Football Blog Directory

James Beattie Appointed Manager of Accrington Stanley

2013-05-15T12:29:00.002+01:00

In a short statement on the official club website late on Monday evening, James Beattie was announced as the new Accrington Stanley manager. The former England striker spoke of his delight at being chosen for the role, revealing how he had been bitten by the Stanley bug after seven months in Accrington as player and coach.

The club had been without a first team manager for just shy of a fortnight after Leam Richardson departed for Chesterfield – a period in which some players were released, others signed new contracts and a great deal of speculation took place over who should take Accrington forward.

The past eighteen months have been times of great upheaval at the club. After stalwarts John Coleman and Jimmy Bell left after over a decade in charge, few could have predicted that at the end of the following season Stanley would be appointing a new man at the helm for a third time.

Many fans called for Coleman and Bell to be re-appointed in a bid to regain stability as well as a resurgence of the most successful times in the club’s history. In truth, this wish was born out of a degree of opportunism due to the availability of the pair and unavoidable nostalgia. At the core of the clamour was the aim to avoid becoming a club that changes its leader with frightening frequency.

James Beattie is a breath of fresh air and offers something which no other can. A likeable and knowledgeable character with well documented pedigree, he knows what it takes to succeed as a professional at the top level –yet understands how a club like Accrington works best.

In interviews following his appointment, Beattie spoke of his desire to meet the challenge he faces and succeed at it. He believes that he is the right person for the job and that his influence and connections will only help the club. The new manager also speaks of gaining an inexplicable infatuation with the club and it is this that truly earns him credibility with Stanley fans.

Beattie brings with him an infectious belief. In his career he led the forward line – a scorer of important goals rather than a prolific poacher. If he can instil a team spirit that reflects his own sense of drive and shoot-for-the-stars mentality, he has every chance of emulating the great duo’s tale of impossible success.

Departing manager Richardson’s backroom team of Paul Stephenson and Paul Lodge will be there to aid Beattie on the touchline and training field. The experience of the pair will go a long way to back up the young hopeful in a job that has the potential to become very lonely. Beattie also has great support from the chairman and board which he will need to take advantage of as he looks to build a competitive side for next term.

His first task is to keep together the members of the existing squad that ensured league football for Accrington, most of whom are out of contract very soon.

Best of luck to you James, the fans are right behind you.

On, Stanley, On.

Magic and Medicine in the FA Cup

2012-12-06T18:03:00.002Z

They say that in the FA Cup, form goes out of the window. Lowly teams become giants and legends are made. Accrington Stanley weren’t granted a headline-grabbing second round tie, but the game did its utmost to live up to the history of the magical competition.

Our last meeting with Oxford United was a profoundly disappointing affair ending up in a 5-0 loss. The cup game was a chance for redemption as much as the cash prize to boost the coffers.

We began with a disadvantage as our player-of-the-season so far – affable ‘keeper Ian Dunbavin -sustained season-threatening injury in training. Bavo has had his ups and downs in an eventful career but has been nothing short of exceptional this season. All Stanley fans will hope he can get fit sooner than expected.

An uphill battle was faced before we even took to the field and Leam Richardson did all he could to remedy the situation; the gaffer’s Yorkshire connections were exercised once more as nomadic stopper Paul Rachubka came in on emergency loan.

A cold, hard pitch awaited the players. Attackers revelled while defenders struggled and a goal-fest ensued. Oxford drew first blood after finding fault on the flank before Craig Lindfield levelled with a point-blank execution. James Beattie on returning to the starting eleven rose to the occasion and struck one of the finest shots ever seen on the Crown Ground to take the Reds ahead. After the U’s pegged back once more, Lee Molyneux expertly converted a free kick and Stanley had only minutes to see out a memorable victory. The tired Stanley backline faltered once more however and a replay was ordered through a simple headed goal which should have been prevented.

Going away to Oxford next Wednesday will be a huge test of character and skill. A home tie against Beattie’s former suitors Sheffield United is the prize for a win which ought to spur the players on.

First though is an old grudge match from the non-league days. Sunday’s trip to Burton has to be the priority in order to improve our league position. Only after that can we dare to dream.

On, Stanley, On.

A Tough Week.

2012-11-29T21:13:00.001Z

This week brought two vastly contrasting games to the Crown Ground.

Last Saturday’s match against Gillingham was full of excitement and tension from the first to the final whistle. Stanley matched the league-leaders in most if not all areas of the park but were given a stern test against a good, well-equipped side.

In James Beattie’s first home start the Reds put on a convincing attacking performance. Gillingham also impressed going forward and a good batch of chances were made in the first half. The away side took the lead at a pivotal time – just a few minutes before the break – and Stanley had to respond.

When Padraig Amond was introduced to the action about 20 minutes from time, it took little more than 20 seconds for him to make an impact. Beattie dropped deep to win a header and flicked it on into Podge’s path, who was abruptly pole-axed by the Gills goalkeeper. Beattie stepped up for the second time in as many games and duly converted his penalty. Should the two forwards get a chance to start a game up front together, there is evidence that a fruitful partnership could be made.

Rommy Boco went agonisingly close to snatching a win for Stanley but the resulting draw was fair. The way the Reds carried themselves against this calibre of opposition for the second time in a week gave great confidence for Tuesday’s home tie against Rotherham.

The rearranged fixture – Stanley’s game in hand – may have come a day too soon for the Reds after a mentally draining week. The concentration required to gain such positive results in the games prior to this may have contributed towards such a poor display.

An early goal from an unlikely candidate in Dean Winnard put the Reds ahead, but a defensive howler shortly after gifted the Millers an equaliser and the game was then deemed fraught for the remaining 85 minutes. Rotherham did their utmost to stamp any life out of the game and saw that Stanley never really got going. Another defensive mistake gave the visiting side a second goal and the game was as good as dead.

The manner in which we were prevented from playing our game must be frustrating for the players. We must take that into the next game and demand a better outcome. The second round of the FA Cup can be the start of great things and a home tie is as good a chance as any to progress.

On, Stanley, On.

Edgar Davids, James Beattie and the decimation of Fleetwood Town

2012-11-23T09:54:00.001Z

When Barnet’s Edgar Davids clattered into Accrington Stanley forward James Beattie on a sloping pitch in North London, the next morning’s headlines sounded out before the Dutch superstar was even shown red.

The charming irony of what was a minor event notwithstanding - the true story of the game was one of great frustration for the Reds. A much improved Stanley team gave a good all-round performance away from home but were done over by mind-boggling decisions from the officials. A penalty given for an innocuous foul in the box was followed by a splendid Ian Dunbavin save, yet the willingness of the men in charge to make the most of their star subjects saw the penalty re-taken and a goal given. Two points were dropped despite a convincing Stanley performance and that bitterness followed into the early week.

A Lancashire derby is always a place to right wrongs and a tactical masterstroke from Leam Richardson ensured our requital away at Fleetwood Town. Granting James Beattie his first start in a Stanley shirt alongside the in-form Rommy Boco meant that problems were caused all evening for the home defence. The swings-and-roundabouts nature of the beautiful game gave Stanley some much needed retribution as a debatable penalty shout this time went in favour of the Reds. After that, Stanley were rampant. Football played the right way – the Stanley way – all over the park conjured chance after chance for the Red men.

To play in such an impressive way and to be so convincing in victory against a high flying team with plentiful resources must give a tremendous amount of confidence to the Stanley players. Leam Richardson has breathed life into a team which a few weeks ago looked bereft of ideas.

The hope is that this confidence will spill over into the next fixture as we host Gillingham at home. Mad-as-a-brush manager Martin Allen has made league leaders out of his side but Stanley have shown the ability to match any team in this division.

On, Stanley, On.

Home Defeat to Northampton

2012-11-15T21:48:00.001Z

The first three games of Leam Richardson’s reign at Accrington have brought one win, one draw and one loss. The players have shown peaks of performance while revealing inconsistencies which require work for the new boss. Saturday’s game against Northampton was more of a ninety-minute lesson than a football match, giving Stanley players a clear example their own strengths and shortcomings.

The Cobblers –strong, direct, physical and organised – were regimented in their approach. Each bout of possession had one inevitable outlet in their towering forward Adebayo Akinfenwa. Much has been said (and sang) about Akinfenwa’s larger than life presence on the football field but one can only marvel at how effective he is at his role. The striker has re-written the role of the lone front man, or at least amplified it into something unrecognisable.

Each time Stanley conceded a set-piece, anxiety spread across the back line. The opening goal came as Akinfenwa made himself five yards of space to nod a cross home while simultaneously blocking the goalkeeper’s view, all in one thunderous action.

The reds responded positively, putting together impressive plays and operating comfortably inside Northampton’s half. A move straight from the training ground levelled matters; a smart corner routine found George Miller who struck home with a precise shot from twenty yards. Stanley stretched the game and found space enough for Rommy Boco to dance through and put his team ahead with a perfect left-footed effort. The reds showed a superior quality in possession and it seemed that this would win the game.

Two long-balls forward and one long-throw later however and Stanley were two goals behind. Richardson described it as a ‘mad five minutes’ which lost the game but in truth the common thread in each of the goals conceded was lacklustre marking against the brute strength put forward. Stanley needed to defend as a group but forwards failed to retreat when possession was lost and the one-man-unit in the opposing team lapped up the chances offered.

If we are to put such emphasis on our play in the final third, the same attention should be brought in our own box. If not we may undo all the good work done at the other end.

Tomorrow’s game takes us to Barnet where our own star forward James Beattie may make his debut against Dutch superstar Edgar Davids. A battle of top pedigree may make the headlines but a solid all-round effort will be required to get back to winning ways.

On, Stanley, On.

Fylde in the cup and Morecambe away

2012-11-12T17:08:00.001Z

Leam Richardson’s first week in charge brought two games with contrasting performances where individuals took centre stage for differing reasons.

A strong following and a full strength Stanley side journeyed to AFC Fylde in the first round proper of the FA Cup on Saturday. The hosts were welcoming off the pitch but strong and committed on it; a tough test met the reds despite the gulf in league positions.

Staney’s passing and movement were on top form throughout the game and this quality shining through was key to thwarting a difficult non-league team. Fylde for all of their endeavour struggled to cope with our play in the final third, finding our front line in a clinical mood.

Will Hatfield - the super-sub from last season - was particularly ruthless on the day, breaking his duck and then some by scoring all of our four goals. Not many players can say that they have achieved such a feat, one which will long remain in the memories of all that travelled.

The following Tuesday dug up an old rivalry just a little further up the coast. Morecambe away is a special fixture for Stanley fans not least due to the amount of memorable moments shared in games gone by. From the double dismissal of Rory Prendergast and Dean Calcutt in the Marsden Trophy to the wonder goal scored by Ian Craney, Morecambe bay has been the mixing pot for proper North West football.

This game however was somewhat anti-climactic, at least for the Shrimps. The home team created far more chances than us but squandered all of them in the face of in-form Stanley ‘keeper Ian Dunbavin. Not even a last-minute penalty could get past the loveable stopper who is having the season of his career so far. A very fortunate point was won which could prove invaluable come the end of the season.

Stanley now unbeaten in three return home to the Crown Ground to face Northampton Town. Three points here could propel us closer to the play-off positions as we reach the season’s half-way mark. Leam Richardson will be hoping that the moments of flair and resilience shown this week can come together to aid a comfortable home victory.

On, Stanley, On.

Ugly, disgusting and horrible:

2012-11-06T19:45:00.000Z

I have nothing other to say apart from read this article about a 3-year-old Arsenal fan with his dad chanting something on a video.... I wonder what they say.. :(

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2228575/Arsenal-year-old-fan-taunts-Robin-van-Persie-video--comment.html

Tonight's 8 matches in the Champions League include:

Manchester City vs Ajax:

A chance for the hosts to gain revenge after a 3-1 loss in Amsterdam last time out. If they do not win today at The Ethiad Stadium, their hopes of reaching the Last 16 of the Champions League will be virtually over.

FC Schalke 04 vs Arsenal:

The home side are a tough team to beat in Europe, and showed in on Matchday 3 when they beat English side Arsenal 2-0 at The Emirates a fortnight ago thanks to some sloppy defending and goals from Afellay and Huntelaar.

They will be hoping for the opposite in Germany tonight.

Other Matches:

Malaga vs AC Milan
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
Olympiakos vs Montpellier
Anderlecht vs Zenit St. Petersburg
PSG vs Dinamo Zagreb
Dynamo Kiev vs FC Porto

(ALL MATCHES LIVE AT 19:45PM)

HEROES OF YOUTH | Karl-Heinz Riedle and Borussia Dortmund.

2012-11-06T08:48:00.001Z

German international forward Karl-Heinz Riedle played for Borussia Dortmund between 1993 and 1997. Also having stints at Werder Breman, Lazio, Liverpool and Fulham, he was nicknamed “Air” due to his impressive leaping abilities.
Christoph Wagner, a reader of Grumpy Old Fan, has kindly written this passionate and informative article on Riedle, one of the heroes of his youth - and on Borussia Dortmund. (More info on Christoph below).
If anyone would like to contribute a hero - feel free to do so by contacting the site at twig@grumpyoldfan.net or by twitter @grumpyoldfan99
twig
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Karl-Heinz ‘Air’ Riedle, Borussia Dortmund, 1993-1997

Karl-Heinz Riedle was one of the most prolific centre forwards of the 1990s in Germany.
It is difficult to point out any one in particular hero from the Dortmund team that dominated German football between 1994 and 1997.

After all, the team featured the likes of Matthias Sammer as sweeper and a key man to European success in England 1996; Andreas Möller was the undisputed playmaker and a natural No.10; Steffen Freund has to be considered as almost a reincarnation of Berti Vogts, who was nicknamed the ‘Terrier’ for his ability to follow his opponenteverywhere - even in to the dressing room and further if necessary; Jörg Heinrich added some flair to the left wing, whilst Stefan Reuter flew up and down the right wing (as a former sprinter he was one of the fastest wingers ever to play for the German national side).

Read More at GrumpyOldFan.net.....

Leam Richardson's Red & White Army

2012-11-01T17:14:00.001Z

The events of last week reiterated to Stanley fans – as if it could ever be forgotten at a club with such wonderful idiosyncrasies - that the only thing ever to be expected from a football club is the truly unexpected.

Eight months of exciting buzz-words such as positivity, rebuilding and forward-planning were truncated at the all-too-immediate departure of Paul Cook. The affable Scouser rolled into town like a dazzling fairground complete with league-winning aspirations. He duped us all as we held him aloft, only to take the first available step towards greener grass. Bitterness and ill-will are natural reactions for a scorned football fan and Cook’s swindle left us no different.

In moments of hurt we turn to reliable constants; dependable characters which have been there through thick and thin. In our case we have Leam Richardson, who has been with us for seven years and been a fan favourite since day dot.

Traditionally, full backs don’t see much of the glamour in football. They pitch in with tackling, covering and overlapping runs which provide the necessary space for star wingers to shine. Leam made the number three shirt his own until injury sidelined him for months on end. All the while he brought his knowledge and experience to the young players of the team; still the worker, still the team player.

Having stepped into the breach once when the club was in mourning after the departure of greats Coleman and Bell, he plugged the gap again this Saturday. Each time he has not only won the games following drama, but picked up the team and moved it forward. This influence cannot be understated. Leam is a true professional of the game – a priceless part of our little club.

The fans want Leam Richardson as the club’s new manager. From what can be seen, the players do too. The club has made the appointment permanent and put their full faith in the man who has dedicated the prime of his career to us.

We will be following Leam’s reds to AFC Fylde tomorrow in the first round of the most magical competition in sport. Big things could grow from small seeds in more than one respect.

On, Stanley, On.

Remember, remember

2012-11-01T07:03:00.001Z

We're @ that time of year when the clocks go back and Winter draws on, footballing wise the trusty yellow ball is bought out to play Cont.....

Paul Cook leaves Accrington

2012-10-25T18:24:00.001+01:00

When Paul Cook joined the club in January, the club was in a state of shock after losing its legendary management team who had been at the helm for more than a decade. Former player Cook seemed the perfect fit – a young, ambitious coach who knew our club and had built up a good record of his own.

Cook brought fresh ideas and a new ethos which seemed to surround the club. All was positive in spite of losing our play-off teasing position and limping towards the end of the campaign. Going into the new season he assembled a team of talented young players who all bought into his total-football ideal. It soon turned out to be the largest squad Accrington had seen in years and players were loaned out with a couple leaving permanently in the quest of game time.

The results started off well, sitting in the play-off positions up until October when it all seemed to go wrong. The reunion with John Coleman and Jimmy Bell in the home game against Rochdale was the first of a four match losing streak in which twelve goals were conceded. The team looked a shadow of their former selves and void of ideas.

Cook kept the rhetoric to a minimum and offered no excuses for the losses. The defeats kept coming however and the frustration was evident in all quarters. Chesterfield's interest in the gaffer was known and whispers circulated around the ground on Tuesday about what would happen.

As the news became official a certain amount of anger has been felt among the fans. That Cook did not stay and attempt to turn things around - rather jump ship to a new opportunity - feels disrespectful. An infectious character who took us all into his vision did not see his own project out. Cook left after eight wins in thirty-three attempts. The story of his short reign? Style over substance.

Disappointing as it may be, we have more important things to think about. This ship needs turning around. The players must dig deep and get themselves the results they deserve. The fans must get behind the team as we strive for better things.

On, Stanley, On.

Liga BBVA Update - Barcelona 5 Deportivo 4

2012-10-21T19:17:00.000+01:00

1st placed Barcelona played against mid-table Deportivo last night.

With title rivals Real Madrid having beaten Celta by 2 goals to nil, Barca had to respond well.

Full-back Jordi Alba, young striker Christian Tello and Lionel Messi all scored for Barca in the first 18 minutes.

Thank you: Full-back Jordi Alba celebrates his opener against Deportivo

Magic Messi: Lionel Messi celebrates his 1st goal of the night with Cesc Fabregas.

Pizzi scored for Deportivo to make it 3-1 in the 20th minute from the penalty spot.

In the 37th minute, Deportivo scored again thanks to Bergantinos, before Messi made it 4-2 in the 43rd minute.

Best in the world: Lionel Messi scores his second to make it 4-2 just before half-time.

In the 47th minute, Pizzi scored his second of the night, before defensive midfelder Javier Mascherano was given a second yellow card of the match, and consquently sent off.

Messi capped off his 21st hat-trick for Barca in the 77th minute, before Alba scored an own goal to make the score 5-4.

Brilliance: Messi chips the goalkeeper to score his 3rd of the night against Deportivo.

Barca are still 1st, with 22 points out of a possible 24.

Real Madrid are in 4th place, 8 points BEHIND the Liga BBVA leaders.

Here is the full Liga BBVA Table:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/tables?filter=competition-119001074

England struggle against Poland in Warsaw:

2012-10-17T22:34:00.004+01:00

This match should have been played last night, but because of the ridiculous closing roof problem, the match had to be postponed.

Anyways, today the match was played at 4pm (UK time), so that all of the English players could get back to their clubs soon as they play on the weekend.

England 1 Poland 1

Wayne Rooney broke the deadlock with a lucky shoulder/header flick into the net past the goalkeeper in the 31st minute.

Defender Glik equalised in the 70th minute from a header after Joe Hart failed to punch the ball away from safety after being shielded by his defenders.

Wolves v Palace

2012-10-02T16:00:00.001+01:00

Another Tuesday night and another big three points on offer for the resurgent Wolves.

After a good,solid performance against Sheffield Wednesday Wolves look to make it five wins on the bounce which could drastically put them top of the league.

Full piece at http://www.southbankview.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/wolves-v-palace.html

Wolves are on the march

Why Accrington Stanley are flying high in league 2...

2012-10-01T18:27:00.001+01:00

Despite being only 8 games in, Npower League Two team Accrington are sitting pretty in 4th place. Read my thoughts on the key players here! http://stanleyreview.blogspot.co.uk/

Del Piero, Heskey... who else?

2012-09-20T11:55:00.002+01:00

Sydney FC pulled off the most unbelievable signing in A-League history last week when it signed Italian and Juventus legend Alessando Del Piero to a two-year deal.

With the hype of the Del Piero signing still on a high, Newcastle Jets yesterday came out and announced they had captured the signature of 62-time England international, and internet sensation, Emile Heskey.

The two strikers were on the free-agent list after leaving Juventus and Aston Villa respectively at the end of last season. So, who else is on that list that may be of interest to some A-League clubs? Take a look at who we've found over at The Football Sack.

14 Days Later

2012-09-15T15:35:00.003+01:00

Wolves take on Leicester 14 days after the Cardiff defeat in a crucial tie which could send our season back in the right direction.

With so many new recruits being drafted in so quickly many of the new players barely knew each others names never mind our varying style of play which changes every game.Anyway hopefully Sole has got the lads training hard during the international break and we can come back stronger.

At 12/1 to win the league it looks like many have wrote us off already but I disagree we have the squad which when filled with confidence can match anyone. Lets just give it a few weeks and then I expect to see us well inside the top 6. Yes I did put a few quid on at 12/1

Leicester have had an equally disappointing start to us with two wins and two defeats this one isn't going to be a draw that's for sure.

Match prediction Wolves win 2-1

LATEST Football News:

2012-09-05T01:03:00.000+01:00

Turkish club Fenerbache have completed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles for an undisclosed fee around £8million pounds.

Turkey, here I come: Midfielder Raul Meireles has signed a four-year contract deal with Fenerbache for £8million.

Former Manchester United and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has ended months of speculation about his future by confirming a one-year deal with Stoke City.

Back in the EPL: Striker and free agent Michael Owen has signed a one-year deal with Stoke City.

In Spain:

Real Madrid midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he is 'unhappy' and 'sad' but has hit out at fans that he just wants more money, after not celebrating his two goals on Sunday against Granada for 'professional reasons'.

Unsettled: Real Madrid midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he is 'sad' and only the club no why.

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has said that HE is unhappy also, after being substituted against Valencia on Sunday.

The grass is always greener at The Emirates: Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas is upset at being a sub.

Fabregas told Radio Marca: 'There's no such thing as a great substitute in the world of football.

'I couldn't tell you what makes a great substitute.
'I always wish my team-mates well and put a happy face on.
'If I have to take my unhappy face home then so be it, but I would never let my team-mates or manager see it.'

More EPL here:

Wolves v Cardiff

2012-08-31T09:48:00.001+01:00

Wolves will be looking to get back to winning ways in the league after the disappointing last minute equaliser against Derby. But Cardiff will be an equally as tough game and three points could mark a real sign of intent for the new era at Wolves.

Full blog at http://southbankview.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/wolves-v-cardiff.html

Money makes the Wolves go round

2012-08-28T10:05:00.000+01:00

Last week’s extravagant sales of Matt Jarvis and Steve Fletcher marked a new era for Wolves. Relegation meant the side were always going to have to swap things around and make way for some of their biggest stars to leave. But who would have thought that these two players would make the side so much money for average Premiership players at best who sparkled in a very poor and deflated side.

Full blog at http://www.southbankview.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/money-makes-wolves-go-round.html

The Men Who Stare At Scapegoats

2012-08-28T09:54:00.000+01:00

'What have you ever won mate?'

Two games is a long time in football isn’t it. I mean come on, it’s 180, maybe 187 minutes, including stoppages, of time just passing by. It’s a back-to-back Super Sunday session sat on the sofa. Back in the real world, it’s an unproductive morning in the office spent trawling the web and flicking back to actual work stuff when the shadow of the boss looms.

But for the wizened hacks at The Sun etc, it’s a legitimate amount of time to begin constructing informed and insightful conclusions on what the opening two games of the new Premier League season means. Particularly for poor old Andre Villas Boas.

If you read any of the post match coverage of Spurs’ admittedly disappointing one-all draw against West Brom, you could be forgiven for thinking you had actually stumbled across the obituary page for AVB.

‘Honeymoon over’.

‘AVB gathering enemies among the fans’

‘Grim Reaper casting a shadow over Spurs’ top-four prospects. ‘

Yep, that’s right. Two games. They’ve even tried to suggest he’s losing the players.

A minority have been measured in their reaction to Spurs’ opening two games, but the overwhelming majority have treated it as conclusive proof that AVB just can’t cut it in the English Premier League. The best league in the world^TM. Toughest league. Not for shrinking violets. Ad infinitum.

Two games.

So let’s get into it. ‘Arry was sacked, much to the shock of everyone, including yours truly. It divided the fans. AVB was the leftfield name and in he came. Arriving at an interstitial moment, squashed in between the end of Euro 2012 and the start of the Olympics, the journos were rubbing their eyes with disbelief/glee and scrambling like a squadron of Spitfires, ready to shoot this fucker down. Except, AVB wrongfooted them. He stalled his engine, beguiling the red top posse mid air and came up their aeronautical rear with a performance of polished humility and optimism about the job ahead and building on the good foundations laid by ‘Arry. The journos, surprisingly, lapped this up, but there was always a feeling he was merely walking on a tightrope, giving them ample time to retrain the machine gun on him.

Fast forward six weeks and a gruelling, Luka Modric-dominated pre season programme later and Spurs have failed to register a win in their opening two games. So the posse have re-grouped and they’re on the attack again. This is proof, they cry, that the pressure is too much. There’s The Sun jumping on a nothing comment by Assou Ekotto about his surprise at ‘Arry getting sacked, cutely ignoring the same interview in which he calls AVB ‘son of Mourinho’. Instead, they’ve conveniently read it as meaning BAE doesn’t back the new man.

There were, it will come as no surprise, also murmurings on yesterday’s Sunday Supplement. In amongst the usual macho jostle for centre stage, the assembled villains speculated on rumours AVB texts the players with little jokes and chats to them about cars and so on. This seemingly innocent attempt to strike up camaraderie and trust was rounded upon as not really what a manager should be doing, delivered with all the authority that only a red top journo can smugly exude.

Then there’s Monday’s Mirror, seizing on the boos at the final whistle in Saturday’s game as confirmatory evidence that AVB has lost the fans. HAHAHAHA. Others have it down as a ‘calamitous start’. HAHAHAHA.

Two games.

In fact. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

There were boos aplenty at the Lane when ‘Arry was at the helm if there was a disappointing draw. But don’t let that get in the way of the anti-AVB agenda. Of course not.

But then this is their world view. It’s not a Spurs fan’s world view.

In the Spurs fan’s world, there’s actually quiet patience and satisfaction being drawn from the opening week. On all the forums and amongst my fellow fans, the real snapshot is we can see what is taking shape under AVB. Yes, we dropped two points on Saturday and gave away a cheap penalty at Newcastle. But this isn’t convenient for our bloodthirsty hacks. They’ve crafted reactionary, instantaneous headlines whereas the more measured, cerebral analysis sees a subtle shift in style, from an all-out attacking game to a high-line pressing approach.

We’ve lost Modric but looking at the two games, plenty of invention remains in the side. And whether you agree or disagree with Levy’s transfer dealings style, there will be new faces arriving this week to add depth. We’ve played some incisive, exciting stuff and have just lacked that all important cutting edge. But of course, this isn’t the analysis our journo boys are looking for. This isn’t the conclusion they want to fashion. They genuinely seem to have an alternative agenda driven towards undermining AVB and ultimately driving him out.

They’re not seeing what we’re seeing.

Take AVB’s celebration at Newcastle when Defoe equalised. That was raw passion, bottled up frustration being released in one single moment. The way he punched the air and jumped up and down. This man has hunger.

Then there’s the calm authority he’s presented in interviews and the subtle tactical changes introduced to the team. The players we’ve been linked with also suggests a broader intelligence being applied that was woefully absent during the ‘Arry years. None of the following are yet to sign, but the Iscos, Willians and Moutinos weren’t names being bandied about during the previous regime. And this isn’t to denigrate ‘Arry: I was a genuine, paid-up fan. But it is to emphasise that AVB is taking a more strategic, thoughtful approach to player recruitment. Partly why Levy brought him in.

Two games.

But of course, the press need their heroes and villains and with the spectre of ‘Arry looming large, it seems AVB will really struggle for acceptance. This week should see the team take shape with the Modric fee freeing up liquidity, and most Spurs fans are confident AVB will shove a lot of the gutter boys’ words back down their throats.

EPL Saturday Special Week 2:

2012-08-25T18:48:00.000+01:00

Today's EPL Matches:

Swansea 3 West Ham 0

Michu, Danny Graham and an own goal from goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen gave Swansea all three points against newly promoted West Ham.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 West Brom 1
Midfielder James Morrison broke Tottenham hearts with a late equaliser in the last minute.

Manchester United 3 Fulham 2

Robin Van Persie, Shinji Kagawa and Rafael Da Silva all scored for Manchester United as they beat a persistent Fulham 3-2.

Aston Villa 1 Everton 3

Nikica Jelavic, Marouane Fellani and Steven Pienaar all scored for Everton as Aston Villa were beaten 3-1 at home.

Southampton 0 Wigan 2

Goals from strikers Franco Di Santo and Aroune Kone gave Wigan their first three points.

Norwich 1 QPR 1

Former Fulham striker Bobby Zamora secured a point for QPR against Norwich at Carrow Road.

Click here for more....

Are Wolves back on the march

2012-08-24T19:00:00.000+01:00

Wolves go into tomorrows game on a real high on the back of their first home win since December last year.

Doumbia the man to guide the misguided Wolves.

Read full preview at http://www.southbankview.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/are-wolves-back-on-march.html

Wolves v Barnsley

2012-08-21T16:07:00.000+01:00

So here we go again with the first home game after a disappointing result against Leeds in a game that many including myself thought we could have got something out of.

Full story at http://www.southbankview.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/whatever-will-be-will-be.html

West Brom stun Liverpool, Arsenal start life without RVP, Fulham and Swansea both win 5-0.

2012-08-18T22:51:00.001+01:00

We have been waiting 93 days for this Saturday. Believe it or not.
The 2012-13 season has finally begun!

6 3:00 matches:

West Brom 3 Liverpool 0

A Zoltan Gera volley, a Peter Odemwingie penalty, and on-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku all scored for West Brom as they beat 10-men Liverpool at The Hawthorns.

West Ham 1 Aston Villa 0

Midfielder Kevin Nolan scored the only goal of the match, as newly promoted West Ham beat Aston Villa.

First three points in the bag: West Ham midfielder Kevin Nolan celebrates his goal against Aston Villa.

Arsenal 0 Sunderland 0

Life without Robin Van Persie officially started today for Arsenal, as they drew 0-0 with Sunderland at The Emirates Stadium.

Despite dominating possession from the start, and having lots of shots on target, The Gunners were not able to beat Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

QPR 0 Swansea 5

New signing Michu scored a double along with Nathan Dyer as Swansea thrashed moneybags QPR 5-0 at Loftus Road.
Wantaway winger Scott Sinclair came off the bench before scoring 4 minutes later.

Fulham 5 Norwich City 0

Who is Clint Dempsey say Fulham fans?
Republic Of Ireland midfielder Damien Duff and new striker Mladen Petric were among the scorers for the home side as the cruised to a 5-0 win over Norwich at Craven Cottage.

Alex Kacaniklic and Steve Sidwell (penalty) were the other scorers for Fulham as they are top of the table on the first day of the new season.

Reading 1 Stoke City 1

New Stoke City midfielder Michael Kightly scored in the 34th minute for his new team.
Adam Le Fondre gave Reading a 'get out of jail free card' in the 89th minute after slotting a penalty past Asmir Begovic.

17:30pm match:

Newcastle 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1

Newcastle beat Tottenham by 2 goals to 1 at The Sports Direct Arena.

Striker Demba Ba broke the deadlock for the home side in the 55th minute before England striker Jermain Defoe equalised for Spurs after 76 minutes.

Newcastle forward Hatem Ben Arfa won the match for his team in the 80th minute from the penalty spot to give his team all three points....

80th minute winner: Hatem Ben Arfa scores from the penalty spot to win the match against Tottenham.

Click here for more....