Football FanCast 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:

Can the graduates of 92 still cut it at Man United?

big_tuna — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:32:16 +0100

New Football FanCast columnist Alex Rowland looks back at the remaining trio from the class of 92 and wonders if they still have a future at Old Trafford.

There is much debate as to when the Manchester United's golden class of 92 will finally come to an end. Many have left; none have move onto better things and yet three remain. Giggs, Scholes and Neville will go down as United Legends but how long can the trio continue?

If Ryan Giggs steps foot on the pitch in Moscow he will break Sir Bobby Charlton's record of appearances for Manchester United. He has been the model pro, wonderful servant and without doubt the best left winger this country has seen in some time. The Welshman is blessed with great pace and trickery to match, best highlighted in the player's finest hour back in 1999- where he picked up the ball just over half way he then preceded on an enthralling run before sticking the ball past the hapless Seaman. Unfortunately age has caught up with Giggsy and that kind of rampaging run is very much a thing of the past. Sir Alex chooses to adopt him more centrally these days as his pace is not what it was and experience has become his greatest asset. It was rather fitting that he should score the goal that secured the title last week at the JJB.

He is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. An unbelievable talent and an integral part of Fergie's golden era, Paul Scholes is in most United fans top three players at the club. Scholsey is the scorer of great goals and possesses the uncanny knack of being able to put a ball on a sixpence and it's an absolute scandal that he was always played out of position in an England shirt. The last few years following his horrendous eye infection, which threatened to bring an end to his career, hasn't seen Paul Scholes as ever present as United would have liked but he has had his moments in games. Against Barcelona he was exceptional and the wonder strike in the home leg was the perfect moment for a player who so tragically missed out on the 99 final. Sir Alex has promised Scholes a starting place and that is testament to what the manager thinks of the man.

The last of the trio is Captain Marvel himself, Gary Neville. He is the epitome of everything you would want, 100% effort, desire and he shares most United fans distaste of Liverpool. Neville before his catalogue of injuries was widely regarded as the best right back in the country around, and it is such a shame as not only United but England have been deprived of his services. One appearance all season highlights what a terrible run of luck Neville has had and there have been long term doubts over his future. It is a worrying time for our captain and I only hope that this summer will see him banish his injuries once and for all and lead the team out again at Old Trafford next season.

So what do we make of the last remains of that Class of 92. Sure they have all aged and are feeling the ill effects, but can they still be an integral part of the first team? I firmly believe there is still life in the old dogs and as Scholes proved against Barcelona and Giggsy at the JJB that when they needed those moments of importance, they can still deliver. There experience will be valuable to the likes of Anderson, Nani, Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez as living proof of those who have been it, seen it and done it and the presence of Giggs and Scholes will prove vital against Chelsea in Moscow and who would bet against one of them two popping up with the winner.

Should Chelsea boss really bemoan their misfortunes?

Rob Facey — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:16:06 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey thinks that while conspirators will agree with Avram Grant's comments that Man United received favourable referring decisions on their way to the title, the Chelsea boss should not be drawn into the debate after a successful first season in charge, especially with the Champions League final so close.

In a week's time, the Champions League trophy will be back in England. United, who are arguably the favourites, will be hoping that they can parade around the streets of Manchester as part of a magnificent double, while Chelsea will be hoping that they will be showing the European cup off to the public down the Kings Road.

However, Avram Grant, the Chelsea coach, could not resist one last opportunity to suggest that his team were hard done in the Premier League this season.

"I think in England there are some very good referees, but there are some, a few of them, you can influence, like you saw," Grant told The Times.

"Look at the Wigan game. The referee? He was, as expected, good for one team."

Sour grapes, or does the man have a point? He went on to talk about his first fixture in charge of Chelsea, which was at Old Trafford, in which the Blues were sunk 2-0.

"I think that the game we played against United at Old Trafford, the referee, he changed the result for sure. The red card for Mikel was not a red card, the red card that wasn't for Scholes on Sunday should have been. Then there was the penalty.

"I do not think the world is against Chelsea, or English football, but in this case there were some coincidences for Manchester United. What happened is what I expected, but again I congratulate them."

This view is open to debate, but should the Chelsea camp not be 100% focused on next weeks game rather than feeling hard done by about the season gone by?

The Israeli pushed United right to the last game after everybody had written the Blues off after Jose Mourinho's departure, but is Grant right to feel hard done by with regards to refereeing in England?

Is their really any truth in the myth that United get away with more than any other Premier League team and is Grant wrong to be buying into this? I mean one look at the Right Result League table paints quite another picture.

The Right Result is an organisation who formulates the League table based on how it would look if all refereeing decisions were correct. It shows that Avram Grant's men should consider themselves quite fortunate as his Chelsea actually find themselves 6pts better off than they should have been whilst Manchester United were 4pts worse off. You could say that Grant's comment's don't stack up but unfortunately we don't adhere to the Right Result's table.

CLICK HERE to view the final RIGHT RESULT LEAGUE TABLE for the 2007/08 season.

Will Arsenal star go on to become one of Europe's greats?

Rob Facey — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:58:12 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey looks at Arsene Wenger's claims that Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will one day go on to be the best midfielder in the world.

Cesc Fabregas first came to the attention of many fans of English football with a very assured performance at in the 2004 Community Shield. He had made his bow the previous season but this was the moment when it became clear that Wenger had unearthed another gem.

The next season he made almost 50 appearances for the club and the rest, as they say, is history as Fabregas became an integral part of Wenger's starting eleven.

His slick style of play, combined with a maturity beyond his years, helped the Spanish midfielder to the PFA Young Player of the Year award for his scintillating form at Arsenal which left Arsene Wenger purring.

"I believe a midfielder's best years are usually between 24-years-old and 30," Wenger told Sky Sports.

"He is four or five years ahead of a normal player at the moment; that tells you how far he can go."

For Wenger, a football purist, Fabregas is the ideal player to build a team around. The French tactician going as far as to say that one day, Cesc Fabregas will be regarded as the greatest midfielder in the world.

"He gets you in touch with the true beauty of football, and the deep aspects of the game."

"So long as he does not suffer any major injuries, he could certainly be the best midfielder in the world."

Is Wenger right, can Fabregas really become the best midfielder in the world? Is he strong enough to control games in the same way as Roy Keane and Patrick Viera used to?

It could be argued that his size is not a problem considering that he does possess amazing ball skills - but is this enough in the age of the all action player? Which aspects of his game should Fabregas be concentrating on in order to become the best midfielder in the world?

Should Spurs be looking for striking solution a lot closer to home?

Harry Hockley — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:45:00 +0100

Football FanCast columnist Harry Hockley looks at the constant rumour and speculation that surrounds Berbatov's future at Spurs and feels that maybe they should be looking for a replacement a lot closer to home.

If there is one thing I love about the summer, then it is the constant rumour and speculation that circulates the printing presses. Quite where they get their inspiration or where they pluck names from remains a mystery to me. It is like they know that Spurs need a left back and then go on Championship Manager and pinpoint some names, look at their attributes and hey presto we will run with that story, "Spurs linked with young Paraguayan sensation".

Whether you want to believe it not we all fall for it and I guarantee that 90% of this readership go to BBC' rumour and gossip as a morning ritual. It gives you hope, belief that your team are going to sign a superstar and no matter how bad your team have performed in the previous season, better days are around the corner.

I am one of those people who frequents BBC, for no other reason that Tottenham are always linked to about two or three players. Samuel Eto'o makes a regular appearance; David Villa has had his moments and some 20yr old Uruguayan always pops up. The latest link is to a player who I have always believed we should have signed and who I firmly believe would be an absolute bargain at £15m.

Nicolas Anelka for me would be the perfect signing for Tottenham. Whether our very own ‘le sulk' is going to leave this summer then your guess is as good as mine but I think the Frenchman would be an excellent addition and something we have lacked for some time. He is a Darren Bent, but with ability, and his raw pace and strength makes him a handful for any defence. He would complement Keane as well as Berbatov, should he stay, and will provide that cutting edge that I feel we lack away from home sometimes. I know a lot of fans will point at his temperament but I just feel he is a player that wants to be loved and properly appreciated, something he has never had in his career. I feel the player is a potential time-bomb waiting to explode and shell out goals left, right and centre. At Chelsea, to be fair, he was never going to fit in as Anelka is a footballer and doesn't suit the direct approach that Drogba thrives on. He is wasted there and I feel he will be a revelation at the Lane.

I was talking to this Spurs fan on the way back from Sunday's game (was I the only one that was nodding off in that first half) who was telling me that Eto'o and Villa would struggle at Spurs because they are too similar to Robbie Keane. I think that is a fair shout as both possess comparable attributes. Berbatov and Keane have been excellent as a pairing but they do frustrate me as at times as they both tend to play far too deep, especially away from home. It makes us flat and very easy to pick up and I don't think it is any coincidence that our away form has been so poor in the last two seasons. I believe Anelka would always offer us that threat as a more direct alternative on the counter.

We will wait and see what happens with the soap opera that is Berbatov's future and no doubt the BBC will enlighten us with new targets. I personally think the solution is staring at us in the face and we would be crazy to let another opportunity pass to sign the talented Frenchman.

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.