a return to the North-West suit David and rekindle love of old.............
Liverpool?
Another Merseyside option perhaps for Mr. Bentley to get back the loving feeling. A very short time ago, it would be unheard of for someone who couldn't get into the Spurs side to be a potential target for the mighty Liverpool, but times have changed. The Anfield boys are nowhere near the side they were two or three years ago and they need to be realistic with their transfer targets, being linked with Wigan's erratic performer Charles N'Zogbia maybe proving that they are. David certainly has the qualities to be as good if not better than "Charlie Insomnia" and could be what Liverpool are looking for. Maxi Rodriguez has been in and out since coming to England (mostly out) Poulsen has been very poor, Kuyt is injured and they don't have very much strength in depth anymore. The service Dave could provide Fernando Torres couold potentially be a lethal combination, if the Spaniard ever finds his form again. A move to another huge club could get David's pulses racing again.............
Sunderland?
The Black Cats are a team that is hard to place in terms of what signings you'd expect them to make. They will make some big money, big name signings on occassion (Bent, Gyan, Gordon) and will also make some seemingly budget buys that bemuse a little (BRAMBLE!). David is just the kind of player Steve Bruce would like in his side though I feel, as they struggle for goals from everywhere on the field except from the boots of Darren Bent, and although he's never been prolific, his time at Blackburn shows he can contribute 5-10 goals a season, which is respectable. Bruce has been relying on loan signings Danny Welbeck and Ahmed Al-Muhammadi and other creative midfielders Zenden and Malbranque arn't getting any younger, this could mean David is just what The Mackems are looking for. Is love in the air around the Stadium Of Light............?
So who's going for the slow dance at the end of the disco together?
David Bentley certainly has the quality to play for most clubs around, and whilst looking for a dream partner there were certainly clubs in other top flights around Europe where I think Dave would find a lovely match. Certainly in Italy where his lack of express pace wouldn't be such an issue as it is here. However, I don't see Dave wanting to head off with a foreign lover right now, but he has to choose carefully over his next partner. Liverpool are the best looking girl in the bar, but are they going to treat him as shabbily as his current other half does? Quite possibly. Dirk Kuyt may be out now but he seems to have engraved his own name onto the right flank of Anfield and it could mean more bench time for David. This leaves The Toffees and The Black Cats, either of which I think David would really find to be a lovely partner. He'd most likely go straight into the first team of either and if he gets back to his old form of the Blackburn days, the fans couldn't fail to love him. As I have to pick one for him, I'm going to say, due to the likely departure of Steven Pienaar that Dave should maybe be getting his mate to ask Everton out for him. Will David Moyes make sparks fly in January?
Liverpool, Everton, Sunderland fans, do you want David at your club? Do you think he'll match your team's ethos?
Spurs fans, is it time to let him go and find a new love?
Who else wants a piece of the Bentley action?
David Bentley - Tottenham Hotspur
He's an England international, cost Spurs £15 million, and has scored a Premier League hat-trick against Manchester United, yet Dave Bentley is not feeling the love right now at White Hart Lane. After impressing hugely for Blackburn under Mark Hughes, Bentley got called up for England and was for a time labelled, "the next David Beckham" thanks mainly to his excellent crossing and free-kick taking. Times were looking good for Dave and he got a dream move to child-hood heroes Spurs for a whopping 15 mill. The honeymoon period didn't last too long though. Apart from a ridiculous 40-yard volley against bitter rivals Arsenal, the Spurs faithful didn't see a lot from Dave in the first year and a half at Tottenham and he was relegated to the bench to watch Aaron Lennon take charge of right wing duties. Dave and Spurs looked like they'd been to marriage counselling in the second half of last season, however, and due to an injury to Lennon, Bentley was back in the side and playing well. The summer was not one of love though it seems and so far this season Dave has been ditched again and has just made one appearance in the Carling Cup.
Surely there's someone who David can run into the open arms of............
Everton?
David Moyes loves attack minded midfielders. This seems to be an incontrovertible fact that has arisen over the last few years in the Premier League. With the likes of Cahill, Arteta, Bilyaletdinov, Osman, Fellaini and Pienaar all playing regularly at Goodison Park, Moyes has not even seen it necessary to play any strikers at all in the past (although injury may have had something to do with that). It has also been widely rumoured that Steven Pienaar's time at Everton is coming to an end with his contract expiring and many a big club sniffing around, there could just be a gap for our David to fill. Dave would certainly fit into the Everton side as he is a very creative midfielder himself, and playing alongside the likes of Cahill and Arteta could get the best out of him. When Everton are playing forwards they are an aerial threat in the shape of Yakubu and Saha, so David's whipped crosses could well prove deadly. Maybe a return to the North-West suit David and rekindle love of old.............
Liverpool?
Another Merseyside option perhaps for Mr. Bentley to get back the loving feeling. A very short time ago, it would be unheard of for someone who couldn't get into the Spurs side to be a potential target for the mighty Liverpool, but times have changed. The Anfield boys are nowhere near the side they were two or three years ago and they need to be realistic with their transfer targets, being linked with Wigan's erratic performer Charles N'Zogbia maybe proving that they are. David certainly has the qualities to be as good if not better than "Charlie Insomnia" and could be what Liverpool are looking for. Maxi Rodriguez has been in and out since coming to England (mostly out) Poulsen has been very poor, Kuyt is injured and they don't have very much strength in depth anymore. The service Dave could provide Fernando Torres couold potentially be a lethal combination, if the Spaniard ever finds his form again. A move to another huge club could get David's pulses racing again.............
Sunderland?
The Black Cats are a team that is hard to place in terms of what signings you'd expect them to make. They will make some big money, big name signings on occassion (Bent, Gyan, Gordon) and will also make some seemingly budget buys that bemuse a little (BRAMBLE!). David is just the kind of player Steve Bruce would like in his side though I feel, as they struggle for goals from everywhere on the field except from the boots of Darren Bent, and although he's never been prolific, his time at Blackburn shows he can contribute 5-10 goals a season, which is respectable. Bruce has been relying on loan signings Danny Welbeck and Ahmed Al-Muhammadi and other creative midfielders Zenden and Malbranque arn't getting any younger, this could mean David is just what The Mackems are looking for. Is love in the air around the Stadium Of Light............?
So who's going for the slow dance at the end of the disco together?
David Bentley certainly has the quality to play for most clubs around, and whilst looking for a dream partner there were certainly clubs in other top flights around Europe where I think Dave would find a lovely match. Certainly in Italy where his lack of express pace wouldn't be such an issue as it is here. However, I don't see Dave wanting to head off with a foreign lover right now, but he has to choose carefully over his next partner. Liverpool are the best looking girl in the bar, but are they going to treat him as shabbily as his current other half does? Quite possibly. Dirk Kuyt may be out now but he seems to have engraved his own name onto the right flank of Anfield and it could mean more bench time for David. This leaves The Toffees and The Black Cats, either of which I think David would really find to be a lovely partner. He'd most likely go straight into the first team of either and if he gets back to his old form of the Blackburn days, the fans couldn't fail to love him. As I have to pick one for him, I'm going to say, due to the likely departure of Steven Pienaar that Dave should maybe be getting his mate to ask Everton out for him. Will David Moyes make sparks fly in January?
Liverpool, Everton, Sunderland fans, do you want David at your club? Do you think he'll match your team's ethos?
Spurs fans, is it time to let him go and find a new love?
Who else wants a piece of the Bentley action?
Friday 29 October 2010
Footballer Needing Love: Roque Santa Cruz
Welcome to the first ever post of the football matchmaker, where I look to find a poor, unfortunate, loveless footballing soul a dream date with a hot club.
Roque Santa Cruz - Manchester City
Here's a man that since getting the move he'd been yearning for after seemingly no time at all at Blackburn just hasn't found it as good as he thought it would be at a big English club. The big Paraguayan striker was in top form for Rovers in his two years at Ewood with an impressive return of 23 goals in 57 games (this in a team hardly known for its goals) and when the manager that brought him to England (Mark Hughes) moved to Man. City it made sense for Santa Cruz to follow. Which of course he did in June 2009, however when Hughes was ditched and the likes of Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli and Jo infront of him in the pecking order (not forgetting that City only usually play one up front) means that Santa Cruz has seriously lost that loving feeling. This was summed up in his last appearance for City in the Carling Cup in September against West Brom where he didn't even conjour up a single shot.
Lets see who could un-break Santa's heart:
West Brom?
Having made a sensational start to this year's Premier League they won't be rushing to change their team around, however Roberto Di Matteo will certinaly be aware that to progress you have to strengthen. Peter Odemwingie has been a massive hit, and Marc-Antoine Fortune has contributed, but their strike-force in general is not a terrifying one by any means. Big Roque would suit Di Matteo as he's technically very sound and also good in the air, which, with the likes of Chris Brunt swinging in the crosses is potentially very dangerous. Offloading players like Roman Bednar and Ishmael Miller might just about create space for Roque and a loving relationship could be forged........
Aston Villa?
It surely won't be long before even Emile Heskey's biggest fan, Gerard Houllier loses faith with the big man and will look for a change. It has been reported that John Carew may well be coming to the end of his time at Villa Park, and that leaves the striking options pretty thin for the Villains. If Gabby Agbonlahor can re-discover some of his form from a couple of seasons ago then he could potentially link-up beautifully with Roque. Again, Villa are a side with potentially excellent delivery with Downing and Young whipping in balls from the flank. Do I hear wedding bells in the Midlands.........
Fulham?
The obvious choice on one level as it would bring him back under the wing of manager Mark Hughes who clearly rates Roque extremely highly. Long-term injuries to Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson has also left Hughes relying on such luminaries as Diomansy Kamara and Eddie Johnson, Premier League players by name, less so by talent perhaps. Moussa Dembele has performed well since joining the Cottagers and him and Roque upfront could prove a handful for many a defence around the country. I'm sure Mr. Hughes will be keen to bolster his strike-force to turn some of Fulham's seemingly endless draws into wins and if his old mate is available he'll be very interested.........
So who's walking off into the sunset together?
Well, the main issue for any of these suitors is that Man City paid a massive 17.5 million quid for Roque only a year and a half ago and have got precious little in return for that on the field. However, if he wants to leave for first team action and the vast number of strikers they have in front of him playing a part then I think they would except something substantially less than what they paid. A potential answer would be a loan move in January with a view to a permanent switch in the summer. Of these three potential lovers I see West Brom as the outsiders as a lack of funds and Premier League stature might hinder them. As for Fulham, the Hughes link is very important, but after leaving a relatively small Premier League club, I'm not so sure Roque could be tempted back to one. So for today's matchmaking I'm pairing up Roque Santa Cruz with Aston Villa. Lets hope this potential couple can find a way to make love happen in the January transfer window.
Fulham, West Brom & Villa fans, what do you think are your chances of luring Roque to your club, if that is you want him?
Man City fans, will you be sad to see him go?
Anyone else want to throw your name in the hat to court Roque (he is a good looking man)?
Roque Santa Cruz - Manchester City
Here's a man that since getting the move he'd been yearning for after seemingly no time at all at Blackburn just hasn't found it as good as he thought it would be at a big English club. The big Paraguayan striker was in top form for Rovers in his two years at Ewood with an impressive return of 23 goals in 57 games (this in a team hardly known for its goals) and when the manager that brought him to England (Mark Hughes) moved to Man. City it made sense for Santa Cruz to follow. Which of course he did in June 2009, however when Hughes was ditched and the likes of Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli and Jo infront of him in the pecking order (not forgetting that City only usually play one up front) means that Santa Cruz has seriously lost that loving feeling. This was summed up in his last appearance for City in the Carling Cup in September against West Brom where he didn't even conjour up a single shot.
Lets see who could un-break Santa's heart:
West Brom?
Having made a sensational start to this year's Premier League they won't be rushing to change their team around, however Roberto Di Matteo will certinaly be aware that to progress you have to strengthen. Peter Odemwingie has been a massive hit, and Marc-Antoine Fortune has contributed, but their strike-force in general is not a terrifying one by any means. Big Roque would suit Di Matteo as he's technically very sound and also good in the air, which, with the likes of Chris Brunt swinging in the crosses is potentially very dangerous. Offloading players like Roman Bednar and Ishmael Miller might just about create space for Roque and a loving relationship could be forged........
Aston Villa?
It surely won't be long before even Emile Heskey's biggest fan, Gerard Houllier loses faith with the big man and will look for a change. It has been reported that John Carew may well be coming to the end of his time at Villa Park, and that leaves the striking options pretty thin for the Villains. If Gabby Agbonlahor can re-discover some of his form from a couple of seasons ago then he could potentially link-up beautifully with Roque. Again, Villa are a side with potentially excellent delivery with Downing and Young whipping in balls from the flank. Do I hear wedding bells in the Midlands.........
Fulham?
The obvious choice on one level as it would bring him back under the wing of manager Mark Hughes who clearly rates Roque extremely highly. Long-term injuries to Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson has also left Hughes relying on such luminaries as Diomansy Kamara and Eddie Johnson, Premier League players by name, less so by talent perhaps. Moussa Dembele has performed well since joining the Cottagers and him and Roque upfront could prove a handful for many a defence around the country. I'm sure Mr. Hughes will be keen to bolster his strike-force to turn some of Fulham's seemingly endless draws into wins and if his old mate is available he'll be very interested.........
So who's walking off into the sunset together?
Well, the main issue for any of these suitors is that Man City paid a massive 17.5 million quid for Roque only a year and a half ago and have got precious little in return for that on the field. However, if he wants to leave for first team action and the vast number of strikers they have in front of him playing a part then I think they would except something substantially less than what they paid. A potential answer would be a loan move in January with a view to a permanent switch in the summer. Of these three potential lovers I see West Brom as the outsiders as a lack of funds and Premier League stature might hinder them. As for Fulham, the Hughes link is very important, but after leaving a relatively small Premier League club, I'm not so sure Roque could be tempted back to one. So for today's matchmaking I'm pairing up Roque Santa Cruz with Aston Villa. Lets hope this potential couple can find a way to make love happen in the January transfer window.
Fulham, West Brom & Villa fans, what do you think are your chances of luring Roque to your club, if that is you want him?
Man City fans, will you be sad to see him go?
Anyone else want to throw your name in the hat to court Roque (he is a good looking man)?
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