Woking and Man Utd's High's and Low's: A Fan's View

Onwards and Upwards for Woking....

...and it's back to reality for United.

Its been a long time coming!!

Well..............it's been a while since I wrote my last blog report for here. And what can I say about both Woking and Man Utd.

First I’ll start with Woking and without any shadow of a doubt they are flying. 21 games under their belt so far this season and currently 9 points clear at the top of the Blue Square South. This alone is the testament of the hard work that Garry Hill, Steve Thompson and the players have made during this season. Its beyond any imagination of mine that we'd be doing as well as we have been and I fully believe that we have an amazing opportunity of gaining our position back in the Blue Square Premier next season. Certain players have really stood out to me this season. To name a few them being Arron Howe, Jack King, Moses Ademola and Paris Cowan Hall. However the whole team effort this season so far has been nothing short of totally understanding.

A regular sight so far this season for all Woking fans.

As a whole Woking has seemed more of a 'proper team' (as so to put it) for the first time in many years. The biggest problem with a club like Woking, likewise we aren't alone with this problem, is that its always been in many terms a “second chance” club. That might seem very harsh to say this but its sadly the truth. Woking has always provided the launching ground for players either to progress their careers or revive them. For example ex players like Shwan Jalal, Luke Oliver, Harry Arter, Marvin Morgan, Ross Worner and Justin Richards are all making their name in the Football League after spells at Kingfield in various shapes or forms. Keeping players and gelling a team together over a period of time has always been a problem, but then again you could argue its impossible to keep players hungry for success and Football League status to remain at a club plying its trade in the non league. With that in place, it makes the achievements of both Hill and Thompson even more impressive. The bulk of this year's squad are players that were in last years Woking side. This is been achieved more so on a reduced budget, something I really feared could have a dramatic effect to actions on and off the pitch. However it's been dramatic for all the right reasons.

Expectation and optimism is once again back at the club and that's fantastic to see. With gates now peaking out around the 1,200 mark (a remarkable average turnout for a Blue Square South side) it seems as the club is doing everything right to drive towards the goal of return back to the Blue Square Premier. As its disappointing not to be further involved in both the FA Cup or Trophy this season, I’d rather have a fully committed push to gaining promotion at the third time of trying rather than getting sidetracked by a 5^th round FA Trophy tie to Uxbridge away at a crucial latter point of the season.

One such player who's been in fine form has been Moses Ademola (pictured here) Will he remain with the Cards after January?

My only concern now is the January transfer window. Interested eyes have been keeping tabs on events at Kingfield and Hill's next task is keeping hold of certain players who do get offers from other clubs. With that, the next challenge is to find suitable replacements to those who do end up moving elsewhere. That will be the real difference between winning the league and missing out, or worse falling away before the season's end when form is needed the most to get promoted. We can do it. I'm just praying that we have still have a complete squad by the end of the mid season window and we continue the form of let. The loss of Mark Ricketts for a prolonged spell on sidelines after Tuesday's midweek win against Dartford is a big loss but hopefully those other players waiting in the wings can do the job just as effectively during his absence. The infamous phrase “time will tell” fits it perfectly. But it really is a case of “time will tell” with Woking. Will it be third time lucky for the mighty cards??? I really hope it is. 

Fingers crossed this is what the end of Woking's season will look like!

Moving away from Woking and talking about Man Utd......now that's a different story altogether. Last time it was the world at our feet. Not now. A 6-1 home defeat to Man City, the League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace and an early exit from the Champions League in Basel showed a serious problem which seems to always be glossed over with every bounce back that Utd seem to muster. Whats more is problematic is the losses of Hernandez, Cleverley, Vidic and Fletcher for various lengths of time out injured on the sidelines. Apart from missing those players (Vidic especially) what's the problem you might ask?? My view is plain and simple. And I’ll bullet point them.

• United need a DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
• United need a PROVEN GOALSCORER
• United need to have a team of first team players, not squad players to make up the numbers
• Revision of youth team players at the club at present
  
  

  

  After the embarresments of both the Palace and Basel games, what now for United's "Next Generation"

  Now you might be thinking reading this “hang on.......what are talking about it??” I'll go through them for you. Hopefully then you can see the method way from the madness. With the need for a defensive midfielder, its been something we've been lacking for years. Ever since this Roy Keane left the club, Utd have never really had a worthy replacement. As for a creative midfielder I think we've got Cleverley and Young to deal with that. Its the defensive element that needs to be sorted. Perhaps Phil Jones could come into his own and resolve this issue. Both Ferguson and Capello have given him the freedom to play a role in midfield rather than in the centre of defence during his time at Blackburn and at the start of the season with Utd. So far it's been pretty successful (including his career goal at Aston Villa). It could be a solution to the problem. A player who isn't afraid to spread the play across the park and who isn't afraid to stick his body on the line and win the ball in dangerous situations. If not, maybe look out at trying to get Gago, De Rossi or Khederia for that Mr Ferguson??

Is De Rossi the answer for our lack of depth in midfield? I think it would be.

As for the issue of a proven goalscorer you might think I’ve gone well and truly nuts. You'll be shouting at me saying “Hernandez......he's the answer. Or Welbeck....simple” In time that's completely true. Right now, no. Like the issue with a defensive midfielder, we haven't had a proven out and out goalscorer since a certain Ruud Van Nistelrooy was scoring for fun between 2001 and 2006. Its a miracle that Cristiano Ronaldo was in such incredible form for two to three seasons afterwards. This has be more than slightly glossed over the real need for a proven out and out striker that only now is starting to reappear, and THAT NIGHT in Basel highlighted just that. It was clinical finishing in the six yard box and in front of goal that was badly needed, and we paid for it. Hernandez and Welbeck may will be the answer for the future regarding this issue but the need for an immediate investment for an established striker can't be ignored any longer. United have been linked with the likes of Sporting Lisbon's Ricky Van Wolfswinkel or Schalke's Klaus Jan Huntelaar, either would be ideal choices. Both players worth a enquiry in January....surely?????

Either both Ricky Van Wolfswinkel (above) or Klaus Jan Huntelaar (Below) would be a welcome addition to United and add some attacking power upfront.

This then leads us onto the last twopoints, the need for first team players and the revision of current squad and youth team players. In short its time to really evaluate who should stay and who should go. The League Cup disaster to Crystal Palace was in every essence a 'disaster' for United's youngsters and 2^nd string players. On paper, the side that faced the Championship side should have beaten them without any problem. How wrong that was. Dougie Freedman's side really showed themselves brilliantly in that game and deserved their place in the semi finals of the competition. The likes of Zaha, Murray, Price, Clyne and Ambrose (especially with his incredible opening goal) deserved the praise compared to the likes of Berbatov, Macheda, Gibson, Evans and Diouf. At times it seemed like they didn't have the commitment or drive to get back in the game, this seemed more so after Palace regained the lead after Macheda's instant response from the spot. Its annoying from a fan's point of view that these younger players are meant to represent the future of the club. If that's the case I’m already extremely concerned. The games against Palace and Basel were in previous seasons easily win-able games but both games have shown the only too evident flaws and missing quality that we have in the team at the moment in time. It needs to be addressed, and the quicker the better. However its not all doom and gloom, i'm excited about the prospects of Ravel Morrison, Paul Pogba, Ezekiel Fryers, Ryan Turnicliffe and Ben Amos. They seem to be progressing really well at the moment and give me some hope in waiting for the next Van Der Sar or Paul Scholes to turn out to the Stretford faithful. We can all dream can't we!

Three faces to look out for (Top to Bottom) Ravel Morrison, Ben Amos and Paul Pogba. Watch this space.

As for the squad players, Ferguson needs to think long and hard about which players still have a future at Old Trafford. Whether Utd do spend in the January transfer window will remain to be seen. If I had my way and had control on who would stay, go or bring in, my choices would be fairly easy. Something which my friends know all too much about already!! Nevertheless its a worrying period regardless for any current United player. Unless your name is Mr Rooney, Young or Hernandez for example, i'd be wondering if I’ll be playing my football at Old Trafford and deserve to remain playing under Ferguson or end playing somewhere else by this time next year. It really is a case for many United players of present to stand up and be counted, or simply pale into the abyss. Its all still left to play for. 

Back to winning ways: A Nani masterclass put United back on track after the disappointment of exiting the Champions League with a 4-1 home against Wolves.

JC

Madness in Bavaria: What now for Carlos Tevez?

 

Public Enemy No.1 at Eastlands??

Tomorrow's headline's should have been about Utd's stuttering performance and great escape against Basle at Old Trafford tonight, however all eyes are back to Man City and events at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The result pails into insignificance but once again its Carlos Tevez that has brought the attention of the world's media upon Mancini and City, and again, its for all the wrong reasons.

Regardless of the problems and difficulties that Tevez has experienced in the last couple of months as well as his failure to find an escape from Eastlands, his behaviour has been nothing short of disgraceful. Tonight's actions is undoubtedly the icing on the cake of the Argentine's enigmatic and controversial City career. A 2-0 away defeat to Bayern Munich is bad enough for your team and fans, but for one of your star players to point blank refuse to play and come off the bench is something similar to scenes reminiscent to those found within the confines of a school playground. What will be interesting now is what City will judge to do next. Fans are already calling for Tevez's contract to be immediately terminated, Mancini already has angrily stated to the BBC that his City career was "as good as over". From the outset, it does appear that Tevez's time in as a City is now most certainly drawing to an enforced close. One thing is certain, this is a new and equally unwanted chapter that City would have wished to have avoided. If the recent embarrassment involving Garry Cook and Derek Boyata regarding his lurid "cancer" email wasn't bad enough to contend with.

Enough is Enough: Mancini's patience has run out and who can blame him.

Despite all this, it gives me great sadness to see scene's such as this. It cannot be denied the quality and brilliance that Tevez can offer when fully focused and committed. His previous spells at his previous clubs (including Man Utd) are credit to how talented he is. But there is no forgiveness for the actions we have seen from him of late. He should honestly be ashamed of his actions and for letting his professionalism slip at such a public arena and above all, the loyalty to the club which at the end of the day, are his employers and pays his wages. But to some respect, City should also be blamed for not resolving Tevez's equal unrest and allowing him to leave when they had a buyer (most notably Corinthians) and respected his wishes for letting him go and head to Brazil as he wanted. But sadly as we all see in football today money talks and Tevez, very much like a child stuck in after school detention, was forced to see the transfer window shut and him be resigned to staying in England until January or next summer at least. Now the question is after tonight's events....what now for both player and club?

The next couple of days will be littered with re-ignited tabloid headlines and pictures on the back pages of a long faced and disconsolate Carlos Tevez, combined with a raging Roberto Mancini and his words of anger and ultimate disappointment. But City, despite playing their own role leading up to his refusal to play tonight and events previous, should act upon his immediately. In the interest of the players, fans and the club itself, this can't go on any longer and could really harm their own bid in attempting to win the Premiership. Stability is one vital attribute to success both on and off the pitch, and if it means terminating a dysfunctional player's contract that is causing great unrest, like Tevez, to whatever excess amount of money in compensation it requires, so be it. Enough is enough and City need to get real with this issue. As for Tevez, the next couple of weeks will determine whether he's remembered for his footballing achievements or for his actions away from the pitch. Sadly, i feel in England at least, it will be regarding the latter.

JC

Whatever the outcome, the times up ahead will be a very difficult period for the Argentine. Whether he can restore his credibility as a loyal team player or not from his time at City, remains to be seen.

Some Good Points, Some Bad

Well well..... In all not a bad start in the Champions League proper.

Arsenal played a pretty good game of football, away from home, against tough opponents. Although Dortmund spent long periods of the first half dominating possession and attacking in numbers, Arsenal held firm, and just before the break Robin Van Persie fired home after a real classy interchange with Theo Walcott, demonstrating that the young Englishman is not ALL about pace.

The second half was much the same, Dortmund attacked in force and Arsenal again held firm, with a back four led by Per Mertesacker who put in the most inspiring performance. He demonstrated a vision and anticipation which the Arsenal defence has been sorely lacking, and kept a cool head throughout, truly a most welcome addition to the team; In my opinion he was the best player on the pitch.

                                        Refreshingly good addition

 Arsenal's plan it seemed was to surge forward on the break, and in doing so Gervinho came close to making it 2 - 0. However the substitution of both Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie left Arsenal weak in the attacking department, especially with the introduction of a less than impressive Marouane Chamakh..... (we'll get back to him).

Although Dortmund dominated possession, Arsenal genuinely looked as if they could hold on to their lead and it was just as I began to believe that the Gunners would see out a 1 - 0 win, Perisic's left foot volley hit home like a thunderbolt, a truely cracking strike, and a well deserved goal for a team that were, in the end, commanding the game.

1 - 1 was a fair result and in to be honest, a point away from home, against what is arguably the most difficult opposition in the group is by no means a bad result, and although Arsenal should have held on to the lead they created just before half-time, I still feel they defended well and their overall performance was a marked improvement.

                                                  Shocked at how poor he is.

As for Chamakh..... oh dear. I appreciate that Bendtner wasn't the greatest striker on earth but he's leaps and bounds better than this lazy Moroccan. Bendtner could finish, and he wasn't afraid to chase down a ball and make the opposition's defenders work a little. Chamakh is the total opposite. Every time he comes on to the pitch he jogs about without a care in the world as if he's walking his dog along a beach somewhere...... presumably near Marrakech because that's the only place in Morocco I can think of.

Infuriating. 

- MB

End Of An Era? Or The Dawn Of Something Special?

Do I think Arsene Wenger was forced into panic-buying players after being thrashed 8 - 2 by Manchester United? - To some extent.

Have Arsenal, as some people have suggested; entered a period of decline that will see them struggle to compete with other top teams? No I don't think they have.

Do I think Arsenal will finish in the top four this season? - Yes I do.

Three questions that have been thrown around a lot in recent weeks, both by journalists of the tabloid and the armchair variety alike. But although Arsenal's torrid win against Swansea on Saturday was both gritty and untidy, it remains an important 3 points from which this new-look side can gather some confidence and move forward.

The game was ultimately decided by a goal keeping error of the most ludicrous variety, however nothing should be taken away from the Gunners, who kept their heads during what was perhaps the most turbulent time in the club's recent history. This was for Arsene Wenger a must win game, and all eyes where on recent signings Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker.

Arteta, as so many have reminded me in recent weeks is "no Cesc Fabragas" nobody can argue against that, Fabregas is one of the best players in the world and his presence will be sorely missed. But Arteta was not brought into the club because of the things he isn't, it's what he can do on the pitch that makes him a special player and a valuable asset to the team. I thought he played particularly well on his début, making neat runs, playing some very good looking balls, and leading the team from the centre in a way which has been lacking at the Emirates for some time. It is clear that he will become the main man in Arsenal's set pieces this season, replacing Robin Van Persie, which is good, as I've never understood why Wenger wanted his top goal scorer taking corners as opposed to darting around in the box making things difficult for the opposition, his presence alone in those areas being enough to unsettle even the most internationally experienced of defenders. Furthermore, Arteta's drive to want the ball, and desire to win was something that Arsenal have sorely lacked in recent games, and his attitude in general was a real inspiration, especially to some of the younger players. For me I think that Arteta will be a key player for us over the next few years, and providing he stays fit, as injury has plagued him in the past, he will be a major contributor as to whether or not Arsenal are able to achieve any success this season.

                                                    A Solid Addition.

Per Mertesacker critics are quick to comment on his pace, or lack of..... and this was evident a few times during Saturday's game, in particular when a burst of speed from Swansea's Danny Graham left him in the dark, and Szczesny (who in my opinion is showing signs of becoming a world class keeper) was forced to make a  save. However his lack of pace aside, this is a man who is 6'6, has been capped 76 times for Germany and managed to keep a clean sheet on his début. Clearly he is an experienced defender of the highest (excuse the pun) order, and the real test for him will come when Thomas Vermaelen returns from injury to play by his side, a defensive partnership which has all the solid makings of Adams and Keown. On top of this Mertesacker's hight and physical presence is sure to add an attacking quality to set pieces, and increased the overall aerial threat of the team.

                                Men that would terrify even the most burly attackers

I don't think that either of these two players were Wenger panic buys. I believe that he had been looking at the both of them for some time, as well as South Korean striker Park Chu-Young, and that he had planned to purchase at least two of them before deadline day anyway...... Andre Santos and Yossi Benayoun however are examples of and 8 - 2 scoreline forcing a manager's hand. Santos seems to have come about from doubts that Kieran Gibbs lacks the experience to take over from Gael Clichy at left back, however whether Santos is the solution to this problem or not is yet to be seen. At least from what I can gather from what I've read, Gibbs is the better of the two anyway, so this is an area which definitely requires further strengthening. If I were the Arsenal manager, I'd go all out for Leighton Baines as soon as the January transfer window opens as Everton seem to be struggling and the lure of champions league football to such a talented player  might help to force a move..... but that's unlikely to happen. As for Benayoun, I don't see really how he fits in at all, but his late introduction as a substitute on Saturday helped to see out the game and perhaps his experience will mean that he plays out the rest of the season in that capacity, time will tell.

                          An example of the quality signing Arsenal must continue to make

This is an interesting period for Arsenal, as for the first time in many years Arsene Wenger has opted for bringing experienced players to strengthen the team instead of relying on building up a team from a young age..... that was Wenger's great experiment, to see if after the departure of the remnants of his world class sides of the late 1990's and early 2000's could be replaced by a new team, crafted entirely by him with the goal of playing some of the most attractive football in the world, which they did, and although Arsenal has remained a side to be reckoned with, ultimately Wenger's experiment failed, culminating in the 8 -2 defeat at Old Trafford.

That game for me, marks the end of an era at Arsenal, an era in which the team came close, but never quite made it. So now with an attractive blend of experience over youth Arsenal move into a new era in which they have everything to play for, this team still needs a lot of work and a few strong additions before it can really say it's one of the best teams on earth however...... This is a top football club with top players, and it seems very silly to me for those who try to write them off as major contenders just 4 games into the season.

- Mark Butterworth

The run up to Transfer Deadline Day – It's all happening now!!

It all kicks off with a day left to go to tomorrow's deadline!!!

All the sudden after long spells of no activity whatsoever, the premier league has come alive with a flurry of possible moves and transfers. Some of which I’m pretty surprised with. Here are a couple of players that have been hot property of late and become top news:

OWEN HARGREAVES: Big shock to hear about this. First Leicester City, then West Brom and now the latest rumours are that Man City are allegedly in talks with the ex Utd and Bayern Munich midfielder. Despite the horrid run of injuries in the last couple of years I really do hope the best for him. If this sensational transfer does become a reality it would be the 2^nd chance that he does deserve, whether it should be with Man City or maybe West Brom or Leicester City remains to be seen.

JOE COLE: Did anyone honestly think of a continental move for Mr Cole?? Not until today with the latest being that FC Lille are in talks with Liverpool with regards to a season long loan. With Lille also being linked with Chelsea’s SALAMON KALOU, both signings would make for an intriguing partnership within a league as lively as Le Championat. It could be one of two things for both players, a much needed rejuvenation for both of their careers, or the start of the long road into football wilderness. Too much to gamble on maybe??

LUKA MODRIC: When will he move to Chelsea?? When both David Levy and Harry Redknapp finally remove their heads from the sand and realise he wants to leave. Expect a last gasp transfer before midnight tomorrow, or page upon page of whinging from all three until January when he does eventually move to Stamford Bridge. My view, let him leave and then plan for life after him in the January window. The addition of EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR on loan and more than likely LASSANA DIARRA from Real Madrid as well, that’s a good start.

SCOTT PARKER: A player that deserves to be Premiership full stop. Keeping him in the Championship (no disrespect to West Ham) is like keeping a thoroughbred racehorse to pull a milk cart. Spurs look certain to get his signature but I have a funny feeling it might all be up in the air unless Modric does go. Although reports are now stating that Parker's handed in his transfer request this evening, paving the way for any move way from Upton Park. Keep your eye out on this one.

CRAIG BELLAMY: Low and behold, he’s on the move. AGAIN. And possibly off to Liverpool, AGAIN. Great talent and fiery character, would King Kenny honestly be able to handle him? If I had my way, Man City should send him back to Cardiff for an Earnshaw/Miller and Bellamy front line. Advert for promotion to the Premiership firing front line anybody??  

PETER CROUCH: Surprising that Redknapp seems him to be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane, especially with Robbie Keane making tracks to the MLS. With the latest rumours that Sunderland have made a £10 Million bid for him, a potential partnership with Asamoah Gyan and young Connor Wickham could not only do Steve Bruce a power of good, but England as well in relation to Wickham's development as a striker.

WESLEY SNEJIDER: Despite Sir Alex’s insistence that no deal will be struck for the Inter Milan midfielder, rumblings still seem to reverberating from within Old Trafford about a late deal being struck to bring him to England. It would be THE top signing of the summer transfer window, even more so after a expensive bunch of transfers in De Gea, Jones and Young. Remember Dimitar Berbatov’s dramatic switch from Spurs to Utd on deadline day in 2009? It’s got to be worth a cheeky punt surely??

ARSENAL: Obviously not a player (of course) but it does seem like Arsene is finally bowing to his fans demands and is starting to spend on much needed players. The astonishing 8-2 massacre by Man Utd at Old Trafford was surely the final straw and the flood gates have appeared to have opened wide in North London. As we write is seems like deals are being finalised for Monaco’s South Korean Striker CHU YOUNG PARK and Werder Bremen’s experienced defender PER MERTESACKER, with possible rumours of him also signing ANDRE SANTOS from recently shamed Turkish side Fenerbache, as well being linked with Chelsea’s YOSSI BENAYOUN, Everton’s MIKEL ARTETA, as well being overly linked with GARY CAHILL which now looks like to be a non starter. One name that has been thrown into the mix is Mr CLINT DEMPSEY. If the skilful America does make the transition from Craven Cottage to the Emirates it would be a really shrewd move by Wenger. He’s extremely underrated and if given the opportunity with the Gunners, he’ll shine. You mark my words. As for Arsenal buying players post Fabregas/Nasri, it’s about time!!!

BEST OF THE REST: Plenty of other stories are popping about of late; including rumours abound with regards to Genk’s KEVIN DE BRUYNE and Porto’s ALVARO PERIREA heading to Chelsea, sticking with activity with regards to the West London club, Liverpool’s RAUL MEIRELES being at the centre of attention of late, along with an apparent loan bid by the Reds for DANIEL STURRIDGE, which has been rejected. An interesting rumour is coming via Wigan and their bid for Celtic’s SHAUN MALONEY. Already having had a lukewarm spell at Aston Villa, i’m not so sure if the influential Hoops midfielder of years gone by will be a hit.  Obviously Roberto Martinez think’s overwise but i’m 50/50 to see if he can better his previous spell in the Premiership. Newcastle have done well to recruit Inter Milan defender DAVIDE SANTON, but where’s your replacement for Andy Carroll still Mr Ashley? What about MELVET ERDNIC, RICKY VAN WOLFSWINKEL or even dare I say it NICKLAS BENDTNER?? No........

Now its just to wait and see what happens and how wrong or right i’ve been with the players i’ve talked about. Better get the Jaffa Cakes and Lucozade at the ready for tomorrow night......

JC

And now for something completely different.....

Its not everyday you get to see anything of Woking FC on the telly all the time, let alone on Sky Sports (not for ages anyway!) And what happens.....Miss Ellie Beagley turns up and does the Cards proud on Soccer Saturday yesterday!!! Have a ganders at the video and see what you think...

JC

Storm clouds gather from across the border

A sight becoming all to common now for Scottish teams in Europe.

Since my last post, I should be ranting and raving about how brilliant Manchester Utd have been, and they have been brilliant. Full stop. But that's for another blog I feel! Something else in the meanwhile has caught my eye...... and its from across the border.

In European footballing terms, who would really want to be Scottish Football supporter right now? Thursday night's Europa League defeats for Rangers, Celtic and Hearts confirmed a grim and unwanted statistic. Its was the first time since 1956 that all participating Scottish teams have been knocked out before the groups stages of any European club cup tournament. However its not the awful statistic which has drawn my attention, its the on going saga of Celtic's fixture against Swiss side FC Sion.  Thursday saw a demoralising 3-1 defeat for the Hoops in Switzerland, that on the back of a shock 1-0 defeat in the league to St Johnstone a couple of days beforehand. Most certainly a week to forget. Looking at a squad like Celtic's, and indeed Rangers as well, both could and should have qualified to the next stage. The epic days of the Old Firm's runs in Europe, both in the original UEFA Cup and Champions League now seem like a distant memory compared to the shameful displays which we now associate with the overall quality that Scottish football now presents. A photographer perfectly caught the facial expressions of the Celtic bench of Lennon, Thompson and Mjalby together on that disastrous night in Switzerland. If one photograph could sum up the frustration felt over a bad week of football, and indeed the overall image that Scottish football represents now to the footballing world, that is surely a worthy visual example.

"You got any ideas mate??" Lennon and co sum up yet another disappointing night for Scottish Football

 But from the relative BBC article I saw on Friday (and where I spotted the photograph of Lennon and his backroom staff) there is hope. Be it, slight hope at that. FC Sion from the outset, are very much like another Scottish club, Hearts. Both having owners which likes their fair share of input,  self opinon and over ridding and unhealthy control upon their club and player involvement, both going through managers in alarming fashion. In particular since 2000, Hearts have been through a staggering 11 managers in as many years. An unacceptable trait at any football club. Both too have been controversial for numerous reasons, this is where Celtic, and ultimately the public face of Scottish football holds onto with FC Sion. UEFA have currently slapped them with a transfer embargo, banning them from signing any players in or out of the transfer window. And low and behold, they've defied it. Signing no less than five players under this ruling, including defender Jose Goncalves- formerly of Hearts. For the origins of this embargo we need to look back three years previously.

In 2008, they made international sporting headlines when they signed Egyptian international goalkeeper Essam El Hadary (pictured) from Cairo based club Al-Ahly, his then employers. However it was believed that El Hadray and FC Sion had broken the rules and had left the club without due diligence. The Egyptian club then took the Swiss club and El Hadary to the Court of Arbitration for Sports and won within the terms with the state of an “illegal breach and incursion of contract by both player and mentioned club” by both prosecuted parties, resulting in Al Ahly winning $796,500 in compensation, El Hadray himself being suspended from playing by FIFA and FC Sion being banned from making any loan/permanent player transfers until deemed eligible to do so

And If you though that was where the Hearts/Sion similarities stop. Think again. Hearts have also had a brush with the CAS. This time regarding the legality surrounding Andy Webster (pictured above) and his move to Wigan from Hearts in 2007, having to finally settle for £150,000 compared to the original £625,000 which they (and then FIFA) had claimed after Webster had cancelled his Hearts contract “without due cause”. Its somehow now ironic after all that, that his current club (after spells at Wigan, Rangers, Bristol City and Dundee Utd) is the very one to which he wanted to leave in the first place, Hearts.


With FC Sion having re-awakened the ghost of the El Hadray saga with FIFA,  the question is really this, does an chain of events like as an expulsion of a team like FC Sion and re inclusion of Celtic into the Europa League in their place going to change or restore the image of Scottish football to the European footballing community? My answer, no. In the reality is very plain to see. Scottish football has been struggling for years. And the answer is the constant monopoly of Celtic/Rangers throughout the years. Other clubs haven't been able to get anywhere near to those two, and the last was, surprise surprise in relation of this blog post, Hearts – under the guidance of George Burley in 2004. With such dominance brings repartition, and that then brings overall a lack of interest. How many investors would care to pour funding and publicity to clubs other than Celtic or Rangers in the name of success? I can feel the pain of fans of Motherwell, Aberdeen and Hibs alike. They must feel like the SPL is dying around them. They aren't far wrong. And if takes an event like foul play and a re-instatement despite Celtic (however hard it is to say this having such a following for the Bhoys) being held at home and then outclassed away from home as a so called “restoring” of Scottish footballing pride is a serious issue. Its not a question of if the problems with the league and the bridging the gap against other opposition abroad will be sorted, its a big broad question of when. And its “When” were the biggest and most painful issue lies and awaits to be resolved. How will it be again before we finally see a SPL league title win with someone like Motherwell?? Who knows.

Dejection: Georgio Samaras and Kelvin Wilson take in their defeat and the terms of no European football this season for Celtic.