Dugout of the week

We see these kinds of dugouts quite often, in Italy, Brazil, Argentina. But seldom in England, let alone in non-league Football.

This very Continental idea is home to Corinthian FC, a Kent based Club who play in the Premier Division of the Kent Leagues. They were formed in 1972 by millionaire builder Ron Billings, primarily to give his sons something to do. Corinthian FC play at Gay Dawn Farm. You wouldn't boast about that, would you?

The Hoops aren't to be confused with another Corinthian FC, a London Club who were used as a development side for the England National team back in the late 1800's. You all knew that anyway.

Picture by Daniel Braddock.
http://www.pyramidpassion.co.uk/index.html

Kyrgiakos to join Liverpool

Samaras look-a-like?

Good luck pronouncing this one.

Liverpool have completed the signing of Greece International centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiakos - that's Sot-ear-rios Ker-jee-akos for the Graham Taylor's out there. The deal comes subject to a medical, and the fee is believed to be around the £1.5m mark.

With such a low price tag, Kyrgiakos is either a big gamble on Benitez's part, or a bargain from AEK Athens. At 30 years of age, Kyrgiakos should be at the top of his game, so perhaps it's the latter.

Rafael Benitez seemed positive about the new signing. "He is a player with experience who will hopefully help us in defence". I don't like the use of the word 'hopefully'. It gives an air of the unconvincing. Rafa went on to say: "He has experience in British Football with Rangers. After that with Frankfurt and the National team. He's a good player in the air, strong and aggressive. We were looking for a player with experience".

Does this spell the end for Daniel Agger? With Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel now regulars in the side, and the arrival of Kyrgiakos whom I'm sure will be next in line seeing as Agger's injured, the Danish International may just find himself out in the cold. Unless Rafa has plans to play either a 5-3-2, or play Agger at left-back. But that'd mean the end for Fabio Aurelio. AC Milan have recently shown big interest in Agger, and with the transfer window deadline still two weeks away, there's still plenty of time for them to come calling again.

It'll be interesting to see how Kyrgy fits in to Rafa's plans. He'll be arriving before the weekend, so the Kop may get a first glimpse of him during Monday night's home match against Villa.

The H Factor: Harry's impact at the Lane

Tottenham - over the last few years has been a story of three little Piggies. Martin Jol built what seemed to be a solid platform at White Hart Lane, only for the big bad Wolf, Daniel Levy, to blow it down, much to the fan's discontent. Along came Juande Ramos, but his structure didn't last very long at all. He barely collected the wood before Levy came and blew his house down. But now Tottenham have a new era, and a new Piggy at the helm. Harry Redknapp has laid the foundations for his sturdy looking team, and Levy is yet to spoil his party.

Redknapp has been around the South Coast for as long as a lot of people can remember, from his playing days right through to his current Managerial endeavours. His playing days saw him wear the shirt for 4 Clubs, and he even ventured into the US in an attempt to make an impact on American football. West Ham, Bournemouth, and Brentford were his British-based Clubs, while Seattle Sounders were the boys across the Atlantic that gave him a chance there. In a career that lasted 18 years, Redknapp knocked up 276 appearances, scoring just the twelve goals. But it would be his Managerial expertise and prowess that would leave a big imprint on the Footballing life of Harry Redknapp.

In 1983 Redknapp took up the role as Manager of his beloved hometown Club Bournemouth - this after he had a stint as Assistant Manager in Seattle. In 9 years at the seaside Club, Redknapp managed to gain promotion from Division 3, and even beat Manchester United in the FA Cup third round. Some achievement. Redknapp then followed his mixed spell at Bournemouth with a long stint at West Ham, where he truly made his mark, and enhanced his reputation. He is still held responsible for the upbringing and nurturing of players such as Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, and Frank Lampard - all whom have gone on to play for England on numerous occasions and are now major parts of their respective clubs. Portsmouth followed his West Ham days, where he made an immediate impact, lifting Pompey to the Premier League in his first full season. He then managed to keep them in the top flight the following season, before a spat with then Chairman Milan Mandaric prompted him to resign. Harry then took up the post at local rivals Southampton, much to Pompey fan's disbelief. Cries of 'judas' rang round the Football World for a lengthy amount of time. That is of course until he returned to Fratton Park for his second spell at the Club. In 2008, Redknapp finally called time on his Portsmouth career, to make the exciting trip to North London to take over a struggling Spurs side.

Redknapp stated that he couldn't turn down the offer. The chance to join such a big Club was too tempting for him, and as he said himself, it may be his last and only chance to do so. Harry made immediate change. He stabilised the Squad, and managed to save Tottenham from a very unlikely relegation battle by winning ten of his twelve games in charge at the back of the 08/09 season. Now, he's brought back Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe, and Pascal Chimbonda to the lane, as well as capturing the signature of Wilson Palacios. It's those players that have made the difference to Tottenham since Redknapp's arrival.

He's definitely one for getting the best out of his players. Since bringing Defoe back, he's looked a different player. He's already banged in 5 goals this season for Club and Country, and there's no doubt there's a lot more to come. "Jermain has been brilliant for us so far this season. He looks stronger and fitter than ever". Robbie Keane's career seemed to have stalled when he linked up with Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, but since returning to his beloved Spurs, he's been given the captain's armband, and has been playing better than ever. One may argue that we didn't see the best of Keane because he never really got a chance at Anfield to make an impact, but that's no fault of his. And as for Darren Bent, he couldn't hit a barn door if he tried when Jol and Ramos were at the helm, and even though he's a pretty average player, he ended up as the Club's top scorer last season - the majority of his goals coming under the Redknapp reign towards the end of the campaign. He's now moved on to Sunderland where his confidence is sky high, and is banging in goals left, right, and centre. Two in two so far for Bent.

It's not hard to put your finger on how Redknapp gets the best out of his players. He's one of the most respected Footballing figures in Europe right now, and has been for a long time. Players look up to him, perhaps almost as a Father figure, or at least as a friend. He knows where to draw the line between a bit of friendly banter off the pitch, and getting down to business on it, and that's where the respect comes from. The players know he can be a banter merchant and a bit of a joker, but when it comes to matchday they know to perform, and they know where they stand. His honesty shines through most of all. If he has something to say, he'll say it. He doesn't beat around the bush and try to hide things like a Wenger, or a Benitez would do. He says it how it is.

Obviously his knowledge of the game is as good as anyone else's. His tactical awareness, man-management and everything else you can think of that goes with being a Premier League Manager is first-class. Ramos panicked when things weren't going his way. He tried to make changes that everyone could see weren't going to work. Redknapp has kept it simple though. He's stuck to what he knows best, played players in their best positions, and as I said before, he's got the best out of his lads. Tottenham will go places with Harry in charge. They've already made a wonderful start to the new season, beating Liverpool at WHL, and demolishing Hull at the KC. Europe is certainly on Spurs' minds, and in this current form, who'd dare bet against them?

Spurs and Reds run riot

Tottenham continued their fantastic to start to the new season with a crushing win at the KC Stadium against Hull. After defeating Liverpool at White Hart Lane on the opening day of the campaign, Jermain Defoe helped himself to a hatrick, while Robbie Keane and Wilson Palacios added to the scoreline, as Spurs completed a 5-1 demolition of Phil Brown's men. Palacios' strike was his first for the Club since joining in January from Wigan. Hull's consolation strike came from new signing Stephen Hunt, but this'll be a bitter pill to swallow for Brown, who would have been hoping to put the opening day defeat to Chelsea behind him by at least securing a point from this game. Hull's next match is a 6-pointer against Bolton at the KC, a game Brown will be desperate to win.

As for Defoe, he seems to just get better and better. He made the strange, and unsuccessful move to Portsmouth last season to work with Harry Redknapp, but since moving back to the Lane, he's been on fire. Redknapp described his form as the best he'd ever seen from the little striker, who hit two goals last week for England against Holland, helping them recover from a 2 goal deficit to claim a draw. "He's been fantastic all pre-season", Harry remarked. "He's a fantastic striker and we've seen today just what he can offer". Spurs will be hoping that he can stay fully fit, and keep up his form - if he does that, they'll be major contenders to break into the top four.

Liverpool were amongst the goals as well this evening, hitting 4 past Stoke City, and keeping their first clean sheet of the season. Goals from Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt, and David N'gog made for an emphatic result, thoroughly deserved and needed after the defeat to Harry's men on Sunday. Still, there's a difference from beating Stoke 4-0 at a packed Anfield, from travelling to Old Trafford on a cold Sunday afternoon with 60,000 people up against you. But we'll see what occurs for Liverpool as the season pans out. No doubt Rafa Benitez will be delighted with the win, and with Manchester United surprisingly losing to Burnley tonight, will be pleased that the Red Devils haven't got away from them early in the season.

Liverpool's next match is a televised home game against Aston Villa, who haven't made a great start to the season, but they're always a threat. There is still grave concern over the depth of Liverpool's squad, but for this evening, all's good on the Red side of the Mersey. Well done boys!

Denly gets the call

Seems like the England selectors have been taking note of my 'Eye on England' for Joe Denly.

The Kent batsman has received his first International call-up, and it's some call! He's been selected in the ODI Squad for the matches against Australia, plus the Champions Trophy in South Africa later in the year. Congrats Joe!

A very talented batsman, Denly has been on the tip of selector's tongues for a long time now. Having played numerous games for the Lions, he'll have some kind of flavour for facing International bowlers. Hopefully he'll give the England top-order what they've been missing for a very long time now - a bit of flair.

While Denly has been included in both Squads, Kevin Pietersen has been included in neither. The Achilles injury will keep KP out of all International action this Summer, meaning if England are to win any major honours in the next few months, they're going to have to do it without their star batsman. A challenge, but one I'm interested and excited about. I want us to do well without Pietersen, to shut up all those cynics out there who think England are a one-man team. Jog on.

Andrew Flintoff has also been included in the Squads, despite suffering from a Knee injury that has forced him to hang up his boots on Test Cricket. At least with Flintoff in the side, we have some prowess with the ball. As we saw at Headingly in the 4th Test - without Flintoff, the side falls apart.

Adil Rashid, who impressed in the World Twenty20 in this country, keeps his place in the Squad. Whether England will play with two spinners remains to be seen, but Graeme Swann will remain the primary spinner. Tim Bresnan, who did an admirable job earlier on in the summer against West Indies gets a call, as does Irish-born batsman Eoin Morgan, who's had little impact so far since making the switch of allegiance.

Squad for ODI's v Australia & Champions Trophy:
A Strauss (Captain), J Anderson, R Bopara, T Bresnan, S Broad, P Collingwood, J Denly, A Flintoff, E Morgan, M Prior, A Rashid, O Shah, R Sidebottom, G Swann, L Wright.

Hertha want Voronin back

Why?

Desperate? Piss-take? One of the two.

German Club Hertha Berlin have the unexplainable desire to take Liverpool Striker Andriy Voronin back to Germany. The Ukraine International spent last season on loan in Bundesliga, and scored 11 goals in 20 appearances for the Club.

Voronin is out of favour at Anfield, for good reason, and it looks like Rafael Benitez wants to shift him out. The problem is, no one had wanted him up until now. Having started his Liverpool career fairly well, with a goal on debut at St. Etienne, Voronin completely lost his form through the middle of the 2007-2008 season, and was cast aside promptly. At the start of the 2008-2009 season, Hertha came calling and snapped him up on a loan deal. Now back at Anfield, Voronin made little impact when coming on as a substitute in the defeat to Tottenham.

For me, having watched him play on numerous occasions, he's definitely having the same for breakfast as what Lucas has. Liverpool have had their fare share of failing centre-forwards in recent times - Fernando Morientes is one that springs to mind - but Voronin has hit a new level of rubbish-ness. You may think I'm over-critical of Lucas and Voronin, but anyone in their right mind can see that they're not worthy of the Red's shirt.

So if Voronin goes, that's half of the catastrophes out the door. I'll be on the phone to Mr. Gegenbauer asap, asking if he'll take Lucas away as well.

El hombre de Wigan

Wigan. Not a club you would generally associate with elegance, beauty, and silky smooth Football. They’re a club you’d put in the physical, route one, bullying bracket, without being unfair or critical. Over the years their style of Football has remained pretty much the same – the ‘Northern’ way if you like. Being from the Lancashire region, in which teams such as Bolton, Blackburn and Burnley come from, you’d expect nothing more and nothing less.

Recent Managers such as Paul Jewell, Christ Hutchings and Ray Mathias have done little to change Wigan’s style of play. Players like Jason de Vos, Emile Heskey, Arjan de Zeeuw and David Unsworth all play into that style – big, bullying, physical men who wouldn’t necessarily think about trying to play the ‘beautiful’ game.

However, Wigan’s answer to Pep Guardiola has something to say about that. Only two seasons ago was Roberto Martinez lifting Swansea City to the summit of League 2, a competitive division in it’s own right. That is no mean feat, don’t be fooled. Martinez’s youth, for a Manager anyway, and hunger for the game was unquestionable. He looked like a man in complete control of his emotions, his tactics, and his general ability as a leader. Wigan saw something in that, and pounced. Had they not brought Martinez to the JJB, bigger Clubs would no doubt have approached Swansea.

Martinez was an excellent Footballer himself. Having started his career at little-known Spanish outfit Balaguer CF, before moving to Real Zaragoza. From there he swiftly made the decision to move to England without so much as scoring a goal for the La Liga side. In a period of 6 years from 1995-2001, Martinez made 188 appearances for Wigan scoring 17 goals, which can be argued doesn’t do his ability and talent justice. He was a fantastic passer of the ball, something that has clearly rubbed off onto his Management style. Set-pieces were a forte of Martinez, something that attracted great praise and acknowledgement from fellow Players and Managers.

Following his long and successful spell with Wigan, Martinez went on to have spells with SPL side Motherwell, and League 2 side Walsall before settling down in Swansea in 2003. In 3 seasons with the Welsh Club, Martinez racked up 122 appearances, scoring 4 goals – again, perhaps not a true reflection of his ability. Martinez ended his career at Chester City, in 2007, a player that somewhat underachieved, particularly in the goals scored column. However, soon after ending his playing career, Swansea snapped him up as their Manager. In his first season, Martinez won 3 Manager of the Month Awards and as I mentioned earlier, gained promotion to the Championship. After an impressive first season in England’s second tier, Wigan signed the Spaniard on a 3 year contract, beating the likes of Celtic to his signature.

Martinez style as a Footballer is slowly becoming more and more evident in the way he Manages his teams. When at Swansea, he played an attractive, attacking style of Football and took a very average mid-division side to great success. Now with Wigan, he’s continuing along the same route. Having brought in players such as Jordi Gomez, Abian Serrano, and Antonio Amaya, it seems that the old bullish Wigan way is slowly but surely falling out of place. Whilst we don’t know a lot about those players, the fact that they are Spanish gives us a clue towards Martinez’s thinking. All Football fans will know that the Spanish pass the ball. There’s none of this wacking it up the pitch and letting the bloke upfront barge his way through the opposition centre-backs nonsense. Proper Football is the way forward.

I wouldn’t go as far as to say Wigan are the new 1990’s Middlesbrough, but they’re heading in the same direction. When Brazil fever hit Teeside, with the arrivals of Juninho and Emerson, ‘boro fans everywhere sought after instant silverware. Wigan have to be more realistic in their approach. They’re not a club with a huge amount of money like the much precedented Manchester City’s of this world, but they’re a club with a stable platform, an excellent chairman, and now a talented, enthusiastic Manager and group of Players.

Wigan’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend is evidence of Martinez’s impact on the Latics in this short space of time. Beating Villa on home soil is hard enough, but beating Villa AT Villa is even tougher. Martin O’Neill has a well-balanced, well-structured setup at Villa Park, but were outdone by an impressive, young Wigan side. The likes of Hugo Rodallega, Jason Koumas and Scott Sinclair all have wonderful ability. Time is on their side too. Having rebuilt the side with youth, Martinez has plenty of time to work with his players and develop them into a side that can maybe one day press for a Champions League place – perhaps that’s a bit unrealistic, but Europe League is a definite possibility.

Roberto Martinez has really stirred up things at Wigan, and for the good. The only thing Dave Whelan has to think about, is making sure no one goes near his enigmatic Manager. With Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and the likes all approaching the end of their careers, big clubs will have vacancies, and there is no doubt in my mind that Martinez could fill one of those vacancies in the future.