Off-colour Rio doing a Jaap...

On Sunday I was at Anfield to witness a below-bar Manchester United performance.  It was a game I knew we wouldn't win if Torres played.  Unfortunately he did, and inspired Liverpool to a 2-0 over their fiercest rivals.  For me, the Reds needed the win much more than their Mancunian counterparts, because a loss for Liverpool would surely have prolonged their 19 year wait for the title... and sent Rafa Benitez packing. 

So, broken arm and all (long story), I sat myself in the hallowed surroundings of the Bill Shankly Suite pre-match praying that Jamie Carragher continues his poor start to the season and lets his Scouse compatriot Wayne Rooney in for a few strikes on goal.  I was also praying I wouldn't be sniffed out as an undercover Manc, but I think I pulled it off with the odd dodgy "Showned La'd" at the end of every sentence. Then, after bumping into the literally larger than life Eamon Holmes, I realised I was not the only plastic Manc in the home end today.  And with my nerves put at ease I made my way to my seat based in the classy Centenary Stand, padded seats and everything.

Minutes into the game and I soon realised it wasn't Carragher I should be expecting the mistakes from, it was the world's most expensive defender Rio Ferdinand.  In fairness, he wasn't alone in having a stinker of a game, his partner in crime Nemanja Vidic made Dirk Kuyt actually look like a decent centre forward for once.  In the end the Serbian quite rightly put himself out of his own misery and took an early bath five minutes from time for the third game with Liverpool in a row (has to be a record!).

But whilst I am certain Vidic will bounce back from his annual stinker against Liverpool, I am much more concerned about Rio.  His loss of form this season has been surprising to say the least and is serious cause for concern.  The way in which Fernando Torres out-sprinted him to put Liverpool ahead was unlike Ferdinand, a defender whose high acclaim stems from that very attribute.  When Torres struck, I couldn't help but think back to 2001 when Jaap Stam was showing similar nervous signs at the back for United.  In the end Fergie had seen enough and offloaded his most experienced defender, citing the reason as Stam having 'lost a yard in pace'.

Time will only tell if my theory is proved right.  But with young Northern Ireland startlet Jonny Evans waiting in the wings, Ferdinand's place at the heart of the United defence isn't as secure as some might have believed. 

Watch this space...

PS: I never did get my hands on an LFC beachball.  It was probably a good thing seeing as the joke of the day arrived in the 94th minute when that great player called 'Egg-Nog' scrambled any plans Manchester United had to poach a late equaliser at Anfield... and leave Sir Alex with egg on his face!

Derry City to return to the Irish League...

Arguably the biggest team in the North-West of Ulster, it seems the famous/infamous Derry City are being touted for a return to the Irish League. 

The call is being made by former Derry City legend Liam Coyle.  In his statement he claimed "Moving to the Irish League is the only way forward for Derry City if they want to survive.  If the Irish League was to take them back in it would mean less travelling."

He added:  "It makes sense to go back and play in the country they are in."

It has been 37 years since the farcical situation emerged where-by the Candystripes opted out of IFA football and fell into the loving arms of FAI football.  But this is 2009, we are in the longest recession in Irish history and suddenly those loving arms arn't quite as tightly wrapped around County Londonderry's finest - and I don't mean Coleraine.

Yes, Derry City have revelled in the good times, and there were many since their conversion to League of Ireland soccer. They are a team that have proven they can more than hold their own amongst the elite of the South's football.  Two LOI titles, four FAI cups and a few fantastic runs in Europe are testament to their list of endevours over the years.

But now the bad times are on their way.  The recession isn't just limited to those pesky 'bankers', it has effected everyone.  Derry City are no different.  So the suggestion is that maybe a return to the Irish League could put an end to their financial crisis.  And from a footballing perspective I'd be very much in favour.  Apologies to any Institute fans out there but Derry City are a much more attractive proposal for the Sky Sports cameras, not to mention the expansive fan-base that only the Red and White Army offer.  It's a no-brainer.

However, the real issue here has nothing to do with what happens on the pitch.  It's political.  Returning to Irish League football would be like admitting that yes Derry City are in fact a football club from Northern Ireland.  The mask would finally slip.  A decision like that certainly won't go down well among those Ultras in the Brandywell at Halloween.

In hindsight it's easy to point fingers as to who was responsible for Derry's withdrawal from the Irish League. The IFA would be a popular choice in many quarters.  My choice though would be the Troubles.  They impacted strongly on IFA decision-making during the turbulent years of the 70's and 80's.  But why shouldn't they switch the venue of games on safety grounds?  Was one Bloody Sunday not enough?

As a devout Glenman I've heard all the conspiracy theories first-hand from fellow supporters about how the IFA go out every season to fix the league and hand Linfield the title. I have evaluated all the facts and have drawn the conclusion that I think this assertation is bullsh*t.  I begrudgingly admit, Linfield have a superior advantage due predomiately to their home stadium, marketability, fan-base and the harsh reality that they are the biggest club in Northern Ireland.  Supporter clubs in areas of Londonderry, and the one on the Shore Road next to Crusaders FC are examples of their continued 'loyal' following throughout the country.

Those with influence at Derry City Football Club need to think outside the box on this one.  A return to their natural home in the Irish League?  It would cut-out all those financially crippling long trecks to Cork, Galway and Dublin for a start.  The all-Ireland Setanta Cup will still remain, should they qualify.  Cross-border football doesn't mean having to leave one Irish governing body for another.  Just ask the founding members of the Irish Football Association, Cliftonville FC - a club currently thriving in the middle of this recession.

Let's see a Derry City ruffling the 'Big Two's' feathers with a sustained assault on the 71 league title's between them.  We can't guarantee big wages (unless your employer is FonaCab) but we are now reaping the benefits of our clubs not going full-time.  Stability first, growth second.  The IFA have got it right this time. 

Alot of this depends on Derry City officials to bury the hatchet with those at Windsor Avenue.  The removal of the chips from any remaining hunchbacked shoulders in the Bogside and Sandy Row areas in-particular would also be well-received by all.  Then, and only then, should they make the much anticipated return home to the revamped, refreshed IFA Carling Premiership.

'Le Jeu Avant Tout' ----------- 'The Game Above All'

Reasons to be cheerful.. Un, Deux, Trois

Today seen the biggest ego in football (next to Cristiano) get the draw he wanted.  The 'big boys' of European football have been issued their life-line for world cup qualification.

It was this afternoon that the play-off's in the European Qualification region for the World Cup were drawn.  Republic of Ireland were dealt arguably the cruelest card of all, paired alongside former World champions France. 

The draw in full was as follows (left team at home first)...

Republic of Ireland vs France

Portugal vs Bosnia Herzegovina

Greece vs Ukraine

Russia vs Slovenia

FIFA's decision two weeks previous to introduce seedings for the play-off draw in order to help the bigger, more marketable nations take their 'rightful' place on the world stage, could have a detremental impact on everyone else... and FIFA doesn't seem to mind.  How the so-called protector of smaller nations Michelle Platini has kept so quiet during this quite blantant moving of the goalposts beggars belief.  Have FIFA gagged the UEFA chief? Have they slipped a few extra sugars into his tea?  Or could it be that Platini's own country stood to gain massively from the change of rules? In my view, this seems to be the case.

As a neutral looking at the draw, it would seem the next eight games will be a mere formality.  France, Portugal, Greece and Russia all have favourable draws due to their seeding status.  However, as much as I'd rather see the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema and Arshavin showcasing their 'star-power' at the greatest competition in world football, I would (to quote Kevin Keegan) "LOVE IT, JUST LOVE IT" if this masterplan to bundle them into the tournament through the back door back-fired.

So here's to the little guys... Republic of Ireland, Slovenia (should have been NI!), Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Ukraine. 

But you know what, despite the cards being stacked against them, I still think there's room for at least one shock somewhere in Europe. 

The French should have coasted their group with Serbia their only real threat, yet they only just sauntered over the finish line into second place.  The Republic of Ireland came close to topping a group that involved the current World champions, Italy. They will give France a fright at Croker but I feel with the all-important second leg being in Paris it could be curtain's for the Irish if Benzema and Henry up the ante.

The same can be said for Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.  They got lucky in the final round of games and have Denmark to thank for disposing of the Swede's for them to sneak in behind them.  They're up against super-minnows Bosnia-Herzegovina, a relatively unknown quantity, but as we saw with Serbia topping their group, Portugal should be on their guard.

Greece versus Ukraine is probably the most likely one of the four matches to go against FIFA's seeding stategy.  The Greeks are fading quickly.  The Euro 2004 winners had aruably the easiest group during qualifying yet made a bit of a hash of even attaining second spot.  They did it, but face a strong Ukraine side who pipped Croatia to second place in a group that contained a resurgent England.

Finally, Russia will be up against Slovenia.  Expect a Russian win at home and away in this one.  No disrespect to the Slovenian's but they're not a great side.  They did well in beating Czech Republic, Poland and Northern Ireland to second place, but really that was all about the amount of draws those three teams had with each other... not realising they were leaving the door open for the unfancied Slovenia to shimmy on through!  No sour grapes from me though, I think they were value for second place (even though we beat them at Windsor!)

Good luck to all the minnows. Cristiano can top up his tan elsewhere this year, South Africa and the footballing world doesn't need you... but FIFA unfortunately does.

Niall & Paddy's Road To South Africa!

Today see's the much deserved call up to the Northern Ireland squad for two Derry bhoys currently showcasing their skills at the Celtic Football Club.

On a purely footballing note, this is good news for Nigel Worthington's green and white army.  Both Niall McGinn and Pat McCourt have been in excellent form recently and the addition of these two players can only make our midfield stronger.  McCourt has been making all the headlines in Scotland with some strands of the tartan media putting Paddy on a par with, who else, but George Best!  Then again, since when did anyone actually believe anything The Sun newspaper published?!

Sorry, but the Best comparison is definately pushing it (unless they mean his drinking exploits).

However, McCourt would be right to set his sights first and foremost on making himself a regular fixture in the Celtic line-up week-in week-out before any credible comparisons can be drawn.  Same goes for young McGinn.  He's probably seen some of the limelight taken from him by Paddy's publicity in recent weeks but there's no doubt about it, the former Dungannon Swifts & Derry City winger is one for the future.  It was duely noted by the lads in the Northern Ireland set-up.  They rate him very highly.  They also realise a huge gap has been left in the NI midfield with Keith Gillespie's departure from international football, and the opportunity for Niall is definately there.

Expect both Paddy and Niall to get run-outs in next months World Cup 'qualifier' against Czech Republic.  The word 'qualifier' not really justifying it's use in this occasion as both teams are all but out of contention barring a San Marino draw with Slovenia... and to be fair to San Marino, there's more chance Michael Jackson doing a 50 show comeback tour 'live from the grave'.

But you can bet that should the inevitable occur, Paddy and Niall be back stronger than ever next year for the European Championship's in 2012. 

Good luck bhoys! Do 'Our Wee Country' proud.

HAPPY GUINNESS DAY!!

It's not quite Paddy's Day but I'm all for random excuses to celebrate and get legless!  17:59 today marks the 250 year anniversary of our favourite old hobo's brew 'Guinness'.

A drink the whole island can be rightly proud of. So Billy from Ballybeen, put down that can of McEwan's lager, and raise a glass of the black stuff (no, not Buckfast!) to another of Ulster's finest.  The Guinness family, though Protestants, claimed descent from the Magennis Gaelic Catholic clan of County Down in the 1600's.

So not only were they of the 'Orange' persuasion, they were from the beautiful county of Down!  And who says Guinness always tastes nicer in Dublin?? What a load of Dog's Bollocks!!

If you're wondering why the celebration doesn't kick off until 17:59 - that marks the year Guinness was founded.

To coincide with the anniversary of this great Irish institution, Dublin's top venues and indeed some of the city's smallest pubs will be playing host to some of world’s biggest bands as Ireland marks 250 years since Arthur Guinness signed the lease on the St James’ Gate Brewery to create one of Ireland’s true icons.

Bands confirmed to be performing in Dublin tonight include Kasabian, Estelle, The Kooks, Razorlight, David Gray, Soul II Soul, The Blizzards, Sugababes, Jamie Cullum, The Enemy, Calvin Harris, The Undertones, Mongrel, The Wombats, Richard Hawley, David Holmes, Black Swan Effect, Imelda May, The Hot Rats, Reverend and the Makers and Republic of Loose.

Me? Well, I'll be serving those pints of Guinness at The Academy on Middle Abbey Street, just off O'Connell Street (the place where conveniently the Luas met a Dublin Bus last week!).  We won't be the highlight of the celebrations that's for sure (the main event is at the Guinness storehouse) but it should make for a very special night regardless wherever you are in the city.  I'm reliably informed Dublin's very own Imelda May headlines, along with The Kooks, Richard Hawley, Sharon Shannon, and the lovely ex-Neighbour Natalie Imbruglia!  I know I know, I wanted Tom Jones in there too...

By the way, if you can't make it to Dublin for the festivities, be sure to flick over to Sky One for live coverage (it's ok to do this - the football was on last night).

250 years and still going strong.

To Arthur!

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The Black Stuff - Where are you drinking yours?

If You're Second You Are Nothing...

... Ferguson & Shankly - 9/10. Irish Connection UK recommends! Essential read for United & Liverpool fans - a must have for budding young managers!

Shanks and Fergie.  Two absolute legends in English football.  Two proud Scots, two proud clubs.  The embarassment of riches that both Manchester United and Liverpool now enjoy can arguably be put down to these two men. Roughed-up in the 'slums' of Glasgow, they brought their own unique traits to the game yet you can't help but draw the similarities both men posessed as football managers.  They may have plyed their managerial careers in vastly different era's in time, but that Glaswegian grit to be a success remained consistant throughout.

Oliver Holt is an award-winning sports journalist who writes for the Daily Mirror newspaper. Essentially this was his take on the careers of Bill Shankly and Sir Alex Ferguson.  Comparisons aplenty throughout this book which perhaps reflected worse on Ferguson that it did Shankly.  Take into consideration this book was published in 2005 when United were going through their biggest trophy drought since the early 90's.  Holt's view of Sir Alex was that he "perhaps should have retired in 2002 when he originally proposed".  At the time this may have seen as a credible statement.  Yet to doubt Ferguson is to dance with the Devil - and I don't mean Fred the Red!

Bill Shankly was one of the greatest.  Liverpool Football Club was his life.  He started the revolution at Anfield, yet walked away.  He claimed he just wanted a break from the game, but that was hardly going to leave the club in the best of situations.  It would inevitably led to an increased lack of stability.  Therefore the decision was taken to appoint his successor, the great Bob Paisley, Shankly's right-hand man.  Shankly couldn't stand his break from the game, he wanted back in.  He thought Liverpool would have welcomed him back with open arms - they didn't.  In many ways the story Holt told of 'Shanks' was that of a lonely man who simply wasn't complete without his club, Liverpool.  On the other hand, you have Sir Alex Ferguson, probably the greatest manager of all-time.  23 years in charge of Manchester United, and counting!  With United it was Championships galore, FA Cups aplenty, three major European tropies and the countless rest.  But perhaps his greatest achievements (don't laugh) came as manager of Aberdeen.  He broke the 'Old Firm' dominance in Scotland.  It was no longer a two horse race between Rangers & Celtic.  Ferguson had even taken the 'Dons' to Europe, and conquored that too!  The man is simply a genius.

So when it comes down to it.  Who's better? Ferguson or Shankly? Silly question, hand on heart it's Fergie.  Even the head say's Fergie.  Britain's (world's?) longest serving manager with two European Cup's in the bag.  Shank's got close in 65' but alas never got his hands on 'old big ears' - the mark of a truly great manager.  Holt claimed throughout the book that Ferguson stayed on too long and Shankly never stayed on long enough.  He's right - about Shankly.  He didn't stay on long enough. The reigns of impending glory were handed over much too soon. Who can argue with Bob Paisley's record? He's still ahead of Fergie in European Cup triumphs.  Yet Shankly is the man most people will refer too when they talk lovingly of the history at LFC.  That is why I feel Shanks and Paisley are on a far with one another.  They both share the development and glory of Liverpool FC.  Whereas with Ferguson, it was all him.  Sir Matt Busby was the role model - Sir Alex Ferguson took it to the next level - and continues to do so. 

So all in all, the title of the book suggests 'If You Are Second You Are Nothing'.  This cannot be described as the case for these two icons of the game.  Ferguson and Shankly are in-comparable.  Credit must go to Oliver Holt for his analysis on their distinct footballing successes.  He has judged both men as history will... in a class of their own.

“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” - One quote uniting two great men.