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Is Phil Brown Unlucky To Be Sacked?
Post from Arsenalinsider
Monday, March 15, 2010, 4:52 pm
Read more: Arsenal, Premiership
By JAMES TAYLOR Hull City have parted company with Phil Brown with the club in the relegation zone. However, despite the club’s lowly league position is the manager unfortunate to be sacked?
Hull’s Chairman Adam Pearson said: “Promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and retention of our status on the last day of the 2009 season are unique events in the history of Hull City AFC and both were achieved under Phil’s stewardship during a period which will never be forgotten by all connected with the club.
“However, retention of Premier League status is paramount and the board believes that a change in managerial direction is the correct option at this time.”
Many will agree with Pearson’s decision pointing to Hull’s poor recent form. However, realistically Hull are in the position that they should be at this stage of the season. They are 3 points from safety but they still have to play Portsmouth, Burnley, Sunderland, Wigan and Fulham which are all winnable fixtures which could see them move up the table.
The timing of the decision also seems strange. Assistant manager Brian Horton will take charge of their vital relegation six pointer against Portsmouth on Saturday but the timing of Brown’s dismissal will surely unsettle the players ahead of a huge game.
Alan Curbishley, Steve Coppell and Gareth Southgate are amongst the early favorites to succeed Brown. However, as Burnley found out it is very difficult to attract top managers to a club that is struggling and have very little money to spend. Even if one of the talented managers linked to the job do takeover it will be hard for them to change anything as the transfer window is shut so they will have to work from the current squad.
Chairman Adam Pearson is also unlikely to offer the new manager a contract past the end of the season. This may rule out the likes of Coppell and Southgate and make caretaker manager Brian Horton the most likely successor. Fans favorite Dean Windass is also another possible replacement however his lack of experience makes him a huge outsider.
The decision to sack Brown comes as even more of as a surprise given that Hull have not spent a lot of money this season so it is hard to see why the Chairman would have expected them to be in a different position to last season. In the summer Hull spent around £7 million however the majority of this was raised by the sale of Michael Turner to Sunderland. They have also had to deal with long term injuries to captain Ian Ashbee and record signing Jimmy Bullard.
It could be argued that Phil Brown is a victim of his own success. When he took over at Hull, in 2006, they were in the relegation zone of the Championship and in real danger of relegation to the third tier of English football. He kept Hull in the Championship and they were promoted in his first full season as manager. In their first season in the Premier League Hull finished 17th and the season included memorable wins against Arsenal and Tottenham.
Despite some mistakes, like the infamous team team-talk on the pitch, Phil Brown surely deserved more time as manager of Hull because for them to even be in the Premier League is a huge achievement considering much bigger clubs like Newcastle, Leeds and Nottingham are all outside the top division.
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Adam Johnson…the Black Cat who got away
Post from Arsenalinsider
Monday, March 15, 2010, 4:47 pm
Read more: Arsenal, Premiership
by PAUL BRAMLEY It was bound to happen. It’s always the way with Sunderland. Whenever a former player or transfer target lines up against the Black Cats they score.
Yesterday it was the turn of transfer target and professed boyhood Sunderland supporter Adam Johnson.
The Easington born winger was a transfer target for Sunderland manager Steve Bruce who felt his midfield would benefit from the pace and trickery of the 19 year old. After openly praising him in the media and making his admiration known for months, the rumours on Wearside were rife that Johnson would be joining the club he supported as a boy.
It was felt it would only be a matter of time before the Middlesbrough trainee put pen to paper and made the short hop up the A19 to the Stadium of Light.
No one in Sunderland expected Manchester City and their millions to hijack the deal on transfer deadline day.
With the deadline fast approaching Mancini made a £7 million bid for the under 21 star who felt the opportunity was too good to turn down and Johnson was on his way to the North West.
It was a setback for Steve Bruce who wished to add a more creative influence into the black Cats midfield. With Cana and Cattermole tasked with breaking up play and a heavy injury list which included Andy Reid, Kieron Richardson and Steed Malbranque the inclusion to the squad of someone as highly rated as Johnson would have been a major Coup.
The ability of Johnson would have bought a quality attacking strength to the Sunderland squad. The winger, who like Malbranque can play on either wing, has the ability to take on a full back and put in a dangerous cross. With the arial presence of Kenwyne Jones and the attacking instinct of Darren Bent the acquisition of Johnson could have proved a master stroke.
Unfortunately for the Red and White faithful it was Johnson who provided the heartache deep into stoppage time yesterday. Picking the loose ball up on the edge of the box, Johnson set himself, picked his spot and curled in a fantastic left foot shot into the top corner.
It was an excellent goal from a young player who created problems from the minute he was introduced as a second half substitute. Steve Bruce must have been rueing his luck as he could only watch whilst Johnson turned his defenders inside out.
The goal was similar in stature to ones regularly scored by a former Sunderland winger with a similar name. Alan Johnston was a regular provider of crosses for the legendary partnership of Quinn and Philips and plied his trade up and down the left wing during the Peter Reid era.
Sunderland are crying out for the type of width and attacking ability that were regular features of the late 90’s team and one key player from that era more than most would love to see the purchase of someone like Johnson.
Niall Quinn, the Sunderland chairman could only look on from his seat in the director’s box as the young substitute left the pitch after scoring his first senior goal.
His timing couldn’t have been better. With Johnson’s wonder goal still fresh in everybody’s mind the news broke about David Beckham’s withdrawal from the World Cup squad through injury. His pace and trickery could prove an ideal replacement for the already depleted England squad.
From Middlesbrough to Capetown in the space of 4months? How Steve Bruce and the Sunderland fans must wish it was via Sunderland rather than Manchester.
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Why Wayne Rooney should be wrapped up in cotton wool
Post from Arsenalinsider
Monday, March 15, 2010, 1:20 pm
Read more: Arsenal, Premiership
 By DAN MORRIS The world awoke this morning to the devastating news that David Beckham is out of the World Cup having suffered an injury to his Achilles tendon.
The prospect of the former England captain not making South Africa is enough to make every man and his dog wallow in self pity. Granted he wouldn’t have played a starting role in England’s campaign but his presence on and off the pitch would have been enough to see him travel to South Africa.
For me he was one of Capello’s guarantees, already with a ticket firmly in his back pocket. I suspect he even had two or three just in case he lost one, that’s how valuable he would have been – who better to come off the bench in the last 10 minutes to salvage the game from under the nose of the Germans?
Instead his injury means the legend that is will fail in his bid to make history, albeit at the expense of a near miracle – no one would put it passed him but for me we’re only kidding ourselves to think he actually has a chance of even being fit for the latter stages.
With the World Cup just months away the news has sent shockwaves rippling across the nation, fans, players and managers alike will be reminded of the devastating effects one single moment can have from now to kick on come June
If there was ever a time to protect our players it’s now and if one player should be wrapped up in cotton wool, it should be Wayne Rooney.
With 30 goals already this season, in the form of his life and arguably England’s best striker, to see him shuddering to halt in the centre circle, in agony as he stumbles around on one leg… to be honest let’s not even go there. One thing’s for sure, if he gets injured we might as well save our money on the plane fare over.
Wayne Rooney has the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, hopes that would be shattered if he gets injured.
We’ve seen it happen before and with injuries rife within the England camp at the moment no one can discard the threat. Would you really put it passed the likes of Ricardo Carvalho not to crunch Rooney and put him out of the World Cup?
He’s currently chasing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 42 goals in a season, imagine this. Lets to say last game of the season (Champions League final) Rooney needs one goal to surpass Ronaldo’s almost inconceivable goal tally. As he busts a gut to net that final goal he pulls up with a torn hamstring. These are all an England fans worst nightmare.
All scenarios that do not beg thinking about but I can’t see Sir Alex Ferguson protecting his star striker at the expense of a League and Champions League double.
Beckham’s injury was unavoidable, however recent injuries to the likes of Aaron Ramsey for example were not, this is perhaps a timely reminder to players and managers to remember that the Worlds most iconic tournament is upon, please let Rooney arrive in South Africa injury free.
One thing that the injury to Beckham has done is open the doors to young aspiring talent; it’s opened the door for a new England legend to take centre stage. It could be the kick start to Adam Johnson’s career or even the break James Milner’s been longing for. For the likes of Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips it’s an extra place that could now mean both players travel, while for Theo Walcott, after failing to impress in England’s latest friendly this may have given him a second life line.
Whoever takes his place (that’s to say he already had one) they’ll have big boots to fill but I’m sure they’ll rise to the occasion and if there’s one position where England have strength in depth it’s right midfield.
Meanwhile, for Beckham fans alike we can just sit, hoping, praying, and wishing him a safe return to full fitness; with that small chance he might defy all the odds and still play a part in the World Cup 2010.
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Give us a wave on your way out Tango…. as he changes from orange to red
Post from The Goon Blog
Monday, March 15, 2010, 1:15 pm
Read more: Arsenal, Premiership
Phil Brown has been sacked
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahaha
are my thoughts on that.
Hopefully we never seen the smug, fake-tanned moron in Premiership football again, I think the whole league and the Hull board have got fed up of his egotistical nonsense, his beard, his lies, his tan and his style of play.
Phil Brown’s comments after the game on George [...]
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Bye, Bye Brown
Post from Arsenalinsider
Monday, March 15, 2010, 12:42 pm
Read more: Arsenal, Premiership
By MICHAEL PENKMAN Phil Brown’s reign as Hull City manager has come to an end. Adam Pearson, club chairman, posted a statement detailing the reason for Brown’s dismissal on Monday morning.
‘Promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and retention of our status on the last day of the 2009 season are unique events in the history of Hull City AFC and both were achieved under Phil’s stewardship during a period which will never be forgotten by all connected with the club.
‘However, retention of Premier League status is paramount and the board believes that a change in managerial direction is the correct option at this time.
‘The club will keep supporters completely up-to-date in respect of any managerial appointment but, in the meantime, Brian Horton and Steve Parkin will prepare the team for our important game at Portsmouth next Saturday.’
Hull are currently 19th in the Premier League and three points from safety with nine games remaining.
The decision is no doubt a result of Hull’s recent form, which has seen them record only one win in the last sixteen games.
A 2-1 defeat against Arsenal at the KC Stadium on Saturday made it four straight losses for the Tigers and ultimately sealed Brown’s fate.
Brian Horton and Steve Parkin have taken charge of first team duties until further notice.
They will be looking to end the dire run of form with victory over fellow relegation strugglers Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday.
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Crock Beckham huge blow for Three Lions
Post from Arsenalinsider
Monday, March 15, 2010, 12:21 pm
Read more: Arsenal, Premiership
by BEN O’CONNELL David Beckham’s torn Achilles tendon is not just a massive shame for Beckham himself; it is a blow for England’s World Cup Squad as well. Beckham’s wealth of experience alone would have been a great addition to the dressing room in South Africa.
It was confirmed after the game by Leonardo that Beckham tore his left Achilles tendon in AC Milan’s one nil win over Chievo at the San Siro last night. Although nobody has yet said how long his recovery is expected to be, an Achilles injury such as this can put a player out for anything from three to six months.
Beckham came off the bench with 25 minutes to go in Milan’s four nil defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, yet in that time he put in several searching crosses that surpassed any that Milan had mustered in the previous 65 minutes.
I believe that if Beckham were fit, he would have won a place in the squad for his fourth world cup. A squad of 23 tends to include eight or nine midfielders and most would agree that Lampard, Gerrard and Barry would take the first three spots.
Next on my list would be James Milner who is having a fantastic season and also has the distinct bonus of versatility; he can play anywhere across the midfield and at full back if needed.
Beyond that, there aren’t too many with a guaranteed place, I would imagine the remaining four or five spots to be contested by Shaun Wright-Phillips, Theo Walcott, Joe Cole, Stewart Downing, Ashley Young, Michael Carrick and David Beckham if he were fit. This is bearing in mind that Aaron Lennon and Owen Hargreaves are already on the injury list.
From that shortlist though, it is worth remembering that Wright-Phillips and Carrick have been pretty inconsistent this season, Walcott and Cole are both recently back from long term injuries and not playing regularly and that Ashley Young is inexperienced at this level. What’s more, Downing’s prior England performances did not endear him to many fans.
Overall then, it is not hard to see that Beckham with his impeccable deliveries, his ability to play on the right or in the middle and his experience and leadership qualities would have been on the plane to South Africa.
It is England’s loss as much as Beckham’s.
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Monday Morning Round-Up
Post from A Cultured Left Foot
Monday, March 15, 2010, 11:02 am
Read more: Arsenal, Champions League, Premiership
The weekend’s football panned out pretty much as expected with West Ham and Fulham capitulating on their respective visits to Chelsea and Manchester United. The upcoming weekend could see Arsenal return to the top of the table with our nearest rivals playing on Sunday. Whilst United appear to have the trickier match of the two, [...]
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Wenger – We have lost our spine but we still win games!
Post from JustArsenal.com
Monday, March 15, 2010, 9:58 am
Read more: Arsenal, Premiership
The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger saw his team score the winner in injury time yet again this weekend, and couldn’t help but laugh at the pundits that said beforehand that Arsenal had a “comfortable” run-in as opposed to Chelsea and Man Utd.
“You saw the ‘comfort’ we had out there against Hull.” he said. ” These [...]
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Bullard’s ‘granny’ face transplant a success
Post from Arsenalinsider
Monday, March 15, 2010, 7:47 am
Read more: Arsenal, Premiership
by CARL ELDRIDGE Is there a granny walking around Hull with the face of a young man? I only ask because Jimmy Bullard looks like he has had a blue-rinsed OAP’s face transplanted on to his bonce. Very weird looking man. Overrated too. Anyway, enough about Granny Face, let’s concentrate on the Arsenal, and in this morning’s papers Nicklas Bendtner is quoted at length after snatching our hugely deserved late winner against Hull in the 2-1 Premier League win on Saturday.
Bendy told the Sun: “We never stop believing that we can force a result because I’ve seen us getting something in the last minute so many times this season. Everyone in the ground might think it’s all over but we keep passing it around and then we score a goal out of nothing. “No one has taken as many late points as Arsenal this season and that’s because we know how to be patient against opponents who put a lot of men behind the ball. The game is 90 minutes long plus stoppage time and if you give up after 80 minutes you cannot be a proper player.
“We showed great character to win in the last minutes against Stoke the other week and now we have done it again. We have got what we came for and all we are thinking about now is our next game at home to West Ham.”
And the great Dane tells the Mirror how he saw the behavious of sent-off George Boateng after he poked Bendy in the eye and tried to cut Bacary Sagna in half.
It seems our full-back appears to have escaped with just bruising but Bendtner condemned Boateng for his disgraceful challenge.
“It could have been another bad one, but luckily nothing happened,” said the Danish striker. “It was a poor challenge. You can see the stud marks up Bac’s knee.” Bendtner was also angry with Boateng for poking him in the eye off the ball and felt the Dutch midfielder deserved to be sent off.
“My eye’s OK now,” he said. “I told him you can’t poke someone in the eye when the ref isn’t looking. That’s not fair. I told him that and he got a bit upset. He took it out on Bac and rightly got a red card. From then on the game settled down.”
AW has his say in the Telegraph: “Manchester United used to score late and I believe that this season nobody has scored more than Arsenal in the last 15 minutes,” said Wenger. “These kind of wins do strengthen belief and is a consequence of our spot-on attitude. For such a young team to have that is something special. But, as long as you have not won anything, it will play on your mind.”
And Sol Campbell chips in with his views in the Daily Star: Campbell said: “We deserved the win. We kept probing, played some great football and created some great chances and it was all down to Nicklas knocking one in at the end. It was a tight game but the main thing is we got the win.”
Elsewhere, Sir Alex Ferguson reckons we are a real threat to United’s title ambitions. He told the Times: “We are back in the lead, but Chelsea have a game in hand. It’s also going to be a hard-fought tussle, with Arsenal coming strongly now, and I have a suspicion that they might yet mount the biggest challenge.
“To a certain extent the title is in our hands because Chelsea have to come to Old Trafford [on April 3] and naturally that will be a massive match, but, as I say, I’m wary of Arsenal if they don’t suffer too many more injuries to key players.”
Writing in the Bugle, Henry Norris claims a scoop with the claim that he has seen AW’s wish-list of summer targets. “Wenger very rarely returns to the talents of former players but has done so this season by re-signing Sol Campbell. Next up to make a return to Arsenal will be former schemer Paolo Vernazza — you read it here first.” He adds that the sausage rolls in the Arsenal Tavern are superb on match days. “Try them…I urge you.” Top work, Henners!
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Ferguson – Arsenal will be our biggest challenge
Post from JustArsenal.com
Monday, March 15, 2010, 7:14 am
Read more: Arsenal, Chelsea, Premiership
The Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson saw his team rise to the top of the Premiership again yesterday, just two points clear of Chelsea and Arsenal, and although Chelsea still have a game in hand, they also have to face United at Old Trafford during the run-in.
This has led the Scotsman to suggest that [...]
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