Bleak, Ineffective & Losing the Plot...?

Is it too easy to prescribe to the view that The Arsenal's failings are a direct result of poor depth to an inexperienced squad. Probably not. However, I was a big advocate of the original youth project Arsenal undertook with the likes of Fabregas, Van Persie, Clichy, Senderos, Eboue, Song, Reyes, etc, all bought to learn from the Untouchables in order to develop into a fine team in their own right. Now with the King of that youth project having left for his home Barcelona and more opportunities for trophies, it's fair to say the original youth project has failed and died with Cesc leaving.

With the preseason transfer activity it appears Wenger is ready to embark on a whole new youth project. The likes of Ryo, Chamberlain, Campbell and Jenkinson bought. Frimpong, Lansbury and Eastmond promoted to the first team squad, mixed with other young professionals in Wilshire, Gibbs, Ramsey, Chesney (excuse the spelling), we're potentially seeing the core of a very British team for the next decade.

Despite this potential, they are being tested at the highest point of pressure under Wenger's tenure. This could be asking an incredible amount from these youngsters that is likely to be too much too soon. Frimpong and his sending off Sunday was a prime example. Although unlucky with the first yellow as he was genuinely looking for the ball to take an Arsenal throw, but did not realise the throw was to Liverpool. A better ref would have had a quiet word to calm him down. But he showed the kind of heart and battling spirit that Arsenal fans, have hoped to see in the players for a long time.

I would like to see Wenger sign 5 players. They might not have the 'top quality' status Wenger says he's looking for, but they'll add depth and solidity to what is fast becoming a squad of fragile confidence. These would be my picks;

Leighton Baines Competition for Gibbs.
Gary Cahill For obvious reasons
Scott Parker Required experience to aid the Wilshire/Ramsey partnership
Adam Johnson As part of the Nasri deal to show Walcott how a real winger should play
Daniel Sturridge As we saw at Bolton last season, would offer the kind of presence up front that Bendtner and Chamakh are struggling to show.

With 10 days to go, Wenger needs to get busy, quickly.

If you disagree or have an alternate point of view, shout it loud and proud.

JF

Pre-season musings and ramblings

Earlier this summer I bemoaned the lack of activity - transfer wise at White Hart Lane - in or out, and now, with a week to go till the big kick-off, I'm flippin twitchy!

Anyway, with the new season already underway - well done Blackpool last night - and the Prem season starting next week, I've got a few observations about this pre-season so far.

So in no particular order:

Rumours of Man City putting in a bid for Wesley Sneijder. I believe the presence of David Silva does not necessitate a bid for Sneijder but it would be a good move for City if anything to stop Utd from buying him. Edin Dzeko is due a big season as well - he must have settled in now

Transfer sagas - fed up now with the never ending story of the Spurs/Modric/Chelsea, ArsenalCesc/Barcelona and Arsenal/Nasri/City rumours.  All their current clubs are right to hold firm and demand the best fee they can get, but have to be wary of 'cutting off their nose to spite their face' by potentially disrupting the teams' pre-season preparations and early season form.  It may be worth Spurs and Arsenal sacrificing a couple of mill to ensure they get satisfactory replacements in time.  This is more specific to Arsenal as I believe Cesc and Nasri is due to leave more than Modric - but of course if City get Sneijder, surely the Nasri deal would be dead.

Furthermore, the wages boom over the last few seasons has resulted in clubs struggling to offload unwanted players.  Keane, AveragebyYour, Bellamy, SWP, Bendtner, etc anyone?

By all accounts Arsenal messed up the Juan Mata deal. Apparently he had a release clause fee which Spurs met - but he wasn't keen.  Arsenal were interested but despite the talk, Arsenal did not put in an offer. If the release clause was met, the player would have been interested in going to the Emirates. Now he will cost around £5m to £10m more...

Has anyone seen Sky Sports Fantasy League advert with Jeff Stelling and Harry Redknapp?  In normal circumstances it would be quite amusing - in real life, as a Spurs fan waiting for transfer action - its a pisstake! (notice how 'Sandra' is being referenced in the ad - thank Darren Bent for her increased profile!)

The Newcastle/Joey Barton situation earlier in the week highlighted how poor Sky Sports News reporting was - more or less reading out his tweets.  We can ALL follow @Joey7Barton and do that SSN!!!! Up your game!

The Joey Barton transfer listing certainly sparked debate as to whether he would be acceptable at your club. Good player, and on a free, he would be the signing of the summer, but the history has put fans off.

West Ham have done well to buy Matt Taylor and Kevin Nolan - signing of the summer right there! Is that enough however to carry them to promotion? We shall see...

Until next time...

JF's and GWA's Arsenal email banter

 I have to say, this Arsenal-Spurs banter is a common theme when it comes to the benchers' emailed conversations.  I think this is because JF can't help but talk about his beloved Arsenal, and I can't help but put his misguided and biased self right.

Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that JF cannot be educated - although he, like many gooners out there have recently been unable to avoid facing up to his team's relative mediocrity when compared to the glory years of Wenger years past.

This is today's conversation...it would be interesting to hear your views on the subjects we discussed...
While writing I apologise on JF's behalf for a lack of understanding, the spelling mistakes (including names of players) and a lack of class... I have amended where appropriate to preserve our anonymity..

GWA


-----Original Message-----
From: JF
Sent: 26 July 2011 11:35
To: GWA; PEC; MJ

Looks like Eboue is out the door to Galatasray. Denilson has been loaned  to his original club (probably because no one would buy him). Bendtner and Alumina seem to have one foot out the door.

And all I hear about is Wenger trying to sign British players, Jenkinson already in, last ditch effort to sign Phil Jones, Links to Cahill, Jagelika, Downing, Oxox-Chamberlin, James McCarthy and Samba. There's
even been links with Joey Barton.

I think there's a slight change of tact from Wenger. After all the nonsense surrounding the Fabregas and Nasri situation (even Merida left Arsenal to return home to Spain), Wenger wants players loyal to Arsenal.
What better way than to sign British?

Look at Wilshire and Ramsey. Are those two likely to leave Arsenal for any other club? Who exactly knows, but there's a better chance they'll spend their careers at Arsenal rather than return home to Stevenage or
Cardiff!!!

From: GWA

Sent: 26 July 2011 12:07 PM

To: JF; PEC; MJ

Players generally are not loyal any more.  The only thing which would make them loyal at a 'top club' is success and money.  At a 'not so' top club a player will stay if the top clubs don't come calling.

The thing about those Arsenal players is that (a) I think it is more, if not at least, the club pushing them out than the players looking to leave and (b) it goes to show that generally apart from the obvious two
(and then RVP), the rest of the squad is not of a standard to attract the top teams! Simply put Arsenal had a three great players and a squad full of mediocre players - the lack of interest substantiates that.

Let me tell you as well JF.  If arsenal continue being unsuccessful, even the most hardy British player will leave if the Utd's and Chelsk's and Barca's of this world came calling.

From: JF
Sent: 26 July 2011 13:08
To: GWA; PEC; MJ
 

Regardless of Arsenal's current lack of trophies, Arsenal are competing and 'should' be able to attract quality players. But I do think Wenger wants a Britishness back in the team! 

But it doesn't help when your best players want to leave. The Cesc situation is all about playing for his home club and it's unfortunate his home team are Barcelona. But then again we wouldn't hear this nonsense if his home team was Malaga.

As far as I know Nasri has already agreed £180k a week wages with Man Citeh, rejecting Arsenals £115k a week offer. If someone can tell me it isn't about money and why we're not selling him, they having a laugh!! So it comes down to the fact that Wenger needs to just cash in on both.

Let's not get overly critical. Arsenal do have other good players like TV and Sagna, the emergence of Wilshire, Chesney and Ramsey has shown they will be world class. Arsenal need more consistencey from Arshavin, Chamkah and Walcott.

BUT, Wenger has needed to act quickly in the transfer market to shore up the obvious deficiencies. With only the signing of Gervinho and Jenkinson, it's a poor effort on Wenger's part

From: GWA

Sent: 26 July 2011 2:02 PM 

To: JF; PEC; MJ

Arsenal are not competing, and their lack of success combined with the fact that their best players don't want to stay means that they cannot expect to attract the top tier players.

Your mention of Malaga as an example shows that the Cesc situation is  not ALL about playing for his hometown club.  If Arsenal were on top in England and competing in Europe - he would not be seeking a move.

I don't believe the Nasri situation is only about money either.  End of the day - Man City are now seen as a better prospect than Arsenal. In the league and in Europe.  It just so happens that they choose to pay
their employees well also.

Yes, Arsenal have good players (yes, Sagna and Vermin) but make no mistake that even with Arsenal in a fragile position, no top clubs are interested in the majority of their squad or 1st team players.
The keeper is a keeper.  Nothing world class about him. Wilshire has ability - but probably as a supporting act than the centrepiece.  Since his return to the team, Ramsey showed how long he'd been out of the game
(he seemed well off the pace).  But I will always say that if the Stoke injury didn't happen, there would be no Wilshire in his current form.

As for Gervinho - you really have to question Chamakh's position in all this, as surely Chamakh was last year's Gervinho?

Arsenal need a strong midfielder, and two centre defenders. I've heard things that Vermin will be a left back next season too...which would be questionable.

From: JF
Sent: 26 July 2011 14:42
To: GWA; PEC; MJ
 

Mate, Arsenal do compete it's just when it gets to the crunch we're missing that 5% extra to Bring a trophy home.

I think if Arsenal we winning trophies similar to Barcelona I think Cesc would still want to leave. But it makes his decision easier with the fact he's not won anything for 6 years.

Man Citeh are paying for wages with money they don't have. That stadium sponsorship deal is seriously dodgy. £40 million a year for the next 10 years screams of something wrong. But regardless of that Nasri is going for the money. I don't care if Clichy said he's left Arsenal to win trophies with Citeh or if Nasri says it when he steps over the doorstep at Citeh on first day. Fact is those two were in the Arsenal first team and meant to contribute when the crunch came, and were found wanting.
It's all about trebelling their wages.

All you've got to do is look at Chelsea. Chelsea know they couldn't continue with the have since been brought down a peg or two (aside from the desperate attempt to rescue their season with £70million spent in January). Man Citeh's bubble will burst soon, and it'll be when they're banned from Europe for not balancing their books.

As for Gervinho, we'll wait and see. I've never been that impressed by him when i've seen him play but he took his forst two goals very well the other day. But what has happened to Chamkah? He looked a great link
striker for the first half of the season and has since turned into a ghost on the pitch.

I'd love to see Wenger buy a new strong CM but he'll use Frimpong as back up to Song, when really he needs someone proven to challenge his position. I'd be happy if Wenger bought one centre back. TV will be used at left back for games against Stoke. Other than that Gibbs is first choice with Traore as back up. Another squad player Wenger can't offload!! I've heard we might be interested in Jose Enrique from
Newcastle, which might be good but it'll depend if Wenger can get rid of Traore off the books.

From: GWA

Sent: 26 July 2011 15:19 PM

To: JF; PEC; MJ

JF.  Being in the top 4 is not 'competing'.  If it was a matter of just 5% then Sir Alex would have been more wary of Arsenal.  He hasn't been for years.

Cesc would always want to go back to Barcelona - but he has years to do so, so I believe that if Arsenal were credible in the league and in Europe, he would be less aggressive about wanting to leave.

As for City. Yes their Stadium deal is dodgy. Genius if it works without scrutiny - but dodgy nonetheless.

End of the day you have to acknowledge that what Clichy said, and then the messages from Nasri and possibilities with both Manchester clubs have been damaging to Arsenal's reputation.  Clichy - a first teamer did not think he would win trophies at Arsenal as they current are.  This is called insight, and you have to believe that as professionals, they believe they are going to a club with better prospects moving forward.

Yes City will have particular issues with (a) proving a balancing of books (b) selling on unwanted players due to high fees and wages, but we have to acknowledge their ambition.

With Gervinho, basically he has to play - which means Wenger has to fashion a system to let him play regularly, and not just when RVP is injured.  As such, I do not think the 4-3-3 system is sustainable for
Arsenal.  If Gervinho is the marksman they say he is, then he cannot be pushed out wide.  For Chamakh however, I see a future as sub.  Wenger will turn him into another Bendtner or Eduardo.

Also if you are talking about Traore and Frimpong as your first port of call as back up squad players - while at the same time it is also a strong possibility that Cesc and Nasri will leave - then you lot are in
a world of trouble.

From: JF
Sent: 26 July 2011 15:39
To: GWA; PEC; JF

I didn't say being in the top 4 is competing. I said we have competed for trophies, and we have. Since our last trophy in 2005. UCL Final 2006, League Cup Final 2007, Top of the League for 7 months in 2007/08 season, UCL & FA Cup Semi-Finals 2009, and League Cup Final 2011. That's competing, but FAILING!

Cesc isn't being agressive at all. He's kept quiet and that's to be respected. He would have no doubt made his feelings known to Wenger, and as such Arsenal are likely to strike a deal with Barcelona. BUT, Cesc
knows Barcelona need to offer the right money or otherwise he'll be Arsenal player next year, which is probably why he's kept quiet this summer.

It's an increadibly dodgy deal and as Platini doesn't like English Clubs you can be sure UEFA will find something to make a statement and give credibility to the Financial Fair Play Rules.

I acknowledge that for Citeh to compete with the big boys they've needed to spend money in the short term to make up the gap that was there before. In doing so they've been able to get very good players and sticking with a manager they're able to create a challenging looking team. As far as I'm concerned Clichy added to Arsenal's defensive problems over the last few seasons. So for him to critise Arsenal is a pot calling kettle black! I'd take his comment's with a pinch of salt.

i believe Gervinho was used as a right winger by Lille last year, so i expect Wenger to use him as competition for Walcott when RVP is in the team. Arsenal can't revert to a 4-4-2, they'd be too venerable in midfield. It's not like we've got a Vieria and Petit partnership to have an extra striker.

Wenger's got serious problems, and the later he leaves it to sell Nasri and Cesc, the squad is going to be inept for next season. But then again if we get around £70 million for Cesc and Nasri, would you want to give it to Wenger to spend? I wouldn't.

From: GWA

Sent: 26 July 2011 16:16 PM

To: JF; PEC; MJ

The fact that you mention Semi-Finals is typical.
The fact that gooners (and it isn't just you - I know others) still consider themselves worthy enough to talk about trophies is typical.
The fact that you want to mention 'top of the league for 7 months' is typical.
All those 'events' you mentioned ended up with your team losing.
CITY won the FA Cup last season
MY TEAM won the league cup in 2008 (oh, and lost in the final in 2009).
Anyway, this isn't about my team...

Cesc.  His best mate plays for the club which is chasing him, and that best mate, and all his international team mates run their mouth about him.  And you reckon Cesc has not given his approval for that to happen?
 Let's be real.  I'm not saying Cesc is behind the Barca players talking to the media about him, but I would say that he could easily nip it in the bud - which he isn't doing.  Obviously publically this means that Cesc looks 'respectful', whilst still part of the publicity campaign to push a move through.

Clichy may have particular defensive issues, but at the end of the day he was your manager's first pick as left back, was there for years, and his opinion is current and important.

Jamo, are you saying that Arsenal don't have the flexibility to operate a different formation?

As for Wenger - with 70m, he could do a lot with that. Couple of defenders - 35m, top centre mid (25-30m). 5-10m change. Won't happen though

From: JF
Sent: 26 July 2011 16:39
To: GWA; PEC; MJ

Well I'm not going to mention 1/4 finals, that would be pushing it...!!!
Citeh and Spurs achieved, but that doesn't stop the fact Arsenal competed.

Maybe Cesc could nip it in the bud but then again maybe the Barcelona players are doing as they told by Barcelona and commentating on bringing Cesc to the Camp Nou. Take the Xavi comments that were posted on the Barca website recently. Could Cesc really nip that in the bud?

I'm saying Arsenal have become more or a 'Plan A team and nothing else' than ever before. It's all down to Song and the fact that he get's caught out of position in a central 2 in midfield. Wenger tried playing Wilshire and Ramsey as a 2 but at the moment there isn't enough power and strength in them to do that role. Maybe in a couple of years, which Wenger doesn't have. If we bought players like Sissoko and/or M'Vila,the typical French players Wenger was known for buying, the squad would be more adaptable to playing 4-4-2.

You've just summed it up. You can do a hell of a lot with £70 million, but Wenger won't and it all comes down to him. I feel the board, in particular Ivan Gazidis, are giving Wenger enough rope to hang himself.

From: GWA

Sent: 26 July 2011 16:46 PM

To: JF; PEC; MJ

So basically are you conceding that Arsenal, in it's current form will fail again this coming season?

From: JF
Sent: 26 July 2011 17:04
To: GWA; PEC; MJ

It's not really conceding anything. It's a fact that Wenger needed to strengthen this squad. With the eventual sales of Nasri and Fabregas alsongside the departures of Clichy, Eboue, Alumina and Bendtner, there
isn't a lot of strengthening going on now.

So to answer your question, Yes!

Looks like I got the upper hand on this one!  As I said, excuse the spelling and grammar, this is relatively unedited office sports banter 'cut n pasted' direct from the work email.  Feel free to retort, agree or generally cuss us for getting it so wrong.  It's all opinion's folks!

Local Pub 'DERBY DAY'

ello Ladies n Gents! Has been a hectic few weeks, which i know you dont care to know about.

Instead, i would like to let you know, that my 'local-ish' sports pub, (THE BIRD IN HAND) that due to those spurs supporters giving it too much LARGE, we will be having a football match THIS SUNDAY (24th) ----ARSENAL fans v TOTTENHAM fans! IMAGINE that!!!!!

Should their be any survivors, I hope to recommending that you too consider the possibility of shutting up your most hated, ON THE PITCH!

(for your info - the advertised BBQ will take place regardless of outcome)

My Prediction: Arsenal 7 - tot -4!!!

ha

MJ

Darren Clarke - The Strongest Link

I'm just getting re-acclimatised to normal life after watching the BBC's live coverage of The Open for 4 straight days - even taking Thursday and Friday off work to do so.  I did not move from in front of the telly (aside for doing the essentials!), and I have to say it was bliss.
Before I get started I have to say a big congratulations to Darren Clarke -a worthy winner whose shot-making taking into account the wind and rain was very impressive, and was unmatched by his peers.  Certainly his background playing on the links in Northern Ireland was a massive factor in Darren's victory as he seemed to take the changeable conditions in his stride.
I could go on and do an in depth analysis of the tournament, but I won't. What I will say, is that I love The Open - it is my favourite Major, simply because it tests aspects of the pros' game which no other tournament in the world comes even close to testing. Have you the mental strength to accept that good shots may get an uneven, unlucky bounce? Good drives ending up in the rough? Good approaches rolling through the green? Can you play shots below the 30mph wind? Can you land your ball off the green so it rolls up to the hole at the back of the green? Can you cope with the on and off rain? Putting on and taking off your rain gear? Keeping your equipment as dry as possible?

I love it - possibly because it reminds me of what we amateurs encounter on a golf course on a rainy day - a regular occurrence in good old England.  Me and my mates' drives end up in the rough, OUR approaches roll off the green, WE can't play shots in the wind, WE can't play on hard greens and WE have difficulty keeping dry and maintaining concentration in the rain.

The Open (when the wind is blowing and the rain falling) puts the professionals through the crap that we - mere weekend players - go through, and it is enjoyable to watch.  Certainly more enjoyable that the 'been there before, seen it before' of the Masters at Augusta, and the PGA Championship which generally allows generous 'below par' scores.  I would say only the set-up of the US Open is a comparison to the Open - and Rory McIlroy battered Congressional in June with a -16 total.

Speaking of McIlroy, did anyone catch the BBC interview with him just after his final round today?  I cannot say that I am impressed.  Rory claimed that he didn't like The Open when the wind was blowing and the rain falling, and then he stated that he wouldn't seek to change his game to facilitate an improved performance in future Opens, as they (the players) 'only play links golf once a year'.  Firstly, let me acknowledge that Rory had a frustrating Open Championship, including dropping a penalty shot today after the wind moved his ball on the green after he grounded his putter at address, but the mere notion that Rory would like The Open better if there was no wind or rain, shows that there is no acknowledgement from him of what make The Open, The Open. Secondly I suggest Rory study his compatriot Darren Clarke's play over the 4 days and realise that they is nothing better than a links masterclass.  I would suggest that Rory take some time out and do some work on his game at links courses as surely this would make him a better all round player.

Now don't get me wrong, as it was me that bigged Rory up after tearing up Congressional just 4 weeks ago. He played like a trojan and I saw plenty more majors in this young man.  After his interview today however, perhaps he won't win a major on the British shores, which would be a shame.  Perhaps his game is better suited to the 'target golf' of America.

So I've congratulated Darren Clarke, and reprimanded Rory McIlroy - who else deserves a mention from this weekend?
Tom Lewis - A brilliant first round and won the silver medal as top amateur.  And he's from Welwyn Garden City, which isn't too far away from where I live
Tom Watson - showing age is nothing but a number when it comes to links golf - his experience worked wonders at Royal St Georges
Phil Mickleson - his front nine on the final day put him into contention, before he faded away on the back nine
Dustin Johnson - booming drives and steady play, before a shanked 2nd out of bounds on the back nine end his chances
Rickie Fowler - played all four rounds in the worst weather and showed an amazing variety of shots. His putter went cold on the last day, but we saw a future Open winner this week
The wind and the rain - without it, the course would have got battered. Without it, The Open isn't The Open.
Jim Nantz - smoothest commentator I've heard on the BBC - nice cameo performance
Sergio Garcia - he showed enough this weekend, combined with the last few months to suggest he's back and has a major in him.  Certainly we saw a lot more smiles from him this weekend.

So what's next?  The PGA Championship is at Atlanta Athletic Club and commences on 11th August 2011. I haven't studied the course but certainly I'll be looking at the odds of McIlroy, Johnson, Fowler and Garcia.
Who are you going to back?

Common Sense...At Last!

It's taken at least two to three years, but finally there is common sense emanating from Barcelona.

Johan Cruff has told Barca to get real in their pursuit of Fabregas and it's about time someone told them.

The real question Barca need to answer is why are they prepared to pay £40 million for Sanchez but see fit to offer only £35 million for Fabregas who has 4 years left to run on his contract? Arsenal have every right to ask for £50 million.

If Barca really want him, they'll need to pay the asking price.

On a different note, here's to Darren Clarke and hopefully winning The Open after a fantastic round of 69 yesterday. Only bettered by Ricky Fowler with a 68 who will also be carrying momentum into the final day. Lurking just behind, Dustin Johnson and Jimenez will be looking to make a final charge.

JF

LIVE coverage of The Open at Royal St Georges - day 1

Hi everyone, it's GWA here and I've got the rest of the week off work, so I can sit on my backside and watch The Open 2011 on my TV, and fill myself up with sugary foods and beer.

As I'll be watching, I'll be providing regular updates of what's going on just to keep you informed of the movers and shakers on the course. Will the weather ensure that this legendary course, which has been made 'less tricky' provides a suitable challenge to the top players in the world?  We will have to wait and see.

I'll see you back at around 9.15am, and at regular intervals throughout the day

9.06am
Rory McIlroy arrives at the 1st tee to a grand ovation. He tee's off at 9.09am with Ernie Els and Rickie Fowler...
Els up first with a 3 wood, and finds the middle of the fairway.  Rory up next - and finds the first cut on the right. Not bad...Fowler with a decent drive and finds the light rough on the left

9.15am

Fowler and McIlroy got through the back of the green on their approach.  Els finds the middle of the green. Good shot.

9.19am
Fowler putts in from the back of the green for birdie!!! That was at least 40ft! From more or less the same spot McIlroy races his putt past the pin - say 5ft?

9..21am
Lots of support for Garcia on the 1st tee.  Donald and Ishikawa have already teed off. Decent drives.  Sergio finds the middle of the fairway.

9.23am
McIlroy misses his par putt and starts with a bogie.  Els putts his 3 footer for par.

9.28am
The first green causing Garcia, Donald and Ishikawa problems. Neither of them found the green with their second shot despite being in decent positions off the tee

9.30am
Thomas Bjorn with a birdie at the 8th to go 3 under

9.33am
Donald makes his par on the 1st.  As does Garcia. Both with 3 footers. Ishikawa makes a bogie

9.38am
Fowler with a par on the 2nd - Els saves par after a poor 2nd shot.  McIlroy makes par too
Fowler -1. Els. Par McIlroy +1

Just on a break but will get back to the updates shortly

Interesting morning so far, fast greens and blustery conditions and making it uncomfortable for the golfers. Patience is the key today I think.

10.13am
Great approach from 190 yards by Luke Donald on the 4th. Ishikawa thins his 2nd through the green...oops!

10.14am
Garcia finds the front of the 4th green with a sand iron from 140 yards

10.20am
Luke Donald misses his birdie putt on the 4th, but has a tap in par. He's playing very solidly today is Luke

10.23am
McIlroy makes his par on the 5th. Nice up and down there He's still +2 for the day.

10.30am
McIlroy, Els and Fowler all with good tee shots on the par 3 6th

10.35am
Luke slides a birdie attempt by on the 5th and knocks in the par putt

Meanwhile on the 6th McIlroy doesn't make his birdie putt, but has an easy par tap in. Rory is at +2, Donald -1

10.37am
Garcia makes his par on the 5th and is +1 for the day

10.42am
Els, McIlroy and Fowler all make the fairway from the tee at the par 5 7th.

10.47am
Par on the 6th by Garcia.  He's trundling along quite nicely too

10.49am
Donald drops a shot at the 6th - makes bogie. Back to Evens

10.56am
Great birdie by Els on the 7th. Driver. Driver off the deck. Greenside sand shot and a putt for 4.  McIlroy makes a par, as does Fowler.

11.00am
Thomas Bjorn going well at -3 with a putt to go -4 on 15th

11.04am
Birdie for Bjorn. Goes to -4

Bjorn leads at -4, with Calcavecchia , Cink and Jimenez behind on -2.

11.08am
Els drove wide left on the 8th and got caught up in thick rough. His 2nd went around 20 yards and his 3rd hacked out to no mans land between fairway and green. Problems.

11.11am
Bjorn gives himself another birdie chance at the 15th with a lovely approach

11.15am
Double bogie by Els on the 8th.  +2 for the day so far.  McIlroy downs a birdie putt to get down to +1.  Fowler drops his par putt

11.19am
Great 4 iron approach by Donald on the 8th. He's got a birdie putt coming

11.21am

Long birdie putt by Jimenez on the 12th to go to -3

11.24am
Steady par for Garcia on the 8th and Donald's birdie putt lips out

11.26am
Thomas Bjorn makes another birdie at 15th for -6

 11.34am
Front 9 completed for Rory McIlroy (+1), Rickie Fowler (-1) and Ernie Els (+3)

11.42am
-1 for Donald after 9, Evens for Garcia and Ishikawa +6

11.50am
Par for Els,McIlroy and Fowler on the 10th.

11.55am
It's raining lightly at Royal St Georges now. No mass movement to get waterproofs/umbrellas out yet though

11.57am
Scratch that.  It's not light rain any more - it looks like its coming down a bit harder

11.59am
Bogie by Bjorn at 18th, and finishes at -5. Great performance from the Dane

12.18pm
Bogie for Donald at 11, goes back to Evens
McIlroy lips out on the 12th to remain at +1, and Els gets a par to remain at +3

12.26pm
Nice approach by Donald on the 12th. Garcia: MAGIC approach to 2 feet - and a smile on his face!

12.30pm
And Donald's birdie putt just slides by. Par.

12.32pm
Birdie for Garcia - he goes to -1

12.28pm
McIlroy makes a bogie, as does Fowler.Back to +2 and Evens respectively.  Els stays at +3

12.41pm
Great approach to the 13th green by Garcia - within 15 feet and a birdie chance - which he made! Down to -2

12.57pm
ACE by Dustin Johnson on the 16th to take him back to Evens after being at +4 earlier in the round.  A birdie, birdie, eagle run brings turns his round around

1.00pm
Jimenez holes out his par on 18th to finish on a four under 66.  Great performance by the Spaniard. Worthy of a cigar and a glass (or bottle!) of wine!

1.04pm
Put your money on Garcia.  a pulled 2nd shot going for the par 5 14th green, hits the grandstand and ricochets back onto the fairway. Fortunate.

1.09pm
Great 2nd shot from the rough by Poulter on 17. gives himself a nice opportunity to move under par

1.15pm
Poulter makes the putt to go to -1
Nice touch from greenside by McIlroy to give him an easy par putt on 15

1.32pm
Par on the lasts  - Poulter ends his round on 69, 1 under.
Johnson gets a bogie on 18th and ends on even par, great run from the 14th hole

1.34pm

Great par save by Garcia on 15 after his tee shot goes WAAAY right.

1.41pm
Birdie for McIlroy on 17th to bring him to +1

I've just seen a clip of Bjorn's press conference where he almost broke down after being asked about his deceased father.  Why do those questions get asked? Why can't those subjects be left alone?

1.58pm
2 over par round for Els (72), 1 over by McIlroy (71) and even par by Fowler (70).  McIlroy was just 'off' today, but got better as the round went on.

2.02pm
Birdie for Donald on 17th, takes him to +1

2.20pm
And Donald ends his round at a 71, +1. Garcia with two bogies in the last three holes ends on level par for the first day.  Ishikawa ends at +4.

And with that, I'm taking a break but will be back in a while so stay tuned.

OK I'm back, and it looks as though the course is proving tricky for many.  Lee Westwood is at +3 after 6, and in the same group, Steve Stricker is +1.

3.55pm
Adam Scott, with Steve Williams on his bag,, with a beautiful approach to the  9th green. Gives himself a 5-6 footer

3.58pm
Justin Leonard with a birdie on the 3rd. His 3rd birdie of the round to take him to -3
Graeme McDowell with a bogie on 8th, takes him back to +2

4.00pm
Adam Scott sinks his birdie putt to go to -2.
Meanwhile the pin helps Lee Westwood out by slowing down a greenside chip (for eagle) on the 7th - he sunk the birdie putt

4.28pm
Mickleson holds par on the 8th to stay at level par

technical difficulties. back soon

5.35pm
OK let's try and get back onto this with a quick couple of sentences about the morning's play:
Thomas Bjorn put to rest the memories of his calamitous display on the 16th 8 years ago, to post a still-leading 5 under par 65.  Spain's Jimenez was impressive as he came home in 66 blows - 4 under.  World's number one, Luke Donald and US Open champion Rory McIlroy shot a one over par 71.  Also a big shout to my pick, Ian Poulter for a one-under 69, although he has stated that he thought there was more out there for him today.  On the course at the moment are the likes of word number 2, Lee Westwood, Phil Mickleson, Graeme McDowell, Adam Scott, Steve Stricker and Ricky Barnes.

5.55pm
I forgot to say that weather conditions this afternoon are sooooo much more favourable to the players than they were this morning - however nobody seems to want to take on the mantle and attack the course

6.00pm
Also come on Tom Lewis! An amateur from just within 30 minutes from me and PEC - in Welwyn Garden City. He's at 2 under for the day

6.10pm
Lucas Glover birdie putts on the last to card an impressive four under par round of 66. Actually Glover birdied the last three holes. Well done sir!

6.15pm
Justin Rose misses his birdie putt on 17 leaving a routine par. Stays at +2

6.20pm
Drive and 3 wood puts Tom Lewis on the par 5 14th's green in two. Great putt leaves him a tap in for birdie

6.22pm
Great 2nd shot by McDowell leaves him a makable birdie putt on 17.  Tom Lewis makes his birdie putt on 14 to go 2 under

 6.24pm
Tom Watson's going ok despite a bogie six at the 14 - moves him back to one over par

6.25pm
Lee Westwood at the 15th  sneaks a birdie putt to a great ovation from the gallery. He goes to +1

 6.29pm
A par at 18th means Padraig Harrington finishes with a 3 over 73. Matt Kuchar ended with a 74.

6.30pm
Birdie by McDowell on 17th brings him below par. One under.

6.33pm
Some lip-out action on 15th denies Martin Kaymer of his birdie.  Par scored.  Remains at 1 under par.

6.34pm
Tom Lewis on the 15th fairway with over 200 yards to the green hits a 6 iron to around 10 feet. Great shot

6.35pm
Adam Scott finishes with a birdie on 18th to card a one under par round of 69.  Justin Rose finishes with a par on 18th and a round of 72 - 2 over.

6.38pm
Nice approach by McDowell on the 18th. Leaves himself around 4 feet for a birdie

6.39pm
Tom Lewis holes a birdie on 15 to go to 3 under

6.42pm
Martin Kaymer birdies the 16th - moves to 2 under par

6.43pm
Nice approach from Westwood on the 17th. Leaves himself a birdie putt.
Impressive tee shot on 16th from Tom Lewis. He's got a 6 footer for birdie

6.45pm
Birdie on the last by McDowell gives him a 2 under par round of 68.  Great comeback from his double bogie 1st, scoring a 4 under back nine.

7.03pm
Tom Lewis birdie putts on 17th to join Thomas Bjorn as the leader of The Open on -5.  He birdied the 16th too.  Tom Watson misses his birdie putt after a great approach

7.04pm
Master's champion Charl Schwartzel pars the last, to end with a 71 - 1 over par, and Tom Watson makes his par putt on 17 to stay at +2

7.08pm
Tom Lewis cracks a drive right down the middle of the fairway of the 18th hole

7.15pm
Kaymer putts in for par on the 18th for a two-under par round of 68. He's in contention.  Louis Oosterhuisen finishes for a round of 72 - 2 over.  Mickleson already putted in for par in the back door, for a level-par round of 70.  All three are not too badly postitioned...

7.20pm
Tom Lewis gets a massive round of applause as he approaches the 18th tee. He's done well the youngster - and lets not forget that he comes from my parts

7.26pm
Tom Lewis pars the 18th, and is now joint clubhouse leader with Bjorn on 5-under.  Well done lad!

And that concludes my coverage of a great day's action.  I'll be back tomorrow, but with more sporadic updates throughout the day.  See you tomorrow.

FIFA or PES? PS3 or Xbox 360?

These are two vital (well not life or death, but close!) questions as we approach the autumn, and the annual releases of the latest in the FIFA and PES series' - FIFA 12 and PES 2012 repectively.  Fans of either will know - but for those who don't, FIFA 2012 is due for release 30th September 2011 and PES 2012 on a date to be confirmed in October 2011.

Before I continue, I better tell you not to expect me to preview either game.  That is not my job - particularly as there are many other people in the world employed to do so.  Google it, and also check out the vids by clicking on the links below:


http://youtu.be/Tk5gGjikJto

http://youtu.be/jsuyHyDhDaE

Moving on, and I'll be honest here - I have not actively played either FIFA or PES in the last three years at least - this may be because I've never owned an Xbox - and I first owned a PS3 in 2010!  I think that me getting together with my good lady at the start of 2008 was a contributory factor to my reduction in gameplaying (good impressions and all that!), and extended due to my addiction to Football Manager.

While I'm being honest I'll go even further and admit that I've never bought a FIFA game ever (the two copies in my possession technically belong to my brother).  Don't start thinking I'm a thief however, because I'm not - it's just that I've never been interested in FIFA, as I've been a ISS/PES guy since day one.

If you don't know what ISS is, it was the name of PES before PES was called PES. ISS stood for International Superstar Soccer and ISS was the 'western' name for Konami's 'Winning Eleven' series which despite the obvious lack of licences allowing competition, player and team names to be used (which has been improved nowadays), was miles better gameplay-wise than FIFA was back in the day.  Despite this FIFA was and is the biggest seller - a main reason for that I suspect to be the licences allowing real team, player and competition names to be used, and it's 'bigger-named' commentators.  I suppose if you were a football gamer you were either a FIFA guy or a PES guy (or girl - equal ops and all that!). I was a ISS/PES guy.  Check out my ISS/PES back catalogue in the pics below compared to 'my' FIFA collection.

Anyway, when the next Xbox 360 came out in 2006 and the PS3 in 2007 - I wasn't interested.  I was playing my part in some legendary battles on Pro Evolution Soccer 6 with my mates on the PS2.  What didn't help was hearing stories that FIFA was still poor, and the PES games on the next gen consoles were plagued with problems - I was best out of it I reckoned, rather than break my heart trying to flog a dead horse.

By all accounts PES has never really reached the gamplay levels of the pre-PS3 versions, although over the last couple of years I have heard about massive improvements in FIFA's gameplay, which has made me intrigued.  The only thing is that I have not had enough time to dedicate to learning the game (remembering I have never really played it) before I could bust some heads online.

However I'm gearing up for a gameplaying future (sorry babe!), and am looking to reach the levels I was at in my prime. Although I have a PS3, I haven't really embraced it, so my question for the gaming/football massive is...

FIFA or PES? which game is better - which should I invest my hard-earned in this Autumn?

PES or Xbox 360?  Which is better? Should I trade in my PS3 for an Xbox 360?

I'm looking for your views people, because I'm looking to join some online leagues - with a view to placing some results/banter here on 4menonabench.blogspot.com.  So add your usernames etc and I'll add ya, maybe set up a 4menonabench league or something like that.

By the way, have Sony sorted themselves out after being hacked into?

No need to panic down at the Lane

I have to admit, the lack of transfer action in or out has been making me as twitchy as our manager before a court trial relating to tax offences (ooops!), but over the last day or so, I have calmed down and reflected and come to the conclusion that it isn't all that bad.

I'm a listener of talksport, and the station is on constantly when I'm in my car, and I have gotten a bit put out by the apparent disregard of Spurs' chances next season.  Yes, we did not qualify for the Champions League and yes our best active player wants to go to Chelsea but it is not that bad down at White Hart Lane.

There is almost an unspoken feeling that Spurs are not good enough.  There's talk about the top clubs' chances in the league next season? Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, City and Liverpool are discussed.  There's talk about the transfer speculation? Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, City and Liverpool are discussed.  Any time Spurs are mentioned, their chances get shot down immediately.

Apparently we are no longer contenders. 
Utd have money and are the top club in the country
Chelsea have the money and are the second top club in the country
City have the money
Arsenal are just there...

Us? We are the team which, despite a debut season in the Champions League, were the joint 2nd most hard-to-beat team in the Premier League, losing eight matches. Joint with Arsenal, and one less than Chelsea and Manchester City.  Finishing 6 points behind Arsenal and 9 points behind City and Chelsea sounds worse than it was.  We can look to damaging results in Feburary, March and April against teams, which arrogantly, I will say that we should have beat:-
22nd February - lost to Blackpool away 3-1
6th March - drew with Wolves away 3-3
19th March - drew with West Ham home 0-0
2nd April - drew with Wigan away 0-0
23rd April - drew with West Brom home 2-2
7th May - drew with Blackpool home 1-1


When you look at these matches, let's not pretend that if the matches were played on paper, then, again not being arrogant, we should have been 13 points better off.  I'll accept that the beauty of football is that it does not always follow expectation, trend or form, but really, Tottenham should have done better.  Standard.

And to those who have bemoaned Tottenham's strikeforce, then yes this aspect was found wanting - 55 goals all season is not good enough (although City 'only' scored 60 and finished 3rd), but the disappointing aspect for me was the number of goals we let in.  Look at the matches I listed above - all but two we scored in, but all but two we kept a clean sheet in.  Although we need some tweaks up front (and I would keep Defoe and Pav, but let Crouchy and Keano go), we really need to look at whether the Gallas/Dawson partnership is 'the one' because even though both may play ok, we still let goals in, which is disappointing.

Other than a new defender, a couple of strikers and a happy Luka Modric, I feel Spurs are in decent shape for the new seasons, particularly looking at what is going on at our rivals at the moment:
Chelsea: new manager, new mindset and ageing squad
Arsenal: two influential midfielders want to leave, other players being told they can go, major rebuilding going on
Liverpool: have splashed the cash, but suspect whether any of their additions this year (Suarez excepted) are 'big team' players

Only Utd seem to have strengthened appropriately, so with a couple of the right signings, I think Spurs could be in good stead for the coming season....

My shirts

Why these shirts?

My shirts......I've always had them from as long as I can remember. Starting with my club back in the day.

Why West Ham, simple Clyde Best. Growing up in East London back in those days was difficult as a cheeky black kid, life was either really up or terribly down. Hours of enjoyment in the back garden, football, cricket, running, jumping.......anything, always in the garden. My brother, sister's and I (like many other children of that time) had a tough upbringing, being children of Jamaican and Bajan decent meant that bad behaviour was never tolerated, punishment was swift when necessary (My mother was scarier than Andy Roberts). My mother's motto was always 'Be seen and not heard' and that's how we were. Our parents suffered abhorrent abuse at work, even while shopping. I can still remember the sign on the King Harold - No blacks, Irish or dogs! damn they struggled to put food on the table, but we had Clyde Best.

He was to me at that time, tall, strong, powerful and most importantly black, he gave me something I could associate with and aspire to, much like the West Indies cricket team in years to come.

I always wanted to fit in, but never quite made it. As an impressionable 8 year old, Mickey Barnes (goodness, what a player) and Mark Stimpson (Newcastle, Tottenham and until recently manager of Barnet) started playing football for Riverhawks, a top youth side capable of matching Puma and Senrab. I was curious, I wanted to play for Riverhawks but was never selected to trial. Disappointment was tempered by the fact that I was playing for the school 3rd year team as a 2nd year pupil and I was off and running.

Football and cricket dominated my childhood, aged 11 I was playing for Beaumont, we had our own purpose built clubhouse over at Coronation Gardens. Beaumont were a top side and I managed to make it into the under 12's 1st team. I remember fondly games against New Forest, Enfield Rangers, Discus and Enfield United to this day. Halcyon days! Days when if any shirt caught my eye and I had to have it. For instance, I had to have an Orient shirt because my brother and I used to sneak into Brisbane Road after half time and watch the likes of Ralph Coates, John Chidozie and Peter Kitchen. My West Brom shirt was due to Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis and Brendon (best afro ever) Batson.

In those days, I loved Ron Atkinson, he gave me players I could identify with. Crystal Palace had Vince Hilare, Jim Gannon and Terry Venables, while at Beaumont Vince's sibling Julian played in the same team as Perry Suckling. Vince was often seen at our training ground at the back of Coronation Gardens, and I clearly remember him taking me in his car to trial for Watford, a Palace shirt was a for gone conclusion from then on. The England shirts go without saying, Stan Bowles, Frank Wothington, Tony Curry, Keegan and Brooking.......Heroes of mine, I could go on but the rest is for another day.

I salute you Clyde Best.

Come on lovers of football get your shirts out, take a picture and tell us why you have them.

PEC

Weekend Round Up

First things first, Nadal vs. Djokovic. What a fantastic Champion for Wimbledon. In the age of X-Factor, we got the whole sob story build-up including Djokovic’s journey to tennis stardom. But all that aside and focusing on the Tennis, it was fantastic to see someone step up to the level of Nadal, and to a certain degree brutally taking the game to Nadal. I might not be a tennis nut, but I’ve seen enough tennis to appreciate the 5 game streak over the end of the first set and start of the second. Simply breathtaking.

A little note of the Haye vs. Klitschko ‘fight’. Klitschko looks like a heavy weight and Haye is just pretending. Nuff said!!

Also entertaining me this weekend is the battle for the Olympic Stadium. I can’t help thinking that once a club finally gets their hands on the stadium, they’ll be looking to get rid of it in a hurry. I’m expecting my fellow bench mates to have the real facts and stats on this conundrum.

Of course I’m obliged to round-off this piece with a quick mention to the sale of Gael Clichy to Man Citeh for the reported figure of £7 million (a good fee I feel for a guy with 12 months left on his contract). I don’t want to sound like one the many gooners out there that will inevitable discredit the 8 year service Clichy gave to Arsenal despite role he tried to fill in the absence of Ashley Cole, but there are a few details I think need pointing out.

It’s pretty clear that since 2007/08 season in which Clichy was voted in the PFA team of the year, his abilities have seriously declined. Many fans and pundits will point out the fact that for a full back his crossing was a disgrace, and more empathetically he was unable to hold a defensive line along side any other Arsenal.

For this, I blame Wenger. I wish Clichy all the best and I won’t be too surprised to see his defensive abilities improve when he’s drilled in training by Mancini.

Could Murry truly be inspired by the achievement of Djokovic? Is Haye deserving of a rematch? Do West Ham seriously expect to fill 60,000 seats or even fund the required improvements to turn the Olympic Stadium in to a Football Arena? Is Wenger going to sign a new left or switch Vermaelen to left back with Samba and Cahill coming in?

Role on the British Grand Prix next weekend.

JF

Actually, one last thing on Wenger’s comments and ‘waiting for the first big transfer before clubs start spending’. Man Utd have already spent £60 million, Liverpool £20 million, Newcastle have signed 5 players, and that doesn’t include the fact that Chavski, Man Citeh and Liverpool started their summer spending in January with the big money signings of Torres, Suarez, Dzeko, etc.

You’ve got to wonder if Wenger thinks before he speaks anymore...?!

Replica football shirts - how many do you have?

I was recently thinking about replica football shirts (I lead a sad, sad life!), and about my collection of shirts - actually it's not a collection per say, as I don't keep my replicas untouched and pristine. I actually wear them you know!  Anyway, what I was pondering was, as a Spurs fan of Jamaican background, it probably is not a surprise when I tell you I have many Spurs and Jamaica (yes, they play football - remember the Reggae Boyz?) replica shirts, and I would assume that the same could be said for many football fans, in that they would own replica shirts relevant to their favoured club and country.  Am I right?  Anyway, I was thinking more about the shirts I own which are not Spurs or Jamaica related, and got me wondering why I own those shirts.

We've recently heard that Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby wears a Tottenham shirt indoors, given to him by French compatriot and Spurs defender, Younes (I call him Unit) Kaboul.  Now I'm not trying to say that I roll around my flat in the red and white of Arsenal - bloody hell, you'd be lucky if you see me wear any sort of red - but in addition to my Spurs and Jamaica shirts why on earth do I own: 1 Brazil home, 1 Brazil away, 1 Barcelona home, 1 Barcelona away, 1 Inter Milan away, and 1 Rangers home and 1 Italy home replicas? There must be a story to it?
Well the best I can come up with is that I fully respect Brazil as a footballing nation - the Barcelona ones I got as presents, I liked the design of the Inter Milan one (white with the diagonal blue and black stripe), I bought the Italy one while on a break in Rome, and the Rangers one - well that was the chosen kit for a 5-a-side team I was playing for due to its cheap price.

Another reason I own some is an apparent misguided thought that some of those shirts (the Brazil and Italy ones) may be acceptable to wear out and about in the daytime as a sports-casual thing.  You know the deal - popping to the shops, going to the bookies - just generally going about your business? I say apparent misguided, because I asked my mate Cory at work how many replica shirts he owns, and he went on a rant about how he considered it "chavvy" to wear football shirts out and about, and that they should only be worn when playing sports, or chilling inside your abode where no-one can see you.  Now, I'm no fashion expert and Cory sure as hell isn't, so I don't know what the score is here.  I'm not a chav, I'm sure of it - I know what the appropriate occasion is to wear my Burberry cap (only joking!!!!) so what do you reckon?

So, with this in mind, I've got a couple of questions for you all?

1) HOW MANY REPLICA FOOTBALL SHIRTS DO YOU OWN?
2) WHICH ONES ARE NOT EITHER YOUR FAVOURED CLUB OR COUNTRY?
3) IS WEARING FOOTBALL KITS AS CASUAL WEAR IN PUBLIC ACCEPTABLE OR NOT?

Let me know your thoughts, and send in your photos containing all your football shirts (like mine) to 4menonabench@gmail.com or hit us up @4menonabench on twitter, and the best comments and photo may win a prize.

hello from M..J..

ok people, allow me to give you the low down on my fellow 'bench-mates'.....

GWA - die hard spud, i mean spurs fan, and annoyingly good at expressing his opinion, however misguided and deluded it may be.
Pos: Exceptional knowledge of football...... test him at your will!
Neg: Annoying! Simples!
PEC - The elder of the bench -mates......Is so west ham through and through, is a bit like Alfie from Eastenders, wears his Hammers shirt to bed! Can destroy you with his text! Beware!
Pos: Lyrically dangerous!
Neg: Again, Annoying!
JF: aka Jammo... The pup of the Bench-mates....and does it show! A deep rooted Arsenal fan. Prepare yourself for his 'alternative' view on all thing football!
Pos: able to do things with a football, most could never imagine!
Neg: N/A

Simple question?

Will the guys from White Hart Lane, ever finish above their rivals Arsenal?

Enough about Cesc......

The most important issue surrounding Arsenal, is the philosophy behind the club. The 'young,small, tidy' player style was not far away from bringing much needed success to the club......but was a project which did not bring the much needed fruit to the dried mouths of Arsenal fans, who have had to drink from the fountain of dread, instead....and which has led many of them to seek Rooney's hair doc.

Transfer Window Blues...

If you didn't know, I am a ever faithful fan of Tottenham Hotspur and I'm honestly pleased with the gradual progression my team have shown in the last 5 years or so, from the days of Martin Jol taking over from Jacques Santini (who remembers him?!).  While mentioning him, I am very pleased to see Mr Jol back in the Premier League and wish him good luck with Fulham (not against Spurs though!) this coming season.

Simultaneous with Spurs’ gradual improvement, I am almost ecstatic on Arsenal’s ongoing fall from grace, and find it very amusing that after six empty-handed seasons, gooners seem to have just realised that something is very very wrong at the Emirates.

My thoughts on Arsenal will come in due course.  My colleagues PEC (an unfortunate West Ham supporter) and JF and MJ (both gooners), will testify that I have been proclaiming their downfall for 5 years, and everything I have said has come to pass.

Anyway, enough of the gloating because things in football can change almost overnight, what I wanted to write about was the state of the transfer window.   Take my team Spurs for example; in 2009/10 they reached the promised land of 4^th place, beating Arsenal and Chelsea in consecutive weeks in the run-in, before beating City at home in penultimate match of the season. In 2010/11 Spurs enjoyed an impressive Champions League run, and ended up 5^th in the league, after faltering in the final third of the season, dropping points against the likes of West Ham, Wolves, Blackpool, West Brom and so on.

Now, it isn’t rocket science to work out that in order to compete at the highest level and achieve what the club says it wants to achieve, the squad needs to be strengthened, and strengthened appropriately.  There are a million and one opinions across north London as to what is required – in short, a central defender, a midfielder, possibly a winger and a striker.  What is baffling is WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG to get the cheque book out and a get a new player at White Hart Lane, holding a Spurs shirt above his head, with a smile on his face and a couple of soundbites for the media and fans.  

What is the club waiting for?  The right deal?  To save maybe half a mill on the transfer fee?  Can’t they see that Sir Alex isn’t resting on his laurels by signing players early (Phil Jones a couple of weeks back, and Ashley Young today!) and building his new squad to they can integrate as soon as all the players get back from holiday?

Mr Levy, Mr Redknapp – I respect you both, but PLEASE hurry up!!! Get those players in.  Please do not wait till lastminute.com.

I would guess that this concern applies to supporters of other teams as well. Arsenal have not been active yet, despite the well publicised need for players in certain positions.  Even City and Chelsea have not been that active, although Liverpool and Utd have.  Maybe I’m a bit twitchy – a bit too anxious perhaps?  Maybe I should be patience and stop scouring the net, where I read a thousand rumours a day...Maybe I should have faith that Levy and Redknapp know what they are doing, and will address what needs to be addressed well before the season starts.  Have faith GWA, have faith...

Are you nervous about this transfer window?  Who should your club buy to help them achieve their aim? Let me know by commenting below.

GWA