From West Ham’s future to forgotten star

Who remembers Ravel Morrison? You know – the guy that was once Manchester United’s best young talent and the same at West Ham. Just another wasted talent?

Sir Alex Ferguson once described Ravel as the most talented player he’d had during his time with United – quite an accolade when you consider the wealth of talent that has come through the ranks during that time, especially the ‘class of 92’.

Morrison then moved to West Ham after Sir Alex finally lost his patience. After moving to Upton Park and after an initial struggle to settle, he exploded onto the scene with a wonder goal vs Spurs. His performances were incredibly exciting to West Ham fans as he was far and away the standout player during the early part of a dismal season. Morrison was also finally receiving the mentoring and guidance under the wing of Kevin Nolan.

Following a loan spell towards the end of the season to QPR, Ravel returned to West Ham and was involved in the pre-season with the Hammers. However, after coming on as a substitute against Southampton he was deemed surplus to requirements as the Irons changed their formation and subsequently excluding the need for another attacking midfielder.

He was effectively chosen behind Kevin Nolan, and he’s not the most liked man in East London so Big Sam was criticised for his decision to let Morrison out on loan as he joined Cardiff City up until December.

Yet, so far, the 21-year-old has started only one game for Cardiff and made five appearances as a substitute. Unsurprisingly, during that time, he has failed to score or assist a single goal. The Bluebirds are currently sitting mid-table of the Championship and yet Morrison is yet to convince Russell Slade that he is worthy of a starting place.

Meanwhile, West Ham have had a somewhat dream start to life this season and sit joint on points with Arsenal after the first 10 games. When things are going so well, there’s nothing to moan about, and even Allardyce is starting to get some praise. Consequently, you rarely hear Ravel’s name murmured around the Boleyn Ground anymore – a shame really.

I, along with many West Ham fans, was a massive fan of the 21-year-old and had not seen a youngster with as much potential as Ravel at West Ham in a long time. However, despite still being a West Ham player and possibly due for return as a Christmas present, he’s starting to become a distant memory.

At the end of the day, if he can’t prove himself at Cardiff in the final two months of his loan spell then he certainly won’t be getting back into this West Ham side anytime soon.

He’s gone from the best of a bad bunch, to a fringe player not deemed worthy of a place on the bench. That may tell more about the improvements of the club over the past year than of the player himself, but a lot has been said about his attitude and there is no other reason why a player of his ability shouldn’t be cutting it in the Premier League.

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Watch below to see Ravel Morrison’s latest antics as he got only a yellow for slapping Bolton’s Darren Pratley during Cardiff’s 3-0 defeat on Tuesday.

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Five Brendan Rodgers replacements Liverpool could consider

Although it is highly unlikely that Brendan Rodgers will be sacked during the course of this season due to his success in the previous campaign, Liverpool may still need to look towards the future whilst keeping their options open.

The Reds aren’t having the best start so far, with shock losses to Aston Villa, West Ham United, and most recently Newcastle United punctuating a difficult start.

If Rodgers fails to see his squad improve in the coming weeks, the board could decide to let him finish the current campaign before they consider their search for a new manager.

However, based on how they perform, here are FIVE potential candidates they should consider if the worst case scenario does take place.

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Harry Redknapp

Name:Harry Redknapp

Age: 67

Nationality: England

Current Club: Queens Park Rangers

Having been part of the English game for most of his career, both as a player as well as a manager, his knowledge of the Premier League could be seen as an asset should Liverpool decide to consider a new boss. He was also linked with the Anfield job in the past and could be once again if a vacancy does open up.

He isn’t enjoying the best time at Queens Park Rangers at the moment with his side currently in the relegation zone after 10 matches. Depending on how QPR do during the course of the season, Redknapp is surely under pressure to prove his worth to the club.

Rafael Benitez

Name:Rafael Benitez

Age: 54

Nationality: Spain

Current Club: Napoli

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could also be in the running to return to Anfield after managing the club from 2004-2010. He enjoyed a rather successful spell, winning the FA Cup, Community Shield, UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup.

Benitez is already a proven manager and could be the spark the Reds need in order to dominate in Europe once more. He was also previously interim manager at Chelsea in the 2012-2013 season where his squad were crowned UEFA Europa League champions.

Jamie Carragher

Name:Jamie Carragher

Age: 36

Nationality: England

Current Club: None

The possibility of Jamie Carragher stepping up as the next Liverpool coach at the moment is rather slim, but he could become one in the future should the club consider him as a candidate. Having spent his entire senior career at Anfield, making over 500 appearances, he is someone who knows everything there  is to know about the squad.

He could start as an assistant, similar to what Ryan Giggs is doing at Manchester United before eventually stepping up to the plate when the time is right. He also previously revealed that he believes he could be a very good Liverpool manager.

Diego Simeone

Name:Diego Simeone

Age: 44

Nationality: Argentina

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Current Club: Atletico Madrid

When it comes to picking a successful manager, Diego Simeone’s name easily comes to mind. In only two short years, he turned Atletico Madrid into a championship winning side, picking up five titles from 2011-2014. One huge achievement was to be crowned La Liga champions, beating both Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona to the award.

Although he has never managed in the Premier League, his hard-man coaching style and passion for success could be exactly what Liverpool need to guide them back into the top four. The club undoubtedly has the quality, but they might need someone who is willing to push the players week-in-week-out to guarantee the results.

Jurgen Klopp

Name:Jurgen Klopp

Age: 47

Nationality: Germany

Current Club: Borussia Dortmund

Jurgen Klopp is one of the most notable managers due to his passionate coaching methods, especially when seen screaming and urging his team from the sidelines. He enjoyed huge success with Borussia Dortmund in the past few seasons, picking up two consecutive Bundesliga titles and even coming second in the UEFA Champions League only the way.

He is a manager that is constantly being linked with a move to the English Premier League with a number of clubs already considering him as their next manager. Chelsea, Manchester City, as well as Manchester United were said to be after him at the end of the previous season and is also tipped to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. If Klopp ever decides to leave Germany, many believe his next destination will definitely be the English Premier League.

Liverpool boss heading towards the sack: Three things we’ve learnt…

Dwight Gayle’s favourite pass-time is scoring against Liverpool

The Crystal Palace striker is hardly what you’d call a prolific striker, well, he would be if the Eagles could play Liverpool 38 times a season! The 24-year-old striker added to his three goals in two Premier League appearances against Brendan Rodgers side by equalising for Palace in the first-half.

Rickie Lambert is a better option that Mario Balotelli

On his day, no matter how rare they’re, Balotelli is up there as one of the best strikers in world football, however, as of yet, it hasn’t quite worked for the former Manchester City striker on Anfield. Rickie Lambert was given a start against Palace today, with Balotelli not even in the matchday squad. And it didn’t take the former Southampton man long to find the back of the net and in turn, give Brendan some food for thought.

Brendan Rodgers is on thin ice

Four defeats on the bounce for Liverpool now and they remain in the bottom half of the Premier League; you have to question how patient Liverpool’s board are? Will Rodgers be given time to turn this around?

The real reason Southampton are flying?

Southampton have been truly exceptional so far this season, and at the forefront of their success is skipper Jose Fonte. The defender has been as solid as a rock in the Saints defence, and he is a major factor of why Ronald Koeman’s side are exceeding all expectations.

Fonte celebrated a new three-year deal at St Mary’s in August by being handed the captaincy by Koeman. Championship side Cardiff City had a £3m bid rejected by the Saints in July, as the 31-year-old pledged his future to Southampton. But nobody, not even Fonte himself, could have envisioned just how well the Saints’ new-look team would be doing, or how he would become their most vital player.

Pundits Garth Crooks, Glenn Hoddle and Jamie Carragher – are just a few names who have praised the Portuguese defender recently. The ex-Crystal Palace star was faultless in Southampton’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, and he just emphasised his importance on the side even further. Fonte stifled the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Angel di Maria, and in truth United’s superstars didn’t get too much of a look in. The Portugal international didn’t put a foot wrong in Southampton’s FA Cup third round replay with Ipswich Town on Wednesday either – as the Saints won 1-0 at Portman Road, with Fonte as dominant as ever.

Fonte has been at St Mary’s ever since the Saints were battling it out in League One. The skipper has been part of Southampton’s monumental rise all the way from the third tier of English football – to third in the Barclays Premier League. In his five years with the Saints, the South Coast club have gained back-to-back promotions to the top flight, and have had two very successful years in the Premier League – developing every year.

As for this season, it’s been truly remarkable for everyone involved with the club. After the well documented loss of the majority of their stars (apart from Fonte) and indeed their manager Mauricio Pochettino, the Saints were widely predicted to struggle this season. But with the arrival of the experienced boss Ronald Koeman, who’s had spells of managing the likes of Ajax, Benfica and most recently Feyenoord, they had a more than capable manger coming into St Mary’s.

The Dutchman’s shrewdness in the Summer Transfer Window, has been another major factor of the Saints’ success this term. The likes of Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic, Fraser Forster and Shane Long – to name a few, have all been outstanding. But keeping hold of Morgan Schneiderlin and Jose Fonte, could well have been the best bit of business Southampton did over the summer – the St Mary’s faithful will be hoping their club can keep hold of these two, as they push for a European place.

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It’s anyone’s guess how far the Saints can go this season – After two outstanding results against Arsenal and Manchester United recently, and with four wins in their last five Premier League outings, the Saints are going to be extremely hard to dislodge from the top four places.

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Is it the end of the road for this Everton man?

Everton have had a tough season, results have not quite gone as planned on the pitch and an endless list of injuries have left them languishing in mid-table.

The Toffees’ draw against Swansea at the weekend means they are unbeaten in the last four but boss Roberto Martinez is still feeling the strain. After dropping out of the Europa Cup after losing to Dynamo Kiev, Everton fans have been looking for someone to blame. It has been an extremely disappointing season – they have struggled to perform and after a 5th place finish last season fans were expecting a lot better.

Martinez is currently 50/1 to be sacked but has been as low as 6/1 during the season. Everton’s chairman is famed for his loyalty but in this day and age no one is immune from losing their job. While things have started improve with their first back-to-back wins since October, many involved in the club are not happy with how their season has progressed.

Recently graffiti appeared at Goodison Park saying “Martinez out” and “Not good enough” which show some fans have grown angry at the way their team is performing. After beginning the season with genuine hopes of being able to compete for a Champions League place and really challenge in the Europa League fans are looking towards the man in charge for someone to blame. While these fans are still in a small minority it only takes one person to think it before others join in.

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One of Everton’s biggest issues has been with injury. Since Martinez arrived 18th months ago 13 players have had an incredible 22 hamstring injuries between them. It is clear that something needs to be looked into about the training plans of the squad – something is not right and it needs to be addressed as quickly as possible.

Martinez is seen among many as a stubborn manager. He has shown a reluctance to adapt and change his style when things have been going wrong. Sam Allardyce is another who refuses to change his ways and it looks like he will be heading out of the West Ham door before next season. Could the same be about to happen to Martinez?

When Martinez took over at Everton in 2013 he spoke very clearly about building a team for the long term. This season Tim Howard, Sylvain Distin and Gareth Barry appear to have shown their age while last season’s star, Ross Barkley has struggled to emulate his success. Before fans make their decision on Martinez they need to see how he builds his team in the summer. If they get to Christmas next season and things haven’t changed and problems haven’t been addressed, then the cries of “Martinez out” will be a lot louder.

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While this season has been a huge test for those involved in the club many believe that in the long term Martinez’s decisions will pay off. It is unlikely that Martinez will be sacked now. It will be all down to how he plays the summer transfer window as to whether he will still be in a job this time next year.

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Are we beginning to see this Man United star’s true worth?

A massive transfer fee is a burden for some players. It is something they will have to justify during their time at the club that dug deep to secure their services.

Fernando Torres never lived up to his £50million fee whilst at Chelsea, and Angel Di Maria is struggling to justify his at Old Trafford this season. And Luke Shaw is no exception. He is the most expensive teenager in the world, and his debut season as a Manchester United player has not been all he’d hoped.

But the best is yet to come for Shaw.

He may not have been the key player of the season, but when given the opportunity, Shaw has made the most of his minutes. His Manchester United debut was their home game against West Ham, and Shaw was outstanding. He came back from the criticism given by Louis Van Gaal over his fitness in pre season and proved his worth.

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Shaw has dipped in and out of the squad, and has been no stranger to injuries. But, in the first half of the season almost every United player picked up some form of injury. He has had problems with his ankle this season – a knock he picked up against Arsenal – and missed a few weeks of playing time.

Yet having not played regular football, and with Daley Blind sidelined, Shaw made his return to the side at Stamford Bridge last weekend. United may not have been able to pick up the three points, but they played exceptionally well against the league leaders. And Shaw’s performance stood out alone. With youth being dropped for experience in the last few weeks, it was important for Shaw to prove his worth, and he did just that.

Youth is a advantage factor for Luke Shaw. Whilst it is on his side, in the case of being chosen over older and more ‘tired’ legs, it is also the justification of why the media need to lay off the youngster. He is only 19-years-old, and if he isn’t putting in his best performances week in week out, there is still time for him to perfect his craft.

Although he is in the same league, he still has to adjust to a new manager, new tactics, new formations, and most importantly with Louis Van Gaal, a new philosophy.

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If he can keep fit next season, he’ll undoubtedly live up to his price tag and show why he was the world’s most expensive teenager.

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Man United legend insists 31-goal striker not ready for Old Trafford move

Manchester United legend Andy Cole does not believe Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane is ready to move to Old Trafford, according to reports from the Mirror.

Kane has been heavily linked with a switch to United following an incredible breakthrough season, in which the 21-year-old scored 31 goals in all competitions.

And the Red Devils are reportedly mulling over a £40million offer for the striker, who is currently on international duty with the England U-21s.

Manchester United Transfer News | Tottenham Hotspur Transfer News

However, ex-United forward Cole insists that the pressure to play for United would be too much, and that the club should look elsewhere for a consistent goalscorer.

“There’s talk of Harry Kane,” said Cole. “He’s had a brilliant first season, but [just] half a season really good.

“But can he come to Manchester United – if it is true – for £40m and bring what the club need?

“I think the kid’s talented, but we have to be honest. He’s had half a season where everything went for him – penalties at the keeper and rebounds coming straight to his feet.

“He’s scored some goals. But to take that leap – because your second season in the Premier League is always tough – if it did happen and to leave Tottenham and come to Man United and for them to pin all their hopes on him.

“For the money, and if it did happen, that’s a helluva lot of pressure. United need to compete in Europe and for the championship as well. He [Kane] is a baby, still learning his trade.”

Cole then suggested that his former club should instead invest £60million to sign Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, whom he rates as the best in the Premier League.

“If I was being cheeky, I’d say, ‘I’ll give you £60m for Aguero’ because Aguero – when fit – is the best centre-forward in the Premier League. Fit, firing, he’s unbelievable. You can imagine him playing alongside Wayne Rooney.

“It wouldn’t be bad, would it?”

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Cole scored 121 goals during his eight years with Man United, in which he won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one Champions League trophy.

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England can realistically aim for 2022 World Cup glory

In September 2013 in his first speech new FA Chairman Greg Dyke set two rather ambitious targets: reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2020 and then winning the World Cup in 2022.

In the same speech back in 2013 he listed the various problems in English football, pointing out that twenty years ago 69% of all the players starting matches in the Premier League were qualified to play for England but in the 2011/12 season the figure was 32%. Two years ago in the 2010/11 just 37% of all new signings by Premier League clubs were qualified to play for England.

Whilst this figure did climb towards 40% last season, largely down to Burnley’s mainly British squad, it was nevertheless an early improvement. However, much more improvement needs to be made and the figure needs to get over the 50% mark at least if England are going to see any benefits in the long term.

Dyke’s aims could be easily derided. You could say his targets are a bit far fetched, but it is better setting a target like Dyke has done rather than sit back an accept England’s fate. He is actively trying to change things.

And obviously the target to win the 2022 World Cup is quite contentious in itself as it is quite unclear where it will be played yet due to the whole FIFA scandal.

But wherever it is, the target is so far away it does at least give England a seven year period in which players can develop and be moulded into a squad that is potentially capable of winning the World Cup.

Joe Hart will be 35 when the World Cup starts in 2022, so he may well be the ‘keeper between the sticks, or it could be Stoke City’s Jack Butland – both, by the time of the tournament, will be experienced, quality stoppers.

The England manager of the time will be able to call on Luke Shaw at left back and Nathaniel Clyne at right back, John Stones at centre back who could be partnered by Phil Jones.

Current England regulars Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere are all still young and by the time of that tournament will be experienced internationals and will provide the creative spark in the side.

Up front Daniel Sturridge would be 32 and a seasoned international by that point, Spurs forward Harry Kane would only be 28 and in his prime as well.

Of course this is all theoretical, as we don’t know how players will develop and who will break through, but there is at least a good nucleus for a solid England side that may be capable of winning the World Cup.

Some players that have not even been mentioned yet like Will Hughes, Jordon Ibe, Alex Pritchard, Nathaniel Chalobah or Ruben Loftus-Cheek are all promising young players who have plenty to prove and plenty of time to prove it. They could be shaping the basis of England’s side for the tournament in 2022, however we don’t know if these players will be given the time and football needed to develop and that is the problem Dyke is trying to deal with.

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But if the likes of these youngsters can get football, they could be part of the conversation to  make Dyke’s dream a reality.

The cynics will say Dyke’s dream is madness and England are miles away, and they may be right. But with the tournament so far away and with so much young talent that needs to develop over the years building up to the tournament it may well prove to be good judgement.

However now it is too hard to say, but if Dyke can get more English players playing in the Premier League the England national team will be much better for it.

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Three reasons why Celtic’s clash with Aberdeen is even more important than upcoming derby

Celtic have a massive week of football ahead of them. It’s a week that in many ways will define what direction their season will take. Win all three matches against Aberdeen, Dundee and Rangers and they’ll be expected to coast to another Scottish Premiership title without much trouble in the new year. Defeats in one or two of the matches and they’ll have to contemplate the prospect of a real title race.

It all starts on Saturday with the visit of the Dons and although they have a massive derby against Rangers too look forward to on the 30th, this weekend’s match is arguably more important.

The Hoops are probably more vulnerable now than they ever have been under Brendan Rodgers and although they have a great record against Aberdeen in the manager’s time in Glasgow, Saturday is set to be a tough test.

Here are THREE reasons why this is Celtic’s biggest match of the domestic season so far…

They’ve just destroyed a difficult to beat Hibs team

Celtic have a struggled in the odd match against numerous teams over the last 12 months, but against Hibernian it’s becoming a bit of a habit with Neil Lennon’s side showing on two occasions they can be a match for Brendan Rodgers’ team. It’s perhaps rather disconcerting then that Aberdeen are coming into Saturday’s match with Celtic having just destroyed the Edinburgh side 4-1.

The Dons looked at their lethal best against Hibs last week, with former Hoops star Gary Mackay-Steven netting a hat-trick and generally terrifying what has been a fairly impressive defence this season.

Ever since Derek McInnes turned down Rangers they’ve been on a tear, winning three matches from three and capitalising on Celtic’s defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.

Catching Aberdeen on an off day often results in a routine win for Celtic, but catching them in this form, after a long month, will this one an especially difficult 90 minutes.

They’ll likely be Celtic’s closest challengers again

Despite Rangers getting their act together a bit this season results wise, and defeating the Dons twice in a week recently, Aberdeen are still showing that over long stretches they are still the second most consistent team in Scotland and Celtic’s closest challengers.

A win against the Hoops on Saturday would put them to within just two points of the league leaders and with two home matches to follow while Celtic have to travel to Dens Park and face Rangers in a big derby, that gives them a decent chance of ending the year on level points or even ahead of the Scottish champions. A win of course puts them eight points clear, breathing room in the midst of a difficult set of fixtures.

If ever there was a time to show their dominance over Aberdeen, Saturday is it and the Hoops can’t slip up or risk heading into the winter break with their tail between their legs.

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Derek McInnes has a point to prove

Britain Football Soccer – Aberdeen v Celtic – Scottish Cup Final – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland – 27/5/17 Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic

Derek McInnes recently committed his future to the club after making the massive decision to turn down Rangers and in doing so he is re-iterating his desire that Aberdeen can win trophies under his watch. He’s done an impressive job at the Dons but only has one solitary league cup to show for it and since Brendan Rodgers arrived in Scotland, they’ve looked even more unlikely to add to that.

McInnes’ record against Rodgers is poor, in the seven matches between the two, Rodgers’ side have come out on top in all seven, scoring 17 goals in the process and conceding just three. It’s been so difficult for the Dons to even get close to Celtic.

The difference in resources is of course huge but if McInnes is truly going to deliver success at Pittodrie, he needs to find a way to win against Celtic, and after showing loyalty to Aberdeen, this would be the time to do it, making his side even more dangerous this weekend.

Liverpool miss out on Bayern Munich-bound Goretzka, fans react

Liverpool began the transfer window with a bang by signing Virgil van Dijk from Southampton, but they are yet to soften the blow of losing Philippe Coutinho by bringing in a new signing.

Schalke midfielder Leon Groteska was one of many names being linked with a move to Anfield.

The Independent claims that the Merseyside outfit were in contact with the midfielder’s representatives.

However, it has been confirmed today that the 22-year-old has agreed to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians confirmed on Twitter that Goretzka has signed a contract that will come into effect on July 1.

The news could affect Emre Can’s future at Liverpool given that Goretzka was tipped to replace his fellow German, who is out of contract this summer.

As expected, fans have taken to social media to express their thoughts in the Reds failing to convince the young player to move to Merseyside.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will try to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 15 matches when they take on Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Monday.

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