West Ham Must Celebrate Jack Collison's Young Player Award By Beating Birmingham

Another crucial six-pointer awaits West Ham before the busy football period of Christmas and New Year's Eve. Birmingham and Bolton is next and the Hammers must bust a gut to beat these two teams. Could we get all six points against two sides who does not have the quality and ability that West Ham has? If we extend our first half form into the second half, I totally believe the boys can do get the desired six points.

Jack Collison recently added to his Young Hammer of the Year award by being named BBC London Young Player of the Year for 2009. West Ham should celebrate this achievement by going on a winning run. We have not won two consecutive matches this season and we must do so now!

Birmingham are in great form lately, having been unbeaten in their last six matches. Alex McLeish's side has also won three games on the trot and looking to match their best ever run of four consecutive wins. Birmingham do not let in many goals and in Joe Hart, they have arguably the best young goalkeeper in the English game. Hart have kept five clean sheets, making 53 successful saves. Only nine goals have been conceded at St. Andrews, fewer than any other Premier League stadium. Birmingham will be tough to overcome.

In tight matches, a moment of brilliance may be sufficient to win a match. That brilliance and unpredictability can be created and produced by the Italian, Alessandro Diamanti. Zola has so far been unwilling to gamble on the X-factor i.e. Diamanti. This is the ideal time to do it, since the Birmingham forwards score the fourth lowest amount of goals in the Premiership so far.

The West Ham defence will always be a problem this season, hence we will need to score more goals than the opposition. With Stanislas and Collison supporting Diamanti and Franco from wide areas, we should have a fairly attacking line up. The forward line which offers directness (Collison), pace (Stanislas), creativity (Diamanti) and guile (Franco). This is the side that could bring us three points and then Bolton awaits.

The Flat Back Four's favoured West Ham lineup (4-4-1-1):
--------------------------------- Green

Faubert --------------- Da Costa ------ Gabbidon ------------ Ilunga

---------------- Parker--------------------------- Noble

Stanislas -------------- ----------- ---- ------------------- Collison

------------------------ Diamanti

---------------------------------- Franco


Gianfranco Zola has admitted that West Ham are definitely in a relegation battle and need to galvanize the players to show determination and fight this season. Jack Collison and Scott Parker looks to be motivated...but what about the rest of the players? The head-to-head stats is in our favour, The Blues have only won five of 29 Premier League home games against clubs from London.

So, come on You Irons!

Growth Of Malaysian Football Requires The Right Club Structure To Attract Required Funding

The Malaysian Business Times published this article on the 21st October 2009.

Malaysia needs to learn how to put the right football club structures in place to attract funding, says football commentator Serbegeth Singh.

"What we have right now are just registered clubs. But our state football associations need a club structure and to have a youth development department to progress," he said at a press conference to announce an upcoming football business forum.

The International Football Association will be hosting IFA Asia 2009 from November 22 to 24 at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Better known as Shebby, Serbegeth who will be a guest moderator of IFA Kuala Lumpur 2009, said the country could benefit from this forum as prominent football personalities could share their technical know-how with local footballers.

Among the speakers attending this event include Chelsea FC board member Peter Kenyon, AFC president Mohammad Hammam, Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy and FC Barcelona senior youth coordinator Albert Capellas.

"Albert, who will be speaking on turning talents into stars, can share his technical expertise, because that is what we lack in this region," said Shebby.

He added that clubs in Southeast Asia could use the forum to learn how to market their leagues or clubs, as done in Europe.

Meanwhile, guest moderator Wan Zaleha Radzi added that Malaysia could learn how to develop sustainable relationships with corporates to build the local talent pool.

"Currently, sponsorship and funding comes in easily for sportsmen who are already successful. We need funding to nurture rising talents," she said.

The event will be the third IFA Asia forum, with the previous two held in Beijing, China.

In cooperation with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and sponsored by Chelsea Football Club, some 200 to 250 delegates will attend the forum to exchange ideas and opinions on the global football business.

The attendees will also include representative from European clubs such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Hamburger SV.

IFA founder and chairman Marcel Schmid said the event that draws football professionals, marketing pros, senior executives, media pundits and top traders allows for new ties and reinforces existing relationships.

Schmid said Malaysia was chosen not only because AFC's headquarters was based here but also due to the country's multicultural setting that would draw participation from other Asian nations.

Topics to be presented during the conference include professionalising Asian club football, trends and opportunities for investments in football clubs, how sponsorship rights fit a company's communication strategy, and will the FIFA World Cup 2018 or 2022 go to Asia.

Another ex-Malaysian international, Lim Teong Kim has this to say on one of his visits back to Malaysia, underlining the importance of a club structure and youth development system as building blocks towards successful clubs and national teams.

“When football is still the same (in Malaysia) after so many years, how can we expect to see any changes to the game or standard? Why criticise the present batch of players and keep banging them on their heads for failures when no one cares for the development of the game,” he said.

“Football is a national agenda. I feel that every state should have an ideal infrastructure to develop the game.

“I have been in Bayern Munich for eight years now. Even the eight-year-old players travel extensively to play in invitational tournaments to gain experience. There are eight professional coaches at the youth level and players get plenty of exposure.

“The facilities are well-equipped with dressing rooms, rehabilitation rooms, physiotherapy, sauna and relaxation rooms.

“In Germany, we have technical problems but no infrastructure problems. If there are no fields how can the coaches get to work?

“The National Sports School in Bukit Jalil alone is not good enough. State FAs must get their infrastructure in place otherwise they cannot expect to produce results.

“I am just trying to pass my experience and knowledge learnt in Bayern Munich. It is difficult to see success if changes are not made. There is a saying in Germany – changes bring prosperity, contentment brings complacency.”

Lim Teong Kim was a member of the national team who won the gold medal in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in 1989. That was the last time the national senior team emerged as the champions of the regional international tournament. He is currently the assistant coach of Bayern Munich's U-19 team.

As we speak, Malaysia are fighting to make the semifinals of the South East Asia (SEA) Games in Myanmar. The Malaysian boys will have to beat defending champions Thailand on 11th December 2009 for that semifinal berth. A tall order indeed, especially as Malaysia have to make do without suspended striker, Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak and defy the fact that Thailand have never failed to qualify for the semi-finals in SEA Games men’s football for 18 consecutive editions since 1973.

The Players Who Excite Liverpool's Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard spoke to UEFA.com on the 10th April 2009 after making his 100th European appearance in the 4-0 thumping of Real Madrid to reach the Champions League quarterfinals. He even scored two goals to celebrate his centennial match.

In that interview after the match, he spoke about four players who excite him, the four he mentioned were Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Players, Gerrard describes as being on a higher level than any other player, himself included. Without a doubt, these are the four players who set the world alight in the season of 2008/2009 thus FIFA recognized their achievements by nominating them for the World Player Award.

The nominees for 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year Award are:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Real Madrid
2. Andres Iniesta (Spain), Barcelona
3. Kaka (Brazil), Real Madrid
4. Lionel Messi (Argentina), Barcelona
5. Xavi (Spain), Barcelona

The winner will be revealed at the 19th FIFA World Player Gala at the Zurich Kongresshaus on Monday 21 December. It will be a huge surprise if Lionel Messi does not add the FIFA crown to his UEFA crown.

As got the Gerrard interview, these were the parts I also found most interesting...7 months on and the interview still seemed relevant.

You were born and raised in the city. What does Liverpool FC mean to you?

Gerrard: It means everything to me. I've supported the club ever since I started watching football. A lot of my family are Liverpool supporters, a lot of my friends, and I still live in the city. So when we do win and get good results, and win trophies, it's nice to be part of it and enjoy it with the supporters.

What was the first game you went to at Anfield?

Gerrard: I was a young boy playing for Liverpool, I think I was eight years of age. Steve Heighway was in charge of all the young players, and he treated us to three tickets, so me, my dad and brother went to the game. We were playing Coventry City and won 3-0. Jan Molby scored three penalties, so it was a strange night.

Who was your favourite player when you were a boy?

Gerrard: After going to that first game, Jan was certainly one of my favourite players. When I started going regularly to watch Liverpool, the likes of Jamie Redknapp, Robbie Fowler and John Barnes were my heroes.

When people talk about great European Cup finals, 2005 when you came from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan will always be up there.

Gerrard: I'm going to be biased and say that the 2005 final was the best final ever. I don't think there's one that turned out the way that game did - 3-0 down, then 3-3, and then a penalty shoot-out. It was fantastic entertainment for the neutral, but to play in it was an unbelievable experience.

One of your best qualities seems to be that you never give up.

Gerrard: That's the way I've been brought up at this football club. From a very young age you're taught never to give up until the final whistle, no matter what the score is, and to keep fighting all the way till the end. And that's how I like to play the game. So many football matches have been turned around in the last couple of minutes, so it's important not to give up – and that's a message you've got to give young players.

What are your ambitions for the future with Liverpool and England?

Gerrard: I've still got many more dreams and ambitions to achieve with Liverpool. Obviously the Premier League; that's the only medal that is missing from my collection. It would be nice to lift a second European Cup, so there are still many, many things I want to achieve with the club. And obviously for England it would be nice to go to a tournament and be successful. To go one better than a quarter-final, to get into the last four, or maybe a final; that would be a fantastic achievement.

Do you see yourself as a manager in the future? Will you remain in football?

Gerrard: I have thought about it quite a few times: I'm 28 now and am certainly getting older. It would be nice to stay involved in the game. I'm not sure at what level, whether that's as a manager, a coach or whether I'll go into the media. I'm not too sure, but it would be nice to stay involved because football is so important to me.

You can view the entire interview here uploaded by lfc92erikkynwa

The Greatest Upset In World Cup History: Northern Ireland Shocks Spain in '82

As the 2010 World Cup looms, I was reminded of the 1982 World Cup in Spain. This was extra special because it was my first ever World Cup finals. The feeling of watching the likes of footballing greats such as Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Rummenigge, Maradona, Platini, Robson and Jennings on one global stage was something that cannot be replicated.

And so, the greatest upset in World Cup history for me, goes to the Northern Ireland-Spain match in which Gerry Armstrong scored the winning goal.

Northern Ireland 1 Spain 0, 1982 (as published in onthisdayinsport.com)

Before the 1982 World Cup finals, Gerry Armstrong was a jobbing forward at Tottenham and Watford, with the nickname 'The Judge' due to his frequent appearances on the substitutes' bench.

Within a matter of weeks, Armstrong had written his name into the history books as his goal was enough to beat Spain and Northern Ireland had claimed the greatest result in their history.

Having qualified for their first finals since 1958, Northern Ireland started their campaign with a goalless encounter with Yugoslavia and a 1-1 draw with Honduras. Only a win in their final game would ensure qualification to the second round for the first time in their history.

Ominously they were up against the host nation, Spain, and few were forecasting a victory for Northern Ireland. Yet Billy Bingham's side nullified the Spanish threat and were rewarded just after half-time as goalkeeper Arconada failed to hold onto Billy Hamilton's cross and Armstrong drilled home the loose ball.

Northern Ireland held on, despite the dismissal of Mal Donaghy, and remarkably topped the group whilst Armstrong signed for Mallorca following the tournament, the start of a long relationship with his adopted country.

The Telegraph vividly details how the proudest moment in Northern Irish football history was achieved.

...Armstrong took a step into Irish football immortality. He collected a pass 35 yards from goal, left three players in his wake and pushed a perfect lay-off to Hamilton on the right wing.

Outpacing his markers, the strapping Burnley forward whipped the ball into the box where the Spanish goalkeeper Luis Arconada could only palm it into the path of Armstrong, who hit a low right-foot shot under the keeper's body...

Will the 2010 World Cup in South Africa bring about the unpredictability which generates excitement and nail-biting suspense? What are the possible upsets that could happen judging by the World Cup finals grouping? South Korea beating Argentina? Slovakia beating Italy?

John Terry and Frank Lampard: More Than Team Mates?

This was spotted from Myrelationshipwithfootball.com, a great site with great news on Premier League footballers and particularly Chelsea players and specifically Frank Lampard.

In an interview seen below recorded by mightypretty26, an awkward question was asked and the result was a scarily honest response. Clearly the pair shares a very special "connection".

In case you missed it, here is a short version of the great banter.

Frank: "Subconsciously when you know he's behind you it gives you a nice feeling, ya know."
John: "I wanna know why I'm always behind."
Frank: "You're better off, trust me."

Then John was asked how it feels when Essien is in front of him rather than Frank. His response: "Yeah, I'll take Lamps all day."

What would Toni and Christine think about such strong male bonding??? Too much brotherly love in my mind.

Lingerie Football?? America's Idea of Entertainment!

Apologies to all readers who thought this was related to English football, well it is not. Still, I thought this was really a headcase story that I wanted to share.

The Belfast Telegraph reported that the popular American football finale, the Super Bowl will have a spin-off known as the Lingerie Football League! As the name suggests, it will be female footballers wearing lingerie running around the football field. Americans sure have a weird and warped concept of TV entertainment! Wait a mo, there is no difference between Lingerie Football from WWE Divas. True sports entertainment as loved by the Americans.

The league started in September 2009 and now have ten teams competing in it. Maybe in a couple of years, we could take this seriously but for now, it's one of those strange American pastime that makes no sense at all other than generate TV ratings. Imagine the possible wardrobe malfunctions!

Here is a video of the Lingerie Football League by stargate88 for you to draw your own conclusions. Hit or Miss?

Catch the Lingerie Football picture gallery from The Belfast Telegraph.

West Ham Would Be 8th This Season If....

Yes, you read right, West Ham would be 8th in the Premier League if all matches played this season ended at halftime. Here is the how and the why:



So you see, West Ham United is sitting pretty at 8th position from the Premier League Half-time League. Safe from relegation, West Ham would have had five wins, five draws and five losses if matches ended at halftime. This fact suggests that Zola typically gives a rousing pre-match talk but could not rouse his players up for the last hurrah.

I have seen how West Ham come out in the second half looking like deers in fog lights. The Manchester United match was a clear example of a schizophrenic Hammers team. Looking quite solid in the first half with belief and enthusiasm and then the team turned into one that could not defend, lost possession quite frequently and very short of creative ideas in the second half.

So what do you think? What else can Zola and Clarke do to build up a simmering commitment and confident spirit Buy or loan a defender, midfielder and then stiker?

Only Rafa Benitez Can Have The Brillant Idea Of Playing Aquilani and Torres In A Meaningless Champions League Match

The Official Liverpool club site reported that Alberto Aquilani will start tonight against Fiorentina in a meaningless Champions League match. Fernando Torres is also expected to be named on the substitutes bench. The initial reaction from me when I was told by a Red Devils fan was, "why oh why? Rafa has got things wrong yet again!"

But when I sat down later and calmly thought about this bit of news, I understood what Rafa wanted to achieve on Wednesday evening.

Rafa's decision to finally play Aquilani will be warmly received by all fans who have suffered as Liverpool's season fell apart in recent weeks. So in a meaningless Champions League match, Rafa stumbled upon the ingenious idea of finally unleashing the playmaking skills of Alberto Aquilani. Playing him in a no-pressure but still competitive match can definitely ease Aquilani back into fighting condition necessary to help Liverpool's cause for FA Cup and Europa League glory.

It's hard to argue with the mindset of Benitez as he sought to improve firstly, Aquilani's and Torres' match fitness and secondly, allow Aquilani to build his own match confidence by pitting him against familiar Italian opposition. If everything goes according to plan, Aquilani should be in contention for a first Premiership start against Arsenal. Fiorentina and Arsenal are ideal opposition for the playmaker who is regaining his stride after a long lay-off. Thirdly, if Torres comes off the bench in the 65th minute, there will be ample time in the match for Aquilani to develop an understanding with 'Nando. Rafa hopes to reap the benefits come Sunday when Arsene's team come to town.

So now, does starting Aquilani and naming Torres on the bench against Fiorentina now seems like a masterstroke to you? It sure does smell like Rafa is thinking ahead yet again, this time towards getting three points against Arsenal! So, the Gunners had better watch out this Sunday as Rafa seems to have a plan cooking in the Anfield oven.