Premiership Blogs

Newcastle's Shearer, Arsenal's Henry, Man United's Ruud - Who is the PL greatest striker of all time?

Jerome Johnstone — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:43:42 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Jerome Johnstone continues his search for the Premier League's finest players of all time and after Tony Adams and Steven Gerrard picking up the awards for their respective positions, today the focus of attention will be on the strikers..

Since the very first moment that the gruff voiced Andy Gray and the ever hairy Richard Keys introduced the Premier League to our screens, little did we know what was around the corner - It illuminated a game that to be fair was in desperate need of an injection of life and the Sky's fortunes that have been pumped into the game over the last 16yrs has transformed it at every level and insured that the Premier League would become the best in the world.

We have really seen it all, whether it great games or goals, some of the world's best talent plying their trade in England and for your average neutral football fan you really couldn't ask for more. I know there are a lot of people out there who feel that there is a slow demise in the game in this country. It is a view that doesn't hold much weight in my eyes, especially as we go into the last game of the season with two teams level on points challenging for the title whilst at the bottom we have three teams fighting for 17th spot that will keep them in the Premier League next season - it is entertainment at its best and something that never use to happen in the supposed grand old days.

The Premier League throughout its 16 years has seen some of the finest footballers that this country has ever produced or been brought in from foreign shores. The likes of Scholes, Gerrard and Beckham have been coupled by the arrivals of the likes of Cantona, Zola or a Henry. It is a bottomless pit of talent and Football FanCast along with the WKD Sports shed are on a mission to find out who is the Premiership player of all time in defence/midfield/striker - it is the most unenviable task as there have been some great players and we will no doubt be accused of some glaring omissions, but that is what a friendly debate is all about.

After the last two debates which has seen, Steven Gerrard walk away with the Premier League's greatest midfielder and Tony Adams as defender, we move on to the frontline to find out who is the finest striker in the Premier League's history. Once again I will provide the three nominations but you guys are the ones who have the final vote and feel free to put us right if the player is not on the list.

Alan Shearer:
I don't think that there will be many people surprised at Alan Shearer's inclusion in my top three nominations. Big Al was simply a goalscoring machine which kick-started with his move to Blackburn Rovers, where he formed a wonderful partnership in the fabled SAS with Chris Sutton, and continued to even greater heights when he went to his spiritual home at Newcastle United. He simply had no weakness as a striker as he was strong in the air, shoots with both feet and had just the right amount of pace to get him in behind a defence. There was no such thing as a tap in with Al and he use to blast that ball in the net. It is one of the great shames in football that Shearer never led his team to any silverware which would have been more than he deserved for his services to that great football club.

Thierry Henry:
Quite simply the finest import that has probably arrived on our shores. A tall gangly winger was what Arsenal fans thought they had signed when he arrived from Juventus, little did they know that Arsene Wenger was going to turn him into a goalscoring machine. He was an absolute sensation and the type of player who was worth the admission fee on his own. There is age old phrase that someone is "unplayable" and in truth that was Thierry Henry. He struck up a fabulous partnership with Dennis Bergkamp and was regularly getting 25-30 goals every given season. He had no weaknesses and it didn't take him long to smash Ian Wright's goalscoring record and become Arsenal's leading goalscorer of all time - the Premier League is a far poorer place without him.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy:
There is no doubting that Ruud has earned his place among my top 3. An expert in the art of goalscoring, the Dutchman very rarely missed. Taking over from the partnership of Yorke/Cole, Fergie needed a front man who can take on their mantle and how. 30+ goals a season was very much the norm, and who could forget that wonderful solo goal at Highbury which all but clinched the title for Manchester United in 2003. Unlike the other two nominees there was not one particular characteristic that really stood out other than his ruthlessness in front of goal. He very rarely didn't hit the target and his goals per chance ratio was extremely high. He has since gone and taking his goalscoring prowess to Real Madrid and like Thierry, is sorely missed in the English game.

Well they are my three nominations but use the vote button for those possible glaring omissions we have made.

It is the debate "Who is the Premier League's greatest striker of all time" that will be discussed on the WKD Sports Shed show on Nuts TV, so submit your vote and comment and get your opinion seen by many.

HAVE YOUR SAY:

What really is Harry's greatest achievement at Portsmouth?

Rob Facey — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:41:14 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey thinks that Harry Redknapp is due a trophy and is glad that the wheeler dealer has come out and stated that he will not be retiring after Saturday's FA Cup final, as some sections of the press would have us believe.

After guiding Pompey to their highest finish in the Premier League, manager Harry Redknapp should have been given the keys to the city for a remarkable achievement. However, victory on Saturday would cement his place in the clubs history books.

Redknapp has been a manager for a quarter of a century but a victory on Saturday would yield his first major honour.

This fact, coupled with a turbulent year off the field that included family tragedy and police enquiries, had many in the press suggesting that Redknapp would be leading his team out for the last time at Wembley. However, the hugely popular Redknapp has dispelled these rumours, citing Sir Alex Ferguson as a major inspiration for staying on.

"You're as old as you feel and Alex Ferguson must be feeling bloody brilliant," Redknapp told The Telegraph.

"He's a lesson to us all.

"I want to go on as long as him and I don't see why I can't. I still love the game as much as ever. I've got a good team, good players and thoroughly enjoy working at this club.

"I can't see myself ever leaving Portsmouth, not now. It would be nice to put on a performance in the final but it's more important to win.

"In 10 years' time they'll only remember who won it, not how they played."

Redknapp, 61, is one of the games most popular figures and it would be a great shame for his to leave football early - albeit with the FA Cup under his arm.

Nobody would begrudge him a victory on Saturday, but he must be warned of complacency, especially after the end of season's lifeless performance against Fulham.

Would winning the FA Cup mark Portsmouth's greatest achievement? Or is their position as a Premier League force more impressive?

Redknapp would be mad to walk out of the club just as they enter the most promising period of their career, especially as he is the man to thank for their rise to prominence.

Should they prioritise securing the futures of their aging stars and build for the future?

What next for Redknapp and Portsmouth? Should they be looking to build on their final position of eighth and aim for European football?

Are Aston Villa falling victim to a worrying trend?

Rob Facey — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:35:54 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey wonders if Liverpool's apparent underhand tactics would backfire in their bid to sign Gareth Barry.

As Martin O'Neill strives to convince his team captain to stay, he will receive many fans sympathies after Liverpool's no-holds-barred attempt to sign the England midfielder. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has already been on the receiving end of O'Neill's wrath after suggesting that the pair had been in dialogue over a possible sale and earlier this week claimed that the Aston Villa star wanted to leave the club.

Now, it would seem, his players are getting in on the act, as seen by Xabi Alonso's comments in The Guardian today:

"I think I will be here next season even if Barry comes," said Alonso, whose future at Anfield is thought to be under threat, especially if Liverpool do sign Barry.

"He would bring good competition and he would be more than welcome.

"He can play different positions and if he plays in midfield then I could play with him. I have no problem with that. I have been here four seasons already. Why not seven or eight?"

It is depressing yet commonplace for managers to publically talk about transfer targets in order to place a seed in the mind of the player involved, but to have your players come out and start talking up transfer targets only adds fuel to the fire and is a worrying prospect for the future of the game.

If Barry does move to Liverpool, which is looking increasingly inevitable as the days pass, Martin O'Neill and the whole of Aston Villa have every right to feel aggrieved with Liverpool's aggressive tactics.

Troublesome agents are one thing, but players commenting on other players transfer situation, especially when a target for your club, should be outlawed.

People are forgetting that Barry is contracted to Villa and this should be respected until the player releases a statement to clarify the situation or, alternatively, he is photographed in front of the Kop wearing a Liverpool shirt.

Liverpool seems to be pinning all of their hopes onto the signing of Gareth Barry - is this a sign of desperation by Benitez or all part of the master plan?

Saying this, the writing does seem on the wall regarding his future at his boyhood club, do you think Liverpool's alluring comments have played any part or is this a sensible move for a footballer approaching his prime? Should the Villa captain be doing more to dampen rumours? What do you think of the constant stream of Gareth Barry related quotes emanating from Anfield?

Man United's £80m payout, Arsenal chief's U-turn, Everton ace pens deal & Liverpool star pledges to fight

Billy Batts — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:09:02 +0100

Thank you for joining us on this warm Thursday morning as we bring you all the top headlines from the football world today which includes stories from Chelsea, Everton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Man City, Aston Villa & Arsenal

Log on to Football FanCast.com every weekday morning around 9.00am and let Billy Batts save you the hassle of surfing the web and bring you all the top headlines in the football world.

Arsenal chairman does U-turn on Kroenke buy-in
What is the reason for the change of heart?

Villa target £5m Sidwell as Barry replacement
Has Martin O'Neill conceded defeat in the battle to keep Barry?

Grant could be in hot water with FA
Surely Grant will have the book thrown at him for that?

Valente signs new deal as Baines goes under the knife
Will Everton get to see a fully fit Leighton Baines?

Alonso pledges to fight for Anfield place
Has the Spaniard had his time at Liverpool?

Eriksson's silent start as farewell tour hits Bangkok
Is this the final insult to Sven at Manchester City?

Manchester United set for £80m payout
Will Sir Alex be given a free rein to spend the cash?

Keegan tells Arsenal that Martins is not for sale
Do Arsenal really need an Obafemi Martins?

Diarra relishing chance to shine
Is Diarra they key man for Portsmouth at Wembley?

TUNE IN every weekday morning around 7am for Football FanCast Daily and let Billy Batts bring you all the top news stories and headlines from the football world.

Arsenal's 'total football' v Man United's 'push & run' - Who are the PL great entertainers?

Davis Lowe — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:08:04 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Davis Lowe feels that Man United and Arsenal are head and shoulders above everyone else in England but wonders which side has the right to deem themselves the Premier League entertainers.

If there is well worn out phrase that comes out of the Sky and Premier League's PR machines, is that in England we possess the best Championship in the world. It certainly not a view that washes with me as our feel the Premier League falls way behind our Euro counterparts technically and in general skill. I appreciate there are the obvious exceptions like your Manchester United and Arsenal's of this world but collectively we are somewhat limited.

We were having this discussion in the office the other day about what constitutes entertainment and value for money in English football. The seed of this discussion was off the back of reading many supporters' tales of woe as they found their season ticket prices had gone up in some cases three times over the rate of inflation.

It is fair to say the standard of football in this country has deteriorated and you not really subjected to the same quality of games that say you were use to 10-15yrs ago, but are supporters really that bothered as long as their team wins? Would Liverpool and Chelsea fans be too fussed in putting up with their direct approach, if it meant that next season they could win a League or European Cup? I guess it all boils down to values and how you believe the game should be played and if your team can find the right balance, Arsenal and Man United can do it and it's a shame other clubs can't follow suit.

I always find it fascinating how the two most successful teams of the last 10years are the ones that are the most entertaining to watch - no real coincidence that they both have the longest waiting lists for season tickets. Surely that speaks volumes in itself?

Arsenal and Manchester United are worlds apart from any other club in England and have the perfect balance of winning football and playing the game how it should be played. The Gunners play with a ‘Total Football' philosophy that is a kind on the eye and exquisite in its execution. I appreciate that some Arsenal fans bemoan the overplaying at times where they seem to seek the perfect goal but I'm sure they would not swap it for the dark old days, when long ball was King. Manchester United have always had a class of their own that has been inbuilt in the club's heritage since the days of Sir Matt Busby. They have a style to adhere to and Fergie has ensured that they haven't become a black spot in their history and maintain their traditions. The Scot generally favours an old fashioned 4-4-2 with two quick and tricky wide men. It gives the team remarkable flexibility going forward.

Where Arsenal's football tends to be more methodical, patient and precise, United prefer a fast flowing expansive approach, which never gives the opposition a chance to rest on their laurels. So which style do you most prefer and more importantly in your eyes which team is the more entertaining to watch.

Arsenal's ‘total football' or Manchester United's ‘push and run'?

It is the debate "Who is the most entertaining team in the Premier League?" that will be discussed on the WKD Sports Shed show on Nuts TV, so submit your vote and comment and get your opinion seen by many.

HAVE YOUR SAY:

Time for referees to start thinking outside the box?

Chris Knowles — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:50:01 +0100

New Football FanCast columnist Chris Knowles looks at the growing inconsistencies of referees and their reluctance to award penalty kicks.

3.34pm: Old Trafford, Manchester. Michael Carrick launches a 40-yard diagonal pass high into the overcast sky above the Theatre of Dreams. His team-mate, Portuguese world-beater Cristiano Ronaldo, brings the ball down with expected aplomb and confidently skips past the opposition's left-back before he is illicitly body-checked and knocked, as he so often is, off his feet just inside from the touchline. Unsurprisingly, the referee's whistle signals a foul has been committed; an effortless decision.

Conversely, reconstruct the same incident inside the 18-yard box, where the consequences of the decision would be far higher, and suddenly it becomes a very different situation for the referee to handle. The decision is thrown into doubt, influenced by berating managers and passionate supporters, and the conclusion is usually a refusal of the justified penalty-kick. Same referee, same obstruction, different area of grass.

These circumstances have become regular occurrences in top-flight football this season and, with every effort to steer clear of the debate over the consistency of refereeing decisions, it has to be noted that hypothetical situations such as the above are incessantly taking place. Penalty decisions have a colossal effect on high-calibre participants and the Premier League has become fiercely competitive in recent times as sport has been transformed into a business-like model, driven by results and, ultimately, money.

Although the football on show this season from Messieurs Ronaldo, Torres and Adebayor has been nothing short of exquisite throughout, I'm sure that increased consistency on key decisions (can of worms opened...) would be something which would be welcomed by football fans. Would awarding penalties with just reasoning (i.e. the rules are simply followed and not affected dependent on the area of the pitch where the action is taking place) lead to a more entertaining version of the game?

There have been countless incidents this season where players have been unprofessionally challenged in the box and a penalty-kick has been refused, only to be given a free-kick minutes later for the same offence outside the area. In addition to this comes another phenomenon, one surrounding the issue of yellow cards.

How many times have referees been hesitant to book (and thus dismiss) a player for an offence when he has already been cautioned leading up to the incident? Players realise that they have a certain amount of power when negotiating second yellow cards in high-profile competitions because of the implications it would have on both the referee's performance and the game itself.

It seems that a yellow card offence is not as simple as what the rule book states and it will be interesting to see whether next season brings about any changes to the way these decisions are being handled currently. Furthermore, the debate over what constitutes a penalty-kick/free-kick will surely continue over the course of Euro 2008 and into next season.

As for Ronaldo; his free-kick ratio is almost as good as his spot-kick record so it rarely matters where he is brought down...

Liverpool skipper in plea, Arsenal legend's concern, Spurs eye swap? & Everton set to make third move for Fernandes

Billy Batts — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:12:15 +0100

Thank you for joining us on this hot Wednesday morning as we bring you all the top headlines from the football world today which includes stories from Chelsea, Everton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Man City, West Ham & Arsenal

Log on to Football FanCast.com every weekday morning around 9.00am and let Billy Batts save you the hassle of surfing the web and bring you all the top headlines in the football world.

Arsenal 'must dig deep to keep Hleb'
Is the Arsenal Legend speaking for every supporter?

Chelsea's Didier Drogba's dream is AC Milan
Surely it is time the Ivorian was told to put up or shut up?

David Moyes plans third loan move for Manuel Fernandes
Is the Portuguese star actually worth pursuing?

Gerrard calls for significant spending
How much will Liverpool need to spend to become contenders?

How Thaksin turned from saviour to sinner in a single season
Has there ever been quite a dramatic fall from grace?

Patrice Evra's Manchester United deal in doubt
Are there problems on the horizon for Sir Alex Ferguson?

Owen starts talks on new deal at Newcastle
Given the lack of first team opportunities, should Owen really be grateful?

Stubborn streak almost cost James his place
Has James absence anything to do with Pompey's run of poor form?

Manchester City and Spurs in keeper swap: Robinson is makeweight in £10m Hart deal
Is Joe Hart the right man to take over from Paul Robinson and vice versa?

Ex-Hammers boss wants £5million more
Wouldn't this be quite a foolish measure given the Carlos Tevez affair?

TUNE IN every weekday morning around 7am for Football FanCast Daily and let Billy Batts bring you all the top news stories and headlines from the football world.

Do Spurs and Liverpool posses the two best strikers in Europe?

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:19:35 +0100

Football FanCast guest columnist Keith Rogers believes that Spurs and Liverpool posses not only the two best strikers in England, but possibly Europe.

Having been a football fan going on 50 years, I can safely say that I am in a better position than most to give my opinion on what makes a good striker. I have been fortunate to see some of the greats like Greaves, Law, Best, Rush, Lineker and Henry - all masters of their craft and some of the greatest finishers World football has ever seen.

I was privileged to be invited to White Hart Lane on Sunday and for the first time in all my years, I was an executive with prawn sandwich in hand and I looked forward at the prospect of seeing not only two great football clubs competing but seeing, in my opinion, the best forwards in the Premier League.

Dimitar Berbatov and Fernando Torres are without doubt a class apart from any other striker in the Premier League and possibly Europe. Whether it is the Alice band that gives these two footballers mystical powers, but they just ooze class and make supposed top-class defenders look extremely average. They both possess that killer first touch, which gives them those extra yards of space in an instant and both have the uncanny ability to dictate the game at their own pace.

The game itself failed to deliver to expectation and if it had been a dog, would have been put down at half time. It was atrocious however the one bright spark in the whole proceedings was Fernando Torres, who in the soaring heat, put in more running and effort than the Spurs midfield has all season.

This was the first opportunity I got to see El Nino in the flesh and for me he more than lived up to his billing. He doesn't possess the physical strength of Dimitar but his tireless running can put the Bulgarian to shame and from the outset they would really be the perfect complement upfront together. Both sets of fans could dream, but I just found it fascinating to see the Spaniard in action. They both highlight the gulf in class between England and the rest of Europe. Could this country ever produce a Fernando Torres or Dimitar Berbatov?

Someone mentioned to me after the game, given the choice of two which one would you rather have at White Hart Lane? It was simply a question I couldn't answer and one I doubt many other fans could either. As mentioned I firmly believe that they are two best strikers, not only in England but possibly Europe and watching Torres play and Sunday has done nothing more than confirm my opinion.