...In 1961 Manchester United's scout in Northern Ireland, Bob bishop, telegrammed the clubs' legendary manager Matt Busby in a state of unusual excitement.

"I think I have found you a genius," he eagerly explained.

He had indeed. But neither bishop, Busby nor anybody else could have imagined the impact his skin and bone, fifteen year old discove...more

Premiership Transfer Window Review - Part Two

...ncluding a 3-1 derby win over bitter rivals United.

Pearce has boosted the ranks with the 6 million signing of Greek striker Georgios Samaras from Heerenveen after allowing Robbie Fowler to rejoin Liverpool and the loan capture of Espanyol midfielder Alberto Riera. Pearces managerial qualities have not gone unnoticed and he is quoted at 20/1 to succeed Sven Goran Eriksson as the next england boss.

Manchester United
The former Premiership powerhouses have been exposed yet again this season as being nowhere near Chelsea in terms of results, consistency and strength in depth. However, the Glaziers sanctioned the arrivals of Spartak Moscow defender Nemanja Vidic Spartak for 7 million and 5.5 million signing Patrice Evra.

A dire spell in europe has seen them with the Carling Cup one of their only chances of silverware this season although Sir Alex Fergusons side are still 5/6 favourites for the Premiership without Chelsea. Strike duo Ruud van Nistelrooy is 5/6 and Wayne Rooney 10/1 to top the Premiership scoring charts.

Middlesbrough
One of the pre season outsiders for a top four position, Middlesbrough are now staring relegation...more

English Soccer - England's Football League Division One Review

...It would appear that Swindon Town have been keeping an eye on Football england recently, at least that's what I'm claiming anyway. Since I tipped them as most likely to stay up in the now ferocious relegation battle, they haven't put a foot wrong.

This was confirmed by another good win at home to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

The 2-1 victory, gives them three on the bounce on the row, and confidence seems to have been restored. Any struggling teams yet to visit the County Ground - beware.

Manager Iffy Onoura was well pleased with the latest result, and also seems optimistic of survival. Perhaps he's also in a good mood because the proposed television project featuring Big Ron has been booted into row z, early doors.

At the top, Southend reconfirmed their promotion credentials with a fine 2-0 away defeat of Yeovil, which keeps them top. Shaun Goater scored the second, and his goals could be vital in the remainder of the season.

Brentford too perhaps have been reading this column. Last week I voiced ...more

Soccer Systems of Play, Positional Dynamics and team Formation 4-5-1

...ack or attacking play. They usually play from side to side rather than up and down the field.
This defender is involved in shutting down any play and play making.
These players really read the game well. They need to, or they would be doing all the running as the ball is in constant motion.

Midfield;

5, midfielders,

Two outside/wing players who dominate the flanks of the field. They also act as attackers creating many scoring opportunities for their teams.
These are hard working players and a usually super-fit. However sometimes after a few runs on the side these can switch with inside players for a rest.
If this is possible, the team can keep their opponents confused and always looking for changing plays and positions.
This type of positonal play can not be defended by a man-on-man team defense. This requires a good zone defense and a constantly communicative team.

The 2 inside players are usually de...more

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