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That was the week that was! |
Man City’s take over, Keegan’s – ‘in’ or ‘out’ drama, Curbishley’s resignation, the Berbatov transfer saga, Robinho’s record transfer deal. All these in the week the home nations prepare for the opening World Cup Qualifiers.The 1st September was the start of an amazing week in off the field evens in the Premiership. The date marked the seventh anniversary of England’s 5 – 1 win over Germany in the World Cup qualifiers in 2001 was also the deadline day for the transfer window until January 2009 when trading will once again commence with Manchester City, with their new found wealth, apparently about to buy any player of their choice. The Big 4’s reign appears to potentially ‘no more’ or ‘not for much longer’, assuming City’s new owners allow Mark Hughes a reasonable amount of time to build a team with the riches available to him ….. however nothing is guaranteed in this game and lets hope we’re not looking back on this week in 18 months and discussing why City have not met expectations and are about to appoint their 4th Manager in the same period! After much media speculation and apparent behind the scenes drama in the North East, King Kev decided time was up again at Newcastle. Cue for Newcastle fans to focus their fury on owner Mike Ashley because of what was seen as Keegan’s imposed departure. A crowd boycott at the next home game is now predicted. It appears Keegan was unwilling to accept the continental style management structure, with Dennis Wise dictating player purchase and sales, whilst Keegan taking responsibility for coaching the players made available to him (by Wise and his team) and also responsible for the team’s results. Surely Ashley knew what type of Manager Keegan was when he was appointed and surely someone needs to tell Mr Ashley the fundamental rule of successful people management – IF YOU DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITY REMEMBER YOU MUST ALSO THE INDIVIDUAL WITH THE AUTHORITY REQUIRED FOR SUCH RESPONSIBILITY! Another mess at St. James Park means no doubt another season of underperformance A similar fate befell Alan Curbishley at West Ham this week, his resignation intercepted Keegan’s for him to become the first Premiership Management casualty of the season, after only 3 games! His departure was for very similar reasons to Keegan’s at Newcastle. The difference being that the West Ham faithful had quickly lost patience with Curbishley’s and thus very little outcry from the supporters who appear generally happy with his reign. As an outsider looking in, whilst accepting the brand of football played by the Hammers in the last six months, I have to feel a little sorry for Curbishley. Major injury problems to the player recently brought in and a rapid U-turn to the transfer and squad size policy has hardly been an ideal situation to mange in. Added to this – a mid table position, whilst not what was aspired to, did consolidate their Premiership status, which has not always been that successful! Based on what has happened to the squad and a question mark over the funds available to the next Manager appointed, can the Hammers realistically expect to break into the top 7/8 Premiership clubs this or next season…. I think not. Take note of the last Premiership club who thought that Curbishley had taken them as far as he could, they quickly found themselves mid table in the Championship with only an outside chance of returning to the big time soon! Meanwhile – after complaining all summer about the approaches made by Real Madrid on Ronaldo, Manchester United threw their weight around in a ‘questionable’ manner to secure the signature of Spurs striker Berbatov. Mr. Levy’s attitude at Spurs, re not bothering to make a formal complaint to the Premiership re United’s actions suggest, because they’re ‘Man Utd’ they can once again get away with what the majority of other clubs may not! George Parker Fancy writing for LiveFootball? Click here to find out more. |