Chelsea have announced that Michael Emenalo will become the club's new assistant manager following Ray Wilkins' departure last week.
The Premier League champions allowed Wilkins to leave Stamford Bridge after his contract expired and the former Nigeria international has been handed the role to assist current head coach Carlo Ancelotti on a full-time basis.
Emenalo, 45, joined the club in 2007 under former manager Avram Grant and he has been promoted from his position as head opposition scout.
A statement on the club's official website read:"Chelsea football club is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Emenalo to the position of assistant first team coach. He moves up from his previous position of head opposition scout.
"Michael has been an important part of the first team management structure since his arrival in October 2007, and his promotion to assistant first team coach is recognition of his efforts to date.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"Michael will continue to oversee the first team scouting operation as he makes the transition to coaching. He will split the initial period between assisting first team coach Carlo Ancelotti and updating his coaching qualifications as he takes on this bigger and more influential role."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
As Andy Carroll wheeled away after his FA Cup semi-final winning header found the Everton net, the feeling of relief was visible to all. Not just for the £35 million striker, but also for Dalglish, as his much criticised centre-forward notched an almost priceless goal, to secure the club’s second domestic cup final of the season, and amazing third trip to the new Wembley. Just a week earlier the inclusion of the big man would have been somewhat of surprise, but after his last-minute heroics against Blackburn, King Kenny stuck by his striker, and is now reaping the rewards.
It’s been a slog of a season for both player and club, with Carroll appearing, for the vast majority of the campaign, out of his depth, while his manager has taken criticism left right and centre. But, as the business end of the year approaches, there appears to be a glimmer of light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel.
The term ‘transition’ has been a little overused in modern football, with clubs suffering a drop off in form, wheeling out the excuse of the side needing to settle, and find a playing style. However, the phrase can be applied to Liverpool, who have had two years of total upheaval, with board-room changes, managerial shifts and the acquisition of numerous players. Carroll has bore the brunt of the criticism this campaign, with his, sometimes, clumsy appearance frustrating fans and pundits, who are all too quick to raise the issue of his price-tag.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
Although he may be an easy target for insults, the one thing about the England international is that he doesn’t hide, and this has been evident over the past few weeks. Many players would have retreated into their shell, after the horrific afternoon the number nine suffered at his former home ground, but that hasn’t been the case with Carroll. Despite never openly wanting to leave his former club, and the fact his sale brought in a much-needed financial boost, Newcastle fans still booed his every involvement, which culminated in the forward storming off the pitch and straight down the tunnel upon his substitution. Some players would have said enough is enough, and shied away for a while, yet the powerful centre-forward seems to have used this to springboard his season, netting two goals in his following two starts, the second of which secured the Reds’ spot in the FA Cup final.
Dalglish may be a bit stubborn at times, but this approach could be the right one with Carroll, who has needed time to adapt to life at Anfield. With all of the talk regarding wages and transfer fees, it’s easy to forget that Carroll only turned 23 in January, and is relatively inexperienced on the Premier League stage. He showed great promise at Newcastle, where he was the focal point of the entire team, yet with the vast array of talent surrounding him on Merseyside the style of play cannot necessarily be dictated around his strengths. As a result Carroll has taken a little longer to adapt than originally hoped, but if this spell can be overcome, he will, likely, emerge as better player, stronger, both mentally and in terms of technique, than he was before his deadline day switch to the North West.
Kenny Dalglish has received a fair bit of flack this term, some deserved, some not so deserved, but his handling of Andy Carroll could prove to be a masterstroke. It would have been easy to cast the striker away, perhaps forcing him out of the club In January, but King Kenny has stuck by him, allowing him minutes on the pitch to adapt to life at a completely different type of club. Next season we could see the real Carroll, which will be a daunting prospect for defences across the league.
Will Andy Carroll come good? Have your say with a comment or follow @Alex_Hams on Twitter
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Birmingham City defender Roger Johnson could be on his way out of the club, according to The Daily Mail.
Johnson was signed by Birmingham two summers ago from Cardiff for £5 million and played in all 38 of Birmingham’s league games. Despite the club’s Carling Cup success, they were relegated on the final day of the season and several Premier League clubs look set to move for the star defender.
Blackburn Rovers could move for the player as a replacement for 19-year old Phil Jones, who looks set to join Manchester United in a £16 million deal. Sunderland are also keen on the 28-year old whilst last season’s relegation rivals Wolves have reportedly had a £6 million bid rejected.
Despite approaching the final year of his contract, Birmingham have quoted Sunderland a £14 million price tag and are keen to hold on to the central defender as they prepare for life in the Championship.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Johnson isn’t the only player linked with a move back to the Premiership with striker Cameron Jerome reportedly a target of Bolton. Likewise, the club’s top earner, 6ft 8in striker Nikola Zigic, could be free to leave in order to cut the cost of his £55,000 weekly wages.
What to do if you’re Aston Villa? Following Randy Lerner’s takeover it appears to have gone all quiet in the Midlands, that is until arch rivals Birmingham City started to splash the cash. Are Villa in danger of losing their status as the number one club in the Midlands? Are they that broke? With their recent striking crisis, we ask who can they realistically sign to kickstart their season?
Whilst the usual Robbie Keane for £6million rumours will once again surface over Christmas, just in time for the January transfer window, Villa have been hit with a worrying loss of form, a spate of injuries and rumours of in-fighting with most of their strikers. The question is now, what is Gerard Houllier to do? Does he have the cash to spend? Should he remain true to Villa’s recent successful policy of buying British or should he look abroad, perhaps to his homeland? Can Villa still attract the big names? And what’s more, is a striker even their priority?
It has been asked in some quarters, and rightfully so, what happened to the Milner money? As Milner moved on, following Gareth Barry, and with Stiliyan Petrov’s recent injury, their midfield seems to have lost spark and creativity.
Ashley Young and Stephen Ireland have somewhat solved this problem as a short term measure but with these two, Stewart Downing and the revelation that is Mark Albrighton, does the midfield need a shake up or do these young wingers just need a new stirker to aim at?
Villa have been unlucky. Emile Heskey, seemingly rejuvenated under Houllier, got injured. Gabriel Agbonlahor is only now returning following a spell on the treatment table, John Carew has had injuries, the ‘flu and an argument with the manager if the papers are to be believed and Nathan Delfouneso has been forced to start, which perhaps shows their lack of options in front of goal. Recent enquiries have been made by Houllier, in an attempt to solve this crisis, for Bafetimbi Gomis, but whether this will amount to much remains to be seen.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Should Villa gamble on young English or lower league talent? Adel Taarabt is one rumour that could have some legs, but is he enough to satisfy the fans? And what of Fabian Delph? Although his step up to the bigtime has been steady, he appears more the enforcer at Villa Park rather than the creative spark they desperately need. What fans would do for the next Dwight Yorke right now. Or Marlon Harewood at the very least…
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has stated that the club’s experienced players still have an important role to play at the club.
The Blues made a barnstorming comeback to beat Napoli 4-1 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and reach the Champions League quarter-finals, with the likes of John Terry, Didier Drogba and Lampard himself all scoring and playing a key role in the victory.
The England international feels that a successful side needs experienced campaigners, and that there is life in the older players still.
“Of course it is. You can’t win these sort of competitions without that,” he told The Daily Mail when asked if experience is key at the top level.
“We need to be on top form and we need to be playing well but you can see the desire in the players.
“There is a lot of talk about old boys and their careers flickering out but these are the players who want to play, want to win. You could see that against Napoli.
“When you’ve got that, you can add to it with youth and quality players to fit in around the team. That’s the recipe and we have to carry on with that.
“A lot gets said on the outside but people here just want to win. You need old and experienced boys in the team as well as the young ones coming through with their enthusiasm.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“The amount of nights that Didier has stood up, John and so on, that’s what Chelsea is all about. It can get us a result like this,” he concluded.
I think most Reds fans would agree that Liverpool need another central defender this summer. With the constant injury worries over Daniel Agger, and Sotirios Kyrgiakos expected to leave in the summer, there has already been speculation over who the Merseyside club would be interested in buying. Gary Cahill has been suggested in many reports, but another player speculated is Birmingham City ’s Scott Dann .
No doubt the Blues have missed Dann since he was sidelined for the rest of the season after a serious hamstring tear in January, and I firmly believe that if he was fit, Birmingham would not be in the relegation battle they are in now. His record alongside Roger Johnson last season was nothing short of superb, with an unbeaten home record and conceding 47 goals.
At 24 years old too, Dann would also fit into FSG’s strategy of bringing in young talent to the club, and the fact he was born in Liverpool would also make the move even more attractive. It has been a rapid rise for the Scouser as only 5 years ago he was sent out on loan to Hednesford Town in the non-league. He started life at League Two side Walsall after impressing on trial at the club in 2003.
He moved up the youth ranks of the club and was a regular in the Saddlers’ reserves side in the 2004/05 campaign. By the end of the season, it was thought best for him to go out on loan to gain first team experience and he made the move to Danish club Koge BK for the rest of the season. On his return from Denmark, Dann joined Conference North side Redditch United in October 2005 before being recalled at the end of the year. An injury crisis at Redditch’s Conference North rivals Hednesford Town meant Dann was afforded the opportunity of first team football at the non-league club. After playing just three games though, he returned to Walsall due to injury.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]
Dann’s career at this stage did not look too promising but after signing a short term deal to stay at the Bescot Stadium, he got his chance in the Walsall first team during the 2006/07 campaign. It would prove to be the making of the player as he was an integral part of the side which helped the Saddlers to the League Two Championship. He was rewarded for his fine form with a new long term contract and he continued his good form in League One, helping Walsall establish themselves in the division.
By this time, he was attracting interest from bigger clubs and Coventry City paid a sizeable fee for Dann in the 2008 January transfer window. After helping City avoid relegation from the Championship, he was named captain for the following 2008/09 season. After helping the side finish 17th in the Championship, Dann was be on the move again after only a year and a half at the Ricoh Arena. Newly promoted Premier League side Birmingham City paid Coventry £3.5million for Dann in June 2009, instantly striking up an excellent partnership at the centre of defence with another new signing Roger Johnson helping them to finish 9th in the table. During the campaign they went a record 12 matches unbeaten, with plaudits crediting Dann and Johnson for Birmingham’s success in the top flight.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The second season has been more difficult for Birmingham but it didn’t stop Dann helping the Blues to the Carling Cup final. In the semi-final against West Ham however, he paid a heavy price with a torn hamstring, and an operation was needed which has kept him of action until the summer. Birmingham City rate him at £10million, but if the club are relegated, they will no doubt listen to offers for the player.
Manchester United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele believes that veteran Edwin van der Sar will retire at the end of the current campaign.
The 39-year-old Dutchman seems set to be offered a new 12-month contract by the Red Devils, but Steele thinks that the former Ajax, Juventus and Fulham ace will opt to bow out.
He told the Manchester Evening News:"I think Ed has made his mind up and said this is his last year.
"He is a good pro and a sensible and highly intelligent guy who will know when the time is right.
"I don't think he will need myself or the manager to tell him that time has come – he will know
"I think we need him because this team is in transition at the moment. If he gets to Christmas and he thinks it is right to go on and the manager thinks it is right, we will make a decision.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"It is down to how he feels and performs. If he doesn't perform the manager will make the decision. Edwin will as well."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
On the back of an excruciating week and season as a whole for Arsenal fans, there could be some light at the end of a very gloomy tunnel in North London. It surrounds their talismanic captain Robin Van Persie and his future at the Emirates. Just where would the Gunners be without the stream of goals as scored by the Dutchman this term, in a side which more than ever needs a shot in the arm. Van Persie is reportedly ready to start preliminary negotiations surrounding his future at the club. It could just be the biggest deal that Arsenal make in years.
Arsenal fans haven’t had much to cling onto this season but the small token of Van Persie’s intentions to at least listen to the club’s stance, speaks volumes in the hearts and minds of all connected to the club.
Arsenal already pays their top earners significantly less than at other top Premier League clubs such as Manchester City whereby Samir Nasri found the grass isn’t always greener this summer. But Van Persie is undoubtedly a world class talent and at a time whereby Arsene Wenger needs him more than ever, the club are ready to break the bank and improve his pay packet to some £100,000 a week; a £20,000 advance on his current salary.
Arsenal indeed recouped some £55 million in the summer from the departures of messrs Fabregas and Nasri, and whilst the club continues to be linked with names such as Eden Hazard, Yann M’Vila and Matias Suarez, the first cash priority should be the keep hold of Van Persie, and build the squad around their captain.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
The Gunners keep finding themselves in this kind of transfer quandary whereby their best talents are being poached each summer and Van Persie could even find himself in a similar position to Nasri. This is as, if a new contract is turned down, there would be robust reasoning to keep hold of the striker and let him leave for nothing in 2013, as Arsenal fans all realise they need his attributes more than at any other time.
Arsenal fans would have experienced many jibes this season such as ‘one man team’ but amidst the juvenile nature of this chant, there is some credence there. The Gunners second highest scorer is Theo Walcott on just six goals and the overriding notion is that when Van Persie doesn’t score, Arsenal simply doesn’t win.
Van Persie himself is currently enjoying an injury free season; something of a rarity during his time in North London, and his consecutive participation has finally yielded the goal tally many always thought he was capable of after signing from Feyenoord some eight years ago.
But with a CV of injury snags and an age of 29, despite his scintillating form, potential summer suitors may not pay as much as you would think for the Dutchman’s services.
Sticking with Arsenal may be his best bet, but Van Persie and Arsenal fans alike will desperately want to see mass change this summer, with the likes of the underachieving Djourou, Fabianski and Park Chu Young shipped out and experienced pro’s brought into the ranks; something as discussed recently be ex-Gunners Dennis Bergkamp and Emmanuel Petit.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
So the question remains; deal or no deal? For Arsenal and Robin Van Persie, this deal could be the biggest in years.
Do you think Robin Van Persie will sign his new Arsenal deal? Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
Footballers are not renowned for their trend setting abilities and being on the cutting edge of what is cool, particularly in the ’80s. We have seen mullets, shorts getting that little bit shorter and as we evolved into the Premier League era little was to really change on that front. Patrick Vieira brought the slapping a lump of Vicks onto the front of the shirt, Robbie Fowler had the nose plaster and more recently Gareth Bale has found some use for electrical tape, other than to protect wires within your home.
So as a homage to all that is truly naff and has graced the land of football is this top ten of the worst football fads and please feel free to add any you think I have missed in the comments section.
Click on Patrick Vieira’s Vicks stained shirt below to view the gallery
[divider]
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that he has been surprised by the amount of coverage given to the Wayne Rooney-Manchester United contract story this week.
After seeming set to leave Old Trafford, the 24-year-old England forward has penned a new five-year contract with the Red Devils, a move which caught many off-guard, but which did not surprise Wenger unduly.
He said:"Once the club came out and said that they couldn't find an agreement, it was a message that they wanted to sell.
"Certainly Rooney has got the guarantees he wanted – you can translate that like you want, but that's it.
"It was just a story that for me, from the start to the end, was of no interest to me. When I saw the headlines I just turned the page.
"I was never really interested in that story because what happened with Wayne Rooney happens to every club, every year – plenty of times.
"Just because he has a different name it was certainly a story, but it is a super-classical story which happens in every club, every week, so I could never understand what was really special in this case."
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said that he was not too surprised that Rooney had eventually opted to stay put, adding:"I'm not surprised. Manchester United are happy to keep a fantastic player.
"I think that Rooney did a fantastic job for Manchester United and in the future I think he will do the same."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email