The Football Season so far - League Two

With this weekend marking the first use of the 2012/13 season's yellow winter ball and with this weekend being not only gameweek 9 but also containing this season's first title battle. So there is no better time to sum up the start to the season in the Premier League and Football League in England over the next four days. In a season where we have had racism, protesting, violence, diving, fights, managerial casualties, financial takeovers and catastrophes all before the Halloween pumpkins have had faces carved into them.

Lets start in League Two. And its already looking like a case of the usual suspects this season for promotion. Currently Mad Dog Martin Allen's Gillingham top the table with a now 5 point lead over second placed Port Vale after they suffered defeat on Saturday at Northampton. At times this season Gillingham have looked the real deal, even though its so early on they are starting to emulate sides like Chesterfield and Shrewsbury in previous seasons by laying down markers early and not really looking like being caught. However this can all change, should they go on a run playing like they did at Torquay a mere week ago then it could all come crashing down and open up for the trailing pack. If the season were to end tomorrow then joining Gillingham and Port Vale in promotion would be last season's play off runners up Cheltenham Town. Cheltenham who haven't hit the form they showed last term but are still lighting up the league and will be hoping their promotion bid doesn't fizzle out and end up in Wembley heartbreak again. League newcomers Fleetwood are sitting pretty in 4^th, a position they won't take for granted but watch this space for them as back to back promotions wouldn't be the strangest thing to happen in this day and age.

Bradford, Rotherham and Torquay make up the rest of the play off positions but sides like Exeter and Burton Albion will be hoping they can recover from recent poor results to mount a serious challenge this season. Down at the bottom and the bottom side currently is Barnet. Barnet who survived on the final day last season will be hoping that the inclusion of Edgar Davids (..yes the Edgar Davids!) will help them to fight off the prospect of relegation for the second time in as many years. Other teams who need to start winning are Aldershot – the other side currently in the bottom two- Wycombe Wanderers who early on promised more than what they are showing. AFC Wimbledon, Bristol Rovers Plymouth and Dagenham & Redbridge will be hoping they have enough about themselves this season to ensure League safety for another season and can then go onto build.

Port Vale's Tom Pope has fired in 14 goals in 15 League Matches This Term

Talking points to have hit League Two so far is what looks like will finally be the on going financial saga at Port Vale. Wirral businessman Paul Wildes' Alchemy Investment Group look set to become the clubs new owners and once the £1.25 million takeover bid gets ratified by the Football League, the Staffordshire based club can finally look ahead and push for promotion and regaining League One status. The side who without the 10 point deduction for going into administration last year would have only missed out on the play offs by a point will be determined to make it this time around. The football Micky Adams' men are playing is backing up the claims the Vale faithful have made saying this is the year and in front man Tom Pope they have a striker who has more than enough ability to fire the Vale into League One this season.

To end this edition of the season so far, following the Price of Football Survey 2012 League Two showed some interesting results. For the cheapest day out you should be heading to Plymouth Argyle where the cheapest day out lies at only £19.60 with the most expensive in the division being at Gillingham where for a day out you will have to spent £28.90 but with the football they are playing it must be worth it at the moment.

Ryan Butler 

Sponsorship In Sport. Moving On?

Here is a challenge, can you name your favorite sports team main sponsor in 5 seconds? GO

The question I would like to answer is, who's fault is it in a bad relationship?

 

English Premier League side Newcastle United last week unveiled a sponsorship deal with loans company wonga.com, sparking criticism and concern because of the firm's reputation for charging sky-high interest rates. 

Should Newcastle United have agreed to such a deal knowing what could happen to their fans?

The interesting thing about sponsorship is, it is a business partnership in which both companies benefit from the others audience. In this case wonga.com could benefit from Newcastle fan, an area of England which is prone, especially in this climate, to financial troubles.

So what is an appropriate sponsorship? 

Huddersfield Town 11/12 sponsored by a local college

In my opinion a sports team, particularly a massively influential sport such as football, has a duty to promote well being through their image, and their brand.  

The perfect example? Charities, schools and anything promoting well being in the local communities in where the club are. 

The days are over when the majority of the sponsorship was the most of the income. Clubs, sports, governing bodies have the opportunity to promote invisible well being through their club. 

Long gone be the alcoholic  gambling, loan companies be gone, companies in debt and a bad omen, big money sponsorship  Come on clubs, be the local heroes!

Do you care for your clubs sponsor? LET US KNOW!

Wimbledon 2012 Review

The 2012 all English Championships have been a successful one. Not only has it included home talent been enjoying limelight such as Andy Murray route to the Final, Jonny Marray winning the mens doubles, becoming  Britain’s first men’s doubles champ since 1936, and Heather Watson reaching the 3rd round of the ladies singles. It has been an incredible effort from Brits. And A record that will keep getting better within the next generation coming round the corner. 

A buzzing SW19

But what has been the story of the championships. It has to be the back in form of the two singles champions, especially Roger Federer who has bounced back into, not only his first Grand Slam title since his Australian Open win in 2010, also regaining #1 world ranking.


It was a fantastic achievement by Serena Williams also winning the Ladies singles. The last time she won a major was her fourth SW19 title winning in straight sets against Vera Zvonareva in 2010. What an achievement. 


What is next? Well many things could happen. A new Federer era for the next 2 years of major could unfold. Or Andy Murray will become a champion on the hard courts or Olympic Gold medalist. Novak Djokovic will come back bigger and much badder and Rafael Nadal may never win a major again? the Williams sisters will again dominate worlds ladies tennis.


My thoughts exactly. Do you agree? Was Federer lucky to not face a misfiring Nadal? Have your say

What should Scottish Football do?

As EVERYBODY is aware. Rangers Football Club is very close to liquidation. If forced to form a new company, many to be believed as The Rangers FC. Without going into details here is what I think will happen. 

Ibrox Stadium. Home of Rangers

As a Sport Management student these stories fascinate me, maybe too much, to the extent that I have to apply my opinion on what should happen. 

Two things will happen. The eleven current SPL teams will vote on whether the Rangers FC will be granted Premier league status. They will require 7 out of 11 votes to stay in. Could you imagine what this would do to Scottish football, the endorsements for Scottish football and more importantly the commercialization of the SPL would drop. Many major TV companies would not pay as much to the SPL for the rights without the Glasgow Derby. There is the Hearts - Hibernian derby, but lets face it. Rangers v Celtic is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the British football calender. And, it is always a close affair. 

Look at it the other way. It would send the wrong message to other teams. If others teams in Scotland (apart from Celtic) had this happened to them. No way would they even get a vote. It is morally wrong. So there is completely two extremes. 

I am going to have to give a controversial view here. I say let Rangers begin life in Scottish football again, and raise money for the Scottish FA, keep the high TV rights. And keep the Glasgow derby a massive fixture.

Do you agree with me?

Stephen Orwin

British and Irish Lions 16 - Stephen

1 (GK) Joe Hart – England – I would agree he is the best goal keeper England has to offer, in fact I would even go as far as the best goalkeeper (with experience) in European football. Solid, reliable and encouraged. any more reasons?

2 Ashley Williams – Wales – Not the most influential Welsh player. But given the experience and opportunity he would receive within this British lions squad. He would thrive on the opportunity  to be solid just as he is with Swansea    

3 Ashley Cole -  England - Lets get this clear. Ashley Cole in my opinion is the best left back in the world. Yep, i said it. I think his flexibility and experience with the left back comes great attacking ability with solid defensive ability. Top player. 

4 John Terry - England - Ok, off the field, he is not the best role model. But on the field, he has to be regarded as one of the greatest leader in English football...ever? At 31 years of age he has received 74 caps covering 4 major tournament. Top class. 
5 Richard Dunne - Ireland - Always a big fan of the big Irish center back. with 74 caps he has been the heart of Ireland's defense for many caps. A big case for center backs having experience? In my opinion the most essential trait for a defender. 
6 Aaron Ramsey - Wales - At 21 with 21 caps. This guy has a chance to make a massive name for himself and cause upsets within the European world. As Wales captain he has the best chance to lead Wales to their first major championship for years. 
7 Oliver Norwood - Northern Ireland - Trust me. Watch this 21 year old who plays for Manchester United. you probably haven't? well you will in the near future. 
8 Steven Gerrard (c) - England - If there was a tour tomorrow my captain will be Steven Gerrard. with 92 caps to his name his experience will pass on to others and encourage them. If the tour was in four years time. My decision would be more moving towards Ramsey. 
9 Kevin Doyle - Ireland - The perfect 9. Hard working. Motivated, and a natural goal scorer. With a good team with him, good service, he will thrive. 
10 Wayne Rooney - England - A world class player. Not only a team player, but a goal scorer.  Top club player and a proper prospect. I will definitely put my money on him becoming England top scorer and most  capped outfield player. 
11 Gareth Bale - Wales - A tough choice. and not an obvious decision. But Gareth Bale would be my natural footed left midfielder great attacking threat and a defensive minded player. Great player. 


Subs

12 Darren Fletcher - Scotland - I had to choose a Scottish player! and quite clearly the best Scottish choice. Just missing out on the first 11 through experience of Gerrard and prospect of Ramsey. But he would be the first midfielder to get in for sub. 

13 Shay Given (GK) – R.Ireland - Given is one of the most under rated and under achieved goalkeepers of all time. A great player and a hard worker. 

14 Gary Cahil – England - A younger copy of John Terry, has a great chance of progessing thorugh his club and country. A huge talent and will become one of the most stable defenders we have seen in this land

15 Phil Jones - England - 'Only just turned 20 years of age Jones is one of the hottest prospects for the future for any country. Having moved to Manchester United last summer he didn't have the greatest of first seasons but it was good enough to show a high level of quality and to show that he has the potential to be a world class player in the future.' Exactly how I feel Ryan!

16  - Jordan Rhodes - Scotland - A massive controversial choice (Especially with Ryan!) I think this guy has the opportunity to become Scotland's leading goal scorer. Arguable that he had chosen Scottish. Nevertheless a huge prospect ONLY if he chooses the right path of club, or stays in my opinion with his current team Huddersfield. 

Manager - Sir Alex Ferguson - Scottish - Could not argue with Ryan as much as I wanted too! this man has expirience, passion and will have a lot of fun with the opportunity taken seriously. 
Assistant - Brendan Rodgers – Northern Ireland - Again, as much as I would love to agree with Ryan, I think Brendan under Sir Alex guidance will become the greatest coach Northern Ireland has ever produced.

Coaches - David Beckham (England) and Roy Keane (Ireland)- Two Manchester greats, passionate, talented and could mentor younger players to become better than their coaches and beyond. Which is what a coach is all about in professionalism football in my opinion!

Come At Us!

Stephen Orwin

British & Irish Lions 16

1 (GK) Joe Hart – England – The best Keeper in the Premier League at the moment, and arguably the best keeper in the world to some people. He was instrumental in Manchester City's Premier League winning season and at the age of 25 he easily has another 10-15 years left at the top. You would be silly to not have him as your first choice keeper.

2 Chris Smalling – England – Probably more of a centre back, but Smalling has played a season and a half at right back for Manchester United and has even made appearances for England in the same position. Four years ago he was playing for Maidstone United, he has had a hell of a career already and at 22 and with his natural ability still has a lot to offer for years to come.

3 Ashley Cole -  England - Arguably the best and most consistent defender since the turn of the millennium. Cole has won 3 Premier Leagues, 7 FA Cups, a League Cup and Champions League medal as well as being named in the PFA Team of the Year on 4 different occasions, enough said really.

4 Rio Ferdinand (C)  - England – Ferdinand will be my captain. Experienced, great ability, smart, he doesn't panic, controls a defence and has been there and done it all. Rio has won 5 Premier Leagues, a FA Cup, a Champions League, 2 League Cups and a World Club Championship all with Manchester United, like Cole, his honours speak for themselves.

5 Jonny Evans - N.Ireland – Probably not going to appear in a lot of peoples squads, but for me there is no better improved defender over the past 12 months in the whole of the Premier League. Last season he came in to the Manchester United squad to replace Nemanja Vidic; arguably the best defender of the last 5 years and not only did a good job he made the position his own. He has developed a great understanding with Ferdinand over the season so that is why I would choose Evans for my Lions squad.

6 Darren Fletcher – Scotland – Even with his unfortunate stomach virus he is still Scotland's best player, gives 100% every time he dons the shirt of Man Utd or Scotland, one of the first names in this line up

7 Aiden McGeady – R. Ireland – Creative winger who dominated left backs in the SPL for 6 years and now terrorising defenders in Russia, with 103 assists in 307 club appearances he knows how to provide for strikers to feed off and an ideal player for the squad.

8 Frank Lampard – England – A midfielder who has over 200 career goals and has experience at the highest of levels, winning Premier League and Champions League titles with Chelsea he is a consistent winner and like Fletcher will give you 100% every game. Has countless amount of individual honours but has also won 3 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups and a Champions League.

9 Kevin Doyle – R.Ireland – Signed for Reading in 2005 for just a mere £78k and is now worth anywhere between £5-7 million, doesn't have the best goals to game ratio but won't give up and will always allow for his striking partner to dominate the play.

10 Wayne Rooney – England – The best British player. One of England's only world class players and with a partner like Kevin Doyle could be the second half to a destructive strike force. Doyle comes from the Hernandez mould which Rooney will thrive off. Has won as many individual honours as Lampard as well as lifting 4 Premier Leagues, 1 Champions League, 2 League Cups and a World Club Championship. He is mentioned in the same company as Ronaldo and Messi for a reason.

11 James McLean - R.Ireland – A young man who made arguably the greatest impact of the season this year, making his league debut as part of a new, resurgent Sunderland side under new management was a creative winger, who showed pace, flair and skill to not only make goals but score. Was inspirational for Sunderland with highlighted great performances vs Man City and Arsenal at the Stadium of Light, one for the future.

Subs

12 Ashley Young - England - Had one of the greatest first seasons at Manchester United I can remember seeing by anyone. Countless amounts of assists to go with his 8 goals made it a season to remember for Young. One of the stars of the future for England and by playing for United can only get better.

13 Shay Given (GK) – R.Ireland - Given is one of the most under rated and under achieved goalkeepers of all time. Has been consistently great every season in the Premier League for every team he was played for, only rivaled by Brad Friedel. And in my opinion in the Top 5 goalkeepers the league has ever seen.

14 Shane Long – R.Ireland - A younger copy of Kevin Doyle, has great natural ability with plently of energy which he puts in every game. Like Doyle, Long will give you a forward who will work hard for the team and ultimately benefit the team.

15 Phil Jones - England - Only just turned 20 years of age Jones is one of the hottest prospects for the future for any country. Having moved to Manchester United last summer he didn't have the greatest of first seasons but it was good enough to show a high level of quality and to show that he has the potential to be a world class player in the future.

16 Aaron Ramsey - Wales - Ramsey was installed as Wales captain at the tender age of 21 by the late Gary Speed in March 2011 and with good reason to be. The midfield playmaker has shown enough with the newly reformed Wales side under Chris Coleman and Arsenal to warrant a place in the Lions Squad.

Manager - Sir Alex Ferguson - Scottish - Simply put, the greatest manager to ever grace English football let alone the Premier League.

Assistant - David Moyes – Scottish - Predicted as the heir to the throne of Sir Alex at Manchester United, not only could he learn a lot from Sir Alex Ferguson but he has the managerial ability to teach him a thing a two. 

Coaches - Paul Scholes (England) and Ryan Giggs (Wales)- Two of the greatest players to ever grace world football. In regards to British football no one can touch Ryan Giggs for what he has achieved in his 21 year career, and with an eye on the future he would be a great coach to have to share experience with the younger players like McLean. Scholes is a midfield maestro and any player who Zidane wishes he had played with is clearly one of the best.

Physio - Gary Lewin – England- Arsenal physio for 22 years, England's physio for 16. One of the best and most experienced members of staff you could wish for.

Bring on the tour!

Ryan Butler 

British and Irish Lions... football?

Watching Ireland last night at the euro 2012 championships playing a stubborn Croatia team. It makes me wonder, where do they go from here? 

Then it clicked.

The Football Associations of the 5 home nations. (Including Ireland, just like in rugby) make a one off 4 year event in which the best players from each 5 countries tour each continent for FIFA ranking matches. 

• Think about it, more endorsements for each nations. Which company would not want to be involved in such historic events? the money from this could go into developing talent for each player. A branded British and Irish 'Lions' football team would look exceptional commercially. 
• It will give a chance for the better players, to get better. Example. Kevin Doyle played a good shift for Ireland v Croatia. Imagine if he could get international experience with a partnership with a world class player in Wayne Rooney? Or Darren Fletcher of Scotland within the central midfield with Steven Gerrard. It will give international experience to take back to their own countries.
• A chance to represent all nations. Not just yours. In effect the Rugby lions that tour every 4 years, some call it the ultimate honour. And as a semi-pro Rugby player. I have always dreamed of representing the Lions. Over England. Which seems a massive contrast with football.

So there three good reasons, why we should have a British and Irish Lions football team. 

Later on myself, and Ryan will share our squad 16. Including the manager and coaching staff. 

Would you want a British and Irish Football 11? 

Who would you pick currently?

Stephen Orwin