Get Klopp - before someone else does

Well done guys. It was a good effort. Except it wasn’t really was it? Sadly, the bottom line is in the end the luck ran out and another tournament ended badly.

As regulars know, I felt all along England had the look and smell of a team destined to win Euro 2024. Not because they were good, but because everything - literally everything - was going their way. Until Spain proved to be far too good for them.

So another chance to end years in the wilderness limply passed England by. And they remain football’s great under achievers. That’s sad.

I’ve read the fall out and there’s nothing I didn’t expect in the papers. The general line is the boys covered themselves in glory (except they didn’t) and can be proud.

England will continue to be ‘nearly men’ until they start to be honest. And that includes our Press. Here’s the truth - England weren’t good enough. Far better teams went out because they were in the other half of the draw.

Another problem was that none of our so called stars turned up. None of them.

Bellingham had two ‘moments’ - but again failed to stamp any kind of authority on games. His attitude is also bothering me. There’s a sense of entitlement about him now and it’s not a good look.

Kane stunk the place out. He had to be carrying an injury surely? He couldn’t have been as bad as he was unless that was the case. I’m sorry to say it - but it’s got to be over for him now. With the likes of Toney and Watkins available why persist with Kane?

Perhaps England could go in a different direction and not play with a traditional nine? Maybe Bellingham could do a job at the top end? That way you get more ‘players’ in the team.

If you didn’t see my first Euro blog have a look at what I said then. I argued England should leave Kane out. I got hammered - but I wasn’t alone by the end of the tournament was I?

Foden did nothing. Saka got to the by-line once - before delivering a deflected cross that Bellingham hurled himself at to score. Rice? No. Nothing. And it was all too much for Mainoo. Talk of the kid being world class is nonsense. He’s good, but he’s got an awful lot to do before he’s that.

The guys at the back did ok - until the final. Guehi was the best of them. And the keeper was better than I expected him to be, although his antics drive me mad.

Palmer was good and Watkins‘ little cameo did him no harm at all. Why oh why didn’t Safegate find a starting place for Palmer? He’s the best player in the squad. I mean that - in the squad.

Across the tournament I’d say England played well for an hour or so in total. That’s not enough. They relied too much on luck and eventually that runs out.

After stuttering through the group stage they fell into the easiest half of the draw. There was nobody on their side. Germany, Belgium, Portugal and France were all in with Spain and were cutting each others throats.

Look at what Spain had to do to win it. They were terrific. The best team by miles.

As for England - they were out v Slovakia. Bellingham’s brilliant equaliser masked an awful lot and got people believing they were good - not lucky. That was another major error.

The best they played was in the first-half against the Dutch, but even then they were a goal down and toiling - before being gifted a pen that 11 out of ten people knew wasn’t. That award was the worst decision in the tournament. But they got another goal - stole it - and the deluded were in overdrive then.

To be fair - they were clinical in the shoot out v Switzerland, but they shouldn’t have needed pens.

In general, I thought Safegate was slow to make changes and although Palmer and Watkins won the Netherlands game, who wouldn’t have brought them on? Most coaches would’ve done, but perhaps a lot sooner. Safegate was always re-acting not acting.

The experiment with TAA failed miserably - as it was always going to. Jurgen Klopp didn’t think Alexander-Arnold was a mid-field player so what gave Safegate the idea he was? Klopp worked with him every day. Safegate didn’t, but he thought he knew better than Klopp.

When Safegate admitted he was fumbling about looking for a partner for Rice I was astounded. He’d had four years to do that following the Wembley final. In the end - I thought his treatment of TAA and Gallagher was poor.

He also made some really bad calls in his squad. Wharton? Why? You could ask the same question about Gallagher. Clearly he didn’t really fancy him. Dunk? Gordon? Bowen?

I’d have taken both Rashford and Grealish. Granted - neither had a great season for their clubs, but they’re established internationals and both can turn games. I’m not a big fan of Grealish, but he would’ve scared people coming on as a sub. And Rashford’s pace could’ve been devastating. England desperately missed pace in their team. And pace of passing. Positive forward passing.

Safegate will quit. I’m sure he will. If he doesn’t he should be encouraged to. He’s had a really good go at it, but he’s come up short on three occasions now. It’s time for somebody else to have a go.

But who? Well the outstanding candidate for me is Jurgen Klopp. I don’t buy into the theory that an England manager has to be English. That view borders on racist. Anyway, his nationality apart, Klopp is an English as they come now!

I’m also aware that he said he wanted a break from the day to day, never ending demands of club football. Well, what is international management if it’s not that? I think Klopp will already be missing football and his loss will only feel worse once teams start reporting back and playing again.

Klopp is one of the big beasts. He’d love a crack at international management surely? I reckon it would get his juices flowing again.

If he doesn’t feel refreshed right now let him have another month or two. England could fill any void with the U-21 boss Lee Carsley. After all - that’s how Safegate’s tenure started.

If I had my way I’d camp in the grounds of Klopp’s Mallorcan mansion until he said ‘yes’. Come to think of it - I’m there next week. I’ll do it if the FA ask me!

Other candidates would include Carsley. I’m told he’s a very impressive coach. Frank Lampard could be an interesting outsider. Eddie Howe would get a mention as well. He’s a very typical FA man, right out of the Safegate mold, but we need something else now.

We need someone to put fire in the bellies of the lads. Everybody in the squad right is too ‘nice’. They reflect the manager. Like Klopp - Mourinho would do that but he’s got a job. Klopp hasn’t. Give him one. Before someone else does.

Well done England. But Euro 2024 has been an awful tournament.

I said last week I thought England had the look and smell of a team that was going to win Euro 2024. After another great escape since, it’s looking even more likely.

I’m taking nothing for granted and I’m certainly not cheer leading. On air, at beINSPORTS, I’ve been every bit as critical of their performances as anyone else - but they keep winning. And you have to respect that.

I haven’t enjoyed watching them. They’ve been lucky. Dead lucky. But they’ve capitalised on their good fortune and can almost touch the trophy now.

In truth, I can’t remember a team being as poor making this sort of progress. But they have. And that’s why I’m backing them.

The shoot out the other night laid all sorts of ghosts to rest. Every pen was clinical. Five out of five, with Kane and Foden - who are both expert from the spot as well - watching. If either of the two games left goes to pens - England win.

Perhaps England’s form is indicative of the tournament. It hasn’t been great has it? It’s lacked big moments. Big goals. Excitement. In fact, I think it’s been one of the poorest tournaments we’ve seen in a long time.

Far more knowledgable minds than mine will come up with the reasons for that, but I know for certain there are major concerns about the way the technology has killed some of the excitement.

Without giving too much away I can assure you there’s at least one major change to the way we interpret the offside law coming at the next annual IFAB meeting - and the game will be better for it.

Also ‘in the air’ is the possibility that shoot-outs will become much fairer. I’ve argued for a long time that it’s wrong for one team to be asked to take their pens in front of the massed ranks of opposition fans.

That walk from the half-way line is scary enough. To make it being bated by supporters doing everything they can to put a player off makes it a whole lot worse.

We’ve got enough officials at games now to allow us to use both ends. Why not? It’s something else being discussed by decision makers.

And, inevitably, that leads me to our hapless PL representatives at this tournament. There weren’t any at the Qatar WC - for good reasons. How UEFA must be wishing they’d left our boys at home this time.

They’ve got a whole lot of trouble to deal with following Antony Taylor’s performance in the Spain v Germany game. Of course he should’ve given a pen against Cucurella. Its handball. I’ve heard the argument that Cucurella’s arm was by his side when the ball struck - but it wasn’t. It was way outside his body. And what made it an even worse decision is that the ball was on target. Perhaps Taylor didn’t see it - or it all happened too quickly - so why didn’t Stuart Attwell suggest a review?

Attwell was quick enough to ask Michael Oliver to give a pen against Andersen and Denmark in their game v Germany. That one wasn’t. Andersen is too close to the opponent when the ball hits him. And his arm was where it should be as he ran back to the byline.

To complete a sorry hat-trick of bad calls from our boys - Oliver forgot to send Rodri off in Spain’s first game for a denial. A pen was the correct decision, but Rodri has to go because there was no attempt to play the ball. Attwell stayed quiet. If he’s the best England has got in VAR god help us next season.

After a terrific piece of reporting by The Sun’s Neil Custis it turns out United haven’t given ten Hag a new deal after all - they’ve simply triggered the years extension that was in his original deal. Why play fast and loose with the truth like that Sunny Jim? Actually - you don’t need to answer. I think we know. What are the chances of ten Hag still being at OT come Christmas I wonder? Actually - you don’t need to answer that. I think we know.

England are going to win this.

Well that was a bit too close for comfort. But, in fairness, they got the job done. Mind you - can you imagine the reaction but for one moment of brilliance that climaxed an agricultural last throw of the dice? Literally England’s last throw.

Kyle Walker’s old school re-start was desperate - but necessary. Bellingham’s finish sublime. And how Slovakia must be cursing themselves for a sloppy, panicked clearance in the direction of the corner flag - instead of a hoof to the half-way line.

If they get the ball away from their goal area they win the match. That’s how close it was. 

 If you’re English - who cares? Gareth Southgate’s team have to win this tournament now. They’ve got the smell of a team that will. There’s nothing left to beat in our half of the draw. Nothing. No team has had a draw like it since Euro 2020 was set up for England to win! So perhaps this time? It’s got to be this time. The stars are all aligning. 

Southgate’s only problem now is what to do against the Swiss. Does he go with the X1 that started Sunday, again relying on subs, or does he change it? We’d all make changes, but I’m not convinced he will. In truth - it shouldn’t really matter. Whatever team he puts out v Switzerland is better than their best. I expect another win, however they manufacture it. It’ll be an abject failure if they don’t. 

I hope Bellingham enjoyed his evening after the Slovakia game. The whole world is sitting up and taking notice of him now. Just a word of warning though Jude - don’t believe all the nice things that are being said. And remember this - when success turns a man’s head he’s facing failure. Be careful. 

This weekend was significant in the broadcast world because it marked the end of Clive Tyldesley’s time with ITV, although he’s not retiring - he’s made that very plain. He’s right not to because he’s got too much left to offer. 

I wish him well. I’ve known Clive since we were babies in the business at Liverpool’s Radio City. It was obvious to anyone that heard his commentaries in those days that he was destined for the top.

A piece by Thom Gibbs in The Telegraph at the weekend got me thinking. Gibbs ranked his top 10 commentators of all time - starting with Kenneth Wolstenholme at 10 and arriving with Barry Davies at No1. Strange - because Barry was never ranked No1 at the BBC, but these things are subjective. He had Tyldesley at No6. I thought ‘I’d have him higher than that’. So I had a go as well. 

I’d have Brian Moore at No6. I’m quite certain most people would have him higher mind you. Brian was class and also a very accomplished anchor but I think there was better. 

At No5 I’d go the afore mentioned Davies. He was ‘different’ and there’s a place for that. I think Jon Champion is a modern day version. Jon knows the value of silence - of letting a game breathe. Not every picture needs to be covered with words. 

It’s Tyldesley at No4. A terrific wordsmith as well as a very fine broadcaster. 

At No3 Motty. John was the the voice of a generation. Studious. Serious - although he loved to work that little chuckle into a performance. I remember him asking me once if I thought it ‘softened’ his commentaries. I told him it did but I’m sure he also asked most other people he knew as well. 

At No2 it’s David Coleman. What a voice. He was perfect for the big occasion. Like Moore - he could anchor shows as well. He was brilliant at that too. ‘1-0 - world class finishing’ he’d say. The reason for that was because when he was in his prime replay machines weren’t available to outside broadcast units. The replays were laid on in the studio when shows went to air. David wasn’t great at recalling how a goal was scored - so ‘1-0 - world class finishing’…..cut in the replay. 😂. Motson could recall every kick in the lead-up to a goal so could be more effusive. 

No1 is Martin Tyler. He re-wrote the commentators guide book. The number of games he covered and the intensity of his schedule set him apart. He was a fantastic ‘finisher’ - just like Coleman. The best. He’d find the right words - then shut up to allow Andy to take the first replay. The two of them were fantastic together. Real craftsmen. Longevity is also a factor in my decision. I think Martin covered the white horse final. 

There’s so many games today it’s difficult for the new breed to stand out. There’s some very good operators though. I like Sam Matterface and I’m a long time admirer of Peter Drury. As I’ve said, Champion is class as well. The other two stand out voices for me are Pien Meulensteen and Darren Fletcher. 

Keep it up guys - it’s a quality big six you’re aiming at. 

Not so Bonnie Scotland. And such a shame.

We’ve all enjoyed some barnstorming performances from Scotland down the years. Granted, they haven’t always produced the result required, but you couldn’t complain about getting value for money. Disappointment was tempered by knowing everything had been done to get a result and nothing had been left on the pitch.

Where was the spirit and raw drive on Sunday night? They limped out of the Euros. It was such a shame.

I understand Steve Clarke didn’t want to lose the game in the first ten minutes, which, I guess, explains some of the caution. He said afterwards he felt it was always going to be a one-goal game. So there‘s another reason why he was so careful.

But I’d have loved to have seen him try and win the game in the first ten minutes. They had to win, so have a go. The whole evening was about caution. He waited far too long to make changes. When he did, the guys he brought on made an immediate impact. Shankland and Armstrong started running at defenders and it upset Hungary. All of a sudden they were being turned and mild panic set in. So why wait until the 76th minute to make those two changes?

There is absolutely no doubt they should’ve had a pen. Armstrong was clearly bundled to the ground by Orban. What didn’t Argentinian ref Facundo Tello see? Why didn’t VAR get involved? It was a pen.

Clarke asked the same two questions post match, I think suggesting the ref was more lenient of Orban’s challenge because of his origins. I don’t buy that. I don’t care where you’re from - if a ref can’t see that he/she shouldn’t be doing the job. It was a disgrace.

I would add that an award doesn’t automatically mean a team is scoring. Ask Harry Kane (France) about that. There’s still a lot of work to be done when a player puts the ball on the spot. But you want what you’re due. And it was a pen.

I can’t image that Clarke keeps his job now. In the round - he’s done really well for a Scotland, but it’s time for a change.

Who? Well not Souness, whose been busier than ever since Sky sacked him and tried to sell the lie that he was retiring. I love Graeme, but I think he’s beyond a return to management now.

I’ve seen Coisty’s name mentioned as well. Yea. I get that. He’d be a breath of fresh air, but I think he’s probably too comfortable working in the media now. He’s also too good to be allowed to change course.

My choice would be Paul Lambert. He’s hugely experienced and enormously well respected on the European football scene. He’s the right age and deeply patriotic. Why not?

A big thanks from all of us at beINSPORTS to Ashley Cole for the time he spent with us during this tournament. What a thoroughly nice guy he is. Why did we ever think differently? It’s funny - I had a conversation with him, and a few of the guys one evening, about who was the more unpopular - him or me. I’m sorry to report that I won comfortably. 😂.

Not only is Ash great company, he’s really got the coaching bug. Who knew? Perhaps he and Frank Lampard could take England forward when Southgate leaves?

I’ll bet City are shitting themselves now they Rui Pinto has turned up again. He’s the self-confessed whistle blower who founded Football Leaks. He was speaking remotely to the OffshoreAlert Marbella football conference last week and revealed that he’s now handed over five hard drives to police in France and Germany with information he claims is relevant to the PL’s 115-charge case.

‘I am confident they (authorities) will find criminal relevancy’ he said. His lawyer added ‘We have been approached by investigators to share information regarding Manchester City that has not been released before. We have a massive file of Manchester City related documents’. Oops City. Perhaps justice will be done after all?

Good luck to England this week. I liked Harry Kane turning on the media. It showed courage. I thought he was articulate and spot on, but now he’s got to back it up. England just have to be better going forward.

England? Ok. No more.

If you believe teams find form and grow into tournaments then it was the perfect night for England. They got the result - just - and were bang average across the 90 minutes. So - good news all round?

If, on the other hand, you want to see your team fly out of the traps - put on a really impressive show and convince people they’re tournament favourites, you’ll be disappointed today (Monday) Really disappointed.

I’d have liked to have seen England put on the sort of performance Germany did. I know the Scots were poor, but they still needed beating. And Germany tore into them. There’s something about Nagelsmann’s team. Sometimes you can sniff winners. We haven’t seen all the big teams yet, but of those that we have, I think Germany look most likely.

England did enough. No more. And they got lucky with the goal. Bellingham’s finish was brilliant. It was a great header, but there’s no way the cross was meant for him. Saka was playing that to the first post for Kane. The deflection lifted into Bellingham’s path. I’ve read some reports suggesting Bellingham was Saka’s target. Nonsense. Of course he wasn’t.

I can’t think of much else that England could take from the game. TAA was poor. Because TAA played and Rice had to look after him, he was restricted - just as he is at Arsenal if he doesn’t have a 6 alongside him. Kane was anonymous. So was Foden and the deflected cross aside - I can’t think of much else that Saka did.

It’s hard to judge the back four. The keeper made a couple of saves I’d expect him to deal with, but the Serbs didn’t ask too many questions. They tried a few long range efforts late on and if they’d got lucky, as England did, with a deflection, they might’ve scored. But generally it was a quiet night for the defence.

So there’s plenty to work to do. But remember - Argentina lost their opening WC fixture, so let’s reserve judgement.

Having said Germany were good - they surprised me. I didn’t expect them to be so impressive. The same goes for Spain. After a slow start they had a blistering 25 minute spell and won their game during it. Italy were ok, but they won’t win it.

I’m looking forward to seeing Belgium, Portugal and France. If de Bruyne doesn’t blow the dressing room up again Belgium might do something at last.

I’m not sure about Portugal. I think the Ronaldo factor is their biggest problem. Once he’s taken off or left out the toys will come out of the pram again and that will upset everything.

To some degree I think the French have the same kind of issue. As always - their biggest enemy is themselves. There are signs already. A divisive election at home might prove to be their most difficult opponent and split their dressing room.

Are we surprised that the first big refereeing error came from the English? What did Michael Oliver not see in the Spain game? You can argue all day about the penalty award to Croatia - I thought it was btw - but having given it he’s got to send Rodri off.

There was no double-jepordy. Rodri didn’t make an attempt to play the ball. He instinctively did what he does at City every week - made a foul. It was a clear denial so he has to go.
Stuart Attwell - in VAR - shit it as well. Why didn’t he tell Oliver to have another look on the monitor? Oh - hang on. Clearly PL rules apply in Europe as well. Nobody tells Oliver he’s made a mistake because they’re scared of him. It was poor. Oliver is arrogant and I hope both the mistake and his attitude cost himp the further we go into the tournament.

Meanwhile - what on earth is Sunny Jim doing at United? After hawking ten Hag’s job around Europe since the end of the season it turns out the incumbent keeps stays in post - although he was only fourth choice. What rank amateurism.

The players must be on the floor. To a man they expected ten Hag to get the sack. What does Ratcliffe think will change? If he’d offered a proper salary I’m told Tuchel would’ve said ‘yes’. But Ratcliffe is trying to do everything on the cheap. £35m for Branthwaite? He’s having a laugh and it will bite him. He’ll also have to sack ten Hag before Christmas.

Put Brighton down for relegation. What a strange appointment they’ve made - 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler. There’s his first problem. He’s younger than many of his key players - Jason Steele (33), Lewis Dunk (32), Joel Veltman (32), Pascal Gross (32), James Milner (38) and Danny Welbeck (33).
He could lose his dressing all too easily if he gets off on the wrong foot.

Good luck to him. I’ve said many times that I’ve got a real soft spot for Brighton, but I fear they’re going down the same path as their near neighbours Southampton. There’s only so many times that you can go to the ‘clever’ well before you find it’s run dry.

Well done City but I’m afraid you win another asterisk to go with the title.

Well that was a bit of a damp squib. Absolutely nothing happened that we didn’t all expect. Oh - maybe not. United won. I don’t think too many saw that coming did they? Otherwise - from top to seventh, it worked out exactly as we thought it was going to.

So let’s congratulate City on another title success. Four in a row really is an exceptional achievement. Five, of course, is even better. And that’s what Emma Hayes delivered at Chelsea.

She’ll be missed in the WSL. I wish her well in her new career, but it’s a shame we couldn’t find room for her in the men’s game. I’m quite certain she would’ve stirred things up and I hope
its not too long before the odd temporary appointment of a woman in the men’s game becomes more permanent and something we expect to see on a regular basis.

But back to City. And regulars know what’s coming. It wasn’t just the final day that fell flat - I thought City’s achievement did. They know. They all know - fans, players and management
alike, that none of us can take anything they do at face value - until they‘ve answered the 115 outstanding breaches of PL regulations. And here they are….

54x failed to provide accurate financial information 2009-10 to 2017-18.

14x failed to provide accurate details for player and manager payments 2009-10 to 2017-18.

5x failure to comply with UEFA’s rules including Financial Fair Play (FFP) 2013-14 to 2017-18.

7x breaching PL’s PSR rules 2015-16 to 2017-18.

35x failure to co-operate with PL investigations Dec 2018-Feb 2023.

City strenuously deny any wrong doing. And they’re innocent until proven guilty. The problem is that everything they win comes with an asterisk, until we know one way or the other. And that’s not fair on the guys winning the trophies - or City’s fans. If the people that run the club are certain they’ve done nothing wrong - face the charges now. Stop running.

Arsenal deserve enormous credit for taking the race to the last day. It was possible - but never probable. I was interested to hear what City’s Rodri said, when it was all done, about their challenge. ‘Arsenal did an unbelievable season’ he said. Adding ‘the difference was the mentality. When they came here they didn’t want to beat us they just wanted to draw’. Exactly as I’ve been saying. That’s where Arsenal lost it. They looked scared to win at The Etihad. And they could’ve won it. They were the better team on the day. Mental strength is what separates winners and losers. City are never afraid.

Well done Wolves. Sadly their motion to get rid of VAR will fail when it comes up at next month’s PL AGM, but they’ve rattled a few cages.

Too many people have got too much invested in VAR for it ever to be binned now - but I’d love to see it consigned to history. I know I’m not alone. My guess is that if ‘football’ ever bothered to ask fans what we really thought a vote to get rid would carry with a massive majority.

VAR is the worst thing football ever did to itself. It’s a joy-killer. It’s tried to turn a game that ebbs and flows with emotion, and by definition must have grey areas, into a black and white spectacle.

We were promised that VAR would end debates about refereeing decisions. Has it? No. It’s created more argument. It’s ruined game after game after game. And this nonsense about it getting 96% of decisions correct this season is laughable. They don’t get 96% of decisions correct in one game.

We haven’t heard much from Howard Webb (showbiz showbiz showbiz) since Wolves made their move have we? I wonder what they’re thinking at PGMOL HQ? Unless they really are tone deaf they must be embarrassed. They must know they’ve made a right pigs ear of its use?

Here’s what to do. Stop interfering in games. Stop trying to find ways to disallow goals. Give the ref back his authority - unless he makes a glaring error (doesn’t spot Henry score v Ireland with his hand) VAR must not get involved in the game.

It’s a shame - but if we want to rule goals out because a forwards’ toe-nail is longer than a defenders - let’s embrace semi-automated off-sides and hope the lino and ref don’t fuck up as they did in the Madrid/Bayern CL semi-final.

We need full-time VAR operators and we want to hear the conversations that take place at the monitors. It’s ‘our’ game - not the PGMOL’s. We want to be involved in it - not get treated like fools and cash cows that don’t matter.

Oh. In case you missed it - this is what Richard Masters, the PL Chief Executive told The Sunday Times this week on the subject ‘We need time to get VAR right - we’ve only had it five years’. Ffs. How long do you need Richard?

Good luck to Jurgen Klopp in whatever he decides to do next. I wonder what the chances are he’s back at Anfield within 18 months?

We should all be grateful to him for what he gave us. Yes - ‘us’. His rock and roll football was a delight to watch and deserved a title or two more. We’re going to miss him.

I told you de Zerbi would be leaving Brighton didn’t I? I still think Thomas Frank is favourite to replace him but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Graham Potter turn up at the Amex again.

As for de Zerbi - I think he’s going to regret leaving Brighton. They’re a fantastic club. He’ll do well to find a better job.

Again - I can’t help thinking West Ham have dropped a bollock allowing David Moyes to leave. They will eventually miss him. They just don’t realise how much yet.

There should be no tax-payers money for United

I’ve seen it all now. It’s definitely the correct decision - but United cancelling their end of season awards dinner? Wow.

The official reason is because they don’t want any distractions ahead of an FA Cup final they shouldn’t even be involved in. I think we all know the unofficial reason - there’s absolutely nothing to celebrate from a miserable season.

After this I’m done with commenting on ten Hag - but, for the last time - what planet does he inhabit? What game did he watch yesterday? (Sunday)

Before we heard from him I predicted on-air some of the post-match nonsense he’d be spouting - including the suggestion that Utd had gone ‘toe to toe’ with a team challenging for the title.

True to form, that’s exactly what he did. Of course he did. Honestly. No you didn’t Erik. They were poor, but got the job done. You were hopeless. One other thing - I don’t know if you’ve had a look at the table, but you’re 32 points behind them. Go. Just go. The job was always too big for you.

I’m glad Rooney questioned the commitment of one or two of the missing starters mind you. So did I. But can you blame them? They’ll all be fit for the final.

One last thing on United - and then that’s it for the season. Why all the speculation about Sunny Jim spending to fix OT? I thought the playing side was his responsibility? Surely fixing the roof (literally) is for the Glazers to do?

Perhaps that explains why Sunny Jim wants taxpayers money for the re-build? That should get a big fat ‘no’ from whichever govt is in power. What a cheek - the most valuable club in the world - owned by billionaires - holding out a begging bowl. No.

I checked my pre-season predictions yesterday. My top four were City, Arsenal, Liverpool - and for some reason I went Utd. Not bad, but Andy went one better and called Villa in 4th.

It was a brave shout and I remember laughing when he said it. Top marks to him though. He’s going to be right.

My bottom three were the trio that have been relegated - Sheff Utd, Burnley and Luton. Let’s not pretend Luton aren’t going. They’d need to win on the last day - and Forest lose - with a 13 goal swing in order to stay up. That’s not happening.

I’m sorry they’re going, but one win from their last 16 wasn’t good enough. They deserved their chance though and I’d like to think they’ll be back but I’m not sure. What is a certainty is that Rob Edwards will get a bigger job though.

Burnley had a go towards the end of the season, but it was too little too late. Vincent Kompany’s obsession with playing ‘the right way’ proved to be wrong and ultimately their undoing. Teams like Burnley can’t ‘play’ in the big league. They don’t have the players to do it.

I saw Kompany saying that he didn’t want to gamble with the clubs future by spending their way to another season. Really? Who was it that spent £111.05m last summer then? I have to say, if I owned Burnley, I’d have expected a better effort at staying up for that kind of money.

Sheff Utd never had a chance. They were a mess from day 1.

I’ve got to mention Bournemouth - for two reasons. First - they were robbed of another win by a combination of a rookie ref and VAR. Iraola was right - there was nothing wrong with either of the two goals they had disallowed. Not much was made of their frustration of course - because they’re Bournemouth.

Secondly - congratulations to Iraola for his Manager of the Season nomination. I guess he gets a mention because he’s steered Bournemouth to a record points total - 48 with one game to come - 9 more than last season? All that pre-season planning clearly paid dividends.

I look two places below Bournemouth and find Wolves - already five points better off than last season - whose manager was appointed three days before the season started. He had no time to plan. He’s also English, which is why he isn’t on the MoS nominations list. Well - I can’t think of another reason.

And if we give Sean Dyche Everton’s eight points back the Toffees also have 48. After a torrid campaign off the pitch - Dyche has worked wonders on it. No nomination for him either though. I wonder why?

Why have West Ham hung Moyes out to dry?

It took a millisecond for David Moyes to reply - ‘Declan Rice’, he said.

The question was ‘why have West Ham conceded so many goals this season?’  

It’s 70 now. Only the bottom 3 have conceded more. That’s a scary stat.

Moyes wasn’t blaming Rice of course - he was bemoaning the fact that Rice isn’t in his team anymore. Losing Rice isn’t the only reason West Ham have come up short, but more on that in a moment.

Rice is a Rolls Royce. I said as much earlier in the season when I blasted him for being Declan Nice. He was tippy-tappying about in midfield, playing second fiddle to Zinchenko, playing sideways and backwards.

That’s not his game. I know it’s what he was being asked to do, but it was frustrating to see such a talent being wasted.

Arsenal have looked so much better when they’ve played with Jorghino or  - freeing Rice to get involved all over the pitch.

Thank goodness Arteta’s obsession with Zinchenko, in that pointless inverted role, seems over. If they don’t win the title I wonder if he’ll berate himself for playing the wrong team v Villa? I said on the Monday after that defeat he’d got it wrong so I’m not trying to be clever now. 

Playing Zinchenko meant anchoring Rice and also giving Havertz a different role. It didn’t work. It doesn’t work. Havertz is an 8 1/2 - 9. On that subject - do Arsenal really need a proper 9? They’re the league’s top goal scorers - so why?

Anyway - it’s great to see Rice back doing what he does best and of course West Ham have missed him.

But as I said - he’s not the only reason the Hammers’ form has dropped off. Clearly the players have switched off. And whose fault is that? Obviously David Sullivan’s and Karen Brady’s.

What are they thinking? Perhaps they’re not? But why have they hung Moyes out to dry? Tony Cottee eloquently made his feelings known at the weekend. ‘Absolute joke of a Board’ he wrote on X. He didn’t hold back adding ‘publicly courting and talking to other managers (who aren’t as good as Moysey) is really poor and classless’. Here here.

Never before have West Ham enjoyed an era like the one Moyes has delivered. Never. Yet the brains-trust continue to prevaricate on whether to offer him a new deal. Perhaps they’ve got Manuel Pellegrini lined up? Oh no - wait a minute…..

If I’m Moyes I would tell them to fuck off - just as Big Sam did. The way he’s been treated is a disgrace and the main reason why the players have now got their flip-flops on. They know Moyes is leaving. We all know he’s leaving. And West Ham will know it when he has.

If Sullivan or Brady were to talk right now they’d probably tell us that they ‘want to take the club in a different direction’ (again?). Good luck with that. I remember Charlton doing it - and look at the direction they went in.

Congrats to Andy Woodman and Bromley. Bromley - of the Football League. What an amazing story this one is. Well done guys. Enjoy the ride.

What are your thoughts on gambling in football? There’s been talk on the subject - not enough in my view - but PL clubs have banned match-day front-of-shirt sponsorship deals with gambling companies from the summer of 2026.

It’s not much, but it’s a step in the right direction and followed discussions between football and a Boris Johnson led Tory govt in 2020, who announced they intended to launch the biggest overhaul in sports gambling legislation in 15 years.

Of course that didn’t happen.

But this has - I noticed a line at the weekend that Johnson has landed a lucrative deal to star in Paddy Power’s advertising campaign for the Euro’s. As Richard Littlejohn would say ‘you couldn’t make it up’.

Do Bayern Munich really want Erik ten Hag? If I was Jim Ratcliffe I’d be driving him to Germany myself. Today. 

I was interested to read Ten Hag revealing at the weekend that United had indeed tried to sign Harry Kane last summer. They failed. Why? We don’t really know, but they did sign Rasmus Hojlund. That deal was negotiated by Kees Vos, co-founder of the Dutch agency SEG, which also represents ten Hag. Vos also acted for United in the deal. 

Andre Onana’s deal was also negotiated by SEG - so too was Sofyan Amrabat’s. All a happy co-incidence I’m sure. Kane has his own representatives. 

Arne ten Slot

He was the stand-out choice among a strong field of candidates. He set out a long-term vision to build a successful, exciting team’.

On the appointment of the Dutchman the above was the sort of thing that was being said. Also ‘he was the manager most closely aligned with the identity and aims of the club - including a commitment to attacking football’.

There was also this ‘he showed passion, energy and enthusiasm for the challenge’.

Oh. And of course it was mentioned that he was a ‘proven winner’. The message to the fans was that they should ‘show patience’ as the new man set about building a successful team.

The problem turned out to be that none of the above was true. And they’re nothing to do with anyone at Anfield - yet. They’re the words of John Murtough, the former football director at Manchester United and the man responsible for appointing Erik ten Hag. Looking at them again now it makes me wonder who exactly he was trying to persuade. Perhaps himself?

It’s taken too long, but at least United are now on the cusp of correcting the monumental error they made when appointing ten Hag.

He was never the right man. And regulars will know my view has never wavered.

The truth is - he got the Utd job on the back of dominating a small league with the biggest club in that league and after winning three consecutive titles. But that’s exactly what he should’ve done. He had the best players and good resources. Ok, there was a CL semi-final, but none of this made him one of the best coaches in Europe. None of it qualified him for the job at OT.

I’m not revisiting this simply to remind Utd fans of the nonsense Murtough spouted. They’ve lived it. They know first hand how bad it’s been. Ten Hag was out of his depth from the moment he walked into OT. Do you remember when he came up with the cunning plan to switch the dug-outs round? Genius. What on earth was that all about?

No. I mention it because I believe Liverpool are about to make the same mistakes that Utd did. Arne ten Slot. Really? Not for me. And I’m not alone. There isn’t a Liverpool fan that I’ve spoken to isn’t totally underwhelmed by the news ten Slot is going to replace Klopp.

Ok. Let’s cut him some slack. I accept we don’t know. It could turn out to be an inspired appointment. But I’m not convinced.

Why ten Slot? (I know that’s not his name but he’s mini-me isn’t he?). I guarantee you we’ll hear all the same things they said about ten Hag when Liverpool finally unveil their man. What you won’t hear is an admission that he wasn’t first choice. Or that his record in Holland isn’t even as good as ten Hag’s was.

In amongst the things I’ve read about him so far was a revealing line that ten Slot will not be ‘manager’ at Anfield. He’s going to be ‘head coach’.

Why is that significant? Well - I believe because it cements Michael Edwards’ position as ‘head of football’.

Edwards has only recently returned to Liverpool after a two-year absence. Perhaps it’s just co-incidence he’s back when Klopp is leaving? But I don’t believe it is. Talk to insiders and they’ll tell you he left after a fall-out with Klopp, who ended up running Liverpool from top to bottom. Quite simply - Edwards lost the power struggle.

There is no way Edwards would’ve returned to the club unless he had assurances about having total control of all football matters. That meant he’d be working with a coach - not a manager. Whether he’s chosen the right one only time will tell.

At Brighton Roberto De Zerbi continues to write his resignation letter. After the defeat to Bournemouth he returned to a now familiar theme - but with a little bit of a twist.

We already knew he doesn’t believe Brighton match his ambition (honestly - the arrogance) but now he’s turned on his players, who he says, ‘lack motivation’. Wow. It’s over.

Brighton’s latest defeat means that only Sheff U, Burnley and Forest have a worse record than theirs this season. They’ve won just six of their last 28. If Sean Dyche, David Moyes or any other domestic coach had a record like that there would be screams for them to be sacked.

The Italian will leave at the end of the season - I’m hearing to be replaced by Thomas Frank, who can think himself unlucky not to have been linked with bigger jobs. Liverpool? Why not?

A quick question - would VAR have awarded Villa a pen for the offence that saw Chelsea’s winning goal ruled out?

As we prepare to watch the last day of the C’ship season I can’t help but think B’ham deserve to go down. What a mess they made of their season. Think back - they were sixth when they fired John Eustace. I feel sorry for their fans, who were promised too much and were delivered nothing. It’s another lesson in being careful what you wish for.

What else is there to say? You all saw it.

I know. I’m late. I’m sorry, but my problem was knowing where to start after what happened at Wembley this weekend - and I’m not just talking about the Coventry game.

I’ve decided not to say too much on that subject. What is there to add? You all saw it. Nobody thought our winning goal should’ve been disallowed and those who argued that technology would end injustices were wrong when they did - and they’re wrong now.

Sadly, technology delivered an injustice of monumental proportions on Sunday and denied football a fairy-tale story that would’ve been talked about for generations. And in a week when the FA Cup, as a competition, so desperately needed some good news.

If I’m being strictly impartial - I wasn’t sure about the pen. If it hadn’t been given it wouldn’t have been overturned, so maybe we got away with one there?

That’s it. I’ve nothing else to say - apart from this - I’d like to see a change to the shoot out. On big-game occasions - when the crowd is equally split in a stadium - it’s just plain wrong that one team gets the advantage of taking pens in front of their own fans. We’ve got enough officials to make it possible for kicks to be taken at both ends - two assistants and the fourth. If you argue that it wouldn’t make any difference - fine, but let’s see. I believe it would.

In conclusion - I couldn’t have been more proud of my team, nor the fans from my home city. They were wonderful. Did you notice that we were the only team of the quartet in the s/f’s to sell our ticket allocation. Well done guys. It was a day I won’t forget for a long time.

In the other game, Chelsea should’ve had a pen. If ours was, so too was Chelsea’s. Grealish clearly makes himself bigger with the use of his arm. As I always say - the award doesn’t mean that a goal will follow, but with Cole Palmer on the pitch the chances are it would’ve done.

I’ve nothing but sympathy for Forest fans today. I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but I’m with you now. What a disgrace that was at Goodison. And not for one minute do I agree with Mssrs Jordan, Souness or Neville (Oh what selective memories some people have) that the club had no right to issue the statement that followed the game. Yes they did.

No team has suffered more from poor decisions this season than Forest. Wolves come close, followed by West Ham. Hold on…..I’d better stop there before I name them all. Fulham. Burnley. See what I mean?

No. After what I saw at Goodison, when I caught up on the weekend’s games, Forest are out on their own.

Let’s be generous - one of the decisions was debatable. But, in truth, all three were pens. And I’ve nothing against Everton, whose fans are both knowledgable and honest. They know, like United, they got away with one.

The reason I don’t have a problem with Forest’s statement is because I happen to know that they warned Howard Webb (showbiz showbiz showbiz) on Friday that appointing Stuart Attwell to VAR was asking for trouble. Attwell is a Luton fan.

That’s not news - we all know that now. Forest knew it on Friday and asked for Attwell to be removed - quietly and without going public. Good call. Why not?

Nobody at Forest was suggesting that Attwell would adversely affect the game. I don’t believe any ref ever sets out to make bad decisions, but there’s always the risk of a game turning out the way it did - with controversial decisions being made - and a stench to follow.

I’ve argued this so many times when Anthony Taylor gets games between Man City/United and Liverpool. Of course he won’t make bad decisions intentionally, but why run the risk of him making a genuine mistake that backfires on him? Why? It’s stupid. It’s also arrogant and stubborn for the PGMOL to continue this practice. It’s bitten them badly with Attwell. I feel for the guy. I really do. It’s not his fault, although you could argue that he should’ve recused himself.

Webb was fully aware of the dangers. He should’ve stood Attwell down. Referees wanted to play a bigger role on match days. They wanted to be professionals. They wanted to be taken seriously. Well with those things comes accountability and scrutiny. I’m sorry, but that’s how it is now. We all live in that world.

If the small number of us that keep asking questions and pointing out failings don’t keep up that work nothing will change. I’m with Forest on this one.