Newcastle United job: The early pacesetters as Pardew prepares to join Palace

By David Lee Wheatley      @davewh1980

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew surprisingly agreed to talks with Crystal Palace over their managerial vacancy yesterday following a rollercoaster four-year spell at the St. James' Park helm, thus opening up an attractive post to a host of interested managers across Europe.

Here are the latest names being linked to the top job on Tyneside, as the club attempt to appease fans largely unhappy with the direction the club has taken in recent times.

FABRICIO COLOCCINI: Current United defender Coloccini enjoys a strong relationship with the club's board, but has absolutely no experience as a coach to date. There's been a rush of bets on him overnight to become the next permanent manager making him favourite for the role.

PETER BEARDSLEY: Former Newcastle favourite Beardsley has been doing sterling work with the club's academy and may be offered the chance to take over the senior team. Would be a popular choice.

TONY PULIS: Has been out of work since keeping Crystal Palace up last season and would jump at the chance to manage the Magpies, but his direct brand of football wouldn't go down well with many Toon supporters.

FRANK DE BOER: Has enjoyed splendid success domestically with four successive Ajax title victories. De Boer would probably only leave the Amsterdam giants for a Champions League qualification contender, while his agent says there's no chance he'll jump ship mid-season. However, he seemingly ticks all of the boxes in terms of what Newcastle require if they could nab him.

STEVE BRUCE: Corbridge-born Bruce is struggling to keep Hull City out of Premier League relegation trouble, so it remains to be seen whether the ex-Sunderland boss would be welcomed back to his Geordie roots with open arms. Experienced relative success with the likes of Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic, but struggled badly with heightened expectation when last working in the north-east. Would almost certainly accept an offer from Newcastle having reportedly come close to the post on at least two occasions in the past.

ALLY MCCOIST: Led Glasgow Rangers through two quick-fire promotions from Scottish League Two to the Championship after suffering the heartache of demotion to the bottom tier. However, continual upheaval at boardroom level eventually enforced his decision to resign with Rangers sitting in second spot behind leaders Hearts. The Newcastle job would appear too big a step due to his lack of coaching experience outside of Scotland, but owner Mike Ashley's business links to Rangers will undoubtedly see McCoist strongly linked.

CHRISTOPHE GALTIER: Rumours were rife in May about a reported Newcastle approach for Saint-Etienne head coach Galtier's services only for the 48-year-old to remain in France. He took Les Verts to creditable finishes of 10th, 7th, 5th and 4th after previous short stints in charge of Marseille and Aris Salonika. The former Portsmouth assistant to Alain Perrin is likely to be high up on the list of contenders.

RAFA BENITEZ: A slightly fanciful name thrown into the ring is that of former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez. The current Napoli coach could be tempted by a return to England with his future in Italy unclear thanks to stalling contract talks. Has claimed 12 major honours in a highly decorated career, so would be expected to wait for a team competing in continental competition to hand him a way out of Naples.

TIM SHERWOOD: Has been linked to a series of Premier League and Championship jobs since leaving Tottenham Hotspur, where his straight-talking style divided public opinion. Sherwood would almost certainly fancy taking on the gargantuan task of leading the Magpies, but his appointment would be met with collective dismay on Tyneside.

REMI GARDE: Former Arsenal player Garde left Lyon at the end of last season for personal reasons following three years in charge. He inspired a French Cup triumph in 2012, but couldn't return the club to their former dominance of Ligue 1. His decision to take a break from football to spend more time with his family just over six months ago might suggest he's unwilling to rejoin the managerial merry-go-round yet.

TEMURI KETSBAIA: Georgian who stepped down as head coach of his national side in November following heavy defeat at the hands of Poland in a Euro 2016 qualifying match. Ketsbaia enjoyed cult hero status during his Newcastle playing days and has often spoken of his desire to one day manage the Magpies. Must be considered an outsider for the role, though.

JOHN CARVER: Newcastle-born Carver has served as assistant manager to both Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Pardew at St. James' Park, while also having a short spell as caretaker following Robson's departure. It's unclear whether Carver would have the appetite to take over the hot-seat on a permanent basis.p

GLENN HODDLE: The former England manager has been out of top-flight management for several years and may be viewed as a stop-gap appointment if handed the United reins. Hoddle currently splits his time between media work and carrying out coaching duties as part of the backroom staff at QPR. 

Have Manchester City finally learned how to succeed in Europe?

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley   @davewh1980

 

Manchester City looked dead and buried in Champions League Group E after four winless matches, but they somehow turned it around in spectacular fashion to make it through to the last 16 for a second successive season.

Manuel Pellegrini looked to have resigned himself to Manchester City’s European fate when his charges claimed a solitary point from a feisty double-header with CSKA Moscow.

A shock 2-1 loss to the Russian outfit on match-day four left City almost out of the competition and requiring wins against German giants Bayern Munich and Italians Roma to give themselves any chance of qualification.

Not many observers foresaw a turnaround - Pellegrini included. However, a dramatic 3-2 home victory over Bayern, orchestrated by Sergio Aguero, handed the Citizens an unexpected lifeline.

Yet, they needed to journey over to the Eternal City and grab all three points in order to avoid elimination. Furthermore, they had to complete the task without talismanic Aguero and respected captain Vincent Kompany through injury, plus midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure who was ruled out due to suspension.

Meanwhile, magical playmaker David Silva was also forced to warm the bench as he continued his recovery from a knee injury - the omens did not appear good.
Roma went for the jugular from the outset in a decidedly chilly Stadio Olimpico, but were denied time and again by the inspired Joe Hart in City’s goal.

Gervinho broke free on a number of occasions, with one low shot in particular tipped brilliantly round the post by Hart. Greek defender Kostas Manolas was also unfortunate to see a goalbound header diverted by the slightest of touches from the visiting ‘keeper onto the upright.

In the group’s other showdown, Bayern had taken an 18th-minute lead at home to contenders CSKA, who also began the evening level on points with Roma and Manchester City. The match had suddenly become a do-or-die play-off between the two teams going head-to-head at the Olimpico.

It took an hour of mainly withstanding Roma’s marauding breakaways until the away outfit gained a foothold in the game through a stunning shot from the left edge of the box by Samir Nasri that cannoned in off the inside of a post, thus leaving Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis grasping at thin air.

The hosts then sacrificed defensive duties almost entirely in a bid to claw their way back into the contest, but that policy eventually fell foul of a City counter which unlikely goalscorer Pablo Zabaleta finished off to gleefully wrap up his side’s advancement to the knockout phase.

Manchester City have largely struggled to repeat their domestic form of recent years on the European stage, but the professionalism which characterised Wednesday night’s performance suggests they may finally be getting to grips with what it takes to attain success in the continental arena.

 



10 Best Premier League Brazilians

By David Lee Wheatley @davewh1980


The influx of foreign players into the Premier League began in earnest during the 1990s bringing a wonderful clutch of talent to the English game that has improve the quality on show considerably. Here’s my list of the top 10 Brazilians who have graced the Premier League during the last 20 years or so.

10. Julio Cesar (QPR)
Champions League winner Julio Cesar joined Queens Park Rangers in 2012 and suffered a torrid time working behind a porous defence that allowed 61 goals during that awful relegation season. Despite those unimpressive statistics, the veteran performed heroically at times to prove his class and there would’ve been many more heavy defeats for the R’s to swallow without his supreme agility and goalkeeping prowess. Now plying his trade with Benfica following a short stint in MLS with Toronto FC.

9. Emerson Thome (Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic)
Strong central defender Emerson Thome came to these shores from Portuguese giants Benfica in 1997 and made a big impression at Hillsborough before a lucrative switch to Chelsea two years later. He played second fiddle to Frank Leboeuf and Marcel Desailly for much of his time there, but was rescued by Peter Reid nine months later when signing for Sunderland. Strangely for a Brazilian, Thome couldn’t pass accurately and often looked uncomfortable in possession, but he was hugely talented in the art of defending. Became something of a cult hero at the Stadium of Light before enjoying spells with Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Derby County and Vissel Kobe in japan.

8. Willian (Chelsea)
Turned down Spurs to join Chelsea for £32million in August 2013 from Russian outfit Anzhi and has made a significant impact during his short time in the Premier League. He’s been in-and-out of Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up, but always seems to alter the course of the game positively whether coming off the bench or lining up from the beginning of games. Pacy and keen to take opponents on, Willian has the ability to excite the crowd in order to get them on their feet and is certainly capable of nailing down a regular spot at Stamford Bridge.

7. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Young attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho flattered to deceive during three years at Inter in Serie A – interspersed with a short loan spell at Espanyol – but has blossomed under Brendan Rodgers at Anfield. Skilful, forward-thinking and with a keen eye for goal, 22-year-old Coutinho will only get better and could eventually become a regular in his national team having made three appearances for the senior Brazil side thus far. His ability to carve out opportunities for others is undoubtedly greatest strength.

6. Oscar (Chelsea)
At 23, Oscar has already featured for Sao Paulo, Internacional and Chelsea during his fledgling career, while amassing 40 caps for his country. After an indifferent opening campaign at Stamford Bridge in 2012-13, the attacking midfield schemer has since grown in stature at Premier League level and now looks every inch a superstar. Oscar is a fabulous passer of the ball, while also creating plenty of time on the ball for himself, plus he’s significantly improving his goalscoring contribution. It’ll be an interesting to see how long Chelsea manage to hold on to the youngster, with just about every big club around Europe shooting admiring glances in his direction.

5. Edu (Arsenal)
Defensive midfielder Edu was initially a low-profile signing by Arsene Wenger from Corinthians, but made a massive impression during a four-year stay at Highbury. Strong but fair, Edu was the catalyst for a great deal of the fantastic attacking work produced by the Gunners during that period. He was elegant on the ball, deft in the tackle and inventive when striding forwards. Edu was an integral part of the ‘Invincibles’ team of 2003-04, but ended up leaving for Valencia a year later.

4. Ramires (Chelsea)
Ramires has been a consistent performer on the right-hand side of Chelsea’s midfield since leaving Benfica in 2010 with his galloping runs, strong work ethic and willingness to put challenges in when required endearing him to supporters. The 27-year-old has clocked up over half-a-century of international caps for Brazil, while playing a key role in Chelsea’s magnificent Champions League triumph of 2012.

3. Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers)
Sandro is a player in similar mould to former Arsenal star Edu in that he arrived at Spurs without much reputation or expectation on his shoulders, but emerged as a leading light for the club superseding more illustrious peers in the process. He spent four happy seasons at White Hart Lane – including participation in the Champions League – and became a fans’ favourite thanks to his tough tackling and never-say-die attitude. Reunited with former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp this past summer when surprisingly being allowed to leave for newly-promoted QPR.

2. Gilberto Silva (Arsenal)
Another defensive central midfielder who thrived in north London, Gilberto Silva helped Arsenal to great success throughout the majority of his six-year association with the Gunners. Another member of the ‘Invincibles’ side that went unbeaten for the entire 2003-04 Premier League campaign, Gilberto cemented a legacy at Arsenal as the finest Brazilian to grace the club. His tall frame, languid style and cool exterior under pressure made him a joy to watch. He moved on to Panathinaikos in 2008 before returning to his homeland with Gremio and then former club Atletico Mineiro.

1. Juninho (Middlesbrough)
The diminutive Juninho was one of the very first Brazilian players to arrive in the Premier League along with left-back Branco and, such was his love and affection for Middlesbrough, he eventually racked up three spells on Teesside throughout his much-travelled career. Manager Bryan Robson brought Juninho to the north-east in 1995, with big-name signings Emerson and Fabrizio Ravanelli following a year later. It was a period of outstanding promise for ‘Boro that turned sour when they ran into trouble in 1997, culminating in a devastating relegation from the top-flight following an earlier three-point deduction levied for an unfulfilled fixture. Still, an unbroken bond had been forged between the little magician and the Middlesbrough fans, which led to his return on loan in 1999 and subsequently a permanent move back to the region in 2002. He was a trailblazer for his fellow countrymen; highly skilled, innovative, quick thinking and marvellous to behold when at his very best.

What the World Cup can do for your career

By David Lee Wheatley @davewh1980 @fluent_football

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil was without doubt one of the most entertaining in the tournament's history, as several wonderfully attack-minded matches left interested onlookers breathless, along with a significant helping of surprise results for fans to feast upon throughout the competition. Meanwhile, certain individuals played their way into big moves they could only have dreamt about prior to the start of proceedings in South America. Here are the top six transfers of the summer that probably wouldn't have happened without their fine performances in Brazil...

6. Gary Medel (Chile) - Cardiff City to Inter - Reported Fee: £10m

Medel was utilised as a defensive central midfielder during his one and only campaign in South Wales to little effect with relegated Cardiff City, but performed outstandingly in a central defensive role for his country at the World Cup when helping Chile reach the last-16 stage. They beat Australia and reigning champions Spain comfortably, before losing to Holland in a final group match which mattered little. They were back at their best against hosts Brazil in the first knockout round when losing out agonisingly on penalties. Medel remained rock solid throughout and his form earned a massive move to Serie A with Milanese giants Internazionale.

5. Daryl Janmaat (Holland) - Feyenoord to Newcastle United - Reported fee: £5m

Dutchman Daryl Janmaat wasn't named in connection with any Premier League sides prior to the World Cup, but his impressive showings as a right wing-back under Louis van Gaal at the World Cup convinced Newcastle United to pounce for his signature. Janmaat was one of three first-team defenders to leave Feyenoord after the tournament, along with Bruno Martins Indi and Stefan de Vrij, all of whom assisted the Netherlands to a highly creditable third place in Brazil. At just £5million, the 25-year-old will undoubtedly prove to be a bargain signing as the season wears on.

4. Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) - Ajaccio to Malaga - Fee: Free transfer

Ochoa was a surprise first-choice goalkeeper for Mexico at the World Cup after three years playing in the French league, while he also had worries over his future to contend with after Corsican side Ajaccio failed to renew his contract before the competition began. Despite great uncertainty, the 29-year-old was outstanding between the sticks as the Mexicans made their way into the round of 16 and his imperious showing didn't go unnoticed. Arsenal took a look before opting for Colombian David Ospina instead, but La Liga outfit Malaga finally took the plunge and handed Ochoa a three-year deal. It completed a remarkable turnaround considering the curly-haired star was unsure he'd even have a club for the 2014/15 campaign.

3. Enner Valencia (Ecuador) - Pachuca to West Ham United - Reported fee: £15m

The lesser-known of two players named 'Valencia' in the Ecuador squad (after Manchester United's Antonio), Enner Valencia made a big splash at the World Cup, out-shining his more illustrious namesake with three goals from as many games. The centre-forward had once been a winger, but was converted to a striker at Pachuca where he subsequently hit 18 goals in 23 games in the Mexican league. That prolific scoring form, coupled with his impressive displays in Brazil for his national team, led to a string of clubs bring linked to his services. It was therefore quite a shock when the Hammers managed to nab him from under the noses of several bigger names across Europe and he could turn out to be a very interesting purchase for Sam Allardyce.

2. Marcos Rojo (Argentina) - Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United - Reported fee: £16m

Rojo was largely unknown outside of Argentina and Portugal before the World Cup began, but made a big name for himself thanks to his physical defensive style and added ability to cause havoc in the opponents' box from set-pieces. Strong, good in the air and versatile, Rojo helped Argentina to reach the final in Brazil and played his way into the 'Team of the Tournament'. A protracted switch to Manchester United from Sporting ensued due to third-party ownership issues and the Portuguese side's reluctance to sell, but eventually went through to make the La Plata-born defender's dream come true.

1. James Rodriguez (Colombia) - Monaco to Real Madrid - Reported fee: £65m

23-year-old attacking midfielder Rodriguez had already been involved in a big-money move a year previous to the World Cup when leaving Porto for Monaco in a deal worth around £35m. Incredibly, his superb performances at the summer tournament for Colombia led to an almost doubling of that fee when transferring from the glamourous surroundings of Monte Carlo to the world's most famous club Real Madrid. Rodriguez was top scorer at the World Cup, while he unjustly - and inexplicably - missed out on the 'Player of the Tournament' accolade to Lionel Messi. Most expected the young superstar to turn out in Monaco colours again this season prior to his summer exploits, but there was little chance of that once he'd propelled his country to the quarter-finals against the odds. Now, he just has to compete with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale for a spot in the team at the Bernabeu!

The six named above weren't the only ones to benefit from a productive summer; others to cap off the competition with lucrative transfers included Carlos Sanchez, Bruno Martins Indi, Stefan de Vrij, Jefferson Montero and Federico Fernandez.

Special mention, too, must go to Mexico and ex-Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez, who confounded the critics who said he was too old by enjoying an excellent World Cup and earning himself another crack at European club football with Verona at the age of 35.

It all just goes to prove that, despite all of the worldwide scouting tools available to clubs these days, there's still opportunities for footballers to earn a dream move which simply wasn't on the cards before the start of a World Cup tournament.