It is now time to switch to a new Money AM football blog as the world cup is now over and we all look to the future.....World cup 2010 is over, Bravo Espana, and Forlan, once again and bring on the new season !.....I never expected the last thread to be such a success...thanks all.... so this new one might go on for years without the need to edit the title...we shall see...

Dig deep boys and start re-tweeting , got £1.57 so far apparently ... that'll buy half the Burnley team.


... another 50p and we can buy the lot !


:-)

Cardiff City: Malky Mackay told to quit or be sacked by Vincent Tan

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has been told by owner Vincent Tan to resign or he will be sacked.
In a letter emailed to Mackay on Monday, it is understood Tan listed in depth his grievances with the Scot.
Tan criticised 41-year-old Mackay at length in a range of areas, such as signings, transfer budgets, results on the pitch and style of play.
The Malaysian businessman also questioned the former Watford manager's record as a boss.

Dil? What sort of Fred Carno outfit are you running down there -):

Cardiff City: Malky Mackay told to quit or be sacked by Vincent Tan

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has been told by owner Vincent Tan to resign or he will be sacked.

In a letter emailed to Mackay on Monday, it is understood Tan listed in depth his grievances with the Scot.

Tan criticised 41-year-old Mackay at length in a range of areas, such as signings, transfer budgets, results on the pitch and style of play.
The Malaysian businessman also questioned the former Watford manager's record as a boss.

Dil seems to gone into hiding, anyone seen him?

I'm organising the protests :-)

Tan has lost the plot , even the fence sitters regarding the rebrand have turned against him.

Malky has behaved with great dignity throughout this sh*te and whenever he leaves he will leave a hero.

I thought Limpy might have mentioned on BBC business this morning! :-)

Yeah would have been more interesting than what he actually did discuss :-)

Maybe we should have just swapped Managers?

It may well be that the best support for Malky could be no support, ie a boycott of matches by supporters. I know season ticket holders won't want to have paid and then stay away, but their money is in the club coffers already so it won't make much difference to the club financially whether they go or not, but non-season ticket holders ie new money would be missed by the club. --- Just a thought.
2517

Burnley 2 Blackpool 1

SCOTT Arfield provided the present all Clarets fans were looking for to put Burnley on top of the tree at Christmas.

The Scot struck a magnificent, curling winner two minutes into the second half to end a humdinger of a Lancashire derby.

There's talk of a walk out at half time until 10 minutes into the second half GEORGE. This is a more likely scenario as all but a few thousand tickets are either season ticket holders or away fans.

Also chucking the free red scarves given out at a match in Feb onto the pitch at some pre determined time in the match may happen.

I can't see Tan turning up on Boxing Day.

Unofficial but rumour has it the Tan has done a U turn and Malky is staying at Cardiff.

Should still protest about that bloody stupid red kit and badge while we're at it.

Every credit to your fans at Anfield today Dil. Hope the dickhead listened!

PS They actually played better in Blue, especially second half :O)

From My Seat: Swansea City (A)
By Ken Buckley :: 23/12/2013


Comments (12) jump to end A trip to deepest South Wales and a journey that saw four seasons in four hours, weather-wise, for a game that would pit our present manager’s team against the team he built from the ground up. It would be full of emotion for him as today he had to plan their downfall; with two teams playing mirror-image styles, it was never going to be easy.
The Blues saw two changes: Deulofeu and Osman out; McCarthy and Mirallas in. The Blue corner was packed with Blue Santas who soon showed they could sing as well as the Welsh choristers and we definitely had the edge in wit.

We won the toss and elected to play toward our end second half, a good move as it turned out. The start was quiet and box-to-box, the first chance of the match fell to Routledge whose shot, shall we say, was off target as it went out for a throw in! With the game lacking much excitement, the Swans fans launched into a song ‘Cardiff City is falling down’ obviously wallowing in that team's difficulties.

The 20-minute mark was reached with the Blues on top possession-wise but little else until Mirallas was put in on goal after a Swansea cock-up; however, he elected to shoot when a simple pass would have been less selfish... his shot came off the keeper and fell to Barkley who surged forward but the best he got was a corner that came to nought. Mirallas was not having the best of halves and when he gave the ball away near our 18-yard line, we did well to survive. Our crowd had been relatively quiet to that point but that incident upped the noise as they tried to lift the players.

We entered the last 15 minutes of the first period having lost some of our oomph and allowing Swansea a decent spell in which Bony fired over when well placed. With both teams matching each other in shape and style, it left the game with a lack of excitement and it seemed to frustrate us more than them; our passing got a bit loose and a Coleman ill-advised backheel attempt put us in trouble but we managed to get the ball out for a corner which was cleared. But then Distin made a mistake and when the ball came in Bony seemed to miss it altogether for another let-off.

At the other end, Pienaar took a rehearsed corner and found Oviedo on the angle of the box and his excellent cross just evaded the late arriving Jags and Distin at the back post. The returning McCarthy seemed off the pace first half and was caught in two minds too often; as the half ended, he backed off a Swansea mid-fielder too far and afforded him a free shot which thankfully was woeful.

Half-time: 0-0 and many thought we should have done better; many thought Deulofeu would be a big miss in an impact role. Plenty of Christmas cheer about though.

Second half and right away we gave away a free kick in a dangerous position which was well taken but we shuffled it clear. We then started to get to grips with things and this coincided with McCarthy getting into the game and starting to play like his normal self. He got Barkley in on 55 mins and Ross surged on goal with a distinct look of Zidane, he got to within 2 yards of the goal and fell over his own feet! Perhaps not Zidane-like just yet...

Next, Coleman burst from the right, passed two men but when in on goal, over-ran the ball... oohs and aahs were heard and we wondered: Would this be our day? We were well on top now and our crowd were in good voice, Allez-Allez- O struck up as the rain descended like stair rods.

On the hour Mirallas took a good corner and Distin headed up in the air but he was first to the ball again and headed forward for Barry to hook over the bar. We were really dominant now and all the songs you ever knew came out and none were louder than ‘we shall not be moved’ well maybe ‘we are gonna win the league’ rivalled it.

Next, on 65 mins, Barkley burst into life with another surging run past two defenders and a left-footed missile seemed destined for the top corner until the keeper got just enough touch on it to divert it onto the bar and over. Good save that! Coleman was a constant threat down the right and his pace, persistence and all round good dribbling left Swansea nerves a jingling and the play of Oviedo doing similar on the other flank, Kafu and Roberto Carlos came to mind. But still even with total domination we could not fashion that vital goal.

Lukaku looked lost but he wasn’t getting any real service and the way we were playing seemed as though we didn’t need an out-and-out striker as we tried to fashion chances from those running from deep and ignoring the out-and-out striker.

We continued pressing and gained a throw-in on our left which Oviedo took and the ball was shuffled smoothly into mid-field and McCarthy saw Coleman free on the right; he fed him the ball and Seamus set off at pace and – from some 25 yards – let fly... Now from my seat it was but a blur that moved and bulged the net – what a goal! Cue pandemonium and the sight of sprawling celebrating players and the frenzied dance of the Blue Santas.

Swansea came back strong and we had to soak up pressure for a while but then we got a break, Coleman was fed and as he crossed halfway, an almighty roar of ‘SHOOT’ went up... followed by ‘We are gonna win the league’ being roared out.

Swansea were now a different team and we were pushed back but we did seem to be dealing one way or another with their attacks... yet you just knew we needed to be careful. On around 70 mins, we were undone in unfortunate circumstances when a regulation cross that looked harmless came right across the box; from my seat, it looked as though someone slipped (Pienaar?), a shot ensued which deflected and left Howard stranded. 1-1 and silence in the ranks.

The game settled a little and Jags had a hopeful long-range effort go well wide but Swansea had got their tails up and were pushing us. Martinez made two subs: Naismith for Pienaar (who was limping) and Osman for Mirallas (who was ineffective).

Barkley showed his versatility by being asked to play the Pienaar role with Naismith going right and Osman in the hole. This change stemmed the flow and the game went more end to end as both teams had designs on winning. Swansea had the first chance and they got a player in on goal but he chipped softly into the arms of Howard.

The 85th min came around and the much improved McCarthy set of on a lung-busting run toward goal and was unceremoniously tumbled some 25 yards out. Free kick and a booking and I think that was the first yellow of the match. Lukaku and Barkley stood over it, it looked like Lukaku to take but no it was Barkley and the ball flew into the goal via the underside of the bar. An absolute gem of a free kick and the celebrations? Unbelievable. Many a Christmas present was delivered with that strike. How one small corner of the ground could celebrate like that in the prevailing weather conditions was remarkable. Only awayday Blues eh.

Swansea had nothing to lose now and just went for it. We repelled a few then Barkley gave a daft free kick away in a dangerous area... Breath was held, kick came in... and, after a bit of a melee, we headed clear – only for a following-up player to hammer it back and, but for a top-class save from Howard, we would have been undone.

The tension wasn’t over as Swansea again got the ball into the box and we were all delighted when their player mis-kicked right in front of goal, another let-off. "Has that clock stopped?" I wondered... then Barkley brought the ball out and was fouled. "Take yer time" was the yell – they did. Lukaku scored but it was disallowed and no-one cared as the whistle went. Players celebrated with fans, songs were sung. Hugs, hand- shakes and best wishes exchanged.

MotM – Coleman... Barkley the highlight of the match.

A good three points which puts us in a good position league-wise. I thought the game today lacked a little due, in the main, to similarity in style and set-up but none the less absorbing. Win away without hitting any heights is the mark of a team on the up and long may it continue.

With games now coming thick and fast, our medical team will be as vital as the players as our small squad needs to recover well in a short time for a few matches to come. When you look at teams around us, the difference stands out in quality squad numbers so we will end up pushing many of our key players more than managers like... so "Play up, the medics!" Do we have psychologists as well???

Sunderland Boxing day and we should be able to field a team fresh enough to win that one but nothing should be taken for granted. Sunderland are desperate for points.

All the best for Christmas and may 2014 be kind to you. See you Boxing Day. I am bringing the mince pies, Big H is doing the pigs trotters and Tommy is getting them in as Buddy Holly sings "That’ll be the day"...
UP THE BLUES





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Michael Kenrick
193 Posted 23/12/2013 at 02:00:55

A fantastic report, Ken, and I thought that second half was just tremendous football of the highest order in terms of commitment, passion, excitement and belief. Yes, perhaps the clinical quality was not on exhibition everywhere, but I thought we pulled out an absolutely top-drawer win under very difficult circumstances.
Not many of the diaspora on here seemed that moved by it but it sounds like the faithful who were there fully appreciated two goals of stunning quality and execution. All the best to you this Christmas, and let's hope the festivities continue at a packed Goodison Park come Thursday afternoon. Let's make it a true Boxing Day!



Graham McCann
195 Posted 23/12/2013 at 01:56:34

Great report as always, Ken. Spot on about Lukaku and the no apparent need for an out-and-out striker. We don't pump everything forward to the big Belgian bloke, but we need him as a focal point for our play in the final third of the field.
I think that Romelu is tiring a bit now, maybe that's why Vellios was on the bench today? I wouldn't mind betting that Vellios will have a role to play in the coming few games. After all, we have no apparent need for an out and out striker. It's all about the attacking players, barring Howard, Distan and Jagielka, they are all attacking players.

COYB




Cenric Clement-Evans
207 Posted 23/12/2013 at 04:33:37

Everton fans were awesome yesterday after a quietish start. The singing was tremendous with the away end literally bouncing! My 13-year-old had to keep on telling me to behave from our seats amongst the Jacks! I was desperate to join in.
Great report as ever Ken. Happy Christmas Evertonians everywhere!



Mike Gaynes
212 Posted 23/12/2013 at 06:09:34

Ken, your reports are always better than the game itself... thanks from all for your commitment to a long journey and a long day to bring us the inside-the-ground viewpoint. Much appreciated, sir!

Back on Top Brings Christmas Cheer for Burnley!

Burnley will be top of the League this Christmas after beating local rivals, Blackpool 2-1 in the Lancashire derby at Turf Moor on Saturday. The earlier Sky Sports televised game between our main rivals QPR and Leicester at Loftus Road saw the Foxes come out on top in a 1-0 win so Burnley knew what they had to do come 3pm and set about achieving it! A goal by Danny Ings in the 7th minute set the Clarets on their way but they suffered a setback in the 24th minute when Blackpool equalised. In the second half Burnley never really looked in trouble and a wonder goal from Scott Arfield in the 47th minute ensured all three points went to the Clarets. The victory meant the Clarets leapfrogged both rivals into the top spot. Burnley now have 43 points from 21 games, one point more than QPR in second who are above Leicester in third on goal difference. Things are looking good for the New Year now especially if we can pick up some points in our remaining two games of 2013 away to Middlesbrough on Boxing Day and Wigan the following Saturday. The omens are good for promotion bearing in mind most clubs at the summit of the Championship table on Christmas Day in the last ten years have gone on to win the title.

And there's more as The Clarets cruised into the quarter finals of the U21 Premier League Cup with a convincing Christmas win over Bolton at Turf Moor.

Burnley dominated the mini-derby and saw off Wanderers thanks to goals from Cameron Howieson, Jason Gilchrist and Jamie Frost.

That double dealing rat bag Ron Noades the ex Crystal Palace bloke, snuffs it.

Have got Burnley to beat Middlesboro' in my selection today Stan. Don't let me down!!! ;o)

EDIT : Hmmmmm....Aston Villa let me down as well, so no harm done! :o(

From my seat: Sunderland (H)
By Ken Buckley :: 26/12/2013


Comments (6) jump to end We assembled in our Room of Nonsense and the pre-match chat centred on many things — none of which anticipated a loss.
Would Baines play?
Would he take Oviedo’s place?
Would it be fair for Oviedo to lose his place?
And could they both play but at the expense of whom?

Also discussed was the apparent statement from Lukaku that he is off back to Chelsea no matter what. The problem with that is what would his display be like if with, say, five games to go, Chelsea and Everton were neck and neck for a final Champions League spot — given, as he says, playing in the Champions League is his dream? The mind boggles...

We got down to discussing correct scores. 2-0... 3-1... 4-1... even 7-0 all in favour of Everton and left the hallowed hall for the walk up. Obvious sell out as the roads were thick with fans and the colour of lights at the pedestrian crossings seemed incidental. The queues at the fat van and the Blue Dragon were healthy as a sea of smiling confident faces made their way to their allotted turnstiles.

Just one change from the Swansea line up as Osman and Barclay swapped bench duties. Many thought it a good idea to rest the young man in readiness for a sterner test v Southampton. Baines? Not even in the squad. The stuff rumours are made of...

Now all this guff is fine and entertaining pre-match but it should never be forgotten that an actual match has to take place; with football being a complete imprecise form of entertainment — once that ball starts rolling anything can happen and almost always does. No wonder the saying "No two games are ever the same."

Mr Probert got us underway and from the off I got that feeling we were not fully focused. We knocked it about okay but with little urgency that suggested the players were content that a goal would come rather than make one happen. In fact, Sunderland were the first to threaten when Jags was a bit sloppy with a backpass that had Howard racing out and just beating Fletcher to the ball. An early let-off...

Everton continued to dominate possession but good approach play always seemed to peter out as soon as the box was reached. Sunderland had ten men behind the ball but that should have been no surprise given their league position. We were certainly playing patient football and were happy to go back to try to get them to come out a little and on 25mins this approach backfired in spectacular fashion when, after a bout of keep-ball, the ball was at Howard's feet but what happened next took everyone by surprise.

Osman was the deepest Blue but with a Sunderland man ready to close down, Howard gave it to him anyway and whether he heard footsteps behind him I don’t know but his attempted return ball was horribly mis-hit and the Sunderland man Ki was in like a robber’s dog and rounded the keeper only to be brought down. Whistle — Penalty — Red Card and we are one down from a well struck spot-kick that gave reserve keeper Robles no chance. Osman was sacrificed to allow the keeper on to make his league debut. Halftime: 0-1. The chat in bogs and bars was still upbeat though as most thought we could and should win, even with ten men, as Sunderland had looked fragile, even with that fortunate goal. Many opined that Deulofeu would have been ideal to toss on second half but you can’t wish for what you can’t have. Barkley was the name on most lips and, as the teams entered for the second half, he was on in place of Mirallas.

The crowd were behind the lads now and "Everton, Everton" rang out from all sides. The players responded and it was hard to tell who had the ten men at times. We pressed and pressed. The keeper parried a Jags header then got hands to Lukaku’s follow-up. The big striker then hit one from outside the box that the keeper sprawled and smothered. Then Barkley joined in and sent a long range shot very high into the Street End.

It was all Everton now and Barkley was testing his power shooting from distance with varying results, the best of which had the keeper parrying and one just wide. Oviedo and Coleman were raiding with menace yet the final ball always seemed to just be out of reach of the players in the box. Oviedo cut inside and let a rocket go that seemed to be arrowing into the top corner only for the keeper to somehow get across and palm away...

For the first time in the match, the thought crossed my mind that this was not to be our day. This thought was reinforced when, after a rare Sunderland break catching almost all lads up-field, Fletcher got through on the keeper but dragged a shot wide. A let-off but we just had to go for it; we gained a free-kick in Barkley territory. He hit it superbly toward top corner but there was the flying Italian to palm away. Tremendous save.

Pienaar, who had been superb second half and our main if not only creative outlet, was replaced by Jelavic with a quarter of an hour to go. We attacked and shot incessantly but just could not make anything count; headers and hacks from set pieces were cleared one way or another and, from one great cross, Lukaku missed his header altogether in front of a gaping goal. What we would have given for Jelavic to break his goal famine today but, wouldn’t you just know it, he got in a header that at last beat the keeper but was headed off the line by a player on loan from Liverpool! It don’t come harder to take than that.

Final whistle and our home run unbeaten comes to an end to a most unlikely opponent—football eh. The fans though uttered not a boo but instead stayed behind and chanted our name to show the players that, yes, we were disappointed but we appreciated their second-half of great joined-up stuff and unrelenting endeavour. Now they must regroup, learn some lessons, and go on another great run.

MotM – Coleman or Distin

Back to the House of Culture and Learning... and we didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, and be damned our disappointments were not over. My mate H does one of those bets where you pick home away or draw for about eight teams, if that comes up it tells you how much you win on the bottom of the slip, in his case £375. He got 7 out of 8. Go on... guess which team let him down. Yep that’s right. Then, to rub salt into the wound, Liverpool scored ------ We went.
UP THE BLUES

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Mike Gaynes
140 Posted 26/12/2013 at 23:26:32

As always, Ken, many thanks. Great to hear that the fans stayed to offer cheers and encouragement even in the face of crushing disappointment.



Dave White
141 Posted 26/12/2013 at 23:29:10

Great report as always Ken, my thanks to you for a game I couldn't watch due to (football unfriendly) family commitments.
My two penneth's worth on what I've just seen on MOTD is that we don't have to panic at that result. One swallow does not make a summer and one disastrous moment does not make a bad team.

We will have days like that from time to time, what is the most important thing is how we react. On the plus side we have very little time to dwell on it and I am taking heart by the way we comprehensively outplayed Sunderland with 10 men.

What I'm not looking forward to is the inevitable Osman bashing that will surely follow. Berate him by all means for a poor performance, but not for a single mistake. In mitigation I'm not sure about playing in your team mate when he's in the middle of the pitch, facing goal with an opposition player up his arse.

Good luck to Robles, time to shine son as you haven't filled me with confidence so far!