Hughes Leaves City With Head Held High

It is unusual for a sacked manager to get so much sympathy from the media like Mark Hughes has done this week. He is the only man connected with Manchester City to come out with any credit after he was thrown on the scrap heap by the money men at Eastlands.

So was his dismissal fair? Probably not. According to Hughes it was agreed between the owners, Chief Executive, Gary Cook and the manager that a top six finish would be acceptable for this season. And where do City currently sit in the league table? That's right, sixth after just two defeats all season. There have been eight draws from 17 games though, but City remain only six points behind fourth spot with a game in hand and above one of the 'big four', -Liverpool - in the table.

Okay, so you might point to the millions that Hughes has spent on the likes of Robinho, Adebayor, Tevez, Lescott et al, but it takes more than a season for players to gel and become potential title challengers. The heavyweights of the Premier League will not be just pushed aside in one false swoop.

There is also the argument that the Premier League has tightened up more this year. Champions Manchester United have already lost five games, Liverpool seven whilst Chelsea have been stumbling of late too.

What angered the football world the most though was not particularly the sacking of Hughes - we've seen big clubs dump bosses before such as Chelsea with Phil Scolari - it was the deceit. The fact that it leaked out that Hughes was going during a game of football, one that Hughes won too. Apparently it did not matter though, as he was replaced a couple of weeks earlier according to reports.

The truth is that Manchester City's owners are not fans, they are businessmen. They want Champions League football this season, a title challenge next and then to win them both. It is a difficult job for 'big name' Italian Roberto Mancini and I'll be very surprised if City finish in the top four.

What would City fans make of the whole situation though? Perhaps a bit of regret at the way Hughes was treated maybe, but with Mancini coming in with money to spend at will they may just be licking their lips with anticipation. The sad thing is the only way we are ever going to see the dominance of the big four challenged is this way, by money.

Mark Hughes shouldn't be too worried though, it won't be long before the offers come flying in from other clubs, hopefully clubs that will give him the time he deserves.

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To show that the Premier League is not all doom and gloom on the managerial front, I'd like to give a special mention to a man who is often overlooked to what a magnificent job he has done.

After arriving at Craven Cottage in December 2007, Roy Hodgson walked straight into a relegation battle. A man who had only managed in the Premier League for a short time at Blackburn during the 90's, little was known of what to expect. He had a good reputation abroad and at international level, but would he be able to handle a relatively small Premier League outfit with limited funding?

The answer soon became clear. After keeping the Cottagers up on the final day of the 2007-08 after a miraculous escape, even better was to come the following season. Seventh place and European football, Fulham's highest top-flight finish in their history.

And it was no fluke. In a season where the Premier League has seemed to become the 'big four' and the 'next three', Fulham currently sit ninth, one place behind Liverpool and just three points behind Manchester City in sixth with a game in hand and have qualified for the knock-out stages of the Europa League from a group that contained Roma and Basle. And things just keep getting better after, quite frankly, a 3-0 demolition of champions Manchester United on Saturday.

A simply brilliant job done by a superb manager. It's a shame then that Roy Hodgson will never get a chance to manage a side in the top four. He is often overlooked as people talk of O'Neill and Redknapp and Moyes -who have also done good jobs-but he is left out.

The next time the England job becomes available though, I would look no further.

Champions League Draw Throws Up Double Reunion

Yesterday's draw for the last 16 of the Champions League brought about an intriguing Anglo-Italian duel, where England's big two clash with the giants of Milan. Manchester United will take on AC Milan, whilst Chelsea take on Inter.

Tasty enough you might think but when you throw in the double return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge and David Beckham to Old Trafford, the pinnacle of European football will be eagerly anticipated after the winter break.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United will be expected to progress into the quarter finals, especially with the second legs being played in England, highlighting the importance of topping the group.

For both of these men, it will be their first competitive return to their former clubs since leaving the Premier League. Chelsea have never quite been the same since the 'special one' left in 2007, and are now only returning to the sort of form displayed under him, though they have been shaky of late.

As for Beckham, this is perhaps the most interesting. Since leaving Old Trafford in 2003, it's very much the opinion that his career has gone downwards. After some success at Real Madrid, he was eventually forced out and chose America to play his football. Maybe he realised his mistake and he didn't want to admit it or he was just being loyal to LA Galaxy who he had promised so much to, but he returned to Europe last year to have an impressive spell on loan at AC Milan, where he has since returned again as the MLS season is over.

Of course, Beckham can also cite his claims for a place in England's World Cup squad, where I think he should still be. While some of the pace has gone, the quality still undoubtedly remains. His ability to pick out the perfect pass, or a fantastic delivery from a set piece is still there. He showed in performances in qualifying that he will never let England down and will always there when called upon. There are many by now who would have called it a day.

Of Chelsea and Manchester United's chances, they know that they can beat anybody at home so as long as they avoid a hammering in the San Siro they should have enough. But with Beckham and Mourinho adding an extra spice they will need to be on their guard.

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Less than a month after being sacked by Portsmouth, Paul Hart has already stepped back into management as the new manager of Queens Park Rangers. After the incident between Jim Magilton and Akos Buzsacky that was reported in this column last week, it was decided that Magilton wouldn't be continuing as boss.

So in comes Hart, and you would have thought he'd have had enough of uncertainties in the boardroom at Portsmouth only to step into a club which is probably even more uncertain.

You've got to give it to him though, he won't be deterred and is determined to get his managerial career back on track at Loftus Road. You sense he will have to be quick in getting results though. Hart is now the fifth permanent manager since October 2007, which is absolutely ridiculous.

The moguls that run QPR expect instant success, but how can they achieve that if a manger is given no time to get his own team together. All I can say Paul Hart is good luck because you're going to need it.

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Finally, of those Tottenham Hotspur players going to have their secret knees-up in Dublin behind Harry Redknapp's back. How on earth did they think they were going to get away with it?

Premier League footballers out on the town after their manager Harry Redknapp had publicly stated there would be no Christmas party in case of an incident that could potentially derail their season... kind of back fired then I guess.

Perhaps the most alarming thing of all though is the possibilty they didn't care if they were caught. But if there are players deliberately disobeying the manager's orders then there's only one thing for it - get them out. I suppose it depends who those players were which of yet we do not know.

Spurs have to quickly get this out of their system though and hope that it's not the secret Christmas party rather than the dodgy lasagne that derails their Champions League prospects.

McCarthy Gives United Early Christmas Gift

As a Wolves supporter myself, I try to keep them out of this column as much as possible as it is my aim to be strictly neutral. However, as my team are all over the national press today I'm going to give my honest view on last night's events that have divided the Wolves community.

How quickly the mood at a club can change. Saturday evening was the greatest victory for Wolves for a long time. A fantastic 1-0 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane and a good performance to boot. Then last night came Mick McCarthy's shocking decision to make ten changes to that team, every outfield player as only Marcus Hahnemann remained between the sticks.

Now, I can understand the reasons why this was done as Wolves go into a crucial six pointer at home to Burnley on Sunday, but to change all the outfield players was puzzling to say the least. After the victory over Spurs there was a sense that Wolves might be able to get something from the game, whether this was true or not we'll never know.

Manchester United were hardly at their best, and it was a poor game in truth. I bet Alex Ferguson was rubbing his hands with glee as he saw the Wolves team. This would surely be a chance to get back to winning ways after Saturday's surprise defeat to Aston Villa.

Let's get real for a moment though. This is Old Trafford and Manchester United we are talking about. It was likely that any Wolves team that went out there were going to be turned over last night, and maybe this was McCarthy's thinking. But this is so unlike him, this is Mick McCarthy, the tough, straight talking former defender who it seems hates to lose at anything. For him to be so seemingly defeatist is what amazed me.

Could McCarthy not have just rested players who he thought needed it, Kevin Doyle for example? I understand that Wolves did a lot of running without the ball on Saturday and were always going to last night. These are professional footballers though who should be able to handle three games in a week. I shall be expecting to see Burnley dead on their feet then at Molineux on Sunday as they tackle Arsenal tonight. They will be playing three games in a week, I expect at full strength. The pressure is now on McCarthy and his team to pick up three points on Sunday.

There is the argument that there were eleven professionals out there representing Wolverhampton Wanderers who could have got the job done and to be fair to them they caused some problems early on, but once Wayne Rooney expertly converted the opening goal from the penalty spot, that was that. I wonder what Carlo Ancelotti made of McCarthy's decision? Had Wolves affected the title race? I doubt Ancelotti would've expected much from Wolves anyway.

From a personal opinion it was disappointing to see the heroes from Saturday evening dropped for such a game, but Burnley is crucial. Three points on Sunday and all is forgiven. What is irking Wolves fans the most though is that a ticket for the game cost £42, and extra add ons for travel. If some knew they'd be watching largely second string players they wouldn't have bothered. It was Manchester United who set those ridiculous prices though and Mick McCarthy's job is to pick the team and get results - ultimately keeping Wolves in the Premier League. It sounds harsh but it's not up to him to care about the fans. He didn't do it out of spite, he did it for Wolves.

But there can be no complaints from Wolverhampton now should Man Utd or Chelsea play a weakened side against one of their relegation rivals. Wolves have to now move on from this episode to the one that really matters - Burnley on Sunday.

Big Two Falter As Villa Make Their Move

What an unpredictable day it was in the Premier League yesterday. Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham all slipped up in apparent 'home bankers'. Spurs were toppled by my team Wolves, while United lost to Aston Villa and Chelsea were held to a 3-3 draw by Everton at Stamford Bridge.

So while it seems nobody wants to take the title race by the scruff of the neck it looks as if Spurs are determined to stuff up their chances of Champions League football - they have not won since that 9-1 drubbing of Wigan. We also saw more of Manchester City's leaky defence and ruthless attack in another goal glut at Bolton, another 3-3 thriller.

So it seems it all worked out perfectly for Aston Villa. Not only did they notch up their first win at Old Trafford since 1983, with their main rivals slipping up they found themselves sitting in the top four. While it has been Tottenham and Manchester City thumping their chests and talking up their chances of breaking into the top four, it's Aston Villa quietly going about their business on the pitch.

Incredibly Villa have now won at Anfield and Old Trafford this season while beating Chelsea on their own patch - that's championship winning form! In fact, the only thing keeping them out of the title race are the defeats against the likes of Wigan, West Ham and Blackburn.

But it's a carbon copy of last season. A blistering start to the season including a win at The Emirates saw Martin O'Neill's men firmly placed in the top four, they were the only side who were going to do it. However, they faded dramatically after Christmas as Arsenal clawed them back to comfortably finish above them in the end as Villa finished sixth.

So O'Neill will be hoping that Villa have come into form at just the right time to have a real go at securing Champions League football. With no Europa League football this time around, Villa can focus firmly on the League, depending whether O'Neill fancies a crack at the FA Cup, but this wouldn't be too demanding.

Looking over their shoulders, you would expect the firmest challenge to come from Liverpool, who will surely return to top form at some stage, especially with the return to fitness of Fernando Torres. Though O'Neill may take comfort from the fact that the Reds will have to travel across Europe some Thursdays before returning to League action on the Sunday.

One thing's for sure, an interesting battle lies ahead for fourth spot just as for first. For now though, I'm sure Villa supporters are revelling in their fabulous victory and trying not to look too far ahead.

Managers Should Get Respect They Deserve

There have been two incidents this week that have seen dressing room bust-ups between player and manager. Of course this is nothing new in football, and some see it as a healthy difference of opinion and two people showing their passion for the club.

However, Queens Park Rangers seemed to have turned against their manager as they have suspended Jim Magilton whilst investigating an incident between he and influential midfielder Akos Buzsaky after Monday night's defeat to Watford.

The other incident occurred at The Emirates Stadium on Saturday where there was an apparent falling out in the Stoke dressing room between Tony Pulis and striker James Beattie. We don't know the facts of exactly what happened but if you believe the tabloids it seems it was to do with the club's Christmas party which seems difficult to believe.

Of course this would be an unbelievable thing to argue about after a game and Beattie would clearly be in the wrong, but he has had a good time of it since his move to The Brittania in January and would be foolish to mess it up.

Now for QPR to suspend their manager they must feel he has done something to warrant this punishment. But his back room staff have come to his defence by refusing to work until he is reinstated so they must feel there has been an injustice. When there is a disagreement between player and manager it is simple; the manager is correct because what he says goes. The players just have to get on with it. You wouldn't got to work, have an argument with the boss and expect him to be suspended would you?

I'm sure a similar thing won't happen at Stoke though. Pulis has done magnificently over the past couple of years and I'm sure he won't want to lose Beattie so maybe they can do what's best for the club and patch things up. The spirit has been fantastic at The Brittania and this has been instrumental in their survival.

There had been rumblings of discontent though down at Loftus Road prior to this incident about poor results despite Rangers been in and around the top six. But there are high expectations from the high rollers who run the club who want instant success, so maybe this is there chance to dump Magilton. What they need though is stability.

No player should be above the manager and if a player is unhappy then the club should cut out the player that's causing the disharmony and get rid. The manager is in charge of the team and the players should respect that.

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Owen Rolls Back The Years

Just like Jermain Defoe nine days before him, Michael Owen sent out a reminder to Fabio Capello and also Sir Alex Ferguson that he's still capable of playing at the top.

He rattled in a magnificent hat-trick against Wolfsburg to round off Manchester United's Champions League group in style. This was Owen's perfect opportunity to shine in an unfamiliar starting line up as United had already progressed in the group. However, their opponents were at their strongest and desperate for victory to try and get through, so this was an impressive performance by Owen against the German champions.

The first was a close range header at the back post, the second a nice reaction poke in and the third the most impressive. With Wolfsburg attacking desperately to try and get something from the game United hit them on the counter attack and with Owen through on goal you got a glimpse of Argentina at World Cup 98, as he cutely chipped the keeper to seal a brilliant hat-trick.

Owen would now like to think he's got a shot at a starting place in the Premier League against Aston Villa on Saturday. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen but Dimitar Berbatov has hardly been setting the world alight lately.

And how Capello would like to see him in a regular starting berth as Owen tries to force his way into his World Cup plans. But if Owen can continue to hit these heights then he must surely be in with a chance of boarding the plane to South Africa.

England Satisfied With Group Draw

The gods were smiling this evening as England got the best draw they could possibly have hoped for in South Africa. They were placed in Group C along side USA, Algeria and Slovenia. Their first game will come against the Americans on June 12.

Looking at the possibilities before the draw was made, there were teams that England would have wanted to avoid, notably France and Portugal so they will be satisfied with their three opponents. To win the group now will be the expectation from fans and you would think England will. USA and Slovenia will be expected to fight it out for second, Slovenia who knocked out Russia in the play-offs, while I admit I don't know much about Algeria, though they won their qualifying group and also beat Egypt in a play-off, so maybe they shouldn't be written off completely.

But if England are serious contenders to win the tournament then they should not be too concerned about who lies in their group, though you don't want be too complacent either.

Looking further ahead England will be keen to avoid Germany in the last 16 who could lie in wait if either fail to win their groups. Otherwise it would be one from Australia, Serbia or Ghana.

Looking at the rest of the draw the group of death this time appears to be Group G which contains Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea. That's Ronaldo, Drogba and Kaka coming up against each other in the group stages. France got off the hook somewhat, avoiding the big seeds and being placed into Group A with hosts South Africa, while their toughest test are likely to be Mexico. The other top sides will be expected to progress with a minimum of fuss. The first game of the tournament will be hosts South Africa against Mexico in Johannesburg on June 11.

Though we all look forward to the draw for the group stages, like the Champions League, it gets really interesting in the knock out stages.

There is nothing like a World Cup to keep you going throughout the summer when the domestic action has ceased and with 188 days until the action begins I for one cannot wait.

Spurs Miss Big Opportunity

Can anybody break the big four? The long established quartet that have dominated English football over the past few years. No one has achieved this feat since 2004/05 when Everton beat city rivals Liverpool into the last Champions League place.

And with Liverpool's current form, many have begun to wonder whether this will be the season when the 'big four' will be broken apart.

So who's in pole position? Currently it's Tottenham who sit in third for now, after yesterday's draw at Villa Park. Aston Villa themselves and then big spenders Manchester City will also think that they are in with a shout.

But I would say that Spurs are the only team who look likely to do it if anyone does. While on the face of it the point they picked up in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa may seem a good result, it was a game that Spurs dominated for large parts. A fantastic performance, especially as the away side, something that the 'big four' consistently do.

Something else they consistently do, however, is win when they're on top and Spurs didn't do this yesterday. Full marks to them for their performance, they were very impressive, more so than the home side. At present they certainly look more likely than Villa and Manchester City, who seem to be in the 'best of the rest' section of the Premier League.

You do feel though that if Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal had been playing so well in that game that they would have persevered at prevailed with three points. It was also a massive opportunity for Tottenham to put some distance between themselves and Liverpool, who will surely return to form and push hard for fourth spot.

It's quite unbelievable to be lamenting Spurs for wasteful finishing after they put nine past Wigan only a week ago. All the ingredients are there for Spurs to get into that big four. They must be ruthless though, and they must win games when they're on top. A point here and there off the big four wouldn't hurt either.

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What a long journey home it must have been for those Barnsley fans travelling home from Plymouth. After being euphoric with a 4-1 first half lead, those celebrations were cut short and the three points that were surely coming their way taken away.

This was because after 58 minutes the game was abandoned after the Home Park pitch was deemed unplayable and dangerous by referee Gavin Ward.

As a football fan, this has got to be the worst feeling in the world, worse than seeing your team get hammered, because you've not had that joy - especially on a long away trip - snatched away. Of course, if the referee felt that there was a danger to the players, then this had to be the right thing to do.

In the aftermath though comes the argument whether the points should be given to Barnsley. It's a difficult one. While it seems unlikely, with half an hour left Plymouth had more than enough time to go and get three goals. Barnsley boss Mark Robins was understandably outraged and said he didn't think the referee would have given the same decision had Plymouth being winning 4-1. This was probably just heat of the moment stuff though, if the pitch is unplayable, the decision has to be made regardless of the result. But what of the travelling fans? I'm assuming the return game will be free.

It all seems very unjust, for Plymouth to get another crack, for Barnsley's players to have to forget they ever had a 4-1 lead and go out and do it again. It's probably the only solution though as there was too much time left on the clock to give a final result.

Must Win For Arsenal?

At the beginning of the season, there weren't many who thought Arsenal had a realistic chance of winning the title apart from a few optimistic Gooners, but after a blistering start to the season many had begun talking up there chances.

They had bounced back from the double defeats in Manchester early on in the season and had returned to fantastic form in the Premier League. That was until last Saturday and an unexpected defeat at Sunderland, where Arsenal in truth weren't themselves. They have since returned to winning ways though after seeing off Standard Liege 3-0 in the Champions League in midweek.

Now comes a huge test of their mettle though as league leaders Chelsea visit the Emirates on Sunday. Arsenal currently find themselves eight points behind the Blues with a game in hand. While nobody can write off a side like Arsenal in November, you feel they need to win this one or at worst not lose.

Arsenal were unlucky to lose against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season, after being the better side for large parts of the game. But that is what the best do, they win games when they are not at their best.

Sometimes you don't feel the Gunners are capable of this, for them to beat Chelsea on Sunday I feel they will have to be at their best. They will not want to be reminded of the 4-1 beating that Chelsea dished out to them at the Emirates at the back end of the last campaign. While Arsenal are perhaps the nicest on the eye, there is no doubting the quality Chelsea have at their disposal.

But Chelsea are not inhuman, they are capable of having an off day, particularly on their travels. This is a game where all results are possible, but one you feel Arsenal will need to win to stop the fight for the Premier League title becoming a two-horse race.

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Defoe Sends Out A Reminder To Capello

After banging in five against Wigan last week, Jermain Defoe has perhaps reminded the whole of England why he should be in England's starting line up next summer.

It was a truly phenomenal display from Defoe and watching it you do have to question why Emile Heskey would be deployed ahead of him. Sure Heskey brings something different to the side with his hold up play, but I feel you need your strikers to score goals.

Indeed I would favour Peter Crouch ahead of Heskey, while he is not as strong, he can hold the ball up and also score goals. This is not a witch hunt or a major criticism of Heskey but this is a player who doesn't start regularly for Aston Villa, while it was Defoe and Crouch who got six between them against Wigan last Sunday.

Wayne Rooney is number one striker and rightly so, but he isn't always prolific but it is he who brings so much to the team that he can't be ignored. For me, Rooney and Heskey wouldn't be enough of a goal threat at next summer's finals.

There is also a certain Michael Owen, hero of previous major tournaments, to consider. For me, he is definitely worth putting on the plane, but for him to be picked he needs to be scoring regularly for Manchester United and prove he is fit enough.

So right now, if I was Fabio Capello I would go with Rooney and Defoe to start up front with Crouch as a different option if needed.

Out Of Their Hands

Liverpool go in to Tuesday night's game against Debrecen knowing that victory may not be enough to keep them in the Champions League. If Fiorentina beat an already qualified Lyon in Florence, Liverpool's European adventure for this season will be over, regardless of the result in Hungary.

For an English team to go out of the Champions League in the group stages is almost unthinkable, after all England has begun to take a strangle hold on the competition in the past few seasons. After an all English final in 2008, three of last season's semi-finalists were from these shores, despite Barcelona being the eventual winners.

The biggest mistake that Liverpool could make is taking the win against Debrecen as read. Most would expect the Reds to pick up three points and then hope for Lyon to get a result. But this is a Liverpool team out of form, particularly on their travels. They have not won in their last six away games in all competitions.

Debrecen still harbour slim hopes of finishing in third and claiming a Europa League spot and despite losing all four of their group games, have not been disgraced. They ran Liverpool close at Anfield, only losing 1-0, and scored five goals in the two defeats against Fiorentina.

I'm sure Rafa Benitez will drum into his players before the game to forget about events in Italy and just concentrate on what they can affect, beating Debrecen.

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As if it hadn't been a bad enough week for the Republic Of Ireland, then came news of the seedings for the Euro 2012 qualification groups, for which the draw takes place in February.

After coming agonisingly close to World Cup qualification, Ireland have found themselves placed in pot 3 among the likes of Scotland, Norway and Austria as well as their neighbours from the north.

This must surely come as yet another huge kick in the teeth. There were Ireland fans, consoling their anger and disappointment with the thoughts that surely qualification for the next major tournament would be made easier after such a gutsy performance.

What must be more annoying would be to take a peek at the sides seen as better than them. Given a generous position in pot 1 are Croatia, a side who failed to even make the play-offs in World Cup qualifying and among other sides to have disappointing campaigns in pot 2 feature Romania and Sweden.

Ok, I know this is largely based on at past European Championship tournaments where the above mentioned sides have performed well, but you would think UEFA would use some common sense and take into account the most recent competitive performances of nations.

Henry's Reputation Tarnished?

Likeable, genuine and probably the best player the Premier League has seen. These are the words I would have used to describe Thierry Henry before Wednesday night's crucial World Cup play-off between France and Republic Of Ireland.

Now he is been branded a cheat after blatantly handling the ball before teeing up William Gallas to score in extra time to send France to the World Cup and break Irish hearts.

Looking at the incident myself I would have to say it was deliberate, there was a definite move towards and then control of the ball by Henry's hand. It may have been instinctive though. The ball would have gone out for a goal kick and with time running out, this was a desperate move by a player desperate to appear at the World Cup, possibly his last.

I am not saying it was right, of course not, it was cheating because it's against the rules. If it had happened against England I'm sure I'd be outraged. The Irish have every right to feel aggrieved. I don't feel the referee can be blamed either. It happened so fast and nobody knew until they saw the replays afterwards. In fact the referee had earlier spotted Nicolas Anelka's dive although not deciding to book the player.

There have also been suggestions that Henry should have gone over to the ref to admit what he had done. Would this have not risked the wrath of the French, especially if they had gone on to lose? And would the referee even have changed his mind? I seem to remember Robbie Fowler once saying he hadn't been touched by David Seaman after a penalty had been given during a game at Highbury. The referee refused to admit he was wrong and Fowler went on to miss the penalty.

It looks like calls for a replay, which is the least Ireland deserve, have been turned away and in truth this was never going to happen. Every time there was an incident in a game that a referee didn't spot, teams would call for a replay because Ireland were given one. Indeed Birmingham could ask for a replay at Anfield after David N'Gog's dive (though I'm sure they would settle for a point).

Thierry Henry is still a very talented player and always will be remembered for what he did for Arsenal over the first half of this decade, but you sense that he won't be quite seen in the same light by many which is a great shame.

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Big Game For Both Clubs At Anfield

The Premier League makes a welcome return tomorrow after yet another international break, as eventful as it turned out to be. The biggest game of the weekend is first up, a Saturday lunch time duel between an out of sorts Liverpool and Manchester City.

For Liverpool a win is surely a must if any lingering title hopes are to be kept alive, especially with both Chelsea and Manchester United both playing at home and expected to take maximum points. Liverpool have won just one of their last five Premier League games and currently sit in seventh. Rafa Benitez may also have one eye on Tuesday night's must win Champions League match against Debrecen.

As for Manchester City, they need to prove they have what it takes to compete with the big boys. Of course, they don't have to win at Anfield to prove they are a good side. Current champions Manchester United lost twice against Liverpool last season and have already once this.

But after the feeling of injustice City felt at Old Trafford after that late, late Michael Owen winner, here is a chance for City to take advantage of Liverpool's uncharacteristically leaky defence. City themselves have gone off the boil of late, drawing their last five league games. If Mark Hughes' men are serious about finishing in the top four, here lies the perfect opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the reds.

It's a close one to call, but I would sit on the fence and call a draw. I think right now Hughes would take that.

Scots Call Time On Burley

After a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, Scotland's 3-0 defeat to Wales on Saturday proved to be the final straw as The SFA decided to wield the axe. George Burley's reign just short of two years was over.

This came just two months after Burley was given the backing to take them into Euro 2012 qualification. Ok, you could argue that if The SFA thought they had made a mistake, now was the time to make the decision, but it does seem a bit puzzling after Burley thought he had the chance to build on what he had already put together.

Burley's record does not make good reading with just three wins from 14 games. Let's remember that on paper Scotland were given a good chance to finish second in their group behind Holland. Other than the Dutch they were up against Norway, Macedonia and Iceland. This didn't materialise though as the Scots finished third with just ten points from eight games.

Can anyone do better though? It will be mostly the same players there, but perhaps a new man with fresh ideas can come in. We've seen England improve under Capello, The Republic of Ireland under Trapottoni and Nigel Worthington do an excellent job with Northern Ireland.

Walter Smith and Alex Mcleish had previously fared well as Scotland bosses before being tempted back into club management. This is part of the problem; every time someone does well they are tempted elsewhere.

Scotland need somebody who is going to win matches and then stick around and see it through. The games against the smaller teams at Hampden Park must be won, and then see what they can get away. In international football there is arguably nobody more passionate than the Scots. They now need someone to deliver and steer them towards Euro 2012.

Burley had his chance, whether it was long enough or not, and results were not good enough. Now was the best time to change it, the latest The SFA could leave it. The new man now has just short of a year to find his best team before qualification begins in September.

When the players and fans are not with you, it's time to change. In the interests of Scotland it was the best thing to do.

England brought back down to earth

After nine wins from nine in World Cup qualification and their place at next summer's showpiece booked with two games to spare, expectations had heightened that Fabio Capello was the man to bring the coveted trophy back to England. However, two consecutive defeats against Ukraine and Brazil later and doubts are beginning to creep in about England's chances.

A poor performance yesterday by what was mainly England's second string in a 1-0 defeat which in truth flattered England following on from an equally disappointing showing in Dnipro last month.

Of course, it could be argued that England took their foot off the gas in both games as they had already qualified when meeting Ukraine and yesterday's game was just a friendly with many key players missing. There was no sign of the Brazilians doing the same though, they oozed class, goalscorer Nilmar particularly catching the eye and one sensed that they could have played better if they'd needed to.

Looking at England's record under Capello, four defeats from 21 games may not seem so bad. Three of those teams though were France, Spain and Brazil. If we are to win the World Cup next summer it's likely we are going to come across one of these teams, Spain and Brazil being the best in the world at the moment.

I am not saying Capello hasn't done well, there has been definite progression and at least we have qualified for World Cup 2010 after the disaster of missing out on Euro 2008. I just urge fans not to expect too much as there are some quality teams around in the world at the moment getting to the semi-finals would be a success. For me at the moment though you can look no further than Brazil and Spain.

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There was disappointment also over in Dublin as The Republic Of Ireland's chances of qualification hang by a thread as they lost the home leg of their World Cup play-off against France 1-0.

It is a huge ask of the Irish now to go to Paris and win by two goals (or do it on penalties). I said on Friday that I felt The Republic had to win last night's game and I stand by that. You never know what can happen in football though and all is not yet lost.

If indeed qualification failure is confirmed on Wednesday, this should not mask what strides Ireland have made under Giovanni Trapattoni. Drawn into a group also containing world champions Italy it was always likely that their only chance of qualification would come through the play-offs.

Ireland actually remained unbeaten in the group, though it was too many draws that ultimately denied them challenging the Italians for top spot in group 8. Then lady luck didn't smile on them again as they were drawn against France, thanks partly to FIFA's decision to seed the play-offs after noticing the possibility of two big nations meeting each other.

Trapattoni has indeed done a fabulous job and The Republic Of Ireland are in with a great shout of reaching Euro 2012. They just need to hope for a bit more luck when the draw is made.

Irish Seek Home Comfort

The Republic Of Ireland go into their biggest game for seven years tomorrow night when they take on France at Croke Park. While it is only the first leg of the play-off for the World Cup finals, I feel that here is where the game will be won and lost for Ireland.

Despite the best efforts of FIFA to try and ensure that France safely qualify by seeding the play-offs, there is no doubt that they won't be taking the Irish easily. The Republic need to use this to their advantage though, the fans should feel that they have been treated harshly make a huge noise and be the twelfth man for their team. This will give them extra motivation and determination and maybe intimidate the French a little.

In my opinion the Irish simply must win tomorrows game to stand any chance of going to South Africa next summer, even a 1-0 win may not be enough. Ok, so the French aren't anywhere as near as good as they were ten years ago, and had a disastrous Euro 2008 campaign, going out in the group stages (although at least they were there), but if they need to get a result in the 2nd leg, I would expect them to turn up for the big occasion. These French players will not want to miss out on Football's biggest event.


The fans have grown tired of Raymond Domenech, and will be disappointed to be in the position they are, having finished runners up to Serbia in their qualifying group. In contrast, The Republic Of Ireland finished just behind current world champions Italy.

So a huge night is ahead in Dublin, and if the Irish don't win all is not completely lost, but I feel it probably will be.

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Of course, our very own England are also in action tomorrow in a glamorous friendly against Brazil. At least the setting is glamorous; Qatar, though unfortunately many of England's stars won't be on show.

There's a list as long as your arm of missing men including Lampard, Gerrard, Cole, Ferdinand and Johnson. This was supposed to be a chance for England to test themselves against the cream of the crop ahead of the World Cup next summer, but it will be a half strength team at best. Just a chance for The FA to make some money then, not what was their main thought of course...

Of course, these players are injured, so there's nothing you can really do. However you get the feeling if this was England v Brazil, World Cup Final, a few more of these players might be available.

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This column yesterday reported on the refreshing exploits in Peterborough United in their attempts to find a new manager. There is also the opposite side to the coin though with foreign managers being given the chance to start their careers in management in The Football League after Gus Poyet was appointed as the new manager of League One strugglers Brighton this week.

Of course with so many foreign players coming to these shores in the last twenty years it is only natural that there will be a growth in foreign managers too. This may not be such a bad thing though.

Eyebrows were raised at the beginning of last season when Roberto Di Matteo was appointed manager of Milton Keynes Dons, but he did a fine job and took them to the brink of The Championship losing out in the play-offs. This was recognised by West Bromwich Albion as they chose him to replace departing Tony Mowbray in the summer.

There are other examples too. Roberto Martinez was successful with Swansea and has since moved on too Wigan to have a crack at The Premier League. Paulo Souza is now finding his feet at The Liberty Stadium as Martinez's replacement after a not so successful spell at Queens Park Rangers.

Many people may look at these foreign managers as taking an opportunity from a young Brit. There is often a criticism aimed at foreigners saying they don't care and are just here for the money so fair play to them and Poyet in particular for being prepared to get his hands dirty in the muck and nettles of a League One relegation battle which he's likely to be involved in.

Of course I am not contradicting what was said yesterday, I would not want the leagues to be overrun with foreign managers, but a few here and there doesn't do any harm and as I've shown, like them or not, they're doing remarkably well!

Gartside Gone Mad

So Phil Gartside's masterplan to kill football in England has once again reared it's ugly head. This is the Bolton Wanderers chairman's plan to form a breakaway of The Premier League and Premier League 2.

At first glance you may think that all this is another renaming of the second tier, but Gartside's plan is to stop relegation from this Premier League 2 and promotion to it. Not to worry though fans of Leeds, Norwich, Southampton and Charlton because your teams would all be included in this breakaway due to high attendances.

Fair? I think not. This would mean that a handful of smaller current Championship clubs would have to make way, and NEVER return.

Blackpool currently have the second smallest avrage attendance in The Championship, after Scunthorpe. That's Blackpool who currently sit 5th under Ian Holloway who is doing a fine job there. If they were to remain there come the end of the season they would be three games from The Premier League. However, if Gartside's plan was to come into force tomorrow Blackpool would be kicked out of The Championship. Why should bums on seats make up for performances on the pitch?

As a Wolves fan myself, I am confident my team would secure a place in the top 40, a plan which also involves Celtic, Rangers and an Irish 'franchise'. The word franchise says everything that's wrong about this. This is not the point though. Promotion and relegation is what keeps football alive, what keeps fans hopeful and fearful in August.

Imagine being a Luton Town fan at the moment, those fans who stick by there club live in hope they will one day return to England's top tier, or at least the second! Those sides outside the chosen 40 might as well pack up and go, because what TV station is going to pay for the rights of meaningless divisions? Kids in the local area would surely go off to support one of The Premier League teams.

The one thing good that Phil Gartside has said is the even distribution of money throughout The Premier League because we don't want to see the 'big four' occupy those slots forever, which is quite likely at the moment. Fine. Sort that out, but leave it at that. If I was a supporter of Bolton Wanderers I would wonder why I didn't have a man who cares about football running my club because the day this plan comes into force would be a sad one for football.

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Posh doing it the right way

After Darren Ferguson left Peterborough United under a cloud this week, it's been nicely refreshing to see them fishing in the pond of the lower divisions to try and find their next manager.

It is often said how good young managers working low down are never given the chance to climb the ladder and after Mark Robins was recently given the Barnsley job after doing a great job at Rotherham, Peterborough are doing the same.

First it was Eddie Howe of Bournemouth who was approached, but Posh were declined by either Howe or his chairman depending on who you believe, probably the latter.

Next up on the hit list of Darragh Macanthony and Barry Fry were Andy Scott, who led Brentford to last years' League Two title and, perhaps most refreshing of all, Mark Cooper of Conference minnows Kettering.

While the smaller clubs may think they're being robbed of their messiah, it's fantastic that these young guys are getting the recognition they deserve.

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On the same line, I have to say what a brilliant press conference that was to watch involving Darragh Macanthony and Barry Fry.

In football, the media hacks usually try to get the gory details with no avail, but Fry told all about how Fergie Jnr 'already has another job' and had been 'tapped up'.

Macanthony was clearly annoyed, cutting across Fry several times clearly not wanting their dirty laundry to be aired in public.

Fry was clearly annoyed that the gem that they polished had apparently been enticed elsewhere. Watch this space...