Only a Phonecall Away.

He's in the squad.
But he's not going.
He is going.
Now he's definitely not.

Not a moment too quick, the Rio Ferdinand and England drama has come to an end. The joke is, it could have all been prevented if Roy Hodgson had just bothered to pick up the phone. It's so simple, it's not even funny.

For months, the whispers to recall Ferdinand have got louder and the England manager finally decided to listen yet doing it in the manner that he did; hasn't done him any favours.

We can all agree that the defender currently playing for the Champions-elect is not the injury-hit player of 18 months ago. His performances and the injuries and inconsistency of others, means he fully deserves a place in the squad. If not the team.

It was clear that Ferdinand and the medical team at Manchester United had worked hard to find a system that allowed him to play regularly, without any serious problems. So it's curious that the England boss didn't think to contact the club and/or the player before calling him up.

Given the way the defender was left at home prior to Euro 2012, some may also feel an apology should have been on offer. He was clearly aggrieved by Hodgson's decision to more-or-less take John Terry's side, while there are also the 'football reasons' that have never quite been explained.

Sir Alex Ferguson's comments last week were no surprise. The manager has long been vocal that Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs' decisions to retire, helped them prolong their club careers. But as well as thinking about the best interests of his club, he is thinking about the best interests of his player. At the age of 34, the former Leeds star is in the last lap of his top-flight career, it is logical that he would also want to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

That is why it is understandable the player has pulled out of the double header against San Marino and Montenegro. Two games that require a fair amount of travel and also games that England should win without too much fuss. The decision to meet and explain to the manager, makes it hard for many to question Ferdinand's motives or doubt his commitment to his national side.

As for Hodgson, it could be said he won't come out of this so well. His subdued character is a stark change from previous national managers such as Fabio Capello, but it appears to be working well enough with two wins and two draws from four qualifying games.

But you have to admit, this situation could have been easily prevented. That much is clear. Hodgson or his team don't appear to be on the ball in regards to what is going on with English players. An area they should know inside and out. Surely that is part of his job description?

Maybe this is the time for the England manager to become more thorough, and make sure he knows exactly what is going on with the professionals who are available to play for him.

Because when or if things go wrong, he may end up looking like a bit of a bumbling fool.

What Will Be...

I haven't said much about the Robin van Persie situation, mostly because so much is being said already. And there's only so much moaning anyone can put up with, from one set of fans!

But I've had this blog in my head for a couple of days now, so I thought it was about time to get it out.

To be honest, I'm not even angry that Robin has decided not to sign a new contract. I'm more disappointed with the fact that he feels that the club doesn't share his vision and more so, with the statement he released on his personal website. For someone who has often waxed lyrical about his love of the club and his respect for Mr Wenger; I'm sure he could've done it with even just a smidgen of class. Although if it was down to his advisers, we all know enough to realise they are not often the classiest of people.

If that is how he genuinely feels then he's entitled to his opinion, even if I disagree with it. And if he no longer wants to be an Arsenal player, then I would prefer him to depart sooner rather than later.

But on the flip side I think it's a little cheeky coming from a player who has only had one 'value for money' season in his eight years at the club. Although it was one spectacular season. Admittedly injuries are not his fault, but Wenger and the club stuck by him when many would've kicked him to the kerb a long time ago. It must be galling for Wenger to think that now Robin is injury free, he thinks he's too good for the Gunners.

But should I really be surprised by anything in football anymore.

I also thought it was a little cheeky that his mother and wife had been telling all and sundry he was staying for the past few months. Either they were taking the piss out of all Arsenal fans or Robin had a big change of heart during the Euro's.

So now the bids have started coming in - amounts you could describe as mediocre at best. So it looks like he's really going, once the interested clubs get serious about their offers.

And if that's the case, then Arsenal have to make sure it's on their terms. That they get the cash they deserve and more importantly, that he doesn't go to Manchester City!

Just a Little Too Much...

Rarely one to partake in interviews, I was really interested see what Roy Keane had to say in today's Sunday Times.  Not only did I learn quite a bit about him but I also learnt a lot about Sir Alex Ferguson.  Not so much him the person, but the person he becomes to those around him.
Having spent 12 1/2 years at Manchester United, it's fair to say that Keane grew to know him extremely well; both professionally and I would imagine, personally.  But you get the feeling that he didn't really know the Scot until he acrimoniously left the club in 2005.

Much like Gary Neville; Keane was disliked by all fans other than United fans, but as a football lover you had to respect a man who always appeared to give his all for his team by setting the standard expected as their captain.  (Violent moments aside!)

ODE TO SIR ALEX FERGUSON

Well, everyone and their guinea pig has been writing these amazing tributes to the great man.  I didn't think there was anything I could say, that hadn't already been said. So I thought I'd just say it, my way.

Congrats Sir Alex on your 25th year,
I hate your club, but hold you dear,
For all you've done for football UK,
And what you have shown us along the way.

A passion that has kept you strong,
And allowed you to have a career so long,
Ability to change and adapt,
Even when the media are on your back.

Many have tried to challenge your strength,
But you've knocked them back, sat chewing on the bench,
There was the so-called special one,
Now over in Spain, poking eyes with his thumb.

King Kenny has returned to put up a fight,
But you will defeat him with all your might,
And my French Professor, who you used to hate,
But with age you have mellowed and he's now your mate.

The amazing talent that you have brought through,
Becks, two Neville's, Scholes and Giggs too,
The titles, the cups, league trophies and shields,
All achieved because of your intense will.

A generation of fans are indebted to you,
But hurry up and retire, so my boys can win a trophy or two!

Method to the Madness.

A lot of people seemed surprised that Sir Alex recalled youngsters Ritchie de Laet and Joshua King from Preston after the club sacked his son Darren Ferguson. I'm not. Not one little bit. Most loan agreements are about who the manager of the club is rather than the team.

Jack Wilshere was originally going to be loaned to Burnley in January but when Owen Coyle took over at Bolton, that's where the midfielder went. I saw this as a clear sign that Mr Wenger was interested in his player being looked after by a man he believed, shared his ethos and would look after the player in the way he deemed necessary.

Sort Ya Life Out!

I know it's a bit late, but hey ho.

This is Ian Holloway's first season in the Premier League. What started as a pipe dream turned into reality for the Tangerines as he led them to Wembley, where they won the Championship play-off final against Cardiff. He and his chairmen may be the newest diners at the top table, but him and his 'original' statements are known to all.

Some may see him as a joker or the light relief in comparison to the serious manner of those at the top of the league. Regardless of that, one thing that is always stated about Ian is that above all else, he is a 'football fan'. A trait that exudes from him and brings a sense of purity to the financially oriented most watched league in the World.

A honest man who appreciates the purity of the beautiful game. Lets be honest, his press conferences are a rare gem in a time of contrived and preprepared media moments. Friday would have been the first time some supporters had ever seen or heard a manager speak with so much passion - unless arguing over a penalty appeal. Because of who said it, some may not have listened.

I agree with him when he questions the weight a contract holds in this era of obscene wags and the Bosman + Webster rules. I also don't think he'll be the last to question the ever increasing involvement of agents and 'player advisors'.

These worries have been raised before but because it was England's talisman trying to orchestrate a move, it becomes front and back page news. Come on, modern contracts are worthless to a football club. The only people they benefit are the player and his 'team'.

At the end of the day, if and when a player wants to engineer a move then they will do whatever it takes. We have seen players under contract covet other clubs in the media. Some have gone on strike or underperformed. Others have created such a bad atmosphere in the changing room, the manager has to let them go for the god of the club. Without any consideration that player will make sure he gets his move or pay rise, citing whatever reason his PR decides sound best in print.

While football clubs continue to pretend they aren't actually businesses first they will never be able to ensure their 'employees' abide by their contracts. This is a problem of football's own doing, no matter how they try to deny it. They gave the players the power and now their annoyed when they use it in a way that doesn't benefit them.

So yes, most of what Ian Holloway said was right. But he needs to look around that top table for who is really at fault.

Oh! Wayne! Part Deux

And so the drama continues. What happened to the time grown men sat in the pub and 'discussed' their problems over a pint of lager? Now, they dump someone by press release. Well, Wayne Rooney has taken this route to confirm that he does indeed want to leave Old Trafford and Manchester United. So we're supposed to forget his previous bleating's that he wanted to stay at he club for the rest of his life and he couldn't imagine playing anywhere else. Apparently that was all a dream and he woke up in the shower three days ago.

So it sounds pretty simple. Or does it?

I don't think so. To me there is a certain whiff of something about to hit the fan. Namely Sir Alex Ferguson's P45. Before I go any further, this is merely my opinion. But from the minute I read the press release I had my doubts whether we were reading the truth or just another load of PR flannel.

The statement is filled with what you would expect but there were certain comments that peaked my interest.

"Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed
me from Everton when I was only 18

He talks about Sir Alex as a man who he respects and values. Understandable considering he was at the club from a fairly young age.

"For me its all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

You last won trophy a mere seven months ago Wayne, what makes you think the club isn't the right place for you to be? Since when was Manchester United NOT about winning trophies?

"For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one off and a genius."

Why is he talking about Sir Alex's tenure?
Did anyone mention that?
Does he know something you and I don't?

Now assuming that this statement was written by a very expensive PR agent and not Wayne himself, can we really ignore the emphasis on one of the World's most experienced managers? Surely the PR knows there will be some saddo like me tearing every single word apart to find the extra muck underneath.

And that is what I see: A lot of muck.

Personally I don't respect the way Wayne has gone about it and his attitude has been appalling - in all arenas of the media - since South Africa. In my old school head he could have at least been man enough to tell Sir Alex himself. Like Sir Alex said: "We're dealing with agents who live in players' pockets." I also remember him saying something about parents, which eludes to the opinion that players in general receive less constructive guidance than they used to.

Anyway, I'm wittering. The point is I don't think it's black and white. Manchester United may be in debt, but they are Manchester United. And their fans will tell you: normal rules do not apply.

So what is really going on in Wayne's head, or what exactly is happening behind the scenes?

I'll tell you one thing though: It won't be boring.

Oh! Wayne!

To be honest, I was trying to avoid the Rooney saga but even I can't ignore this.

Sir Alex Ferguson's press conference was candid. To say the least. He has played his hand and now we wait to see if Wayne will check or fold.

So he REALLY wants to leave, Manchester United fans are already up in arms calling Wayne things I couldn't possibly type here ;-)

The point is though: are we honestly surprised?
This is a player who has never felt shy about coming forward. We've all commented on his suspect temperament before. A man who cheats on his pregnant wife. Not just cheats but pays a escort to see him on a regular basis and allegedly participates in a threesome. A man who regularly goes against the orders of his manager - fag anyone! A player who made a snide remark to England fans who had spent their wages to watch him perform like pub player* in South Africa. Not forgetting the fact, he engineered a move away from Everton. Now who taught him how to do that, I wonder.....

So, no I'm not surprised. In fact, more surprising is that he hasn't thrown his toys out of the pram earlier. When he contradicted Sir Alex in the press about his injury, it appears to have been the final straw for the Scot.

Watching the press conference, I actually felt sorry for Sir Alex. He looked like a father who was hurt and confused after the betrayal of his youngest son. With the continual speculation in the press, he had two choices. Continue to lie and try and win the player back or be honest with the fans and media (for a change).

Thankfully, he chose the latter. Firstly, it's great news and secondly the fans that hero worship Rooney deserve to know the facts.

So here they are. Simply: Rooney wants to leave, Man United have offered him a new contract which he is not interested in. Said contract is still on the table if the player changes his mind. Now it's all out in the media, we're all waiting for Rooney's side of the story. And if he did change his mind, is there really anyway back for him now?

With 18 months left on his contract, it would be best for the club to sell him in the January transfer window, particularly with the state of their finances. Though Wayne may wish to see out his contract possibly leaving Sir Alex in the dilemma of using a player who know longer cares for the team.

So, who would have him? Of course Manchester City would love to steal another player from under Sir Alex's nose but would he sell to them. Chelsea have tightened the purse strings but I'm sure Abramovich would authorise spending on England's biggest star. Or he could fly away, with Barcelona and Real Madrid the earlier favourites. Yet, as a girl I have to wonder what Coleen would think about leaving her family. She has a seriously ill sister and may not wish to emigrate with a man she is learning to trust again. Nor, could I see Wayne dealing particularly well in a less physical league, foreign referee's would have a red card frenzy.

What more can I say? Not much, so I'll leave the final words to Sir Alex: "The one thing I said to him was 'respect this club', I don't want any nonsense from you.

"I don't know if he has done that. I have doubts on that, we are reading all these things about falling out with me and all that nonsense.

"It's disappointing because we have done everything we possibly can to help Wayne Rooney ever since he came to the club.

*No disrespect meant to any pub players.