May Cause Offence

For as long as there has been a Premier League, there has seemingly been an apparent “Big Four.” This “Big Four” are responsible for winning 18 of the 19 Premier League campaigns. The anomaly is Blackburn Rovers; having won the 94/95 title, only three teams have won the Premier League since: Chelsea, Arsenal and most frequently and recently Manchester United. Liverpool are the fourth component of this alleged quartet and the name is arguably justified: until now.

Dominating the Champions League spots for 16 of the 19 years since the founding of the Premier League has justified the name and its grievance with the rest of the Premier League falls in the increased revenue the top four teams earn by their reward of Champions League entry.  As the top four remained consistent year upon year, it became more of an issue that the gap would not close; the top four would get more money and therefore continuously improve and further the gap, pulling away from the rest of the pack for good.

But no; when Everton finished 4th in 2005 and thus qualified for the Champions League qualifiers, it looked to be a once-off and this was emphasized when, for the next 4 years, no other team managed to break the “Big Four.” However, the past two seasons have bucked the trend, held a finger up to tradition and started to throw punches back at the big boys and to great effect. Harry Redknapp guided Tottenham to a Champions League spot of fourth in 09/10 and the following season Manchester City went one better and finished 3rd. It was, however, at the expense of Tottenham, who finished 5th.

The Big Four is dead.

Some may naturally agree with the above statement and nod to themselves thinking, yes it is no longer the Big Four, it is a Big Two who will dominate the Premier league for years to come. Well, not quite. While you could make a case for the two teams of Manchester to possess the Premier League trophy for the next 5 or so years, it would tempt fate and most of all, it would be slightly premature. Last season was the first time the top three was broken since 03/04, when Ranieri guided Chelsea to a 2nd place finish having gone all season unbeaten and setting a club record for the least goals conceded and most points accumulated, let alone someone outside the Top Four winning the Premier League. If Manchester City go the distance, they’d be the first team outside of the Big Four to win it since Blackburn.

The Big Four is dead.

Seven teams could well finish in the Top Four this season, if you ask me. Looking at the current Premier League table a case could be made for all teams from Arsenal up. As it stands, 3 of the Big Four aren’t even in the Big Four. Newcastle continue to impress; having started the Premier League in a rich vein of form, they’ve continued to last the pace to the third-way through mark. Last week’s lost to Manchester City was their first of the season and City now remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League. Their stellar start has threatened to add another anomaly to the Big Four dominance and the more frequently these anomalies occur, the less valid calling them anomalies become. As it stands, after Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle have the best Premier League form; they are both on a run of 16 games that only includes one loss. Ironically, they’ve only dropped points to Manchester City and drew to each other.

Mancini’s Manchester look set to “break” the Top Four once more and Tottenham’s relentless season further strengthens the likelihood of the Big Four being well and truly dead, blown to smithereens and never to return in its current form. In 2011, City have averaged 2.23 points per game (PPG), the 3rd highest in the whole of the Football League and the highest in the Premier League. United are just behind their Manchester rivals with 2.22  and the Manchester clubs are the only PL clubs in the top 5 for PPG in 2011. Although Manchester United look like they’re slowing up, the stats don’t lie. Despite the fact that Manchester United have only scored exactly one goal in each of their last six Premier League matches, including their 6-1 drubbing to Manchester City, they’ve accumulated 30 points from 13 games. That’s 2.3 points a game and therefore, over a season a grand total of 88 and that has been enough to win 3 of the last 4 Premier League titles. Granted, it might not be enough this year, as City spend their way to footballing heaven, but IT is more than enough to make a case for them remaining in the top four. If you’re not convinced, Manchester United have not finished lower than 3rd since the Premier League was formed. 

With a case made for both Manchester teams and Newcastle, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham still remain with a valid case and a genuine belief that they can qualify for the Champions League. For Chelsea, it is quite simple; if they don’t AVB will be out of a job and Abramovich will begin to wonder how much success really costs and then he may well look to Al Mubarak. For Arsenal, a top four finish has been a guarantee, 84% of the time and under Wenger it is has been an 100% guarantee, to date. When anomalies have occurred the team from the Big Four to suffer has been Liverpool. However, as an original member of the Big Four, they may feel they will warrant a top four position out of commonplace. Tottenham will seek to threaten that right for the 3rd season on the bounce; they sit on a run of 10 games unbeaten and 9 of them were wins. So far this season, Spurs have only dropped points to then unbeaten teams or the current title-holders; an impressive record to brag.

For me the Big Four as we’ve always known it (Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool) is over. A new Big Four will form eventually; however, for the next 2 or 3 seasons the Premier League’s top four will under go a transition and the long term future of the elite will count on the success in the near future. Tottenham have the ability to break the big four up permanently but it will rely on constant top four finishes to attract, not only the revenue it brings, but the players it brings. Newcastle are more likely to be that anomaly and I cannot see them threatening the big four season upon season. Manchester City are here to stay without a doubt. So who will have to make way?

Have your say………….

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

Two shocking things have gone on at Blackburn Rovers this week and losing wasn’t one of them. Losing is only shocking when it happens infrequently and undeservedly.

Firstly, Kean’s contract was reviewed and, because of the amazing job he is doing at Ewood Park, it surprisingly passed and was resigned on reviewed terms.

Secondly, Kean was honest for once; when he announced that he’s been handed a transfer kitty for January he replied to the reporter’s interest in who is on his radar with, “I wouldn’t like to speculate or comment on any names at this stage because it would be unfair to any player.” 

Well, yes it would. Linking a player with Blackburn is disgraceful and not even Emile deserves it, like he said, “it would be unfair to any player.”

Steve shakes the hand of his future successor, a 12 year old boy 

As January comes closer with each week, marked by the door slamming shut on the emergency loan window for the Football League, it is only natural for every Tom, Dick and Harry to get linked with every United, Rovers and Athletic. It has been no different this year. Even though he is 30 next year, World Cup winner Kaka is being linked with Chelsea for a bizarre £30m. Manchester City are slowly being linked with every player that gets the better of them; and as predicted by The Guardian’s football blog, The Fiver, Mancini is allegedly lining up Edinson Cavani as he oversaw Napoli get the better of City. More prolonged transfer gossip include; Willie McKay’s Doncaster dynasty continuing to plunder small fortunes into African has beens in the hope that they can lift them off the Championship floor, Beckham deciding where he will cash in his final paycheck and who Arsenal won’t buy because they never spend much but we will link them with a £20m move anyway.

However, a smaller, if not for much longer, team have slowly progressed up the Premier League to where they sit now at 9th. Having joked that he would take, “7 points from 9; easy,” against Chelsea, Tottenham and Man City, his team took three and pushed Man City all the way. Q.P.R have come some way from their opening day drubbing at the hands of Bolton. The unquestionable financial platform provided by the new owner Tony Fernandes, helped Q.P.R kick start their season. The Malaysian tycoon put his money where Warnock’s mouth was and five signings were made immediately, at the end of the summer transfer window. His impressive performance at the helm of the Loftus Road club, including a win over Chelsea, looks set to earn Warnock his second transfer kitty for January.

“We are on the lookout for four or five,” proclaimed Sheffield born Warnock, “”I’m not saying they’re all going to be big-name signings but we need numbers in the squad.” For me, as hopeful as I was of David Beckham returning to the Premier league, this draws a big red cross through the idea if Warnock’s comments, “I personally can’t see where Beckham is going to get in the team at the moment,” didn’t.

Warnock sent out a ringing endorsement for his current hit man too, when hinting at what Rangers fans can expect, “You could spend £10million on a striker and he will not play as well as Heidar ” stated the QPR boss. That paired with his exclamation that “big-name signings,” aren’t guaranteed, can provide fans with a small window of opportunity to second guess who they may sign.

So far, unlike most of the Premier League, rumours for players into Loftus Road have been fairly muted but not entirely non-existent. The Daily Mail audaciously claimed that QPR were putting together £10m bid for an “out-of-favour” Jermain Defoe, which is unlikely for two reasons; firstly Warnock indirectly claimed that a £10m striker couldn’t match his Heidar and secondly, Joe Jordan, Redknapp’s right hand man stated that Defoe can play his way into the England Euro squad, “”I wouldn’t say Darren Bent has got to go to the Euros because I think that between now and then you still have to prove that you are a good player. And Jermain Defoe can do that.” As well as Defoe, fellow Spurs man Bassong has been linked with a London switch and as aforementioned, “Beckham”, “Warnock” and “QPR” has resulted in numerous Google results ever since the MLS began to draw to a close.

As is normally the case, however, the signings made in January will probably be players no one has mentioned; hints were given though, “If we sign a few players from Asia it will definitely help QPR develop as a brand,” said the manager when it emerged he had traveled to the continent in mention to watch South Korea do battle with U.A.E. It is likely that Warnock is on the trail of countrymen of the former rather than the latter and the omens are good for any potential signing.

The Premier League already has the Korean trio of Arsenal’s Park, Manchester United’s Park and Sunderland’s Ji Dong-Wong and the United midfielder has enjoyed illustrious success under Ferguson with a reputation of determination, commitment and a regular in Fergie’s big game teams. His contemporaries have had less time to settle in to the Premier League, but both have shown promise: “Park is a quality player, we see that in training, and he is a very intelligent player, believe you will see more and more of Park,” said Wenger having seen his new recruit net on his 2nd appearance last month. As for Ji, Bruce has told fans that, ““Ji plays up front with the lad from Arsenal, but in his country Ji is the rising star – he’s the new Park Ji-sung.”

Warnock was supposedly watching three players in particular, but there is more than just footballing ability at play, “it will definitely help QPR develop as a brand,” explained Warnock, ”By owning a Premier League club Tony has shot up in profile over there. This is the start of something and I feel the club can develop a global presence because of the owners and the contacts they have.” However fans worried that money will be ill-spent on players purely to flagship an Asian QPR can be assured that players will be bough to strengthen, “By all means we want to improve the squad long-term, as well immediate.”

Dipping into the Asian market may well be a move taken up by many soon and Warnock’s quick move to start scouting firsthand now, may give him the first pick of the Korean class of the future. “Two aspects of the development of the game; one will come from the States, the second big part I’m convinced will be Asia,” said Arsene Wenger, who has managed in Japan. “In these two countries and continents they have an aptitude to have a team attitude and hard-working attitude and I think once they get the education they will produce good players.”

Who could QPR expect though; Koo Ja-Cheol, Nam Tae-Hee or Son Heung-Min?

Have your say……………..

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

He is distractingly quiet. We don’t know why. That is the distraction. He is distractingly slow. He doesn’t have to be. That is the distraction. He is a distracting distraction. He manages to block his team’s own shots on the opposition goal line. He manages to infuriate Jo Pyle to the levels of unheard of insults such as, “you hit and hope with no skill, it is industrious.” However, he scores, he dribbles, he has the first touch that competes with Lejay’s and he works through the night and plays in the morning. He is Neavemar, Neaville, Neavestar, Neaveatov and Neaveahimovic. Jim Neave.

1.There have been rumours you’re not a striker. Some have bantered that you can’t score and others just don’t think you play like a striker. However, most concerning was the rumour that you are actually a right back. Are you?!

For the record.…..No! I wouldn’t want to in our team as Dan and The Welsh giant seem to be doing well in games so I’ll stick to what I’m good at! 

2.Do you have any idea where the right back rumour came from? What other positions have you played in before FCI?

Well I’ve played in a lot of different positions over my career like rm lm cm cdm cf gk on the occasion, but my favourite has to be cf with a winger either side of me. But as for the rumours it must of been when I was a bit younger I had a huge kick on me and would clear more than half the pitch that’s the only one I can think of.

3.Who did you play for before FCI and how long ago was it?

It was 2 years ago; I played for a team called Wessex Athletic had a good half year, then players didn’t turn up and had to play some matches with 8 men! So I decided to have a year out and then I was playing 5 a side one minute next minute I was another big name free agent snapped up for the mighty FCI!!! 

4.Have you played for many football teams over the years? College, school, work, Saturday/Sunday League?

Yeah play for school team and Sunday league; enjoyed it but love playing Saturday league now. It means I can go and get Lionel Messi on a Saturday night and have Sunday to recover! 

5.No matter what people tell you, you are my Pavlychenko. You score, even if it doesn’t seem like it! You’re FCI’s 3rd top scorer behind Hannides on 7 and Lejay and jack joint on 6. With 5 goals to your name, can you go on to push for FCI’s Golden Boot?

Of course I can! The only reason Mike and Jack are up there is because they never pass unless it is an impossible angle! As you found out against Waterside A I was in for an open goal and Jack refused to pass..says it all really! He must know I’m going to take that golden boot off him and as for Mike concentrate on assisting me and stop being greedy, 

aha! 

6. Now, last week Jack Hussey compared you to Dimitar Berbatov. You’ve compared yourself to many players. Many many world class players; Neavemar, Neaveatov, Neaveahimovic and Gary Neaville. Who are you cloaking yourself as at the moment?

Umm that’s a tough one! At the moment I’m going to have to say Neavatelli ( Balotelli ) seeing as he is finding his scoring form and playing in a team still unbeaten this season.

 

7.Do you feel FCI have any genuine copycats in the team? For example, I think Arthur Goddard plays exactly like Scott Parker? 

Umm I think there’s a lot! You have Nathan who is like John Ruddy - has his on and off days! Dan - like Danny Simpson up and down the wing like a yoyo! Mike Florit - Carragher who takes no prisoners , Jordan Florit - Bale never stops running and Ryan Breen and Kieron Dyer always in the medical room! Think that covers a few? 

8 .It’s been a question I have been burning to ask; how fast can you actually run when you bother?

Well when I’m not doing silly hours at work and I’ve had a good sleep and refreshed I’m a white version of Obertan!

 

Neave and Florit

9. Interesting. You’re part of the former deadly M&S trio, which is now a quartet. Out of Wes, Nath and Jo, who do you spend the most time with at work and what do you get up to?

Umm well I’m on opposite weeks to Nath so I don’t see him a lot so at work its Wes and Jo I see most and have a good laugh but when I do see Nath I try to avoid him as he smells as bad as a tramp’s armpit!

10.Nath enjoys some lovely moments with you on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Where most people would stop, Nathan continues, almost telling you, you won’t score; is the banter as strong at work?

Yes! Sometimes gets out of hand and I end up getting taken in an office! 

11. Changing topic now, some found it hard to believe you are 22. What do you put your babyface looks down to?

Umm not sure really but I suppose it’s better to have a babyface than have no hair like Alan Shearer, hey Nath? 

 

12.Interesting. Well you’ve managed to stay fresh faced on match days, even if it is fuelled on Red Bull! How do you think FCI have done so far this season?

Yuck! Not red bull all about monster or relentless!! But as for FCI it has been an awesome start to the season with only one poor excuse for an injury in sick note Breeny but were scoring goals playing well just need Nath to follow in mike Florit’s shoes and keep a clean sheet! 

13. And how do you feel you’ve done on a personal level?

I think I’ve got better as season has gone on obviously I had a slow start but started to get goals and playing well week in week out. 

14.What are you expecting from FCI for the rest of the season?

Hopefully unbeaten all season would be a buzz as would getting to a cup final would be the highlight of the season so if we keep up the form we have been doing lately we should have a good chance! 

15. And do you have any goals on a personal level?

Yeah I’d like to snatch the golden boot or score goal of the season to take it away from Breen as he think he has it but I’ve seen better this season.

16. I hear you are getting new boots to keep your scoring tally up! What boots are you getting? 

New lime green / volt vapours; might make me run faster if you’re lucky! 

17. Available after Christmas was what I was told. Are they on your list for Santa?

Yeah they are! I’m addicted to buying new boots just can’t help myself but I don’t have to pay for these ones.

18.Who for FCI most looks like Santa? I’d say Jamie.

I wouldn’t say Jamie. I’d say Mike Florit as he’s a bit older than most with a white fluffy beard he will look just like him. And I’m guessing Santa can get in a miserable mood just like Mike after conceding a penalty?! 

19. What is your favourite Christmas song? 

Easy! I wish it could be Christmas every day! Don’t you agree? 

20. Now, I don’t. I prefer The Pogue – Fairytale of New York. The all-important 20th question; what do you want for Christmas?

 I want to be played striker and not a wing forward as jack has younger legs and can get used to passing on the wings!

A Top interview, by a normally quiet Jim Neave! He originally didn’t want to do the interview but I gave him no choice! He needed to speak out and now he has. The beast is unleashed. Unfortunately there is no game until the 17^th of December now, but come back next Monday for the next One-on-One!

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

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Around 12:30 on Sunday 27th November, it was announced by many online sources that Gary Speed was dead. At the age of 42, a police spokesman stated that “it was not in suspicious circumstances” and announced that the Wales football manager had hanged himself. The FAW announced in a statement that they, ”extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.” At current, their has been no speculation over why Speed took his own life. Gary Speed leaves behind his spouse and two children.

His death shocked the nation and within 5 minutes of the news breaking on The Telegraph the topic was widespread on Facebook with “R.I.P Gary Speed” occupying the news feed of all and furthermore it had already trended on Twitter. His death was sudden and shocking and the the rate at which tributes and condolences appeared online acts as testament to the former Newcastle midfielder.

The effect of the untimely death of the former Sheffield United player and manager was only emphasized further by the fact that he was on our screens across the nation the day before alongside Dan Walker on Football Focus. The 34-year old British sport journalist tweeted immediately following the Welshman’s death, “Staggered by the news of Gary Speed’s death. Was with him for much of yesterday. I genuinely cannot believe it. Thoughts with his family.” The touching tweet came just 22 hours after Walker had expressed his delight at Speed’s presence on the BBC football show, “Thought McAllister & Speed were class today,” and his sentiments were echoed in numerous replies and retweets stating that he was a “likable guest.”

Dan Walker was clearly heavily affected by the news, further tweeting as the news broke, “Gary was full of life yesterday talking about his kids, bright future with Wales, twitter, golf. Can’t get my head round it. So sad.”

Speed with McAllister, just yesterday on Football Focus

The former Welsh international, who gained 85 caps for his country, had only retired from football in 2010 aged 41 and immediately thrusted himself into the managerial side of the game with his then current club, Sheffield United. His spell was short-lived though, with Wales stating their desire to have him at the helm just four months into his managerial career and last December he was announced as his country’s boss. Less than a year later the former Wales and Everton captain is no longer with us.

He led his team within 3 points of the chance to progress further, but the victories came a bit too late and all of his 9 points in qualifying came in three of the last four games. Victories over Switzerland and Montenegro twice ensured that Wales finished the qualifying stages on a high, even if they failed to progress. Their future looks bright too and this is undoubtedly down to the turnaround in fortunes that Speed oversaw, including their FIFA ranking increasing from their lowest ever of 117th to 45th. Speed continued his work with Wales right up until Wednesday, where he was in Brussels for the scheduling of fixtures for the 2014 World Cup and his comments were positive and focused on the future, “This is such a well-balanced group that we knew everyone would be looking for an early advantage, said Speed in a statement for the FAW, “As always, there had to be some give and take, but I am very glad that we did not have to use the June qualifying dates.”

As a player, Speed was an evergreen in the Premier League, being the first player to make 500 appearances in the 19 year-old competition, until his move to Sheffield United saw him drop into the second tier of English football for the first time since he won the Football League First division with Leeds in a midfield department that boasted Strachan, Batty and McAllister.

His honours speak for themselves and in 2010 his contribution to football was acknowledged with an MBE in the Birthday Honours. The man will be sorely missed and his mark on English and Welsh football will forever be a benchmark for loyalty and patriotism.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

“It’s great that it’s with a huge club like Sheff Wed so it is good to get a taste of action in the Championship.” - said Newcastle’s Tavernier clearly unaware that he’ll be plying his trade in League One, following his loan move to The Owls.

Looking a bit mystified having realised he is in League One

14 men made the trip to King Geroge V Playing Fields for the home friendly against Hazara FC. Following last week’s momentous victory over 3rd placed Waterside A, in which a superb performance was turned in, the aim was to continue the good football that had created a crest of confidence that was duly being ridden by FCI. The Black and Blues have set goals and targets all season and today’s friendly fixture was no different. The goal was to win the game and the aims to achieve were a clean sheet and to stick to our “shape and space” approach that has produced 42 goals in 10 games. 

Injured with poorly tonsil problematic swelling syndrome

Jack Hussey and Dan Broadway were the only absentees from today’s squad with Breen still out for the foreseeable future and Regular featuring in a league game for Whiteley. After today’s game FCI have one remaining fixture in 2011, a league game on December 17th to Hedge End Blues. A win today would have set up FCI with the chance to go 2011 unbeaten.

Following last week’s 3-1 win courtesy of Ely, Goddard and Giles-Pilgrim
 

November 26^th 2011                     FCI 3-0 Hazara FC

 FC Independence (4-3-3): Hussey, Ross, M.Florit, Pyle, Ely, Goddard, R.Lakeman, M.Lakeman, Giles-Pilgrim, J.Florit, Hannides Subs: Lewis, Saribiyik, Neave

Attendance: 7

FCI 3-0 Hazara FC

The management team were well aware of the problems that Hazara could cause and Mike Florit’s experience shown through in the build up to the match with calming and insightful words for the game. With warnings of a tough midfield battle to dominate the game, FCI took to the pitch for their last game of November.

The game started brightly for the visitors and the early midfield battle could well be put down as a success for the away side. Their one touch football was often too much for FCI and it was only a lack of an end-product that was lacking in the early performances of Hazara.

However, with consistency firmly in place for FCI and confidence ever-growing, the game quickly changed direction. Breaks became to emerge for the home team to creep through the Hazara defence and Hannides found himself in the box with the ball at his feet thanks to a ‘keeping error that saw a poor goal kick lose possession. However, Hazara defender Zac, was quick to come across and cut the first chance for FCI out.

It was a case of patience for FCI in a game that was best described by all-round defensive utility man Mike Florit, “generally, I thought it was a scrappy game.” It was for much of the first half, however changes on the 30 minute mark breathed a new lease of life into the game and it was only a matter of time before FCI found themselves in front.

Having seen Hazara have the odd shot on goal against a solid Nathan Hussey, FCI were beginning to bombard down the wing. Jim Neave had come on after 30 minutes, along with Lewis and Saribiyik, and the striker was released one-on-one with the opposition’s ‘keeper, but the early shot from outside the box was tepid and was never troubling the ‘keeper.

It was the first of many clear cut chances for FCI and Neave and the next one was fortuitous. Jordan Florit received the ball out wide with Tom Lewis providing strong cover for the cascading winger and his first time through ball found Neave who cut inside his man deep and fired home from a tight angle. It was his goal celebration that will be remembered, though: having scored his 3rd goal in as many games, Neave lifted his shirt to reveal a candid copy of Balotelli’s “Why Always Me?” shirt. 1-0 FCI.

The goal had literally broken the barrier and it wasn’t long before FCI slipped through once more. Although the midfield game was being won by the opposition the determination and grit displayed by the midfield trio to provide the wingers with balls wide kept FCI as the dominant threat. As FCI broke down the right flank and allegedly fouled the Hazara left back, they pressed up high and boxed in the opposition. The resulting free-kick was eventually won back by FCI and Neave and Goddard burst into the box for the scorer to turn provider with Goddard powerfully hitting home on the half volley to score his 4th goal of the season. 2-0 FCI.

Half time was perhaps needed when it came for FCI as the performance became stagnated and Hazara were stringing countless passes together from the tip of their D to the tip of FCI’s. Players switched positions to best cope with a strong possessive display from the visitors and Goddard said after the game that, “the central midfield will be a little disappointed that they were rarely dominant, but we won’t play a team like this in a competitive match, who flood the midfield and press so hard.” 

The second half performance will not be remembered for years to come, “(there was) a lot of chopping and changing,” said M.Florit post-match, “but it was good to be playing and stretching the legs.” While the game wasn’t FCI’s best, it served its purpose of trying players in different positions, keeping a consistency to the team and most importantly, a win.

All three were achieved with Saribiyik, Ely, Lewis and Hannides getting run outs in unfamiliar positions, a home win for FCI and FCI’s 10th successive win of the season. The most memorable feat of the game will be the third and final goal; Having broken down the left wing and squared for Neave, J.Florit saw his side earn an indirect free-kick 6 yards out. Ely’s resulting shot thundered off the cross bar and fell to Lewis’ feet 25 yards out and having flashed a look up, he sent the ball goal bound for it to end up finishing its flight path in the ‘keepers top left corner. 3-0 FCI and a genuine contender for goal of the season.

It was Lewis’ 2nd goal this season, both coming from performances at left back and it now takes him to tenth place in the leader board for FCI scorers. FCI have had 11 scorers to date with Wes Regular being the lowest scoring player in the team, with 1. 

6 changes were made throughout the second half to ensure everyone had a run out and the result was efficiently seen out with FCI’s most experienced players; Pyle, M.Florit and Ross sitting in the back four for the final stages. Assistant manager Goddard said of the trio, “The senior guys, Mike, Jo and Jamie kept the line organised,” and he continued to praise the defensive performance which brought Ross and Florit their 5th clean sheet of the season, the most clean sheets out of all of FCI’s players, “ Mikey put in a very composed showing at centre half. Tom had a consistently strong game too.”

After the game, Jordan Florit caught up with goalscorers Goddard and Neave as well as Mike Florit for their views on the game.

“We’ve now only conceded 2 goals in 360 minutes of football, including two clean sheets on the trot for Hussey. How did the defence do for you today?”

“The defense played very well to a man. Nathan was reliable when called upon and distributed well,” said Goddard.

“And if you took 3 positives and 1 negative, what would they be?”

“Positive to win again. It’s been a while since anyone got a result against us. Clean sheet is always pleasing and testament to the performance of Nathan and the defense. Mitat’s tenacity in the centre of the park was very encouraging. There aren’t too many negatives. I think the central midfield will be a little disappointed that they were rarely dominant, but we won’t play a team like this in a competitive match, who flood the midfield and press so hard. So all in all, it was pleasing.”

It wasn’t only Goddard who gave the plaudits to Saribiyik who takes this week’s Man of the Match Award, “Mitak played really well I thought” said M.Florit, before adding that, “they would do well in our division.”

Jim Neave, who bagged a goal and an assist, was happy with the team performance, “I think I did well; obviously missed a few flick ons but got some good passes off and had my targets on goal,” he continued to express delight at the overall display of FCI, “ I think we did well considering they did well at passing and we pressured them when they had the ball.Overall I think we done well.”

Come back on Monday to read Jim Neave’s One-on-One interview.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

It emerged late Monday night that David Silva believes Manchester City could win the Champions League in their first season in the competition. “We’ve got to do well in the Champions League and we should aim to win it,” stated a confident Silva and when questioned on whether they could actually go on to do so, his reply was ambitious, “”Why not? I don’t think that is out of the question.”

While he is correct to claim it is not out of the question, the Group stage is not even over yet and furthermore they won’t be winning their group. Going on history, there isn’t any condemning figure to slam down their unquestionable ambition. 2010 winners, Jose Mourinho’s Inter, drew their first two games in the group stage and finished 2nd in their group to Barcelona. They went on to beat Bayern Munich in the final 2-0.

Since stuttering to a slow start in the Champions League, a draw followed by the now infamous loss to Bayern Munich, which preceded their first ever Champions League win, a last minute 2-1 victory over Villarreal courtesy of Sergio Aguero, City picked up 7 points from their opening four games and lost on Tuesday night, to leave them with an outside chance of even qualifying.

However, their slow start may have already cost them in their chance of qualifying and it isn’t a start synonymous with Champions League winners; the last team to win the Champions League after an equally poor start, 1 point from the opening two games, was Mourinho’s Porto who won the 2004 Champions League Final having drawn and lost their opening games. Porto went on to finish 2nd in their group and in the final they defeated Monaco 3-0. Monaco now ply their trade in the second tier of French football, Ligue 2.

What’s the common denominator in winning the Champions League when the odds are against you from the Group stage onwards?

Jose Mourinho.

Manchester City don’t have The Special One, but they do have the Vincent Kompany, Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Yaya Toure - the list is exhaustive. Last season, as Silva pointed out, was a season in which City won their, “first trophy for 35 years and qualified for the Champions League, claiming a place amongst the best teams in Europe.” It was a the mark of the rising blue moon as some have phrased it. The season was a season of transition; from top ten to top four, from aiming for Europe to aiming for the Champions League final, from aiming to beat United to serious title contenders.

Their ambition doesn’t stop at wanting to conquer Europe at the first time of asking. “We must finish in the top four in the Premier League and secure Champions League football every season,” said a demanding Silva.  At current, City sit comfortably top. They are five points clear of 2nd placed rivals Manchester United and they remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League having beaten Newcastle 3-1 on Saturday. Even with Harry Redknapp harrumphing on about Spurs, “If we keep up [our] form, we’ll win the league,” Manchester City remain unfazed by anyone. Their 6-1 result against Manchester United will remain as a testament to that for as long as they remain top.

Can their ability match their ambition though?

Wanting to win the Champions League and Premier League and stating it is their aim in no uncertain, yet most public, terms, is a brave and brash statement. When funded by oil-money and having a bench that more closely resembles a world-beating seven a-side football team than a Premier League bench, the statement suddenly seems more warranted than ambitious. 

They’ll lose the Toure double-act in the New Year to the African Cup of Nations and Yaya will be much missed in the role he plays in midfield. 1037 minutes have already been played by Yaya Toure in the Premier League, a figure only beaten in the City dressing room by Joleon Lesscott and Joe Hart who have played 90 minutes week in week out for The Citizens and then still the difference is only 43 minutes; less than a half.

The ever present, who has started every single league game this season, is pivotal to the way Manchester City play. Although playing in quite an advanced role in the midfield, he is responsible for a lot of break up play in opposition attacks and going forward, the Ivorian has assisted 5 goals and scored one himself. 

Luckily, so far, the absenteeism of Carlos Tevez has played no part in dislodging his fellow team mate’s season. Furthermore, City are always in a position to strengthen. Signings will bolster their Premier League squad, however it is unlikely that anyone they buy will be available for Champions League selection, unless of course they buy from outside the continent.

Their ambition is undoubted but will they have the ability to go the full length?

With City still in the League Cup and the F.A Cup yet to start for the Premier League, City may well be inline to match United’s famous treble. Now that would annoy Fergie.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

It’s a career that Beckham has looked back on and said, “It is exactly the same, doesn’t matter where I am playing, what country, what team. When you are successful and win, it all means the same thing.” The Essex-born midfielder is best placed to decide, too. He has amassed a trophy cabinet that most Englishmen could only dream of; 6 Premier League titles, 2 F.A Cups, a UEFA Champions League, a La Liga and lest we forget his second not-so-acclaimed career triple of the MLS’ Supporters Shield, the MLS Western Conference title and Sunday night’s MLS Cup.

Like a true English Brave, ex-England captain David Beckham, battled through his side’s 1-0 cup final win over Houston Dynamos with a tear in is hamstring. Having lifted the cup, kissed it affectionately like it was his attractive celebrity wife, then put it down on realising it was larger and heavier than his better half, Beckham was quick to assure any remaining football snobs that the trophy meant as much to him as the, “European Cup, FA Cup, Premier League, La Liga, (it) all means the same thing.” The defiance displayed lent itself as homage to the club that paid a fortune to bring football’s attention to America, “I always think about being successful whichever club I have been at, I have played for two of the biggest clubs in the world in Real Madrid and Manchester United and been successful with them, now I have played for the biggest club in America and had success.”

Whether you are one of those football snobs or you are one of the many admirers of the ever-progressing, talent flourishing MLS, Beckham makes a valid point in nodding in the direction of success in three different countries. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is only the second Englishman to achieve league titles in three different countries. His Premier League, La Liga and Western Conference titles measure up to another ex-England right midfielder, Trevor Steven’s First Division title with Everton, the Scottish Football League with Rangers and the Ligue 1 title with Marseille. When Steven had achieved his 3rd title from a 3rd country, he returned to Rangers, where he had played before Marseille and went on to win more titles and cups with the Scottish club. He was 29 when he returned to Britain, Beckham would be 36, but could a similar move be on the cards?

Firstly and perhaps most likely, is a move similar to Steven’s; PSG are knocking on the door for Beckham’s signature and the mega-rich Qatari investment into the French capital’s side could fund the move for Beckham’s costly acquisition. Steven went to Marseille and in one season he achieved the French league title, Ligue 1, before moving back to Rangers as financial pressure mounted for the Southern French side. Money won’t be a problem if this similar trade-off takes place and at the age of 36, a move to one of Europe’s big clubs still competing in the Europa League may tempt Becks. The move would have Victoria’s backing too;  the fashion icon had admitted that, although their long term future remains in America, an 18-month spell in Paris is “imminent” and “ideal” for the woman that has forged a career off the back of her music, dipping into the clothes, perfume and accessories market, under the label VB Rocks. Ultimately though, if the decision is to have football at the heart of it, it is Beckham’s brain and not Victoria’s ventures that must cast the final say. “It won’t make any difference,” Beckham said of winning the Cup on Sunday night, “I said that before whether we won or not, it would not change my future.” It seems David’s mind is made up and the obvious advantages, money, a happy wife and remaining in the eye of the English, seem to all present themselves with a move to PSG.

It isn’t the only choice and it may not be the best. PSG are quickly saturating their squad with more stars than the Milky Way and getting game time may be sporadic. It is all well and good earning big bucks and being on the payroll of one of the best clubs in the world, but it’s not going to get you into the England team. Therefore, a move to the Premier League may be the better option and it is one that would be welcomed by fans of all and clubs too. He’s the brightest ambassador for English football and is still much-loved for his commitment, his patriotism and determination on and off-the-field for the Beautiful Game and indeed his country.

Although Harry Redknapp has openly said that David is a, “fantastic player and a great influence in and around the club” he has admitted the only drawback for the midfielder joining would be that Tottenham have, “an abundance of talent in midfield so it’s difficult to work out how and when (Redknapp could) play him.” The simple suggestion that seems obvious to me, is to sign him up as soon as possible and allow him the captaincy of the European squad.

He would not be cup-tied for the competition and Redknapp has made no qualms in hiding the fact that the competition to him is nothing more than a tournament that, “disrupts things,” and his approach to the Cup was clear from the back end of last season, “teams who get into the Europa League want to get out of it.” So it was no surprise when Redknapp took the competition as a chance to field a mixture of fringe and youth players up and coming at White Hart Lane. Jake Livermore has featured regularly, impressing, and Harry Kane has been leading the front line.

Much like Owen to Ferguson, Beckham would provide Redknapp with advantages outside of his ability on the pitch. Owen brings Ferguson an intellectual conversation, a shared passion for horses and effectively another coach on the training pitch as his stature and ability as a footballer serves as a strong and superb influence on the younger players at United.

Beckham would bring influence to the younger players, leadership in the Europa League and perhaps the unforeseeable; a potential step-up in gaining the England job. Beckham’s influence on the F.A may be understated or go unrecognized,  but I am sure that if Harry has David’s backing, Harry has the nation’s and most importantly, the F.A’s. His possible destinations in the Premier League, look to be Tottenham at 5/1 and QPR at 3/1.

His final and most unlikely choice is staying at L.A Galaxy. It hasn’t been ruled out but it may be prevented by the simple fact that money may talk. Another zero-heavy contract  has been waved under Beckham’s nose, but apparently not with as many 00’s as before. Beckham has already dropped hints he will stay, but as aforementioned, these are supposedly long term plans, thus allowing for a short spell away before returning to America purely for retirement, not for soccer. 

I’d love to see him back in England, most of all I want to see him captain GB in the Olympics but whatever he does, he is sure to bring attention and sure to hit the headlines. Either way, if he is still at Galaxy on December 6th, his current side will be playing at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium in a friendly. It may be your last chance to see Becks on English soil before the Olympics.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

At the beginning of the season I was confident in predicting success for Tony Pulis’ Stoke side and was even audacious enough to make an early prediction of a 9th place finish. Whilst I am aware it is early days still, with only a third of the season gone, I may have a job in defending my premature forecast.

Summer as a Stoke fan may have looked promising; coming in through the Britannia Stadium doors were Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson, capped England centre backs that had both played at the top of the game. Furthermore, had the ex-Spurs defender not endured a career of knocks and knacks, he may well have still been prevalent in Capello’s push for a promising European Championship. Having captured two experienced and hardened battle axes, along with already boasting Shawcross and Huth in the centre back department, you would have expected Stoke to build a campaign on the solid foundations of a strong defence. This hasn’t been the case.

An equivocal Pulis shouldn’t have been what was on the cards; a team was being assembled to compete in the Premier League and it was a team expected to do so with talent and flair, less dependent on the grit and determination that had hard-nosed it’s way through three consecutive Premier League campaigns. I for one was an advocate of a more skilled, attacking and aesthetically pleasing Stoke side, however, in hindsight the signs were there for a more underwhelming season.

Slowly amalgamating fierce battlers, skillful wingers and efficient strikers, Pulis was looking far and beyond last season’s F.A Cup final misery, but all the plaudits and shadowing reaching an F.A Cup final brings, masked a more serious issue. Away from the cup run, league form had slipped, even if it was purely slight, and Pulis’ Potters ended up with a surprisingly record low finish of 13th , following on from 11^th and 12^th placed finishes in the previous two seasons in the top flight.

It seemed like a small blip at the time and wasn’t an issue. It still may prove to be the anomaly in Stoke’s consistent mid-table finishes. After all, West Brom endured a rocky mid-season losing 13 games in an 18 game duration last season before Roy Hodgson was brought in and steered them to an 11th placed finish. The same could happen for Stoke, however the wheels aren’t quite off yet, so any talks of needing a resurgence may be as premature as my 9th place prediction.

It is a cause for a debate though; while Stoke remain unbeaten in Europe seemingly scoring freely with at least a goal every game, four against FC Thun and a clean sheet in half of their European games, their Premier League campaign is far less pleasing on the eye. Although they have kept four clean sheets, Stoke’s back line have been busy bees. Asmir Begovic has been forced into making 44 saves this season and the defence have leaked more goals than any other team outside the bottom three at 22. That means only Wigan and Blackburn, who are in a free-fall mode, and Stoke’s last away opponents Bolton have conceded more.

Sitting in 14th place is no cause for looking to the possible firing of Pulis and ultimate evaporation of all things Stoke and so on and so forth. Their 12 fixtures to date have included 6 of the top ten and 5 of the top 7; A baptism of fire for the Potters. Ironically though, out of the 5 of the top 7 they’ve played, they’ve picked up a win and two draws, only losing to Arsenal and Newcastle. It is the teams around them, that will prevent Stoke from climbing the table. A 5-0 hammering at the hands of 18th placed Bolton and a 2-0 loss to newly-promoted Swansea, contrasted with a 1-0 win and 0-0 draw at Liverpool and Chelsea respectively, epitomise Stoke’s season; unpredictable and inconsistent. That isn’t a good mix.

Shipping goals at an alarming rate doesn’t necessarily mean the team can’t do well; look at Arsenal. They’ve conceded just as many as Stoke, yet they sit 7 places higher in 7th place and continue to climb. The difference is goals; Arsenal are scoring them. No one in the Premier League have scored fewer goals than The Potters and only Wigan have a worse goal difference.

Their inability to score is worrying. It is more worrying when you consider they paid £10m for Peter Crouch and his margin of return diminishes with every game; the lanky forward has scored 2 goals in 9 for Stoke. The next best striker, on paper, would be Kenwyne Jones and he’s only scored one this campaign. His value to Stoke since moving from the other Premier League’s striped Red and Whites, Sunderland, works out as £800k per Premier League goal.

Stringing a couple of passes together would be a start; their last game, QPR, reaped only 118 successful passes for Stoke. Shooting however, is far worse: they have the worst shooting accuracy in the Premier League, 35%, a fifth of their goals have come from the penalty spot and Wayne Rooney has had as many shots on target as the whole of Stoke’s squad.

Although their best strikers, on paper, weigh in at £18m pound, their failure to score could cost Stoke this season. Goals aren’t coming regularly enough and if they can’t rely on the defensive displays they have so often produced in the past, then they need to start producing up the other end. The middle of the table has been blown well open this season. Anywhere from 7th to 17th is up for grabs and if Stoke can’t start getting results against the teams around them, they’ll find them self the wrong end of that segment. Their European adventure may well be proving successful, but with how much cost to their Premier League campaign?

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

They haven’t started badly but they haven’t set the world alight either. West Brom were, for the past decade, the perennial yo-yo dieters; feasting on the delights of the Old Trafford buffet dinner one season and munching on Blackpool’s discount foie gras the next. However, the last two seasons seem to have halted the bungee rope successes of the Midlands club.

West Brom were promoted from the Championship under Roberto Di Matteo and they achieved their best Premier League start ever with the Italian at the helm. Unfortunately, West Brom’s good start to the campaign wasn’t to last and early in February 2011, the Italian was sacked having gone 11 games with only one win. For the fans, the hiring of Roy Hodgson may have been somewhat underwhelming yet reliable. The Wise Old Owl had achieved relative success with Fulham, leading them to a Europa League final, and many were touting him for the England job. However, his move to Liverpool failed to act as a catalyst for the talented manager; it did quite the opposite. The pressure of a top four team, or at least one with the expectation, was seemingly too much for Hodgson and without having time to have his tyres stolen, Hodgson was dismissed from his post at Liverpool.

It proved to be the latter, reliable, and Hodgson resurrected a West Brom season that had seen the Baggies lose 13 of their last 18 games before he took the reigns. Consistency is what is almost guaranteed with Hodgson and it is what was needed at The Hawthorns. Having seen as much of Cardiff as they had Chelsea in the past decade, you’d forgive the club for wanting someone to steady the ship and ensure West Brom could stay up and stay up convincingly. With the then current LMA Manager of the Year running things, Albion achieved their best top flight finish for 28 years; 11th place and only 2 points off his former club, Fulham.

It was a good finish. It was better than expected. It shouldn’t be admired though. West Brom need to build on this and take their chance in a season where results are fluctuating like the predictions of the end of the world. The goals to game ratio is the highest it’s ever been since the formation of the Premier League at 2.97, the top half of the table is more open than ever and, apart from Wigan, there’s no team sinking without a trace, just yet.

With Reliable Roy in charge, they know they can finish mid-table, but who wants mid-table mediocrity every week? Hodgson can boast Premier League consistency; he has won 33% of games with West Brom, he won 34% with Fulham & 35% at both Liverpool & Blackburn, but now he needs to step up a level.

One problem to be remedied was highlighted last season. Whilst Odemwingie occasionally went missing, Chris Brunt didn’t; in fact, Chris Brunt finished fourth in the assists leader board last season and started this one as the provider or scorer for half of all West Brom goals. It was obviously a cause for concern for Hodgson and signing Shane Long has eased the pressure on the Nigerian and Northern Irish, who paired up to the tune of 19 goals and 20 assists. Since coming in, the Irish international has bagged four goals in ten games

Secondly, whilst WBA are starting brightly, scoring 55% of their goals in the first 15 minutes of the game, they are still leaking goals like a poorly fastened tap. Last season, West Brom only kept two clean sheets, the fewest ever in a Premier League campaign and they haven’t kept a clean sheet away from home since the end of the 08/09 season, conceding an average of 2.15 goals a game on the road since. Seemingly, this hasn’t improved much, if at all, with a goal difference of -5 away from home having conceded 11 in 6.

So what is holding West Brom back?

Do they still lack firepower and a provider? Probably not, Odemwingie and Long are scoring and Gera has been added to the midfield department.

Is it because they are conceding too many away from home? Possibly, but this time last season they had conceded 4 more and most importantly, although they still concede at an alarming rate away from home, that figure is lowering.

What it may be, however, is the apparent lack of influence from an assistant manager. When you look at most great teams, or most great managers, there is an unsung hero behind the man. He’ll be there in the dug-out, with a book, inanely scribbling notes and dealing with press conferences when the manager isn’t talking to the media.

Sir Alex Ferguson has Mike Phelan and before him he had Carlos Queiroz, Steve McClaren, Brian Kidd and Archie Knox. All assistants went on from their post under Sir Alex to manage themselves. Andre Villas Boas was assistant to Mourinho at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan before pursuing his own career. Pat Rice has been Arsene Wenger’s assistant at Arsenal since day one. There is a lot to say for the importance of the assistant manager and witnessing it first hand at my club, Southampton, Andy Crosby is as vital to Nigel Adkins as Peter Taylor was to Brian Clough.

West Brom have just lost their assistant manager, Michael Appleton, to Portsmouth where he has taken the managerial post. When Hodgson was questioned on his feelings concerning losing his assistant manager his reply was less than resounding, “we are not desperate to bring someone else in.” If ever there was a premature damning “vote of confidence” to be issued, that was it. His comments insinuate Appleton was of little use during Hodgson’s spell and Appleton’s tenure at the Hawthorns began in 2009, 2 years before Roy’s spell began. If Appleton was never any use and was so useless that Hodgson sees no point in hiring another assistant manager in his departure, not only have Portsmouth inherited a potentially talentless manager, but West Brom are missing a trick.

Hodgson, according to Ray Lewington, who was his assistant at Fulham, “does a lot of the coaching himself even at 62 years of age, at least 75% of it.” This may well explain why he isn’t too bothered about the departure of Appleton, “Roy is in the minority of managers in respect of doing most of the coaching himself,” said Lewington, who is again the assistant manager of Fulham. If there is a missing link to the success of Hodgson, this may well be it. He has achieved success in many different countries, but a lot of the time it is nearly-achievements, for example he has guided two teams to the final of the Europa League, (firstly, Inter when it was the UEFA Cup and then Fulham as the Europa League) but he has never won it. His title successes come in Scandinavia, arguably not as strong as the Premier League or Serie A, and hiring a young hungry enthusiastic assistant manager in the AVB mould might just give West Brom that edge in an attempt to build on last season, not dwell on it.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

Take Rickie Lambert’s chant, “He stands at over 6’3 Rickie, Rickie. He’ll take us to the Premier League, Rickie, Rickie. He gets the ball, he takes the piss, he wears the shirt of Matt Le Tiss, Rickie Lambert Southampton’s goal machine.” It is an enjoyable song; however, it has its inaccuracies. He isn’t quite 6’3 and he is more than just a goal machine. However, the accurate comments are akin to Jack Hussey’s exploits; he will take us to Division One, whilst, like Rickie, being more than just a goal machine. The young forward has made just three starts for FCI and every start has reaped a brace. His scoring ability has seen him rise to FCI’s 2^nd top scorer and 2^nd in the assists charts. When Jack is on the pitch he scores or assists a goal every 24.3 minutes, more often than anyone else. Read the young hit man’s interview below…..

Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 15/05/95
Height: 5’7
Squad Number: 99
Position: Striker

1. Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pale of water, Jack saw FCI and began to cry, ‘cos he saw the way they slaughter. If we had fans, they’d probably sing that. What’s your favourite song?

It would be ’ Jordan and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pale of water, Jordan saw Jack have a crack and he began to cry, cause he knew, he had found, a top quality striker, …… to score (more than Jim Neave)

This will eventually be my favourite song when FCI hit the premiership but until then it would have to be Nickelback ‘burn it to the ground’ 

2. Mine is probably Bon Iver - Re: Stacks, it is a truly touching song, give it a listen. The Salaam Shuffle was pretty intense stuff too, though. If you could choose a song to describe FCI’s start to the season, what would it be? 

The script ‘the man who can’t be moved’ and the FCI version ‘the team who can’t be moved.

3. Good choice Hussey; talking of Hussey’s, what is it like having your brother play in the same team as you? Is it something that has happened before?

It’s the first time we’ve played together in a team, I think it’s a good partnership with him stopping the shots (when he actually plays well) and me scoring the shots, and I usually get a lift to footy, always a bonus!

4. And on match days he is quite the opposite of you; erratic, loud and aggressive. Is he like it out of football too?

Well not really apart from his laugh which kind of hurts my ears it’s that loud, on rare occasions he shows anger but he backs down to my dominance!

5. What is he like as a brother? Is he like Gary to Phil, Rod to Danny? 

He is a legend as a brother particularly as he buys me a lot of shizz, pizza, coke, boost bars, McDonalds, b&q burgers and bacon rolls and any other junk so it’s nice having a caring brother and pretty much a second wallet haha!

6. How do you think he’s done so far this season?

i think pre-season where he was rusty he was a little Gomes but now were well into the season he is actually pulling out some quality saves and the occasional clean sheet which is always a bonus to him and the team. (You really don’t want to mention in the car he didn’t keep a clean sheet after the match, you’ll be walking home)

 

7. Now you’ve had a great start to the campaign; how do you feel about your introduction and breakthrough to pretty much starting every week?

Well its good see youth gets the go ahead over lazy, lanky pile of dog crap ‘Jim Neave’. Nah, only joking; I think me a Jim have gelled quite well the last couple of games and i am quite surprised how I was only suppose to the ‘referee and be the make up the numbers boy’ but I’m really glad I’m playing most games with some top draw goals, haha jokes!

8. Well it has been well earned. I have some statistics that may shock you; you’re our 2nd top scorer and 2nd top assister since the season started, despite missing some games and starting the season as an impact sub. Not only that, but statistically, you’re involved in a goal more regularly that any other player. Every 24.3 minutes you’re on the pitch for, you score or assist. Were you aware of your vital role to our scoring exploits?

No, I was quite shocked at that but it’s good to hear I’m making a good impact at my new club.

9. It really is a top achievement and we definitely miss you when you’re not available or refereeing. Do you enjoy refereeing?!

I actually quite enjoy it (but only when I’m paid the wonga)

10. You’re actually a very fair and stern referee, not many people will realise you are now the baby of the team; younger than Wes, is this the first men’s team you have played for?

It is the first men’s team I’ve played for in my career

11. How does it differ from playing for Marchwood?

Well playing against my own age its very tiring compared to the men’s league as everyone has pace and agility compared to only some in the men’s league, but it’s much more physical so I’m in the gym most weeks building my strength up! And, I seem to be playing better for FCI than last season with Marchwood.

12. Did you play up front for Marchwood and were you as prolific in front of goal?

I did and I actually have scored 134 goals for Marchwood in 6 years of 11 a side, my worst being last year with only 9 goals and my best being under 11’s scoring 38.

13. That is an impressive 22 goals a season, on average!  Like the good lads of the team, you are a Saints fan! Our last game of 2011 is a day before the Saints Portsmouth game; a big weekend! Our game is against Hedge End Blues, what are your predictions for those two games?

Portsmouth 1-4 Saints (return the favour from the F.A cup)
Hedge End Blues 0-11 FC Independence

14. I’m eating a Mars Bar, what is your favourite chocolate bar?

Galaxy cookie crumble

15. I know you’re addicted to Call of Duty, but what is better COD or FIFA?

Call of duty modern warfare 3

16. Who is your favourite player and who do you most try and play like?

Alan Shearer because he looks like Nathan, scores goals and has the engine of a Mustang; he just kept going till he had wrinkles.

17. Jim is your main striking rival up top; will you outscore him this season?

Are you trying to make me laugh? Jim Neave scores more goals than Jack Hussey? NEVER! My gran scores more goals than he does he can’t hit a barn door most days. So yes I shall score more!

18. Who do you think Jim most plays like?

Dimitar Berbatov Jim Neave
lanky lanky 
casual casual
can’t score can’t score
always the linesmen always the linesmen
moans moans

……….. Noticing a trend? Need i continue

19. If you were to liken your partnership with Jim to a famous striking partnership; who would they be?

Rooney and Berbatov 
Jack Jim 
obviously!

20. Thanks for doing the interview Jack. My last question for you is: will we win the league and will you get top scorer?

For FCI hopefully, for the whole league? I might do, I just try each week to bag a goal or two and will see at the end.

Thanks again Jack!

FCI face stiff opponents on Saturday in the form of UK Asian League team Hazaria IFC. It is the first team FCI have faced outside the SSCL and therefore it is sure to be a different test to the physicality of the typically English league. Expect the opposition to be quick, technically capable and feisty!

Come back here to see how we do! 

It has been much covered in the media as of late, that Wales are approaching a generation that affords their nation the best chance of some success on the international scene. They have Gareth Bale, capped over 30 times already for The Dragons and he’s hit the back of the net six times. His arrival on the Welsh international scene dates back to 2006, when Bale was aged just 16 and still at Southampton. Four years later, the left winger is plying his trade at Tottenham on the back of a PFA Player of the Year award and he’s pulling on the white shirt of Spurs well aware that Barcelona and the rest of Europe’s elite envy him and wish to sign him in equal balance.

It’s an opportunity Wales won’t want to ruin; they were fortunate enough to have Bale, as although he was born and bred in Wales, he was eligble to play for England and it was only out of failure to contact him earlier that cost The Three Lions a much needed solution to their apparent left-midfield problem that has hampered Steven Gerrard’s international career. With Ramsey captaining the new look Welsh side along with his North London counterpart heading the team towards a brighter future, Swansea’s elevation to the Premier League and Cardiff’s continual threat of entry, making the past two Championship play-offs, the future of Welsh football looks good.

If England fans feel they have had to endure 45 years of hurt then Welsh fans can consider themselves martyrs; the footballing minnows, ranked 45th after halving their distance from Spain’s #1 ranking with a 45-place jump last time the table was configured, are part of a 61-year and counting wait for World Cup football and their failure to qualify for Euro 2012 means that Wales haven’t qualified for the European Championships for 36 years now. Swansea may well offer a remedy for Wales world football woes.

Swansea’s top flight exploits have been nothing but admirable as they embark on their first ever season in the Premier League; last season, as the South Wales Echo cleverly pointed out, the average Championship team made 312 passes a game, Arsenal made 428 and Swansea made 98 more at 526. Further still, their record of 756 in one match was not bettered by any team of the 92 in the Football League. Swansea have continued this free flowing football into the heavens of English League football; they’ve averaged 513 passes per PL game this season, 16 more than Manchester United.

I don’t want to tempt fate, but their impressive start encourages me to and I can’t help thinking further into Swansea’s Premier League future, into next year, the year after and five years down the line. Swansea’s place in the Premier League brings numerous benefits to Welsh football. Firstly, having a Welsh team in the Premier League is a milestone for Welsh football and purely by being there the interest in the sport, in a predominantly Rugby following country, should increase. Secondly, a Welsh team now has its place in, allegedly, the best league in the world and that acts as an incentive and as a club of role models for young players and Welsh children and one would expect the amount of Welsh kids taking up the sport over others will increase.

However, they are the blatant advantages, the advantages that boroughs and councils benefit from on a smaller scale when a team manages to break into the Premier League when they have never done so before. One advantage that may outweigh all other benefits put together, is the direct effect of having a Welsh team in the Premier League.

Imagine a scenario in which, not only Swansea remain in the Premier League, but Cardiff achieve promotion; if they were both in the Premier League the majority of Welshmen, as well as following their local clubs, would have an allegiance to either the Swans or the Bluebirds. This would subsequently provide a potential for both clubs to sell-out, or nearly sell-out, every week as there are no other nearby clubs. Liverpool, arguably the only club of distinguished note near Wales, is over 206 miles from Cardiff, leaving at least South Wales to choose between Swansea or Cardiff.

With the revenue that would be generated through sell-out crowds and Premier League status, considerable investment can be placed in youth and this is where the two Welsh clubs have the ability to exploit a unique advantage only they have. By exploiting the unparalleled benefits of being a member of the Premier League, yet being a non-English team, the two clubs could massively contribute to the Welsh national team.

Now they are in the best league in the world, their capabilities in the transfer market have increased hugely. By investing in youth and young talent, not only Welsh but English and European too, the clubs, providing they secure the services of any player for at least five years, are passively enhancing the pool of players eligible to play for Wales. By the letter of the law, any uncapped player that has lived in a country for five years has the right to claim for citizenship and therefore represent the nation of which they ply their trade in. An easy example would be Manuel Almunia; who has played football in England for over five years now and has British citizenship and is thus eligible to play for England.

Some may argue that, whilst Wales may gain access to more and perhaps better players, it isn’t ethically right to field a team representing Wales that is flooded full of non-Welshmen. However, although this seems like a sensible argument at first, the current Welsh team aren’t as Welsh as you think; out of the 26 most recent call-ups to the team, 14 weren’t even born in Wales and in fact, the 14 non-Welshmen could compose a strongly competitive 11. So now, when you imagine an XI of non-Welshmen representing Wales, it isn’t as detached from what happens already.

Robert Earnshaw, born in Zambia

So, as abstract as it may sound, Swansea’s existence in the Premier League may well act as a catalyst for the improvement in the Welsh national team, for more than just the obvious reasons. Their chances to qualify for the World Cup in 2014 aren’t far-fetched; Ramsey, now fully fit, will captain The Dragons in their charge to qualify and with Bale cascading down one wing and Myhill and Bellamy responsible for stopping and scoring goals, their return to the big stage may well be just around the corner.

Even if they fail to qualify for Brazil 2014, you’d put money on them qualifying for the Euros in 2016, wouldn’t you? After all 32 teams will be competing in France.

Written by Jordan Florit forwww.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

Jordan Florit was blessed with a full squad this week with a very strong 14 available. It was a much needed boost to Florit and Goddard’s preparations with a top of the table clash facing them in Hythe & Dibden in the form of Waterside A.

Waterside B proved tough opposition a month back on October 15th, but despite numerous injuries and a lacklustre performance, FCI got all three points in a 3-2 win. The goals that day came from Giles-Pilgrim, Ely and Breen. The former two are available again today but Ryan Breen is still sidelined with achilles damage. 

Injured with probable poorly ankle

Today their A team will want to pull off a result against the unbeaten league leaders to keep them in touching distance of promotion, however Florit intends to go into the Christmas break with 21 points from 21 points and has no place for sympathy for Waterside.

In 5 games, W.A have pulled off 3 victories, their most recent coming against Testwood, who FCI are all too familiar with having beaten them 4-1 and 4-2. The latter score was repeated in the Waterside Testwood game with all 3 points going to Waterside. FCI’s most recent result was a 8-0 hammering of Hedge End Blues who, when up against Waterside, bravely battled but were ultimately defeated 5-1.

Going into the game FCI were 5 points clear of 2nd place 

November 19^th 2011                     Waterside A vs. FCI

 FC Independence (4-3-3): Redhead, Ross, M.Florit, Reguar, Lewis, Hannides, Goddard, Giles-Pilgrim, J.Florit, Neave, J.Hussey Subs: Broadway, Saribiyik, Ely

Attendance: 5

FCI 3-1 Waterside A

Arriving at the ground, it was clear that both teams had their eye on promotion. A Waterside player was brash enough to suggest the trophy was their’s already and the game started at a rapid pace with the flow very much being dictated by the midfield of either side.

With Paul Redhead making his first league start of the campaign with regular shot-stopper Nathan Hussey unavailable for selection, the defence had earned a very commanding presence. His voice was an ever-present feature of a game that fluctuated throughout. 

It took until the half-hour mark for one of the teams to truly stamp their authority on the game and it was instigated with the changes made at 25 minutes. Ely, Saribiyik and Broadway came into the mix and it was the former two that combined on the edge of the box for FCI to take the lead. Having the ball in the box was always going to be a threat and when it came out of the area to hang in the air, Saribiyik was the quickest to act; nodding the ball down set-up Scott Ely to hit the ball on the half-volley and send it flying past, the so far faultless, ‘keeper into his bottom right corner. 1-0 FCI.

Scott Ely’s second goal in Black and Blue was a just reward for the first half efforts that saw a whole host of chances missed. Mikey Hannides was particularly fruitful in the first half, linking up with Lejay to good effect and holding his own up-front admirably. However, with numerous opportunities squandered FCI were to be tested down the other end. When a Waterside striker did get inbetween the defence and the ‘keeper, Paul Redhead was equal to the effort and gathered the ball with consummate ease.

HT 1-0.

So impressive was Mikey Hannides’ start to the game, the FCI management team were forced to play their hand at half-time. The cypriot midfielder was due to come off at 25 minutes and then back on at the break however, his display was too good to stunt. Having to make a tough decision, Florit replaced Hannides with Hussey and Ross and Neave made way for Lewis and Goddard. 

The second half was productive and the score line could perhaps have flattered Waterside A at half-time and so FCI set about constructively unflattering the flattered. Wes Regular’s display down the left flank was one of many highlights of the performance and it was his determination and foresight that brought about the second goal. As the pass up-field came at J.Florit, so did the man to the aforementioned and the left winger flicked the ball on for an oncoming Giles-Pilgrim to latch on to, before setting Goddard up for a Balotelli-esque finish. As the ball rolled to Goddard, he aligned his body and placed the ball coolly into the back of the net; again to the keeper’s right. 2-0 FCI.

Over the next 15 minutes, Florit staggered the final three substitutions as FCI once again were forced into shuffling the pack to suit positions. Eventually, Regular and the two Florits took to the sideline for Neave, Hannides and Ross to take up the positions for the final spell.

Hannides impressed at centre-back, controlling the tempo and remaining calm in possession. Ross’ presence steadied an understandably nervous Lewis, who was making his debut as a centre-back and felt a little out of place. Neave’s short second half spell wasn’t as long as J.Florit would’ve wanted, but within the final ten minutes of the game, Neave was unlucky not to score and linked up well with Goddard to produce some good deliveries into the box.

It was the goal just before the trio took to the pitch that sealed the game, though. J.Florit’s whipped corner was met by Lejay Giles-Pilgrim on the volley, who had managed to peel away unmarked, and the ball was sent crashing home. 3-0 FCI.

Florit’s men has been attempting to sow an ethic of defence into their performances as of late and it looked like another clean sheet was to come their way, however, following a dubiously taken throw-in a Waterside A hit a shot goal bound and the perfection it was struck with was always going to beat the ‘keeper and it did. 3-1 FCI. 

Lejay won the Man of the Match award 

The win saw FCI put 8 points between them and Waterside, who now sit firmly in 3rd place at least. With other results still to come in the final score could potentially be more damaging than first thought for Waterside. Hedge End St Lukes pulled off a 4-1 win against Hedge End Blues and therefore the 5 point gap still remains.

Come back Monday for Jack Hussey’s One-on-One.

Frenchmen in England don’t have the best reputation as day-to-day life goes; labelled as frog-eating garlic-smelling owners of hairy wifes, isn’t the best tagline to describe the men from across the channel. Take the French footballers that inhabit England, however, and you have a different story. The Premier League has 650 players registered from 68 countries and apart from Englishmen, the best represented country is France.

France contributes to The Premier League with 32 players and only five teams have a squad absent of any of  Les Tricolores’ eligible players. Unsurprisingly, Arsenal have the most Frenchmen in their 25-man squad with 20% of Wenger’s team coming from his home country. However, Newcastle are the team this season plying their transfer activity in France. Although both The Gunners and Blackburn have as many or more Frenchmen than The Toon Army, it is the sudden influx of Ligue 1 based players to the Tyneside club that has grabbed the attention of other clubs now having their heads turned by the cream of the crop available by crossing the channel.

A quick look at the Newcastle team sheet will only afford you four Frenchmen and they’re all midfielders; Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa, Sylvain Marveaux and Gabriel Obertan, however if you look at where Pardew’s been conducting his scouting and most of his transfer activity, France will be your destination. A brief glance at past and present French stars in the Premier League and any justification needed is found; Barthez, Sagna,  Desailly, Gallas, Evra, Makelele, Viera, Pires, Ginola, Cantona and Henry, to name a pretty competent XI.

Much of Newcastle’s activity can be attributed to just one man: Graham Carr, former manager-turned-scout, who has previously worked under David Pleat and Sven Goran-Eriksson. The father of television’s Chatty Man, Alan Carr, was hired in February 2010 and the man has wasted no time in making his work and knowledge Newcastle’s gain and talent. Since his position at St. James’ Park, yes I said St. James’ Park, as chief scout start over 18 months ago, Carr has overseen the transfers of all four of Newcastle’s Les Bleus’, as well as Davide Santon, Cheick Tiote and Demba Ba. Not only is this a highly European ensemble, but it is a talented core that can arguably lead Newcastle back to Europe. But why are the English clubs choosing to plunder France of their talent?

Well firstly, taking Newcastle’s example, Carr states that wages and convenience are the cornerstone of the availability of French stars to the Premier League, “Our strategy is quite clear. We have realistic targets. We are not going to pay £20M for anybody,” stating in no uncertain terms that the days of signing Owens and Kluiverts, just for neither to score prolifically are over, “What we are looking for are good players at the right age and at the right price.”

As well as the evident cost saving advantages that dipping into the French market has, as displayed by the average weekly wage in Ligue 1( $50,000 less than in the Premier League), the ease of accessibility for scouts carry huge benefits, “It’s easy to get to northern France because only 60 miles from Calais are three teams, Lille, Lens and Valenciennes, you can take in three matches with one visit.”

Carr brags that he has been “watching Cabaye since he was 18,” and he goes on to state that he “liked him so much (he) asked Chris Hughton to come along when he was boss to watch him.” However, at the time £10m was wanted and under the highly scrutinized, yet barely flawed running of the club under Mike Ashley, it was deemed too much. Fortunately for Newcastle, and the Premier League, Cabaye was allowed to leave for £4.7m in the summer.

Although Newcastle look set to carry on pillaging the teams of France for their stars of tomorrow with rumours circulating that Olivier Giroud and Alain Traore are set to sign in January, they aren’t the only Premier League team to be reaping the rewards of up and coming Ligue 1 performers. Yann M’Vila will almost certainly be leaving Rennes at the end of the season, whether it is for Real Madrid or Arsenal, however ex-Gunner Patrick Vieira, the acknowledged man in the “next Vieira” tagline M’Vila is slapped with, reckons Manchester City will compete for his signature.

The retired Frenchman, who now operates as City’s executive of football development, told French TV that, “Yann could seize his opportunity in the French team. I like the image he is showing. I am sure City is not the only club attracted by him,’ all but confirming that City are indeed interested in him.

So, in a time where everyone from Adam to Zane are quick to lambast clubs for paying extraordinary fees for less than ordinary players, it may well be the case that you’re just reading the tabloid headlines, your paper is being buried under by snippets of so-and-so being linked with Manchester City as they slowly buy every name in the telephone book or you might just be one of those fans that isn’t happy unless your club is spending vast amounts every window. Irrelevant of which heading you fall under, their is no denying that there is some wise business being carried out in the Premier League and France looks like being the bargain basement for the time being.

I leave you with three French starlets that will hit the big time in the next 5 years; M’Baye Niang, Tony Huston and Alexandre Lacazette.

Written by Jordan Florit forwww.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

Despite the constant and almost fashionable put-down of the MLS, made all the more arguable by players such as Robbie Keane and Darren Huckerby heading to America for their final pay packet, whilst playing football that Del Piero states needs to be “more competitive,” it seems that the American Dream of a rising standard of soccer is looking all the more valid.

David Beckham joined the MLS as an L.A Galaxy player in 2007 and told the world that he was going there, ”to make a difference, to play football,” however he admitted that going over to the States didn’t mean it was going to, “make soccer the biggest sport in America,” further admitting it, “would be difficult to achieve.” He did however end his inspirational PR-fuelled ode to the MLS with a, in hindsight, accurate prediction for the future of American football, “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could make a difference.”

As Beckham’s multi-million pound contract trickles to an end in Los Angeles it is unquestionable that he has brought positive attention to the league, as well as inspiring aging has-beens to follow suit. Wenger is one of the biggest admirers of the MLS, “the United States (is) where football is becoming more and more popular and the quality is rising,” said the Frenchman, “I think (America and Asia) will be the future of the game. America will produce more and more top level players.” His explanation is down to the mental attributes of the players, ”they have an aptitude to have a team attitude and a hard-working attitude too. Once they get the education, they will start to produce good players.” With these comments in mind, the first MLS star with a future in the Premier League is Brek Shea and his possible future in the World’s best league may lie under Arsene Wenger.

Brek Shea is a 6’3 winger and height out wide is no bad thing, Ronaldo is 6’1 and a combination of pace and power makes for one of the most-feared players in the world. The 21-year old has already enjoyed a spell of English football, training with Bolton Wanderers in 2007 aged only 17. Bolton are a club that have invested in American talent with Stuart Holden having signed from Houston Dynamo in 2010. Shea was drafted in for FC Dallas in 2008 and the USA international has this year been shortlisted for the MLS MVP award, along with two other players. His ability has not gone unnoticed and Arsene Wenger has moved quickly to ensure he is in the best footing to sign the creative midfielder.

Arsenal.com announced that Brek Shea has joined The Gunners on a temporary basis, and Wenger added that “he will practice with the top team when it’s possible, practice with the best prospects of the club as well outside the normal sessions and have a contact with top level football in the world,” also hinting at the player featuring for the reserves, “if it is possible I would like to do it.”  Arsenal will assess the American whilst he trains with the first team and if he impresses during his time at the club, Wenger may be inclined to sign the player on loan in the January transfer window. Shea would be available to sign on a three-month loan contract with the American football calendar in it’s off-season and it is rumoured that if Wenger doesn’t make the move, David Moyes will. Moyes knows fully the advantage MLS players can bring to his club mid-season, having signed Landon Donovan on loan in January 2010.

Landon Donovan is another MLS star that may well have a future in the Premier League, similarly, on loan, at least initially. As aforementioned, the USA’s all-time highest goalscorer with 46 goals in 138 games, has already starred in the Premier League for Everton and a move back to the Merseyside club looks like a possibility with Everton cash-strapped for transfer in the January window.

The Daily Mail have suggested that “Moyes is keen to see Landon Donovan return to Goodison Park in January,” and the acquisition of the L.A Galaxy player may assist the Scot in tempting his fellow countryman Brek Shea to the Toffees, should Arsenal choose not to move for the FC Dallas player. ”It’s something we will probably try and look to to see if there’s an interest,”explained Moyes, “Donovan was popular here, and we could do with some speed and width on the right. It wouldn’t be something we’d be against, that’s for sure.” However, it would only be a loan with Moyes perhaps eluding to the lack of funds at Everton, “It’s unrealistic to sign him on a permanent deal, though.”

Tim Ream may well be the third American that could be joining the Premier League in the future and yet again it is Arsenal at the heart of the speculation. The centre-back plays for New York Redbulls and it was teammate and ex-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry that allegedly brought the name to Wenger first. Apparently Henry, who has recently jumped to the defence of NY Redbulls’ “dirty tactics” and Wenger over criticism to Arsenal’s start, has tipped off his former boss and believes that his current team’s centre-back is good enough for his former team and as a fan of The Gunners, you’d trust Henry’s opinion, wouldn’t you?

Only January will tell how many, if any, of the three MLS players make the move across the pond. However, with Brek Shea already training at Arsenal and Donovan having enjoyed a previous flirt with the EPL, the American internationals may well have a future in the Premier League. Following the paths of Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride and most recently, Stuart Holden, would prove that the skill gap is continually closing and The Professor of football is certain that America is the “future of the game.”

Written by Jordan Florit forwww.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

Between the three of them, they have a combined age of 111. They have won all of Europe’s most highly regarded competitions, including; eight Premier League titles, five F.A Cups, two Champions Leagues, one La Liga, seven Serie A titles, four Italian Cups and one Spanish Cup. If that isn’t already enough to impress you, they’ve won, internationally, two World Cups and one European Championship.

They all feature in Pele’s scribed “FIFA 100” and as it stands, two are running out of contracted time at their current clubs and one is unattached. The three aging stars aren’t exactly stagnating either, perhaps with one exception – the Frenchman – with recent achievements including the MLS Western Conference, the MLS Supporters’ Shield and the Italian has continued to extend his lead as record goal scorer and appearance holder for his club.

If you haven’t figured out who the three players are by now, shame on you. The French midfielder, who has last seen telling a disillusioned Willie McKay that he has no urge to play for a team bottom of the nPower Championship, despite the Scot’s unfounded promise that anyone who joins the Keepmoat team will be with (them) for six months before playing in the Premier League,” is spending his time desperately trying to secure a move to Qatar or Russia. His particular choices of preferred destinations just happen to coincide with clubs that offer ridiculous money to big name signings and that might be the pulling factor for Robert Pires. However he has hinted at his desire for a move back to the top flight of English football, stating that he’s “not convinced that a life in England outside the Premier League” would suit him. The question is, Pires, who would want you?

The second player of our much-acclaimed European trio has been involved in a bitter battle of egos at his current club and understandably the nineteen year servant of the club defeated the club president, who has only been in power for 18 months. Del Piero was told he will not be offered a new contract at the end of the current season, having managed to secure this one quite fortunately. Publicly stating he would sign a blank contract for his beloved Turin club was enough to force Andrea Agnelli, club president, into offering him a one year extension back in February.

With Agnelli announcing that this season will most definitely be Del Piero’s last at the Old Lady, the World Cup winner declared that he has, “to confess,” he loves “the Premier League. What a great league.” He carries on, “Of course I would like to play there before retiring.” His comments have sparked interest, allegedly, with Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp supposedly interested, along with Blackburn, West Ham and Everton. Of course, it is all speculation, but he has publicly announced his wish to play in a “more competitive league” than the MLS or the clubs of the United Arab Emirates; countries of destination also speculatively linked with the Italian forward.

Akin to other players who have flirted with the Premier League in their twilight years, such as Larsson, Davids and Montella, is our last Musketeer. Perhaps the most suited, definitely the most welcomed and undoubtedly the most likely to happen is David Beckham.

He has continued to make comments of ambition ahead of his final weeks at L.A Galaxy; “”People have been saying [I am too old] for the last 10 or 15 years and I’ve still continued to play.” This isn’t mathematically enlightening, Beckham was 21 fifteen-years ago, but it is still ambitious. “Right now, I feel fit and still love playing, so I’m not finishing yet,” he said when questioned on wanting to captain Great Britain at the Olympics. Most ambitious of all, though, are his comments of commitment and determination, “right now I’m a Galaxy player and I will continue to be a Galaxy player until we win the league - the MLS Cup - and then we’ll see. As long as I feel I can play at a high level, then I’ll continue. Once that changes, I’m going to have to accept I need to stop.”

PSG are apparently closing in on the former England captain, who would be available to sign for a Premier League team in the January transfer window. QPR’s seeming omission from the race to sign Beckham, may indicate the French side are crossing the line but Tottenham may pip them to the post yet.

“David’s a fantastic player and a great influence in and around the club. He’s someone that I have always admired and is a great role model. I would take him, for sure, but my dilemma is being able to guarantee him first-team football. I have an abundance of talent in midfield so it’s difficult to work out how and when I can play him.” Harry Redknapp spoke highly of the hopeful Olympian, but remained realistic about his first team chances at White Hart Lane.

Beckham returning would be a dream come true for me. His free-kick against Greece, his tears whilst wearing our nation’s shirt and his emotion when he received the lifetime achievement award, are the makings of a true English great. If anyone deserves a swansong in the Premier League it is the biggest ambassador of English football across the entire globe.

Written by Jordan Florit forwww.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

No, sadly not. It was, however, the first time we have beaten a World champion side since 1980 and that was Argentina. I wasn’t wholly behind Capello going into the game and I never am. Nevertheless, going into the game, sat down on the sofa in a relaxed state, I was mildly optimistic. Within the space of forty-five minutes, that mild optimism turned to mild impression.

Capello’s Italian influence finally proved advantageous to England in a game where a shut-out was almost an expected necessity. The XI that started had, almost entirely, convinced me that we could get something out of the game, by half-time.

Two players were my only cause for concern and, ironically, they set-up England’s goal 4 minutes after the break. The English defence was standing firm; Joe Hart provided the confidence they needed and his quick distribution eased England’s relentless stream of Spanish attacks. Phil Jones and Frank Lampard were encouraging in bombing forward through the middle and Scott Parker, constantly releasing the former two, was the formidable rock that England were epitomised through.

A lynchpin is an anchor man, “a central cohesive source of support and stability,” and if you want a word for every player’s performance, lynchpin best describes Scott Parker’s. His tireless contribution to the cause earned him the Vauxhall Man of the Match and potentially the game for England. Not only did he sweep up in-front of the defence, but his spatial awareness was perhaps more akin to a Spanish team than The Three Lions and a last-ditch block in the closing stages of the game prevented Spain from possibly grabbing a share of the spoils.

Out of the front three the first half pitted Walcott as the most effective. His ability and fearless nature to take on his man was invaluable to easing the tsunami of attacks Spain were coming with. Taking the ball to the touch line and beating his man for pace played a role that we lacked on the opposing wing and it is no surprise that when Milner made haste for the substitute’s bench, after 75 minutes of donkey work, Johnson brought the same benefit to the left.

As it was to be though, Walcott made way at half-time and Milner, who was good at chasing down the ball, running his line and supporting Cole, stayed on the pitch alongside the, so far, ineffectual Darren Bent. Bent was strangled out the game for the first half, but I felt his own performance was still partly to blame for his lack of influence in the first forty-five. I was left pondering how we could have best filled the void left by Rooney and the only solution I could find was Rooney.

The set-up was perfect; we were narrowing Spain down and then quickly and efficiently pulling the play wide when in possession. Some of our passing was lacklustre, but the speed at which we broke up the play to then spread the possession out wide was our best component. That was where Parker became invaluable, but, Bent wasn’t the man to strive under our set-up.

England needed a deep-lying striker in his position, a trequartista perhaps; it would allow the wingers to become more involved when England broke through the middle, with the striker linking up with either Lampard or Jones. A striker that could drop to collect the ball would’ve allowed the wingers to cut inside ahead of the dropped striker to become false forwards. Pondering over whom best suited that role, apart from Rooney, was Welbeck.

Welbeck did indeed come on, fifteen minutes after my personal weak links linked up to provide Lampard with the easiest goal of his career; Milner with the free-kick and Bent providing the assist through a saved headed shot. It only took five minutes for Welbeck to do what it took Bent; he linked up with another player effectively, nearly seeing Jack Rodwell fire home for England having played two neat one-twos with the United front man.

The recent u-21 international continued to prove he has matured sufficiently to make the step-up in-front of his u-21 coach, Stuart Pearce, making countless half turns to run at his man with pace and power. Pique didn’t want to contain the rapid striker and he often found himself having to pair up with Carles Puyol to apprehend Welbeck. The positives are genuinely what must be taken from this game, not because we played badly and need to be salvaging whatever is possible, but because the performance was a learning curve.

It was a step forward in a path of England’s that has steps untraceable due to the fact they have been trodden through far too many times. England beat the World and European champions, England shut out a team that created 23 scoring opportunities and most of all, England proved that there is still a reason to believe that the Euros won’t all be doom and gloom. They probably will though.

One-on-One: Joel Stocker

This week’s One-on-One is with the delightful Joel Stocker. The ever-present trainer and never-present player explains why he is a no-show most Saturday’s, the song he is most likely to listen to if faced with death, his banter with the FCI team and possibly FCI’s new anthem and future Top40 single “The Salaam Shuffle”. Here is your September 3^rd Man of the Match………..

1. Hey Joel. I’ve particularly been looking forward to this interview, I must admit. Everyone knows you from Tuesday night sessions, but our league campaign has been dieted when it comes to the appearances of Joel Stocker. How are you spending your Saturday mornings?

Well, I awake with my Father calling me for brekky. Breakfast consists of two slices of marmite on toast, 1 boiled egg and a mug of Coffee (Tesco gold). 

Of course most Saturdays for me is match day, therefore straight after breakfast I partake in my first match day, nervous, adrenaline poo. These are the quickest poos with little effort needed. 

Then from breakfast its game prep. This consists of watching Youtube montages of ‘big hits and rib breakers’ whilst taking a nervous poo in between each video. I have about 4 before a game sometimes 5.

2. Yes, your rugby team; how are they doing and, considering your unfortunate injury, how is the season going for you on a personal level? 

I’m almost back to full health. I strained my abductor longus, (groin). The team is going well we’re sitting third and if we keep up the fine form we’re in we should gain promotion. I also think I have a hernia though but we’ll have to wait and see.

3. So for the players that haven’t seen you as regularly as they may have liked to this season in such terrific sporting venues such as Bursledon Recreation Ground, give us three facts about yourself so we can all grow closer to our baby-faced centre back.

1. I met Matt Le Tissier in Savages, Woolston.
2. My grandads cousin is Les Stocker and a big name in the wildlife world, owns St Tiggywinkles the biggest animal sanctuary in the world. Look him up; he’s kinda a big deal. 
3. I’m double jointed in over 10 places in my body. Not telling where though. 

4. Despite only frequenting the black and blue stripes of FC Independence three times, you’ve managed to contribute to the club’s short history with a unique contribution, which is quietly becoming famed. Arthur describes it as “the ruined #3 shirt.” I’m referencing the deep heat riddled shirt that you inherited during pre-season which supposedly inhabits your “pyjama draw”; is there any news on the shirt? Are we likely to see it again?

Unfortunately I had a deathly cold that day and decided to smear tonnes of Vicks onto my chest. I thought it would replicate the looks of Patrick Veira back in his Arsenal days. Unfortunately not so as Patrick is black and doesn’t have blonde curly hair.

It was in my pyjama draw but alas, I had to give the shirt back to Arthur. Anyone of the team members could have seen myself wearing such a shirt in bed if they had played their cards right.

5. A better contribution in your three appearances is your part in keeping one of two clean sheets kept by FCI in competitive fixtures and the only league clean sheet. It was our first FCI league game and the score line finished 6-0; you took the man of the match award that day – what do you feel you bring to the back line?

Good looks and a fresh smelling aroma. 

6. It is well accounted for in the FCI dressing room that you are indeed a rugby player, “typical Joel” springs to mind from our Turk Mitat Saribiyik, but what a lot of people won’t realise is that you were a footballer first. Who did you play for during your footballing days and what position did you play? 

I had spells for Weston Sports and captained Woolston School during years 7 to 11. I started at striker and then my coaches cottoned on I couldn’t finish so they stuck me at CB.

7. Which sport do you prefer and why?

This is a ridiculous question. Rugby by far exceeds football. I could give you an outrageous list on why I believe this but I’d just bore you fairies, so I’ll leave you with the All Blacks motto: ‘Subdue and Penetrate.’

8.  That is a tad gay. I know you are at Winchester University at the moment and I believe you are in your final year of Media Studies, correct me if I am wrong; how are you finding it?

Media Production, a bit like Media Studies but for retards. Tonnes of work though, sometimes inhumane. 

It’s all good. Very stressful at the moment though. Winchester is a fantastic place though. Often find yourself bumping into Jeff Stelling or Lucy Pinder (not together) and they have some awesome pubs. 

When Hitler was planning to evade apparently he wanted Winchester as his capital. It’s a shame he didn’t stick around to see what a wonderful town it’s become.

9. And you enjoyed a weekend up in Manchester on the Football Focus set with BBC football journalist, pundit and all round expert Dan Walker; did you enjoy your time up there? What did you get up to?

I got up to some pretty amazing stuff. I could bore you but I’ll highlight the key moments.

- Sitting with Dan Walker and Lee Dixon on set whilst they went through a rehearsal resulting in myself having to pretend to be a pundit, next to Lee Dixon whilst the crew test out framing and sound. - Surreal.

- Meeting Gordon Strachan whilst he was changing his shirt resulting in him giving me a topless handshake! - Arousing.

- After finally saying goodbye to Dan and wandering around the BBC building, trying to find the exit, for at least 20 minutes then going back to him and asking for a picture with him as I’d previously forgot. - Embarrassing. 


10. It sounded like something I’d love and the hotel room photos did not look bad either! I’m sure you said you wanted to be a T.V presenter; did the experience deter you at all or did it encourage you even more?

Encouraged me tremendously; Dan pretty much took me under his wing for the day and it was almost like a ‘day in the life’ experience of a TV presenter. It was all I could have imagined and more. A lot of hard work though. 

11. I was surprised at first, when you said you wished to be a T.V presenter, because I’d never heard it before, but everyone from FCI will agree you are a top guy; funny, likeable and a banter machine. Scott, Lejay, Jamie and Breeny have all been on the end of your banter on the astro on Tuesdays and I’ve occasionally been slaughtered on Facebook; who is the victim of your most banterous relationship?

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for my behaviour sometimes on a Tuesday night. I get way too over excited sometimes and often say things that really aren’t that funny. 

I often say my banter is a lot like my finishing during football - very hit and miss, but when I hit the target it can often be devastating. 

The girlfriend gets the most banter, she often ends up crying which can often be quite funny. 

12. Hahahahaha. You follow Joey Barton on Twitter, as do I, who do you think is funnier; you or him?

Well Joey gets his laughs from the amount of abuse he gives people. He is extremely blunt and often very brutal on Twitter. I get my laughs more out of plain stupidity and immaturity. Two different ends of the scale. 

13. And what would you say is your funniest ever comment since your birth many years ago?

It would have to be when I was about 6 or 7 whilst I was at the dinner table with my whole family and I called my Grandmother fat. Sadly she is no longer with us but back then she was quite a large lady. She was outraged and I received a stern reprimanding. 

14. Facebookers among the team will know you are valiantly participating in Movember, even if purely for comedic effect – could you afford as a picture of your progress?

15. That is a stellar attempt. I’m aware some on Facebook have genuinely commented saying they “couldn’t see it” does such idiocy enrage you?

Errrr I can’t blame them, my top lip is as hairless as Nathan Hussey’s head. 


16. I no pour spellings iz a pet h8 of urs, wot else annois u?

I get annoyed with pretty much everything. I’m constantly annoyed all day. 

I’ll give you five of my pet hates that spring to mind right this moment:
- Cauliflower and cheese
- People that have terrible hygiene
- Scott Ely during Tuesday night football
- Glee
- People that don’t eat with their mouths closed


17. I know Salaam reads these and follows FCI from his London home, would you like to say anything to Salaam? Maybe record your famed impression of the score line announcements?

*rub rub* - he’ll know what that means. Also, ‘da squaadd’.
I’m looking forward to seeing his African botty soon. 

to listen to The Salaam Shuffle see the link below this interview

18. I am still listening to this regularly after 4 days. He’ll like that no doubt. Joel, if you were aboard a submarine that was rapidly running out of oxygen and all possibilities of escaping were exhausted; what song would you listen to?

Chesney Hawkes - I am the one and only. 

19. Similarly, if I was in the same position, what song would you make me listen to?

If you were sat next to me I’ll read you this poem I made just in case this actually ever happens. 

Jordan Florit you are dying in a submarine.
Your crazy football skills so we often have seen.
Unfortunately we have to witness on a Tuesday night,
That you dribble around in circles and never pass with your right.

Despite this being so you have a pinpoint left boot,
That when unleashed with mass effect all teams must salute.
Your busyness around the club is something quite immense,
So therefore die quietly on HMS Independence. (the submarine name)

20. Thank you for participating in FCI’s One-on-One twenty questions Piers Morgan’s This is your Life stories, brought to you by Talk Talk. This is your chance to say whatever you like, go for it Joel, grasp the opportunity and say whatever you like…………………..

This has been a pleasure. Despite not being a regular member for FCI, when I have played it’s been great fun. Playing football is ok but when it’s with a group of lads you get along with its even more ok.

After the most enjoyable victory against Hedge End Blues on Saturday, Joel definitely continued the fun and games. Tomorrow is football training and come along to continue the fun and games. If you are lucky, you’ll be picked for Saturday’s top of the table clash against Waterside A and the games can continue, whether they will be fun will reveal itself after 90 minutes. Come back to see how we fared!

If you want to be the best footballer in your local Saturday league, as well as needing some talent; you buy the best boots, you pay for a gym membership and you pay for your training sessions. It is no different when you reach the high echelons of professional football; if you want to compete at the top you buy the best players, you invest in the best facilities and you invest in the best technology. Just ask Portsmouth Football Club; they won an F.A Cup, finished 8^th in the Premier League and bagged a 2-2 draw with AC Milan in the UEFA Cup, all within six years of promotion to The Premier League. What was the cost of it all? An £135m debt followed and subsequently they fell from grace momentously to where they languish now at 16^th in the nPower Championship having just signed rookie manager Michael Appleton.

That is an extreme case, but one that has been done before; Leeds United suffered a similar rapid rise and successive slump in the wake of quick high-risk funding and it will undoubtedly happen to another mismanaged football club in the future. A club should live within its means, strive for success that is legitimately bought and the fans should back them. This is why there have been various responses of surprise to Newcastle United’s fans apparent disdain over the renaming of St. James’ Park to the Sports Direct Arena.

For a second forget the history; as football fans we want success on the pitch and this is paramount. Closely followed are signings that impress the fans and put names on the backs of replica shirts. If you are getting both the above you are satisfied as a football fan, however apparently not; there are still sections of fan bases that will lament any profit making scheme a club comes up with. Bemoaning the club you support of making a profit is simply self-defeatist; especially when that profit is fuelling huge ticket discounts, a shrewd management team and a Premier League campaign that sees your team sit at 3^rd after 11 games with 25 points.

Now if this means selling the naming rights of your 119-year inhabited stadium for £10m a year, then surely the move is justified. Some Newcastle fans actually detest the move that Mike Ashley took on Thursday though, “It sounds cheap, it’s just awful. Disgrace to football and to NUFC and the fans,” said a Birmingham fan and the views were echoed by Newcastle fans with blame placed at the Ashley’s door, “That sums up our owner, he can’t help himself.”

Bring history back into the equation and is there actually a problem so deep that it is worth sacrificing a potential £10m a year? The club won’t change; it isn’t being taken out of Newcastle, the kit isn’t changing from black and white to red and white and most importantly, the stadium name change will be on a purely commercial level. A name that is synonymous with Newcastle in a 130-year relationship is a name that the fans of Newcastle and fans alike will continue to use. “As far as the fans and Newcastle City Council are concerned, the home of Newcastle United will always be known as St James’ Park.” That is the message given by the local council and that is a sentiment that should be transcribed by every Toon fan across the land.

Some may say, including me, that Mike Ashley has made a string of egotistical decisions whilst in ownership of the club and although we can criticise this, has it actually been to the detriment of the club? He inherited large debts from the former running of the club and the monetary shamble The Toon could have ended up in was avoided through Mike Ashley’s investment. The long-sighted, the long term, the objective fan may well allow Ashley his advertising campaign at Newcastle United because he may see it as a just reward for the purchase of the club that saved it from turmoil. It is a view I can accept and can advocate willingly.

The departure of Andy Carroll, Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique saw the club bring in in excess of £40m and their replacements, including the much-praised Yohan Cabaye and club top-scorer Demba Ba, were assembled for less than a quarter of that. It was labelled as “having failed to replace” when the season began, but now Newcastle are sitting pretty in a CL spot it is earning the tag “shrewd” by the same media outlet, The Guardian.

Ultimately, Newcastle are acting wisely; Derek Llambias announced little under a month ago that United have cut their annual losses from £37.7m in 2008/09 to £4.7m last season and he fully expects The Toon to “be close to breaking even,” this season. The recent revelation of changing the name of St James’ Park is in a bid to attract investors into buying naming rights and if it brings in £10m a season, Llambias points out that it “will give (Newcastle) another player,” every year.

Most importantly however, it sees the club move into line with Uefa’s financial fair play rules which are set to implement in the 2013/14 season and limit clubs to spending within their means. The rules also allows Uefa to prevent clubs from participating in their competitions if they do not abide and with Newcastle United attempting to return to European football, Ashley’s egotistical, yet financially sound plans, no longer seem like such a betrayal of tradition and legacy.

The club is riding the crest of a wave that could just as easily drown them in the return to the PL after the international break and therefore, the ties against the Manchester giants and Chelsea will need the full attention of the fans. The off-the-pitch happenings, whether supported or not, cannot be allowed to threaten what is a remarkable start to the season.

 The shadowed news that Mike Ashley looks set to enhance Pardew’s muscle in the transfer window, on the back of their sensational start does everything to prove that success does come at a price, whether it is the short term acquisition of a player or the long term aim of securing the club’s future. 

FCI had their own international break last week; Mitat Saribiyik took off to Turkey and FCI followed suit and had a rest of their own. Having grinded out two results against Waterside B and Cosham, 3-2 and 4-1 respectively, the rest served more of a purpose than just relaxation and restoration.

 

Results, although still bringing in the three points, were stagnating due to performances and with such a lightning start to the season, the weight of expectation was lying heavy on the shoulders of FCI. 3-2 and 4-1 were results most teams would take home happy but the football was becoming strained and chances were going astray and eventually dried up out of a fear of shooting.

 

However, doing what Alan Hansen says will win you the league, “you win trophies when you are playing badly,” was the main denominator to take from the season’s first seven games. The break was valued and FCI went into the friendly against Hedge End Blues fresh and fired up. A squad of initially 13 were set to feature, but Ely pulled out at the last minute with his car failing a last minute fitness test. Making his debut was Tony, afforded to us by Dan Broadway.

 

November 12^th 2011                     FC Independence vs. Hedge End Blues

 FC Independence (4-3-3): N.Hussey, Ross, M.Florit, Broadway, Lewis, Hannides, Goddard, Tony, Regular, Neave, J.Hussey Subs: J.Florit

 

Attendance: 5

 

FCI 8-0 Hedge End Blues

FCI started brightly, sticking to the philosophy Florit had tried to instil in the pre-game team talk. Drawing inspiration from Pep Guardiola, the instructions were to keep the ball on the deck and keeping possession as the first form of defence. Long balls were a no-go, but inevitably a few crept in out of necessity and audacity.

Jack Hussey, returning from a two week absence, was a constant threat up front with Neave and Regular playing off his shoulder. In the returning figure of Regular and the in-form Neave, Hussey was always going to have a relentless supply of balls to feed off. However, it was FCI’s utility player that grabbed the first assist. Slotting in at left-back at his own request was right-footed battle axe Tom Lewis. Having seen FCI win the ball close to the touch line, Lewis put the ball on to his right foot and floated a pass over the defences’ line and Jack Hussey latched on to it to header over the oncoming ‘keeper. FCI 1-0.

Hussey now sits in 2nd place in both the scoring and assisting charts

Lewis again was in the mix; his start at left-back was proving successful, linking up well in a triangle with centre-back Mike Florit and Mikey Hannides. His supply of balls for left winger, Regular, were often perfect but it was his own efforts that stole the show early on. Approaching the 20 minute mark, Lewis unleashed a looping ball towards the goal and as it started to come down, the expectation became the realisation; it dropped down on cue to lob the ‘keeper and fall into the back of the net in Ronaldinho vs. Seaman fashion. 2-0 FCI.

The third goal came in a fairly quick succession; FCI earned a free-kick when Hussey was chopped down just outside the box and Lewis and Hannides stood over the ball. The free-kick was taken and it was Hannides boot to hit the shot and in similar fashion, the ball found the ‘keeper’s top left corner. 3-0.

Jim Neave made way for Jordan Florit on the 25 minute mark and Florit occupied an unfamiliar position of right wing for the remainder of the first half. Hedge End Blues slipped through the FCI back line once or twice but Nathan Hussey has improved his all-round game greatly since pre-season and was quick off his mark every time to clear the line. Hedge End Blues’ had a spirit that was admirable and arduous in equal effect, however it was FCI that hit the next goal. J.Hussey had limped off moments earlier and Neave coming back on, chased down a Regular through ball to hammer home. 4-0 FCI, half-time.

The second half started at an electric pace, with Tony pulling the strings in the midfield. He was the ever-present midfield strong home in the first half, spreading the play and winning the ball in equal measure, complementing the tireless performance of Goddard and the confident and attacking game of Hannides. With Hedge End begging to grab a goal FCI counter-attacked, delivering a sucker punch to the Blues’ efforts to get back into the game.

Florit now sits pretty as the top with the most FCI assists

Broadway battled bravely for the ball and nodded it to J.Florit who ran with the ball from just outside the FCI box to Hedge End’s box before taking his man and hammering a shot goal-bound. It thundered against the near post and rebounded in the direction of the supporting Regular who got his knee to the ball to convert it. 5-0 FCI.

FCI got one more chance to threaten the Hedge End goal before changes were to be made and the challenge of scoring had definitely become tougher in the second-half with a top drawer performance being displayed by the 2^nd half ‘keeper. His one mistake cruelly cost Hedge End a goal and his weak goal kick gifted Hannides a goal, further aided by a divot in the pitch. 6-0 FCI.

Hannides is now FCI’s top scorer following his brace

Tony made way on the 60 minute mark to bring Jack Hussey back into the scene and it instigated a domino effect of changes. Goddard pushed up out of the holding role into centre midfield, Jack Hussey took Florit’s place on the shoulder of front man Neave and Florit slotted into the unfamiliar role of holding midfield.

Hedge End’s never-say-die attitude prevailed throughout the second half and the grit shown by the men in white and blue reaped numerous chances in the second half. It was the neat play of FCI that saw the seventh goal grace the pitch though. Lewis passed the ball up the left flank to Florit who cut inside but sent the ball further down the flank for Regular to cross deep into the box tremendously; Jack Hussey rose high to nod the ball into the path of oncoming Neave, who finished on the second time of asking. 7-0 FCI.

The goal was Spanish, the flair was evident and the creativity and fluidity of the Black and Blues poured through the cracks in Hedge End’s defence and with Regular and Hussey switching wings once more, the wing backs of Hedge were kept on their toes. Regular sent a brilliant ball over the back line from the right and Jack Hussey volleyed home comprehensively to hit the eighth and final goal of the game. It was his second goal of the game and the team’s third brace of the game. 8-0 FCI.

The performance was everything that was desired and requested before kick-off. The team constantly pressured and when cracks weren’t displaying them self, FCI worked hard to keep the ball. The back line was a luxury to have with Ross and Florit producing a commanding partnered performance.

No longer wearing hideous boots and therefore winning Man of the Match awards

The man of the match went to Wesley Regular this week gaining the accolade with the majority vote; Tony and Neave finished in close 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. Special mention must go to both ‘keepers of the 2^nd half. Hussey ensured he collected his 2^nd clean sheet of the season and Hedge’s 2^nd ‘keeper made a string of strong double saves in a period of the second half to deny Florit a brace and Jim a hat-trick.

Come back next week to see how FCI fared in their top-of-the-table clash with Waterside A. Monday brings Joel Stocker to the One-on-One hot seat, be sure to read up.

It’s a concept that some may fail to comprehend; that there may be a player that could compete with Messi on the world stage, give him competition for the Ballon d’Or and most importantly for the players in question, provide stiff challenge in Brazil in 2014 and 2015.

To look at Messi statistically is the easiest way to understand exactly how vast his talent is and remember he is only 24. In 188 games for Barcelona he has scored 133 goals or 0.71 goals a game. He has started this season with 23 goals in 18 games playing in a role more reliant on scoring than ever. In his 287 games for Barcelona he has had involvement in 287 goals, either scoring or assisting. At the age of 24 he has already played in 188 games in the top flight of Spanish football for the best team in the country. At the same age, The Premier League’s most capped player Ryan Giggs, had amassed 192 games in the league; however, it is worth noticing that two full seasons under Giggs’ belt by then were in a 42 game league.

That is just statistically. If you were to look inside Messi’s trophy cabinet and count how many shiny honours were inside, including a Ballon d’Or, a World Player of the Year award and 5 La Liga titles, you’d have a figure over double the amount of goals scored internationally by the entire England team. Messi has an Honours roll call of 86 trophies, individual and as part of Argentina and Barcelona. Fabio Capello’s latest ensemble have bulged the net 41 times. Even if Rooney and Gerrard were in the team, taking the total to 78, Messi’s figure still leaves The Lions lounging in the shadows.

To rival such a mesmeric career that may still have 10 years left at the height of European football is a tall order. To propose that there is such a talent that will contend with magic Messi is often shied away from by managers. “I hope for Mario the day when he changes mentality comes soon. That is the day he will be one of the three best players in the world along with Messi and Cristiano.” They were the words uttered by Roberto Mancini to The Sun this week. He couldn’t suggest Balotelli would better Messi, it is football blasphemy. After all, following Ronaldo’s comments, “God sent me to the earth to show people how to play football,” Messi replied with, “I didn’t send anyone.”

Ronaldo, fashionably now referred to as Cristiano, is somewhat overlooked from time to time now. Everyone has nailed Messi to the Ballon d’Or like Jesus to the cross. This week was no different. Pele perked up in the wake of a certain Brazilian’s announcement of sealing a contract that sees him remain in his home nation until after the 2014 World Cup amidst rumours that he was in advanced contract negotiations with Real Madrid.

The player in question is Neymar, he is 19 and O Rei insists “they talk about Maradona and Messi, but we have Neymar, who will be a great player with the skills he has.” There you have it; your challenger – a 19 year old who signed for a club that Pele describes as, “a factory which produces stars.” Like those who draw the comparisons between Maradona and Messi, they are there to be drawn between Pele and Neymar; they both come from that star-producing academy of Santos, which has also spawned Elano, Robinho and Diego recently, they have both hit six goals in one game and both have put club and country before their own goals. “My goal is not to be the best in the world; it is to play in the best competitions. Santos are doing just that.” How long Neymar sticks to this ideology is yet to be seen, but even The King flew the nest.

“He is very skilled, the best on his team,” comments Pele on the young winger, who has bagged himself 79 goals in 155 games for Santos. One thing the eccentric Brazilian has over the diminutive Argentinian already is unquestionable international form. Messi is only human and one of very few critiques to his game is that he maybe hasn’t delivered on the international stage. He is only human though and his international exploits still make for good reading; 18 goals and 20 assists in 68 appearances means that Messi is involved with 0.6 goals a game whilst on international duty. Neymar’s is slightly more impressive, even if he has played only a fraction of Messi’s international caps. Compare Messi’s record internationally at 19 to Neymar’s and the evaluation becomes much more valid; Neymar has hit 8 goals in 15 appearances and contributed with an assist too, Messi had hit 2 goals in 10 games with 2 assists to boot.

The world’s greatest ever player still remains as Pele according to most. It has become a foregone conclusion of football. However it isn’t without its own controversy and debate; “Pele had nearly everything. Maradona has everything. He works harder, does more and is more skilful.” Sir Alf Ramsey spoke of Maradona in such praise during the 1986 World Cup. When it comes to Pele’s defence and credentials, Luiz Felipe Scolari pitched it perfectly, “Even if you tried to create the ideal footballer on a computer, there could never be another like Pele.”

It seems that we are to be blessed with the next Pele and Maradona and consequentially, the next debate over who is the World’s best player. Pele will most likely lose his throne eventually and his recent comments over the current footballing gods indicates who he’d rather lose it to, “If there is one player in the world today I would love to play with it is Neymar. I would love to play with Lionel Messi. But Messi is an incomplete player because he can’t use his head.”

It seems that whatever Capello does the fans moan and it may be justified. Football has an everlasting trait: It has a characteristic that every fan shares; a common denominator among all that criticise from the terraces. The beautiful game can, at times, seem like it would better suit the title, the blame game.

I personally agree with all the fans who call for Capello’s head, who want an Englishman in charge of the English team, who want something other than a flat 4-4-2. It’s become boring to watch England and almost predictable. Unfortunately though, we are stuck with the Italian until after Euro 2012. That means we have at least one more tournament that we can watch, whilst thinking we could have done a better job. So in true English footballing fashion, I’ve put together my own team for the upcoming friendlies against Sweden and Spain.

I’ve stuck to the rules of true anti-Capello spectators and therefore not a single player that the Italian has called up for the international fixtures features in my team. This isn’t because every player in the team I disagree with, but it is so I can pit my Brave Lions against Capello’s gormless gazelles who will be duly preyed on by the bulls of Spain. I urge you to form your very own “I can do it better” team and leave it in the comments.

I am putting forward my team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, utilised to full effect by many Spanish teams and pioneered by the Brazilian national teams of the 1970’s. Manchester United used it for a spell of the 10/11 season and in 5 games using the formation, they won 4, with Hernandez bagging 4 goals in the CF role and Rooney contributing with 3 goals and 2 assists. Rooney will play that role in my England team.

GK: Green never really got his chance as #1 for England; plagued by injury, a career of appearances in struggling Premier League sides and an unfortunate fumble in what just happened to be the first England game of the World Cup saw the ‘keeper effectively out of the scene. However, the ‘keeper has made an assured start in the Championship and the weekend saw a Green-inspired victory for West Ham, with three world class saves keeping Hull on 0. My 2^nd choice keeper for the friendlies would be John Ruddy.

Across the back four I have attempted to incorporate the components needed for a true English defence and one that can keep the opposition at bay; power, experience, pace and grit. Micah Richards, inexplicably left out of another England squad, provides power and pace. He was capped for England at the age of 18 becoming the youngest ever capped defender for England, but fell out of favour with future managers. His defensive game has improved massively and justifies his position alongside King and the Taylors.

Ferdinand is still trying to shake off a sick note that sticks to his boots like a piece of damp toilet roll, and whilst his experience as an England captain is invaluable and unlike Terry, he has more or less kept his nose clean and learned from his mistakes, Steven Taylor gets the nod from me. Ledley King’s inclusion comes on the back of making more appearances already this season than last whilst proving he still has the pace to keep up with the likes of Van Persie and Suarez. Tottenham beat both Arsenal and Liverpool this season. Ryan Taylor’s inclusion shouldn’t be a surprise and if his superb form carries on surely a call up to Capello’s team awaits. His goal epitomised his season so far, as part of the tightest defence in the Premier League.

The two CDMs bring undoubted talent; Cleverley is “Spanish level” if you ask the modest Roberto Martinez and Joey Barton will divide opinion. His talent and efforts cannot be doubted. If Rooney, Terry and other players can have their misdemeanours overlooked, this guy definitely deserves his long awaited chance. Between them they can provide an engine for the team.

The attacking three brings flair, skill and pace in abundance. Anthony Pilkington is enjoying somewhat of a rags-to-riches story and having his professional career start out at Stockport and still playing in League 1 last season has had no ill-effects in his quick settling in period for his first season in the PL; let alone above League 1. Lennon has recovered from a short injury spell and his weekend performance proved the winger can play on the left flank too, beautifully cutting in, dummying onto his right, shuffling left and firing home. Tying them together is Wayne Rooney and justifying his inclusion is unnecessary and he is a luxury afforded to me by his own poor judgment.

This leaves my lone striker to discuss. There were a few options in my 23-man squad; Carroll, playing Rooney there and filling the playmaker role with Joe Cole or the Opta-stated creative Henderson, Michael Owen for nostalgic purposes and evergreen class or Jermaine Defoe. I hedged my bets on Jermaine Defoe who I think would best suit a team based on fluidity and movement. Carroll would provide obvious power and target man capabilities but Rooney can provide that from deep. Owen is valuable to have in the camp and would provide a strong influence and an option off the bench but a start would be unwarranted. Unfortunately his still-impressive 78% goal to game ratio only exists in the Carling Cup.

Of course, the eleven I have chosen will divide opinion. It is unlikely you’ll agree with every inclusion, if any. So I put it to you to post your 11 below.

Post your preferred formation, your XI and a quick justification. Remember no players in Capello’s most recent squad and no players that are unavailable for England selection through injury or retirement.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/  For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

I can’t help but frankly think “what is going on?” It has been three weeks since Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra had their misunderstanding and it seems like it may simply be passed off as lost in translation, according to tweets from Dan Walker last week. Further still, it seems as if the uproar and commotion around John Terry and Anton Ferdinand is finally settling down, but no conclusion has been reached as of yet.

But if comments such as “we’ve come so far from when I first joined Watford” from Luther Blissett a fortnight ago, are to believed, then happenings such as Saturday’s abuse of former Newcastle and England u-20 international Richard Offiong should surely be isolated incidents. It isn’t though. The second half of October was supposed to be a two week “Kick it Out” campaign, yet two high-profile incidents of racism were covered in the media. What won’t be covered is Blyth Spartan striker Offiong’s abuse.

Immediately after his side’s 2-2 draw against Colwyn Bay the 27-year-old took to Twitter in a frustrated rage, “do I report the racist abuse or brush it off? It will never affect me but do I take a stand?” He was referencing the alleged abuse he received from a player he identified as McEverley, a striker for the Welsh opposition, “”where’s your bunch of bananas” “show me your passport” that’s what were up against.” It’s unlikely this will reach the mainstream media though, as one follower pointed out, “the media won’t mention it as you’re not a household name.”

With racism like this still existing in the game it is no surprise that there are only two black managers in the entire Football League, Chris Hughton and Chris Powell. It was one of the issues raised during the Kick it Out campaign and it was one that sparked quite a reaction.

Should British football bring in the Rooney Rule?

Fans commented that black people weren’t a minority, that you can’t just enforce clubs to hire black coaches and the controversy surrounding the topic was echoed in the views of professionals.

“It’s a can of worms. It’s deeply unfashionable these days to say that any disadvantaged group deserves a leg-up. It’s reverse discrimination,” said Hugh Muir, a Guardian editor and his sentiments were resonated by Jason Euell, “I don’t want the authorities to say ‘there aren’t enough black coaches, let’s push them through.’ I want a fair crack of the whip.”

The Rooney rule, put simply, would require teams to interview minority candidates for advertised vacancies. Some think it is the answer, “It’s quite clear we’re not getting the best talent available and we have to look at this concept,” said Brendon Batson a representative of the PFA and Arsenal’s first black player, “‘We don’t have enough coaches from black and minority ethnicities who have very high levels of qualifications because the appetite to appoint black coaches and managers is just not there. We seem to be going backwards.”

But how valid is Batson’s claim that there isn’t the “appetite to appoint black managers”? Jason Roberts, who has plans of going into management, thinks it is, ““My uncle Cyrille did his badges and found he wasn’t even getting interviews at non-league clubs.” Cyrille Regis was part of The Three Degrees along with Batson at West Brom and has failed to make a name for himself as a manager.

That’s just one example though and not all fantastic footballers have made fantastic managers. However Sol Campbell feels that black managers will be denied opportunities because of their race, “Why the hell is Paul not in work? Have you looked at his career?” Well, yes Sol, I have; it’s not great and Jason Euell agrees, “Paul Ince was the right man for the job at Blackburn at that moment in time. But it doesn’t work out. Lots of managers get the sack.” Whilst he was at Blackburn his win ratio was a measly 28.6%. Paul Ince is out of a job because he hasn’t conserved the form he once hit at MK Dons, not because he is black.

So why aren’t there more black managers in English football? Well the racism that players receive during their on the pitch career may be the answer; it places a glass ceiling on ambitions to go into management for black players. Yet, for those like Blissett who may argue that we’ve made progress as a country, and a view that recent victim Offiong echoes, “We’ve come a long way as a nation,” the cause must be something other than racism.

It’s a sad state of affairs that ex-players feel that they cannot go into management but it seems that there is nothing holding them back; it has become a self-fulfilling prophecy where black players aren’t going into management out of routine. We haven’t before, so why would we now. That is the problem, though; there is a distinct lack of role models for players wishing to go into management. There isn’t a black Sir Alex Ferguson for players like Euell to look up to and think, “I’m going to be like him.”

It will take a few pioneers to break the self-defeating circle like it did with The Three Degrees at West Brom in the late 70s; they were by no means the first black players in England, but before them they were sporadic. Jason Euell and Jason Roberts won’t be the first black managers, but it is their generation that can bring black managers into the game as a norm, not a point to address in a race campaign.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/  For more articles like this visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

In a season where the goals are flying in at a rate never achieved in The Premier League before, it seems that Manchester City’s tight defence could be the difference between them winning the title and not. It’s no surprise either; the back five of Manchester City boast England’s #1 the joint top most clean sheets in The Premier League and have conceded fewer goals than 18 Premier League teams, only Newcastle have let in fewer. All of this is being achieved during the highest ever goals to game ratio in The Premier League, 2.97, and the highest in the top tier of English football since the 1967/68 season, 3.03, the last time Manchester City won the title.

However, you’d expect a challenge from the so-called Big Four of the past ten years wouldn’t you? Out of the 19 Premier League campaigns so far, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have dominated the Winners and Runner Up spot; apart from the 94/95 season which Blackburn triumphed in, every campaign has been won by either Arsenal, Chelsea or 12-time winning United. Second place has always fallen to one of the Big Four bar the first two years of the league’s existence.

Yet it seems that the most recent winners, Manchester United and Chelsea, have a problem in keeping other teams out and it has played no small part in widening the gap between the Blue half of Manchester and, for once, the chasing Red half and Villas-Boas’ freely-attacking Chelsea.

When David de Gea joined Manchester United and had a questionable Premier League debut some were quick to suggest that Fergie had “A new season and an issue over his goalkeeper.” Take a bow Daily Mail, for how wrong you were. The Spaniard has arguably won points for United single-handedly, already; he is the only ‘keeper to have made over 8 saves in a match and kept a clean sheet in the PL and in the one of the two games he has done it in, he’s won United two points. Had he conceded, United would’ve drawn to Everton 1-1, the other week.

It was only 3 seasons ago that United were a team that shut you out, that you just couldn’t score against; in fact they went 1311 minutes without conceding and that’s 14-and-a-half games. Yet this season they’ve allowed oppositions more shots per game than any other team across the whole Premier League, even more than Wigan. de Gea has been forced into making a save every 19.5 minutes, more often than any other PL goalkeeper and therefore he’s made more saves than any other too; 79% of the shots he faces, he saves and that’s 8% higher than Spanish counterpart Pepe Reina.

Despite this, United conceded six goals at home for the first time in 81 years, but it was no real surprise; Nemanja Vidic wasn’t playing and when the Serbian doesn’t play the average shots on target the opposition has increases by 70%. United’s only saving grace this season is the form of David de Gea, because they certainly aren’t defending well.

Then there is Chelsea and they aren’t the Chelsea that Alan Hansen said could afford to have “anyone playing alongside John Terry, even you (Colin Murray)”. They are the Chelsea that own the worst saves to shots ratio in the PL at 46%, 33% worse than United’s; the Chelsea that let Arsenal have 8 shots on target and concede 5, the first time they’ve conceded 5 at The Bridge in 22 years and the first hat-trick conceded since Kanu’s in ’99; and the Chelsea that have only kept 1 clean sheet, their first game of the campaign, in the first 10 games of the season. Their desperation to improve this is evident too; Chelsea are averaging more bookings per game, under AVB, than they ever have during the Abramovich ownership.

City, however, are capitalising on a season that has reaped the most goals per game for 44 years, that has seen more away hat-tricks scored than the past two campaigns put together and has seen 32.3% of games end in away wins due to poor home records.

Man City bagged 33 goals in their first 9 games of season, no side has ever scored more after 9 PL matches and the potency of their strike-force is epitomized in the form of Aguero and Balotelli; before this weekend’s games Aguero had scored 9 goals from 12 shots on target and Ballotelli had recorded 5 from 7. This works out as a combined scoring rate of 74% of their shots on target. The free-scoring nature of Mancini’s City is hugely down to the creativity of David Silva, who has created the most goal-scoring chances from open play than any other player in the PL.

Where Ferguson has bragged that his countless trophy winnings have come down to his view that they score more late goals than any other side in the world, it is City that are doing it this season, hinting at title winning credentials. City have netted a higher percentage of second half goals, at 78%, than any other PL team this season, and three of them came in 237 seconds against Manchester United in injury time; ironically 20 seconds less than the average amount of injury time played at Old Trafford when Fergie’s side is losing.

So exactly how do City’s chances line-up for winning the Premier League? Well, five of the six previous teams to equal City’s best ever start to a Premier League, nine wins and a draw, have gone on to win the title. Furthermore, it is evident that, whilst last season Mancini was criticised for setting up excessively defensive, the Italian philosophy of defend first attack second has been fully instilled into the City way of playing and this season it is providing the foundations for a creative team to fire their way to the title.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/  For more articles like this visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

This week sees the sole Welsh representative of FCI take to the chair and go One-on-One with Jordan Florit. The 6’3 gentle giant joined the table-topping Black and Blues from Bishops Waltham Youth and brings with him a rugged approach to the game, 100% commitment and “a big kick”. Here he is………………………….

1. Hey there Thomas. First and foremost, who is your favourite scientist and why?

I’m not particularly sure I have one, although if this is reference to Mophead’s favourite scientist (Charles Dar-winning), then surely if his theory was ‘survival of the fittest’, Mophead is definitely not going to survive considering his numerous ‘injuries’ and the constant need to drink water. He’s never ‘fit’, so even if it was ‘survival of the fit’ he would become extinct.

2. That is a fiery start Tom, for the readers at home, Mophead is Ryan Breen. Who is your biggest footballing inspiration, past or present?

Ryan Giggs

3. Is this because he is Welsh? I don’t think a love rat is the best role model to have.

Partly because he is Welsh, but mostly because of his loyalty to one club, I respect that a lot. It is a shame that he can’t have that kind of loyalty in his personal life, but you asked me who my biggest footballing inspiration was, whether he is a love rat or not does not change his footballing ability.

4. That is a fair comment Tom and I hope your role model in life is more responsible. Anyway, one thing that does transcribe in your game from Ryan Giggs’ is your tireless work rate. It’s known that you did a lot of fitness work in the summer, what did that include?

Haha, ‘a lot of fitness work’; I went for the odd run, maybe a couple of times a week.

5. Do you think it has made a difference? Do you feel or see a difference?

I do feel very fit now, yeah. Do you?

6. Well you’re enjoying a much better season this year, aren’t you, college and FCI - which are you preferring?

I’m loving the opportunity to finally get some game time! College and FCI are both very different sides, with different mentalities and playing styles. It’s boring I know, but I couldn’t choose between them.

7. We’ve seen you across 4/5 positions for FCI, what is your favourite?

At the start of the season I would have said RM, but after playing several games at RB I’m really starting to enjoy it. The defence this season has been brilliant, special mention to the skipper and Mike Florit, so it’s great to be a part of that. Of course I love to get forward too, and I’ve also enjoyed games playing up top, and just behind the striker.

8. So would you like more game time there throughout the remainder of the season?

To be honest, as long as I’m playing a good number of minutes, I’m happy, but yeah I’d like to play a bit further forward occasionally!

9. We’ll try and fit you in up top then Tommo. So we’ve got three games left in 2011, the first half is going quickly. With two games left in the league before Christmas, where do you want FCI come January?

It’s flying by! By January obviously we should be top still, and with that unbeaten run still intact. A couple of clean sheets would be nice too.

10. Yes, I concur. We’ve come painfully close to some clean sheets recently and credit must go to Nathan Hussey who has only seen 2 pass him by because of two penalties given by defenders. January brings the quarter final of the cup; what would you ideally want - a remaining division three team for an easy pass to the semi-final (providing we play our A-game) or something else?

I think I’d prefer a challenge, maybe a Div 2 team, we’ve shown we can beat teams of that calibre, and it’d be better practice for what future rounds of the cup might hold, we can’t afford to get complacent.

11. Spoken like a seasoned professional Thomas, admirable traits. So, you had a pretty full pre-season, only missing the first game. In fact it is the only game you’ve missed for FCI - what’s it like playing week in week out?

Indeed! If I remember correctly the one game I missed is the only one we’ve lost? Coincidence, I think not; playing week in week out is great, I think I’ve improved because of it as well.

12. Yeah, that is right actually. Well Ryan Breen doesn’t come to training on Tuesday because he “can’t do Monday night, Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon” why aren’t you there Tuesday nights?

That’s just Ryan Breen’s excuse for being a lazy ****. He should go, needs the fitness! Haha, I’m afraid I have work, something I tried to change, but to no avail.

13. Ahh, I like a man that works. Tell us more about your job.

I work at the village shop, 5-9 on a Tuesday evening, behind the till, stocking shelves etc; without a doubt the slowest four hours of my week.

14. Now, anyone that knows Tom Gwynne Lewis well will know you like your own corners, however; out of all our assists and goals you are yet to get one of either, is it something you feel is lacking?

This is very true; some may call me a set piece specialist. Well, most actually hahaha. I feel that assists and goals have been the two things lacking from my game. I haven’t had the opportunity to take too many set pieces, and after a couple of chances earlier in the season I haven’t had many recently to score. So yes, I feel an assist needs to come soon (it would have come on Saturday if it wasn’t for Jim’s block!), and a goal this season would be ideal.

15. How long do you think it will be before you hit the back of the net, is it something you want to do for FCI?

Time will only tell. Obviously if I’m not playing as far forward, then it’ll be less likely to happen soon, but of course I want to grab a goal.

16. Ryan Breen reckons he has scored the best goal for FCI so far, do you agree?

With regret, yes.

17. That is a truly gentleman response; it is a shame Ryan doesn’t cut his cloth with the same courtesy. What do you think is the best goal ever in world football?

Either Beckham’s free kick against Greece, Roberto Carlos’ free kick, or Glen Johnson’s against Hull for Pompey.

18. I promise it wasn’t a goal in a Pompey shirt. During the rugby World Cup one or two players would’ve noticed you’re also a rugby fan, Joel is also a rugby man, what attracts you to the game, is it the amount of manly contact that goes on?

There is a lot of manly contact yes, but it’s far from homosexual. Being Welsh, it’s in my blood to love the game.

19. You are Welsh? I wouldn’t have known. Are you sure? Because Ryan and I know that you have a more than average appreciation of Sol Campbell, a suspected gay footballer.

We all love a bit of Sol.

20. It has been a tremendous interview Mr Lewis, before we conclude, is there any last comments you want the readers to know?

I’d like to apologise to Ryan Breen, I can envisage him sitting in his room crying right now. Love you xoxoxoxox. 

Thank you Jordan, it’s been a pleasure. X

 

That was a very pleasant interview and Lewis was a kind, knowledgeable and insightful guest. Tom will be in action on the 12^th at Hunts Farm, Romsey in a friendly against Romsey Saints. The last time FCI faced Romsey Saints was at home on the opening day of the season. A 6-0 victory marked the start of Florit’s reign in charge and an emulation of that impressive score line would be the best preparation for the following fixture – a return to league football against title contenders Waterside A.

Come back Saturday to see just how well FCI did or didn’t do.

“It was stupid,” said Wayne Rooney on his reckless kick out at Miodrag Dzudovic, “I regretted it as soon as I did it. I honestly don’t know why I did it. It was one of those moments which I live to regret now.” Those sentiments may be echoed by tens of thousands if his ban isn’t reduced or, God forbid, England fail to qualify from their group.

Ask him why he did it and his explanation leaves you to draw your own conclusions, “There was no tackle on me beforehand, so it wasn’t retaliation. I didn’t set out to ‘beat’ him; it just happened,” commented the United striker, unable to fathom a reason for his consequential red card, “I just can’t explain it.”

One may look at Rooney and think “thug”, Piers Morgan, for what it is worth, thinks Rooney should be suspended for “repeated fouling of basic grammar & spelling” on the social media site Twitter; let alone stamping on players, swearing down cameras and kicking out at innocent Montenegrins.

However, in the news that The F.A is to appeal against the three-match ban with Dzudovic having written to Uefa arguing Rooney’s case, it must be better to question the cause of the outburst not simply place the blame at Rooney’s door and be done with it.

His kick out at the Montenegrin was unprovoked, it was unnecessary and it was a violent act that broke the rules of football. As far as sporting definitions go it was an act of hostile aggression. Looking at the theories of aggression may give you the reason for Wayne Rooney’s moment of madness.

One possible explanation is Sigmund Freud’s argument in The Instinct Theory; Freud states we all have the potential to be aggressive and that cannot be eliminated. The Austrian poses a strong case in explaining Rooney’s outbreak; aggressive feelings build up and if they are not correctly released they’ll bottle up within the individual and can start to cause psychological damage.  Therefore aggression must be released and the release of that anger is called catharsis. A cathartic experience is supposed to allow a release of emotion and tension so that the individual feels less aggressive. Rooney’s kick certainly did that with his hindsight comments eliding to the theory hitting the nail on the head, or in this case the boot to the ankle, “I regretted it as soon as I did it. I don’t know why I did it.”

There may be a better account of why he committed the foul, though; John Dollard founded the frustration-aggression hypothesis which proposes that aggressive behaviour always follows on from frustration and that the existence of frustration guarantees aggression. Rooney may well have been frustrated for a number of reasons that are listed as causes of aggression; other emotional factors, low levels of serotonin due to depression or simply underperforming. It has been well-documented that his father’s antics may have affected the striker and the game hadn’t been Rooney’s best in a Three Lions shirt, leaving those two as points worth considering.

Like Freud’s theory, the frustration-aggression hypothesis states that that if aggressive behaviour occurs it will have a cathartic effect, reducing frustration levels and therefore aggression. However, this is where the theory may fall short in explaining Rooney’s actions and it is a common criticism of Dollard’s work. Individuals can be aggressive even when there is no clear explanation or evidence of frustration, such as in Rooney’s case. Furthermore it is not clear that aggressive acts have a cathartic effect as there is no biological basis and research shows aggressive acts can actually increase levels of aggression. It only takes a look at Chelsea’s clash with QPR at Loftus Road, where nine yellow cards and two straight reds were issued, to support that criticism of the theory. Lastly, many performers report feeling more anxious, stressed and frustrated after the event than before it and this feeling was reverberated by Rooney, “it’s devastating for me.”

So what was the cause for Wazza’s wicked whack to Dzudovic? Well Freud may have this one; it is plausible to think that Wayne Rooney simply had a lot bottled up inside him and his opponent just happened to be in an environment where the displacement of aggression was deemed suitable to the born Evertonian fan.

There are two closing points that some critics of the 26-year old hit man may prefer, though; firstly Rooney may be the victim of bracketed morality, an environment of a double standard where Rooney may have his aggressive behaviour condoned through such comments as, “that’s Wayne being Wayne I don’t think you can take that out of him, the minute you take that spirit out of his game you will lose a big part of what he gives the team. His aggression is one of his big strengths.”*

Lastly, it may simply be the case that Wayne Rooney was plucked from the academy at a young age, pushed up into the first team and had his game praised so emphatically and endlessly that that 16 year-old that scored the winner against a 30-game unbeaten Arsenal never felt the need to grow up. He had made it. Everyone loved him. His game was described as “perfect,” and this left Rooney a casualty of underdeveloped moral reasoning.

Whilst his displays of insanity will forever frequent his career, his talent shines through all the cracks that such outbursts make in the player’s life. He is the English talent of the generation, he is an inspiration on the pitch and most importantly, when you look back on his career when he has long retired and we are dubbing Joe Bloggs the “next Wayne Rooney” it is the overhead kick and the debut hat-trick that will be remembered. 

*Frank Lampard on Rooney when he was just 18 years old

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/  For more articles like this visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

Last year it was Dani Pacheco that graced The Championship from Liverpool. Joining Norwich City in the emergency loan window of March 2011, the young Spaniard featured in six of The Canaries few remaining games in their surge towards The Premier League. He found the back of the net in a third of the games he played and went back to Liverpool with some vital English match experience and two goals to his name. Brad Jones also took The Championship, but the Aussie goalkeeper had a spell that was less than worthy of writing home about.

This year Liverpool have again sent out two players to The Championship to gain much-valued game experience in “the most competitive league in the world”; this year another ‘keeper has been shipped out on loan, Hungarian Peter Gulacsi, but the player that is most likely to return to Anfield with a much-deserved, and reinstated, reputation is Jonjo Shelvey.

Plucked from the promising Charlton team of 2010, Jonjo Shelvey was still only 18 and Liverpool scrapped with other Premier League teams to sign the youngster. A fee just shy of £2m was enough to secure the 6 foot midfielder, who had previously played through the youth ranks at Arsenal and the self-proclaimed “Academy of England” West Ham United.

Having been at Liverpool for a full season, making 21 appearances for the scousers in total, Shelvey was signed on a season-long loan by relegated Premier League first-timers Blackpool.

The Seasiders have pulled off something of a coup securing a midfielder from Liverpool; Shelvey was regularly part of the action last season, coming off the bench to feature for the first team fifteen times in The Premier League, but furthermore, Shelvey comes from a midfield department that boasts Gerrard, Downing, and Henderson and neatly tied up by Lucas Levia.

Gerrard’s talents need no description, the one-club man, ever-present in the Liverpool set-up has captained club and country at various times throughout his career and has often been the fuel for criticism of Liverpool, some stating they become a one-man team when Gerrard’s about.

Downing, over the past five years is fifth in the most chances created table put together by Opta, Europe’s largest provider of football data. “Most chances created” defines, by Opta, as “assists + key passes” and last season Stewart Downing made 65 chances, coming in at third, only behind Barton (2^nd) and Malouda (1^st), with an average of 1.71 chances created per game. Over the past five years Stewart Downing has only created fewer chances than; fellow Liverpool player, Gerrard, retired Paul Scholes, another Manchester United midfielder, Ryan Giggs, English midfielder Frank Lampard and the since departed Spaniard and World Cup champion medallist Cesc Fabregas. It was the stat that most enticed Liverpool to sign the former Middlesbrough academy graduate, along with England u21 midfielder Jordan Henderson who racked up 49 chances created last season.

However it is Steven Gerrard that Jonjo Shelvey is most in the mould of; Shelvey states that, “he is the best central midfielder of all time, I think, he’s the benchmark for young midfielders - he is for me,” and the comparisons have come already. Shelvey is a goal-scoring midfielder and has been since a young age; aged just 15, Shelvey scored 14 goals in 23 appearances including scoring in every round of The FA Youth Cup until Charlton were knocked out in the quarter-final. His season’s form also saw him captain the England u16 side and he scored in all three games of that year’s Victory Shield, a tournament for the u16 sides of the Home Nations.

This season argues Shelvey’s case; you could claim Blackpool had already assembled a squad that is proven to score goals at this level when you consider they possess Kevin Phillips, Gary-Taylor Fletcher, Brett Ormerod and Lomana LuaLua. However, Holloway’s addition in loaning Jonjo Shelvey was proven wise after just 65 minutes of play when the midfielder smashed home a 35 yard free-kick in the 5-0 demolition of Bristol City and many described the game as “inspired by Jonjo Shevley”. Coincidently, only two 5-0 score-lines have been recorded in The Championship, both belonging to Blackpool, home and away.

Since his debut, which confirmed Shelvey was going to be a handful in the second tier of English football, the powerful midfielder has bagged a further 4 goals in a total of six appearances and three of those goals came on Wednesday night as Blackpool comprehensively defeated 10-men Leeds United at Elland Road in a 5-0 thrashing.

Ironically, having hit five past Leeds, Blackpool now only trail the Yorkshire club for most goals scored away from home; Leeds have hit 13 to Blackpool’s, as well as Southampton’s, West Ham’s and Cardiff’s, twelve. The biggest away win of the season saw Blackpool leapfrog their opposition and they now sit in 8^th place on 22 points, two points from the play-off positions.

Jonjo Shelvey may have inflicted little damage on Premier League clubs last season, but the Romford-born midfielder is still only 19 and a season of bossing the midfields of the Championship and terrorising the defences with his scoring ability could do him the world of good. Liverpool are building one of the most, statistically proven, creative sides in The Premier League and with the future of Anfield looking particularly British with a touch of Latin flair, Shelvey could well be lining up alongside Downing, Henderson and Gerrard next season, for club and country.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/  For more articles like this visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

After proving ineffective in Marseille during the away tie in October’s 1-0 win over the French side, Wenger could be forgiven for not utilising him when the French side came to the Emirates – or could he?

With Aaron Ramsey sealing the victory in the 90^th minute at the Stade Velodrome, three of the four points that Arsene Wenger set Arsenal to get against their French counterparts, were in the bag.

The weekend fixtures immediately after brought one of Arsene Wenger’s least favourite teams in Tony Pulis’ Stoke City side. There is no love lost in the tactical differences between the two sides, with Arsene Wenger epitomising his view of Stoke’s tactics with last season’s observational comment that Huth and Shawcross engaged in “rugby with the goalkeepers.” Much of the same could be expected when Rory Delap, owner of Rugby-like throw-ins, stated that they’re, “not too bothered what other people say about (them), that is what we are about as a club.”

Arsene Wenger chose to rest Robin Van Persie; well he chose to withdraw him to at least the bench, perhaps with last week’s game at Stamford Bridge in mind. All was well at first with Gervinho putting Arsenal in front, however the lead lasted all of seven minutes and Arsenal, despite their official website calling it their “overall best performance so far” this season, had to rely on the Dutchman to fire the Gunners to victory.

His introduction shortly after the hour mark introduced panache, finesse and most importantly two goals that secured the three points. A 3-1 lead was taken from the game and Gervinho, the Ivorian striker who had put Arsenal into the lead described the performance of his fellow forward as, “formidable” before going on to state that “the team needs him.” “You always have to have leaders in the group and he’s one of the players who drag the team forward.”

Gervinho was spot on; Reliant Robin had done exactly that. Without his goals this season Arsenal would’ve scored 10; Van Persie is responsible for exactly half of Arsenal’s Premier League goals and whilst opposition to the argument that Arsenal aren’t dependent on the Dutchman may point to this being his job, it is the job of Rooney, Aguero, Dzeko, Ba, Suarez and all of the other strikers in The Premier League too. However, the reliance is clear. The dependence is evident and the claim that he is needed is justified. Only Newcastle have a higher figure pointing towards striker dependency – out of their 15 goals 8 have been converted by Demba Ba.

But there is the difference; Newcastle aren’t in Europe, Newcastle won’t be judged and lambasted for losing a few games on the trot and Newcastle aren’t desperately clasping at their remnants of their “big four” credentials in a desperate hope they’ll finish in the quartet once more. Arsenal are and what Arsenal fans must understand is that this season they need to accept and embrace that they are reliant on Robin.

Out of Arsenal’s five Premier League victories four wouldn’t have been victories without the goals of Robin Van Persie; the fifth, one remaining victory courtesy of someone other than ten-goal Robin, was a gift. The 1-0 win over Swansea was the only Arsenal victory that Van Persie didn’t score in; Michael Vorm gifted the goal to Wenger’s men, launching the ball straight at Arshavin, who duly finished from a tight angle. Most worryingly, that game was their first Premier League win of the season and therefore their last four victories have been down to “Van the Man.”

I’m not insulting The Gunners and I’m not questioning Wenger. He has a tricky scenario on his hands, if they don’t play Van Persie their chances of winning is hugely decreased and last night highlighted this, “he was very tired after the game on Saturday. He has played many games and I took the gamble to rest him first and make him come on,” Wenger said of the 0-0 draw with Marseille, “It was a gamble that didn’t come off.”

Arsenal have West Brom on Saturday before the international break provides an opportunity for Wenger to regroup his thoughts and find a Plan B. Undoubtedly Arsenal have the ability to score goals from other positions, they had 17 scorers last year in The Premier League and scored 72 goals and this season looks like it will match last’s; after 10 games they’ve scored 20 goals, over 38 games this adds up to 76 goals in total.

However, Van Persie’s personal figure of 18 in The Premier League last season already looks like it will be beaten as he stands on 10 after a quarter of the campaign; a testament to the striker’s lethality, a mark of his value to Arsenal but most of all a statement that Arsenal are dependent on RVP after the departures of Nasri and Fabregas.

It again looks like a case of patience for Arsenal fans. Rely on Robin for this season, treat any minor successes like gold dust and allow Gervinho, Park and Chamberlain, all undoubtedly top talents, to settle and grow at their own rate within the Arsenal set-up and next season might just be your chance of silverware. This season however, trophies will be a bonus and your best bet will be to enjoy that “special talent,” that is Robin Van Persie.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/  For more articles like this visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

…………………………………………If they stay there will be trouble and if they leave their will be double. Look to the bottom of The Premier League and you’ll see a mixture of character, Latino flair, grit and the North’s most serial arse licker. You can cast your own conclusions over who’s who but in the spirit of the namesake one has a large nose, one is bald, one has black hair, one has brown hair.

The names in question are Mick “you don’t know what you’re doing” McCarthy, but he does know, doesn’t he?; Roberto “we’ll find the solution” Martinez, who has racked up a less than impressive 1 point per game since taking over at Wigan; Owen “we could be 12^th” Coyle, but they aren’t, they’re 18^th and finally Steve “I’ve spoken with the board, they’re onside” Kean, who looks like he should be a butcher, but instead he’s butchering Blackburn.

The bookies’ favourite to win the sack race is Steve Kean in fact with odds at even. It’s undoubtedly influenced by the numerous protests held at Ewood Park this season, but talks of sacking the 44 year-old Glaswegian dates back to March 2011 doing the round of the fan’s internet forums. The figures were pretty condemning then with 83% of fans wanting the manager gone as soon as possible.

Yet, there was to be no sacking of the manager, he had just signed a contract extension with Blackburn Rovers, two months previously, that sees him contracted as manager until June 2013. He was originally given the post in December as caretaker manager when Sam Allardyce was fired just 4 games into Venky’s ownership of the Lancashire club. Big Sam had won two and lost two and Venky’s obviously thought that wins against Villa and Wolves and losses at Manchester United and Bolton were signs of a manager not good enough for them and he was given the sack.

Kean was originally given the post until the end of the season to “prove his abilities” as a manager but the contract was offered 9 weeks later on January 20^th after one draw, two losses and three of Kean’s total seven wins. In total Steve Kean has accumulated a measly 1 point per game and a win ratio of 19% the worst win ratio of any Premier League manager at current and the worst of any Blackburn boss ever.

Mick McCarthy is the next favourite mentioned manager for the chop with odds at 4/1. Chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” rang round The Molineux with Swansea 2-0 up but a double substitution of Guedioura and O’Hara inspired a 2 goal come back and the game finished 2-2 with O’Hara grabbing the equaliser. “Let me clear something up, it doesn’t help. Let’s not give any of the dissenting voices, the mindless idiots that do it, any credit,” said McCarthy, “I did it, I made the substitutions, and I’ll take the credit.”

Separated at Birth?

Mick McCarthy is enjoying his sixth season with Wolves following his appointment in the wake of Glenn Hoddle in 2006. Within three seasons he took a team originally assembled by him, from cheap signings and youth players to The Premier League and he has twice guided the club to Premier League survival now, finishing 17^th last season, staying up by a single point that was no doubt down to the excellent run of form they closed the season with taking seven points from twelve.

Now Roberto Martinez at Wigan Athletic is a mystifying tale, it really is. His first stint at Wigan began in 1995 when he signed for the then Division Three club; he stayed there until 2001 when he was released on a free transfer and eight years later, via a playing position at Motherwell and Walsall and a player-manager role at Swansea, Dave Whelan, the same manager who bought him in as a player, brought him in as manager.

The diminutive manager has therefore got an air of cult status about him at The DW Stadium just as he did at Swansea before he left for The Premier League, but in the 100 or so games Martinez has taken the helms for he has only accumulated 24 wins, one point per game and a win ratio of 24%.

But Wigan, who are often labelled as not a proper football club cited due to their low attendances and the fact that the city is more of a Rugby centred one, don’t look like running out of patience with the Spanish manager just yet and when expectations are nil success is not getting hammered.

An outside bet for the first sacking of The Premier League might just be Owen Coyle. In the last 15 games Owen Coyle has the worst points per game ratio out of anyone in the Premier League; they have won just two games in that run and 13 have ended in losses. That leaves Coyle with a points per game ratio of 0.4 and season ticket holders at The Reebok Stadium haven’t seen Wanderers win since April 24^th 2011, a victory over Arsenal.

Steve Bruce might be worth a mention in the sweepstake for the first firing but Sunderland have four points from their last six and Bruce will look to his next two home fixtures with a smile on his face, with Fulham and Wigan making the trip to The Stadium of Light.

Written by Jordan Florit for http://www.maycauseoffence.com  For more articles like this visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

Look at The Premier League and all is fine and dandy for Manchester City. For the Citizens nothing could look sweeter; they sit top of the highest tier of English football, five points ahead of their long-running rivals, with a goal difference that nearly doubles the second best, United’s, and nobody has scored more and only Newcastle have conceded less.

You could argue it only gets better for City too for they have begun to carry their domestic form over into Europe, they’re into the quarter-finals of The Carling Cup and the weekend brings them QPR.

However, when all is going well, cracks in the face of the club are well concealed by results and delight and this is not healthy at all. Three separate incidents at the club have sparked disdain, furore and confusion.

Last week an interview with Damien Johnson shown on Friday Focus and aired as part of the BBC’s Saturday show, Football Focus, saw Emmanuel Adebayor at unease when it came talking about Manchester City, “I have a good understanding with Mr. Wenger, Mr Mourinho, Mancini thing doesn’t work out as well because I think we all see what is happening about Manchester City on T.V right now.”

Happier days for Manchester City, now plying his trade at Spurs

Presuming that the former Togolese international is referencing the much covered Carlos Tevez public affair, it seems that the Argentine may have a leg to stand on, even if he does refuse to warm up on it. Whilst fans and the football world alike seem to have already drawn Tevez as the football mercenary that wrongly refused to warm up, it may be the case that a heavily strained relationship between Tevez and Mancini could be a more vital factor than first thought, with Mancini as the perpetrator.

In the same topic of conversation in the Johnson Adebayor interview that the striker mentions, “I think we all see what is happening about Manchester City on T.V right now,” he goes on to comment that he, “doesn’t want to talk about it (his time at City)” and described the startling difference between his past two Premier League managers with an indirect faux paus, “He knows how to talk to players, that’s what Harry has got more than anyone else.”

If internet rumours that started circling in October 2010 over a four letter fracas between Mancini and Tevez, with Mancini telling Tevez to “f**k his mother”, are to believed, then a strained relationship is comprehensible; and we all know the internet can be the catalyst for controversy – think John Terry’s race row. Apparently this isn’t the only foul-mouthed torrent of abuse Mancini has fired off at players; in that now-famous clash in Munich, Mancini barked the orders “f*ck off back to Bosnia” to Edin Dzeko, moments after telling Carlos Tevez to make haste to his respected homeland.

Now you may say, “Tevez man up,” after all the Bosnian did, since scoring five goals, however those goals only came after a brief spell of no involvement with Manchester City’s playing squad, bar two minutes at the end of City’s 4-0 demolition of Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Whilst everyone is probably sworn at during work from a senior person of authority once in their life time, the number of incidents in this matter, as well as the number of public fall outs supposedly going on at Manchester City is a cause for concern. Last week’s Carling Cup clash between Manchester City and Wolves ended with Adam Johnson refusing to travel on the team coach home, at first. This seemingly act of petulance was in fact a response to criticism Mancini gave in the post-match interview where he told the interviewer that he was “disappointed (Johnson) doesn’t put everything on to the pitch,” referencing that Johnson didn’t track back in a Wolves attack that led to their second and final goal in a 5-2 defeat to City, in which Johnson scored and assisted.

How did Johnson reply, having got on the coach as the bigger man? He went and scored again on Saturday.

How did Mancini respond? He made comments including, “A player like him should play well every game, like David Silva.”

The Italian throttles David Moyes in 2010

Whilst you can’t knock his managerial form that sees City comfortably top with one game before the next international break, his “autocratic” management, as described by Mark Hughes, is one that may reap its comeuppance when losses eventually reveal their ugly head to City.

Annoyingly, in Mancini’s defence you would look to a consistent board that deal with issues in a consistent manner to support the Italian boss, however the board whiff of double standards; the same board that supported Kolo Toure through his FA hearings and inquests over illegal drug usage, when Mancini described the incident as “a mistake” are now looking to take away his image rights in an internal disciplinary hearing, despite Mancini having no involvement. It was an internal disciplinary hearing that saw Carlos Tevez fined four weeks wages, which The PFA then insisted on reducing to two.

Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/  For more articles like this visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit

This guy needs no introduction, so I won’t give him one; let’s just say he likes ladies, he likes football and he likes beer. He is simple.

1. Hey there Ryan, it was hard tracking you down for this interview, you know what with you always being absent from training, and injured on match days. How is the “injury?” Fill us in.

Mate, it’s ridiculous and incredibly frustrating. I’ve just been to see Matt Radcliffe (A.K.A some physio nurse in the hospital—-who wasn’t too bad either) for the second time, and I’ve snapped some of the fibres in my Achilles tendon. The silly woman also tried telling me I’d be out for up to 4 months and may still need surgery, to which I replied ‘WAH’.  So yeah, there’s my ‘injury’. Also I would like to use this moment to help Nathan’s queer statuses that he’s been posting lately, health is the most important thing, without it your useless, look after yourself as well as you can. 

2. Despite your numerous absences you do hold two exclusive FCI records. Firstly, the first ever goal for FCI against Locks Heath it put us 1-0 up and it was a top finish. How did it feel?

It was alright, but better was to come. 

3. Secondly, you then scored our first ever “competitive” goal in our 6-0 demolition of Romsey Saints. That was probably the best goal you will ever score. How do you think it rates?

Ducking best shot I’ve ever seen in my life. Ever. Finesse, precision…perfect. I say I’m both footed, but to be fair my right has slight dominance but that left footed shot was immense. So for someone, such as yourself, who claims to be left footed, how come you’ve never scored one anyway near as good as that? Bit awkward. 

4. I wont rise to that comment. Who do you think has scored the best goal ever? R.Carlos in the World Cup? Big Rickie’s halfway lob?

What a stupid question. Ryan Breen, obviously.

5. Now that proves a point; we know your ego is nearly as large Gervinho’s forehead, so Jordan is sporadic with his praise for you. What rubs your ego the most?

Apart from scoring the best goal ever, and doing my beautiful shrugging of the shoulder celebration….ummm I think I’m happy enough with beating Jordan 3-0 at taking ten shots from outside the box, with the other in goal, and seeing who scores the most, even though I am injured. Bit awkward. Or c*ensored for more sensitive readers*, but let’s not enter my private life.

6. Ahh, so it must’ve hurt when Mikey got the school captaincy after including on your Personal Statement that you already had it in the bag. How much did it hurt?

Mate, he’s been stripped of the captaincy; it was obvious it should have been me. Not our fault the manager is the thickest man I know. What do you think of the fact you manage FCI, therefore should be a good leader, but I’m not mentioned for captaincy? Bit awkward. 

7. Ohh yes, picking the person with the worst overall attendance as captain? FCI are only just beginning to see just how “fun-loving” Mikey is, we might describe it as cockiness even borderline arrogance. How does he differ from college football to the SCL?

Hey, I will not have a bad word said against Mikey, he is a good friend, and just takes a little bit of…..getting used to. But yes, his attitude does improve on a Saturday, compared to college where he storms of after hitting the post of an open goal, calling the referee/our manager, a female sexual organ.

8.Haha, oh Ryan. His temper is definitely one defining characteristic of his game. You and Mike have also been highlighted as temperamental by captain Ross who described the three of you as “MiMiBre” an evil troll of something. How many cards do you reckon you’ve got over the years?

Jamie’s interview was the most peculiar thing I have ever read. But it is true our tempers are rather interesting. For myself, I would estimate about 4 reds, and 7 yellows. But let’s remember I have only just come out of youth football where you would have to stud someone in the eye to get a yellow, so this is not really a helpful estimation. 

9. What about Tom Lewis? He is another College lad. You two have quite a banterous and violent relationship. Who is the more dominantLad and which one of you gets most upset by the banter and most hurt by the beatings?

Talking about this topic will only annoy me. But yes, I’m obviously more dominant, just look at him.

10. Oh, fighting talk! How do you feel you have settled into the team? You’ve been a settler for as long as the Dale Farm lot now. 

The team is brilliant, very good chemistry. Well, minus the time when Leegay or Scott ‘banters’ me.

11. Aww, Breeny you’re showing the lads your soft side! How long are you going to be out for? We’ve got two games left before the Christmas break and then we will be halfway through the season. Will we see you before then?

I think it may have to be after Christmas, but I am doing all I possibly can to try and shorten that. 

12. You’ll be pivotal in the cup run I am sure, having experience in the league and as one of the “bigger lads”, do you rate your chances of winning back your starting position?

I just hope I’m in a physical condition to be able to compete for my position. If I am, I’ll be so hungry to play football; it’ll be who is playing alongside me.

13.Your atitude is admirable. Your other centre midfielders, Mitat, Mikey, Arthur, they’ve all been around when you’ve been “injured” they’ll be hard to budge, who do you most like playing alongside and why?

Just as Nigel would say, it would be unprofessional to pick one player in particular. But I do enjoy playing with Mikey, there is obvious quality and we always play with a smile. With Mitat I always feel a little bit more protected, as you always know he has his golf club in his car if anything kicks off, and he has his one thunderbolt of a shot per game. But then there’s Arthur, giggle. 

14. Giggle, giggle. You’ve actually scored two so far in the season. That’s two more than Tom Lewis, do you want to make any comment?

Why thank you for this opportunity………just look at him. I’m sure you have heard of Darwin’s theory, survival of the fittest. Well this is a perfect example. I will survive and mate with a girl whereas he will be totally useless, no mating partner will take him. He will be, as my biology teacher perfectly puts, a biological waste of space 

15. Look at you! Ceasing the chance to rub your ego. I’ve scored more than you. So has Mikey hahaha. Get back in your box. Talking of boxes, you box don’t you?

It’s just an opportunity to spar with Mikey… cough, break his nose, cough. 

16. If you break Mikey’s nose you leave us weak in the midfield area with you two out! Are you more David Haye or Mike Tyson or Lennox Lewis?

I want Mike Tyson’s tattoo.

17. The lads could do with some support on matchdays, what are you doing whilst we win everything going and you are “injured?”

Sacrificing a pig, as apparently it’s good luck, and you need that if you want Jim to score.

18. I can’t comment on that as manager. I’ll lay off the banter now and see you through to a nice finish. Who is your footballing hero and why?

David Beckham. Incredible attitude, and just look at that goal against Greece, if every international player had his attitude we would win the World Cup every time. 

19. If you could play for any manager in the world who and why?

Harry Redknapp. The most incredible footballing philosophy: ‘we’ll outscore you’.

20 What manager is Jordan most like?

King Kenny.

Top interview given by Ryan Breen! I wish him well in his speedy recovery from his ankle injury and I hope FCI do him proud meanwhile. Let’s hope he will come along and see us win against Waterside A and Hedge End Blues before the Christmas break.