How many times have the League Cup changed its name??? It's getting ridiculous! Anyway, don't know why, but I had a bad feeling about this game. Probably because whenever we play a lower league side, Moyes fields a scratch team, we struggle, then get knocked out!
Well, yesterday that changed! 5-0 winners! 5-0, I don't care that it was Leyton Orient, we scored 5, this past week has just been surreal, and not only did we score 5, but Anichebe played and scored, how shocking is that....lol.
Leeds Utd away in the next round!!
Anyway, the ratings!
JAN MUCHA - 7 - Not much to do really, I have seen other reports give him 6 cos he had nothing to do, that wasn't fault, hence a 7, did everything that was needed of him!
SEAMUS COLEMAN - 9 - MAN OF THE MATCH - Yes, it was Leyton Orient, and we know he can attack, but he is a right back after all, and yes I know it is one game, but this is the type of right back we want for the future! It was like seeing the Coleman who broke into the Everton side a while back, pleasure to watch!
PHIL JAGIELKA - 7 - Good start to the season, even though I still believe Johnny and Sylvan should be first choice, however, Jags will never give less then 100%, and we are lucky to have 3 top centre halfs. Withdrawn at HT to give Duffy a go!
JOHNNY HEITINGA - 7 - Again, him and Jags marshalled the defence well, and even had a chance to captain the blues when Neville went off injured with 15 to go.
LEIGHTON BAINES - 7 - A quieter night for Baines, but still Mr Dependable, and thankfully taken off at HT to save from any freak injury, as the game was won by then!
STEVEN NAISMITH - 8 - Had a go all night. We were linked with him when he had his £2m release clause with Rangers, but when they went into liquidation, we nabbed him on a free - £2m would have been a bargain! Good signing!
PHIL NEVILLE - 7 - Another one who will run for the cause, and I was worried when he left the field injured, but thankfully have since found out it as only a precaution! I get tired of Blues having a go at him, he is most definitely a blue now, and gives his all! Yes, his passing isn't great, but he reads a game superbly well.
LEON OSMAN - 7 - Again, if you had a fully fit squad to pick from for a prem game, would he really make the 1st XI? I like Ossie, because he goes about his job quietly, and he pops up with the odd goal, but with the emergence of Mirallas, I think it is Ossie who is most at risk.
MAGAYE GUEYE - 8 - I like Maggie, he is keen and desperate to impress, and glad he got a goal last night. Unfortunately for league games, he has peanuts in front of him, but I really hope we can keep hold of Gueye as I think he does offer us something.
KEVIN MIRALLAS - 8 - 2 goals, yes it was Leyton Orient, but it's 2 goals, it will do his confidence well, and he obviously knows where the goal is! I look forward to seeing him match fit!!
VICTOR ANICHEBE - 6 - Not a fan of Big Vic's! For me, the same as Rodwell, he is living on potential, and he has been living on it for years!! Ask many a blue, and they will happily drive him to whatever club is daft enough to buy him! (hopefully someone will). OK, Vic scored, but I would have preferred Velios to have a run out, but for some reason he has fallen out of favour with Moyes!
SUBS
LUKE GARBUTT - 7 - On at HT for his debut, and looked OK. Baines and Peanuts have the left hand side sewn up, but this would have been good experience for the lad, and I hope he continues to develop.
ROSS BARKLEY - 7 - Surprised Ross didn't start! I know he had a half, and for me, he played OK, he just needs more competitive game time to take that next step.
SHANE DUFFY - 7 - Again not much to do. We have 3 good centre halfs, but Duffy can definitely break into that group, and maybe well do in the next year or 2, especially with Distin getting on!!
Thursday 30 August 2012
Monday 27 August 2012
Premiership round up! 25/26 Aug
So, the 2nd weekend is over and done with, so here is my quick round up as to how things went!
We might be incredibly early in the season, but Chelsea currently sit on top of the table, with 3 wins out of 3, the latest win being a 2-0 win over the Toon Army, with goals from Hazard (pen) and Torres. I know it's early days, but I thought Chelski had paid over the odds for Hazard, but in his few games so far, he has looked the part. It's shame that clubs have to shell out £35m for someone to look the part! Think one or two clubs need to look at how Moyes does it! The 2nd goal was courtesy of a long distance toe poke from Fernando Torres! Is he beginning to look like the player of old?
In 2nd place are Swansea, and yes I know only 2 games have gone by, but they deserve to be up there. I watched them on Saturday afternoon, and West Ham were just no match for the. Brendan Rogers had Swansea playing good football, but Michael Laudrup just seems to have given them something extra. They were helped on their way from West Ham's experienced keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen as he got down too slowly and directed the ball into the net. From then, the result was never in question.
Coming up in 3rd are my team, Everton! I have to say, it's been a shocking week, for all the right reasons!! I could not believe I was watching Everton, not only were we passing and moving, but we were scoring, and winning games early in the season! You know confidence is high at a club when Phil Jagielka pops up on the right wing to whip in a pinpoint cross! Pienaar scored a cracker, and Jelavic's movement brought him Everton's 3rd in a 3-1 win. Fellaini scored in his 2nd game running, although Shay Given could rightfully claim an assist! Villa did get back into for a while, even with a man being sent off. They pulled one back with a goal that Howard should have done better on, we took Gibson off, and then momentarily lost control. Still, we got it back, and being a typical fan, I know we played well, but after scoring 3 in the 1st half, I was hoping for one or two more in the 2nd half....lol.
Man Utd got their 1st win of the season, thanks to a lovely finish from Van Persie, and a goal from another new signing in Kagawa. Utd did go 1-0 down to a well taken free kick that Damien Duff put away. De Gea proved his shot stopping is second to none with a terrific double save, but then also proved coming out for crosses is his weakness, as he came out for a ball, got nowhere near, and Vidic sent the ball into his own net.
Ali Al Habsi was in stunning form to stop Southampton registering their first points of the season, stopping everything thrown at him, including a stunning save from Adam Lallana. Wigan won 2-0 with goals from Fanco Di Santo, and Arouna Kone. Kone looks like he could help himself to one or two goals this season. Infact, I don't think they will miss Victor Moses, £9m is good business if he goes!
Norwich and QPR played out a 1-1 draw. Cinnamon Jackson (As Paul Merson would say!) gave Norwich the lead, and then John Ruddy saved a pen, only for Bobby Zamora to encroach and score from the rebound. Ironic really, as the referee was pointing out for him to not stand in the D before the penalty was taken, yet allowed him to encroach as the penalty was being taken!
AVB is still looking for his first win in charge of Spurs, as they drew 1-1 against WBA. Assou-Ekotto gave Spurs the lead with a deflected shot. Spurs could have been 2 up, but Jermaine Defoe had a goal ruled out for offisde, shame, as it was a good finish (well, not shame for baggies fans, they were happy to have it disallowed...lol). WBA threw everything and the kitchen sink at Spurs, and in injury time equalised as the ball bounced about in the area, and James Morrison tucked home.
Onto Sunday, and first up with Arsenal at Stoke City. It finished 0-0, and that's about it, it wasn't a thrilling game, but it was the first time that Arsenal had dealt with Stoke at their place. He drifted out of the 2nd half, but Santi Carzola is looking half decent. Jermaine Pennant had a shout for a penalty, and at first glance I thought it was, but on the replays it would have been harsh, but I have seen them given!
The super sunday game was bottom of the table Liverpool (yes I know they won't finish there, but this is a rare moment for me to enjoy) up against Man City. Lucas lasted just 3 mins, Raheem Stirling is looking like a future star, and Joe Allen, although not worth £15m, can definitely pass a ball. Pool took the lead through Martin Skrtel, with a bullet of a header. Into the 2nd half, and CIty equalised when Reina went on a jaunt!! No idea where he was going, and neither did Martin Kelly as he didn't expect the ball to be hitting him. The ball fell to Yaya and he finished to make it 1-1. Jack Rodwell came on to the applause of pool fans....lol...and had a hand literally in their 2nd goal. Rodwell was harshly pulled up for a handball, and although I cannot stand the fella, you have to take your hat off to that Uruguayan bloke who curled the ball round the wall and into the bottom corner. I have to be honest, I couldn't see City scoring, but then Martin Skrtel played a blind back pass, straight to Carlos Tevez! 2-2!!
The only other thing to come out of this game is how annoyed I am getting with Martin Tyler! He is a good commentator, but having City on 2 weeks in a row, in high scoring games, I am sick the back teeth of hearing how City only win games 3-2 now!! Bore off Tyler!!
We might be incredibly early in the season, but Chelsea currently sit on top of the table, with 3 wins out of 3, the latest win being a 2-0 win over the Toon Army, with goals from Hazard (pen) and Torres. I know it's early days, but I thought Chelski had paid over the odds for Hazard, but in his few games so far, he has looked the part. It's shame that clubs have to shell out £35m for someone to look the part! Think one or two clubs need to look at how Moyes does it! The 2nd goal was courtesy of a long distance toe poke from Fernando Torres! Is he beginning to look like the player of old?
In 2nd place are Swansea, and yes I know only 2 games have gone by, but they deserve to be up there. I watched them on Saturday afternoon, and West Ham were just no match for the. Brendan Rogers had Swansea playing good football, but Michael Laudrup just seems to have given them something extra. They were helped on their way from West Ham's experienced keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen as he got down too slowly and directed the ball into the net. From then, the result was never in question.
Coming up in 3rd are my team, Everton! I have to say, it's been a shocking week, for all the right reasons!! I could not believe I was watching Everton, not only were we passing and moving, but we were scoring, and winning games early in the season! You know confidence is high at a club when Phil Jagielka pops up on the right wing to whip in a pinpoint cross! Pienaar scored a cracker, and Jelavic's movement brought him Everton's 3rd in a 3-1 win. Fellaini scored in his 2nd game running, although Shay Given could rightfully claim an assist! Villa did get back into for a while, even with a man being sent off. They pulled one back with a goal that Howard should have done better on, we took Gibson off, and then momentarily lost control. Still, we got it back, and being a typical fan, I know we played well, but after scoring 3 in the 1st half, I was hoping for one or two more in the 2nd half....lol.
Man Utd got their 1st win of the season, thanks to a lovely finish from Van Persie, and a goal from another new signing in Kagawa. Utd did go 1-0 down to a well taken free kick that Damien Duff put away. De Gea proved his shot stopping is second to none with a terrific double save, but then also proved coming out for crosses is his weakness, as he came out for a ball, got nowhere near, and Vidic sent the ball into his own net.
Ali Al Habsi was in stunning form to stop Southampton registering their first points of the season, stopping everything thrown at him, including a stunning save from Adam Lallana. Wigan won 2-0 with goals from Fanco Di Santo, and Arouna Kone. Kone looks like he could help himself to one or two goals this season. Infact, I don't think they will miss Victor Moses, £9m is good business if he goes!
Norwich and QPR played out a 1-1 draw. Cinnamon Jackson (As Paul Merson would say!) gave Norwich the lead, and then John Ruddy saved a pen, only for Bobby Zamora to encroach and score from the rebound. Ironic really, as the referee was pointing out for him to not stand in the D before the penalty was taken, yet allowed him to encroach as the penalty was being taken!
AVB is still looking for his first win in charge of Spurs, as they drew 1-1 against WBA. Assou-Ekotto gave Spurs the lead with a deflected shot. Spurs could have been 2 up, but Jermaine Defoe had a goal ruled out for offisde, shame, as it was a good finish (well, not shame for baggies fans, they were happy to have it disallowed...lol). WBA threw everything and the kitchen sink at Spurs, and in injury time equalised as the ball bounced about in the area, and James Morrison tucked home.
Onto Sunday, and first up with Arsenal at Stoke City. It finished 0-0, and that's about it, it wasn't a thrilling game, but it was the first time that Arsenal had dealt with Stoke at their place. He drifted out of the 2nd half, but Santi Carzola is looking half decent. Jermaine Pennant had a shout for a penalty, and at first glance I thought it was, but on the replays it would have been harsh, but I have seen them given!
The super sunday game was bottom of the table Liverpool (yes I know they won't finish there, but this is a rare moment for me to enjoy) up against Man City. Lucas lasted just 3 mins, Raheem Stirling is looking like a future star, and Joe Allen, although not worth £15m, can definitely pass a ball. Pool took the lead through Martin Skrtel, with a bullet of a header. Into the 2nd half, and CIty equalised when Reina went on a jaunt!! No idea where he was going, and neither did Martin Kelly as he didn't expect the ball to be hitting him. The ball fell to Yaya and he finished to make it 1-1. Jack Rodwell came on to the applause of pool fans....lol...and had a hand literally in their 2nd goal. Rodwell was harshly pulled up for a handball, and although I cannot stand the fella, you have to take your hat off to that Uruguayan bloke who curled the ball round the wall and into the bottom corner. I have to be honest, I couldn't see City scoring, but then Martin Skrtel played a blind back pass, straight to Carlos Tevez! 2-2!!
The only other thing to come out of this game is how annoyed I am getting with Martin Tyler! He is a good commentator, but having City on 2 weeks in a row, in high scoring games, I am sick the back teeth of hearing how City only win games 3-2 now!! Bore off Tyler!!
Sunday 26 August 2012
Keeper Watch 25/26 Aug
As I am a keeper myself, I have decided to start a new series, and focus on the goalkeeper's weekend performances, from brilliant saves, to shocking moments. There are 3 categories and awards, best overall performance, best save, and shocking moments.
First up are the top 3 BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCES of the day
3rd - DAVID DE GEA (Man Utd Vs Fulham) - People might question him on his ability to come out for crosses, but you can't deny his shot stopping abilities! Kept Utd in the game with several saves.
Runner Up - BRAD FRIEDEL (Tottenham Hotspur Vs WBA) - 40yo and still going strong, and probably has a few years left in him! It makes such a difference to have a keeper who the back four can trust. Pulled off a couple of one on ones in the 2nd half.
WINNER - ALI AL HABSI (Southampton Vs Wigan Athletic) - If Wigan are going to stay up again, they need to be winning games like this, and they will do that if Al Habsi keeps them out at the other end. An underrated keeper, was absolute superb yesterday saving everything thrown his way.
BEST SAVES
3rd - JOHN RUDDY (Norwich City Vs QPR) - Ruddy did what all keepers hate, saved a penalty and saw the rebound go straight to a forward who scored! To be fair, Zamora encroached, and Ruddy will be disappointed, but the penalty save in the bottom left corner was still great as he tipped it on the post.
Runner Up - ALI AL HABSI (Southampton Vs Wigan Athletic) - There was a number to choose from, but in the 1st half, Al Habsi tipped a stinging shot from Adam Lallana onto the bar, and over for a corner.
WINNER - DAVID DE GEA (Man Utd Vs Fulham) - A fantastic double save as he dived to make a save, got up to managed to divert the rebound onto the bar! Brilliant save!!
SHOCKERS
3rd - JUSSI JAAKELAINEN (Swansea Vs West Ham Utd) - Just edged out De Gea (for his help in Vidic OG). Jussi has been a solid premiership keeper, but when down in stages yesterday as he deflected the quality named Angel Rangel's cross cum shot into the goal.
Runner Up - PEPE REINA (Liverpool Vs Man City) - Went walkabout for City's equaliser when they made it 1-1. Came out for a cross and was nowhere near.
WINNER - SHAY GIVEN (Aston Villa Vs Everton) - I almost feel guilty giving this one to Shay as he is such a quality keeper, but I have no idea what he was doing with Fellaini's header. There didn't seem to be any spin, and it never changed direction. Just have to put it down to one of those things! I doubt he will be on my list again!
Aston Villa Vs Everton plater ratings (for Everton)
Well, this wasn't the Everton I know and love! I was dreading this being a case of 'after the lord mayor's show', but it was completely different, we were superb. I watched the game on a live stream and loved every moment, well most of them! Below are my ratings -
TIM HOWARD - 7 - Completely redundant in the first half, and not so busy in the 2nd half. Thought he was at fault for Villa's goal, but on reflection, it didn't half serve when you saw it from the angle of the player who shot!
PHIL NEVILLE - 7 - Solid as ever, everything is simple and done well!
LEIGHTON BAINES - 8 - Tim Howard said on football focus, if Baines leaves, he would cry! I know how he feels! He also said he is solid, consistent and an 8 every week, I could agree more!! Mr dependable!
PHIL JAGIELKA - 8 - Barring 5 mins when Villa scored, he had an easy afternoon. What he was doing on the right wing for Fellaini's goal, I don't know, but glad he was, what a cross!!
SYLVAN DISTIN - 8 - Would have had a goal had it not been for Darren Bent heading off the line. Part of a solid defensive unit!
LEON OSMAN - 7 - Will always give everything, and is always an outlet, but must be the player most at risk with the arrival of Kevin Mirallas.
STEVEN PIENAAR - 8 - Very close to being man of the match, cracking finish, and nearly had a 2nd, had it not been for Given's save. We are a completely different team with Pienaar, he is our creative outlet.
STEVEN NAISMITH - 7 - Fairly quiet game really, no issues though, can see him popping up with a goal or 2 once he settles.
MAROUANE FELLAINI - 8 - Please god, just let the transfer deadline pass! Unplayable at the moment, and scored again, with a little help from Shay Given.
DARRON GIBSON - 9 - Man of the match for me! Has never lost a league game, what a quality record. We lost our way a little when he was subbed. Can pass, has a shot on him, just missed with a dipping volley, and all for £500,000!!
NIKICA JELAVIC - 8 - It's so nice to have a forward who moves! Lovely finish, and yet another goal with his first touch! Could have had a few more as well.
SUBS
SEAMUS COLEMAN - 6 - was given 30 mins, can be a good outlet, as he isn't frightened to run at people, but didn't have much of a go yesterday.
KEVIN MIRALLAS - 7 - I expect he might start Vs Orient in the cup, and will be great to see him play. Looks like he going to fit in, can play in a number of positions, isn't afraid to get hold of the ball, and had a goal disallowed!! Bloody eagle eyed linesman!!
JOHNNY HEITINGA - Not on long enough to get a mark, but great to see him on the pitch again
TIM HOWARD - 7 - Completely redundant in the first half, and not so busy in the 2nd half. Thought he was at fault for Villa's goal, but on reflection, it didn't half serve when you saw it from the angle of the player who shot!
PHIL NEVILLE - 7 - Solid as ever, everything is simple and done well!
LEIGHTON BAINES - 8 - Tim Howard said on football focus, if Baines leaves, he would cry! I know how he feels! He also said he is solid, consistent and an 8 every week, I could agree more!! Mr dependable!
PHIL JAGIELKA - 8 - Barring 5 mins when Villa scored, he had an easy afternoon. What he was doing on the right wing for Fellaini's goal, I don't know, but glad he was, what a cross!!
SYLVAN DISTIN - 8 - Would have had a goal had it not been for Darren Bent heading off the line. Part of a solid defensive unit!
LEON OSMAN - 7 - Will always give everything, and is always an outlet, but must be the player most at risk with the arrival of Kevin Mirallas.
STEVEN PIENAAR - 8 - Very close to being man of the match, cracking finish, and nearly had a 2nd, had it not been for Given's save. We are a completely different team with Pienaar, he is our creative outlet.
STEVEN NAISMITH - 7 - Fairly quiet game really, no issues though, can see him popping up with a goal or 2 once he settles.
MAROUANE FELLAINI - 8 - Please god, just let the transfer deadline pass! Unplayable at the moment, and scored again, with a little help from Shay Given.
DARRON GIBSON - 9 - Man of the match for me! Has never lost a league game, what a quality record. We lost our way a little when he was subbed. Can pass, has a shot on him, just missed with a dipping volley, and all for £500,000!!
NIKICA JELAVIC - 8 - It's so nice to have a forward who moves! Lovely finish, and yet another goal with his first touch! Could have had a few more as well.
SUBS
SEAMUS COLEMAN - 6 - was given 30 mins, can be a good outlet, as he isn't frightened to run at people, but didn't have much of a go yesterday.
KEVIN MIRALLAS - 7 - I expect he might start Vs Orient in the cup, and will be great to see him play. Looks like he going to fit in, can play in a number of positions, isn't afraid to get hold of the ball, and had a goal disallowed!! Bloody eagle eyed linesman!!
JOHNNY HEITINGA - Not on long enough to get a mark, but great to see him on the pitch again
Tuesday 21 August 2012
Everton Vs Man Utd player ratings (well, Everton anyway!)
I managed the report earlier on, and so now onto the Everton player ratings, for the magnificent 1-0 win over Man Utd!!
Tom Howard - 8 - Not much to do in the first half, or 2nd for that fact! However, he pulled off a save from Rooney's freekick in the 1st half, and Kagawa in the 2nd, so was reliable when called upon!
Tony Hibbert - 8 - Worth an 8, purely for 2 fantastic blocks in the final 10/15 mins! Also an 8, as he stayed in position for most of the game.
Phil Jagielka - 9 - To be honest, despite scoring for England last week, I thought Johnny was unlucky to lose his place to Jags! Still, Jags will keep his place for a while to come on this showing, he dangled his leg a few times in the first half and was lucky to make 1 or 2 challenges, but he made a couple of stunning last min tackles in the 2nd half, and cleared one off the line.
Sylvan Distin - 8 - Solid as ever, I think the only mistake he has ever made was in a certain FA Cup game. Hurt his back late on, but carried on! Will carry on for years to come I think.
Leighton Baines - 8 - It's a thing of beauty seeing him and Pienaar together! Would have scored from a freekick, had it not been for De Gea having the game of his life!
Leon Osman - 8 - Is what you call an honest player!! Will run for the cause, and like Hibbert, plays with his heart on his sleeve. Should have scored to be honest, with the effort that hit the bar. Not to worry, sure he will pop up with the odd goal this season.
Phil Neville - 8 - May have played for Man Utd once, but blood runs blue now! Reads a game really well, and isn't frightened to put his foot in! Tired of blues moaning about Phil, he is genuine, and never gives less than 100%
Darron Gibson - 8 - Another former Manc, who swung a lovely corner in for Fellaini. Had a quietish game, but did everything asked of him, and made himself a true blue by joining in with the Gladwys St end, and a chorus of, "It's a grand old team"
Marouane Fellaini - 12 out of 10 - absolutely stunning, brilliant, fantastic, marvellous, use whatever superlative you want, he was an absolute giant yesterday, and not just in stature! I don't care who was playing for Man Utd yesterday, no one would have touched him! Thoroughly deserved his goal! Glad he was subbed in last min to get the standing ovation he deserved.
Steven Pienaar - 9 - I don't care how much we had to pay, and how much he earns, I am so glad to see him back permanently. Was unlucky with 2 chances in the 1st half, no thanks to De Gea! A constant thorn in Utd's side, no one could have said he didn't derserve a goal.
Nikica Jelavic - 8 - Had one of his quiter games for Everton, but it so nice (and a novelty) to see a striker run around up front!! Bring on the goals!!
Subs
Seamus Coleman, Steven Naismith (debut) and Johnny Heitinga all came on with mins to spare to help out. Not on long enough really to get a mark, but as they played, and we won, I will be biased and generous - 8...lol
Everton Vs Man Utd match report
Right, I now feel I can justify doing a match report for last night's game! I am still smiling, and laughing, and I can even remember some of the game! If you had watched the media, before the game, you might have forgotten that Everton were playing, such was the fuss made of one Mr Van Persie.
But instead of a smooth Dutchman with a cultured line in goalscoring grabbing the headlines, it was a rough diamond from neighbouring Belgium with a wild haircut and an attitude to match who had the final word on Manchester United's campaign opener. Marouane Fellaini was a giant last night, not just in stature, but in ability. International team mate Kevin Mirallas was introduced to the crowd just before Kick Off, even he now must realise what kind of club he has joined!
Fellaini didn't just dismantle the Man Utd backline, he completely destroyed it! OK, Utd, had a few defenders out, but that wasn't our fault, and can take nothing away from the performance. It is only one game, and I wouldn't suggest the Man Utd dynasty is over, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Fulham will be putting their foot in next week!
Not only did we start a game with desire and passion, but we kept it going throughout, even when on the backfoot! The tempo, the tactics, the commitment, and the sheer passion of the crowd all forced United into a reverse gear they have previously had little use for. Van Persie must have been watching and wondering what was happening, and by the time he was introduced, Everton had dug their trench and it was too late!
It was Everton who enjoyed decent possession and showed danger every time they fed the ball towards Fellaini, who used his strength to unsettle not just temporary defenders, but Nemanja Vidic too, who looked decidedly rusty after his long term lay off. In the first half, Fellaini posted his intent on 14 minutes when he burst through two challenges to find a shooting chance from a tight angle, but his clever finish found the post with David De Gea beaten. (That shot seems so long ago!!)
For much of the rest of the game, it seemed a contest between the United keeper De Gea, and the Everton team! I don't think anyone has ever had an issue with De Gea's shot stopping, and he was superb last night, keeping the score down to 1! (Can't quite believe I have just typed that...lol)
De Gea saved two efforts from Pienaar - one from a looping heading which was tipped over the bar, and a curling effort towards the far post, which was put out for a corner. De Gea wasn't finished there, as he saved superbly from Leon Osman, when a goal seemed certain! As a keeper myself, I thought it was a world class save, and even a 'save of the season' candidate! Many Everton fans around me were saying 'he just reacted' or ' it hit him, he didn't know about it' - but that's his job, to react and get in the way! Doesn't matter how he does it! De Gea didn't stop there either, as he pulled off a top corner save to deny a deflected free kick from Leighton Baines! If it sounds like it was all Everton at that point, then that's because it was!!
United had only one moment before the break, when Howard saved well from Rooney's free-kick, and the pattern continued afterwards, with Fellaini again causing havoc and Osman this time beating De Gea... only for the crossbar to save United's skin, although to be fair, he should have scored! I was beginning to think it was going to one of those nights, and if he hadn't already been playing out of his skin, step forward Screech!!
Former Utd player Darron Gibson swung in a corner, and up rose Fellaini to head the ball down into the corner and send Goodison mental!! I love Fellaini's song, but never have I heard it sung by the whole crowd! It's hard to describe the euphoria and joy going round the stadium, I just hope Sky Sports could pick it up!
As expected, Utd started to pile the pressure on, but Everton stood firm as Jagielka threw in a few last minute tackles, including a great goal line clearance, and to my surprise Hibbo stayed in position to make a couple of fabulous blocks. Everton began to sit back (why on why do we do this time after time?!) and my heart was going mental! Van Persie came on, but to be fair only touchd the ball a handful of times. I was more worried when Ashley Young came on, and his ability to fall over! Everton, not surprisingly with the effort they had put in, were dying on their feet, and eventually with 10 mins to go, we saw some substitutions to help the players out!
Fellaini more than earnt his MoM award, and was thankfully subbed in the last few mins, so he could receive a well earned standing ovation!! Darron Gibson even joined in with a chorus of 'It's a Grand Old Team...'. It was a proud evening, and a enjoyable ride home! Must admit, if it was on a Saturday afternoon, I would have been nursing a hangover on the Sunday!!
Next up this evening will be my player ratings!!
But instead of a smooth Dutchman with a cultured line in goalscoring grabbing the headlines, it was a rough diamond from neighbouring Belgium with a wild haircut and an attitude to match who had the final word on Manchester United's campaign opener. Marouane Fellaini was a giant last night, not just in stature, but in ability. International team mate Kevin Mirallas was introduced to the crowd just before Kick Off, even he now must realise what kind of club he has joined!
Fellaini didn't just dismantle the Man Utd backline, he completely destroyed it! OK, Utd, had a few defenders out, but that wasn't our fault, and can take nothing away from the performance. It is only one game, and I wouldn't suggest the Man Utd dynasty is over, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Fulham will be putting their foot in next week!
Not only did we start a game with desire and passion, but we kept it going throughout, even when on the backfoot! The tempo, the tactics, the commitment, and the sheer passion of the crowd all forced United into a reverse gear they have previously had little use for. Van Persie must have been watching and wondering what was happening, and by the time he was introduced, Everton had dug their trench and it was too late!
It was Everton who enjoyed decent possession and showed danger every time they fed the ball towards Fellaini, who used his strength to unsettle not just temporary defenders, but Nemanja Vidic too, who looked decidedly rusty after his long term lay off. In the first half, Fellaini posted his intent on 14 minutes when he burst through two challenges to find a shooting chance from a tight angle, but his clever finish found the post with David De Gea beaten. (That shot seems so long ago!!)
For much of the rest of the game, it seemed a contest between the United keeper De Gea, and the Everton team! I don't think anyone has ever had an issue with De Gea's shot stopping, and he was superb last night, keeping the score down to 1! (Can't quite believe I have just typed that...lol)
De Gea saved two efforts from Pienaar - one from a looping heading which was tipped over the bar, and a curling effort towards the far post, which was put out for a corner. De Gea wasn't finished there, as he saved superbly from Leon Osman, when a goal seemed certain! As a keeper myself, I thought it was a world class save, and even a 'save of the season' candidate! Many Everton fans around me were saying 'he just reacted' or ' it hit him, he didn't know about it' - but that's his job, to react and get in the way! Doesn't matter how he does it! De Gea didn't stop there either, as he pulled off a top corner save to deny a deflected free kick from Leighton Baines! If it sounds like it was all Everton at that point, then that's because it was!!
United had only one moment before the break, when Howard saved well from Rooney's free-kick, and the pattern continued afterwards, with Fellaini again causing havoc and Osman this time beating De Gea... only for the crossbar to save United's skin, although to be fair, he should have scored! I was beginning to think it was going to one of those nights, and if he hadn't already been playing out of his skin, step forward Screech!!
Former Utd player Darron Gibson swung in a corner, and up rose Fellaini to head the ball down into the corner and send Goodison mental!! I love Fellaini's song, but never have I heard it sung by the whole crowd! It's hard to describe the euphoria and joy going round the stadium, I just hope Sky Sports could pick it up!
As expected, Utd started to pile the pressure on, but Everton stood firm as Jagielka threw in a few last minute tackles, including a great goal line clearance, and to my surprise Hibbo stayed in position to make a couple of fabulous blocks. Everton began to sit back (why on why do we do this time after time?!) and my heart was going mental! Van Persie came on, but to be fair only touchd the ball a handful of times. I was more worried when Ashley Young came on, and his ability to fall over! Everton, not surprisingly with the effort they had put in, were dying on their feet, and eventually with 10 mins to go, we saw some substitutions to help the players out!
Fellaini more than earnt his MoM award, and was thankfully subbed in the last few mins, so he could receive a well earned standing ovation!! Darron Gibson even joined in with a chorus of 'It's a Grand Old Team...'. It was a proud evening, and a enjoyable ride home! Must admit, if it was on a Saturday afternoon, I would have been nursing a hangover on the Sunday!!
Next up this evening will be my player ratings!!
Sunday 19 August 2012
Premiership round up! 18/19/20 AUG
So, the Premiership season has kicked off, and to be honest, it has been a little short on controversy for an opening weekend...lol...although yesterday I said I would be an adopted Baggie, and how they delivered!! In what was probably shock result of the day, the Baggies well and truly beat the red side from across the park 3-0. From the highlights, you can Brendan Rodgers wants them to play football from the back, but not sure Martin Skrtel is completely happy with that, as last season, that ball would have been hoofed out, or played long, but yesterday he dallied (quality word...lol) and gave away a pen as Shane Long made up for a shocking penalty miss just a few mins early. It could have been worse for the reds had James Morrison not missed a sitter after being set up well from Lukaku. Still, I am happy with the end result!!
Not far behind on the shock value was Swansea and Fulham both winning 5-0 against QPR and Norwich respectively. First up QPR will have severely disappointed their fans after a number of summer signings. Rob Green let one slip through his hands to start to rot, and one of Swansea's new signings Michu must be thinking he has it made! His 2nd goal was just pure class, and I expect we might be seeing some more of his lovely touches this season. Swansea have been many people's bets, along with Norwich, to have 2nd season syndrome and struggle. On this evidence of this game, if they carry on playing football this way, they will be fine, but much of that will be if they can keep hold of their players during this transfer window.
Norwich let in 66 goals last season, and it didn't start well for them yesterday as everything fell into place Fulham. I don't think it will change Clint Dempsey's mind, which is a shame, as the way he is leaving the club is showing a little disrespect to a club who have really developed him and put him on the world scene.
Fat Sam led West Ham to a sneaky 1-0 win over the Villa. The goal looked offside, and as much as we criticise referees, and yes I will be do so many times this season (hopefully not tomorrow), but yesterday the decision to allow the 'offside' goal was a good decision by Mike Dean as the ball just glanced of Villa defender Ciaran Clark. Villa seemed to have plenty of possession (from MOTD highlights), but had no killer instinct, and at times, I had even forgot that Darren Bent was playing.
The Sat 3pm kick offs finished with a bore draw between Arsenal and Sunderland, though I expect Mackem fans are much the happier (I would be if Everton got a point there!). The only major highlight seemed to be the poor miss from Arsenal debutant Giroud.
Into the evening, we went to St James, and saw Newcastle Utd take on Spurs and Villa Boas! Newcastle look like they may well keep up their form from last season, and a terrific finish from Demba Ba - only his 2nd goal since Pape Cisse joined - gave the Geordies the lead! Spurs equalised with 15mins to go wth a poacher's goal from Jermaine Defoe (I really rate Defoe, and am surprised he has never been snapped up by a bigger name, no offence Spurs fan, as he is a natural finisher). Ben Arfa scored the winner from the spot, after he won the penalty by wriggling through 2 players on the edge of the area.
Onto Sunday and we started with Chelsea Wigan, and after just 7mins, Chelsea were 2 up through Ivanovic and Lampard. The game ended 2-0 and in a way Wigan did well to keep it to 2, as their fans must have feared the worst. Next up were the Champions Man City against new boys Southampton. For me, the biggest shock was that Jack Rodwell got a start! Aguero didn't last long, and went off with a knee injury, which City are saying doesn't look as bad as first feared, I hope so for their sake, as the look on his face, it suggests he may be out for a good few weeks.
Southampton battled well, and just before half time, Tevez broke the deadlock. To be fair to Southampton, they kept at it, and changed it after half time, and Ricky Lambert, who was unlucky to start on the bench, equalised, and then a complete shock was on the cards, as fellow sub Steven Davis beautifully controlled a shot into the bottom corner. That served to kick City into gear, and then we had to spend the next 20mins with Martin Tyler reminding us of the final game of last season! And what happened? The same, as City came back to win 3-2 to win with goals from Dzeko and Nasri.
So, one game left, and it's the mighty blues who await the visit of Man Utd, and Van Persie!! And several other superstars, but I don't care, as yet again I am hopeful of a good result, and night games at Goodison are a joy to behold!! And we will have an atmosphere tomorrow, especially with the added bonus of our new signing Kevin Mirallas, though he cannot play as he missed the Friday deadline!
Not far behind on the shock value was Swansea and Fulham both winning 5-0 against QPR and Norwich respectively. First up QPR will have severely disappointed their fans after a number of summer signings. Rob Green let one slip through his hands to start to rot, and one of Swansea's new signings Michu must be thinking he has it made! His 2nd goal was just pure class, and I expect we might be seeing some more of his lovely touches this season. Swansea have been many people's bets, along with Norwich, to have 2nd season syndrome and struggle. On this evidence of this game, if they carry on playing football this way, they will be fine, but much of that will be if they can keep hold of their players during this transfer window.
Norwich let in 66 goals last season, and it didn't start well for them yesterday as everything fell into place Fulham. I don't think it will change Clint Dempsey's mind, which is a shame, as the way he is leaving the club is showing a little disrespect to a club who have really developed him and put him on the world scene.
Fat Sam led West Ham to a sneaky 1-0 win over the Villa. The goal looked offside, and as much as we criticise referees, and yes I will be do so many times this season (hopefully not tomorrow), but yesterday the decision to allow the 'offside' goal was a good decision by Mike Dean as the ball just glanced of Villa defender Ciaran Clark. Villa seemed to have plenty of possession (from MOTD highlights), but had no killer instinct, and at times, I had even forgot that Darren Bent was playing.
The Sat 3pm kick offs finished with a bore draw between Arsenal and Sunderland, though I expect Mackem fans are much the happier (I would be if Everton got a point there!). The only major highlight seemed to be the poor miss from Arsenal debutant Giroud.
Into the evening, we went to St James, and saw Newcastle Utd take on Spurs and Villa Boas! Newcastle look like they may well keep up their form from last season, and a terrific finish from Demba Ba - only his 2nd goal since Pape Cisse joined - gave the Geordies the lead! Spurs equalised with 15mins to go wth a poacher's goal from Jermaine Defoe (I really rate Defoe, and am surprised he has never been snapped up by a bigger name, no offence Spurs fan, as he is a natural finisher). Ben Arfa scored the winner from the spot, after he won the penalty by wriggling through 2 players on the edge of the area.
Onto Sunday and we started with Chelsea Wigan, and after just 7mins, Chelsea were 2 up through Ivanovic and Lampard. The game ended 2-0 and in a way Wigan did well to keep it to 2, as their fans must have feared the worst. Next up were the Champions Man City against new boys Southampton. For me, the biggest shock was that Jack Rodwell got a start! Aguero didn't last long, and went off with a knee injury, which City are saying doesn't look as bad as first feared, I hope so for their sake, as the look on his face, it suggests he may be out for a good few weeks.
Southampton battled well, and just before half time, Tevez broke the deadlock. To be fair to Southampton, they kept at it, and changed it after half time, and Ricky Lambert, who was unlucky to start on the bench, equalised, and then a complete shock was on the cards, as fellow sub Steven Davis beautifully controlled a shot into the bottom corner. That served to kick City into gear, and then we had to spend the next 20mins with Martin Tyler reminding us of the final game of last season! And what happened? The same, as City came back to win 3-2 to win with goals from Dzeko and Nasri.
So, one game left, and it's the mighty blues who await the visit of Man Utd, and Van Persie!! And several other superstars, but I don't care, as yet again I am hopeful of a good result, and night games at Goodison are a joy to behold!! And we will have an atmosphere tomorrow, especially with the added bonus of our new signing Kevin Mirallas, though he cannot play as he missed the Friday deadline!
Saturday 18 August 2012
Football Forums! What's the point?
There is something addictive about football forums, I love reading what people have to say, much like reading blogs, but whilst I enjoy reading genuine comments, I do get frustrated and angry with the idiots who just go on to rile people or to get reactions! These people just need to F*%$ off!!
I have been reading quite a bit on Portsmouth recently, and every now and again I read comments at the end, and I am staggered at the amount of Scummer fans who are leaving comments, and laughing at what is happening!! For those of you who don't know, Scummer fans, are Southampton fans (for those genuine Southampton fans who may be reading this, I DO NOT include you in that description, as I know you have been through similar dark days and understand what it means. It's a term I use for the ones who really have no idea what football means to someone!)
What I don't understand is why a so called Southampton fan would go on a Portsmouth website, the same goes for my beloved Everton, I was an article the other day, and a few kopites had decided to comment and try be humourous!! I could NEVER go on an arch rivals website, I would just feel dirty typing the words into a google search to start with!
So, boys (and girls), put your energies into your own side, and vent your frustration about team selection, tactics etc with fans of your own team!
I have been reading quite a bit on Portsmouth recently, and every now and again I read comments at the end, and I am staggered at the amount of Scummer fans who are leaving comments, and laughing at what is happening!! For those of you who don't know, Scummer fans, are Southampton fans (for those genuine Southampton fans who may be reading this, I DO NOT include you in that description, as I know you have been through similar dark days and understand what it means. It's a term I use for the ones who really have no idea what football means to someone!)
What I don't understand is why a so called Southampton fan would go on a Portsmouth website, the same goes for my beloved Everton, I was an article the other day, and a few kopites had decided to comment and try be humourous!! I could NEVER go on an arch rivals website, I would just feel dirty typing the words into a google search to start with!
So, boys (and girls), put your energies into your own side, and vent your frustration about team selection, tactics etc with fans of your own team!
Premiership!!
Well, it's the long awaited start of the Premiership, I shall be doing my best to do weekly reports and discuss the controversial decisions! Let's be honest, we know there will be one today!
Yet again Sky Sports have ruined the start of the season though, and I have to wait until Monday to start my season, which just feels like an anti climax, especially with our first game of last season being postponed due to the Tottenham riots!!
So, bar following Pompey today, I am going to have to be an adopted Baggie!! Boing Boing!!
Yet again Sky Sports have ruined the start of the season though, and I have to wait until Monday to start my season, which just feels like an anti climax, especially with our first game of last season being postponed due to the Tottenham riots!!
So, bar following Pompey today, I am going to have to be an adopted Baggie!! Boing Boing!!
Thursday 16 August 2012
League Two focus!
And finally, the League two low down and all their business!!
ACCRINGTON
Manager: Paul Cook
Position last season: 14th
Nickname: Stanley
Ground: The Crown Ground
Capacity: 5,057
Players in: Toto Nsiala (Everton, free), Bohan Dixon (unattached), Lewis Hatch (Liverpool, free), Luke Clark, George Miller (both Preston, free), Michael Liddle (Sunderland, undisclosed), Aidan Chippendale (unattached), Tom Eckersley (Bolton, free), James Gray (unattached, free), Karl Sheppard (Reading, loan)
Players out: Kevin McIntyre (Rochdale, free), Danny Coid, Liam Willis, Alan Burton, Kurtis Guthrie and Sean Hessey (all released)
Key man: Dean Winnard
Chances: No great expectations on Cook ahead of his first full season in charge with Stanley which is expected to be a transitional one after John Coleman's lengthy tenure.
AFC WIMBLEDON
Manager: Terry Brown
Position last season: 16th
Nickname: The Dons
Ground: Cherry Red Records Stadium/Kingsmeadow
Capacity: 4,720
Players in: Curtis Osano (Luton, free), Stacy Long (Stevenage, free), Louis Harris (Wolves, free), Warren Cummings (Bournemouth, free), Pim Balkestein (Brentford, free), Angus MacDonald (Reading, loan)
Players out: Sam Hatton, Jamie Stuart, Chris Bush, Fraser Franks, Gareth Gwillim, Brett Johnson, Reece Jones, Ricky Wellard, Kieran Djilali, Ryan Jackson and Jack Turner (all released)
Key man: Jack Midson
Chances: Brown has been wheeling and dealing on a limited budget as usual but his best piece of business was persuading Midson to sign a new contract. Midson's 20 goals kept the Dons out of trouble last season and they should steer clear again this term.
ALDERSHOT
Manager: Dean Holdsworth
Position last season: 11th
Nickname: The Shots
Ground: Recreation Ground
Capacity: 7,100
Players in: Anthony Tonkin (Oxford, free), Ollie Lancashire (Walsall, free), Troy Brown (Rotherham, free), Guy Branston (Bradford, free), Craig Stanley (Bristol Rovers, free), Craig Reid (Stevenage, undisclosed), Sonny Bradley (Hull, loan)
Players out: Darren Jones (Shrewsbury, free), Anthony Straker (Southend, tribunal fee), Bradley Bubb (Woking, season-long loan)
Key man: Peter Vincenti
Chances: Aldershot manager Holdsworth showed his commitment to the club by opting not to join promoted Crawley over the summer. A famous League Cup run was the catalyst for a mid-table finish last term and Holdsworth will be targeting a play-off push this year.
BARNET
Manager: Mark Robson
Position last season: 22nd
Nickname: The Bees
Ground: Underhill
Capacity: 6,023
Players in: Sam Cowler, Jordan Brown and Olly Lee (West Ham, free), Freddie Warren (Charlton, free), Ahmed Abdulla (Dagenham, free), Jon Nurse (Dagenham, free), Jake Hyde (Dundee, free), Jonathan Fortune (Exeter, free)
Players out: Izale McLeod, Dean Brill, Sam Cox, Darren Dennehy, Jordan Parkes, Alassane N'Diaye and Mark Marshall (all released), Sam Deering (Cheltenham, free)
Key man: Ricky Holmes
Chances: Barnet made their now traditional final-day escape from relegation last term but have since lost top scorer McLeod, so another tough campaign beckons in what will be the club's last season at Underhill.
BRADFORD
Manager: Phil Parkinson
Position last season: 18th
Nickname: The Bantams
Ground: Coral Windows Stadium/Valley Parade
Capacity: 25,136
Players in: Andrew Davies (Stoke, free), Rory McArdle (Aberdeen, released), Gary Jones (Rochdale, free), James Meredith (York, free), Will Atkinson (Hull, free), Garry Thompson (Scunthorpe, free), Stephen Darby (Liverpool, free), Alan Connell (Swindon, free), Nathan Doyle (Barnsley, free)
Players out: Robbie Threlfall (Morecambe, free), Guy Branston (Aldershot, free), Lee Bullock (York, free), Marcel Seip, Rob Kozluk, Luke Dean, Steve Williams, Dean Overson, Andrew Burns, Dominic Rowe and Darren Stephenson (all released)
Key man: Nahki Wells
Chances: Surely poised to launch a serious promotion challenge after big investment in new players during the summer.
BRISTOL ROVERS
Manager: Mark McGhee
Position last season: 13th
Nickname: The Pirates
Ground: Memorial Stadium
Capacity: 12,100
Players in: Conor Gough (Charlton, free), Oliver Norburn (Leicester, free), Matthew Lund (Stoke, loan),
Players out: Gary Sawyer (Leyton Orient, free), Craig Stanley (Aldershot, free), Lance Cronin (Macclesfield, free), Byron Anthony, Scott McGleish, Charlie Reece, Charlie Clough, Michael Boateng, Lamar Powell, Darren Jefferies and James Dale (all released), Chris Zebroski (Cheltenham, undisclosed)
Key man: Matt Harrold
Chances: McGhee has experienced promotions with Reading, Millwall and Brighton and after steering Bristol Rovers away from the Football League trap door last season, the vastly-knowledgeable Scot will be looking for another push although a mid-table finish is more likely.
BURTON
Manager: Gary Rowett
Position last season: 17th
Nickname: The Brewers
Ground: Pirelli Stadium
Capacity: 6,912
Players in: Robbie Weir (Tranmere, free), Zander Diamond (Oldham, free), Damien McCrory (Dagenham, free), Marcus Holness (Rochdale, free), Ross Atkins (Derby, loan), Dean Lyness (Kidderminster, free)
Players out: Danny Blanchett (York, free), Tony James (Newport, free), Ryan Austin, Adam Bolder, Greg Pearson, James Wren, Kristian Ramsey-Dickson, Andres Gurrieri and Patrick Ada (all released)
Key man: Calvin Zola
Chances: Rowett has freshened things up during the close season but a mid-table finish would represent success in his first full season in charge.
CHELTENHAM
Manager: Mark Yates
Position last season: 6th
Nickname: The Robins
Ground: Whaddon Road
Capacity: 7,066
Players in: Sam Deering (Barnet, free), Chris Zebroski (Bristol Rovers, undisclosed), Shaun Harrad (Bury, season-long loan), Billy Jones (Exeter, free),
Players out: Luke Summerfield (Shrewsbury, free), Josh Low (Bath, free), Theo Lewis and Brian Smikle (released)
Key man: Marlon Pack
Chances: Having lost to Crewe in last season's play-off final at Wembley, Cheltenham will hope to quickly erase those memories and progress automatically this time. In what will be an extremely tough division to get out of, the Robins should be up there once again.
CHESTERFIELD
Manager: John Sheridan
Position last season: 22nd in League One
Nickname: The Spireites
Ground: b2net Stadium
Capacity: 10,600
Players in: Richard O'Donnell (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Marc Richards (Port Vale, free), Sam Hird (Doncaster, free), Terrell Forbes (Leyton Orient, free), Sam Togwell (Scunthorpe, free), Andrew Byrne (Bradford, free)
Players out: Gregor Robertson (Crewe, free), Jimmy Juan (Chamois Niortais, free), Aaron Downes (Torquay, free), Greg Fleming, Simon Ford, Dan Gray, Jamie Lowry, Alex Mendy, Dean Morgan and Derek Niven (all released)
Key man: Neal Trotman
Chances: Champions the last time they were in the bottom tier two years ago, the Spireites should be eyeing a title tilt once again. Sheridan has made some good signings this summer and the arrival of the prolific Marc Richards could give them the edge over their promotion rivals.
Sky Bet odds: 11/1
DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
Manager: John Still
Position last season: 19th
Nickname: The Daggers
Ground: Victoria Road
Capacity: 6,078
Players in: Gavin Hoyte (Arsenal, free)
Players out: Gavin Tomlin (Southend, undisclosed), Damien McCrory (Burton, free), Ahmed Abdulla (Barnet, free), Jon Nurse (Barnet, free), Mark Arber, Peter Gain, Phil Walsh, Jonjo Bates, Lee Wootton and Adam Cunnington (all released)
Key man: Brian Woodall
Chances: Having only added former Arsenal defender Hoyte to their squad, Dagenham will do well to stay in League Two this season, after avoiding a second successive relegation last year.
Woodall scored 11 league goals last season and remains the Daggers' key man.
Sky Bet odds: 50/1
EXETER
Manager: Paul Tisdale
Position last season: 23rd in League One
Nickname: The Grecians
Ground: St James Park
Capacity: 8,541
Players in: Rhys Evans (Staines, free), Kevin Amankwaah (Rochdale, free), Pat Baldwin (Southend, free), Arron Davies (Northampton, released), Craig Woodman (Brentford, free), Jordan Tilson (free agent), Matt Oakley (Leicester, free), Jamie Cureton (Leyton Orient, free)
Players out: Daniel Nardiello (Rotherham, free), James Dunne (Stevenage, free), Troy Archibald-Henville (Swindon, undisclosed), Richard Logan (Wycombe, free), Richard Duffy (Port Vale, free), David Noble (Rotherham, free), Lenny Pidgeley, Richard Logan, Chris Shephard, Callum McNish and Luke O'Brien (all released), Jonathan Fortune (Barnet, free)
Key man: Matt Oakley
Chances: Back in League Two after relegation last season, Exeter will be hoping to bounce back at the first attempt. Manager Tisdale has moved to bring in experienced duo Oakley and Cureton, back for a third spell, this summer and those two will be vital to the cause.
FLEETWOOD
Manager: Micky Mellon
Position last season: 1st in Blue Square Bet Premier
Nickname: The Cod Army
Ground: Highbury Stadium
Capacity: 5,094
Players in: Dean Howell (Crawley, free), Alex Titchiner (Witton Albion, undisclosed), Chris Maxwell (Wrexham, free), Damien Johnson (Huddersfield, free), Jon Parkin (Cardiff, free), Steven Gillespie (Colchester, undisclosed), Barry Nicholson (Preston, undisclosed), Conor McLaughlin (Preston, free), David Ball (Peterborough, undisclosed), Youl Mawene (Aberdeen, free), Gerard Kinsella (unattached, free)
Players out: Magno Vieira (Forest Green, free), Jamie Vardy (Leicester, £1million), Peter Cavanagh (Rochdale, free), Danny Rowe (Stockport, six-month loan), Kieran Charnock (Macclesfield, six-month loan), Sean Clancy (Chester, free), Keith Briggs (Kidderminster, free), Dave Stevenson, Gareth Sneddon, Paul Lindwood, Matty Hughes, Matty Flynn, Paul Edwards (all released)
Key man: Jon Parkin
Chances: The ambitious Cod Army are a good bet for a tilt at back-to-back promotions, irrespective of whether Joey Barton joins on loan.
GILLINGHAM
Manager: Martin Allen
Position last season: 8th
Nickname: The Gills
Ground: Priestfield Stadium
Capacity: 11,582
Players in: Stuart Nelson (Notts County, free), Charlie Allen (Notts County, free), Ben Strevens (Wycombe, free), Tommy Forecast (Southampton, loan), Tom Flanagan (MK Dons, loan), Deon Burton (Gabala FC, free)
Players out: Garry Richards (Luton, free), Dean Rance (Dover, free), Dennis Oli (Wycombe, free), Jo Kuffour, Matt Lawrence, Danny Spiller and Curtis Weston (all released), Paulo Gazzaniga (Southampton, undisclosed), Simon King (Inverness, free)
Key man: Chris Whelpdale
Chances: Confidence is high at the Priestfield ahead of the new season, with new manager Allen looking to improve on Gillingham's eighth-placed finish last season. Former boss Andy Hessenthaler is now director of football at the club who finished just two points off the play-offs last year.
MORECAMBE
Manager: Jim Bentley
Position last season: 15th
Nickname: The Shrimps
Ground: Globe Arena
Capacity: 6,476
Players in: Robbie Threlfall (Bradford, free), Andrew Wright (Scunthorpe, free), James Short (trainee), Chris Doyle (trainee), Richard Brodie (Crawley, loan)
Players out: Lawrie Wilson (Rotherham, free), Garry Hunter, Niall Cowperthwaite, Sean Breen and Joe Culshaw (all released)
Key man: Kevin Ellison
Chances: Richard Brodie is a welcome addition to ease the goal burden placed on Ellison as the Shrimps prepare for another season in mid-table.
NORTHAMPTON
Manager: Aidy Boothroyd
Position last season: 20th
Nickname: The Cobblers
Ground: Sixfields Stadium
Capacity: 7,653
Players in: Clive Platt (Coventry, free), Alex Nicholls (Walsall, free), Ishmel Demontagnac (Notts Co, released), Chris Hackett (Millwall, free), Joe Widdowson (Rochdale, free), Lee Nicholls (Wigan, loan), David Artell (Port Vale, free)
Players out: Michael Jacobs (Derby, undisclosed compensation), Lewis Young (Yeovil, free), Andy Holt, Freddy Hall, Nat Wedderburn, Michael Built, Jason Crowe and Ryan Gilligan, Arron Davies (all released)
Key man: Clive Platt
Chances: Boothroyd saved Town from relegation last season but after a busy summer and a big turnaround in players, there is a feeling at Sixfields that a play-off push is not out of the question.
OXFORD
Manager: Chris Wilder
Position last season: 9th
Nickname: The U's
Ground: Kassam Stadium
Capacity: 12,500
Players in: Sean Rigg (Port Vale, free), Michael Raynes (Rotherham, free), Sean McGinty (Manchester United, six-month loan)
Players out: Oli Johnson (York, free), Asa Hall (Shrewsbury, free), Paul McLaren, Anthony Tonkin, Mark Wilson and Aaron Woodley (all released)
Key man: James Constable
Chances: Oxford were on course for a play-off berth last season before being pipped to seventh place by Crewe, who ended up securing promotion via the play-offs. Wilder's side will be aiming to go one better this time and expect them to be there or thereabouts.
PLYMOUTH
Manager: Carl Fletcher
Position last season: 21st
Nickname: Argyle, the Pilgrims
Ground: Home Park
Capacity: 16,388
Players in: Paris Cowan-Hall (Woking, tribunal fee), Rene Gilmartin (Watford, free), Johnny Gorman (Wolves, loan), Rhys Griffiths (Port Talbot Town, free), Jamie Lowry (Chesterfield, free)
Players out: Luke Daley and Damien Johnson (both released), Romain Larrieu (retired), Simon Walton (Hartlepool, free)
Key man: Darren Purse
Chances: Fletcher performed miracles at Plymouth last season when the club, who were also in financial turmoil, came dangerously close to losing their Football League status. In the end they survived by two points but should be in a stronger position this time.
Sky Bet odds: 25/1
PORT VALE
Manager: Micky Adams
Position last season: 12th
Nickname: The Valiants
Ground: Vale Park
Capacity: 19,052
Players in: Darren Murphy (Stevenage, free), Jennison Myrie-Williams (Stevenage, free), Ashley Vincent (Colchester, free), Richard Duffy (Exeter, free), Chris Neal (Shrewsbury, free)
Players out: Lee Collins (Barnsley, undisclosed), Anthony Griffith (Leyton Orient, undisclosed), Sean Rigg (Oxford, free), Marc Richards (Chesterfield, free), Chris Martin, Phil Roe and Paul Marshall (all released), David Artell (Northampton, free)
Key man: Tom Pope
Chances: A slump into administration ended Vale's play-off ambitions last term and, although ownership issues have not been fully resolved, a brighter off-field picture means Adams should be free to craft an unhindered assault on the top seven once again.
Sky Bet odds: 20/1
ROCHDALE
Manager: John Coleman
Position last season: 24th in League One
Nickname: Dale
Ground: Spotland
Capacity: 10,249
Players in: George Donnelly (Macclesfield, undisclosed), Peter Cavanagh (Fleetwood, free), Rhys Bennett (Bolton, free), Josh Lillis (Scunthorpe, free), Ryan Edwards (Blackburn, six-month youth loan), Kevin McIntyre (Accrington, free), Joe Rafferty (Liverpool, free), Phil Edwards (free agent), Dele Adebola (free agent)
Players out: Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere, free), Nicky Adams (Crawley, undisclosed), Gary Jones (Bradford, free), Kevin Amankwaah (Exeter, free), David Lucas (Birmingham, free), Dean Holden (Walsall, free), Stephen Jordan, Joe Widdowson and Marc Twaddle (all released), Joe Thompson (Tranmere, undisclosed)
Key man: Josh Lillis
Chances: Dale are back in the bottom tier after two seasons in League Two and an immediate return would appear to be a tall order.
Sky Bet odds: 28/1
ROTHERHAM
Manager: Steve Evans
Position last season: 10th
Nickname: The Millers
Ground: New York Stadium
Capacity: 12,000
Players in: Daniel Nardiello (Exeter, free), Kayode Odejayi (Colchester, free), Ian Sharps (Shrewsbury, free), Nicky Hunt (Bristol City, free), Kari Arnason (Aberdeen, free), Scott Shearer (Crawley, free), Michael O'Connor (Scunthorpe, free), Lionel Ainsworth (free), Lawrie Wilson (Morecambe, free), David Noble (Exeter, free), Kieran Agard (Yeovil, free).
Players out: Marcus Marshall (Bury, free), Danny Harrison (Tranmere, free), Lewis Grabban (Bournemouth, undisclosed), Ryan Cresswell (Southend, undisclosed), Michael Raynes (Oxford, free) Richard Naylor, Ollie Banks, Luke Foster, Tom Newey, Jamie Annerson, Troy Brown (all released), Paul Warne (retired)
Key man: Michael O'Connor
Chances: Serious automatic promotion contenders and the team to beat in their first season in their New York Stadium.
Sky Bet odds: 100/30
SOUTHEND
Manager: Paul Sturrock
Position last season: 4th
Nickname: The Shrimpers
Ground: Roots Hall
Capacity: 12,392
Players in: Kevan Hurst (Walsall, free), Gavin Tomlin (Dagenham, undisclosed), Anthony Straker (Aldershot, tribunal fee), Ryan Cresswell (Rotherham, undisclosed), Freddy Eastwood (Coventry, free)
Players out: Anthony Grant (Stevenage, free), Pat Baldwin (Exeter, free), Jean-Paul Kalala (released), Christian Dailly (retired)
Key man: Bilel Mohsni
Chances: Southend are among a group of clubs chasing promotion this season after ending last year just one point away from automatic promotion. The Shrimpers were edged out of the play-off semi-final by eventual winners Crewe. Manager Sturrock will be hoping to avoid the end-of-season lottery this time around.
TORQUAY
Manager: Martin Ling
Position last season: 5th
Nickname: The Gulls
Ground: Plainmoor
Capacity: 6,104
Players in: Ryan Jarvis (Walsall, free), Craig Easton (free agent), Michael Poke (Brighton, free), Tom Cruise (Arsenal, free), Billy Bodin (Swindon, undisclosed), Aaron Downes (Chesterfield, free)
Players out: Lathaniel Rowe-Turner (Luton, free), Mark Ellis (Crewe, undisclosed), Eunan O'Kane (Bournemouth, undisclosed)
Key man: Billy Bodin
Chances: Torquay are expected to be in the promotion shake-up once again having lost out to Cheltenham in last season's play-off semi-finals. Ling won promotion with Leyton Orient in 2006 and would dearly love to avenge last season's disappointment.
WYCOMBE
Manager: Gary Waddock
Position last season: 21st in League One
Nickname: The Chairboys
Ground: Adams Park
Capacity: 10,284
Players in: Gary Doherty (Charlton, free), Matt Spring (Leyton Orient, free), Sam Wood (Brentford, free), Dennis Oli (Gillingham, free), Lee Angol (Tottenham, free), Richard Logan (Exeter, free),
Players out: Steve Arnold (Stevenage, free), Scott Rendell (Luton, undisclosed), Ben Strevens, Anthony McNamee, John Halls, James Tunnicliffe and (all released), Ben Strevens (Gillingham, free), Jason Mooney (Tranmere, free)
Key man: Nikki Bull
Chances: Wycombe are another side bidding to bounce back to League One at the first attempt after relegation last season. Waddock knows what it takes to get out of this division having secured promotion in 2010-11 in the former QPR defender's first full season at Adams Park.
YORK
Manager: Gary Mills
Position last season: 4th in Blue Square Bet Premier
Nickname: The Minstermen
Ground: Bootham Crescent
Capacity: 7,872
Players in: Lee Bullock (Bradford, free), Oli Johnson (Oxford, free), John McReady (Darlington, free), Michael Coulson (Grimsby, free), Danny Blanchett (Burton, free), Jonathan Smith (Swindon, undisclosed)
Players out: James Meredith (Bradford, free)
Key man: Matty Blair
Chances: Consolidation will be the key for York as they mark their return to the Football League after an eight-year absence. May not be able to keep up with Fleetwood but should have enough to preserve their status.
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