Manchester City v Manchester United

After the 6 points taken from them last season it’s fair to say the blue half of Manchester have rattled the cage of the avid Jospeh Stalin fan who manages the red side of Manchester. City fans are still awaiting an after match comment from Ferguson after last season’s 2-1 defeat of his team at Old Trafford, as he convienently had to catch a flight to South Africa straight after the game.  The comments this week from himself and that dyed in the wool Mancunian Wayne Rooney, tell us all we need to know; that they are a little perturbed by the goings on at City, and their comments may have done Mark Hughes’ team talk for him. No doubt they will get a welcome reception at Eastlands on Sunday.

Man City rattled Fegies' cage last season, taking 6 points off Man Utd

As for betting prospects, its probably best to not go heavy on anything due to the unpredictability of derby matches; however, there’s no harm in a small interest. City’s WLWLWLW sequence at home in the league suggests a loss is next, which further out lines their inconsistency. However, the 2 results this week have shown that Hughes has instilled a sense of balance in his side, with the midfield in particular being very compact but retaining the ability to counter-attack at speed. Steven Ireland and Robinho have been City’s most prolific scorers, and there are some big prices available on them to find the net on Sunday.  United come into the game with 2 days extra rest and a sense of revenge in their camp, yet they are arriving off two goalless away draws. Ronaldo has been on fire at home but is yet to score away from Old Trafford, and it looks likely he will come up against Micheal Ball at left back, who has history with him in this fixture, which could be interesting.

Steven Ireland First Goal = 14-1 EW (1-2-3) @ Bet 365 - has scored 4 in his last 3

Robinho First Goal = 9-1 EW (1-2-3) Bet 365 - has 8 in 8 at home

United to win from behind = 9-1 @ Boylesports (all 3 of City’s home losses have come after leading)

United to win 2-1 = 15-2 @ Skybet, BlueSquare and SportingBet

Manchester City V Arsenal

Goals look on the agenda at Eastlands on Saturday, as two of the most offensive teams in the league do battle. Arsenal arrive in a bit of turmoil, with no Gallas, Toure and Fabregas…but they do have RVP and Adebayor back up top. City meanwhile have conceded 2 goals in each of their last 5 games! and every league game on home soil has had over 2 goals. So with Arsenals defence depleted and City scoring and leaking goals at home the bet has to be over 2.5 goals and maybe more…

Over 2.5 goals = 4-6 @ generally available Maximum Bet

Over 3.5 goals = 2-1 Victor Chandler

Arsenal to win from behind = 10-1 @ Victor Chandler (Each time City have lost at home, they have took the lead first)

First & Last Goalscorers Selections

Torres 3-1 @ Coral - scored in midweek for Spain and will be relishing to play again at Anfield after injury

Anelka 7-2 @ Skybet - has scored first goal once and last goal 6 times out of 13 games played

Doyle 9-2 @ Skybet - has scored first goal twice and last goal 5 times out of 17 games played

In Form Home Side 5 Timer Accy

Chelsea, Liverpool, Burnley, Reading, Wolves = 4-1 @ Bet 365

I saw this footage and couldn’t resist sharing it with you all. Underneath is an article written in Sports Illustrated about Diego Maradona’s primadona and hap-hazardous lifestyle, as it was at the height of his fame. Please enjoy:

This is taken from an article written in Sports Illustrated May 14th 1990, a few weeks prior to ‘Italia 90′ and is a fantastic nostalgic step into times past…

Prima Dona

AT HIS BEST, DIEGO MARADONA CAN BE AS GRACEFUL AS MICHAEL JORDAN. AT HIS WORST, HE CAN BE AS DISGRACEFUL AS JOHN McENROE. THE QUESTION IS, WHICH MARADONA WILL SHOW FOR THE WORLD CUP?

Diego Armando Maradona, who is from the backside of Buenos Aires, is the best soccer player in the world, but he is also among the worst at dealing with the world. He goes from being an ugly, prickly caterpillar to being a graceful, fluttering butterfly each time he steps onto the 110-meter pitch. When he steps off it, he devolves again into a petty little slug of a man, described by various sportswriters around the world as “indiscreet,” “flawed,” “explosive,” “vulgar,” “spoiled,” “surly,” “mercurial,” “petulant” and plain “rubbish.”

The past year has caused a growing number of soccer analysts to say “Mr. Disagreeable” is no longer so wonderful on the field, the one place where Maradona has always been at ease. He was described last winter as being “a few pounds overweight and a yard too slow” by English soccer writer Steve Tongue of The Sunday Correspondent. Tongue added that in a friendly match between Argentina and Italy in Cagliari, Sardinia, on Dec. 21, “Maradona bore as little resemblance to the dominant footballer of the eighties as his country did to reigning world champions; and although writing off sporting genius has always been a hazardous pastime, there is considerably more evidence than Thursday’s tiresome match…that the peak of his career should be located nearer to the middle of the past decade than to any date with nine as its third figure.”

Maradona is 29, and he has been beaten up in a sport that has grown increasingly violent in recent years, not only in the stands but also onfield, as teams send out the equivalent of hockey goons to shadow, harass and, if need be, injure star scorers on the opposing sides. Maradona, who is an attacking midfielder for Napoli in the Italian League as well as for Argentina’s national team, has been tripped, kicked and flat-out tackled so often that he is lucky to have two functioning legs these days. He has chronic back problems and two screws in his left ankle, the result of a vicious foul by a Spanish defender in 1983. He rarely trains the way he should, and on his 5′5″ frame every extra ounce of fat shows. Still, part of the perceived demise of this athlete is the wishful thinking of those who are sick of his capricious personality and boorish off-field demeanor.

Typically, he scoffs at his critics. “Do you want to know the truth? I’m better than in 1986,” he boasted recently, referring to the year he led Argentina to the World Cup championship, in Mexico City. “My weight’s better, my health’s better, not to mention my will to play. If I need to spell it out, I’m aiming to have another great World Cup.” Yes, Maradona has lost 20 pounds on a recent crash diet. But his regimen, which involves taking cortisone treatments, is considered risky by many doctors, and when his physician found out about it, he quit Maradona’s service.

For some veteran observers, Maradona is a symbol of all that has gone wrong with the sport of soccer. He is aloof and mercenary, whereas most great former players were supposedly kind, grateful and dedicated beyond the limits of monetary reward. Now in the fifth year of a nine-year, $23 million contract with Napoli, Maradona has enough off-field endorsements and business income to earn about $8 million a year, which makes him the highest-paid soccer player in the world. At times he appears to have no allegiance to anything except his paychecks. Instead of playing for Argentina in an important World Cup tune-up match against Scotland in Glasgow on March 28, Maradona flew to Japan to pick up a tidy $2 million for promoting a multinational company based there. Without him, Argentina had no offense and lost 1-0.

When Pelé “handed down his inheritance as the best player on earth,” wrote Jeff Powell of the London Daily Mail in a 1989 year-end column, he could never have imagined “the ugly environment or aggravating manner in which Maradona would pick up the mantle.” Maradona, some would have us believe, is not just a symptom of an ailment; he is the disease itself. And yet, in Naples, where he recently led his club team to its second Italian League title in four years, he is revered by thousands upon thousands of fans, and his likeness and number—10—are painted on countless walls. When he is at his best—dribbling impossibly between two, three, half a dozen opponents, starting and stopping like a jackrabbit, the ball magically attached to his foot, shin or knee—Maradona pleases all who see him. He has been described by the Italian journal La Gazzetta Sportiva as “bold and defiant as a Caravaggio Bacchus, vibrant as a cobra, tender of movement, elegant, a beautiful mortal.”

Because he improves the performance of his teammates, Maradona gets a pass from most of them for his flighty behavior. “Maradona can do 100 good things, but as soon as he does one bad thing, everybody jumps on him,” says José Luis Brown, the sweeper for Argentina who played on the 1986 World Cup team. “The truth is that Maradona is a great person. You will never find his teammates speaking bad of him, because we know him as a person as well as a player. We know what he is like inside.”

If no one else knows, so be it. Folks who are right out on the edge aren’t always easy for the rest of us to fathom. A great, troubled athlete can always claim that he is simply misunderstood by the public. Certainly it is hard to understand how a man who claims he is sick of publicity can appear in the Italian weekly magazine 7 wearing a wreath of fern leaves on his head and a bikini in one shot and relaxing under a beauty salon hair dryer in another, as Maradona recently did.

Maradona’s Argentine teammate Jorge Valdano acknowledges that the star has made some p.r. mistakes. “But who hasn’t?” he asks. “And just because he’s Maradona, small things become gigantic things and are reported in the world’s newspapers.”

This undeniably is true. When Maradona said in December that the 1990 World Cup draw was rigged, the news traveled around the globe faster than a space shuttle. Likewise, when he chartered an Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 747 and flew a few hundred friends from Rome to Buenos Aires for his million-dollar wedding last November in that inflation-wracked country, it made the gossip sheets everywhere. No one will deny that Maradona is whimsical, emotional and naive. Even he will admit as much. “If at times I get angry or I complain, it’s because I don’t know how to keep my feelings quiet,” he says. “And I don’t want to learn.”     …….Continue Reading Article…

In my first contribution to this site, a fortnight ago now, I used Tottenham Hotspur’s John Bostock as a portal to explore some of the issues surrounding young English players in today’s game.  And it would be fair to say that the overall tone of the piece was negative.  Well, one week (or two … ) is a long time in football …

John Bostock becomes youngest ever player for Spurs

Within 48 hours of The Youth Today being posted, Bostock made a small piece of history, becoming the youngest ever player to represent the club at first team level as he came on for the latter stages of the 4-0 UEFA Cup win over Dinamo Zagreb. He’s unlikely to become a first team regular anytime soon (he didn’t make the bench in this week’s Carling Cup tie against Liverpool) but it was nevertheless a welcome surprise and an exciting development. And, one can but hope, a sign of things to come. Certainly that was the message coming from the irrepressible Harry Redknapp. Speaking on the eve of the fixture, Redknapp’s enthusiasm for youth development was tangible - “I’d love to start getting some kids coming out of the youth team and into the first team. That would be the ultimate, the long-term aim.” Great news for Spurs fans.

However, it wasn’t events at the Lane that prompted me to pick up where I left off. Instead, it was a thought provoking blog that focused on the other lot from North London.

The blog I am referring to was written by the BBC’s chief football writer, Phil McNulty, and focused on the homegrown talent that this week propelled Arsenal to yet another League Cup quarter final (their 6^thin as many years). Those who read my last blog (and presumably there weren’t many Gooners among you) will recall that I was quick to dismiss Arsenal’s youngsters as being sickeningly gifted but largely foreign and/or bought. Well, it turns out I was wrong. Click below to find out why:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2008/11/could_wenger_shape_new_england.html

I stand corrected.

My final thought on how quickly things can change in football brings me back (only briefly, I promise) to White Hart Lane.  Was it really just three weeks ago that Spurs were impressively self-imploding at the Britannia Stadium, marooned to the foot of the table with a disastrous 2 points from 8 games and having managed to score just 5 league goals?  Unbelievable.  I’m still in a state of shock and I suspect I’m not the only one – just ask Rafa Benitez.  A victory at Craven Cottage this weekend and Spurs could find themselves gracing the top half of the table, some 10 months ahead of schedule.  How can one explain this extraordinary turnaround?  Without doubt, Redknapp must take significant credit for the way he has galvanised a squad that, quite literally, had hit rock bottom. But to fully understand Spurs’ incredible ascendancy, one must look further afield.

Outside of the top four – who, while not on imperious form this year, look collectively as untouchable as ever – it is difficult to recollect a time when the playing field has been so level.  Now, first of all, I should put my hands up and confess that my footballing knowledge goes back no further than the inaugural season of the Premier League.  Consequently, it is entirely possible that what we are seeing currently was the norm in the good ‘ole days and I am simply none the wiser.  For me though, what is so remarkable about the current season to date is the fact that I cannot recall anything quite like it.  Not wanting to be caught short twice in as many weeks (Jay Simpson who?), I thought I’d better cover my back and do some digging (if you ever find yourself at a loose end and/or really, really bored, www.statto.com could keep you entertained for hours) and, as a result, I can share the following: 

Currently, a mere 9 points is all that separates West Brom in 20^th (11 points) from Aston Villa in 5^th (20 points).  At the same stage last season, 18 points separated 20^th from 5^th.  In 2006-07 it was 13 points, 15 in 2005-06 and, leaping a further decade back to when the top flight was trimmed to its present 20 places, 18 points (again) in 1995-96.  Also, never before in the Premier League’s short history has the basement club been in double figures after 12 games.  Nottingham Forest, for the anoraks, came the closest back in ’92, with 9 points.  In the four previous campaigns used above, the gap between 17^th and 10^th places averaged 8 points.  This season, that gap is just 2 points.

(Brian Clough - Notts Forest) 9 points boys - it's going to be a good year!

So what does it all mean?  Well, ultimately, time will tell.  It’s still relatively early days and I for one would not be overly surprised to see a slow return to ‘business as usual’ in the coming weeks and months and, come May, a far more typical, dispersed table.  But the alternative, and very feasible at this point in time, is a relegation battle like none seen in recent times.  I think it might have been Harry Redknapp (I know, I really do need to broaden my horizons) who earlier this week said that there are 14 teams fighting the drop this year.  Fourteen!!  That number might be a bit generous but there really are an unusual number of teams with legitimate cause for concern.  West Brom, Stoke, Bolton, Fulham, Blackburn, Sunderland, Fulham, Newcastle, West Ham and Wigan all look capable of getting relegated, as things stand.  I haven’t included Spurs or Man City in that list and I don’t think it’s difficult to see why.  Hull have lost three on the bounce and could find themselves looking over their shoulder sooner rather than later and I would think Pompey fans might also be a little nervy while Tony Adams settles into his new role.   Middlesbrough are possibly the least quantifiable team in the whole league – atrocious one week and decent the next.  Which leaves Everton and Villa.  Both teams’ supporters might be slightly underwhelmed by progress this season but sleepless nights are not expected.

Returning once more to the BBC website, a few minutes spent with this little diversion and I can put the above to the test.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/predictor/default.stm

Not wanting to spend all night at it, I kept to a simple process of using only 1-0, 1-1 and 0-1 score lines.  On this basis, my final Premier League table looked like this:

1. Chelsea - 99
2. Man Utd - 90
3. Liverpool - 90
4. Arsenal - 79
5. Spurs - 60
6. Everton - 55
7. Man City - 54
8. Villa - 54
9. Blackburn - 43
10. Wigan - 41
11. Fulham - 40
12. Portsmouth - 38
13. Sunderland - 38
14. Bolton - 37
15. Hull - 36
16. West Ham - 36
17. Newcastle - 34
18. Middlesbrough - 34
19. Stoke - 29
20. West Brom - 29 

How on earth did I manage to relegate Middlesbrough?  I’m also a bit disappointed to have steered Spurs to a top 5 finish – I hoped I was more objective than that!  Those aberrations aside though, I would stand by broad elements of this table.  For example, I do think that the teams finishing 5^th-8^th have the quality to pull away from the rest (without getting anywhere near the top four) but perhaps not in quite such a clear cut manner.  And Stoke (apologies to the editor) and West Brom probably are the two teams most likely to find themselves adrift at the bottom.  I’d probably bump Newcastle up a place or two – maybe in a straight swap with Sunderland – but other than that I think it’s credible.

At the very least, my version of events certainly bears out the possibility of an unconventionally large relegation fight. It could be a long season for many but a mouth watering prospect for the rest of us …

British Big Four

United (Stoke h), Chelsea (West Brom a), Celtic (Hamilton a), Rangers (St Mirren h)

All 4 games are potential goal fests for the big sides and possible clean sheets. Bookies always tend to be saved by one game when the calender throws up a bulk of easy fixtures. Hull’s win at the Emirates saved them around £10 million across the firms it was reported. Lets hope we have found an accumulator to beat them.

Straight win accy gives you 1.22-1 @ Bet365

All to win -1 = 6.83-1 @ Bet365

All to win to nil = 6.90@ Bet365

Blackburn v Sunderland

With the rumours flying around tonight that the lovely gentlemen Roy Keane has had bust up with the Mackem board (i know….that’s so out of character!) i am confident that a Blackburn win is on the cards here . They won in midweek in the reverse fixture and with Santa Cruz now fit again (and in the shop window) then Rovers can triumph again.

Blackburn win = 6-5 @ Victor Chandler

Santa Cruz to score anytime = 7-4 @ Skybet

In a follow up to ‘Greatest English League XI’ (which received a massive response - thanks), I will shortly publish a feature on the ‘Greatest Irish players’ ever to grace/influence the great English game.

Liam Brady - Arsenal and Irish playmaker

In the meantime, I would greatly appreciate everyone, including EFP members and EFP writers, to please leave me your comments, on who you think deserves a place in The English Football Post’s ‘Greatest Irish XI’? Your opinions and comments will be taken hugely into consideration in my imminent blog feature. And I promise this one won’t be as long, if the last one bored the pants off you.

Thanks,

Tim

Part of the reason for the ugliness of adults, in a child’s eyes, is that the child is usually looking upwards, and few faces are at their best when seen from below.

- George Orwell, ‘Such, Such were the joys’

On a wet and windy evening, two old adversaries went at each other, tooth and nail, in the romantic backdrop of Cagliari. Packie Bonner (whom I met recently) punts the ball down field with familiar gusto, his arms flailing involuntarily as he goes to ground; a ritual resembling something half-way between a swallow dive and a convulsion. A slightly perturbed Bobby Robson looks on disdainfully from his dugout, rooted to his seat. Big Jack looms increasingly obstreperous on the touchline, sensing a comeback. The ball; aimed towards the human tower that is Tony Cascarino, not for the first time, is met by Butcher, but it drops to Sheedy, who never really gets hold of it and it runs on to 2^ndhalf substitute McMahon. Macca CAN’T control as Sheedy seizes on his hesitance and fires an unstoppable trademark left foot shot past an aging Shilton. Jack’s intuition was right, Bobby’s hunch fully warranted. The Irish were back in it, and everyone, including my father, went wild.

Packie Bonner; big hands, big kicks, big saves for Ireland.

Look at the Irish. They sing and none of them know the words. Jack sings, and all he knows is ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Cushy Butterfield’. But look at the pride they have in those green shirts

-Lawrie McMenemy

It was blatantly obvious how much it meant to everyone connected with the Irish national team, and against England it showed. Both England and Ireland would go on to taste unprecedented success during ‘Italia 90′; the Irish reaching the quarters (their best ever performance in a World Cup), England coming within a whisker of the final. It was deemed the most negative, cynical tournaments of them all (due to its lowest ever goal tally & most games decided on the unjustly penalty shoot-out), yet, both nations captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. The joy and happiness which transpired from their performances and merits is immeasurable, the exploits of both teams in Italy, who at the time were highly criticized in the press, will never be forgotten.

In light of recent events at Stoke City, and antipathy they’ve been faced with, I took a retrospective glance at football, to gain some much needed perspective on the whole ‘winning ugly’ versus ‘attractive football’ debate. 

In so many ways, Stoke remind me of Big Jack’s Republic of Ireland during ‘Italia 90′; whose much scrutinized long ball tactics, brought them unfathomable successes, exulting Jack Charlton to national treasure status here in Ireland. If stories are to be believed, his popularity is such, he has the freedom of this beauteous country; fishing, golfing, and drinking for nowt, in some of the finest spots it has to offer (What was Paul Jewell thinking?).

Big Jack was a born winner, with England and with Ireland

Allegedly, since taking the Irish job, the canny Northumberlander has yet to meet the price of a pint, as publicans nationwide wouldn’t hear of charging the great man. The endless yarns, of how Jack endeared himself to the Irish, you never tire of hearing, the stories, have now become stuff of legend. It is widely perceived, at the height of his fame, Jackie would offer to buy the whole pub a round of drinks, insisting he paid by cheque, knowing full well it would never be cashed, and that it would be framed and hung on the wall; where it still hangs till this day.  

There is no doubt Charlton was and is a man of extraordinary character, and his idiosyncrasies sat well with the Irish public. But what Jack Charlton did for Irish football, in terms of achievement, cannot be underestimated, as he took football from the dark depths and relative obscurity of the back pages, and shoved it firmly into the forefront of the nation’s psyche.

Pulis and Stoke City (better known for their participation in petty lower league football violence in recent years) are going about achieving something similar. And I have to say, despite my grievances in the past, as long as we are competitive in the top division, I couldn’t give a monkey’s whether we play pretty football or not. Even if it means no chances in an away trip to Wigan, and subsequently, we get shown last each week on Match of the Day 2; a result, as Steve McLaren so eloquently pointed out recently, certainly is a result (well done for enlightening us all Steve).

In the current financial climate, needs must, and what is best for this club and its people indubitably takes precedence over anything else. Yes, Stoke City are bringing out the utilitarian in me, just as Big Jack did in so many of us, all those years ago. If Delap’s throw is to be judged by the happiness generated by its outcome, then there is no question of its value to the modern world of football.

Ricardo Fuller has become Stoke's main attacking outlet

As a writer from the Daily Express expertly put it, he did not enjoy seeing the kind of football Stoke are currently producing, nevertheless, he wishes they stay in this division for years to come, and be able to buy the kind of players capable of producing some quality and innovative attacking football. I think his sentiments are echoed by most of us. But we can only play with what is in our armoury; and a decent goalkeeper, 4 dogged centre-halves (camped on the edge of our own penalty box), 4 strong defensive and combative central midfielders (sitting just in front of our defenders), a big strong defensive-minded attacker (playing anywhere other than attack), and Ricardo Fuller, is, unfortunately, what we’ve got. Throw Delap into the mix, and so far, this impenetrable approach, seems to be working.

It is well documented that Big Jack’s Ireland relied heavily on their physical weaponry, yet - Dunphy aside - they received nothing but praise and admiration. They put the balls into the channels, passes were never made in field (in case of interception & vulnerability to the counter-attack), and he infamously favoured great lumps of men both in defence and in attack.  Fancy football mattered little to Jackie, and to say he liked his players getting stuck in is litotes at its finest (listening to Aldridge describe how he went all out to cripple Romanian genius Hagi for ‘the lads’, knowing an injury had cut short his own involvement, is shamelessly hilarious). If fouling was for the good of the team, then Jack saw nothing wrong with it.

Not only was Jack Charlton a man of immense personality, but he was also a born winner, both as a player and as a manager. But as a manager, like Pulis, he was a pragmatist and his teams rarely gave away soft goals. In fact, he claims, when his first choice centre-back pairing of Mick McCarthy and Kevin Moran played together, his side never conceded from a set-piece or header.

Big Jack's Ireland conceded little whilst McCarthy & Moran were on the field

Ireland only scored one more goal from open play after that thunderbolt from Sheedy, and Quinny’s goal (Watch This) versus the Dutch couldn’t possibly have been more route-one. Yet, their run in the tournament did more for the popularity of soccer in Ireland than anything before or since, and elevated Charlton and his players to iconic status in football. Pulis and his troops should be vaunted likewise.

My point is, if you are successful, nobody cares how you go about it. Furthermore, nobody remembers teams who play great football and win nothing. Crewe have always played good football, so does every team in Holland (apart from FC Twente, despite McLaren’s best efforts to acclimatize - Watch This) and of course there’s Wenger’s latest crop at Arsenal, whom in spite of playing some sumptuous football at times, will be regular nobodies if they don’t win something.

The great Argentine footballer and philosopher, Jorge Valdano, suggests football is a metaphor for the time and place you are playing in. He who does not agree with the evolution of football does not believe in the evolution of the world. Many see the way Stoke play as counter-productive and stagnant, but for me, they reflect an increasingly cautious society now in consolidation. We are not all as fortunate as the Arsenals of this world and we have to play with the tools we’ve been given. In the words of Aristotle; the best choice, for each individual is the highest it is possible for him to achieve. Stoke are doing just that, and in the process, they are restoring pride and harmony to the much-suffered place they call the Potteries.

The happiness ‘Italia 90′ aroused in me cannot be articulated. The effervescent memories it evokes are incomparable. If Stoke come within an iota of stirring up such intangible emotion, bringing happiness into the lives of thousands, even if they do play route-one football, then who is to be begrudging of that?

Jackie likes Ireland, likes its people, likes Guinness, likes fishing.

If Pulis needs ridding of his compunction, seeks assurances that his tactics are justified, then, he needn’t look further than ‘Big Jack’ and his Republic. And when he locates him, in the serenity of his Irish retreat; eating freshly caught trout on the banks of a scenic lough, supping on a creamy, ultimately free, pint of Guinness, then I think he will have found his answer.

1. Gordon Banks (Goalkeeper) 

Gordon Banks produces the greatest save of all time from Pelé of Brazil

Widely considered by his colleagues to be the best of all time. He was certainly the best goalie ever to grace the English League. Banks demoralised strikers all over the world, as they watched him claw out, otherwise certain goals. His cat-like agility has never been matched. 

Not massive, he was a superb shot stopper, had great hands (mostly without gloves!) and came out of goal faster than a speeding bullet. ‘That save’(pictured above) from Pelé, when Pelé had already shouted goal; his world cup winning performances in ‘66′; and his League Cup victory with his beloved Stoke City in 72; will never be forgotten.

What people often overlook, is that Bank’s career was cut short whilst still in its prime. A car crash shortly after that Stoke cup victory damaged his retina, forcing him to retire prematurely. He’d recently been awarded the FA’s prestigious ‘Player of the Year’ award and had many years left in him. Who knows what he would’vegone onto achieve? Nevertheless, Banks went out at the very top, and will always be remembered as the best there ever was. 

2. Jimmy Armfield (Right-back)

Jimmy Armfield of England goes up against Garrincha of Brazil in 1962

Again, very highly thought of throughout the football world and among his fellow professionals. This tenacious, tough tackling right back was extremely quick and possessed a thunderbolt shot. Captained England before being succeeded by Moore, he spent 17 years with Blackpool, playing alongside both Matthews and Alan Ball. This loyalty was typical of the man, an evergreen model professional.

He was voted in the best team in the world by a Chilean newspaper, after his performances in 1962 World Cup, however, like teammate Matthews, his International career was unfortunately blighted by the war. An ever-present in the England team prior to our greatest moment, ‘66′ came a little too late for Jimmy, and this is probably the reason why he is so often overlooked when it comes to these sorts of things.

Jimmy was a wingback before they were even invented, a professional before professionals, and a gentleman among gentlemen; and he even smoked a pipe. Sorry Neville! (Gary)

3. Stuart Pearce (Left-back) 

Stuart 'Pyscho' Pearce England's most feared left-back

Equally combative and committed, ‘Psycho’, as far as left-backs go, was the best in the business. Physicaland passionate, Pearce was also great when going forward, possessing a left-peg that was lethal.

He was one of the few players who could grab the game by the scruff of the neck (not to mention a few opponents along the way!). He had that rare ability to lift and inspire his teammates, from depths of despair, to victory, and his enthusiasm was infectious. For Forest and England, Pearce was immense; marauding runs down the flank, blasting in penalties and fierce free kicks. Pearce frightened the life out of the opposition.

Educated by a certain Mr Clough, he was an influential Captain, a tremendous worker and dedicated wholeheartedly to the cause. What made Pearce stand out most, however, was his unbreakable spirit and remarkable courage (Don’t worry Stuart, Man City breaks most men!). Stepping up to score that penalty at Wembley’Euro 96′, after his miss against West Germany in 1990 (pictured above), took enormous guts, and his celebration will inspire all of us for many years to come. Stuart Pearce: football’s one and only brave-heart.  

4. Steven Gerrard (Centre midfield) 

Overwhelmingly backed on our myspace survey, Gerrard is a modern day footballer in every sense of the word, and this could not be ignored. When EFP writer - Jon Greenbank (a self confessed Evertonian)- picks him out, then you know he must be worthy of a place in this team. Liverpool are the envy of every club manager in Europe, and it has been that way for some time now.

Gerrard seems to have been blessed with the lot: Pace, power, skill, tough tackling, good in the air, pinpoint passing, a thunderous shot and has an exceptional scoring record. He represents a new breed of player and is the future of the game. He’s an all-action, never-say-die midfielder, there’s no position he cant play in, and he is idolised by a new generation of wannabe footballers.

It’s becoming customary now, for Gerrard to weigh in with a wonder goal, just when Liverpool needs it most. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Pundit and former Red, Alan Hansen, summed it up perfectly when he stated Steven Gerrard would getinto any team in the world as no matter what position he plays in he’ll give you a ‘Man of The Match’ performance. Enough said really. 

5. Paul McGrath (Centre-half)

Paul McGrath was a player of immense natural ability

Another contentious decision. If you were lucky enough to see McGrath play then you’ll probably agree he has every right to be here. Again Paul was another who was heavily backed by fans on myspace. He’d probably also be backed by every striker who ever had the misfortune to play against him.

He’s played against the very best and come out on top. Uncompromising and intelligent, on his day Paul had the best in the world in his pocket. Yes, Ferguson got shot of him as soon as he was able, but Fergie would be the first to admit it had nothing to do with his footballing ability. Ferguson is noted in saying, McGrathwas the finest defender you’d ever see in the game but due to his reckless drinking he found him ‘unreachable’. He even offered Paul an early retirement pay off and testimonial. McGrath defiantly refused, and was sold to Aston Villa; where he would later go on to win ‘PFA Player Of The Year’ award in ‘93′, despite being increasingly dogged by troublesome knees.

Paul had everything, yet nearly threw it all away because of his now well-publicised alcohol problems. Dodgy knees constantly plagued his career and at times Paul didn’t even haveto train. However, his innate fitness and natural talent always saw him through. Heavily involved with the Irish national team, McGrathwas a crucial part of the golden era in Irish football. He showed his class in Euro 88 and again in Ireland’s world cup heroics of ‘90′ & ‘94′, putting in innumerable classy performances.

Exceptionally skillful and graceful for a centre-half, he never looked in trouble, was never intimidated, and everything came to him so naturally. It was for these reasons Paul McGrath had to be included.

(Capt.) 6. Bobby Moore (Centre-half) 

Bobby Moore was the quintessential England Captain

No team would be complete without the inclusion of Bobby Moore. This man was a colossus in every sense. No player past or present has ever looked more at home on a football pitch. Moore oozed maturity and sophistication and he shone like a beacon on the field. Not only was he a great reader of the game and a timely tackler he was also technically superb. He had vision only before seen on the continent and his passing was as good as any player ever to have graced the game.

Many will remember those iconic tackles on Pelé et al, but his finest hour undoubtedly came in 1966. If you’ve not seen this game (final Vs West Germany) in full (not bragging but Iv watched it 20 times at least!) then you certainly should. Yes, there were severalbrilliant performances on that glorious day but none finer than Bobby Moores.

Captains were Captains for a reason in those days and that day Moore put in the best Captain’s performance you’re ever likely to see. Yes, Bobby C imposed himself on the game, Nobby snapped, and Ball covered every blade of Wembley grass. Hurst even bagged a hat trick, yetMoore stood out above all of them; winning every header, spraying passes, last ditch tackles, taking free-kicks, setting up goals, mazy dribbles, Moore does it all. Amazingly, he does all this effortlessly, never appearing troubled or breaking sweat.

What stands out most about Booby Moore, is Bobby Moore himself. His technique and style were 20 years ahead of his time and without him we would never have won that tournament. For he was the linchpin, the cornerstone, the integral component, the arhcitect, the genius. Bobby Moore was England’s Captain, and quite possibly, its greatest ever player.   

7. Stanley Matthews (Right wing)

Who else could we have on the wing other than Stan Matthews?

When we think of the pioneers of our beautiful game, then the first player who should pop into our heads, should be Stanley Matthews (God rest his soul). Stan was the first real superstar of modern football, helping the game grow to the great heights it has reached today. He was the leader in every sense of the word, though judging by his mild and humble manner, you would never have guessed it. In many ways he was the first genuine professional.

A strict dietitian and a regimented fitness regime, who says footballers of today are much fitter than those of yesteryear? Stan had natural ability but was a firm believer that his talent needed to be worked upon and preserved. Abstaining from cigarettes and alcohol he broke the trends of his piers. Rising at around 5am every morning with a diet consisting of mainly fruit and vegetables, its no coincidence he became the longest serving footballer, playing on until an incredible 51.

The inaugural European Footballer of the year in 1956, Matthews was astonishingly never booked in his 35-year career. He was the first footballer to be knighted and the only ever to be knighted whilst playing. He was the first to capitalise from wing play and was a wizard with the ball at his feet. He was the first to wear soft leather boots and was the first real flair player. A familiar pattern is starting to emerge isn’t it?  It’s said he got sick before every game due to nerves but this never affected his performances, it just meant so much to him. Amazingly, Matthews only ever won one team trophy; the FA cup with Blackpool (pictured), and his International career was sadly interrupted by the war, when Matthews was in his prime.

The Finney-Matthews debate will go on, outliving you or I. If rumours are to be believed, Finney, dare I admit, was naturally more gifted than Stan, and could play in a variety of positions; but for myself, and most of my writers, Matthews gets the nod for innovation, dedication and for breaking barriers others couldn’t even conprehend.

Having had the pleasure of meeting the great man, you wouldn’t believe his humility and modesty.  He never believed the hype, shyed away from the spotlight and never thought too highly of himself. Here we can give him the recognition he so richly deserves.

Did you know, on his return to Stoke City from Blackpool, he added 27,000 people on the attendance that day, at the tender age of 46; pure madness I tell you! It brings a whole new meaning to term ‘appearance bonus’. Could there be anyone else on the wing other than Stanley Matthews: the absolute Sportsman? Not a notion, ‘Come On Stan!’ 

8. Paul Gascoigne (Centre midfield)

Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne set Italia 90 alight playing for England

Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne: Troubled genius, serialprankster, borderline madman, quintessential underachiever, and more besides. What People haveto remember was the unbelievable skill and talent this extraordinary man possessed. Again another natural talent, but possibly more skill than these shores have ever produced. England’s very own Geordie Diego Armando if you like, and there’s no finer tribute than that. No player from England has been blessed with the talent of Gasciogne.

Wasted talent, yes, tragedy maybe, but if Gazza was wasted then I dread to think what he might of achieved if he’d stayed sober. An infectious dribbler, creative midfielder, Gazza was an entertainer as much as he was a match winner. Apart from this he was also a born winner with a tremendous drive and an unparalleled enthusiasm for the game. Gazza was never happy unless he had a ball at his feetand this could explain the trouble he’s gone through since retiring. When he did play, boy did he excite, thrill and enthral! Take a look at our myspace to relive some of the Gazza Magic. How could we leave out a man of such precocious talent? Bringing England to within a whisker of both a World Cup and a Euro final, Gascoigne had a nation in the palm of his hand, on the edge of their seats, and on an emotional rolla-coaster.

Anyone who failed to be moved by his tears in Italy, is either a bare face liar, or an emotional cripple. The truth is, Gascoigne was worth the admission fee all by himself, and honestly, how often do you get to say that about any player? Who is English anyway?

9. Kenny Dalglish (Centre forward)

You see, since Shankly, at Liverpool, winning at all costs had become priority. The team was a “bastion of invincibility” first under Shanks and then under Bob Paisley. Fans had never seen anything quite like Kenny before and almost immediately he became an Anfieldicon. He had everything; two great feet, strong on the ball, vision and subtlety in abundance. He proved impossible to mark and even crowd and commentators alike failed to guess which way he would turn next; cameramen at Channel five have experienced a similar problem with himself, Nevin and Barnes!

To be considered great by such a knowledgeable crowd and a club as successful as Liverpool, then surely he must be. Watching Kenny was compelling, mesmerising and addictive, poetry in motion. If you’ve never had the pleasure, then get out the DVD’s, digout the VHS’s and sit back and watch him play. “And (boy) Could He Play!”

 10. Eric Cantona (Centre forward)

Eric 'The King' Cantona widely regarded as the Premiership's greatest ever player

Whatever Dalglish did for Liverpool, Eric Cantona did for Man Utd, and arguebly more. Cantona’s role in United’s revival in the early 90’s cannot be underestimated. Eric became the talisman in a rejuvenated United team, which would go onto dominant English football for the next ten years. Cantona was the fine red wine in Fergie’s ‘Coq au vin’ and galvanised a team lacking in flair and creativity.

Cantona’s move across the Pennines from Leeds to Man United for just £1 million, has to go down as the bargain of all time, and one of the biggest blunders by poor old Leeds Utd. What was Wilkinson thinking? Cantona made an instant impression and was the catalyst in United capturing their first league title in 26 long years. Having been in England for a little over 18 months, Cantona had two league titles to his belt, with two different clubs; not bad for a rebellious, uncontrollable Frenchman! He went on to win many more trophies including two league and cup doubles. But Cantona’s successes are only half the story.

Cantona was an artist and a poet. Like a conductor, he created beautiful music from his young impressionable teammates, theatre without a script, a spectrum of light out of sheer darkness. He pulled the strings, moving in waves of attacks, weaving his artistry with a swagger and an arrogance never seen before on English soils. For years he was the spark in a well-drilled and expansive Ferguson team and turned them from a very good team into a devastating one. It was a love affair for Eric, and was a match made in heaven. Never far from controversy, Cantona was as volatile and passionate as he was brilliant. Ferguson dealt with him as good as anyone could have, and Manchester United reaped the rewards.

Scorer of the spectacular, as well as the uncomplicated, this was detrimental to Cantona’s brilliance. His infamous ‘kung fu kick’ will be forever etched in the memory, but you have to say, he had a point, and at least he had the balls to follow his heart, even if it did mean a lengthy spell on the sidelines. This only adds to the fascination. The notorious bad boy, a resilient Eric would return stronger than ever and completely redeem himself. This was the measure of the man.

‘Eric The King’ was much more than a footballer - football merely provided Eric with an arena, his own stage. He was a philosopher, a rebel, a maverick, a genius and an icon of his generation, and many generations to come. He should be recognised for this.      

11. George Best (Left wing)

In his prime George Best was a genius in every sense of the word

No team would be complete without the inclusion of the legendary George Best. What can one say about George Best that has not been said already? We’ve all heard the stories of his drinking and infamous womanising, and more drinking. But what about the man? Behind the ambiguity; Best was a shy, charming and gentle soul. In other words, misunderstood. His elusiveness only adds to the intrigue and Best’s magic continues to shine. Best is the hero of all cult heroes and his legend will never die. On the football field he was genius, simple as. In life he was a waster, a tragedy before our very eyes. Watching footage of Best, it’s clear he’s a god-given talent, which will never be surpassed.

Was he the greatest player of all time? Probably. But we’ll never fully comprehend why. You see greatness can never really be explained, you’ve either got it or you haven’t, and Georgie Best certainly had it. At times he was breathtaking, as quick as lightening. He glided over quagmires, ghosting past defenders, rounding goalkeepers at a canter. In context, his feet were as quick as Christiano Ronaldo’s, his head sharp as Zidane, but compared to his more rigid competitors Best was in a league all of his own. Of course, it’s all a matter of opinion, but all who saw George play will tell you the same thing; they’d never seen anyone quite like George.

COMING UP NEXT MONTH:

‘GREATEST IRISH XI’ - Leave Us your Comments on who you think is the ‘Greatest Irish XI’ ever to grace the English league. The results will appear here next next month. Click here to get voting!

Manchester City v Spurs

This would have been a different fixture altogether a week or two ago, with City clear favourites, now it is much more even. City have stuttered of late but have been excellent at home banging in goals for fun (15 in 5 is the highest in the prem), while Tottenham have scored 12 in there last 4 games. So both sides averaging 3 a game must mean goals!

Over 2.5 goals = 8-11 most firms Maximum Bet

Over 3.5 goals = 2-1 @ victor chandler

2-2 and 3-3 correct score = 14-1 @ Coral, Ladbrokes and others and 66-1 @ Bet365, Coral, Boylesports

Arsenal v Manchester United

The Gunners have a severely depleted side for this game, while United could afford to rest some players midweek. The missing Adebayor, Walcott and Van Persie are huge blows and i feel they will struggle to score, therefore i believe United look a sound bet to beat their depleted rivals on this occasion.

United to win 13-10 @ Bet365

Hertha Berlin v Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim are the story of the season in Germany, newly promoted to the Budesliga for the first time, they sit of the league after 11 games, scoring 31 goals in the process! they also have the top scorer in Bosnian striker Vedad Ibisevic. They take on a Hertha Berlin outfit who are a very inconsistent outfit, there last 2 results have been a 3-0 home win and 5-1 away defeat. The visitors are more than capable of a win here, but I’m going to opt for the overs this time.

Over 2.5 = 8-15 @ Betfred, PaddyPower and BlueSquare

Den Haag v Heerenveen

The Dutch league is full of goals, and Heerenveen have been consistent high scorers for the past few seasons. Its no different this season, with 8 out of their 9 league games having over 2.5 goals, scoring 21 and conceding 20. Den Haag are 3 points behind them in the league and though they tend to have less goals in their games they have still have had 5 of their 9 games go over 2.5.

Over 2.5 = 1-2 @ Blue Square

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Over 2.5 treble on City, Hertha Berlin, Den Haag games = 2.87-1 @ Bet365

Away win treble United, Chelsea, Leverkusen, @ 4.97-1 @ Bet 365