All posts by h79snht.top

It has been another week to forget off the field at Coventry. With Administration now officially confirmed and the inevitable ten point deduction being applied City are left with all but no hope of reaching the playoffs

City fans also remain in the dark over the future of the club with very little information coming out of the club and the administrator. An administrator’s job is to cut costs significantly and get the club into a position where a potential buyer can come in on a relatively level footing. This would suggest that player sales are on the cards with them being the only real assets left at the club.

Player sales are far from certain though with any potential new owners possibly wanting the current squad to still be intact. There is no doubting it would be a real shame to break this squad up after showing so much promise throughout this season.

The players responded to adversity in the only way good players know how as they proved their worth again on Saturday where despite everything going on at the club and the 10 point deduction went out and gave it all they had against top of the table Doncaster. City matched them in every aspect of the game and Cyrus Christie’s goal won it for City. Every player in that team played a pivotal role in the game and all of them deserve massive praise but not just for that game but for the whole season.

This in spite of Monday’s game which came and ended in huge disappointment. This was the sort of game I have been waiting for if I’m being honest. There was always going to be a hangover from the goings on and a 4-0 loss at Walsall was definitely that. Although we came up against a team challenging for playoffs who before the game were 11 unbeaten and 11 unbeaten at home. Taking in all the circumstances and I find it hard to criticise the players too much and instead look forward and hope they don’t let this season go out with a whimper.

There is no doubt that we didn’t start the season well but I don’t blame the squad for that I blame Thorn, Shaw and Sisu who took far too long in their managerial appointment. When Robins finally took over and got the team organised and looking like a decent football side the players began to flourish.

For us to have been in a position where the playoffs were in reach after the start we made was an achievement to be proud of and these players deserve our praise. They have given everything for this club in the past couple of seasons and have had to put up with so much off the field. From the best players constantly leaving the club to youngsters who were not ready to be thrown in at the deep end.

People say off the field problems shouldn’t affect the players but when they are on the scale they are at Coventry then they have to. The perfect example is that of the Portsmouth game where it has been revealed that the players met with the owners before the match to be told about the off the field situation. This can’t be good for the players and defeat was almost inevitable despite a half decent performance from the Skyblues.

The squad as whole is pretty well balanced at the moment. There are players in every position who can do a job and do it well but I do fear it may be difficult to keep this squad together for next season. Not just because we might be forced to sell for financial reasons but there are players who are good enough to step up a level.

The first obvious one to go will be Richard Wood whose contract is up and is a truly outstanding centre half. His only down falls are that he is quite quiet for a centre half and sometimes struggles to take charge of the back four which he should be doing with his quality. His injury record is something that also stands out as being far from good and this may put off potential suitors but his quality does shine through and will be the overwhelming factor in any potential move for the player.

Another we may struggle to keep hold of is our captain Carl Baker who has been a bit of a revelation this season. The only saving grace with him is that he seems very loyal and the fact he is the captain of this side may be a significant factor in his decision to stay or go. I also think he is at his level, he struggled at times in the championship with defenders often finding it easy against him. In league one though we have seen him terrorise opposition defences with mazy runs and often clinical finishing.

The only others that I reckon will leave are the players on loan. The likes of Bailey and Martin I’m sure will go elsewhere if not back to their parent clubs. I do feel we can keep at least the majority of this squad together though and promotion next season could be a possibility.

In the end though it is once again going to all come down to what happens off the field. We as fans have no control over what is going to happen so for now at least we need to try and forget about it and concentrate on the squad of players that has done us so proud this season and deserve so much more from the club.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The players are the individuals who represent the club that we love and anyone looking from the outside who knew nothing of what is going on at the club would say that’s a good squad of players. We should be proud of this as City fans and the players have responded to the brilliant support we have given them this year especially away from the Ricoh.

Undoubtedly this season will be remembered for all of the wrong reasons but I for one won’t forget what this squad so nearly achieved and whatever happens to this club in the coming weeks the majority of our players can hold their heads up and be proud of what they achieved this year.

PUSB!!

Follow @benleach2

Summary: Billy Jones denied Newcastle a morale boosting victory with a second half equaliser to earn West Brom a point at the Hawthorns.

The Magpies came into the game licking some deep wounds after their Tyne-Wear derby humiliation at the hands of arch rivals Sunderland last week and started well in the Midlands.

With making amends high on the agenda for Alan Pardew’s side attacked with intent and Yoan Gouffran nudged them into the lead in the eighth minute when he headed in a cross from Papiss Cisse.

Albion had no answer to their opponents and Cisse should have made it 2-0 after he raced onto a poor pass by Jonas Olsson but sent the ball way over Ben Foster and the bar.

Steve Clarke’s men finally came to life and could have had a penalty on the stroke of half time when James Perch brought Jones down on the edge of the penalty area with referee Mike Jones consulting his assistant to correctly determine if the contact took place in or out of the box.

They carried that late pressure over into the second period and sent numerous warning shots across the Newcastle bow prior to Jones’s leveller in the 64th minute. Good work from  James Morrison and Romelu Lukaku created the opportunity for the full back to slide the ball first-time beyond Rob Elliot.

Steve Clarke post match…”On another day they could have got the second goal, which would have made it much more difficult for us. But they didn’t and that gave us the avenue back into the game, which we grabbed with both hands, because in the second half we were much, much better.”

Alan Pardew post match…”I don’t think so (in terms of us being safe) because we have to keep working. Hopefully, we can get a couple more wins which will be the ideal thing.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Good day for…Yoan Gouffran: This was more like it from the French attacker as he buzzed around the Baggies back four and was a constant irritant. Not to mention his header, that gave Newcastle the lead, was sublime.

Bad day for…Goran Popov: A weak link all afternoon at the back for West Brom. In fact Steve Clarke must question himself after deciding to reintroduce Popov to the starting XI. Hopeless in possession and was even worse without it.

It will be a busy transfer window for Liverpool this summer. After a positive first season with Brendan Rodgers, the platform is set for the club to push towards a top four finish next season. But that can’t be achieved without some important deals this summer. The retiring Jamie Carragher will need to be replaced, while Rodgers looks to complete his squad ahead of a big next season.

After the club were so heavily linked with Blackpool’s Tom Ince for the last two transfer windows, it is expected that the Reds will once again bid for the young star. The 21-year-old has played a vital role in Blackpool’s season in the Championship, scoring 18 goals in the campaign. His trickery and speed have impressed both Championship and Premier League teams, as he was named in the league’s Team of the Year.

[cat_link cat=”liverpool” type=”list”]

However, with his father Paul Ince now managing Blackpool, Tom may not be sold on the cheap. Speaking back in April, Paul revealed that his son had a big price tag on him: “If you’re talking £15m for Zaha, Thomas has got to be £25m. If you compare the two, Thomas should cost more,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

He may have been being a protective father, or possibly trying so scare off interested clubs, but Paul must know himself that the club won’t get £25million for his son. But with Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, having limited funds, Rodgers won’t be able to spend a big fee on a Championship player.

This is where Wigan’s relegation from the Premier League might be in Liverpool’s favour. Callum McManaman got off to a poor start in his Premier League career. His horror tackle on Newcastle’s Massadio Haidara, which was unpunished, left the player almost as a hate figure amongst some fans. Known as “that guy who nearly broke Haidara’s leg”, McManaman suddenly had a lot to prove, in order to win over the general public. Goals against Tottenham and West Brom set the boyhood Everton supporter up for his biggest challenge.

Wigan faced Manchester City in the FA Cup final, where despite being massive underdogs, Wigan went on to lift the trophy, after Ben Watson’s 92nd minute winner. But it was Callum McManaman who took the headlines, with his stunning performance earning him the Man of the Match award. The 22-year-old repeatedly skipped past Pablo Zabaleta like the Argentine defender wasn’t there, before eventually he actually wasn’t there, because he had been sent off. His performance in the final was one of many top displays in the last few months, which earned him a call up to the England Under-21s.

But after Wigan were relegated from the Premier League following their 4-1 defeat at Arsenal, McManaman is certain to leave the club in the summer. One of a handful of Wigan players who are set to be signed by Premier League clubs next season, Liverpool may have just found a cheaper alternative to Tom Ince. But there still comes a decision of who to buy.

McManaman has proved himself on the biggest of stages now, scoring goals against top Premier League sides, and terrorising possibly the best right-back in the league. Although his Premier League experience is limited, it is still more than Tom Ince’s. The Blackpool star has been incredible in the Championship, but it’s a big step up to the Premier League. Also, Ince’s dream to play in the Premier League may be delayed, by his own dad. If Paul continues to slap a huge price tag on his son, then Liverpool will almost certainly turn to McManaman instead.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

For now, expect the Anfield side to enquire about both players, and buy whoever is cheaper. Both have proven themselves to be top dribblers, and capable of scoring goals.

While Rodgers may not have much of a preference as to which one he signs, FSG may tell the Northern Irishman that he can only buy whoever is cheaper, meaning Paul Ince’s extreme valuation of his son may have to be reconsidered if he wants his son to be playing in England’s top flight league.

[ffcvideo file=”Sports_Revolution_Episode_1″ type=”mp4″ image_type=”png”]

Tottenham’s narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday may well have been totally different had it not been for the imperious form of their French stopper. Lloris has been a rock since his move from Lyon last summer; a deal which in hindsight looks to have been a massive coup for the North Londoners.

Following an excellent first term in England, and an apparent continuation of his form into the new season, do Spurs now have the best keeper in the Premier League?

The acquisition of keepers always seems to be greeted with a feeling of ambivalence from most quarters, there is never the same buzz that is created with say the capture of frontman like Roberto Soldado. This is totally natural and understandable, but the signing of Lloris for a fee of around £8-12m back in 2012 is something that should never be understated. My belief is that the Frenchman’s signature represents the single most important transfer by the club in the Villas-Boas era.

Down the years Spurs have had a history of excellent shot stopping keepers whose instinctive reactions have been undeniable. Even in the current squad Gomes and Friedel represent excellent blockers, whose all round game is now totally inadequate for the way Spurs are looking to play under Villas-Boas. The pace of the timeless Friedel is no longer sufficient for a role as a sweeper keeper and similarly the kamikaze tendencies of Gomes were unlikely to fit any clubs system.

[cat_link cat=”tottenham” type=”list”]

The improvement Spurs have in Lloris is that they now have someone with the all round game to suit the dynamic style that Villas-Boas wants to play. Much has been made of the high tempo pressing game that features a much higher defensive line to squeeze the opposition. Central to this system is the need for a highly mobile and intelligent keeper to read the game and instinctively react when the time comes to sweep up play. This was time and time again exemplified during the Palace game when balls in behind were comfortably mopped up before chance could really ever materialise.

Spurs in my mind have always been distributionally quite weak from the back, all too content to hit a long ball up towards the diminutive Defoe rather than get the ball down early. There has been a definite shift towards building from the back, and utilising the pace of Walker and now Rose to their advantage. Lloris on average had the second lowest distance from goal kicks last year that illustrates this point perfectly, number one was Szczesny whose Arsenal side engender the sort of passing game that Spurs want to imitate and possibly now improve on.

My main fear with Lloris was that he would struggle to adapt to the physicality of the English league. Even at 6ft 2in the Frenchman never appears the most imposing because of his slight frame. The concern was that he would come largely unstuck at the set piece, much like De Gea did during his first season in England. Thankfully for Spurs Lloris has coped admirably in this respect and continued to improve and adapt to the specifics of Premier League football.

He relies heavily on his punch, which unlike predecessor Gomes, has turned into something of a weapon when alleviating pressure from the box. Gomes was all too keen to rush out and flap at the ball, or punch someone in his own backline. Instead Lloris appears calm and collected under the high ball and chooses intelligently when to come and when not to. Whilst he is becoming more and more comfortable in this regard, I fully expect him to continue improving well into this season.

So is the 26-year-old the best? In my opinion he is certainly the best sweeper-keeper in the league and therefore the ideal man for Spurs. Lloris definitely occupies a place in the top bracket of Premier League stoppers alongside the likes of Cech and De Gea. An inconsistent season for Joe Hart in my view sees him slide from the upper echelons of the leagues stoppers. The world’s best keepers are those that go very quietly about their business, doing the basics right and occasionally pulling off the more spectacular. Cech during his brightest spell at Chelsea captured this sentiment exactly, taking a great deal of pressure off the defensive line in the process. When comparing De Gea and Lloris I see two exceptionally gifted keepers who will both no doubt be at the very top of the world game. As it stands Lloris appears ahead in his development, unsurprising given their ages, and has seemed less susceptible to the occasional mistake that De Gea makes. Who knows the Spaniard may at some point eclipse the Frenchman but only time will tell in that respect.

Spurs were incredibly shrewd in their capture of the Frenchman, a small price to pay  really for a central figure to Villas-Boas’ Spurs strategy. There is little to choose between Cech and Lloris in my book, but from a Spurs perspective I cannot see a better or more suitable option for them as a club specifically.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Do Spurs now have the best stopper in the Premier League?

Join the debate below!

[poll ]

Liverpool’s impressive start to the Premier League season has surprised everyone.

This time last year the Reds were in eleventh place with only three wins to their name. 12 months on, Liverpool have improved drastically.

Second in the table, eight points better off and two points from top spot is something that every Liverpool fan wants to see, so it’s no surprise that every red is full of optimism this season. However, will Brendan Rodgers’ change of formation potentially damage the rest of his side’s season?

Before the 2-0 away to defeat to Arsenal at the start of the month, Liverpool’s formation of 3-5-2 was working wonders. Victories over Manchester United, West Brom and Aston Villa were earned because of this tactical tweak. But the defeat to Arsenal highlighted how exposed Liverpool can be at the back when playing against certain opposition. This then lead to the Northern Irishman changing his formation  to 4-3-3 when Fulham visited Anfield last week, and even though the Cottagers were exceptionally poor, the formation worked as Liverpool went on to win the game 4-0.

Before the end of 2013, Liverpool will face Everton, Hull, Norwich, West Ham, Tottenham, Cardiff, Manchester City and Chelsea; games which will show the squad’s strength as we are fast approaching the congested part of the season.  And with these games being played over a period of five weeks, Brendan Rodgers has announced that he will be making huge changes to the team, once the festive season is upon us.

“I have said to the players that between now and January we have one game a week,” Rodgers said.

“The players are working very well and very hard on a daily basis but I need to give oxygen to some players, so they can see a light at the end of the tunnel. It is important that I use the players well.”

This comes after centre back Kolo Toure was replaced by Daniel Agger in the 4-0 drubbing over Fulham last weekend. This was the first time since 1st September that Toure had missed a league match for Liverpool, and his replacement Agger, was making his first appearance for the Reds since October.

However, the 40-year-old defended the move by stating it was just rotation.

“Kolo has been sensational since he has been in but Daniel Agger is a top player. I just need to balance the team out when I can,” he added.

I think many fans are jumping the gun to suggest that rotation and a change of formation will hamper an entire season. Brendan Rodgers is a clever manager who likes to experiment with the players he has got at his disposal, and if he were to drop points due to a change of formation from the previous game, he will do his best to rectify his mistake.

Liverpool are going to drop points this season regardless what formation they play, and with the fixture pile up soon upon us, this can be a chance for the fringe players at Liverpool to get their chance in the starting XI, to prove to Rodgers that they deserve to be in that Liverpool first team. Players such as Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Ibe, Tiago Ilori, Aly Cissokho, Martin Kelly and Joe Allen are just some of the stars that the former Swansea and Reading manager will be experimenting with over the next few weeks.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Liverpool fans should be looking forward to a great season which lies ahead, because if they continue to play how they are, Champions League football is on the horizon.

Could Rodgers’ tinkering be Liverpool’s downfall this season?

Join the debate below

[cat_link cat=”liverpool” type=”grid”]

Paul Lambert has said Gabriel Agbonlahor will have to wait to open talks over a new contract at Aston Villa, reports the Birmingham Mail.

Agbonlahor’s contract expires in the summer of 2015, and Villa’s current longest serving player has admitted he would love to sign an extension and see out his career at Villa Park.

The forward was last handed a new contract by former Villa boss Gerard Houllier in November 2010, and while he still has a year and half to run on that deal, Agbonlahor has made no secret of his desire to sign an extension at his boyhood club.

Agbonlahor has said he would gladly play at Villa until he retires, claiming it would be ‘weird’ to wear the colours of any other club.

However, manager Paul Lambert is reluctant to open discussions over a new deal just yet, claiming there is no rush to secure the striker’s future.

“When you look at 15 months it’s still a long time in football,” Lambert said.

“In years gone by you used to never find out what was happening to you until about a week before the end of the season.

“Then all of a sudden it goes full circle and it’s 15 months or two years. It’s just strange in football.

“I understand what he’s saying but I think there’s a long, long way to go before anything like that. I think he’s enjoying his football.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I think you look at all these sort of things at the end of the season, for everybody.”

[cat_link cat=”aston-villa” type=”grid”]

Arsenal are confident that Jack Wilshere will be fit to face Liverpool on Saturday, while Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also set to return to full fitness, according to the Telegraph.

Arteta and Oxlade-Chamberlain both suffered knocks during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, and neither have required additional treatment.

The pair will be fully assessed today, and the hope is that they will both join the returning Wilshere in full training this week.

That would give Wenger a huge boost ahead of their showdown with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, with Mathieu Flamini suspended and Aaron Ramsey and new loan signing Kim Kallstrom both injured.

Arsenal’s trip to Anfield is followed by a massive run of fixtures, that includes games against Manchester United, Liverpool again in the FA Cup, and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

And goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes the Gunners excellent defensive record will prove crucial over the coming weeks.

“It’s massive for us,” Szczesny said. “We realise if you want to win the Championship then you have to be solid defensively and that is the most important thing. We know that clean sheets give you the best platform to go and win games.

“Whether you need a striking force like Man City or a defence like we have had recently, I think you have to mix the both together to find a perfect team but we will see at the end of the season which one pays off.

“The teams that go to the Etihad now are sort of scared of them. You have to credit them, they’ve been fantastic. We just hope that we’ve got the edge. What we care about right now is being top at the end of May.”

Click below to see Liverpool v Arsenal EXCLUSIVELY LIVE!

As much as Manchester United needed to sack David Moyes after the disaster of this season, it couldn’t have happened in a worse year.

There’s no getting around the idea that last summer was the time to appoint a top manager. Carlo Ancelotti, who may yet be moved on from Real Madrid, though increasingly unlikely after his side’s performance over two legs against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, was there for the taking. Similarly, Jose Mourinho, bringer of ‘anti-football’ though successful nevertheless, couldn’t hide his interest in Alex Ferguson’s job. Laurent Blanc was up for grabs, too, if United were after a manager who knew the club. Importantly, United weren’t burdened with the feeling of trepidation at having made a recent mistake on the managerial front.

This time, they must get it right. They must restore order and a winning mentality. The charitable nature of United at Old Trafford this season needs to be done away with and teams need to genuinely fear the current reigning champions. Crucially, the players need to fear and respect the man chosen to replace David Moyes.

Ryan Giggs is the sentimental choice, but the wrong one. There’s an ease and familiarity about what may come with the Welshman in the dugout, but this isn’t a time for gambles of that nature.

Instead, Louis van Gaal looks the most likely candidate. United were ambiguous in their statement on the weekend that nothing was signed between the club and the Dutchman. Nothing has been signed, OK, but there may be an agreement? Talk of Patrick Kluivert assisting the current Netherlands coach allows us to assume so.

But van Gaal will be caught up in the World Cup, unavailable until sometime in July and seemingly a world away in Brazil. The mistakes of the short-lived Moyes Era was that the club dithered, looked lost, missed out on excellent players in the market, particularly in midfield, and ended up with something they certainly didn’t need and likely didn’t want.

This summer, the overhaul is set to be huge. At the very least, United need three defenders. The fact that they’ve only scored 60 goals in the league at this stage (Liverpool have 96, Manchester City have 93) more than suggests added firepower is needed. But where is the figure to lead that campaign in the market?

Van Gaal knows the market, he knows what he likes and where to find them. If he is set to become United manager, he’ll more than likely lean on the rich-in-talent German market. But if left to him, United may only get their first major piece of business done by August. Clubs know this is a team who are desperate and willing to spend. There’ll be no easy ride.

The positive, though a small one, is the expertise at securing Juan Mata from Chelsea in January. Reportedly, United’s communications with Chelsea was kept at a distance and indirect, thus avoiding a discussion on Wayne Rooney. Ed Woodward, equally culpable for the tone-setting summer last year, may be learning the ropes quickly if we look to the signing of Mata, but the difficulty of this summer’s operation will dwarf that of landing the Spanish midfielder.

Do United need a director of football? It wouldn’t go amiss. This may be a club who end up appointing a small handful of managers over the next few years before they land on one who is set to be a mainstay in the United dugout for a prolonged spell – and that’s only if we accept United’s ideal of wanting consistency and stability; modern football may not allow for it.

A director of football – maybe Woodward, the title isn’t as important as effectiveness in the role – will allow the club to buy and sell without having to rely on a manager. This summer, it would be extremely useful. Develop a dialogue with van Gaal while he’s in Brazil; you’d assume the club wouldn’t be so naïve as to hold off on first contact until after the tournament. So gather an understanding of what the manager wants and needs.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

In all of this, you really struggle to ignore the negligence of allowing both Ferguson and David Gill to move on without one bedding in the other’s successor.

But for now the worry is that United still look leaderless on that front. It’s not just in finding an individual to take on the job, it’s in finding an individual who is capable of getting the job done and avoiding humiliations that led to no-goes with both Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

We’re now midway through the summer and the World Cup is over, so attention can officially switch to the new Premier League season! The transfer window, like or loathe it, brings excitement and opportunity, which teams across the division are sure to exploit in search of all important upgrades.

From big money signings, to clever under the radar arrivals, there are many ways to take advantage of the situation, and there are some clubs that will need to make more use of it than others.

Here are five outfits we at FFC believe will be looking for much-needed upgrades in the coming weeks.

[ffc-gallery]

Click on Arsenal to reveal

[/ffc-gallery]

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

Tottenham

Although they ended the season in sixth, hopes were much higher at White Hart Lane heading into last season. Okay Gareth Bale had been sold, but with £110m having been spent on talent from across Europe, there was a genuine belief in the white half of north London that the top four and maybe even a trophy was possible.

However, managerial disruption and arrivals failing to settle saw the Lilywhites’ campaign end in disappointment, which was amplified by massive defeats at the hands of top four clubs and Liverpool – dubbed as direct rivals for a Champions League spot – taking the title battle to the final day.

Pochettino has been brought in as an upgrade to the much-maligned Sherwood, and there is a lot of talk of new signings heading to ‘The Lane’. Bony or Lukaku would be a cut above Soldado up top, while Davies of Swansea is seen as an upgrade on Rose at left-back.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

Manchester United

The Moyes reign ended in an absolute farce, with the Scot seemingly dismissed via Internet rumours as he barely touched the sides of Sir Alex Ferguson’s large boots at Manchester United.

Signings are already through the door at Old Trafford in the shape of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, who should be able to provide the upgrades needed in their respective roles.

Vidal, Hummels and di Maria are said to be the next targets, which would certainly hint at a better season at the Theatre of Dreams for 2014/15 and maybe even a title push.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

Arsenal

Arsenal did what Arsenal do last season, started well with a title push before slipping away to a fourth place battle… which they won. As well as this they ended a nine-year trophy drought with the FA Cup, but there is still a feeling that a few upgrades could be the key to better times.

Sanchez is through the door and looks to be the real deal, while Debuchy will fill the Sagna-shaped hole at right-back, however there are more upgrades needed, chiefly in central midfield, where Arteta’s best days are behind him. Bender of Leverkusen is being talked about, but the ultimate upgrade would be Vidal, who could be the man Arsenal have missed since Vieira’s exit.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

West Ham

West Ham were pretty difficult to watch last season. Allardyce’s brand of direct football may always be enough to ensure safety, but the Irons’ fans are beginning to dream of more after watching the likes of Swansea make inroads at the upper end of the Premier League in recent years.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Zarate should add more flair but to play better football, many new players will be needed across the pitch. Upgrades on the likes of Nolan, Jarvis and Downing would almost guarantee that Carroll gets the service he needs, with the big man boasting a proven record of scoring goals with both his head and his feet.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

Swansea City

The burden of Europa League football was a big one for Swansea last season, as they slipped from upper mid-table to relegation fodder. The Swans play attractive football, but sometimes a soft underbelly can be exploited by more savvy sides, which could be addressed with a few upgrades.

A new midfielder and a top class partner for Williams at the back – Chico can be a liability – would bulk out the core, while a fresh winger with a little more end product could help to maximise Bony’s output.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

Mikel Arteta’s injury suffered in the away trip to Besiktas on Tuesday night highlighted an urgency for Arsene Wenger to invest in his squad in these final days of the transfer window. If Arsenal lacked quality prior to the Spaniard’s injury, that situation has now become critical, with Arteta limping out of the Ataturk Stadium in a protective boot.

But that need to invest in the midfield is equally as important at centre-back. Calum Chambers was by far Arsenal’s best player in Turkey in midweek, playing alongside Laurent Koscielny at centre-back in the absence of Per Mertesacker. But having seen just over twenty Premier League games prior to this season, and all at right-back, now isn’t the time for Wenger to place all his faith in a 19-year-old.

Even ahead of Thomas Vermaelen’s sale to Barcelona, Arsenal were short of quality at centre-back. What is even more alarming is that there is little to nothing in the way of adequate cover coming up through the academy. Arsenal’s centre-back options last season were very much limited to Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, and Bacary Sagna. As of now, that situation hasn’t improved, with the latter two departing and only Chambers arriving from Southampton.

The positive is that the club do appear to be on the hunt for another centre-back this summer. Kostas Manolas has been strongly suggested as the next defensive recruit at the Emirates, but Winston Reid’s name has also been thrown into the mix.

The West Ham centre-back was part of an at times good defensive unit last season, and Arsenal are said to be looking to take advantage of Reid’s current contract situation, with his deal running out at the end of the season.

The only drawback is Reid’s inexperience in European football, but with Mertesacker and Koscielny the first-choice pairing, much of Reid’s contribution is expected to be in domestic play. He’s aggressive, will do a lot to combat the physicality of opponents, and is unlikely to kick up too much of a fuss with regards to being third or fourth choice at the club.

In comparison to Manolas, it’s easy to see why fans would deem the Greek international an attractive option. He stood out as one of the better performers for his country at the World Cup, and has experience at the highest level of club football with Olympiakos. Moreover, at 23, he’s exactly what Arsenal need as a means to see their central defensive unit get younger. With Mertesacker turning 30 in September, Manolas would offer something long term if he were to fulfil his potential at the club. Chambers, even at this early stage, looks certain to feature heavily for the club at centre-back in the coming years.

But Arsenal are reportedly not the lone runners in the race for Manolas, with interest coming from Italy too. Even with the financial might available to Wenger, it’s likely he’ll still refrain from entering into a bidding war, especially if he feels another option is available elsewhere.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Reid’s Premier League experience and leadership qualities would make him a good addition at Arsenal. It’s always been a case of adding depth, rather than identifying a starting centre-back. Reid should come relatively cheap, with plenty of resources left to be invested in the problem position of defensive midfield.

[ad_pod id=’fr2rumours’ align=’center’]