Mario Balotelli needs to shut up and do is talking on the pitch

Most people know Mario Balotelli as a player with great potential who talks too much. It seems Balotelli is a player who looks to cause controversy in every interview he gives. Even in his relatively short stay in England he has managed to disrespect a handful of his fellow professionals. I’m all up for a bit of mind games every now and then but to do it in every interview it’s just simply disrespectful.

His attack on Jack Wilshere was just childish. But to be honest, he obviously isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Maybe he genuinely doesn’t know who Jack Wilshere is. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t, seeing his clear incompetence. Even Cristiano Ronaldo told super Mario to shut up and get on with his game on the pitch. Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo, he may not be England’s favourite player, but I’m sure most of Europe agreed with his comments to Balotelli.

Balotelli reportedly has no friends at Eastlands, and he mopes around lonesome. I’m not surprised. With comments like ‘For this year, and another, I will stay at City.’ Then he wants to toddle off to Ac Milan. How do you expect to be liked at City by their players, staff and supporters if you’re expressing your desire to leave the club already? Absolute joke of a player. I hope Milan don’t even bother showing an interest to sign this selfish child. I wouldn’t sign a player who says, ‘Silvio Berlusconi said that Cassano is the best Italian talent - he's wrong or doesn't know Balotelli.’ Yes Mario, everyone knows you. They know you as that kid who talks out of his backside. Even Berlusconi will take caution when even considering to think about Mario Balotelli.

Jose Mourinho said Balotelli, ‘sometimes [he] does not know how to use his brain.’ That basically sums up Mario Balotelli’s footballing life. A footballer who clearly doesn’t know how to use his brain. It’s a shame, it’s not the world’s loss, it’s his loss.

Why Charles N’Zogbia Petulant Character is only effecting his aspirations to be a Top Footballer

Charles N’Zogbia joined Newcastle United in 2004 with bags of potential. He is a dynamic versatile left sided player who has the ability win matches. But his lack of professionalism has hindered his aspirations of becoming a top footballer.

N’Zogbia has a right to be ambitious, after all, any footballer wants to be successful and has a desire to win trophies has to be relatively ambitious. However, ambition has to be matched by professionalism and this is something N’Zogbia hasn’t grasped yet.

Charles N’Zogbia’s ability instantly made him a fan’s favourite at Newcastle. Even at 17 years of age the Frenchmen showed great technical ability. Newcastle fans may recall his brilliant solo effort against arch rivals Sunderland in his debut season. The young French man showed the potential of becoming a world class player. In the 2005/06 season he proved to be Newcastle’s playmaker, as he assisted 6 times. The signs were look transparently bright for the Frenchman. He had shown he could crack it at the premier league level he could score and assist.

The French playmaker’s ability had obviously asserted some prejudice in the player’s character. N’Zogbia was constantly linked with the likes of Arsenal and Man United. Obviously to N’Zogbia, this was a sign that he had to play; that he had to be the key man in the Newcastle team. The signs of overconfidence and the lack of professionalism were becoming more and more apparent in N’Zogbia.

The player was rumoured to be involved in several disagreements with the Newcastle players and staff. This naïve behaviour from Charles N’Zogbia affected his playing time in the 2006/07 season. With the player mostly coming off the bench to play. The over confident N’Zogbia was becoming frustrated and angry with the lack of significant action. In the final game of the 2006/07 game N’ Zogbia was withdrawn from the squad, as he refused to be a substitute. This childish behaviour by N’Zogbia is unacceptable. If you want to play, you must strive on the chances you get. And show a professional attitude of working hard in training and trying your best when you’re given the chance. Then you will be respected by your manager and fellow players. Managers, scouts and even owners are now looking closer at player personalities before they look to invest in a player. Charles N’Zogbia’s childish personality is off putting the big clubs. The likes of Manchester United and Arsenal don’t want a player who will unsettle their squads.

Instead of working hard to get back into the Newcastle side, the lack of respect towards Newcastle continued. The player was constantly in the press demanding a move away from Newcastle. The fans felt a lack of appreciation by N’Zogbia. As he was trying to angle a transfer to the likes of Arsenal by saying he had ‘preference for the Gunners’ But this poor professionalism from the Frenchmen continued in a farcical manner.

Charles N’Zogbia issued a statement in January 2009 stating he didn’t want to play for Newcastle again, after manager Joe Kinnear mispronounced his name by calling him ‘insomnia’. Really? So Charles N’Zogbia doesn’t want to play for Newcastle because the manager mispronounced his name? Utterly childish. He seems to forget Newcastle neutered and shaped him into the player he is .Charles N’Zogbia’s actions showed a lack of honour towards Newcastle and their fans. His whining character showed he would do anything to angle a move away from the club.

N’Zogbia finally did get his move away from the Tyne. But it wasn’t to Arsenal or Tottenham, it was of course to Wigan Athletic. When I heard of this move, I felt it was a good move for both Wigan and the player himself. As he could finally prove again to the world he is a great player with bags of potential. Aslong as he showed a professional outlook and showed respect to his team mates and the fans. N’Zogbia so far has had a decent Wigan career. He is consistently playing and is an important player for the team. He is the second highest goal scorer (5 goals) for Wigan and has the highest assists (5) for the club too. Furthermore, N’Zogbia has had the most dribbles and runs in the whole of the premier league this season (224). Thus emphasising his importance to the team. Yet N’Zogbia still carries that unprofessional attitude at Wigan. Last Summer he called Wigan a ‘stepping stone.’ Again, the lack of respect and professionalism from a player with great ability is frustrating. His naivety shows he has no respect for Wigan for taking the risk and helping him ‘re-launch his career.’

The player then showed the same ungracious attitude to Wigan as he did with Newcastle a few years back. The petulant star reportedly refused to play for Wigan in their opening match against Blackpool. How wrong is that? After all that Wigan did to rebuild his credentials he shows the same low class traits to angle a move away from Wigan. Frankly its convulsive. The irony is that he had to carry on playing for Wigan this season. But N’Zogbia should be ashamed for the way he has treated Wigan, but I’m sure he feels he has done nothing wrong.

The great Sir Bobby Robson said, ‘N'Zogbia could go to the very top with the right coaching and motivation.’ This is completely true. But the sad thing is that the only thing that stands in the way of N’Zogbia reaching the very top, is himself. He is a player with no shame, no respect and no professionalism. If N’Zogbia wants to reach the top of the game, he has to stop being so naïve. He has to be thankful and grateful to those who have given him the chance. N’Zogbia seriously needs to change his ways if he is to reach his potential.

Avram Grant’s treatment by the West Ham Hierarchy has been nothing short of Criminal

I woke up on Saturday morning (15/01/2010) to read of the news of ‘Avram Grant is set to be replaced by Martin O’Neil.’ This really disgusted me. Avram Grant deserves a lot more respect than the owners have given. Yes, the hammers form hasn’t been brilliant, but it’s been progressive. In their last ten games they have picked up more points than Chelsea (10 points, to Chelsea’s 9.) But its fair to say this form is far from impressive, and is arguably sackable considering their precarious league position. But it’s the handling of Grant by the Hammers board which shows little class and the lack of esteem towards Avram Grant.

It’s easy to forget because of the extreme pressure on Grant’s role as manager, but he was the board’s ideal candidate for the manager’s position after the sacking of Gianfranco Zola. So one would expect the two owners would show a little respect and patience towards their new manager. But no, not with David Gold and David Sullivan. By the start of September question marks were already being raised about the management of West Ham under Grant. Even though Grant was given a four year contract by West Ham. This shows the poor handling by the hammers hierarchy. If they were unsure if Grant wouldn’t fit into their long term plans, why give him a four year deal?

It’s important to also consider that West Ham finished last season in 17^th with 35 points. This suggests that West Ham is a team who will most likely be in a relegation battle. Premier League history backs this idea too. Every team who has finished 17^th in the previous season, have all (bar Everton, 2004/05, Portsmouth 2005/06 and Fulham 2006/07) been in a relegation battle in the following season, with all those teams finishing in the bottom half of the table. And more worryingly for West Ham over 60% of those teams have been relegated within the next season. So the hammers owners shouldn’t be that surprised West Ham are in a relegation battle. And to constantly fuel uncertainty over the manager’s head will only affect the team. As it takes away the stability from the team and without stability on the pitch, there is little or even no consistency.

The timing of the ‘Martin O’Neil approach’ is odd. As West Ham have been gradually accumulating more points as the season has progressed. The home form has been improving. In the last 6 home games they have only lost twice. And it doesn’t take Sir Alex Ferguson to tell you that any team’s success starts by being difficult to beat at home. So a matter of time is needed in order to see West Ham chalk up more points. This shows the naivety of the Hammers board. They are willing to risk the team’s improving confidence and performances by sacking the manager who been the catalyst behind the progression. This shows the lack of respect towards Grant even though has brought happiness to the West Ham supporters.

Grant has brought pride back to Upton Park. He has done this through his team’s performances in the Carling Cup. Grant’s West Ham demolished Manchester United. Yes, people will say, ‘it was a second string side’ but the likes of Giggs, Hernandez and Fletcher all started. In fact, second team defender Chris Smalling who was signed for Man United for £10 million. Whereas, the Hammers transfer record is £9 million. This demonstrates the gulf in difference between the two sides. But Grant still managed to take West Ham to the League Cup semi final’s for the first time in 21 years. Yet the most painful aspect of the whole saga is that the owners are almost unwilling to count West Ham’s brilliant league cup run. Even after their buoyant win over Birmingham, the board were already talking to Martin O’Neil. This is simply disgusting by the Hammers hierarchy. They have undermined Grant, even though there is a strong realistic chance that West Ham could go the final and possibly even win the trophy.

There has been a lot of press coverage and interviews (not surprisingly) with David Gold, David Sullivan and Karen Brady. By November, Grant was backed by Karen Brady even though the team had only won once. Come December, Grant was given an unusual ultimatum to save his job. This shows the incompetent nature of the Hammers owners. They say they back their manager when the club isn’t picking up results, but when the club is beginning to pick up results they throw a potential spanner in the works by adding more pressure to an already scrutinised manager.

Avram Grant deserves a lot of respect in the manner of which he has handled his business at West Ham. Grant could have easily walked away because of the lacklustre handling by the hammers hierarchy, but he continued to march on and now is on the brink of taking this West Ham team to their first major final in 5 years. But the West Ham owners rewarded him by humiliating him. In any job, whether it’s working in a restaurant or being a football manager, to know that your going to be fired and someone has already agreed to take over going to take over your role, is incredibly painful. The owners have shown little ethics and honour. They should be disgusted by their actions, Grant may not be the most charismatic managers, but his record truly speaks for itself. The owners have shown criminal like behaviour and they will be the ones who suffer in the long run.

Edin Dzeko – How will he fit into Manchester City’s Catalogue of players?

Edin Dzeko. Arguably Europe’s hottest striker on the market. Manchester City have brought themselves a fantastic player, there is no doubt about that. A player who has so much to offer the Manchester City team. He could be a signing which could potentially sway the title in City’s direction.

Dzeko’s goal record is something to be feared. In his previous two full seasons he has scored a total of 48 goals in 66 games. A tidy record for a player who was signed for Wolfsburg for 4 million euros. Dzeko possess great physical attributes. He is 6ft 3 tall, and this greatly assists Dzeko’s great aerial ability. Something which Manchester City’s forward line have been missing. As Carlos Tevez isn’t the tallest striker around. Dzeko’s aerial ability will be ideal for city, as it allows the club to be more expansive on the wings, and utilise the great distribution of the likes of David Silva and James Milner. The Premier league is renowned for having defenders who are dominant in the air. Dzeko is a player who can question the abilities of these defenders aerial poweress. As Dzeko is strong in the air through his strong jump and great heading technique. The aerial ability of Dzeko will allow Tevez to have a little more space to roam at times, as Dzeko’s physical presence will naturally attract attention towards himself. Thus allowing Tevez to be able to roam effectively in the final third.

Dzeko’s abilities don’t just stop in the air. Dzeko possess great pace for a tall player. If given space to run into Dzeko will carry a great threat to the opposition. This pace is important in regards to Manchester City’s style of play. Roberto Mancini likes to rotate his attacking players to rotate positions during the game. Dzeko’s pace makes him fully competent in keeping the ball or running with the ball on the flanks.

Dzeko’s clinical finishing has been the biggest highlight of his game. The player can shoot well with either feet, which at any level of football is a great skill to have. However, the most surprising strength Dzeko possesses is that he has very agile quick feet. He is a player with the ability to do step overs and tricks whilst running at the opposition with the ball. Players who normally flop at premier league standard are often criticised for not being able to handle the pace and tempo of the English game. The fact Dzeko already possesses quick agile feet will give him a far greater chance than a forgein target man, who isn’t as agile.

A criticism of Manchester City is that for all the millions they have spent on attackive players, no one has taken the burden of Carlos Tevez. Tevez on the pitch, when he isn’t complaining about leaving, he is captain fantastic. He consistently scores so many goals for City, this season Tevez has already scored 12 league goals, two behind the top goal soccer. Furthermore, Tevez has assisted 5 of City’s goals himself. Dzeko will help Tevez score more goals. As Dzeko can hold the ball up fantastically through his strong physicality’s, and he can also the flick the ball on. The Bosnian striker also has an eye for a good pass, so don’t be surprised if he threads in a few great balls.

Tevez will also support Dzeko goal mission. Tevez as we all know is an industrious centre forward who has a brilliant technique, and has a brilliant eye for the final ball. Tevez, who I now expect because Dzeko has arrived, will play off the Bosnian. And at times play in a more attacking midfield role, as his work rate will naturally allow him to join in with the midfield if Manchester City is being pressed. Tevez’s creative abilities will allow him to press on and become the catalyst of Man City’s attacking play. Some believe that Dzeko will restrict the amount of goals scored by Tevez, as the Bosnian will be the target man. However, the brilliant aspect of Dzeko’s style, is that he has the ability and technique to link with other players. Which Tevez a natural goal scorer will be receptive to. I expect Tevez will roam around Dzeko in the opposition’s box almost playing in a striker’s poachers role when City are pressing.

Below is how I expect city will line up.

The arrows are just showing which direction the players will make be moving offensively. I expect Manchester City especially at home to score a lot of goals now. Dzeko will add strength, clinical finishing and an aerial threat to the forward line. While the likes of Tevez, Balotelli, Silva, Milner, and Johnson will work off his flick on’s and passes. Dzeko will simply make Manchester City more expansive. His ability and physical features will add another dimension to the Manchester City strike force. In Germany he has proved he is near enough to a complete centre forward. Dzeko’s abilities also make him versatile and able to play across city’s attacking line.

One issue which sould worry Manchester City fans about Edin Dzeko is that he has a strong personality. Now that isn’t a flaw, Dezko is an incredibly driven player who wants to succeed. It’s a problem because there are a lot of strong personalities in the Manchester City camp. And Manchester City is constantly in the press for bust ups.

Besides that, this is a signing which should worry Manchester City's rivals. The city revolution has taken another significant step.

Kenny Dalglish’s first game Premier League game: Is the glass half empty or half full?

Liverpool stumbled again to another league defeat. No real surprise there to be honest this season. But this game was Dalglish’s first premier league game. This game holds great significance. As Liverpool’s worrying league form is the underlying reason why Roy Hodgson was sacked last week. Also this was the first game of which Dalglish oversaw training and tactical preparations. This was the game where the Liverpool fans were hoping to see glimpses of the Liverpool old, rather than this pathetic underachieving side.

Liverpool under Hodgson were heavily criticised for being too defensive and negative away from home. Against Blackpool, Liverpool showed a striking attacking intent. Liverpool pushed the defensive line quite high, the likes of Lucas and Raul Meireles were given the licence to support in attacks. This is an encouraging sign for Liverpool. As it shows a philopshy to press on and attack. However, I think time is needed. Raul Meireles didn’t have his best game for the club. He often gave the ball away in poor positions or chose the wrong pass. This could be due to the high pressure closing down tactics adopted by Blackpool, which limited Merieles time and space on the ball.

The wingers which saw the surprise inclusion of Milan Jovanovic and regular Dirk Kuyt. Both players saw a lot of the ball, but were far from effective. Kuyt looked uncomfortable playing in the style Liverpool adopted. It was as if both players couldn’t handle the pace of Liverpool’s pass and move approach. Kuyt struggled to keep the ball and had difficulty in executing crosses and passes. While Jovanovic kept running into cul-de sacs. The poor performances from the duo emphasised the crying lack of creative edge on the flanks. The full back Martin Kelly showed great awerness by playing a good through ball to set up Fernando Torres’s frist goal. However, besides that there was no real intent going forward in the full back positions for Liverpool. This is mainly because Blackpool’s flamboyant attackive approach would expose the space left behind if the full backs consistently went forward.

To put it bluntly, the goals scored by Blackpool all stemmed from errors from Liverpool players. The first goal; a poor touch by Meireles, allowed Blackpool to capitalise in a clinical fashion. While the second goal was a defensive error by Glen Johnson for allowing his man roam free in the six yard box. But it’s unfair to point fingers at Johnson. The team didn’t sufficiently defend the original set piece and should have been far more organised for the re-bound ball. Throughout the game Liverpool defensively looked vulnerable every time Blackpool attacked. This has been the sorry story of Liverpool for the last two years. Liverpool’s success have always been built on solid defensive foundations. While Liverpool constantly look weak defensively against any of their oppositions. This uncertainty in defence begins to infiltrate in the other areas of Liverpool’s play.

Dalglish in his post match press conference commented that, ‘There are a couple of things there that we can sort out.’ In regards to the two goals conceded by Liverpool, the errors can be rectified on the training pitch. Once the team develops and fully understands Dalglish’s passing and moving philosophy, mistakes such as misplaced passes and poor touches, which were aparent against Blackpool can be rectified. Under Hodgson, Liverpool rarely played with great pace. The pace of the game also contributed to the first goal. Liverpool tried to adapt to the fast pace of the game, but were unable at times to handle the tempo. This lead to mistakes such as misplaced passes. And explains why Blackpool edged possession by 52% /45%.

Whereas the second goal, more focus on the training ground on defensive organisation whether its open play or set pieces, will deeply assist the team. Some may turn around and say, ‘it may take the player’s time to adapt into Dalglish’s philosophy.’ This is a fair point, but the performance against Blackpool shows especially in regards to passing and moving, the team have already developed an understanding. But defensively there clearly is a lot of work to be done by Dalglish and his coaches. And I think the defensive display by Liverpool not only against Blackpool but throughout the season will be worrying Dalglish far more than any other department.

As much as Liverpool showed their attacking intent, they failed to have any creative edge in order to get into the final third of the pitch, and really challenge Richard Kingston – the Blackpool goal keeper. This was the difference between the two sides. Blackpool were able to get into Liverpool’s final third, whereas Liverpool found it difficult to exploit Blackpool’s defence. Dalglish admitted Liverpool have to work on their 'final pass.' This is a problem which has been crying out throughout the season. Liverpool especially away from home have found it incredibly difficult to create any chances for Fernando Torres, hence why his form has been so poor.

One thing Fernando Torres has been criticised for this season, its been his work rate and body language. A lot of pundits have argued Torres’s body language portrays a man where the last place he would want to be is Liverpool. The red’s dismal defeats against Blackburn and Newcastle highlighted the team’s apparent lack of desire. However, against Blackpool Torres along with the whole team showed great desire to try and make something of the game. One alarming matter which occurred to me was that Liverpool’s drive began to ware off as the game progressed.

Dalglish argues the team ‘needs belief.’ In other words, the team needs confidence. This is a valid point. As most of the players who played against Blackpool were the same players who hammerd both Madrid and Manchester United in 2009. If Dalglish can rebuild the teams confidence collectively and individually, the team have strong chance of reaching their potential. But its unknown, whether or not this Liverpool side can adapt to Dalglish’s passing and moving philosophy. Against Blackpool some of the players looked clearly out of their depth at this style of play. However, I think its vital for Liverpool to work collectively on their defence. Liverpool haven’t been beaten by the brilliance of the opposition, they have been beaten by their own incompetence defensively. The teams which have conceded the least goals this season are; Man City (16), Man United (19), Chelsea (19), Arsenal (22). Surprise, surprise, most of these sides, if not all of them are challenging for the title this season. If Liverpool can improve defensively and become more organised at the back, this will naturally instil confidence in the teams play and will make the team more difficult to beat.

I think there is a great more to come from this Liverpool side under Kenny Dalglish. If the team can adapt and successfully execute Dalgish’s passing and moving philosophy, the team can develop a fluidity, but this fluidity hinges on confidence and belief. Dalglish must motivate his players into believing their abilities. This confidence will come with the assurances of a solid defence. Dalglish and his coaching staff have to reorganise a continually exposed defensive department. But Dalglish has a limited time to do all this work. The glass is half full, not half empty.

Why Spurs pursue of David Beckham will not help them in there road to glory

The constant football headlines linking David Beckham with Spurs is becoming a little frustrating. The Tottenham team is a team built on tenacity, pace, and flair. I’m sorry. David Beckham doesn’t have those abilities! He didn’t have them when he was 23 nor does he have them now at the tender age of 35. Spurs this season have been incredibly fluid in their style of play. This has been due to the great management skills of Harry Redknapp. He has effectively utilised the likes of Gareth Bale, Rafeal Van der Vaart and Luka Modric. However, Beckham wouldn’t instil any fluidity in Tottenham’s play. Beckham who has clearly passed his peak has not got the physical or technical skills to keep up with the premier league standard let alone the tenacious spurs side.

Many football commentators argue Beckham would be an ‘impact substitute.’ I couldn’t disagree anymore. Beckham isn’t the type of player who can pop up with a goal from nowhere. Nor is he a player who can skin one or two players. If anything Beckham will be make a passive contribution from the bench. The only effective contribution he can make is through delivery in set pieces. Some would argue that is making an impact. Which is fair enough, but spurs already have outstandingly technically gifted players. The likes of Bale, Van der Vaart, Modric who can all distribute the ball effectively and have decent free kicks. Some believe Beckham may have a role to play in the centre of midfield. Logically, I can see this happening. Beckham hasn’t got the pace, but he can ping a ball around. But it’s clear that the likes of Modric and Huddlestone have the ability to muster effective short range and long range passes. Furthermore, one of the effective features of the spurs midfield is that they all are very competent at running with ball. However, David Beckham has never really had that ability, and at 35 I doubt he will have developed it.

Assistant coach Joe Jordan believes Beckham will give the side ‘experience.’ But do spurs really need to waste a good deal of cash for a short term loan, which includes covering parts of the players wages and a loan fee? Yes Beckham is a brilliant professional, on and off the pitch he represents the game brilliantly. But do Spurs an ambitious champions league side need this experience vitally? The answer is no. The squad of players have shown great professionalism and character in a number of performances this season. Take the result at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. Coming back from 2 down against a title challenger, at their own ground and not to mention your arch rivals shows great character from Tottenham. One thing great results do- whether you win or lose. Is the ability to give your team collectively and the individually experience. As they learn how to handle the intensity of certain matches and atmospheres.

Managers are always looking to improve their sides. Harry Redknapp has proved at Spurs he has done a brilliant job at improving the club. His acquisitions have generally have had a successful impact on the club’s strong progression. But the potential signing of David Beckham will not improve his side. The most frustrating aspect of this deal is that Spurs are working so hard to make this deal materialise even though it’s for a mere three months. If the club were looking to loan messi for three months fair enough. But Beckham? Come on. Lets get realistic.

Why the appointment of King Kenny Dalglish is the right move by Liverpool

The appointment of Kenny Dalglish is probably the appointment most Liverpool fans would have wanted to see in the summer of 2010. This was fuelled by the fact Dalglish made it clear that he was seriously interested in taking the reigns left by Rafa Benitez. However, the board opted to pick the LMA manager of the year, Roy Hodgson. And in hindsight this saw the club take to another level of decline. Within 6 months, Hodgson was kindly shown the door.

To most fans Dalglish is the perfect appointment. He is a man who cares so dearly about the club. He is a man who has won virtually every trophy with the club. And a man who has and knows how to inspire both players and fans. Fenway Sports Group have made an incredibly logical decision in their appointment. The continuous chanting of ‘dalgish’ a chant which foreshadowed the beginning of the end of Roy Hodgsons stint as the Liverpool manager. However, the chant clearly showed John Henry and Thomas Werner what the Liverpool fans wanted. And that was King Kenny Dalglish. This was the right move by the owners. As the owners in various interviews have spoken of the importance to listen to the Liverpool fans. The appointment clearly shows to the Liverpool fans they are listening to the demands of the fans. Even though the owners reportedly feel Dalglish has been away from the game for too long. Kenny Dalglish symbolises to the Liverpool fans that they have their club back. After all the turmoil with the two fools of Hicks and Gillett and the failure of Hodgson’s tenure, the fans feel that the individual at the helm cares and will do anything to see the club being successful.

One word which sums up the last two years of Liverpool Football Club is ‘insecure.’ The tensional battles off the field regarding the debt leveraged against the club and the brittle displays shown by the team have seriously hurt the Liverpool fans. The fans felt they were losing grip on their club, as the club was becoming a shadow of its former self. However, the appointment of Kenny Dalglish makes the fans feel a sense of security. As they know that the club is in the right hands. Dalglish offers the Liverpool fans a certain expectation. The fans know Dalglish is deeply embedded in everything that was right during Liverpool’s glory days in the 70’s and 80’s. Dalgish is fully aware of the dna which makes Liverpool successful. He understands the club and the fans understand him. This will motivate fans, and get them behind the team.

The Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has gained a lot of credibility by their decision to appoint Dalglish. Ive discussed the idea of the owners listening to the fans demands, but the group have taken an intelligent gamble. If Dalglish actually improves the fortunes of the club it could pave the way for Dalglish to have a period as Liverpool boss. After all, Damien Comolli confirmed he is a candidate for the permant role. And it seems apparent the club are unwilling to spend this January. If Dalglish can get this underachieving squad to fulfil its potential, he surely has to be a strong contender for the job- for the long term. Which im sure the fans would be more than happy to back. However, if Dalglish is unable to progress the team the owners can look to appoint someone who they feel is suitable for the permanent role. The fans would be far more supportive than they were of Roy Hodgson’s tenure. As they know that their first choice was given the chance at the helm.