Russell Latapy takes over

Now I know this is a blog about English football, but I found an interesting note over at ESPN soccernet. 

Trinidad and Tobago has dropped its old manager for World Cup matches and installed Rusell Latapy as head coach. The great thing about this move is, Latapy is still a player at the ripe age of 40. 

He will be charged with the task of running the team from the pitch, which I think is an awesome accomplishment and opportunity. 

Do you guys think a player can perform his duties as a player and be a game manager at the same time? 

Manchester City Fans Livid

Manager Mark Hughes is a lucky man to make it out of the weekend's match against Fulham alive. Not only did he lose, but he sat his best player and all-around star Robinho from the match. Why drop a player who can do this: 

Anyway, check out soccernet's blog to see what some City fans had to say. 

O'Neil gives in

Well, I have to give Aston Villa a lot of credit. I was really nervous Arsenal would get kicked out of the top 4, but it doesn't look that way. 

Take a look at manager Martin O'Neil's said revelation that Villa is out of the Champions League race. 

So it looks like the top 4 will be comprised of the usual suspects. I don't see that changing anytime soon, but what do you think? 

Scissor Kicks

In Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Villareal in the Champions league, Emanuel Adebayor had an amazing scissors kick to tie the game. 

Now this goal was all over the Internet and football Web sites, but here is what a quick YouTube search found. A much less-played goal, but one of the best I've ever seen. 

Hiddink must stay?

This soccernet article got me thinking. Chelsea captain John Terry says that Guus Hiddink must stay on as the Blues' head man, even though he has stated he coaching on a purely temporary basis. 

But Terry has a point. Chelsea is comfortably in third in the Premier League, a place that not many Chelsea fans are too, too happy about, but if the 3-1 bashing the Blues inflicted on Liverpool in the Champions League is any indication, he is a great manager. 

I'm not sure what you think, but I think he is the man for now and later. What do you think?

Squads around the world

A quick look at teams by continent

Where in the world?

Fifa recently announced that 11 nations have applied to host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022. Among the list is the USA, which hopes to bring the beautiful game into a brighter spotlight here in the states. 

I personally would love to see the United States earn a bid as host. Can you imagine the fan fare that would swallow this country? 

I hope it gets its chance, but would not be surprised to see another European nation grab the title of host, what do you think? 

Just imagine a celebration like this in the stadium of an American city, it would be great. 

Champions League Draws

Villareal vs. Arsenal 

Manchester United vs. FC Porto

Liverpool vs. Chelsea

Fc Barcelona vs. Bayern Munchen 

There are your quarter-final draws for the Champions League this year. It is shaping up to be another exciting year in the tournament, with the Liverpool/Chelsea match sticking out in particular. 

The Reds and Blues always seem to draw each other, with the Blues capturing the win last year. But I'm sure Liverpool will be happy that Riise isn't there to score an own goal again. 

But the overall theme of the league yet again is the strength of the English squads. All the four qualifying teams from England are again in the quarter finals, strengthening their grip on the sport. 

I don't see their dominance dying down anytime soon, do you? 

Arsenal has lock on fourth

After a weekend game that saw the Gunners beat Newcastle United 3-1, Arsenal finally looks like a team that is worthy of a Champions League draw. 

For those not really familiar with the Champions League, the top 4 teams in qualifying leagues earn the chance to go the world's best tournament. Since Arsenal seemingly has fit itself in the top 4, it nows has a chance -- a good one -- to qualify for the world wide tournament. 

Aston Villa boss Martin O'neil recently stated it will hard "to catch the Gunners." 

Hard is putting lightly for the team that is looking to cement its place in the top 4. Arsenal is hitting its stride now and Villa is failing. 

It will be hard for the Gunners to get kicked out of the final Champions League spot, but Villa will not make life easy for the rest of the season. 

Do you think Arsenal has what it takes to hang on to the fourth spot? 

Liverpool marching

The Reds of Liverpool continue to have a steady eye on the league title after destroying Aston Villa on Sunday, 5-0.  

Liverpool players, notably captain and all-around all-star Steven Gerrard, say they are not getting carried away with the hype, but I am a little bit. The Reds are on fire right now with Fernando Torres targeting a century-old goal record and are currently only a point behind Manchester United's league-leading 65 points. 

I truly believe that the Reds have a shot at landing in first place once the season ends but what do you think? 

All I know is when you have a player like this, you always have a shot. 

LIverpool out of the title already?

I happened to be cruising the usual football sites when I stumbled upon a Soccernet article stating the Reds of Liverpool are pretty much out of the race for the Premier League title. 

Manchester United is strong, very strong, but are we to declare them champions already? Give it some time. Anything can happen, even if it may be slim. 

I'm glad Rafa Benitez feels the same way. 

Man City Killing Football?

The one thing I hate about football is gossip -- or insulting, complaining in the papers, etc. There seems to be a lot of strong opinions that get stressed at the wrong time in the wrong place. 

But I must comment on the latest comments from FC Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken. 

Now "killing" is a strong word to use, but I have to agree with the coach here. The millions and millions of dollars Manchester City has been pouring into the transfer market has been remarkable. The staggering depths of City's pockets cannot be matched by other squads. 

Every team has a right to win and to improve themselves, but this saturation of the market is terrible. You can call me naive, but I believe players feel a kinship with their city and fans, and this luring of atrocious salaries City has been offering is "killing" the spirit of football. 

I applaud Kaka for turning down City's record offer and staying at AC Milan.   

But that's my two cents, what do you think?  

U.S. team shines

I was very impressed with the United States' victory against Mexico Wednesday night in Columbus. I thought they played a tight game, not allowing the Mexican team to attack except only a handful -- if that -- of times.

This loss puts Mexico's boss' status as head coach up in the air, but the big story was that the U.S. played a solid game. I like them to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, but how they will do is still a mystery to me.

The loss to Ghana still hurts, a loss that kept the red, white and blue out of the knockout stages in the 2006 World Cup, but I have more confidence in this team.

What do you think?

In case you missed it, here are the highlights from the big win, but pardon my Spanish, I can't translate the video for you.

Chelsea sack Scolari

Wow. Well Chelsea was sliding in the standings just a little bit, but this was intense. I can't believe after only a couple months heading one of the most talented squads in Europe, Luiz Felipe Scolari was fired.

Well in his place comes Guus Hiddink. He will look to right a sinking ship -- meaning he will have to bring home at least one trophy from the Champions League or league title races. Hiddink seems prepared to take on the job, even though Chelsea has been sliding and sliding fast.

But now everyone has a say in the matter. Nickolas Anelka believes he played with Drogba, things would have been better. Robinho, the head case but overall superstar for Manchester City, said he it was wrong for Chelsea to rid itself of Scolari. It's ironic that he would say something, especially after the saga in the summer transfer window that landed him at Manchester City.

But whatever happens to Chelsea, I hope they have a little more patientce with Hiddink. Scolari barely had enough time to get comfortable, and now he is gone. Hopefully Hiddink will have time to implement his style of play.

What do you all think?

Weekend Roundup

Well Manchester United staked their claim to the top spot yet again by topping West Ham. The ageless Ryan Giggs stole the show, scoring a late goal to help United go back to their familiar stomping grounds -- first place.

Aston Villa continues to thrive. I really thought they would fall under the pressure of sustaining a top-4 spot, but they haven't, and they clearly showed that by beating Blackburn. I guess Gareth Barry is happy this never happened after all.

The big surprise of the weekend was Chelsea drawing Hull City. Hull has been my favorite team to watch this year. To have 29 points and to be oh so close to the top half really speaks to their determination. Hopefully they can find a new artist soon.

And Arsenal, well was Arsenal lately, as the Gunners drew even with Tottenham. I can't even express my distaste for my favorite team right now, and will have to dedicate post to the sagging Gunners later.

What did you think of the weekend?

Becks to Milan a good thing

I know a lot of people are upset about the possibility -- you know it's going to happen though -- of David Beckham leaving the L.A. Galaxy and permanently joining AC Milan, a squad he is on loan to.

While people here in the States will decry his departure, bemoan his broken promise to revive soccer in America and cite him as a crude businessman who cares only of money, I say to those whining please shut up.

I applaud Beckham for even trying to play in the United States. I mean, if you were one of the biggest icons in sports, and you had your chance of playing in a stadium named after Home Depot, or the legendary San Siro in Milan, what would you pick?

Home Depot:

San Siro:

Anyway, I just can't fault Becks for what he wants to do. Your thoughts?

Transfer deadline roundup

Well there was a couple of minor moves that happened throughout the transfer deadline on Monday, but the two players that stole the show were Robbie Keane and Andrei Arshavin.

Keane left Liverpool after a quick cup of coffee that cost the Reds 19 million pounds in the summer. He struggled in his time there, but I'm sure Tottenham will be happy to have their old reliable striker back on the pitch. I can bet the fans missed this:



As for my Gunners, the saga over Arshavin is finally over, and he is reported to be suiting up for Arsenal action this weekend. It was a record signing for Arsenal, but one I feel they had to make. I can sleep a little easier now, but the road only gets tougher, and Im sure the new signee can't help players heal faster. But he sure is happy to be at the Emirates, just look at that smile.

But overall it was an exciting day watching these two world-class players join new sides.

I think Arsenal will really improve with the Arshavin addition, but what January signing do you think will have the most impact?

Three points gone ... again

Well the Premier League had another fantastic weekend -- as usual. But my dear Gunners saw another potential 3 points escape their grasp as they drew West Ham, 0-0. What has happened to North London? Where are the crisp passes that I have always been able to rely on? Where has the "beautiful" in "beautiful game" gone? Arsenal has been in a little bit of trouble since the start of the season, and this draw has me a little more worried.

The Gunners need a shot in the arm, and they need one fast. After their lackluster draw over the weekend, they currently sit at 5th place in the table with 43 points. Aston Villa is in 4th with 48. Now the team is saying the right things, such as Gael Clichy stating he isn't thinking about Aston Villa, and Arsene Wenger saying Arsenal doesn't need a savior, which I agree with.

While a savior isn't needed, is some type of help on the way? Arsenal has been linked with Russian star Andrei Arshavin, but with the transfer deadline looming, will Wenger dole out enough cash to sign the phenom?

While adding Arshavin will help, he alone won't fix this team. Emmanuel Adebayor looks nothing like his 30-goal self from last year, and the defense has been leaky from the start.

I know injuries have played a part in the Emirates becoming an all too familiar site to draws and upsets, but signing Arshavin will help turn some of those matches into wins. He will add pace to the midfield that is sorely missing Cesc Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott.

So hopefully as I blog about the transfer deadline I will be able to write -- happily write -- that Arsenal has added Arshavin.

But until then, and even after that, all I can do is hold my breath and wait until the old days return.

The stranded speak out

Welcome fans of the beautiful game to your source of news, scores and the oh so important opinions of a football fan in Pittsburgh.

Naturally, when one brings up "beautiful," "football" and "Pittsburgh" in the same sentence, the Pittsburgh Steelers will dominate the conversation. NOT here.

Here is where the likes of the Big 4 rule, where the rivalries of North London can thrive and where the world's next superstar is born. Here is where the real football gets a chance to speak.

I hope you all enjoy the rants and headlines posted here of this stranded fan, and realize that no other sport on the planet can attain such popularity and elicit such emotion.

Let this forum be a place where that emotion can roam. Fans all over the world feel such pride and glory about their team, and here we can let that pride flourish.

I look forward to sparking great debate and bringing you all information and opinion true football fans can handle.