Lech Poznan Fans at a U-11 Cup game



Unbelievable.

Barça end 2009 with their sixth cup after defeating Estudiantes 2-1 for the FIFA Club World Cup


By: IBES

FC Barcelona and Pep Guardiola celebrated their last triumph of 2009 with an amazing come from behind win against Estudiantes to capture the FIFA Club World Cup in extra time. Just like their semi-final win, Barcelona were down to an early goal in the first half but a goal from super sub Pedro two minutes before the end of the game kept the club’s hope alive and Messi sealed the game with his goal in extra time to give a fairy tale ending for an amazing year. Under Guardiola, FC Barcelona have become the only team to win every competition they have been a part of in 2009.

Barcelona’s first appearance in this tournament was during the Cruyff “Dream Team” era when they lost to Brazilian side São Paulo 2-1 after taking the early lead with a Stoitchkov team. Their only other appearance was a few years ago when the Rijkaard managed Barcelona lost to another Brazilian side, Internacional , 1-0 with the goal coming with just eight minutes left in the game. Fortunately for Barcelona, this final will be different in that it will not be against a Brazilian side this time nor is being played in Japan, but in the UAE. Would third time really be a charm?

Guardiola‘s starting 11 for this epic final would be Valdés in goal supported by Alves, Puyol, Piqué, and Abidal in defense. The midfield consisted of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Keita to support the front three of Messi, Ibrahimovic and Henry. This meant that Keita would replace the injured Iniesta and unlike the semi-final, Guardiola would only go with one defensive midfielder and thus Touré Yaya was relegated to the bench. The starting eleven for Estudiantes were Albil, Rodríguez, Cellay, Desábato, Ré, Díaz, Benítez, Verón, Braña, Pérez and Boselli.

The first half was a rather disappointing one for Barcelona as they seemed to be the less active side of the match. Estudiantes wasted no time to let Barcelona know that they would be in for a good match when, in the third minute, their captain Veron cleverly chipped the ball over Puyol for his teammate Perez. Fortunately Valdés was alert to what was occurring and came to the rescue and blocked Perez’s shot with his legs. Certainly an early warning sign of things to come for FC Barcelona.

In the 7^th minute, Barcelona would create their own scoring chance that would put a scare to the hearts of Estudiantes when Ibrahimovic delivered a fine through ball, courtesy great back-heel pass, to Xavi who opted to pass instead of to shoot when he was within striking distance. The ball would thus dribble its way out for a goal kick. The game would get more physical and intense from the Estudiantes players who clearly were succeeding in ruining Barcelona’s free flowing passing game. The game then would have its first controversial moment.

The final’s referee was Benito Archundia who seemed more content to let the players decide the game and thus was very lenient with the physical play at time, although he found it appropriate to book Messi for diving. However, in the 31^st minute, what appeared to be a penalty for Barcelona was not awarded by Mr. Archundia. Replays showed that the Estudiantes keeper Albil did make some contact with Xavi’s right leg inside the box but the end result was a goal kick for Estudiantes. If that no call didn’t cause fury for the Barcelona fans, then they all would feel despair later on when Estudiantes took the lead.

Just five minutes later, Estudiantes would strike a dagger into the hearts of the Barcelona fans when Boseli was able to get in between Puyol and Abidal and score a header goal past Valdés for the opening goal of the game. Although it appeared that Boseli was originally offside when Díaz delivered his cross, the referee chose to allow the goal to stand.

Just like the semi-final clash a few days ago, Barcelona were down a goal in the first half yet again. Barcelona seemed rattled by that goal and could not create much scoring chances with the exception of an Ibrahimovic bicycle effort during a free kick that he was inches from connecting with. The first half would thus end 1-0 in favor of Estudiantes. Although some would say Estudiantes did not do much to earn the lead, Barcelona did not exactly play any better themselves.

The second half would see Guardiola bring on Pedro in place of Keita before the start of the second half. Whatever Guardiola must have said in the locker room during halftime must have worked because the players came out to play in the second half with hunger and intensity that was lacking in the first half. It seemed to Pep that the only way to beat Estudiantes was going to win was with speed, quick passing and intensity.

Ibrahimovic was pushing this team ahead with his attempts on goal and his passes. He has a one on one chance with the keeper in the 51^st minute that Albil was able to save. Pedro then would become the go to guy with the end result consisting of squandered chances. In the 59^th minute, Henry crossed the ball to Pedro that just missed and the two minutes later, Ibrahimovic’s cross to Pedro would be intercepted by Albil. However, Pedro would work some of his magic in the 68^th minute when he displayed some great skill to elude three Estudiantes players, only for his shot on goal to be saved by the keeper and result into a corner.

Throughout the duration of the game, Messi had been rotating between playing in his usual right wing side of the 4-3-3 formation and in the center of the field. He was constantly hounded and surrounded by two to three Estudiantes players and if he managed to escape from their clutches, he would suffer a forthcoming tactical foul. However, with the introduction of Pedro, the team would move around with more pace and that would aid the team in their possession. However it was the final ball that was lacking from the club who seemed content on delivering crosses into the box all game long.

More controversy would occur in the 74^th minute, when another call for a penalty would be missed by the officiating crew. A cross from a free kick far from the box was headed by Piqué for a shot on goal that resulted in a corner kick. However, the referee and his assistants missed the clear penalty on Ibrahimovic and thus another valid penalty was missed. Another cross four minutes later would result into a great scoring chance for Ibrahimovic but his header would sail wide. Sergio Busquets would be substituted for Touré Touré and with only 12 minutes left, one had to wonder what was going through Guardiola’s mind. Who would be his ace in the hole when it came time for the final substation?

In the 82^nd minute, Guardiola decided to take off Henry for Jeffren. Clearly this was a surprise move since Jeffren had just come back from an injury and his last appearance was over a month ago in the Copa Del Rey. Fortunately his speed as a left winger would play a vital role against the exhausted Estudiantes team who still played hard defensively to ensure that Barcelona would not equalize. Jeffren kept eluding his would be defender with ease and get into the box first almost every time. With two minutes left in the game, Barcelona’s magic would make yet another appearance in 2009.

In the 88^th minute, Barcelona kept pushing forward for the equalizing goal. Touré Yaya passed the ball to Xavi whose cross would be intercepted by Veron when he jumped to head the ball away. However, Veron’s effort caused the ball to sail backwards to the box and Piqué would jump and head the ball before anyone else could. His effort would fortunately result in a clear scoring chance for Pedro who would rise up and score a great header goal that sailed over Albil into the back of the net. 1-1 and the game was far from being over now. What seemed to be a repeat of their last cup defeat in this competition was now given a blank piece of paper for the players to write another chapter in this amazing year for the club.

The game would end without anymore scoring chances and both clubs rested a bit and listened to their managers give out instructions. Barcelona seemed rejuvenated and had an extra bounce in their step and went on the offensive. Messi had a free kick effort just fly over the bar in the 93^rd minute and Alves’s cross to Ibrahimovic was a just bit too high for Ibrahimovic to handle and cause a scoring chance. Messi and Ibrahimovic would then hook up together for some quick passing that resulted in having a shot on goal that just went wide in the 96^th minute. It was their best chance of the half and one had to hope that it would not be the last.

The second half would be the club’s last 15 minutes to find the game winning goal or this cup was going to have to be decided on penalty kicks. Five minutes into the half, Messi would make sure that he would have the last word of this tough physical clash of champions. In the 109^th minute, Messi innocently passed the ball to Xavi. Xavi then would pass the ball to Alves who was a bit far from the penalty box. Nevertheless, Alves noticed Messi racing towards the goal and Alves thus delivered one of his crazy crosses we have grown accustomed to seeing throughout his time with the club. Alves’s most recent memorable cross was the one in El Clasico which assisted Ibrahimovic in scoring the only goal of the game. In this game, his cross would fly into the box and Messi outraced Veron and another defender to the ball and chested the ball down for the game winning goal. 2-1 and the little man from Argentina had once again scored in another final and further add to his magical season and cement his status as the best played in the world right now.

Estudiantes did not have much left in the tank but they did not surrender. It was not their turn to find an equalizer and they almost had one in injury time. Estudiantes were awarded a free kick in the dying seconds of the game and Veron delivered a cross into the box that Desábato headed towards goal. In that moment, all the Barcelona fans’ hearts skipped a beat when they saw the ball seem to be destined to be a goal; only for it to barely miss the goal and go out for the goal kick. A sigh of relief for Barcelona and its fans and the referee signaled the conclusion of the game after Valdés kicked the goal kick to the center of the field.

Barcelona endured a tough and physical game but ultimately won the cup that Cruyff and Rijkaard’s teams could not win. 6 amazing cups in one year and as the players began celebrating this amazing achievement, Guardiola finally got caught up in the moment of this achievement and began to cry. He was consoled by some of the trainers and Henry and Ibrahimovic. It was the latter that then made Guardiola laugh and regain his smile. FIFA presented their individual awards and Xavi won the Addidas Bronze ball while Messi won the Addidas Golden Ball and the Toyota award. After all the players received their medals, captain Puyol was handed the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy to end the long wait to bring that trophy back to Barcelona.

Next for the club is a friendly in Kuwait before they begin their winter break. What lies ahead before they resume their 2009-2010 season is uncertain. A new chapter for this club begins with possible winter transfers, presidential campaigns and titles to defend. One can only hope it will be as successful as this past year was for the club and for the fans. ¡Visca Barça!

Match Factos:

Estudiantes: Albil; Clemente Rodríguez, Desabato, Cellay, Re (Rojo, 90'); Verón, Braña, Benítez (Matías Sánchez, 76'); Pérez (Núñez, 78'), Boselli, and Díaz.

FC Barcelona: Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal; Xavi, Sergio Busquets (Touré, 78'), Keita (Pedro, 45'); Messi, Ibrahimovic and Henry (Jeffren, 82').

Referee: Benito Archundia (México).

Bookings: Messi (17'); Díaz (45'); Clemente Rodríguez (57'); Enzo Pérez (64'); Henry (81'); Pedro (90'); Sanchez (93'); Rojo (111'); Valdés (117'); Braña (118')

Goals:

0-1, Boselli (37')

1-1, Pedro (88')

1-2, Messi (109')

Barça Defeat Atlante 3-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final

Written by IBES

FC Barcelona kicked off their quest for the elusive FIFA Club World Cup with a 3-1 come from behind victory over Atlante. Barcelona started the game with Messi, Henry and Piqué on the bench. They did not enjoy the best of starts when Atlante surprised them with an early goal four minutes into the game but Barcelona equalized half an hour later through a corner kick goal from Sergio Busquets. The second half saw the introduction of Messi and Piqué and it would pay off with Messi scoring the go ahead goal and Pedro scoring the third and final goal and become the first player to ever score in six different competitions in a season. Three goals courtesy of the La Cantera means Barcelona will now face Estudiantes in the FIFA Club World Cup Final on Saturday.

Guardiola decided to rest some key starters for this game. Messi, Henry, Keita and Piqué were not selected to be starters. Keita had suffered a knock and was doubtful for this game but Messi had been recovering the day before at the beach and seemed like he could feature as a substitute if needed. The starting eleven for this semi-final were Valdés in goal with Alves, Puyol, Márquez, and Abidal in the defense. The midfield consisted of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Touré supporting the front three of Pedro, Ibrahimovic and Iniesta. Guardiola’s selection seemed a bit odd to have two defensive midfielders starting and Iniesta play again as a left winger in Henry’s usual spot.

The game started off in the worst way for Barcelona when just four minutes into the game, Atlante was able to get the first goal of the game by catching the Barcelona defense napping. Atlante’s Argentinean keeper Vilar free kick from the midfield resulted into a long ball landed to long ball beat Rafa Márquez and Alves and allowed Atlante player Rojas to get to it first, lob it over VALDÉS and score courtesy of his sliding effort to ensure the ball goes into the back of the net off a tight angle. Just like that 1-0 and a great sucker punch delivered to Barcelona.

Barcelona immediately tries to respond when Alves’s danger cross missed the rushing Pedro’s head by inches. Barcelona then was awarded a corner kick and almost scored from Busquets’s header had it not been for the quick reflexes of Vilar.

Atlante would catch the defense napping again in the 10^th minute as they a through ball from the midfield beat the offsides trap. However Puyol was able to catch up to Atlante’s counter attack and mess up their counter attack chance when he deflects a pass backwards to eliminate the scoring threat. From them on, Barcelona would dominate possession and have some scoring chances the rest of the half.

In the 23^rd minute, during a counter attack for Barça, a cross from Alves to Ibrahimovic eludes Vilar and both Vilar and Ibrahimovic battle for the ball outside the left side of the box. Ibrahimovic crosses into the unmanned goal but Atlante’s defenders clears it. In the 25^th minute, Iniesta blasted a shot from outside the box that just sails over the cross bar. Lots of possession for Barcelona but they lacked that last killer pass or valid shot on goal.

In the 30^th minute, Touré had a nice give and go with Xavi that Touré controls and takes a shot from outside the box but his effort is high over the goal. Two minutes later, Barcelona were awarded with a free kick and Ibrahimovic’s long range effort blazed over the wall and just over the cross bar and Vilar’s hands. Barcelona’s hard work and determination would finally pay off a few minutes later with an equalizer.

As the half continued to be dictated by Barcelona, one had to wonder if Guardiola’s decision to start with the two defensive midfielders of Touré and Busquets was a mistake given that Atlante had taken the early lead and were now parking the bus and waiting for the perfect moment to go on a counter attack. Fortunately, these two players would be involved in getting the game tying goal off a corner kick. In the 34^th minute, Xavi’s corner kick was headed by Touré and the ball landed in front of Busquets to score the equalizing goal. Barcelona would continue to threaten courtesy of another corner kick that Xavi passed to Dani Alves who cross was headed wide by Rafa Márquez in the 43^rd minute.

The referee would award one minute of injury time and Barcelona had a chance to end the half in their favor when Xavi got the ball back from a turnover and delivered a fine through ball into the box for Alves only for Alves’s shot is inches wide. That would be the last scoring threat from Barcelona as the referee whistled the end of the half. What started badly for Barcelona at least ended on a good note with the Busquets goal.

Both sides started the second half with no changes to the starting lineup but that would not last long. After watching the team play five minutes into the second half, Guardiola decided to make two substitutions. In the 53^rd minute, Messi came on for Touré and Piqué came on for Rafa Márquez . The substitutions would pay immediate dividends just a minute later.

Barcelona’s hopes of reaching the final took a positive step just a minute after those two players came on the pitch with Messi adding to his memorable year with the go ahead goal. The goal came from a nice pass from Ibrahimovic to Messi who was able to control the ball and elude Vilar and tap the ball under Vilar that took a slight deflection from Vilar’s hand, and a sliding Atlante defender for the go ahead goal. Just like that, the magic between Messi and Ibrahimovic leads to another goal and gave Barcelona a 2-1 lead.

The game was now swinging in Barcelona’s favor since that go ahead goal meant that Atlante would have to abandon parking the bus and attack. Atlante did manage to create a slight scare in the 59^th minute when they caught Piqué flatfooted but they failed to get a shot on goal. Barcelona then would create a scoring chance thanks to a free kick that sailed into the Atlante box that allowed Ibrahimovic to heads it back into the box but no one was there to score and Atlante defense kicked it out for a corner. The game would finally be out reach after the hour mark thanks to the record setter Pedro.

In the 66^th minute, Pedro would become the first player to score in six competitions in a single season, courtesy of some nice work from Iniesta. Iniesta displayed some great skill as he took on two defenders inside the box and was able to beat 3 Atlante players with a magnificent pass to the onside Pedro. Pedro would then calmly strike the ball to the top left of the goal and calmly write himself into the history books as the first player ever to score in six different competitions. Since August, Pedro has scored in Spanish League, Champions League, Copa del Rey and the Spanish and European Supercups. The score now was 3-1 and that goal was the final nail in the coffin and ultimately, 3 goals courtesy of La Cantera for the victory.

The rest of the match would continue to full of blown chances, especially from Bojan who came on for Iniesta, and missed scoring opportunities but the score would remain the same and Barcelona are heading to their third ever final for this intercontinental event. They will be facing Argentina’s Estudiantes this Saturday after Estudiantes defeated Pohang Steelers yesterday. All Barça fans will be hoping that third time’s a charm this Saturday and lift the cup that has eluded their grasps twice in the past.

Match Facts:

Atlante: Vilar; Miguel Martínez, Fernando Navarro, Guillermo Rojas, Luis Velásquez (Pereyra, min.63); Daniel Arreola, José González, José Guerrero, Christian Bermúdez; Santiago Solari (Carevic, min.56) y Rafa Márquez el Márquez.

FC Barcelona: Valdés; Alves, Puyol, Rafa Márquez Márquez (Gerard Piqué, min.54), Abidal; Xavi, Touré (Messi, min.53), Sergio Busquets; Pedro, Ibrahimovic e Iniesta (Bojan, min.76).

Goals: 0-1, min.5: Guillermo Rojas. 1-1, min.35: Busquets. 1-2, min.55: Messi. 1-3, min.67: Pedro.

Referee: Carlos Simon (Brazil)

Bookings: Solari (min.8), José Guerrero (min.40), Luis Velasquez (min.61), Ibrahimovic (min.65), Piqué (min. 90 + 2)

The Ongoing Saga of Notts County

I will say this first about Notts County, nothing is never dull there. It has been just over 2 months since my first piece about the Magpies, and there has been a whole host of developments.

Munto Finance, the shady Middle Eastern investment company turned out to be nothing more than a front for a crooked structure based in Britain. There were no wealthy Arab oil sheikhs, just a guy with a shady past trying to cover his tracks. Especially when connections to Kim Jung-Il the secretive and elusive leader of North Korea (part of the axis of evil) was uncovered, with an unspecified “gift” being given to him.

Munto have been replaced now, Peter Trembling has taken the club over. Quite was his finances are unsure. There are a host of people speculating that Sven, who has earned millions in his career, may put money into the club. But hang on, that’s not what he signed up for. He signed up for £2.5 mill a season (of which he was earning considerably less, with much promised in shares in more shady companies in the umbrella of companies investing (i.e. money laundering) in Notts County.

For Forest fans, the mocking County gave us at the start of the season about how soon they would be back to the top of the pile in Nottingham, it is almost amusing. We have always had a certain kind regard for County. Wanting them to do better than to fail. This infuriates County, who hate us, and the feeling has not till this seen been reciprocated. Now with their new brash manner, you begin to dislike them in the same way man City have rubbed a number of people up the wrong way in the Premier League

Peter Trembling, who was merely the mouthpiece before is in charge. Now you could argue that maybe he has liked what he has seen enough to invest, so things must be ok? It would appear no, manager of 7 weeks Hans Backe just this morning walked out the club after complaining about “broken promises.” One can assume he was promised vast sums, and has been told there will no longer be money in January to spend.

There was also the news when Trembling took over he will be looking for investors in the club. That’s never good news. Just look at Portsmouth over the last 6 months. Each successive new owner there has talked about securing new investment. The fact is in the world right now, with the economy in tatters, there are not people on every corner wanting to fling millions into clubs finances that seem to have been modelled on a house of cards built on quicksand. Indeed, just look at their fellow nicknamed Magpies, Newcastle United. Mike Ashley has been looking to offload a club with arguably one of the best foundations in terms of large ground, huge support and a Premier League infrastructure, and no-one wanted to touch them with a barge pole.

Sven says he is staying, but Sven is still trying to sort out the money he is owed in a Swiss owned mineral firm. My guess he is merely holding out on resigning till he gets this cash. Once it appears if it ever does, then Sven will get the hell out of there as soon as possible. The whole scheme seems to be poisoned.

It would appear one of the most unlikely dreams in the football league in completely unravelling. I would hate to see it become a nightmare and see County slump in the second half of the season, and god forbid enter administration. There has been talk the likes of Kasper Schmeichel and Lee Hughes, the much heralded summer signings may already have to go. Large wages and potential fees would entice County to get rid to cut costs that presumably they cannot sustain any more.

Let this be a lesson football clubs. Those people promising the world may be actually delivering nothing at all. It’s been a roller coaster of a ride thus far, and we’re still unsure where it’s all going to end.

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

2010 World Cup Draw

Group A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece

Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Group G
Brazil
North Korea
Ivory Coast
Portugal

Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

Barcelona go back on top as they defeat Real Madrid 1-0

By: IBES

Fresh from their impressive victory over Inter Milan this past Tuesday, FC Barcelona prepared for their second big home test this week when they played hosts to Real Madrid for this season’s first leg of El Clasico. Although the match was tough and at times physical, second half substitute Ibrahimovic scored the only goal of the game to give Barcelona their third consecutive victory over their arch rivals. The win catapulted Barcelona to the top of the league standings with a two point lead over Real Madrid.

Much of the pre-game discussion revolved around who would start for Barcelona for this match. Messi, Ibrahimovic and Touré Yaya did not feature against Inter Milan and thus many expected all three to start. However, Messi would be the only one of the three to start. Guardiola went with Victor Valdés in goal with Dani Alves, Puyol, Piqué, and Abidal as the starting defenders. Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Keita formed the midfield that supported the front three of Messi, Iniesta and Henry. Real Madrid’s starting eleven consisted of Iker Casillas in goal with Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, and Arbeloa in defense. Lass Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Kaká, Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuaín were the other starters.

The game was played on the club’s 110^th birthday and what better occasion to celebrate this event than to host this game. Not even the rain would deter the fans from coming to this game, with over 97,000 in attendance to witness this match. Both teams had some shots on goals but the best scoring chance of the half belonged to Real Madrid when Kaka set up Ronaldo in front of the goal alone one on one with Valdés, only for Valdés to block Ronaldo’s attempt with his feet. The save was reminiscent of last season’s home game when Valdés blocked Drenthe’s shot when Drenthe was all alone with Valdés. Marcelo would also have a chance to score but Puyol would ensure there would be no shot on goal when he slide in and blocked Marcelo’s shot. It would not be the last time that Puyol would come to the rescue of the team with last second tackles that prevent open shots on goal. The first half would come to an end with a scoreless draw and two bookings awarded to Real Madrid and the linesman constantly raising the off sides flag against Barcelona.

The second half would bring no changes to either squad but that would not be the case for long. Just a few minutes into the second half, Guardiola decided to sub off Henry for Ibrahimovic. Busquests had picked up a booking a minute before that substitution and that booking would come back to haunt him later on. Just five minutes after coming on as a substitute, Ibrahimovic would score his first ever clasico goal.

In the 56th minute, Dani Alves delivered one of his uncertain crosses and this time, Ibrahimovic would volley that cross into a goal, leaving Casillas no chance of saving it. After surviving the physical and punishing style from the Real Madrid midfield and defense, Barcelona got their goal that would force Real Madrid to abandon their defensive approach. Nevertheless, five minutes after that goal, Barcelona players and fans would go from an upbeat attitude to that of concern and disappointment when Busquets was booked for a handball. His second booking meant that Barcelona would play the next 30 minutes of football with just 10 players and Guardiola was not too pleased.

Madrid began to attack and could have easily equalized but for Ronaldo’s header effort barely missing the goal. He had been unmarked but his header just sailed over the goal and that would be Ronaldo’s final shot on goal as he would be substituted for Benzema. Four games against Barcelona and still without a goal. Keita would be also subbed off for Touré Yaya.

Even though Barcelona was down to 10 men, both teams would have golden chances to score goals. Piqué had a great chance to double the team’s lead when his header effort just missed wide in the 68th minute. A minute later, Benzema would find himself in a great position to score for Madrid, only for Puyol to slide in for the rescue and block Benzema’s shot with his legs again.

Puyol would continue to bail out the team inside the box numerous times as the match continued. Abidal would then find himself with the ball on a counter attack in front of Casillas’s goal, only for his shot to barely miss the goal in the 71st minute. Yet, Barcelona were performing better than they were when they were playing with 11 men due in large to their great passing, great recovery of the ball and Madrid’s Marcelo sloppy play aiding the Blaugrana immensely. Benzema then would have another golden opportunity in the 80th minute when Xabi Alonso’s corner fell to him, only for Benzema to blast his effort wide. Barcelona’s last best scoring chance occurred in the 89th minute when Messi received the ball that eluded Pepe inside the box but his sitter effort would be blocked by Casillas’s legs to prevent what could have been the final nail in the coffin.

The game would get chippy and the second half was evident of Madrid’s rough challenges that lead to bookings for Madrid’s Lass Diarra, Alonso, Marcelo and Pepe. Lass would get second yellow card for his wreck less challenge on Xavi near the end of the match and allow both teams to play the remainder of the half with 10 men.

The referee awarded three extra minutes but none of the teams could use that additional time to score a goal and thus the game ended 1-0 in favor of Barcelona. Madrid might have been the better team in the first half, but Barcelona was the better team in the second half and Ibrahimovic’s goal would be the difference. It was their third victory in a row over their arch rival and allowed Barcelona to take the top spot in the league table.

Next up for Barcelona will be an away trip this Wednesday against Xerex that is being pushed up early because of Barcelona’s involvement with the FIFA Club World Cup later on in mid December.

A win there would give Barcelona a 5 point gap in the standings. So on the 110th anniversary of the club’s formation, FC Barcelona played their game and found a way to defeat their eternal enemy. One could say that Barcelona’s lone expensive signing came through while Real Madrid’s expensive signings could not on this day.

The second leg in Madrid later on in the season will be just as exciting.With this result, this victory constitute the Club’s best start to a league season. It’s even better than last season, when Barça accumulated nine wins, two draws and one defeat at the same stage. Barça has nine wins and three draws thus far into this new season.

Barcelona: Valdés; Alves, Puyol, Piqué, Abidal, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Keita (Touré Yaya, min.66), Messi, Iniesta and Henry (Ibrahimovic, min.51).

Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa (Raúl, min.75), Lass Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Kaká, Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo (Benzema, min.66) and Higuaín.

Goal: 1-0, m.56: Ibrahimovic.

Referee: Undiano Mallenco

Bookings: Arbeloa (min.34), Albiol (min.41), Pepe (min.69) and Marcelo (min.79)

Red Cards for being booked twice: Sergio Busquets (min.50 & 63) and Lass (min.48 & 90).

Pedro, The Unsung Hero

By: IBES

First of all, hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and enjoyed some great food, shopping deals and of course hanging out with friends and families. I am also sure that for most fans, this Thanksgiving became less stressful or more relaxed after Barcelona defeated Inter Milan 2-0 this past Tuesday. With Ibrahimovic and Messi not inserted into the starting lineup, there were doubts and concerns about that encounter being a difficult match for the club to win. Thankfully, the academy players came to the rescue with Pique and Pedro scoring early on in the first half to ease nerves and help Barcelona regain the group. Perhaps Pep and the fans have to be thankful for Pedro coming through for the club so far this season with 10 goals in all competitions thus far and is currently the team’s top scorer.

“El Canario” Pedro is enjoying a fine sophomore season with Barcelona and it’s been a blessing of some sort. With the departure of Eto’o and the injuries affecting Ibrahimovic, Henry and Iniesta, goals were going to be tough to come by. Nevertheless, the goals have still come, but from unlikely sources thanks to Keita and Pedro. Pedro is the team’s top scorer in the Champions League, while Eto’o has yet to score in Europe and has scored in five different club competitions in one season, a feat only done once by Giovanni Silva back in the 1997-1998 season while Stoichkov, Salinas and Txiki only scored in four.

No one had any high expectations of Pedro of ever being great for the club unlike Bojan, Gai and Messi. I saw something in him when he scored that brace in last season's Champions League qualifiers against Wilsa and thought he could be a fine addition as a winger for the club. Not only is he a good winger, but seems to be a good fox in the box for the club too. The Canary Island native came through the youth academy and got some limited appearances last season. Pedro was thought of as some bit role player who would feature in the Copa Del Rey games, throw away Champions League group stages games and other league games where the league title had been clinched. However, after the sale of Eto’o, loaning out of Hleb and the high inflated transfer prices that followed Real Madrid’s summer of signings and hindered Barcelona’s chances of signing new players, Pedro has come in handy and, out of nowhere, has scored 10 goals for this club.

Pedro is not that highly rated either with some criticizing his lackluster work ethic, his tendency to lose possession and add to the fact that his name is pretty basic. Pedro used to go by Pedrito but overall, the name lacks a certain pizzazz such that as Ronaldinho, Romario, Eto’o and Ibrahimovic. Nevertheless, Henry and Raul have also shown us that players can be great with boring names too as long as those players can score, and Pedro so far has done just that. Of course I am not saying Pedro is as good as Henry and Raul, but his goals sure have helped the club this season.

His first goal was in the first leg in the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic which was the game winning goal. He then followed that game winner with another one in the UEFA Super Cup Final when Pedro came on as a substitute and scored with five minutes left in extra time to clinch the cup for the club. He also scored a memorable goal against Almeria and notched a brace in a Cope Del Rey game too. Now of course some of the credit also goes to his teammates for making him look good too but Pedro is sure taking advantage of his opportunities this season. Sadly, it also begs the question of what’s taking Bojan so long to score too. Pedro has scored as many goals as it takes Bojan to score all season.

Of course when all the big name players are healthy, Pedro will go back to the bench and see less minutes but no one can deny that he has played a big part in the team’s positive start in this new season. Here’s hoping that Pedro gets to score the FIFA Club World Cup and becomes the first player ever in the world to score in six different club competitions and the club finally wins that trophy to add to the museum. Until then, here’s hoping that the guys remind Real Madrid who truly is the best team in Spain tomorrow in the Camp Nou.

The Interview: Ruudlover

Tell us a bit about yourself …
I’m Sarah... im 20 years old and i’m currently studying at University. I was born in Luton, and moved to Dunstable when I was 5, those that know geography know that they are next door to eachother... so we literally moved about a 5-10 drive away. Dunstable’s far nicer anyways!

Ive got a small, but close family, with 1 brother and 5 cousins. I was brought up in a Christian family, and I myself (after much rejection) am a Christian. I’ve got a great set of friends from church back home, and i’d say there influence on me has been key.

I’m a sporty, intelligent, sociable, fun, popular and energetic girl who loves being around my friends and having a good time. I like to be spontaneous, love banter, and would happily spend my life chilling on the top of Dunstable Downs with my friends.

I was a bit of a rebel as a kid, and was always annoying my parents and brother and was always in trouble at school for talking and being rude. I’ve grown up a lot since those days, and i’m a friendly, well mannered and kind person who when i got to 6th form teachers seemed to love, and my lecturers are the same! As you may have already guessed... ive got a bit of an ego, a friendly one though!

Are you happy at the moment?
I’d say so yes. I’m enjoying my life a lot at the moment, Uni is going great, i’m an active member of my course, I do lots of great voluntary work, which will help my career, ive got some amazing friends both in Sheffield and at home, ive got a great social life. I’m happy living with my boys in Sheffield, its great banter and i’m still really close with everyone who matters back home.
I’d say there are 2 negatives, one is the lack of a lovely man in my life, well I’m literally in love with my best friend.. but thats complicated! Second is that i’m a walking cripple, my knee and shoulder is screwed and ive barely played football in 3 years!

If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody hears it, does it make a sound.
Yes... if i ever see a tree fall and not make a noise i may change my opinion, but at the moment.. a tree falling = noise

I saw the Christmas Coca Cola advert the other day, does this mean I can now put my Christmas tree up despite the fact it’s not December yet?
Defiantly... if the boys i live with weren’t such boring bastards i’d have had mine up last week.. the holidays are indeed coming!

If you could travel anywhere, where would you want to go and why?
Australia. Just a country that has always interested me, i think i’d suit living there. I’ve always had somewhat of a romantic vision of me coaching sports on a sunny beach in aus, it will never happen mind.

I see you fathering the kids of a jailed black man and living off benefits on a council estate. What do you think?
Really? Then you don’t know me at all. Would be the last thing i do.

What is your favourite childhood memory?
Hmmm.. I didn’t have an overly exciting childhood filled with amazing events, just lots of very good days, but i’d probably say the day I got my dog, it was the day before my 5th birthday, and I remember travelling what seemed like miles (probably was) to pick him up, then having people round the house and passing him round everyone... not very exciting

How’s your football career going at the moment?
Rubbish, non existent in fact. As many people know I snapped my knee ligaments 3 times, and i’ve had two lots of surgery, add that to the fact ive needed shoulder surgery for about a year, its not fun. So yea... i was very very good, i had the chance to make it big.. but that dreams over now

What is it you’re actually studying at uni? Are you there just to get pissed up most nights, if not every night of the week?
Sports Development and Coaching. I really enjoy it too. I got good grades at A-level and could have studied anything really, and gone to 98% of Uni’s too but Sport is the only thing im really interested in, and have a passion for. Sports Science is just boring and really doesn’t have much of a career path, whereas my course does. I could walk into a 30k job once graduated if I wanted too.. and thats just starting quite near the bottom. Hallam has a VERY good reputation in Sport now as well which is a bonus. I aim to be the next Sue Campbell (google her) and be a big name in the sporting industry. With the volunteering i’m doing, it will defiantly help, add that to the fact with it i’m nailed on to work at London 2012 too.

On the pissed comment.. I don’t go out much these days, once, maybe twice a week if I can be bothered, now we have houses we tend to just chill out there more, have people round, go round others, its much better.

What was the best day of your life and what was the worse?
Hmm.. as with the childhood memory, not much sticks out. Ive had loads of amazing days, but none ive considered to be the best day of my life. The worst... on holiday with my family and friends, the summer between year 8 and 9, so i was 13, received a phone call from my best mate telling me one of my really good friends had finally lost his battle with leukaemia, horrible, horrible moment

Forum members, past and present … Favourites and least favourites?
Forgive me if I miss anyone, always hard to think off the top of my head

Fave: Stone_Monkey, Yid, Sparky, Tanghe, Scholsey, ITF, Gib, Adaroooooney, Siefer, Pibe, rowdy (lampardlover/carefree cfc)

Least: Southern Dandy, illmatic, scoot, bossa(when he does that stupid lollz crap) infact any portugese member, barcelina, german dudek

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Hopefully married with kids with a good job in sports having just enjoyed, or anticipating the World Cup in England, i’ll hopefully be living in either Nottingham, Sheffield or Manchester too. However, it will all depend on finding a man really!

Do you like cheesy Wotsits?
Yep. Really romantic when you share a packet too

If you could meet anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?
Sir Bobby Charlton. The man is a living legend and I have the upmost respect for him, what with what he achieved with United and England, and the work he does now. Football needs more Bobby Charltons

Why do you hate Barcelinha? She's a crackwhore Romanian, take pity, she was probably an orphan and had to live in eastern Europe...you know what that means. You don't? Oh I forgot...English girl. It means communist state...no coca-cola etc.
She’s an attention-whore who thinks everybody wants to know everything about her. She feels the need to reply to every single thread and make it about her, or post something totally irrelevant or stupid in an attempt to be funny, she’s stuck up her own arse and thinks the forum should revolve around her. Her footballing knowledge is laughable and an insult to women football fans, she always avoids debate by insulting people, as she doesn’t have the knowledge to debate anyways, her opinions on players are based around whether she thinks they will be good in bed too. Basically yea, she annoys me.

Favourite country you've visited?
America, simply because it contains Florida, which would be my favourite holiday destination thus far.

Where would you like to be in 10 years?
See above homie

Do you think its slightly embarrassing that our own Prime Minister couldn’t write a letter to a grieving parent who lost her son whilst serving in the army, without spelling mistakes and didn’t even put her correct name?
Embarrassing yes. I do kind of feel sorry for him that he is lambasted with whatever he does (mainly due to the fact he more often that not made to look stupid, but still, im a nice person). I mean atleast he took the effort to write the letter, however it was not professionally presented in the slightest, and thats his down fall. All it would have taken was to re-write it after the mistake, or atleast get it double checked!

What's the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated?
A whopping 2 years, i’m only 20, and up until Uni ive kept to people from my school year to be honest. This lad was lovely though, but he was more best friend lovely than boyfriend lovely.

Why do you support Manchester? Doesn't it shame you that you are basically funding some northern team, and most northerners are dirty thieves and terrorists...
I always assumed it was due to my parents, when they were younger they were both United fans, mum even had a massive George Best love in, and although i’d still call them fans, especially mum, Luton has taken over more of my dads attention. But I found out recently it was due to my brother.

He’s 3 years older than me so growing up I copied everything he did, I wanted to be just like him, so he supported United, I guess because they were the best! So I did too... he didn’t like this so switched to Arsenal (to be fair, this was before they became good) luckily I had the sense not to copy him again, and kept United.

Can I ask you a personal question...are you virgin? Cos I'm virgin too, and virgin to virgin customers get free minutes, cheap texts and stuff.
02 Kiddo.. 600 mins, 1200 texts, free internet. £20 a months, thanks!

Any plans for the future?
Much of what I said in the 10 years question. But ill add that i’m tempted to work with disabilities in sport, I do volunteering based around this and it’s amazingly rewarding. I’d love to coach/manage a team or in a sport which is represented at the Olympic games, that would be excellent. If not this, then i’d like to work for one of the major sports agencies (UK Sport, sport England, youth sport trust, NGB’s, womens sport foundation, disability England etc etc) or if worse comes to worse.. be a PE teacher.

How long is a piece of string?
Depends how long you need it to be

Best memory from being at Old Trafford?
If I was interviewed a few months back i’d be struggling for an answer. Ive watched many a match, but they all seem to be uneventful (except from when i was on MOTD) but i went to the Manchester Derby this year, and it was by far the best game ive been too. It was just so eventful, and the scoreline and finish was beyond what anyone what have predicted. I was sat next to the city fans too, which was good banter. It was weird in the stadium when Rio ****ed up for 3-3, as it was Rio it seemed people didn’t want to get angry and start throwing insults, instead everyone was just stood shellshocked, the tension for those last few minutes could have been cut with the knife.

But when micky owen popped up with that goal, everyone just erupted, i was man hugged by the man next to me, everyone ended up jumping all over everyone, and as we were next to the city fans we just all turned and celebrated at them. One of the best moments though was turning round and seeing fergie celebrate, and then Red Nev running up the touchline, thats something i’ll never forget, it was epic!

10 members of the forum ... 5 you're going out with for the night, 5 you're pushing off a cliff ... who are they and why?
Night out: Gaz, Yid, Sparky, ITF and Tanghe
Push off a cliff: Barcelina, dandy, bossa, illmatic and the german dudek

Ruud. Why? He's a horse faced gimp.
When it comes to football i’m easy to please. I like players who do there job and do it well (as well as those fancy dan, technically gifted types, workhorses don’t appeal to me, hence the tevez and park hatred) and Ruud did just that, give him the ball and he would score, he was world class for us, and exceptional striker, who had much more to his game than people gave him credit for. His job was to lead the line and score goals, and he did that fantastically well. I kinda became a bit obsessed with him though, had a poster of him on my wall in his second year with us, and one night I thought he was quite good looking ( i like my men tall, dark and handsome) so yea, i googled him a bit more, and it grew into an obsession, since he left its all died down a bit, but he’s still my favourite player.

What your favourite foreign football team and why?
Barcelona. When I was younger my grandparents visited Barcelona and brought me back a top and i’ve liked them ever since then. I was also a big Ronaldo fan back in the day too. In 2004/05/06 I was able to watch them more and more thanks to sky, and they played sublime football which I just loved, I was a bit of a Ronaldinho fan too. So yea, its always been Barca for me.

How does it feel to be a typical English girl? Goes to uni, becomes a drunk 'ho, and if lucky will end up living in a cul-de-sac watching this morning as if it meant something?
Shows you don’t know me at all, as i’m not remotely like that. Yes I do enjoy a good night out, and yes I do drink when I go out, but its about once or twice a week maximum. I much prefer just chilling round a friends house, or having a few drinks at the pub and a gossip, or going on road trip, long walks and watching the stars or just sitting on Dunstable downs or in a park just relaxing. The whole going out and getting pissed thing is pretty boring now, and i’ve never really been a big fan of it in the first place anyways.

Are you happy with the way Michael Owen has settled in at the club?
After that goal against City he can spend the rest of his career hola dancing for all I care. Nah, but seriously, I think he’s done OK for us, scored a few games, and showed glimpses. His finishing has been a bit poor (he’s no Ruud) but he’s a good stop gap, because hopefully soon Welbeck will be ready, he’s going to be a star

What do you find attractive about the millionaire magician Paul Daniels?
His dashing smile and pleasing tricks.

Twilight; team werewolf or team Vampire?
Ermmm.. I don’t get this whole twilight thing, never read the books, watched it on tv, or watched the films, so I really have no idea about anything i’m afraid. However, one thing I would say is I found it both sad and weird that many people (including a few of my best mates) felt the need to go and see the new film at 00.05, just wait a few hours fools

If you were given a shotgun and you were told you have to shoot through both yours hands and feet in 30 seconds otherwise you'd die, would you do it? (Inspired from Saw)
Defiantly... otherwise i’d die! Plus.. I could cope with being disabled, I could still compete in many a sport, so nothing to worry about there!

What is your favourite comfort food, and what is your strongest memory tied to it?
Soft chocolate chip cookies. Yum. Strongest memory would be me and my best friends buying about 20 between us once we’d got our a-level results, and going and sitting in a lovely sunny park, eating them and just chilling and enjoying each others company. Was a great day that.

Do the other females on the board put you to shame with their posts regarding football or anything in general?
Nope. To be honest, since Shell left, and I don’t see Mare around much in the football section anymore, only Yid makes worthwhile football contributions, even then, i hold my knowledge in high regard to be honest and don’t find myself being put to shame, even though i’d always read what Yid has to say!

Does it take you much to get drunk?
Not these days no. I used to be a bit of a lightweight, but not recently. We tend to make bowls/troughs these days before we go out, mixing about 7 drinks, and even then it takes about 6-7 glasses to get drunk.

You’re a massive football fan … do you prefer playing or watching?
Difficult one this. I love both, and infact I’ve also always loved going training aswell, the banter is better, but if I was to choose watching a cup final, or playing one, i’d choose playing, so my answer will have to be playing.
What's your best memory of playing football?
I’d say a game against West Ham a few years ago. They were our rivals to the league title. We were 2-0 down within about 20 minutes, and frankly not playing very well, however in the second half we came out like a team possessed and played really really well, we pulled a goal back quite quickly, but it took 2 late goals, a screamer from 30 yards with a couple of minutes remaining, then a tap in at the far post with the last kick of the game to win... it was an amazing feeling and we went on to win the league, that was a great season.

Do you have a recurrent dream?
Nope... but I do have dreams which cause me to have the same reaction, whereby I wake up and think i’m still in the dream and end up turning lights on/ locking doors, opening doors, going for a walk, and thinking people are in my room.. its a bit weird that

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Pineapple and orange juice, milk, butter, eggs, yogurts, vodka, beer, jam, mayo, cheese, tomatoe ketchup, bbq sauce, brown sauce.

Only the pineapple and orange juices are mine.

Interview compiled by Lil Yiddo with questions submitted by members of Soccer 24-7.

Dissa-punditry

Oh, the joys of a TV Licence! I recently discovered them after coming home from a hard week's work - and a strenous series of booze-drinking marathons - to find that we have three and a half hours worth of Football League highlights, Five hours of chaotic, yet perfectly co-ordinated fun on Sky's "Soccer Special" (You know the drill, a host of ex-footballers and makeshift sports reporters getting excited over massive games... such as Huddersfield vs Yeovil), and an approximate 380 minutes of live football, brought to you by Rupert Murdoch's propaganda wagon, Sky Sports.

Quality. Integrity. Expertise. That's what should follow a flurry of goals, and a hastily arranged highlights package. Yet, what hampers this familiar, and natural flow seems to be pundits who have been rounded up with giant fishing nets. After all, you look at who is slouched on the expensive, probably swedish cream sofa's, and get treated to a pile of trout. Perhaps I'm being unfair; they are paid to offer their opinion, their opinion is offered, the show ends with a few opinions offered by footballing bastians such as Jamie Redknapp, and people's champion, Robbie Savage - now making more appearances for the BBC than his beleaguered Derby County side.

Or maybe I'm taking this a little personally. After starting a three-year course in Sports Journalism (Don't laugh, it's actually a REAL course!), I cannot help but feel my oppurtunities to rise through the ranks, prove myself at the highest level, and become established as a reputable journalist are being marginalised by 'familiar faces'. Alas, I suppose that's what sells though. Thinking about it pragmatically, the prospect of seeing Mark Lawrenson and Alan Hansen disect the day's most important games, with their amazingly over the top computer technology, is a lot more appealing than me and my mates from just another university going over the screen with our cursors and admittedly, if given the chance, just drawing comedy beards on the managers when there's a break in play, using the same Microsoft Paint tools Alan and Mark use to highlight where runs could've been made, and what areas should have been attacked.

There's a trust issue too. Four young, unshaven journalists let loose in front of a a national audience would be a disaster. Even seasoned campaigners, who have travelled the length of the country and dug out the most minute detail of a Carlise and Plymouth 0-0 draw in the depths of winter, just would not reel in the viewers. The fact that Jamie Redknapp was a Liverpool icon, Andy Gray will always be the world's most scottish man, and David Platt was (through gritted teeth and clenched fists...) an important goalscorer just have elements to it that make their opinion worthwhile. Yes, that's hard to take, but a reality that won't change soon.

Think about it, the major institutions now have their own show-stealing double acts: Sky Sports have Richard Keys and Andy Gray, the two stalwarts of sports broadcasting that balance banter with analysis perfectly. It would be criminal not to mention the Jeff Stelling and Chris Kamara partnership, the host and livewire pundit respectively, on Soccer Saturday. So many classic moments between them, due to Kammy's eccentricity, and Jeff's razor sharp wit. Feel free to reel off any of Stelling's genius one liners to yourself... Finished? Great! However, what Sky also have, as previously eluded to, is Jamie Redknapp. Many guests have appeared in their studio's in a bid to show they can still talk a good game - Ruud Gullit. Sven Goran-Eriksonn. Even Bruce Grobbelaar. Yet none as single minded, and clueless as Redknapp. He sits, slyly swaying on his comfy spinning chair, offering no more than reviews of the bleedin' obvious.

"So Jamie, another comfortable win for Chelsea..."

"Yeah, they've won comfortably again, Chelsea... time for a knee's up, Richard?"

Admittedly, that has not happened... Yet. I urge you to just take in the next combined hour of analysis the smarmy cockney has to give, and see if you feel a dash more enriched, or bit pissed off as you've just wasted quite a lot of your sunday afternoon listening to Jamie Redknapp. And I made you do it!

As for the BBC, they have quite a vast empire. Local Radio, and yes, of course I'm going to use BBC Radio Nottingham as an example, are the best example of build-up, reporting, and analysis. Colin Fray and John McGovern make an excellent commentary team, all held together by the glue in the middle, Robin Chipperfield, holding together four and a half hours of unrefined sport with interviews, reviews, and a look into the possibilities of the afternoon's games. Truly hard workers, with a very special end product. However, and this is going to sound random, but having the dis-pleasure of listening to BBC Radio Humberside whilst visiting family in Hull this weekend, I was treated to two clowns in a 10 minute epic of trying to pronounce "Junior Stanislas", leading to a failure to report on two goals and a penalty incident at the KC stadium. I will not name these fellows, for I have compassion.

Then we branch out to BBC Radio 5live, with a plethora of commentators, reporters, pitchside men, anylasists, and tea ladies all working frantically to produce what is really, a quite comprehensive round up of the hectic programme of saturday sport. Although changing the commentators every twenty minutes works well as a system, it does suffer a little from "Too many chefs" syndrome. However, when Alan Brazil and Graham Taylor are sharing the mics, I reconmend you listen in - Taylor referred to Brazil as 'Stupid' on air, and naturally, it wasn't taken too well. You won't have to fine tune you're frequencies to detect that frosty atmosphere!



And then of course, there is the BBC TV network, spearheaded by Match of the Day. Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson are the best pair seen on a saturday night since Holly Willoughby ('s cleavage) presented Dancing on Ice. You just cannot get mad at them, they are part of the very bright, very stylish furniture. However, someone I will allow you to get mad at is one Steve Clardige, the former Millwall and Portsmouth striker who is the main pundit on The Football League show, hosted by a rather well conducted Manish Bashin. Claridge, the missing link in Darwin's chain, seems to start arguments no-one is connected to, involved with, or interested in. He also seems to just agree with everything Manish says, yet I suppose people like Steve do have to be spoon-fed. He is perhaps the person most out their depth, at giving in-depth analysis. Something that hasn't gone un-noticed, is that pilchard in sheep's clothing, Robbie Savage, has wormed his way onto the oh-so coveted studio sofa's. No-one in the right mind will tune in to see his honest opinion, it's more of a morbid curiosity factor. People are not thinking this man is the Albert Einstein of footballing tactics. It's more down the lines of 'Now would be a great time for a studio light to come crashing down...' Only time will tell if he can become the next Gary Lineker - God knows what crisps Savage would endorse. Cheat and Onion? Ready for a-salting? Prawn Cockhead?

I'll leave you to devise your own vulgar jokes, but the fact of the matter is that you can study all of your life, receive the highest honours at the most prestigious university, and become quite the integral journalist, yet all that will pale into comparison when you have a twenty year journeyman style career under your belt. Unfortunately, this is a market that will only get narrower, and with the celebrity culture that has engulfed Britain, it will have to be a famous personality, instead of a Joe Bloggs, that tells you why Wolves were never going to beat Liverpool, as you scoff your pot noodle, idlly channel-surfing, and waiting for the freeview porn to get a little naughtier. Maybe the girls will touch each other tonight?

So, looks like we will all have to make do with the mindless droning of the people that made it, yet still wouldn't mind a few more grand in the back pocket, sacrificing quality for curious interest.

Steve Rider, Andy Townsed, and Clive Tyldesley - The ITV representatives... No news is good news, right? Except you Andy. You could also do with a muzzle.