A Look At Coutinho

So now that one of January's most drawn out signings has come to a close, we take a look at Liverpools newest addition to the already stacked midfield Phillpe Coutinho. After getting his start at South American powerhouse Vasco De Gama, Couthinho became hot property in Europe at the age of just 16. Due to their famed youth program Inter Milan won the race for his signature paying $4 million Euros for him in 2010.

A loan spell at Espanyol under now Southampton coach Pochetino is where he really flourished with a double against Malaga the highlight of his spell with the Spainish club. Brendan Rodgers had his eye on him all season but Coutinho finally became a Liverpool player on the 26th of January.Key atributes of his game are his ability to take on players, one on ones with goalkeepers and his work rate. He has represented the Brazilian national team on one occasion and also has 100 first class appearances to his name, not bad for a 20 year old.

Only time will tell if Phillipe Coutinho will become a Luis Suarez or a Alberto Aqualiani for Liverpool Football Club.

Career Stats

2009–2010	Vasco da Gama	19	(1)
2010–2013	Internazionale	21	(3)
2012	→ Espanyol (loan)	16	(5)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE2GuQwR4oo

Transfer Gossip

Tick tock, with not long to go in the January transfer window the rumours are heating up in world football here are the best ones going around.

- FC Dallas star Brek Shea will undergo a medical with Stoke on Tuesday ahead of a move which will see the club earn as much as £2.5million (Tribal Football).

- Aston Villa have agreed to ship out flops Alan Hutton to Real Mallorca and Stephen Warnock to West Ham.

- Anton Ferdinand could join Aziz Behich at his new Turkish side Bursapor 

- Milan could send Kevin-Prince Boateng to Man City as part of the deal for Balotelli. (Tuttosport)

- Huddersfield want sacked ex-Southampton boss Nigel Adkins as their new manager. (Daily Telegraph)

- Middlesbrough are ready to offer a deal to free agent Kieron Dyer. (The Sun)

- Newcastle Jets, Wanderers, Sydney FC, Perth and Wellington all interested in signing former Bolton Wanderers Striker Bedi Buval.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedi_Buval 

Player of the round - Marco Rojas

In arguably the match of the round the one and only Marco Rojas stood out from the weekend. Maybe the talk of Liverpool and Juventus scouts in the stands watching him sparked his performance. He scored the opening goal on the 23rd minute and put the game beyond doubt with his second goal of the game in the 72md minute.

A move to Europe awaits for young Rojas that is certain.

Arthur Papas - Part 2

Here is part two of our exclusive chat with Arthur Papas.

Do you have an opinion on the best manager in the world?. (inside)

Not really because it’s such a broad term and what constitutes the best

is not in my opinion only about the coach winning championships. I

have just as much admiration for someone like David Moyes who

continues to have Everton over-achieving with a significantly smaller

budget than the big spenders in the EPL. Coaches I have admired are

those who have not had big playing careers because it resonates with

my own background and provides motivation to continue the path I have

chosen. When coaches such as Arrigo Sacchi, Jose Mourinho and

Andre Villas Boas can have such profound success in the highest levels

of Europe surely an unknown Australian at some stage can appear in

our country and have an impact! (AP)

What about the A league who is the best coach?. (inside)

Right at this moment in time based on their respective domestic

successes over the past couple seasons it has to be Ange Postecoglou

and Graham Arnold. Their teams play contrasting styles but together

they have set a benchmark both on and off the field as people first, and

coaches second. (AP)

Who do you think shows the most promise in the youth ranks in the A -

League?. (inside)

I prefer not commenting on young players individually because I think

it’s something that gets thrown around too easy, sometimes to the

detriment of the player. I’ve been fortunate to work with a whole host of

top talented players either through the AIS, National Youth teams or in

the A-League and the certainty is that there is the quality there and it’s

just a matter of when they get identified, in what environment they

develop and if they are given the opportunity at the correct time. (AP)

There is a debate out their that the A - League recycles managers /

coaches, do you agree with that?. (inside)

I think in every league you could form the same debate if you wished to.

Reality is there are minimal positions at A-League level and I can

understand that when looking for a new coach that there are only a

handful with A-League Head Coach experience, therefore if you’re an

owner you are limited if this is what you seek and you must turn to

coaches who have this background. 

I do believe though that there is more risk involved by employing someone as Head Coach who has only been an Assistant Coach at A League level rather than someone who has coupled this with a Head Coach position in the State Leagues and been successful. There is still so much unknown by going down this path based on my previous experiences. That is why I went about taking on a team as a Head Coach in the VPL because you only really know about your capabilities to lead a team by being placed in situations where you have to make decisions on a daily basis. This does not occur to the same intensity when you’re an Assistant Coach. This is why proven coaches in the VPL such as Chris Taylor who has won Coach of the Year twice and Ian Dobson who was successful in the NSL and VPL should not be so easily overlooked when positions are available. It’s a bit of a shame that the door has in a way been closed to some of these coaches because they are very talented and still have a lot to offer!. (AP)

With your Greek back ground is the Greek super league on your radar?. (inside)

My Greek heritage is something I am proud of and to coach in Greece

at some stage is definitely an ambition of mine. I grew up supporting

Panathinaikos and my favorite player was Dimitris Saravakos so to think

that down the track I could get an opportunity to be part of the football

culture is exciting. I am realistic that this is not something that will

happen easily but I have a attitude of ‘believing everything is possible’

so why not harbor thoughts to reach this level in the future. (AP)

In three years time where would you like to be professionally?. (inside)

Planning for me is now not as easy as it was when I was starting out. At

this stage I knew that gaining the best education was the absolute

priority and I placed all efforts into this area of my profession because

as long as you receive the correct education you go a long way to

ensuring you will have a certain level. I was able to do this by

completing all my tertiary studies, gaining practical experiences under

some very good coaches and working within the AIS and A-League. If I

had to now sit back and write this whole pathway out for an aspiring

young coach I wouldn’t change a thing so in terms of my pathway it has

been everything I needed.

Unfortunately you can reach a stage as well that it depends more on

whom you know rather than what you know, I have had to learn this and

have matured because of this. Moving forward as an individual I can’t

worry for that and all I can do is keep proving to myself over and over

because that internal fulfillment is what makes me feel satisfaction. I’m

proud of what I have accomplished and how I have kept persevering to

be the best I can be day in day out. I knew the moment I started this journey that I would have to work harder than anyone else and for the whole time I’ve stayed true to

myself, those closest to me only know the amount of sacrifices I have

had to make and without sacrifice there is no means to success! (AP)

We would like to thank Arthur one last time, all the best in your future endeavours. 

A new breed - the continental and philosophical Arthur Papas

Arthur Papas could be viewed as the Tom Rogic of the manager stakes, one of the best up and coming managers in our country. After becoming the youngest ever coach of the year in the Victorian Premier League in 2011 Papas then moved onto assistant/youth coaching roles at Newcastle and Melbourne Heart respectively before a call from India came along. Papas is currently in a dual role as head coach of I-League side Pallian Arrows and the India u/23 national side. Arthur lives for coaching and our game, he recently just completed his Masters in Sports coaching whilst juggling the two head coaching roles. Hes a worker, a coach that does everything at 100% like Tony Popovic does with the highly successful Western Sydney Wanderers. We would like to thank Arthur for giving us the time and commitment with his interview, his answers are so detailed we had to do this interview in two parts.

Is it true that you began coaching at the age of just 16, if so what drew

you towards coaching?. (inside)

I didn’t actually coach a team at the age of 16, however I did enroll in

my first coaching course at that age. It wasn’t necessarily though

because I was eyeing a coaching career, at that stage I was a young

player who would always think about the game so I wanted to look at

other avenues to develop my game and increase my awareness.

Is it true that you Studied an official KNVB course when starting out?.

In 2008 I attended the KNVB Youth Course being held at the Australian

Institute of Sport. At that stage I was also completing my Exercise

Science Degree and working as an Assistant Coach with the Melbourne

Knights in the Victorian Premier League. This KNVB course was a great

learning experience and the instructors on the course were very

humble, open and knowledgeable, traits I consider necessary when

establishing a positive learning environment. In fact one of the

Instructors Arie Schans was so open that he made the time to meet in

Holland at the end of that year. Through him I was able to visit the

KNVB Training Centre in Zeist as well as watch Vitesse Arnhem and

Utrecht FC in their training environments. One of the best decisions I

made was attending that course! (AP)

The Dutch are sought after in the coaching world, why is that exactly?. (inside)

Based on my experiences it is a combination of understanding their

culture and then how their football has evolved. Dutch people as a given

seek adventure and new experiences, this is a given. Football wise you

only have to think about the size of their population and then reflect on

the level of football they have produced for so long to understand that

they have a system in place which optimizes their potential. I only can

go off my own experiences but some of the Dutch people I have had the

opportunity to work with have been a real breath of fresh air, it has

given me the extra motivation to believe I can carve out a future as a

professional football coach. (AP)

Your first big break came in the VPL with Oakleigh Cannons , which

ultimately you went on to win coach of the year that's no easy feat

considering the VPL is of a good quality what was it like finally being the

man in charge?. (inside)

It was definitely a break out year but it wasn’t what I consider my big

break. What I consider my big break was when I was offered the

Australian Institute of Sport/FFA Men’s Scholarship Coach Position. For

those two years I was able to work in an environment under two

excellent coaches in Jan Versleijen and Gary Van Egmond with the

focus being on developing my coaching on all levels, most pleasing part

of this period was that when I left I was certain I had soaked up every

possible minute of my time there. (AP)

Oakleigh was the place I wanted to put into practice all I had learned

over the years. It was a very enjoyable coaching experience as I was

responsible for all the decisions and that feeling of accountability made

me work even harder. It was a bold move by them at the time and I

always will appreciate the opportunity they gave me. It’s no coincidence

I guess that Oakleigh has sent nearly 10 players to the A-league in the

last few years because they are willing to give younger people a go. (AP)

Then you moved onto the Newcastle jets In a dual role of head coach of

the youth team and assistant to the first team was it a big step up from

Oakleigh?.

Not a big step up at all. Our State League system is underrated in

Australia and often not given the credit it deserves. Being a Head

Coach in the Victorian Premier League came with much more pressure

and need to learn on the job compared to being an Assistant in the ALeague.

Main differences though was that I moves back to full-time

football per se but I can assure you when I was Head Coach in the VPL

it culminated in full-time hours, also you work with on most cases a

higher level of player and within better facilities in the A-League. What I

did confirm though is that there are some very good players playing in

the State Leagues and if given the opportunity would forge very good ALeague

and possible international careers. There are to many examples

already in the past few years not to believe this is the case. (AP)

You've been quoted as saying that you only left Newcastle because of

the uncertainty hanging around the club now that is sorted do you wish

you had stayed?. Not true at all. I left Newcastle for three reasons, those being ambition,

challenge and opportunity. It’s always been an ambition of mine to

coach internationally as well as experience football as part of a different

culture. Challenge was to then prove to myself that I can take my

coaching style and adapt it to such a diverse country and culture and

lastly because the opportunity allowed me to fulfill these reasons and

there has not been one minute where I have looked back upon this

decision. I enjoyed my time in Newcastle and it’s a beautiful part of

Australia and the club was good to me, but I would have regretted not

taking on such a big challenge as coaching internationally at U23 level

with a National Team against the strongest countries in Asia. You

shouldn’t regret the moment you take on an opportunity that without a

doubt has made me a better coach, manager and person. If anything

having this experience should make me more valuable to any

organisation back home in the future because I am well educated on the

challenges of coaching in Asia. (AP)

Then came your interesting move to India, why India ?. (inside)

India because the opportunity to become a Head Coach of the Men’s

Olympic Team, to coach in the I-league and to learn more and more

about myself as well football in Asia was too good not to accept. I know

comfortably that I could have remained in Newcastle or Melbourne and

stayed within the A-League system as an Assistant for 6-7 years and

this in itself is something that is comfortable and enjoyable if you like to

live this way. However, there is something inside me that just wants to

push boundaries, have no regrets, challenge myself and maximize how

much I can learn. So I saw this as something exciting and decided this is what suits my

character best because I have never had anything come to me easy

and the moment you become comfortable or complacent you can go

stale and lose your competitiveness and desire. I’d rather not be

coaching if I reach this stage!. (AP)

I bet you have seen some interesting things? (inside)

Eye opening might be the best way of summating! India feels like many

different countries within the same country. It has really afforded me a

beautiful perspective on how good we have it in Australia and I keep

saying to anyone who will listen that the traits I will have developed by

the time I return home is ‘patience’ & ‘adaptability’. I have never been

the most patient of types but one of the areas you have to accept when

you work in a different country is that you are the one who needs to

adapt and not the other way around, for this reason alone it has

developed my human side and improved my coaching. Living in India

humbles you as a person, and humility is a trait I admire and I will return

home a much more patient and worldly human, football is secondary in

comparison to what I have experienced as a person. (AP)

You are coach of the I league team Pallian Arrows and u/23 India coach

is it difficult to juggle the two roles?. (inside)

It only becomes difficult when you want to scout players around the

country but instead need to be coaching day in, day out for an I-League

match on a weekly basis. It also has its positives though because the

bulk of my Olympic team is signed to the Arrows so this continuity in

training, coaching and system allows us to maximize our development

as a team for AFC Tournaments. All remaining equal this will bode very

well for the next qualifying campaign. (AP)

For interested football fans back home can you describe the standard of

the I - League?. (inside)

I have limited background knowledge regarding the history but my

understanding is that the level has increased very quickly in the space

of 2-3 years. There is strong financial support in many I-League clubs

and the challenge for the clubs is to invest in facilities, infrastructure,

coaching and youth development. Once the clubs adapt a holistic

approach to football then only then can I see the league making greater

strides. In saying that when you now have players such as Carlos

Hernandez joining it shows that the level is maybe higher than

perceived externally. (AP)

Sean Rooney and Tolgay Ozbey play there I'm sure it's not the last we

see of Aussie footballers plying their trade over there?. (inside)

I have been asked many times to recommend players from Australia as

the clubs here appreciate the mentality that the Australian player brings.

I can’t see why there will not be more and more Australians join the

likes of Tolgay in India as it can be very lucrative and the attention and

adulation you receive from the fans is something you have to see to

believe. Supporters over here are as passionate and fanatical as I have

seen anywhere, you won’t go many places around the world where you

have the domestic league derby drawing 100,000 such as the one in

Kolkata! (AP)

Do you model your mangement style of any particular manager?. (inside)

This is such a unique profession that it’s impossible to model yourself

on one person in particular. You need to be your own person and forge

your own identity that suits your personality. However, as a manager

you are always looking for sources of inspiration or ways to enhance

yourself and from that point I like to learn about the various ways the

best managers have evolved their management style. (AP)

Stay tuned for part two.

Player of the round - Alessandro Del Piero

The easiest decision out of all of the rounds, the player of the round for round 17 goes to the marquee man Alessandro Del Piero. Not only did he score a career best four goals but his playmaking and passing game took him back to his days at Juventus. The way Sydney played on Saturday was simply world class, maybe Joel Griffiths was right when he said that he is the final piece to the puzzle because his link up play with ADP was superb. Another positive about ADP's display is that his performance would've been broadcast across Italy which means more exposure for our league, maybe not the exposure we want for Wellington Phoenix.

Grazie Ale !.

 

Mariners vs Jets 3,2,1.

A very tight match tonight in the 29th F3 derby, defence really stood up tonight and although it wasn't a goal fest like the Sydney Wellington match

3. Trent Sainsbury

Have to agree with the Fox Sports team tonight, Trent Sainsbury was outstanding at the back tonight. Showing maturity beyond his years and outshone his experienced partner Patrick Zwanswjiik,


2. Josh Brillante

Young Josh has been fantastic since Jobe Wheelhouse has been out injured and with Jobe back to full fitness he should by no means walk straight back into the starting side.


1. Josh Mitchell

Having to mark the leading goal scorer of the competition in wet conditions isnt always easy and Josh really stood up tonight. Hopefully a reported falling out with GVE wont stop Mitchell from holding down his spot in the centre of defence.

A - League Betting round 17

This week could be one of those weeks where the A - League could spring a few surprises.

Check out our predictions, also remember gamble responsibly.

Possibly the biggest call of them all but - Heart to beat Adelaide @ $2.70. Otherwise both teams to score @ 1.57.

Sydney and Wellington to draw - @ $3.40

Central Coast Mariners to beat Newcastle Jets - @ $1.60

Victory to beat Perth - @ $3.00

Wanderers to beat Brisbane Roar - @ $3.15 (GREAT VALUE!)

Good luck Punters.

Transfer Gossip

- AC Milan have tabled a 10 million pound offer for Newcastle United's Dutch Goalkeeper Tim Krul. (Tribal Football)

- David Beckham will return to AC Milan on a one year deal. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

- Robert Earnshaw could follow Kenny Miller to MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps. (Tribal Football)

- Former Arsenal and Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere and Saint Etienne hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are thought to be two players on a list of five being chased by Newcastle United. (Metro)

- Leeds United striker Luciano Becchio has been linked with a move to Wigan Athletic after reportedly attending their FA Cup replay at Bournemouth last night. (Sky Sports)

- Newcastle Jets are looking to sign another foreign player after letting Tiago join Sydney FC. Former Sweden international Labinot Harbuzi and ex Roar player Issey Nakijima Farran have been mooted as potential signings.

- Jet's midfielder Bernardo Ribeiro could be released from Newcastle so he can join Wellington Phoenix.

REMEMBERING ANGE:

                              

THE LAST POST: WE WILL REMEMBER HIM

The Last Post symbolises a moment in time where we reflect on the brave soldiers who fought for our country. It’s a solemn declaration we make to say that we not only remember, but appreciate the efforts and sacrifices made for our gain. The same can also be said for Ange Postecoglou and his time at the Brisbane Roar. When Postecoglou left his post on April 24, 2012, two days after the Grand Final win over Perth, I was saddened yet grateful for what he had accomplished and given Brisbane fans. My reflection of his time at the Roar was one of gratitude and thanks. The same however cannot be said for the vast majority of fence sitting/wannabe Brisbane fans out there.

I am disgusted to hear or speak with so called “Brisbane Roar fans” who display such disdain for Postecoglou after he left the club in April 2012. He left his position on a high and, for me, that’s the best way to go out. Because let’s face it, no one wants to see a person (no matter what profession) go on and on until they don’t know when to quit. He picked the right time, did what he had to do at a club and moved on. To those Roar fans who speak Ill of Postecoglou these days, I guess there was a sense of betrayal or abandonment at the news of his resignation 9 months ago. However you feel, one cannot deny what he accomplished at a club who, before 2009, hadn’t really left the starting blocks in the A-League.

There has also been the ridiculous notion (mainly by the embittered Roar fans) that it was Rado Vidosic and not Postecoglou who was the mastermind behind the Roar’s back to back premiership successes. All I can say about that is, 11 weeks after the start of the 2012/13 A-League, Rado was already gone. I guess the saying “Only time will tell” proved itself true in this case, 11 weeks to be precise. And this whole thing of Assistant managers is really just a concept to create roles for people who otherwise have no business being in the dugout. Can anyone name Bill Shankly’s assistant coach back in the glory days of Liverpool FC back in the 1970’s? Or who was the guy assisting Sir Alf Ramsey when England won the 1966 World Cup? .............Exactly. If anyone even suggested that it was the Assistant, the Orange Peeler, the Shoe Shiner or anyone else but Alf Ramsey who won the World Cup for England, they’d be greeted with a swift backhand to the back of the head by many an English fan.

When an Infantry comes out of battle victorious, do we say “Oh it wasn’t the Commanding Officer who led us to victory, it was the Lieutenant Colonel”. The point is, neither is greater nor inferior, we should just appreciate the efforts of both parties and not try to give all the glory to one instead of the other. So when true Roar fans look back on Ange Postecoglou’s time as Roar coach, they should reflect on everything he gave us and be happy with what we have as a club now. We will remember him. Thanks for the memories Ange.

Written by Alex Stilianos.

Top 5 worst players to play for Brisbane Roar

As inspired by @RoarObession on our Twitter feed, here at inside HQ we have come up with the top 5 worst players ever to don the orange jersey for the Brisbane Roar FC. As disappointing as it is four out of the five are all foreign players. Not just at the Roar but at all A-League clubs, there has been some shocking import signings.

5. Marchino

Marchino was signed in a period in the A - League where anyone with a Brazilian passport was assumed to be a world class footballer. Signed in 2007 Marchino only lasted a season before being released at the closure of that season. He now plays in the Greek second division hopefully hes not relying on his pay cheque.

4. David Dodd

Brother of former Roar player Karl, David Dodd was signed from the local competition under the Farina era. Dodd had the touch and movement of a sloth and it is really surprising to see how he even earned a professional contract. He is now playing in the NSWPL with Manly United.

3. Yuning Zhang

Described as the "Chinese David Beckham" Yuning was signed by Farina back in 2006. Zhang was a heavy smoker and only made 6 appearacnes for the Roar before being cut loose in the same season. Thank for nothing Zhang.

2. Osvaldo Carro

The Uruguayan "dead ball" specialist was signed by Miron Bleiberg back in 2005, he was about as good in a dead ball situation as breasts are on a bull - meaning he was utter useless. Making 6 appearances for the Roar he left soon after at seasons end. He is now playing in the Uruguayan second division which is surprising to see that he got another club.

1. Bob Malcolm

And the worst player to play for the great Brisbane Roar FC goes to Scottish defender Bob Malcolm. Bob is mainly the worst player due to his CV, see Malcolm played for giants Rangers for 9 years as well as stints with Derby County and QPR. When he arrived at the Roar he was utter rubbish at the back. Looking like he was playing drunk or hungover Malcolm was embarrassing to the club, not only did he disappoint fans but also his good mate Craig Moore who helped bring him out here in 2009. He was released when Ange Postecoglou arrived and his now training with Scottish division 2 side East Fife. Thanks for the memories Bobby, Caxton street misses you.

Transfer Gossip

- Newcastle's search for Demba Ba’s replacement saw them check out St. Etienne’s £10m-rated striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Friday night. (Daily Mirror)

- Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is plotting a summer move for Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes. (Daily Mirror)

- Atletico Madrid will offer Chelsea's Fernando Torres the chance to return to his former club in the summer with a possible season-long loan deal. (Sunday Express)

- Liverpool chief Brendan Rodgers is tracking Bolton’s fit-again winger Chung-Yong Lee. (Daily Star Sunday)

- Celtic are interested in signing Chivas USA striker Juan Agudelo (MLS.com) 

- Brisbane Roar have signed former Man Utd youngster Kyle Nix on a 2 year deal, he arrives in the country Wednesday.

- Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in signing Central Coast Mariners midfielder Micheal Mcglinchey, clubs in Belgium and Scotland are also interested in the Kiwi International 

Player of the round - Mark Milligan

The player of the round for round 16 in the Hyundai A-League goes to Mark Milligan. "Millsy" as he is known had his best game in a Victory shirt in our opinion. He seems to thrive on having a more senior role within the side and just maybe he is the person to fill the void of Kevin Muscat for the Victorians. His return to the A-league has helped his game, other players like David Carney should follow the lead and return home to the A-League.

THE ONE CAP WONDERS: PART 3 OF 3.

In this final article, we will close the final chapter on the One Cap Wonders who touched the hearts of many International Football fans. Even if only for one Night:

 Lee Hendrie:

 









 


A Solid Midfielder for Aston Villa from 1996-2007,  Hendrie totalled 251 Premier League matches for The Villa during his 11 year stay and was a second Generation Footballer (His father being Scottish Footballer John Hendrie). He flew under the radar for most of his career, but it was his International call up in November 1998 which was perhaps his most career defining moment. Then England Manager Glenn Hoddle gave then 21 year old Hendrie his first and only cap against the Czech Republic in an International Friendly. In January 2012, the 35 year old was declared Bankrupt by her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs at the High Court. He is currently playing for Birmingham side Tamworth FC in the Conference National League.

Chris Sutton:

Sutton began his career with  Norwich City in 1990. Initially a Midfielder, he was eventually shifted in to the Striker’s position and was soon showing signs of a promising career as a Centre Forward. It wasn’t long before the transfer offers came, and in 1994 he was signed by then Blackburn Rovers coach Kenny Dalgish. Dalglish had a view to take Blackburn Rovers and turn them in to a Premier League winning side. 1 year later he achieved the unthinkable and little Blackburn Rovers won the 1994/95 FA Premier League title. A large part of this was due to Alan Shearer’s 34 goal haul coupled with Chris Sutton’s goal tally of 15. After suffering relegation in 1999, Sutton was soon poached by Chelsea for a fee of 10 Million Pounds. He failed to replicate the form he had shown in previous years and left the club one year later with only 1 goal out of 28 matches to his name. His best years were still ahead of him and from 2000 to 2006; Sutton enjoyed his fair share of success at Scottish Club Celtic FC. This included 3 Scottish Premier League Titles, 3 Scottish Cups and a UEFA Cup runner up medal. Sutton returned to the Premier League in 2006 and made sporadic appearances for both Birmingham City and Aston Villa. In October 2012 he made a surprise return to Football when he came on the field as a Substitute for Ryman Division One North side Wroxham. His son Oliver Sutton also played in this match, making his debut as a Goalkeeper. Chris Sutton’s only International Cap came in November 1997 in a Friendly against Cameroon. He was introduced in to the game as a late substitute for Paul Scholes. Chris Sutton’s International career ended swiftly after the Former Blackburn Striker refused to play for the England B team in a Friendly match in February 1998. A decision which enraged then manager Glenn Hoddle and ultimately cut short whatever International hopes Sutton may have had.

Neil “Razor” Ruddock:






















 


The Razor. One of the toughest, most uncompromising Footballers of his day. His CV boasts an impressive array of talents. Breaking both of Andy Cole’s legs in a single tackle. Breaking the Jaw of the Good Natured Peter Beardsley and being spat on by Patrick Vieira. In addition to this, he also holds the distinction of being the only player to get under Eric Cantona’s skin (a bit sarcastic I know). All of these things may not have been Football related, but they somehow made Ruddock a memorable/notorious figure of the game. In an Interview conducted in May 2010, (on the eve of the World Cup) Ruddock admitted to breaking Andy Cole’s leg on purpose, but insisted he only intended to break one of his legs. Neil Ruddock began his career with Tottenham Hotspur as an 18 year old in 1986 after receiving no game time with his first club Millwall FC. After a handful of matches over a 2 and a half year time span, he made the move once again, this time to Southampton FC in February 1989. After solid performances over the next few years, he temporarily returned to Spurs in 1992 before making the big move to Liverpool in 1993. It was here that Ruddock played his Finest Football and enjoyed his most memorable/infamous moments. It was also the period which saw him gain his first and only International Cap for England, getting the call up on November 16, 1994 from then manager Terry Venables in a Friendly against Nigeria. Ruddock finished his career with clubs like West Ham FC, Crystal Palace and Swindon Town before retiring in 2003. Since then he spends his time as a guest pundit on various programs like A Question of Sport, Talksport and The Jeremy Kyle Show. He also featured in the 2004 edition of “I’m a Celebrity Get me Out Of Here”. As of January 2013, he was last seen on Celebrity Big Brother 11, where he was selected by housemates Ryan and Frankie to enter the basement instead of the main house.

Owen Coyle:

 










 

Owen Coyle will be remembered more so as a Coach than a player. Nevertheless, he was a Professional player back in his day. Born in Paisley Scotland in 1966, Coyle began his career with Dumbarton F.C. in 1985 where he showed signs of a striker in the making. In 1988 he transferred to Clydebank before moving on to Airdrieonians in 1990, where he really began to make a name for himself. In 1993, He was signed by English Premier side Bolton Wanderers for a fee of 250,000 pounds. He failed to replicate the form once shown earlier in his career and in 1995 he went back to Scotland to play for Dundee United, who signed him for a modest fee of 400,000 pounds. After finishing his playing career as a player/coach with St Johnstone in 2007, it wasn’t long before Coyle made the move to coach in England. He assumed the top job as Manager of Burnley in November 2007 and after 18 months the club were promoted to the English Premier League. Midway through the Premier League Season 2009-10, he was snapped up by Bolton Wanderers, who had just sacked there previous coach Gary Megson. Sadly on October 9, 2012, Coyle was sacked by the club after a series of losses, which put the club in 18^th place on the ladder. Since then, Coyle has remained a free agent, and it’s been reported that, since his departure, he has turned down a number of offers to coach at other clubs. With clubs like Blackpool and Ipswich Town eager to sign him, Coyle has opted to wait until the right club comes along. As an International, Coyle represented the Republic of Ireland just once, in a Friendly match against the Netherlands. This International cap came in April 1994, when he replaced Tommy Coyne as a Substitute late in the match.

Written by Alex Stilianos.

Transfer Gossip

The transfer gossip is in overdrive as the month of January ticks over, here is the best of the rumours today.

- West Ham are set to join the race for Everton defender Sylvain Distin. (The Sun)

- Swansea are leading the race to sign Stoke City reject Kenwynne Jones, Villa and QPR are also interested. (Tribal Football).

- Fulham are looking to bring in Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone and Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. (Daily Mail)

- Mario Balotelli has been offered a return to Italy - to play alongside Cavani at Napoli.
(Daily Mirror)

The agent of Newcastle United captain Coloccini insists that the defender is staying with the club. (Tribal Football)

Victory vs Wellington 3,2,1.

Well Victory bounced back with a commanding win over the Phoenix last night, find below our 3,2,1 man of the match awards from the match.

3. Billy Celeski

Our man of the match, completely bossed the midfield and his passes complete ratio is world class. Celeski's career has been effected by injuries during the past, lets hope he can stay fit and continue to fire for Victory.

2. Marcos Flores

Marcos has been poor so far this season but his performance last night was anything but poor. Scoring the opening goal will do wonders for his confidence and maybe with Finkler out for the season it will give Marcos room to flourish.


1. Nathan Coe

Although he didn't have much to do, Coe made the saves when called upon. Coe's been a great signing for Victory especially with the game plan that Ange wants to play with playing out from the back.

Transfer Gossip

- Lazio are the latest team to be linked with a move for Andrey Arshavin.

- Frazier Cambell will link up with fromer manager Steve Bruce at championship side Hull FC, as they look to seal a move back to the Premier League.

- Fiorentina are chasing Giussepe Rossi from Villareal, it is rumoured that he may be available on the cheap due to him coming off a serious long term injury.

- Newcastle are looking to replace Demba Ba with Loic Remy from Ligue 1 giants Marseille.

- All - Whites and QPR defender Ryan Nelsen is linked with return to MLS side DC United, for which he played for from 2001-2005.

Our pick of the Transfer Gossip: Without a doubt - Loic Remy to Newcastle United. With the toon struggling down the bottom end of the Premier League, they need to replace Ba and fast. Although they do have back up for in the striker department, we feel someone of Loic Remy's quality will do wonders in the bid to avoid relegation and climb the ladder.

Transfer Gossip

- Sunderland are pushing to sign Man City discard James Milner.

- Spurs manager Andre Villas Boas wants to sign Shaktar Donestk playmaker Willian in January.

- Liverpool have had a loan bid for Barcelona striker David Villa turned down, with the Barca club only looking to sell the striker.

- Ex Aston Villa manager Alex Mcleish will raid his former club for Barry Bannan.

- QPR are interested in signing unwanted Man City defender Joleen Lescott, although they only want him at a cut-price deal.

- Emerging Socceroos defender Ryan Mcgowan is close to signing with Shanghai Shenhua.

Player of the round - Shinji Ono

Well no surprises here with our Player of the Round going to Shinji Ono. The Japanese maestro is really hitting his straps now and he will prove pivotal in the Wanderers season. The first goal he scored was simply stunning a goal you would see in the Premier League and La Liga. A great first touch in a player is a fine quality to have and you dont see any better first touch then Shinji's for the first goal. Hopefully he stays fit, and can score many more goals like he did yesterday.

Transfer Gossip

Its January which only means one thing, the transfer window is open. With the silly season now on, checkout the best in Transfer Gossip from around the globe.

- Scott Sinclair will join Everton on-loan until the end of the season.

- Aston Villa veteran defender Richard Dunne is open to the idea of joining MLS side New York Red Bulls.

- Central Coast Mariners will lose Tom Rogic to Premier League battlers Reading.

- Andrey Arshavin is being courted by dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, although a return to Zenit St Petersburg is likely.

- Liverpool and Spurs have been alerted as Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby has refused to sign a new contract.

- Jade North will return home to Sydney FC to link up with former coach Frank Farina.

Wanderers vs Victory 3,2,1.

Today's 3,2,1 awards was easier to choose than previous matches in the A-League, no surprises who has taken out our Man of the Match.

3. Shinji Ono

Was there ever any doubt, the Japanese dynamo had his best game for the Westies scoring two world class goals to take out our Man of the Match. Im sure there is many more to come from Shinji.

2. Jerome Polenz

Had another strong performance tonight, and has been arguably the most consistant player for the Wanderers all season. If he keeps performing like he did tonight, it will be very hard for Tarek Elrich to get into the starting Line-up.

1. Nicolai Torpor - Stanley

Had a strong performance tonight in the heart of the Wanderers defense, has formed a great partnership with Micheal Beauchamp which is arguably the best in the competition. A pairing that crosstown rivals Sydney FC would kill to have this season.