A Love for Football

In his debut article for The Football Front, Rueben Lewis writes a personal account on his burning passion to watch football.

My first ever game was at Craven Cottage to see a then third division (now the equivalent of League 2) Fulham side. I'd be lying if I said I remember their opponents, no matter how glamorous a tie it was. By all accounts, I was more interested by the police horses I passed during the walk to the ground- however my love for the game would soon ignite. After my father explaining to me that the linesmen were not players, that is.

Fulham - being my local team - was where most of my match -day experience lay in my early years. Incidentally, I even had a stint at their youth academy, from the age of 8 till 11! I was (and still am) a decent player- The David Bentley Bobby Pires-esq. playmaker, one might say. It was not until I was around 6 or 7 years old when my dad introduced me to Highbury-a ground which exuded a similar kind of charm to that of Craven Cottage, albeit superior in every single way. Again, I can't remember the opposition, but being slightly older, my new - found experience had led me to higher levels of footballing knowledge. So much so that I'd boo Edu whenever he'd come on/off the field, as that was what everyone else was doing. Turns out I got that one wrong. It was actually 'EDUUUUUU' that the crowd were chanting. To be fair, as a 9 year old, that could easily be perceived as a long jeering sound. Assonance and that.

Peculiarly, one of my earliest memories of Highbury was Arsenal’s 4-2 loss to Charlton, in 2001. Jason Euell put them 4-1 up! Subsequently, I realised it's not always going to be a happy journey home. However my mind was well and truly swayed 3 years later after winning the double and simultaneously going 49 games unbeaten! 'I'm in for an easy ride if it stays like this!' I thought.

How naive.

I had the privilege to attend some of the most significant matches at Highbury, including the Champions League semi-final vs Villarreal-the ground's ultimate Champions League match-where Kolo Toure scored the only goal. Moreover, the last ever game graced by Highbury, against Wigan, really was a special day - albeit highly emotional for many. Only over the past few years have I realised just how lucky I was.

In recent years - where my love for football has become somewhat unhealthy - attending at least one game a week has become the norm, whether it's Fulham, Arsenal or both. On the rare occasion I can't do either, Brentford offer some form of salvation. My last visit there was in the away end with the Exeter fans, with my mate who got a pair of free tickets. Coincidentally, Szczesny was in goal for the home team! There were about 300 travelling fans from the West Country-who brought with them some great banter. There is certainly a unique romance associated with lower league football, especially with the away fans.

Whether it's The Arsenal, Fulham or even Brentford, my appetite for football will always be satisfied. As much as I adore Arsenal, sometimes going to games where you don't necessarily care about the result, such as at Fulham or Brentford, can supply a greater amount of pleasure and enjoyment, simply because there is less stress involved. There is never a shortage of football to either watch, play or attend-much to the bemusement of my mother-which keeps me, and many others, so immersed in the beautiful game.

This Article was written by Reuben Lewis, you can find more of his work at The Wonder of Wenger. Reuben is on Twitter too: @Rlewisafc.

Clint Dempsey - Fulham's Underrated Playmaker?

Clint Dempsey has silently been doing a fantastic job at Fulham for the past 6 years. The experienced US international who has 82 caps to his name, has been one of the most underrated Premier League stars of the last five years.

However, things are gradually changing for Fulham’s prized American.

His form this season has been picked up by well reached national pundits and mainstream media too.

However, perhaps it’s about time. After all, last season, he scored 14 goals in all competitions and managed 13 goals in the Premier League. Indeed, this is a very impressive feat. Many top clubs in the Premier League would love to see their attacking midfielder to grab that many goals in a single season. The reality is, many attacking midfielders in the Premier League struggle to reach 10 goals in all competitions. But because Dempsey and Fulham often find themselves in mid-table obscurity, his form is often overlooked.

But Clint Dempsey is a glamorous player, who most Fulham fans swoon to watch every weekend.

The admiration from Fulham fans over Dempsey has risen dramatically due to his blistering start to the season.

Dempsey has already bagged 9 goals in all competitions this season, while 6 of those goals have come in the Premier League.

This is fantastic form. Especially considering how slowly Fulham have started the season. But there are significant reasons as to why Dempsey is such a highly productive and efficient footballer.

Firstly, Clint Dempsey is an incredibly intelligent player. Dempsey has the ability, confidence and competency to play in-between the oppositions midfield and attacking lines. Not only this, he can play in small, confined spaces too, thus being able to create something out of nothing.

Throughout Dempsey’s time at Fulham he has proven his competence to play across the attacking line. During his first few years at the club he spent most of his time playing left midfield and occasionally started a few games on the right and in the centre, behind the striker.

This versatility has made him an indispensable asset for Fulham. However, it also shows his great team ethic. Dempsey, a very talented creative player could throw his toys out of the pram and demand to play in a certain position. But this is not Dempsey’s way of dealing with things. Instead, he looks to make an impact in the position assigned to him.

This work ethic and teamwork is often a forgotten part of Clint Dempsey’s game. He is a player who not only sets an example to his fellow players, he also links different players to Fulham’s attack, thus giving his side an extra dimension.

Perhaps evidence of Dempsey’s success of being a versatile attacker are proven when one looks at his finishing and consistency.

The stats will tell you, Dempsey is a consistent finisher. He is a player who has a nose for goal and can be trusted to get goals for his side. Each season, Dempsey averages around 6 goals per season. While as stated before, Dempsey has already reached 6 Premier League goals this season.

A key feature of Dempsey’s game is that he can score a variety of different goals. Over the past few seasons and even in this current season, Dempsey has shown he can score tap ins, volleys, placed shots and the list goes on.

Another sign of Dempsey’s goal scoring prowess and the degree of consistency which comes with it is that the American international can score in the smallest of games and he has proven he can score in the of biggest of games too. For example this season he scored against both Liverpool and Chelsea, while also scoring against the likes of Wigan. This shows the reliability of Dempsey and it justifies why he is a key member of this Fulham side.

Dempsey’s movement on and off the ball is a crucial reason as to why he is such a threating player. Clint Dempsey, a quick witted, accurate footballer who reads the game beautifully. Many footballers who struggle in the Premier League often fail to cope with the smart, quick movement which is demanded in the league. But Dempsey is in his element in the Premier League. His movement allows him to score goals and create chances too.

Dempsey’s creativity is often understated. Already this season he has assisted 4 times, making him Fulham’s top assistor. Not only this, he has created 28 chances for Fulham – which is the second highest at Fulham this season. Fulham thrive from Dempsey’s productivity, Dempsey is very close to the complete attacking package.

Martin Jol deserves some praise for Clint Dempsey’s fine form this season. Martin Jol moved Dempsey into a more freer role, meaning he can come off the left hand-side and dictate more in the centre. This has led to Dempsey scoring at a higher rate and creating far more chances as the stats prove.

Clint Dempsey Fulham stats	2010/11 season	2011/12 season
Games Started	35	20
Sub Appearances	2	0
Total Passes	1162	704
Pass Completion	73.84%	81.39%
Successful Dribbles	18	11
Crossing Accuracy	26%	25%
Chances Created	33	26
Assists	3	4
Goals	12	6
Total Shots	100	59
Mins per Shot	31	30

Statistics from EPL Index. (Stats taken on 06/01/12)

What’s surprising about the statistics is within half a season, Dempsey has nearly created more chances than he created in the whole of last season. This is made even more transparent by the fact Dempsey has assisted more times this season than he did last season. Another development in Dempsey’s game this season is that his passing accuracy has risen in a rather subsational fashion. Last season his pass accuracy was 73.84%. While this season it has risen to an impressive 81.39%. Dempsey’s game has become more tidy, more intelligent and it is recognisable on the pitch.

Dempsey’s fine form has left many touting him to join a bigger club in the future. Indeed, this hypothesis is entirely logical. Firstly, Dempsey is 28, one could argue he is at the peak of his career. Secondly, Clint Dempsey is in the physical shape of his life. This season he has played 19 Premier League games. While last season he appeared in 37 out of the 38 league games.

But more crucially, Dempsey’s productivity along with his versatility makes him an asset worth having from the perspectives of the bigger clubs. Furthermore, he has also proved he can create and finish in the Premier League. This gives him a better chance of being technically competent enough to succeed at the highest level in club football.

The likes of Liverpool and perhaps even Man United would be very interested in the talents of Dempsey. For example Liverpool currently crave another creative attacking midfielder who has an eye for a pass and can finish off chances. Not only this, one could argue Dempsey would fit perfectly with Liverpool’s goal to spread their commercial brand. As Dempsey is a hugely respected and loved character in USA.

But regardless of this, Clint Dempsey’s form coming into January puts him very much on the shop window. It of course remains to be seen if Fulham are willing to sell their prized asset. However, if Fulham do sell. They can expect a hefty sum for him. The player is in the form of his life and possesses all the talents what make a footballer special. He is creative, dynamic and consistent.

But one things for sure, Clint Dempsey’s is interesting a number of clubs.

Statistics from EPL Index. (Stats taken on 06/01/12)

Five Observations from Week 3 in the Premier League

1. Manchester United has most definitely improved on last season. – To some, Man United’s away game against Bolton was supposed to be a litmus test to inspect the quality of Man United’s credentials this season. Of course, last season the champions struggled away from home, especially in the early part of the season. But fast forward 12 months, the team have been dominant and far more productive on the road. Against Bolton, Man United looked dynamic, powerful and incredibly lethal.
2. Sergio Aguero has settled perfectly into Premier League – The majestical Argentine’s finishing was at its clinical finest against Wigan. His hat trick demonstrated his incredible composure in and around the box. All in all, his technical expertise, along with his creative footballing brain has given Manchester City another dimension this season. Aguero has only played four Premier League games in his career and he has returned with scored 6 Premier League goals. Absolutely Sensational. It’s fair to say, the prominence of Sergio Aguero has marginalised the significance of want away striker Carlos Tevez.
3. Arsenal remember how to win in the Premier League – Arsenal’s first league win wasn’t pretty or that impressive. They relied on a horrendous mistake from Swansea keeper Michel Vorm to pick up all three points. Indeed, Arsenal were on top for most periods of the game. But the Gunners didn’t create that much nor did they play with the level of fluidity which is normally accustom to Arsenal. However, the team will be more than content to get their first their points of the season. As they say, ‘a win is a win.’
4. Stoke – a team looking like European Contenders – Stoke armed with their new additions, Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios came away with a win against Liverpool. Although at times Stoke rode their luck, and were second best, especially in the second half. They still managed to scrape a win, thanks to Stoke’s fantastic defending. The Potters defence was extremely organised and committed to the Stoke cause. Asmir Begovic deserves his plaudits too. There were countless amounts of times when he single handidly kept Liverpool out too. Stoke’s awkward nature is a fundamental reason why the side will make further success at home and in Europe.
5. Fulham will be banging their heads against the wall after this weekend – Prior to Fulham’s match against out of form Blackburn, The Cottagers, who haven’t won a league game this season must have thought this was the game to reignite their season. However, Fulham failed to capitalise on their dominance and decent chances. Fulham’s new signing Bryan Ruiz had an uninspiring debut, and it’s clear he will need time to settle. But more importantly, Fulham’s winless run continues. Bearing in mind the chances Fulham had. They will be rueing at the fact they didn’t get all three points against the Premier League’s basement club.

Find out who won The Football Front’s prediction challenge here.

The Premier League Free Transfer’s XI

The transfer window’s official opening edges closer. There are a number of great free transfers who have been told, ‘thanks but no thanks’ by their former employers. However, it seems that this year that there are many good players being released from Premier League clubs. Perhaps this emphasises the ever growing quality within the Premier League. But, here at The Football Front, we have made a dream team squad consisting only of released Premier League players!

GOALKEEPER – Marcus Hahnemann (Released from Wolves) – The old American goalkeeper has been pretty decent for Wolves in the past two seasons. He has come into the side and has made some telling contributions. He is a goalkeeper who knows how to turn up for the big matches and can often have games where he is just so difficult to beat. At 39, he is even by a goalkeepers standard a pretty old folk. But, his experience and ability makes him the best released goalkeeper by far.

RIGHT BACK – John Paintsil (Released from Fulham) – The energetic full back is a good player. Defensively he is solid and you always expect the Ghanaian to support the attacks from the right. Perhaps his final ball and his crossing isn’t incredible. Furthermore, Paintsil’s last season was marred with an incredible three own goals. It’s something which must make the Fulham fans cringe with anguish. But his energy and good positional play makes him a very good free transfer.

Here is his funniest own goal.

CENTRE BACK – Jonathan Woodgate (Released from Tottenham) – Again, another quality free transfer. But the issue with Woodgate is that he is incredibly injury prone. But when this guy is fit, he is a very competent centre back. The club that eventually takes on Jonathan Woodgate would be taking a massive risk. Injury has blighted his career. But, if he does regain fitness, he will walk into most Premier League teams.

CENTRE BACK – Mathew Upson (Released from West Ham) – Upson had a poor season last year. One could argue he didn't recover from his woeful performances for England in the South Africa World Cup. But, when this guy is on form, he can keep the best strikers out. Furthermore, Upson possess leadership qualities and is a very good organiser. He can help keep his defence stay strong and focused. At 32, he maybe losing he legs. But, he can still do a decent job with some Premier League sides. All he needs is a good kick up the backside.

LEFT BACK – Jonathan Spector – (Released from West Ham) – Spector had a decent season last year. His versatility makes him a good free transfer. He has proved he is decent in the full back postions, but he can also do a job in a midfield role too. The American can pass the ball very well and has a great deal of creativity. This helped him shine in the centre of midfield. Spector’s versatility along with his ability it makes him a player which certain Premier League clubs will be seriously considering.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD - Abdoulaye Faye (Released from Stoke, now at West Ham) – Although he is 33, this guy is still tough as nails. His no nonsense and physical approach makes him a tough opponent. Faye is a hard tackler who is dominant in the air. His physical presence makes him a very practical player, as he can stop his man or alternatively break up the play.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD - Tamir Cohen (Released from Bolton) – Cohen found it hard to get into Bolton side last season. However, his ability is still there for everyone to see. Cohen is a midfielder who can pass the ball reasonably well and he has the creativity to execute his passes too. Not only this, Cohen has proved he can be a clinical finisher too. It’s clear the Israeli is a dynamic player who can find spaces if given the time. There will probably be a queue for this guy..but not in the Premier League.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD – Zoltan Gera (Released from Fulham) – This guy is a seriously good player. He is a highly technical player who can operate in small places. Furthermore, he can be relied upon to exploit gaps in order to make something happen. Although his time at Fulham has been mainly coming off the bench to make an impact, this guy has proved time and time again that he is the man who can score crucial goals. His instinctive play makes him a big threat.

RIGHT MIDFIELD – Seb Larsson (Released from Birmingham, now at Sunderland) – Another high quality free transfer. This guy has a great cross, a great pass and a great footballing mind. His time at Arsenal as a youth player really comes out in his style of play. He is an extremely technical and versatile player who can deliver superbly from set pieces. Furthermore, his free kicks aren’t bad either.

LEFT MIDFIELD - Diomansy Kamara (Released from Fulham) – Although Kamara seems to have a problem with consistency and staying fit. However, when he is fit and firing, he is a pretty effective player. His finishing can be clinical and he's known for scoring important goals. A few clubs will be seriously considering whether Kamara is worth the risk, but if he can have stay injury free for a year, he could be a good asset.

CENTRE FORWARD – John Carew (Released from Aston Villa) – Big John Carew is a handful of a player. His psychical ability makes him a nightmare for defenders. Along with this, his aerial dominance makes him a strong threat in the air. Although Carew is renowned for his aerial dominance and his strength. His finishing must not be forgotten too. You can expect Carew to finish off a few chances with his feet.

At 31, Carew still has a little left in his locker. But in the past, his stupidity has often lost him his place or even cost him his job at certain clubs. However, his ability could make him a risk worth taking.

Here is a visual of our free transfers XI.

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Why it’s a disgrace Blackpool have been fined for selecting a ‘Weaker team’

Blackpool were fined for £25,000 for fielding a ‘weakened side’ against Aston Villa in November. This fine absolutely disgusts me. It’s a sign of contradiction and hypocrisy from the Premier League.

Yes, Blackpool lost the game, but they played very well and conceded in the 89^th minute. But I’m sure by the end of the game Aston Villa didn’t rate their oppositions as a ‘weakened side.’ The most defiantly saw that Blackpool side as a threat. So is it fair the Premier League deem that Blackpool side as ‘weakened’ seeing they took this Villa team to the wire?

Holloway after the game was clearly incensed by the notion of him fielding a ‘weaker side’ against Villa. He has every right to be offended. Seeing as he played 11 players which were all included in his 25 man squad list. Surely the fact these players are in Holloway’s 25 man squad demonstrates that they are first team players for Holloway. What has Holloway done wrong? Surely he should be allowed to play any player within the enlisted 25 player squad list? Holloway commented, ‘I think it is a total disgrace that I am told who I can pick and when I can pick them.’ Holloway is utterly correct. Who are the Premier League to tell Holloway who to pick? And to have the nerve to question the ability of Blackpool’s players? Holloway wouldn’t play those players if he didn’t think they were competent at the Premier League level. Furthermore the principle of the matter is Holloway fielded 11 players which were enlisted in his 25 man squad list. Its not like he is fielding his under 18 side, Blackpool have done nothing wrong.

Blackpool’s team selection against Villa was deeply compared to when Wolves made 10 changes against Manchester United. Like Blackpool, Wolves were fined £25,000. But Wolves actually won their next which was a vital game against Burnley. Mick McCarthy was doing what he felt was best for his team and their long term ambition of staying in England’s elite league. It angers me that the Premier League assume that Wolves and Blackpool field ‘weaker sides’ because they don’t want to win. Of course they want to win. There just being realistic. They know like every manager, player and fan know that some games are more winnable than others. And some games are labelled to both fans and clubs as ‘must win games.’ And Blackpool saw West Ham as a ‘must win game.’ While Wolves saw Burnley as a ‘must win game.’

One thing which angers smaller teams in the Premier League is that the big boys are given more allowances for different situations on and off the pitch. When it comes to rotation, its fair to say the bigger Premier League clubs can get away with murder.

Liverpool in 2007 fielded a heavily rotated side against Fulham. Liverpool a few weeks later were set to face Milan in the European Cup final. Fulham won the game 1-0. And that victory saved salvaged them from relegation. But no fine was imposed on Liverpool for fielding a ‘weaker side.’ It shows the double standard attitudes of the Premier League as Liverpool in some respects have no league interests. And they are allowed to field a weakened side and have no imposed punishments. While ironically, Blackpool and Wolves rotated in order to achieve their goal of staying in this division. Yet, they were fined.

Fulham last season from around the middle of February began to heavily rotate their squad. As their brilliant Europe League run took priority over the league. Yes, Fulham are still a relatively small club, but is it fair their allowed to forget their league form for Europe? While the likes of Blackpool are fined for prioritising their league survival. Don’t get me wrong, Fulham have every right to field a rotated side in the League, if it means they have a better run in Europe. But it’s the contradictory nature of the Premier League. Who fine clubs for wanting to be in the Premier League for the longer term.

The Premier League should butt out of squad selection matters. Of course they should intervene in certain scenarios along as its within reason. I.e. a team is selecting a squad of 16 year olds. But clubs have every right to choose who they pick for certain games. Its unfair that Premier League can criticise one team then show a blind eye to another. It should be one rule for the whole of the Premier League. England’s bigger sides shouldn’t be exempt from these rules.

The fines for Wolves and Blackpool are disgraceful. After all, they are rotating in order to achieve their prime aim of maintaining their Premier League status. The Premier League have just shown that they are shambolic bunch of know it all’s who don’t know how to be equal and respectable to all 20 Premier League sides.

Watch Blackpool Manager Ian Holloway's responce to the Premier League's imposed fine on Blackpool for fielding a 'weakened side' against Aston Villa in November. Holloway is clearly very emotional at the Premier League decision to fine.