The prospect of watching your beloved team in unfamiliar surroundings is often as daunting as it is rewarding. The three points on offer certainly aren’t worth any more and yet they feel special, perhaps because expectations usually favour the home side.
In the school playground, your status as a ‘true supporter’ is determined by how many home matches you regularly attend, but as we grow up we realise the true dedicated followers are those who follow their club up and down the country.
In some cases it can resemble the perfect weekend getaway – just think of how many fans were gutted to see Blackpool relegated – but some places really do test your commitment to the badge on your chest.
With this mind I have decided to collate the top ten most repellent away days. The stadiums that are more dirty than Joey Barton and Ben Thatcher combined or produce pies that look like they belong on I’m a Celebrity.
Click on Selhurst Park below to get the ball rolling
After what could only be described as two of the most disappointing weeks for the club this season a win at bury was the only thing that could put smiles back on people’s faces. The team duly delivered though and a 2-0 win saw City climb closer to them potentially lucrative playoff spots.
It was a performance of a team that despite the loss of their manager was still full of confidence and after taking an early lead with an assured finish from Clarke, the team never looked back. It wasn’t all our own way but we were pretty comfortable throughout the game. City continued to push throughout the match and a clever little turn and shot from Baker secured the 3 points.
It was a match against a side who are really struggling and look highly likely to be relegated come the end of the season. Most people would have looked at that game and said it was one that we had to win and they were probably right but we had to turn up and do a job which we did.
It is a good advert for any new potential manager as it shows the squad is good enough to cope with the loss of a great manager. A few potential candidate have been snapped up by others but my personal favourite is still out there. I am of course referring to Nigel Adkins who I still can’t quite believe lost his job at Southampton.
The realistic favourite for the job is still Phil Brown in my eyes, he came close last time round and the board clearly liked what his plans were. I still remain a little sceptical if we were to make this appointment but I think he is a manger who someone needs to take a gamble on and maybe that gamble will pay off for us.
Another name that has entered the fray is that of Di Canio. Personally I don’t like his management style and whilst he did do a good job at Swindon he did it with a lot of financial backing something which Coventry clearly don’t have. As a match I don’t think he is the right man for this club and I personally feel that we will end up taking steps further back if he was to be appointed.
A final name that I feel is worth a mention is that of the man currently in charge. There is no doubting that Lee Carsley was a great player and a leader on the pitch and whilst this can lead to a successful career in management I’m not sure this is the right time for him. He is doing a great job with the youngsters right now and I feel that time spent as someone’s number two would be better for him. I wouldn’t be totally against his appointment but it would be a huge gamble from the club and one I don’t think we need to take right now.
Turning our attention back to football matches and Wednesday night’s trip to Crewe is going to require another miracle. 3-0 down after the first leg means city have s huge mountain to climb. There seems to be a wide acceptance within the footballing world that this game is over which was confirmed when sky decided to drop the match and instead show the other are final which is more finely balanced at 1-0. This is understandable but is a real kick in the teeth to us Coventry fans.
There are still plenty including myself that haven’t written this tie off yet. Our away record this season has been fantastic. We have not only won more than we have lost but we have scored a lot of goals on our travels with us in fact being the highest scoring team away from home. It is goals that we need against Crewe and having scored 3 or more away from home on 6 different occasions this season I find myself still believing we can turn it around.
This club needs some positivity after all of the recent negativity which has surrounded it in the last few weeks. A miracle turn around in this 2nd leg tie could be just the medicine city fans need. A trip to Wembley for any team in any competition is a truly special occasion and I just feel with everything that has happened at our club in the recent past that it will be that extra little bit special for us Coventry fans.
Realistically I know it is a long shot but as the saying goes it’s not over till the fat lady sings and whilst she might have been warming up her vocals ever since that 1st leg defeat she has not started singing yet. We need to believe, the players need to believe and we can do this, we can win and we can have our day in the sun at Wembley.
PUSB!!
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Wigan target Odion Ighalo says he is ready to make the switch to the Premier League at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old has spent the last two seasons with Spanish outfit Granada, where he has caught the eye of a number of European clubs with his goalscoring exploits.
The Nigerian hitman will head back to parent club Udinese at the end of the current campaign but doesn’t intend to stay in Italy long as he looks to complete a move to the Premier League.
Wigan are thought to be keeping tabs on Ighalo as boss Roberto Martinez looks to bolster his attacking options in the summer.
Swansea are also thought to be monitoring Ighalo’s progress, with the striker clearing the way for a transfer by claiming it would be a dream come true to join a Premier League club.
“I would be very happy to play in England and it is a dream for most players to play in the Premier League,” Ighalo told Sky Sports.
“It has been one of my dreams to come to England and I hope that can happen this summer.
“I have heard some clubs are interested in signing me and we will see what happens at the end of the season.
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“I think my style of football would be suited for England and I think I could be a success there.”
The media circus surrounding Wayne Rooney has turned from the misguided and misinformed to the completely ridiculous. Speculation over his future was triggered in rather bizarre circumstances, with the tabloids and broadsheets linking Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to bench the England man for Manchester United’s second leg fixture against Real Madrid in the Champions League with him apparently being caught smoking earlier in the season. Its lead to allegations that Rooney’s future at Old Trafford was delicately hanging in the balance, and a long-standing rift had formed between player and manager stemming from the striker’s abrupt and surprising decision to transfer list himself a few years ago.
Following the reports that immediately followed the now infamous 2-1 tie at Old Trafford, that focused almost solely on Rooney’s future rather than the match itself, Ferguson was so appalled by rumours of a sour relationship that he banned three major newspapers from Manchester United press conferences until they formally apologised for their misreporting. But rather than quashing the question-marks lingering over the 27 year old’s head, it appears to have only added fuel to the fire, and now every time Rooney is subbed off, match day commentators and the media quickly allude to it being a sign that his days are numbered and he will be jettisoned in the summer, without even a moment’s hesitation.
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This is quite simply getting out of hand. I am not suggesting that there is no way Sir Alex Ferguson would sell one of his most influential players, considering he only has a year left on his contract, but the litmus test for a player’s future should not be based upon how often he is substituted or not included in the starting XI.
Going back to that Champions League defeat, Rooney’s replacement, as a supporting striker to play behind Robin Van Persie and do much of the legwork, was Danny Welbeck. Although there is a gulf in quality between the two England internationals, there is no doubt that Welbeck posesses uniquely athletic attributes and a physique that Rooney is sufficiently lacking in.
Furthermore, for the first hour, until Luis Nani was shown a red card for dangerous play, the 22 year old was playing an integral role in United’s game plan by pinning back Xabi Alonso and limiting his time and space on the ball, in addition to getting alongside Van Persie in the final third. In fact, as soon as Ferguson’s hand was forced into taking off Welbeck during the reshuffle following Nani’s dismissal, Real Madrid’s deep-lying playmaker was suddenly conducting play, and the Champions League semi-finalists found themselves in complete control of the match in just a matter of minutes after spending much of it unable to find any sort of groove.
But rather than drawing on the fact that football is a team game, and furthermore, in the modern era, is a squad game, where managers are allocated a roster of 25 to pick and chose from at their own preference for each particular fixture, and therefore, despite the grand occasion, Welbeck was a much better suited candidate to play in a rather unique ‘duel role’, as Ferguson himself has referred to it as, the British media have concluded that Rooney is no longer of sufficient use at Old Trafford.
The United forward’s substitution against West Ham two weeks ago, in an incredibly dogged affair which could have ultimately won the Red Devils the title had they claimed all three points, appears to have been the que for claims that his speculated summer transfer to PSG is now a ‘done deal’.
As I’ve previously stated, I am not suggesting that Rooney’s future at Old Trafford is completely guaranteed. With just a year left of his contract, now is the time Fergie will be using his ‘helicopter view’ of the club, as described by former assistant Steve McLaren, to decide whether or not to move on his long-serving forward. It would not be the first time the Scottish gaffer has shafted one of his key players during their prime, and there is certainly a case for letting Rooney go in the summer.
Although I am a fan of Rooney’s abilities myself, there is a growing concern that despite being the focal point of what has been the most consistent club in England over the past ten years, he is still yet to reach the dizzy heights many expected of him as a teenager at Everton. He may be one of the Premier League’s best performers when it comes to facing rank and file teams, but in the big occasions, he gets too involved in the dog fight, using his priceless spirit and determination, but in the process sacrificing his duties as an attacker.
Furthermore, Fergie’s dilemma of where to play the 27 year old raises more questions than it answers. There is a strong case for pushing him deeper into the midfield to play alongside Michael Carrick, as the need for a ball-winning midfielder is becoming less of a requirement in the modern game.
But with the United boss expected to delve into the transfer market heavily during the summer, amid the fear of a serious backlash from Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal next season following their rather lacklustre campaigns, the Red Devils are said to be bringing in a new centre-back, a new central midfielder and a new striker, whilst attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa appears to be improving by the game.
It does not mean Wayne Rooney would constantly be chosen over for all of his three most prominent positions, but from a cost-effective point of view, it clearly does not make sense for one of the club’s highest earners and most financially valuable players, in terms of the size of transfer fee he’d command, to be making sporadic appearances in various different departments of the United starting XI and becoming a victim of his own versatility.
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However, my own hunch is that the United man will end his career at Old Trafford. Perhaps his stay will not be extended to the levels of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who both have an incredibly professional approaches to maintaining their fitness and performance levels, but he is an a unique type of player that only comes round once in a generation.
Whilst perhaps the likes of David Silva, Juan Mata or Gareth Bale, whom take up similar positions and fulfil the same duties for their respective teams, possess greater technique on the ball, there is no doubt that Rooney’s aggression, power, work-rate and desire, which spills over into him filling in at right-back or clearing off his own goal line when requried, is an incredibly rare trait for an attacking midfielder to the extent where it is difficult to find a comparative player to the same level of ability throughout Europe.
But just as I criticise the newspapers for second-guessing Sir Alex Ferguson, I’m afraid my own predictions are guilty of doing the same. The fact is, despite the rumours of a ‘done deal’, or an ‘already agreed’ transfer with PSG from anonymous sources, only Fergie himself will know the truth over Rooney’s future, and he will have decided the England man’s fate some time ago.
However, I can safely say that it was not decided in the build up to the Real Madrid tie, and similarly, not starting the England man for the second leg was not a subliminal indication that his days are numbered, just as taking him off against West Ham was not a sign that Rooney’s use to the United first team had expired. Both decisions were made for footballing reasons, and it is a shame they’ve been misinterpreted and misreported as a central point of Sir Alex’s summer transfer policy.
Fulham are doubtful over Mladen Petric (hip) and Simon Davies (hamstring) after they missed the home defeat against Reading last week. Both are likely to face late fitness tests. Steven Sidwell sits out once again through suspension.
Steven Gerrard won’t play for Liverpool again this season after undergoing shoulder surgery. Daniel Agger will also miss the final two games due to a back injury. Luis Suarez serves the third of his 10-game ban, while Jonjo Shelvey is line to replace Gerrard.
Martin Jol pre-game…”We will focus on ourselves to try to get a result to be safe. The Wigan result helped and of course we need a result, but you depend on other games as well. We will look at other results and even when the results are going for us we have to try to finish the season on a very good note.”
Brendan Rodgers pre-game…”This season was about putting that base in place – a lot of great work has gone on off the field here – and putting the infrastructure and processes in place that will hopefully allow us to move forward. There have been young players getting the opportunity to play and I’ve seen development in the players.”
Match Statistic: In the 18 games Fulham have conceded the first goal they’ve won none.
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Prediction: Fulham 0-1 Liverpool
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Mark Hughes wants the Stoke fans to believe in him after some opposition to his appointment as new Potters boss on Thursday.
Hughes has signed a three-year deal at the Britannia Stadium just six months after being sacked by QPR.
His stint at Loftus Road lasted just under 11 months, saw extensive squad renovation, shows a record of only six victories in 30 Barclays Premier League games, and ended with the Londoners bottom of the table.
Some Stoke supporters are unhappy at the decision to bring him in as fellow Welshman Tony Pulis’ successor, with one displaying a ‘Hughes Out’ banner in the Britannia Stadium car park even before yesterday’s confirmation he had the job.
Regarding negative feeling among fans, Hughes said: “I can understand, because for six months they have been told that my ability as a manager is in question.
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“You can understand possibly that there is a little bit of reticence towards the appointment, but I think they need to take comfort from the fact that the ownership that has been fantastic for Stoke has made the decision that I am the best guy for their club.”
Everton are lining up a £15million bid for Wigan midfielder James McCarthy, according to the Daily Star.
The Toffees are keen to sign the Irish star, but will have to sell before they can make a move for the 22-year-old.
But with Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines the subject of a bid from Manchester United, a move could happen soon for McCarthy. United had a £28million joint bid for the Everton pair rejected, with the fee not matching Martinez’s valuation of the two players.
Baines has a price tag of £18million, whilst Fellaini will cost any side at least £20million. But David Moyes is confident he can push through a transfer despite his initial bid being far from Everton’s desired value.
McCarthy is also a transfer target for Newcastle, however a move to Everton is much more likely, in a move that would reunite him with Roberto Martinez. The pair won the FA Cup together last year despite being relegated, and McCarthy is reportedly keen on a move back to the Premier League.
McCarthy played in Wigan’s defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, as his teammate Callum McManaman was sent off for a reckless challenge. But the Irish star will be hoping it is the last Championship match he has played.
Would McCarthy do well at Everton? Is he worth £5million?
Join the debate below!
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Stoke manager Mark Hughes is plotting a January swoop for Borussia Monchengladbach striker Luuk De Jong, according to reports from TuttoMercato.
‘Sparky’ has set about transforming the Potters’ image as a long ball team since taking over from now Crystal Palace chief Tony Pulis over the summer and has been successful to a certain extent.
Stoke have enjoyed a solid start to the campaign, with their shock 3-2 win over Chelsea on Saturday moving them into 12th.
Hughes invested in multiple players during the last window to aid his cause, but is still thought to be eyeing further additions next month.
De Jong is one man he has been tracking for some time, and rumoured that he may be available have seen the club’s interest spike.
The 23-year-old is not seen as a key man at Monchengladbach, with the German side said to be prepared to let him leave.
Hughes is open to offering him the chance of a Premier League switch, where he could be used alongside Peter Crouch.
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De Jong has attracted interest from some English football’s top sides in the past, and has represented his nation seven times at senior international level.
As the Champions League round of 16 fixtures loom, we take a look at the Premier League club’s prospects in the competition.
While Arsenal and Manchester City undoubtably have the most daunting fixtures, facing Bayern Munich and Barcelona respectively, but all sides have a good chance at qualification.
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Reeling from last year’s narrow defeat to Bayern (only losing on away goals after winning 2-0 at the Allianz Arena), Arsenal will be looking for revenge on the Bavarians. Much improved from last year, Arsenal are firmly in the Premier League race and will look to make a statement. Having exacted revenge on Liverpool on Sunday in the F.A cup, the confidence will be high. Bayern are also more formidable than last year, unbeaten in their last 20 league matches and 16 points adrift in the Bundesliga. This clash is sure to entertain.
Prediction: Arsenal 4-4 Bayern Munich – Arsenal through on away goals
Manchester City vs Barcelona
Goals-a-plenty are expected in this clash, with the sides possessing two of the highest tallies of goals across Europe. Much is made of Barca’s faltering form, but the Catalans are still a force to be reckoned with. City will be reeling from the loss of Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho, but will be confident ahead of the clash.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-5 Barcelona
Manchester United vs Olympiakos
United will be searching for salvation in what has been a dismal season for the Red Devils. The defending champions sit in seventh place in the league with a top four place looking increasingly unlikely. Their opponents Olympiakos are the reigning Greek Champions and are in fine form in the league. They will miss top goalscorer Kostas Mitriglou who mades the move to Fulham, and will be weakened because of his loss.
Prediction: Manchester United 4-2 Olympiakos
Chelsea vs Galatasaray
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The return of Dider Drogba to Stamford Bridge will make for quite the spectacle for all supporters. The Ivorian legend will be forever loved by the Chelsea faithful and will look forward to an applause. His side may not share his reception however, as Mourinho’s men are as strong as ever in recent years. Resurgent since the return of Mourinho, the blues currently lead the league and will look to keep their momentum going in the Champion’s league.
Is it really that much of a surprise that we’re unlikely to see Pepe Reina in a Liverpool shirt again? Wasn’t it more or less accepted that he would go to Barcelona and play back up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen after this summer’s impending departures of Victor Valdes and Jose Pinto?
The letter which Reina published is a useful tool in Brendan Rodgers’s argument that he doesn’t want the Spanish goalkeeper back at Anfield. It’s useful because it gives the Liverpool manager an excuse that can be made sense of. Because what it boils down to is that Reina, at Liverpool, is not the player he once was. And with Simon Mignolet performing as well as he has done this season, why would the club feel a need to have another option who offers no guarantees of success when playing?
There’s also the financial aspect of it. Reina, surely, is on big wages, meaning Liverpool have even greater need for wanting to move him on permanently. Even if he has managed to clear his head completely from the struggles of the past during this loan spell at Napoli, Liverpool have clearly moved on by signing a replacement who is showing little sign of being a hindrance to their top four and title-winning aspirations.
For Liverpool, and even if they were to consider Reina a good addition to the squad in the coming seasons, do have to take into account that the player more or less burnt his bridges with the club. His loan move to Italy was portrayed as a permanent goodbye to Anfield, making clear that he saw his future elsewhere, most likely in La Liga.
Rodgers and Liverpool have already turned around the mindset or a disruptive voice in Luis Suarez, who did little to hold back during the summer when he expressed a desire to leave. But Suarez is a far greater asset to have than Reina, not least because the club have already landed on a good enough replacement, Mignolet, who still has years ahead of him to improve.
It’s not the best way to depart the club considering how well liked he was, but Liverpool, much more than Reina, do have enough weight behind them in wanting to part on a permanent basis with the player.
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