F.A. Cup – Page 2 – BRITISH SOCCER {DIVA}

Verbal Memo | Robin van Persie & more…

In my weekly memo to fellow football fans there’s a fair bit of passion. Some folks have irked me.

Firstly, Luis Suarez got the football universe all riled up because of his handball in the F.A. Cup against wee Mansfield Town. Suarez certainly had lots of darts thrown at him after his unsportsmanlike action, but are the referees just as guilty as Liverpool’s bad boy?

Robin van Persie is having another phenomenal season. He is a world class player who has elevated Manchester United to impressive heights. The delicious Dutchman has been prolific since joining the Red Devils in the summer. Can Robin van Persie play in any team in the world right now? And should someone at Arsenal pay with their blood for selling him?

Finally, Rio Ferdinand declared he would like to be the first black James Bond. Rio is definitely suave enough to be a special agent for the British government. What if footballer’s were movie genres? From comedy, to musicals, we cast the lot!

Grab a brew and enjoy this week’s verbal memo. Connect with me @soccerdiva if you want to rant about anything. I’m here for you.

Verbal Memo | Robin van Persie & more

The Return of Newcastle United…

In May of 2009, Newcastle United fans were in mourning. The owner, board and executive management team were in shambles and not even Alan Shearer, the ultimate Magpies legend, could save them from relegation to the Championship.

Despite the crash and burn events of 2009, Chris Hughton did manage to ferry the team back to the Premier League after just one season in football obscurity. And how was the then Newcastle United manager thanked by owner Mike Ashley? He was given the sack half way through the 2010/11 season. Newcastle United fans returned to mourning. Their club was once again being dragged through the football mud. And more horror was to come.

Mike Ashley followed up the sacking of Hughton by hiring Alan Pardew, which at the time, appeared to be a like-for-like appointment. Ashley continued to rip through the club by selling fan favourites like Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll. It seemed the team were doomed to fail again and a date with Championship football was a certainty for the Toon Army. Surely there would be no return from this for Mike Ashley or the team? Or would there?

The history of Mike Ashley as owner of Newcastle United did not instill any confidence in the fans that he was making decisions that were in the best interest of the club. But for once, the big man may have got it right. Furnishing Alan Pardew with the funds to bring in players like Hatem Ben Arfa, Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and Yohan Cabaye, has all but erased the bad memories and given everyone belief that the return of Newcastle United could definitely be on. Fans can smell it, but dare they believe it?

Alan Pardew has a lovely blend of foreign and British talent which surely makes many Premier League fans envious. Liverpool fans especially must be wanting to kick their own club right now. Think of the money they have spent in the transfer market in comparison to Newcastle United. And think of the talent the Magpies acquired compared to Liverpool. Bet the Kop would exchange Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll for any of those Newcastle United players right now. Yes Liverpool won the Carling Cup. Yes they are in the semi-final of the F.A. Cup. However, their league form has been woeful. Liverpool could have acquired Ba or Cisse but they didn’t. Newcastle’s scouting team should be credited for the talent they’ve seeked and acquired this season. And Alan Pardew should be a consideration for Manager of the Year.

Life hasn’t been this good on Tyneside since the 1995/96 season that showcased phenomenal talent like David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer. And with only five weeks left of Premier League action, Newcastle United fans can finally believe the changes at the club have worked as they could also return to Champions League football for the first time in almost 10 years.

The return of the Toon Army is definitely on. The questions is, how long will it last? Hopefully, this chapter in Newcastle United’s history will go on for a good few pages…

Spring is here…

It’s that time of year where the flowers are blooming, the weather is getting warmer and everyone’s mood is filled with optimism. It’s also that time of year where the men are separated from the boys on planet football. That’s right folks. Spring is here. Do you know what else that means? It’s time for Arsenal to fall apart.

Over the last few years, spring has become more predictable than an episode of a daytime soap opera. Either Chelsea or Manchester United are leading at the top of the Premier League and winning the F.A. Cup, and Barcelona are dominating in Europe, destroying anything within 10 yards. It’s also the time of year where Arsenal dissolve as quickly and as easily as an Alka Seltzer.

At bloom’s first sight, the Gunners usually get knocked out of every trophy they are contending for. There’s talk of a quadruple from Christmas to about mid-March and then bam. Spring hits and it’s like Arsenal develop allergies against winning. Could this be the year where the script is written differently?

If Arsenal don’t win a trophy again this season, it’s almost a certainty Fabregas will leave. And after seeing Jack Wilshere play and bloom beautifully himself this season, the Gunners should finally cut the Fabregas umbilical chord. Time to let the Spaniard go. Let’s face it. During Arsenal’s Champions League battle with Barcelona, Fabregas looked like he was already gagging to play for the Catalan giants. In such a big game for the Gunners, Fabregas was doing too much hugging and kissing of the opponent if you ask me. It’s good to be friendly, but not that friendly before kick-off.

Can any Arsenal fan endure another spring full of tears? Or will this finally be the season of change. Hope springs eternal for many Gooners around the globe…

They think it’s all over…it is now…

Congratulations Chelsea! After a thrilling season, pants are swinging on the King’s Road again now the Blues have been crowned champions of the Premier League.

Following a crazy tabloid infused season which included naked photographs of Ashley Cole’s private parts and John Terry’s affair with a teammate’s girlfriend, Chelsea were able to grind through their scandalous mess and still win the title in the toughest league in the world. How did they do it? In a word…Ancelotti.

It’s tough to work through any problem in life. It’s especially tough when the world watches as you battle through your problems. Despite the scandals they faced, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti kept his team together. He saved the ship when it was sinking at a rapid rate and he even steadied its course to bring it home safely. He never gave up and always believed his team could win. He made no excuses. He handled it like a world-class manager.

A world-class manager also needs world-class players to perform for him and Chelsea have them in abundance. Didier Drogba has certainly been a star again this season, but it’s the unsung hero Frank Lampard who deserves to be their player of the year. For so long his leadership qualities have walked in the shadow of John Terry. But this season, he showed what makes him such a quality world-class player. He stood behind Terry throughout his scandal and other players followed. He led on the pitch with goals galore and play making any coach would be proud of. Frank Lampard…if only they would make you captain of England!

Chelsea’s achievement this season is impressive. The media told them they were nothing but an aging team who probably didn’t have championship legs. Looks like Lampard & Co. could have run for another 90 minutes on Sunday. They were also told they had a manager who wasn’t tested in the Premier League, despite his success in Italy. Ancelotti went on to win in his first season as manager and could potentially do the double if they win the F.A. Cup.

Most importantly for Chelsea – they finally won “the big one” without “the Special One.” Is it possible they can finally lay the ghost of Mourinho to rest? It is possible when you are living under the reign of King Carlo…

The special one strikes again…

72067014SJ001_UEFA_Champion When Chelsea sacked Jose Mourinho, we all knew he would come back to haunt them as coach of an opposing team. On his much hyped return to London with Inter Milan, things went very well for the man from Portugal.

As his old team crumbled, his new team stood like giants. And with millions of football fans watching, it was evident the ghost of “the Special One” still lingers and bedevils Chelsea Football Club.

How much do you miss him now Blues fans? Will you ever get over him?

Avram Grant, Phil Scolari, Guus Hiddink and now potentially Carlo Ancelotti have all failed to fill the shoes left wide open by the “Special One.” Sure they won the F.A. Cup with Hiddink and Ancelotti could yet snag the Premier League. But the trophy the club and their Russian billionaire owner so desperately desire has eluded them once again. Will this Chelsea team ever win the Champions League? Does Roman have any regrets sacking Mourinho? Does he wish he could turn back the clock?

Make no mistake. Jose Mourinho is still the “Special One.” He orchestrated that Champions League game better than a conductor guiding the Italian Symphony. The defense stood big and tall like a woodwind section never missing a beat. The midfield men pulled all the strings by plucking and playing the Chelsea team like several fiddles. And in true brass form, the strike force huffed and puffed to a massive crescendo, helping Inter Milan create some beautiful music on the night. It came together as flawlessly as the symphony always does.

As much as Mourinho loves Chelsea, it must have been a sweet victory for him last night. He made Stamford Bridge a fortress during his tenure at Chelsea. They were undefeated at home when he was the boss and he built a sense of invincibility with a Chelsea team that had underachieved for so many years. Chelsea were very little when Mourinho arrived. They had won the F.A. Cup and Carling Cup here and there. But the league eluded them for 50 years. He put Chelsea on the map. Granted he had Roman’s money to do it, but as we’ve all seen, it’s not easy to just buy and win. Go and ask Rafa!

There is so much you can write about Mourinho and there is much you can say about Chelsea and how they have lost their bite since his departure. What I will say about Mourinho is that the man is a born winner. He is a born leader of men. He can win anywhere. The question on all of our lips is where will he go next? I for one would love to see him back in the Premier League, but something tells me he might be heading for Spain.

Wherever he goes, he will inspire, he will deliver and he will be special…

Don’t pop the champagne cork just yet…

John_Terry_and_Fran_924814a John Terry was very quick to goad his rivals following a famous victory for Chelsea over Manchester United at the weekend. The England captain was feeling pretty confident after the Blues win and so he sent a cocky “catch us if you can” taunt to his favourite Premier League foes.

Don’t you think it’s a bit early to be riling up the likes of Arsenal and even Manchester United, despite the fact you did just beat the latter? Let’s not forget how well Aston Villa are doing too and how Manchester City and Tottenham are still sniffing around like they want to steal something. I mean you are only 5 points clear at the top, Arsenal do have a game in hand and it’s only November! Settle down now Mr.Chelsea.

The fact people get so excited about the league being won in November is laughable. There is so much more football to be played and anything can happen. Just ask Liverpool if they thought their season would end up like it has over the last few weeks. Teams can suffer major injury setbacks and as we’ve already seen this season, unpredictable results are more than possible.

I admire the purpose behind John Terry’s message. I hear the spirit and gamesmanship in his voice. But as players, managers, chief executives and fans have learned over the years, don’t get ahead of the next game. Don’t start disrespecting your opponents too much. And don’t think about the victory parade when there is still everything to play for. There’s no doubt Chelsea are the team to beat. But we have a long and arduous season still ahead.

Ancelotti certainly has Chelsea moving in the right direction and with their transfer ban being lifted just last week, they now have the ability to strengthen their team in January, which a few weeks and months ago was looking highly unlikely. A potentially stronger Chelsea after the painful Christmas fixture list is definitely a scary prospect for the rest of the league. But let’s rewind very quickly to just a few weeks ago when Chelsea had lost 3-1 to Wigan and everyone was asking “what’s wrong with Chelsea?” It’s a funny old game is football, so don’t go popping the champagne cork just yet…

Legend Robbie Fowler…

fowler They refer to him as God in Liverpool. To this day he is adored by the Kop and every other inch of Anfield. He is untouchable. He is one of their finest. And Robbie Fowler certainly is a Premier League legend.

Dynamic, inventive and sometimes controversial, Fowler was an incredibly gifted player who became a real football superstar with Liverpool during the 90’s. He was part of the glamorous “Spice Boys” gang that also included Jamie Rednknapp, Steve McManaman, David James and Jason McAteer. I didn’t think the label was deserved, but perhaps it was those shocking white suits they wore at the 1996 F.A. Cup Final that really ignited the media’s attention!

Most people thought this so-called “Spice Boys” team under achieved by not winning the Premier League title. And despite the tag he and his team mates received, nobody could deny the brilliance of Fowler in front of goal. He loved to hunt for goals and defenders were his prey. He would torture, twist and turn them embarrassingly inside out. He was one of the most natural finishers the Premier League has seen.

Although he never became a Premier League champion, Fowler still enjoyed the taste of victory and success by winning the F.A. and League Cup twice and he also won the U.E.F.A. and Super Cup respectively. From 1993-2001 he made 246 appearances for Liverpool scoring 122 goals. He scored twice in that famous 4-3 victory over Newcastle United, a match from the 1995-96 season which many refer to as “the greatest game every played.”

But in 2001, Fowler’s fairy tale with Liverpool came to an end. Following huge frustration at being left out of the squad and falling behind Emile Heskey and Michael Owen as a first choice striker, Fowler departed for Leeds. It was weird because you always expected someone like Robbie to stay at Liverpool his entire career. It didn’t seem quite right seeing him in a Leeds shirt. When he departed from Liverpool, Fowler’s career was never the same again. Following his time at Leeds, God then moved to Manchester City, then to Cardiff City and finally to Blackburn Rovers.

But like all fairy tales, there was to be a happy ending and he did return to Liverpool for one last season in 2006. Fowler walked away with a Champions League Runner-Up medal and on May 13th, in his last game for Liverpool, he would be given the captain’s armband. Just before the game would end, Fowler would be substituted to a standing ovation. At least he got to say goodbye to the Kop end the right way.

Following his second stint at Liverpool, Fowler’s overall record was 191 goals in 369 appearances. He is the 4th highest scorer ever in the Premier League. People say he should have played more for England too. He made only 26 senior appearances for his country, scoring 8 goals. For some reason he couldn’t quite nail down a regular place in the squad. This was debated across many newspaper columns for a good few years.

Regardless of his failures with England, Fowler has certainly left his mark on the game and an eternal foot print in the hearts of Liverpool fans. To this day, Fowler’s name is chanted by fans around Anfield as though he were still wearing that #9 shirt. He was an exceptionally talented player and very exciting to watch. Where do you rank Fowler?

I’d play at the Theater of Dreams…

oldtrafford_468x596 Why is everyone turning down the chance to sign for Manchester United? Why don’t players want to play at the Theater of Dreams? What is wrong with everyone people?

Benzema admitted today he chose Real Madrid over Manchester United. Ronaldo didn’t want to stay a second longer in the North of England. And Franck Ribery is hellbent on joining Real Madrid over United too. I get it, and I just don’t get it all at the same time. The last time I looked, Manchester United were the team with the stable manager and the countless Premier League titles, F.A. Cup and Champions League wins over the last few years.

If I were a player wanting to win things, United would be a better choice over Real Madrid right now wouldn’t it? But it seems the lure of Real Madrid and their place in football history is too much for players to overlook. Manchester United have just as much history. But wearing the famous white for one of the world’s greatest teams seems to be the soup de jour. Or is it because they are throwing money at players and they all see an opportunity to beef up their pensions while they can? Surely they don’t want to make history and be part of a football revolution do they? I’ll give Ronaldo a pass on this one. He earned his move and gave a lot to United.

But given the choice, would you play for Sir Alex Ferguson or Manuel Pellegrini? Pellegrini doesn’t have the pedigree of Ferguson. Granted neither did Pep Guardiola and he was amazing as Barcelona manager winning the treble in his first season. But how often does that happen? Not very. Real Madrid are obviously building another Galacticos team and they are desperate to emulate what their biggest rivals did last season. It’s hard to win the treble and it’s not a guarantee these superstars are going to gel and be unbelievably good together.

David Beckham and other Real Madrid players of the past have all said that the revolving door of managers at the Bernabeu hurt their own form and this obviously affected the overall success of the team. No player likes to have a couple of managers a month taking charge. Beckham has said many times the stability at Manchester United and knowing who the manager was and what was expected helped him and every other player evolve and progress as professionals. Perhaps it will be different with Pellegrini. Let’s see what happens when the new season starts.

Manchester United have been turned down a lot this summer. Does this mean the power is shifting to La Liga? Is this where most players want to be now? If I were one of the best players in the world today seeking a transfer, I’d sign for Manchester United in a heartbeat. It’s called the Theater of Dreams for a reason you know! Who would you sign for?

Legend Gianfranco Zola

zola Size really doesn’t matter in football and Gianfranco Zola is proof of that. The pint-sized Italian superstar set the Premier League on fire when he arrived at Chelsea. Even non-Chelsea fans were excited to watch him dazzle on the pitch. He was just that type of player.

From 1996 to 2003, Zola entertained the fans at Stamford Bridge scoring 59 goals in 229 appearances. He helped the Blues win the F.A. Cup twice, the League Cup, the UEFA Cup and the Super Cup. In 1997 he was voted Player of the Year and he was also voted as Chelsea’s greatest ever player. His #25 shirt has not been worn by any other Chelsea player since he retired.

Zola was Chelsea’s inspiration and guiding light for many years. You could even say he was the nucleus that inspired the revival of Chelsea. He was like the wizard of Stamford Bridge. He always played with a smile on his face and was a true gentlemen of the game. As a player, he filled the flare void left by Eric Cantona when he retired from his Godly playing days at Manchester United. Zola picked up where King Eric left off , terrorizing defenders on many Saturday afternoons and oftentimes making even the best in the world look like they played for a pub team.

It’s only fitting that one day he return to Chelsea as their coach. It could happen in the near future. If Ancelotti doesn’t do well, Chelsea could swoop in for their hero sooner than people think. Could you see Zola coaching Chelsea one day? And is he the best player to have ever played for the Blues? One thing is for sure, Zola is truly a Premier League legend. Respect…

Inhale…exhale…Chelsea have a new coach…

FBL-ENG-ITA-PR-CHELSEA-ACMILAN-ANCELOTTI Not that I want this to become a Chelsea blog…but news is news people! Carlo Ancelotti was today named as the successor to Guus Hiddink. Do you think Chelsea hired Ancelotti because he looks a little like Guus? Check out the picture of Guus with the F.A. Cup below and judge for yourselves. Perhaps the owner and executive team hired the Italian master so the players can feel “comfortable” with a familiar face in the dressing room!

Chelsea have hired someone with real pedigree in Carlo Ancelotti. He has been hugely successful in his career as a player and a coach. Ancelotti arrives at Stamford Bridge following a mediocre season at AC Milan, but don’t be fooled…this man has won it all! The Italian Cup, the Super Cup, the World Club Championship, the UEFA Cup and Serie A. He is also part of an elite footballing group being one of only 6 players who have won the Champions League as a player and a coach. The most recent coach to do that was Pep Guardiola this year with Barcelona.

Ancelotti is an interesting character too. I think he’ll live upto that character a lot more than Phil Scolari did. Some people say he’s as fascinating as Jose Mourinho. In order to manage a club like Chelsea or the “big four” in general, you have to have that something special. Hiddink had it, plus he also started to help erase the memory of Mourinho during his time with the Blues. If you look at Ancelotti’s successes as a player and coach, it appears he might be able to erase the memory of Mourinho completely in his first season. Unless he smokes during training of course and gives his players unnecessary respiratory problems to the point where they are unable to compete and have to forfeit their season.

Do you think Chelsea have made the right choice? Can you see them winning the title with Ancelotti next season? Do you think the Italian master will bring any of his ex-players with him from AC Milan? And will he be able to square-up to Rafa Benitez, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger?