England Bid for World Cup

For a couple of years now, they have been thinking about it. But finally, on the back of London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics, England have decided to launch a bid for the World Cup.

After a failed bid to host the 2006 tournament, a bid has been submitted to host either one of the 2018 or the 2022 World Cup. If the bid is successful, with the infrastructure and facilities already top class, the focus will be on how and if things could be improved, avoiding any uncertainty as has been plaguing the 2010 World Cup of South Africa.

West Brom Relegated

West Brom were consigned to relegation from the Premiership after losing 2 – 0 at home to Liverpool on Sunday. The Baggies had been at the bottom of the table for some time, but managed to put off relegation by beating Wigan last week. To be in with a realistic chance of survival, they needed a victory against Liverpool, and that was a bridge to far for them.

Ultimately, what cost West Brom at the weekend was the perfect example of where they’ve been going wrong this season – elementary defensive mistakes and poor finishing. Liverpool took the lead after poor defending from Shelton Martis allowed Steven Gerrard to nick the ball away from him and tuck it away. In the second half, the home side created a few chances, but as has been the case all too often this season, their strikers weren’t able to convert them. Marc-Antoine Fortune in particular had a couple of gilt edge chances which he couldn’t take. They should arguably have had a penalty when Lucas barged into Fortune in the box, but their claims were waved away.

Barcelona Win Spanish Title

It’s quite fitting I think, that on the same day Manchester United secured the title in England, Barcelona did the same in Spain, under different circumstances. The Catalans didn’t have to kick a ball today, as nearest rivals Real Madrid went down 3 – 2 away to Villarreal. Barcelona were always in command of La Liga this season, taking the top spot after the 9th game and maintaining it until the end of the season. No team looked like seriously challenging them and they showed just how far they were ahead of the competition with a stunning 6 – 2 win over Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Ancelotti? No Thanks!

With Guus Hiddink leaving in the summer, Roman Abramovich has set out to find the new man to take over at the helm at Chelsea. Whoever he appoints will be our seventh manager in just over five years. Whoever he appoints (short of bringing Mourinho back), his decision will be questioned by a section of fans. And, as always, whoever he appoints will be under immense pressure to succeed from day one.

The man who newspapers seem to universally agree is going to fill the position is current AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti. He would be a choice I definitely wouldn’t be happy with, for various reasons. In this blog, I’ll look at points for and against him, and tell you my final judgment.

Ferdinand Appreciates Brothers Input

Sunderland defender, and former West Ham man, Anton Ferdinand has spoken of the appreciation he has for his older brother Rio who he claims is the best defender in the world. He spoke of Rio lending him advice as being with Sunderland at the moment is a rather nervous time, although it looks like the Black Cats are set for another Premier League stint in 2009/010.

Stoke in the Premiership – A Good or Bad Thing?

When Stoke were confirmed as a Premiership club at the end of last season by finishing second in the Championship, there were intial mixed responses from football fans across the country.

On the one hand, there were smiles raised. The traditionally big club, 31 years after the club were relegated from the First Division as well as 36 years after the League Cup win of 1972, were back in the big time. The club that is synonymous with Sir Stanley Matthews and Gordon Banks were back. Their loud passionate fans would add to the Premiership atmosphere, and of course, the congartulations to Tony Pulis who did a fantastic job in his second spell to get them there.

Manchester United Claim 18th Title

Manchester United today confirmed their place as Premier League Champions for 2008/2009 and matched Liverpool’s long standing record of 18 league titles. Its United’s, Sir Alex Ferguson’s and Ryan Giggs 11th League title and before the celebrations were even beginning Sir Alex stated his desire to claim a 19th.

Chelsea Plot Revenge On Overbo

After Tom Henning Overbo’s nightmare night at Stamford Bridge last month when he denied Chelsea 3 debatable penalties, sent off Abidal from Barcelona for an apparent trip and taking showers of abuse from Michael Ballack and most notable Didier Drogba, the Chelsea fans have decided to serve a dish of revenge to the Norwegian.

Bolton Spice Up New Home Kit

It’s an mainly white kit, yet they have still managed to mess it up. What’s with the black/navy lines at the bottom?

It’s certainly not the worst kit I’ve seen so far but no where near the best. The new sponsors also will be getting quite the showing with the size they have on the kit and Reebok are saying

Everton Move Interests Fletcher

Hibernian’s attacking star Steven Fletcher has spoken of a move to England and Everton boss David Moyes has apparently been looking into the possibility of signing the Scot.

Should Fletcher move to Merseyside, he will be turning down a move to Celtic