Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs joins the Highbury & Heels squad for an epic chat. From Sir Alex Ferguson, Mourinho, Wenger & that insane Arsenal rivalry to Giggsy’s coaching ambitions & his disappointment in not becoming Manchester United manager.
Plus you won’t want to miss the quickfire round where we find out his favourite cheer-up movie, his love for Game of Thrones and which Neville brother he’d choose to save! Get stuck in.
The British Soccer Diva crew are joined by Founder & Editor of Stretty News Dale O’ Donnell. Dale also writes for the Daily Mail, the Mirror & The Sun. We dissect Man Utd’s season thus far. From Pogba, to Zlatan, Rooney, Mourinho and more, we discuss it all and then some. Put the kettle on. Put your feet up. Enjoy the conversation. Follow @soccerdiva and @StrettyNews on Twitter.
NBC Sports Premier League Host Rebecca Lowe joins the junkie crew for a good old natter about Jose Mourinho and the new unauthorized book on The Special One written by Rob Beasley. Did Beasley break the journalist code? Will Mourinho trust a journalist ever again?
Plus we are giving away two signed copies of Liverpool legend Stevie Nicol’s new book “5 League Titles and a Packet of Crisps. Look at us talking books and stuff! Who said reading books was dead?!
Leader. Warrior. Fighter. Provocative. Brash. Critical. Fearless. Winner. Champion. These are just a few words that would describe the many layers of Premier League legend Roy Keane.
Keane won everything with Manchester United. The fiery midfielder joined the Red Devils from Nottingham Forest as a budding footballer with huge potential. It was at Forest where Keane learned the art and craft of football. Under the masterful eye of legendary manager Brian Clough, Keane evolved into an intelligent, talented and passionate player. It was only a matter of time before a big club swooped in for his services and Sir Alex Ferguson was happy to take the young Irish lad to Old Trafford.
Following the departure of fellow legend Eric Cantona, Keane was handed the captain’s armband after impressing Sir Alex Ferguson with his exceptional leadership skills. At the time the baton was passed, even Keane would never have believed how many trophies he’d lift with Manchester United. He relished the responsibility of being captain and was an inspiration on the field. He would fight for every ball. He would never give up and many times, Keane would carry the burden of victory on his own shoulders. He was always accountable, win or lose. He is one of the best captain’s the Premier League has ever seen.
There are so many highlights in Keane’s Premier League career, but there are also some low lights. The lowest being his tackle on Norwegian player Alfe-Inga Haland. It was cruel and intentional and he admitted in his autobiography that the tackle was an act of revenge following a past incident involving the two that had led to a major injury for Keane. That tackle on Haland pretty much ended the Norwegian’s career, but Keane never apologized and had no remorse for his actions. This is the darker side of a great footballer. It’s definitely a blemish on his career, but in the Irishman’s eyes, it was justice.
Keane’s passion was often misunderstood and criticized as prima donna behaviour. Whether it was the prawn sandwiches comment aimed at Manchester United fans for lack of support at Old Trafford, the 2002 World Cup tantrum aimed at Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, or the dig at Rio Ferdinand and fellow teammates on MUTV following a 4-1 whipping to Middlesbrough, Keane said what he felt and had no filter when delivering his message. Was he wrong to challenge his teammates desire to win? Was he wrong to point the finger at the fans for not throwing their support behind the team? Was he wrong to question his country’s preparations for the world’s most important football competition? Perhaps he went about things in the wrong way, but his overall message was generally honest and his ultimate point was about winning and being a winner. He was fearless and challenged players and anyone else involved at club or international level.
His brash approach however wore thin at the club where he was beyond revered. The comments against his teammates following that loss to Middlesbrough was the last straw for the one person he couldn’t cross at the Theater of Dreams, Sir Alex Ferguson. Once his mentor and once his biggest believer, Keane’s rant after the Middlesbrough game and his admission on MUTV that he would play for another club were too much for football’s greatest manager. His relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson had deteriorated to a point where it was completely irreparable. The love affair was over. His departure was abrupt. He was shown the door. The Roy Keane chapter in the Manchester United history books was closed.
Keane did go on to play ten games for Celtic and won the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish League Cup. Even he would admit that these don’t count for much and after retiring, he will always be recognized as a Manchester United player. Nothing more, nothing less.
The bottom line is Keane made 323 appearances for Manchester United scoring 33 goals. He was part of the incredible treble winning side in the 1998-99 season. He won seven Premier League titles. He won four F.A. Cups. He won the Community Shield four times and the Intercontinental Cup once. He was voted Footballer of the Year and Players Player of the Year in 2000. In 2004 he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame. He became a football icon. He also won a Champions League trophy but because he didn’t play in the final due to suspension, he never truly felt he’d won Europe’s biggest prize. He actually called his medal worthless. Can you imagine John Terry saying that? You certainly didn’t see Manchester United’s captain lifting the trophy at the end of that incredible match versus Bayern Munich. Some might say that’s bitterness, but it could also be the mark of a true winner.
Since hanging up his magical midfield boots, Keane has gone into management and experienced promotion success with Sunderland, taking them to the Premier League. However, the love affair between Sunderland and Keane ended after numerous bust-ups with players and disagreements with potential new owners and the board. Eventually, he walked out. After a little time away from the game, he joined Ipswich Town in the Championship but was sacked after only twenty games in charge. It will be some time before we can discuss his managerial legacy. It all depends on whether or not he will accept another challenge. Many have questioned his methods and approach. Perhaps he learned a thing or two watching Brian Clough.
Despite his flaws, Keane was a talented and fascinating football talent. He is now fascinating fans and the media as an exceptionally entertaining football pundit with ITV. No player or manager is immune to his honest feedback and analysis. One man he did finally make nice with in his new role on TV is former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Upon retiring, Roy Keane praised Sir Alex for his incredible achievements and contributions to the game. Their relationship since his playing days is certainly not the same, but at least he took the high road and showed respect to the man who gave him his big break.
Roy Keane’s career has been captivating. Whether you are in the media, a Manchester United fan or a neutral, he has definitely provided good fodder for column inches and talk in the local pub. Whatever you think of the man, the player was one of the best we have seen. There is no doubt Roy Keane is a Premier League legend.
It’s that time of the week where I send my weekly verbal memo to the lads over @TheFootyShowKCC. In a nutshell…
Twas the season where everyone retired. Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen and of course David Beckham. All legends in their own right. All have had signature moments in football. Sir Alex the best at his craft in England. He’s won it all. He’s managed great players. He leaves a legacy like no other.
This week’s memo however is all about Mr.Beckham. Father. Footballer. Global sports icon. Beckham has had an illustrious career and leads a dazzling life. A phenomenal ambassador for his country and for his sport, he leaves the game having cemented his name in the football history books.
If you agree or disagree with anything outlined in this week’s memo, lob or header us @soccerdiva.
Football, soccer, call it what you want. It’s just like being down the pub with your mates.
It’s time to add another Premier League legend to the British Soccer Diva list.
When Sir Alex Ferguson introduced his so-called “kids” to the football world in the 90’s, not many journalists, pundits and fans would have bet or believed legends would be born from that Manchester United team. Paul Scholes was one of those kids and he would not only become a legend, he’d become the midfield wizard of Old Trafford.
Scholes is one of the greatest players to have ever played for Manchester United and England, and is undoubtedly a huge contributor to world football having entertained fans for years. He is probably the only English player who could have ousted Xavi or Iniesta from the Barcelona midfield. In fact, when Scholes retired the first time around, Xavi had this to say about him. “For me, and I really mean this, he’s the best central midfielder I’ve seen in the last 15, 20 years. He’s spectacular, he has it all, the last pass, goals, he’s strong, he doesn’t lose the ball, vision. If he’d been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him.”
Truer words were never spoken. Have you ever seen a more sophisticated passer of the ball? Have you ever seen a player with a long-range shot like Scholesy? His highlight reel is sublime. Despite the football talent, critics will point out his tough tackling and that at times he was a very dirty player. Scholes received 90 yellow cards and 4 red cards making him the 3rd most booked player in Premier League history. But the beauty certainly outweighed the beast in this football fairy tale.
Scholes played for Manchester United his entire career. He had 466 appearances and 102 goals from 1993-2011. He returned from retirement for the 2012-13 season and made a further 31 appearances and scored 5 goals. He leaves the game with 66 England caps, scoring 14 times for his country. He retired from international football way too soon and Fabio Capello failed in his attempt to bring him back for the 2010 World Cup. And how much did England need him in that tournament? But Scholes didn’t need England and in the end, he wanted to give what he had left to his one of his true loves, Manchester United.
Like Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, Scholes has winners medals bursting from his trophy cabinet. 11 Premier League titles, 3 F.A. Cups, 2 Champions League, 2 League Cups, 5 Community Shields, 1 Intercontinental Cup and 1 World Club Championship. He has won it all and was also inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
His biggest disappointment was probably missing out on the memorable 1999 Champions League Final against Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou. Because he didn’t play in that game due to suspension, he doesn’t consider the medal as something he earned. “Roy Keane and I both got medals but they didn’t mean anything to either of us because we hadn’t been a part of it. You have to play in the final to warrant a medal, that’s my opinion. It’s the biggest game of the whole competition and you have to be on the pitch or at least on the bench to earn a medal.” That’s a very different opinion and approach to John Terry, who was banned from the 2012 Champions League Final yet had no problem lifting the trophy after Chelsea’s victory. Paul Scholes certainly isn’t cut from the same cloth as John Terry. A blue collar lad who never felt entitled to anything and wanted to earn everything that came his way, Scholes was never a selfish player.
A lifelong fan of Oldham Athletic, Paul Scholes is the perfect role model for any kid who wants to play professional football. He always behaved like a gentlemen off the pitch and enjoyed a career that was scandal free. A very shy man, Scholes always put family and football first. Granted he wasn’t a marketer or sponsors dream like his colleagues Ryan Giggs or David Beckham, but none of that even mattered to someone like Scholes. He just wanted to play football.
Loyal. Professional. Clinical. Aggressive. Beautiful. Spellbinding. Class. Scholes will be missed not only by Red Devil fans but also by fans of the game. This season it looks like he’ll be retiring for good. And as effective as Michael Carrick has been for United in their acquisition of another title, the departure of Scholes will still leave a void in that midfield and at the club. You rarely see English players with his technical skills and ability. They don’t come along very often.
It’s certainly the end of an era at one of the world’s greatest clubs. It’s been fun watching this fiery red head play. He made his debut as one of those so-called kids, but he left the club a man with a great influence on many other kids coming through at Manchester United. Paul Scholes, you are a legend…
In this week’s memo to fellow football fans, we talk Frank Lampard and Chelsea. Does Frank Lampard deserve more respect? It’s rare for me to praise Chelsea Football Club. It’s almost as rare as one of those space comet things.
We do have to recognize Chelsea’s battering of Aston Villa this weekend. Eight nil is an impressive score regardless of the opponent. And the young players emerging in the Chelsea team are exceptionally exciting. Eden Hazard can dazzle, Juan Mata is a total magician and David Luiz has found himself in the midfield position. Rafa Benitez is making progress and Fernando Torres might be finding his confidence again.
We also chat Jose Mourinho, Manchester United and Real Madrid. Is Jose Mourinho the right man to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson? Things are very wobbly at Real Madrid right now. Sixteen points behind rivals Barcelona and a manager at odds with the President, the fans and the media. Should Manchester United replace a long-term great like Sir Alex Ferguson with someone like Jose Mourinho who only stays at clubs he manages short-term?
Join in the banter and make your football voice heard. If you agree or disagree with any of the football dialogue, socialize with us on Twitter @soccerdiva. Football, soccer, call it what you want. It’s just like being down the pub with your mates.
We dive into a pool of football happenings In A Conversation With Eoin O’Callaghan.
The former host of Fox Soccer Report discusses attacking, defending, buying and selling in the Premier League. We look at the exciting debut of Eden Hazard for Chelsea and how Sir Alex Ferguson might regret not signing him for Manchester United. Does Nuri Sahin fit best with Liverpool or Arsenal? Is Andre Villas Boas changing too much too soon at Spurs? Can Everton burst into the top tier of the league like Newcastle United did last season? We dissect all of this and much more from an English football perspective.
There’s even a little time to touch on some Italian madness and in particular the Antonio Conte situation at Juventus and the heartbreak of AC Milan fans as Antonio Cassano defects to the enemy Inter Milan. Grab a tipple of your choice and enjoy the conversation.
The Premier League is only days away and boy do I have a treat for all of you.
In A Conversation With Bobby McMahon from Fox Soccer Report and Forbes.com we break the game down to its core and talk tactics. From Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle, Bobby shares his brilliant football brain with you.
We also chat about the managerial changes and who Bobby thinks will be in trouble. Plus don’t miss Bobby’s Top 4 predictions as you might be surprised who he has missing from his list. He also shares who he thinks will sink to the Championship at the end of the season.
Don’t miss Bobby McMahon broadcasting his las show on Fox Soccer Report on Thursday 16th August.
After losing their title on goal difference to their fiercest rivals, Manchester United are looking to bounce back this coming season. Desperate to regain what they believe to be their rightful place at the mountain top of English football, United fans are hoping for more success after having nothing new and shiny to place in the already abundant trophy cabinet.
Stretty News is one of the fastest growing Manchester United blogs anywhere in the world. In a Conversation With Dale O’ Donnell we dissect all things Red Devils. From the Glazers to Sir Alex Ferguson, the rivalry with Manchester City, Wayne Rooney, Kagawa and beyond, we cover the latest news that is happening at Old Trafford.
Dale is a leading voice for a new generation of Manchester United fans and he holds no punches when giving his opinion. Check out Dale’s work at www.strettynews.com and follow him on Twitter @StrettyNews.
Football, soccer, call it what you want. It’s just like being down the pub with your mates.