Anthony Beaumont analyses the independent school influence in shaping football as we know it.

Originally, association football was codified in the 1860s. It was a game that was predominately played in the south, by former Public School pupils and Oxbridge graduates. But the game as we see it seems far from such humble beginnings. Football has been globalised. It has become a universal commodity, with omnipotent potential and the plaything for the uber-rich. Yet as it has blossomed and snow-balled, slowly the Independent School influence subsided and now seems non-existent. Here is a list of the main players and authorities who have helped to grow and give stimulus to the game we now know.

The Old Etonians

Founded by Lord Kinnaird (see later), the Old Etonians were the last amateur side to win the FA Cup. Indeed many of the earliest recipients of ‘the Cup’ were made up of men who shared the same Alma Mater and came from an Independent School background. Many members of that side, went on to represent England, including Arthur Dunn (2 caps) and Robert Gosling (5 caps). Considering the illustrious history and renowned status of the FA Cup, it seems unbelievable that the likes of the Old Etonians, Wanderers and Old Carthusians could count themselves equals to winners such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

Frank Lampard has a GCSE in Latin.

The Wanderers

Initially Forest FC was partially founded by W.C. Alcock, an old Harrovian. It was Alcock who suggested that a Challenge Cup should be created as a tournament for Association teams to contest. You could say that the FA Cup originally began as an insular competition for Independent Schools alumni. The Wanderers were comprised of many ex-Public School boys, like Alcock. Again they can count themselves as a successful FA Cup side, winning the competition a staggering five times. The Wanderers were a celebrated side in the history of the World’s oldest competition and were key members in making the competition as prominent as it is today.

Old Carthusians

Mainly comprised Charterhouse alumni, the Old Carthusians won the FA Cup in 1881. Percy Melmoth Walters and his brother Arthur, played for England on 13 and 9 occasions respectively, amongst many others who also represented their country while Old Carthusian players.

Clapham Rovers

Clapham Rovers won the FA Cup in 1880. They can count former Westminster Pupil, Norman Bailey as one of their greatest players, who represented England on 19 occasions.

Lord Kinnaird

Perhaps the greatest Independent School influence on football, Arthur Kinnaird won the FA Cup 5 times, with both the Old Etonians and the Wanderers. He was known as the toughest tackler of his day and was known to have played every position on the pitch during his illustrious career, reaching 9 FA Cup Finals. He was FA president for 33 years and died months after opening Wembley Stadium.

David Elleray

David Elleray is a former Premier League referee, who officiated 13 games at Wembley Stadium. Even more remarkably, he did so whilst a being a Master, notably at Harrow. He officiated in 78 international matches. He is now chairman of the Independent School’s Football Association. In the modern professional game, there is a surprising, if not un-lauded, independent school influence:

Frank Lampard (Chelsea) attended Brentwood school and played in the 1993-94 Boodle & Dunthorne Isfa cup. Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City, currently on loan at Sunderland) attended Hulme grammar school (Oldham). Victor Moses (Wigan athletic) was born in Nigeria but moved to England at the age of 11 after his parents were murdered. He attended Whitfift School where he was a member of their side that won the Isfa u14 schools cup in 2005. James Beattie (Blackpool) was a pupil at Qegs Blackburn and played for the Isfa under-16 and North under-18 teams in season 1993-94. Conor Henderson (Arsenal) was a pupil at Colfe’s school. Fraser Forster (Newcastle united, currently on loan at Celtic) is a former pupil of RGS Newcastle who also played for the Isfa u16 representative team. Chris Porter (Derby County) has proved that it is possible to make a career in football after staying at school until 18 to complete ‘A’ levels. He studied at Qegs Blackburn for whom he scored the winning goal against Brentwood school in the 2001 boodle & Dunthorne Isfa cup final. Neil Mellor (Preston North End, currently on loan to Sheffield Wednesday) is a former pupil of St. Bede’s college in Manchester. Neil Harris (Millwall) is a former pupil at Brentwood school. Frank Fielding (Blackburn rovers, currently on loan at Derby County) kept goal for Qegs Blackburn in the 2004 Boodles Isfa cup final. Jordan Spence (West Ham United, currently on loan at Bristol City) was a pupil at Chigwell school. Tom Kilbey (Portsmouth) was educated at Forest school and played for the Isfa u16 representative of 8. Oliver gill (Manchester United) attended Manchester grammar school, for whom he appeared in the 2008-09 boodles Isfa cup. Jimmy Armfield of Arnold school went on to play his entire career at Blackpool, appearing 569 times, and to play 43 times for England, on several occasions as captain. George Eastham, Arnold school, who won 19 England caps whilst a player with Arsenal. Stewart Robson left Brentwood school at 16 and in 1982 made his debut in Arsenal’s first team at the age of 17. Quinton Fortune attended Forest school and appeared for them in the first Boodle & Dunthorne Isfa Cup final.

Perhaps history is turning full circle. The historic influence of independent schools on professional football has a quieter, but nonetheless palpable, influence on the modern game. Football has now become a middle-class game. Originally a medieval pass-time, whole villages would engage in kicking something of a spherical nature. It was brutal and unlike the sophistication of the modern day. The independent schools codified the game as we know it, it could be seen as the Independent school’s gift to the working class. During the 20th century, the top players were from working class backgrounds. But today, many Independent school graduates are engaging at the highest level. With ever-rising ticket prices, super-rich owners and the pull to all classes of high wages, Football is becoming middle-class. Football is the Independent School gift, but it might be making a comeback on the playing side of the game. While independent schools were heavyweights in the 19th century, their effect is no more than a ripple now.

Football is in the news again; well actually it’s always in the news but poor refereeing decisions that have influenced events, and possibly outcomes, of games is high up on the news reel.

The two incidents that recently come to mind were firstly Jamie Carragher’s studs-up, lunging ‘tackle’ on Nani during the Liverpool – Manchester United derby, which left him with a gashed left shin and some time on the sidelines and the other being Robin Van Persie’s ridiculous sending off during the Barcelona – Arsenal Champions League encounter at the Nou Camp. Two awful decisions and two decisions that should have been reviewed and subsequently changed.

Sir Alex is never far from a rant at the ref.

Crunching tackles, theatrical dives and players remanding with the referee have become the norm at today’s highest level, and consequently tough decisions have to be made among the officials. Referees are human, but surely they deserve the benefits of an introduction of technology? It’s an endless debate about whether technology should or should not be introduced and I think Sepp Blatter’s time is up. Every wrong decision and every managerial rant to the media shows that we all, players and fans alike, deserve better. Any human being with a fairly balanced conscience must feel the slightest bit sympathetic towards a ref when up to 90,000 fans are  hurling abuse at him (or her) and FIFA must address the matter.

At their most recent meeting they decided to ban snoods from the professional game but surely they should be tackling more pressing issues? But now the tough decision has to be made: if technology is to be introduced, what type should be applied? Blatter’s reasoning behind recent rejections of the idea have included not wanting to disrupt the flow of the game and that technology would dampen the drama of the match.

Firstly, disrupting the flow of the match is no mean sacrifice to arriving at the correct decision and reviewing a decision can be, as conveyed by the use of technology in cricket, an exciting wait of anticipation.

After much thought, I feel the best solution has to be a referral system, but it is by no means the perfect one. Firstly it should only be applied to major incidents like penalty claims, red cards and whether the ball has crossed the line for a goal. Using it for minor decisions would, as Mr Blatter correctly states, disrupt the flow of the game and be extremely tedious. Each captain would have a certain amount of referrals, say two, and he would have to use them accordingly during the course of the match. If he feels an unfair decision has been made, then he can (politely) ask for it to be reviewed by an off-field referee and, hopefully, the correct decision will be made. If it was shown on the big screen, then this would  add to the ‘drama’ but it may also eradicate players diving or committing fouls because they wouldn’t want to be embarrassed in front of the attending crowd.

However, this does have some flaws. Deciding whether the ball has crossed the line and into the goal is simple; it either has or it hasn’t. But deciding whether a player should be sent off or whether it is a penalty is more debatable. People have their own opinions but if two officials had the job of reviewing, with the help of technology, it is more than likely that they would come to the same decision. A good example is how television pundits almost always agree on a major decisions when their own personal judgements are put together.

It may not be perfect but if Sepp wants to retain the little dignity he has left, a look into the idea of technology will do little harm to his credibility and the footballing world certainly deserves a better deal than it’s currently getting.

Is this the solution to end the debate over technology in football? Give us your own opinion by commenting below.

By Hugh Wolton

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When Nobby Stiles, footballer for England and Manchester united, is to sell his 1966 England World Cup winner’s medal, along with a great deal of other memorabilia, he is expected to receive £300,000. The estimate for the medal alone is £150,000. But of what value would it be to you? I wonder which Mr. Stiles values more: having won the world cup, or having the artefacts to prove it. In his position, you would choose the former, as would I, as would Mr. Stiles. This is the case for all of us with a sporting achievement, or nearly all of us. What we value is the moment of winning, and the pride of success, particularly where it is hard-won. Spectators win no prizes, but it is that same feeling that Liverpool fans will remember feeling when they came back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan in the Champions league final. And if you went out, bought a cup, inscribed ‘world’s best snooker player’ on it and left it on your mantelpiece, it would have no value, because there are no happy memories for it to trigger, no real snooker championship of which it might remind you. What matters to true sportsmen is not medals or money, but to play up and win the game, as Henry Newbolt might have written had he not been addressing cricket. So Mr. Stiles may cherish his medal as a reminder of his success, of the enjoyment of the team spirit and the game, ad of the euphoria of winning the world cup, but intrinsically, it is simply a piece of metal. So we shouldn’t criticise him for selling it. It’s just a piece of metal. It is the memory of ’66 that matters.

The final of the most eagerly anticipated athletic event of the sporting calendar is drawing closer with each minute. The tension is rising. At 19:30 BST…the end…

One would think it’s Armageddon. No, it’s only the World Cup final. But it may as well be Doomsday.

This year’s final features two formidable European teams, Spain (who were early favourites) and the more-surprising Netherlands who have shown real flair and played entertaining, fast-paced football, pulling out some outrageous goals to qualify through each stage.

Spain have been a consistently strong side with smooth passing being the predominant feature of their playing tactics. Under the management of Vicente Del Bosque, they have taken advantage of their readily-available talent. The Spanish approach to football has often been commended by a myriad of footballing experts for majority of the players in the Spanish league are natives, showing a stress on the importance of rearing home-grown talent. Arguably, this is the downfall of the Premier League, which comparatively depends more on foreign players, leading to a weaker national team.

Liverpool’s Fernando Torres has been a massive disappointment this tournament. El Niño has seemingly lost his scoring prowess during the tournament and I predict that he probably won’t start the game on Sunday. Contrastingly, his strike partner David Villa is stealing the show, storming his way up to the Golden Boot for the entire Cup and looks set to nab it. It will be interesting to see what Del Bosque decides to do with his team – fortunately, he has an array of creative midfielders at his disposal.

Spain enter the game with high expectations, both from themselves and the world. After their complete domination in Euro 2008, they were clear favourites for the World Cup this year and have met their minimum requirements. One must consider that the expectation placed on them could shake them as they remain a particularly young side. However, having set a world record of 15 consecutive victories as a unit, the youthful side prove that it is skill and talent rather than experience which succeeds.

Similarly, the Netherlands consists of a young squad directed by Bert van Marwijk, who has barely altered anything of his predecessor’s (Marco van Basten) team. Netherlands qualified with 100% victory record and are so far the only team in the tournament to not have lost a match, which clearly demonstrates their power and could also prove to be a crucial factor in the match – their technical skill may not match that of Spain, but their creative flair may cause an upset for the Spaniards. They are not a particularly favoured team and very few would have honestly chosen them as contenders for the title, despite their big stars such as Robben, van Persie and Sneijder, all of whom are core to the team’s success, flow and creativity. As seen throughout the tournament, it is their moments of genius which give the Dutch team the edge against their opponents.

Surprisingly, the Dutch enter the match with a better history of success, having reached the final twice but unfortunately losing on both occasions. Spain have already exceeded themselves this year, previously only reaching a best of the quarter-finals. Could this be an omen? Will Holland find themselves third-time lucky?

Personally, I don’t think that the Netherlands will topple the might of the Spaniards. Spain have played like champions (despite a temporary blip against Switzerland in the group stages). The Netherlands aren’t as structured as Spain and often rely purely on creative sparks rather than technique, which could prove costly if one of their key players has a bad game. Spain also possess creativity but also have a foolproof plan of passing to cut teams open and ensure an end result.

To conclude, I predict a Spanish win as they have shown that they can still drill out a result in a deadlock (against Germany in the semi-final, where neither side looked to have a particular dominance over the other, although there were sporadic moments of sheer footballing delight). They have both creativity and technique: a winning formula.

An unpopular view perhaps? But then, I’ve been incensed by England lately, and there have been three real reasons.

Number one is the Rooney incident. If you haven’t already heard, Rooney threw a cursory comment at a media crew, saying “Nice to hear your own fans booing you,” sarcastically. This man is paid £150,000 a week, and yet somehow, he still has the audacity to blame the crowd for their reaction to his appalling performance. 14 top-flight players, all on dazzling salaries, and heralded as some of the greatest players in the world, still failed to play well. Some call it confidence, but then for that to be a factor would assume that these men ought to be affected by confidence. As title-winners and cup winners in the Premier League, they have absolutely no right to be, because they are expected to be skilled and paid to play professionally.

There can be no excuses for such an appalling level of football. Each of these players should be able to perform on their own if necessary, and so no amount of un-preparedness should hinder them greatly. Fabio Capello’s methods have worked elsewhere despite a team not knowing their goalkeeper until just before the match. As much criticism as he may deserve, each of the footballers had to fail as a player to produce that result, not just the manager or the coach.

And then, remember what the beautiful game is all about. In England, we have a history of supporting the underdogs, and also a history as the founders of football. We were innovators, introducing wing play, or Etonian field game tactics in the 1880s, and also, crucially, the men who spread the game and determined the rules at the very start. Whilst we have never been Brazil or Italy, with their fluid style of football, neither have we ever been the stilted goalless side that we have become in recent years.

Who should triumph then is up to the players on the pitch, players who are supposed to be proud to play for their country and yet time after time, when it is necessary, fail to deliver the goods.

This is obviously an extreme point of view, and if you don’t agree that’s fair enough, and tell us so by commenting below.

UPDATE : I suppose, in the end, I’m glad England got through, but only seeing as they’ve upped their game. Good luck to the lads for the game against Germany now!

By all accounts the World Cup so far has been poor. We’ve seen the rise of the Asian teams, including a heroic display from Korea DPR against Brazil, unfortunately finishing the game as a 2-1 loss, a magnificent triumph by Japan over Cameroon, despite being heralded by the entire African continent as an overwhelming sense of patriotism for their continent sweeps over Africa. Then yesterday, in what can only be seen as a tragic result, South Africa slumped to a 3-0 loss against Uruguay. It would take a miracle for South Africa to qualify now, but then, this World Cup is already a miracle we’re told.

Apart from the ball, that is, which everyone warns is a nightmare for goalkeepers, and yet has somehow lead to 7 less than the lowest number of goals in this first round of games ever.

And then, of course, there are the Vuvuzelas. By all accounts a traditional symbol of South African football, which is said to have begun in the 1890s (the football, not the Vuvuzelas!), and which have now spread so fast as to have necessitated a ban from Wimbledon. Desmond Tutu, Archbishop, said this in response “For those of you saying you don’t like the vuvuzelas… You have come to South Africa, and you will enjoy EVERYTHING South African. Everything!!” But nevertheless, the largely negative commentary at the start of this world cup seems to have settled on the opposing viewpoint.

And, as always England seem to be performing abysmally. Despite being picked in an easy group, England lowered themselves to a 1-1 draw against the USA, and yet again England fell foul of victory because of a goal-keeping error. So what, I ask, is the solution, the ultimate revenge to an England squad that fails to include some of our best talent – Walcott the shock exclusion, and a premier league full of foreigners.

Actually the answer is simple. A Stoke Season ticket. With a squad largely comprised of Englishmen and a smattering of others, reliable mid-table finishes (12th and then 11th in recent years), full capacity crowds in their stadium week in, week out, nothing epitomises British football more than Stoke City. They even have their fair share of heroes, including Sir Stanley Matthews, whose ashes are buried in the centre circle of the pitch. Just like every other British club they have their own derby, nicknamed the Potteries derby, however it’s unlikely that they’ll ever play against each other again, amusingly, as Port Vale are in the Second League, and Stoke the premiership.

If that’s not enough, quality food is also on offer at Delilah’s Bar, which even serves great pies, thanks to the sponsorship of Wrights Pies!

Are you already a fan of Stoke, or have you just been enjoying the World Cup? Comment below and let us know!

Links :

Why Delilah? : Stoke City Fan Site
Stoke City on the BBC

Team Profile: Gemany

Over the course of the World Cup I shall try to collect team profiles of teams that seem to have struck a chord, highlighting their key player in attack, midfield and goal. After their 4-0 demolition of Australia, I believe Germany have been deemed worthy to be put under the microscope first…

Goal Keeper:Neuer Team:Shalke 04 Age: 24

Neuer isn’t admittedly Germany’s top-choice keeper, and to no level a goalkeeping superstar in comparison to the likes of Cassilas and Buffon.After the tragic suicide of Germany’s top choice ofkeeper Robert Enke and a rib injury to Rene Adler the Germans now rely on Neuer to keep their goalmouth safe. Neuer is however a safe pair of hands, and I believe unlikely to commit the sort of horrific mistake that Robert Green did in his first, as he has had experience of playing in the Bundesliga since 2005 for Shalke and even won the award for best goalkeeper in 2007.

Defense: Lahm Club: Bayern Munich Age:26
Philip Lahm has been chosen as the captain of Germany after Michael Ballack’s ankle injury. In the Australia match he proved to be a valuable player, as a solid defender, as seen in Australia’s first serious chance against Germany, and also an attacking force, as shown in his assist to Klose’s goal. He has filled the gap left by Ballack as a leader well and has experience, from Fifa 2006 and Euro 2008 that many of the younger players on the team don’t have.

Midfield: Ozil Club: Werder Bremen Age:21
Mesut Ozil was my Man of the Match in the Australia game, and Man of the Match for many other pundits and spectators alike. His passing was key to Germany’s attacking play, and he is an important playmaker in the German team. This tournament he has the potential to be one of the players who makes the tournament, especially as before this World Cup he was unheard of in the UK. His passing and attacking vision makes him a bastion upon which the German midfield can be based, and he is crucial to the progression of the German team throughout the tournament, especially without Michael Ballack.

Attack: Podolski Club: Bayern Munich Age:25
It was a tough decision whether to talk about Klose or Podolski, as both attackers have scored numerous goals for Germany. However, I decided to talk about Podolski as Klose has been off-form in the run-up to the tournament and apart from his excellent header in the game he missed quite a few sitters, showing a lack of confidence in front of goal slightly like Emile Heskey’s. Podolski has 39 international goals to his name, the Best Young Player Award of the World Cup 2006 and featured in UEFA’s Best Team of the Tournament in 2008. Along with his traditional role as a striker, Podolski has played on the Left Wing and is a versatile asset to the German team. When it comes to international tournaments Pdolski had been exceptional and will hopefully further enlighten us this World Cup

Overall: Under the management of Joachim Loew the German team has been pit down as underdogs in the books of many football pundits, especially without Michael Ballack. However, in their first match of the tournament they showed they do have potential to get far in this world cup. In my view they are on the easy side of the draw, and they won’t be pitted against Spain or Brazil until the Final itself. The best team they could encounter on the way would be England or Argentina. Their possible route to the final, therefore, and their clinical attacking play, coupled with a relatively solid defense, means they are indeed still a force to be reckoned with…

Odds To Win (Before World Cup): 14/1
My Reckoning: Semi-Final

After every football season comes the summer transfer window. It provides entertainment and excitement for the fans even when there are no actual matches. All the transfer rumours that have been speculated about in the media now build up to the climax: Let’s look at who is likely to move or stay.

Francesc Fabregas
I’d like to start off with Fabregas. He’s been at Arsenal for 7 years, and under Arsene Wenger, he’s grown up to be one of the best centre midfielders in the world at the age of 22. However, even though he shows his abnormal talents and is praised for it, he has won 2 trophies since he’s been at Arsenal. I understand why he expresses his will to leave Arsenal.

Destination:
The most likely destination seems to be Barcelona, his mother team, the ‘Dream Team’, the club that has won more trophies in a single season than Fabregas’ total career trophies. Barcelona are expressing their great interest for the Spanish, who could be the replacement of aging Xavi.

Fee:
The likely fee is around 40m but Arsenal would be looking for about 50m – 60m.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Barcelona have recently recruited David Villa, which means that Ibrahimovic will have more competition, and probably have the lower grounds, looking at his performance in his first season. He’s most likely to move and his agent is already looking for new clubs.

Destination:
He’s been snubbed by Real Madrid, so the only places left for him are Man City and Arsenal (trade deal with Fabregas?). It’s speculated that A.C. Milan are interested in buying him, but considering the fee, they probably wouldn’t.

Fee:
I’ve heard that Barcelona are asking for ?50m, but that’s not realistic unless

it’s Man City looking for him. Trade deal with Arsenal would still mean that Barcelona would have to add cash to the deal. Other smaller buyers would be willing to offer ranging from ?25m~?35m.

Sergio Aguero

The Argentinean forward is a target for many big clubs. Following the footsteps of Fernando Torres who had previously worn the Atletico Madrid shirt, it’s about time for him to move. The main attraction is that he is young, and has the potential to become even better in the future. As Atletico Madrid did appallingly in the league this season, it’s likely that Aguero himself would want a transfer.

Destination:
Chelsea have been made favourites over the last year or two to sign the striker, but other clubs such as Real Madrid and Liverpool would be tempted too. Though, Real would be risking a conflict with their local rivals, and Liverpool have a financial problem which could prevent Aguero’s transfer.

Fee:
I think the reasonable fee for the player is 30m (considering the prices clubs pay for new players these days) but as he is young, Atletico Madrid will be wanting a higher price, up to 45m. At this cost, Man City also come in as contenders.

Steven Gerard

He is another player who might leave because of his team’s poor performance. Liverpool finished the season in 7th, which is their worst result under Rafael Benitez. The team has managed to win no trophies yet again, and lost to teams like Reading. It is reported that Steven Gerard has lost his patience, and wants to leave Anfield for glory. Jose Mourinho’s move to Real Madrid is another factor in this affair. He’s still Liverpool captain though, and his responsibility might hold him back.

Destination:
Real are eyeing him, and now that Mourinho is at Real, he would be a top target for the team. Other reports suggest Barcelona, but that’s unlikely since Barcelona are also linked with Fabregas, who is the more obvious choice. Chelsea and Inter are among the favourites, and they would have enough money to buy him. Inter Milan, however, might feel that they’ve got enough central midfielders.

Fee:
I can say that he would be worth around 40m, but depending on the buyer, it might range from 30m to 50m.

by Ricky Won

They were two upper-mid-table clubs based in the middle of large cities. Supporters flock to their 40,000-50,000-seater stadium every home game. Each fan remembers, or knows of, one club’s 3 FA Cups and the other’s 4. Each fan hopes their team can re-produce the glory days of by-gone decades. However, two halves, one angry team talk, and some defensive slip-ups later the fans leave downcast again. That elusive place in Europe is slipping away and they can’t control it.

However, like all stories, this one has a happy ending. You see, people abroad have decided buying a football club would be a fun thing to do. These people also have , rather conveniently, many billions of pounds. And so deals are struck, and the clubs pass from their British owners to foreign hands, one directly and the other passes hands a few times before finding its ultimate owner.
Ok, by now you will have guessed that I am talking about two clubs the world of football holds close to their hearts, Chelsea and Manchester City. These two clubs are the clubs that have “bought their way into football”, to quote my Liverpool supporting friends.
Once bought both owners followed the same path, one huge shopping spree. Hundreds of millions have been spent. Roman Abramovich, according to CNN, is said to have spent £240 a minute on Chelsea. To put that into perspective, that’s about 100 Big Macs every minute. Sheikh Mansour too has splashed the cash on high profile signings, and I am sure Mancini will be given a huge budget to get through this summer.
Then the teams became serious fixtures on the minds of the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Chelsea

finalised the “Big Four”, who dominated the top four positions of the Premiership for the latter half of the decade. No other clubs were given a look-in. Man. City, as soon as they were bought, were rumored to be able to upset this imbalance that had formed at the top of British football.

However, despite a dismal season for Liverpool, Man. City don’t hold that Champions League place. One might say this was their first season of showing they could hold off bigger clubs, but the start of the season simply didn’t justify the huge spending Man City had made in the summer transfer window. Of course, Hughes was then replaced by Mancini. Yet it was too late, and Man City had already had too much damage done to themselves.
Considering that two years after being bought Chelsea had already won a Premier League title one might therefore claim that Chelsea’s riches have been managed more wisely. Especially when one considers that when the size of relative wealth of their owner’s is compared: Abromavich’s £8 billion seems rather measly compared the Abu Dhabi United Group (Sheikh Mansour and his investment group). However, hopefully after more investment Man City will convert their billions of pounds into competitive, beautiful, football.
The two clubs are the bain of any other supporter, as they, or so say the supporters, are defiling the very values of the game that is football. Perhaps this was most poignantly shown in Jose Mourinho’s tactics he employed with Chelsea, where a string of emotionless boring wins lead Chelsea to two league titles in a row. However, now it seem that Chelsea are showing they can turn on the style and play beautiful football whilst winning as shown by their 103 goals from this Premier League Season. This it could be said provides a valuable defense for the millions spent, as they contributed to providing us with some amazing matches and good football.
And so the story continues, with Chelsea still chasing their Champions League dreams and Man City hoping that next season they can make an assault on that fourth place position…

Chelsea fans can be heard singing in the streets, all around premiership fever is in the air. Whilst the rest of the British population is worrying about the election, die-hard fans are happily reveling by the side of the road singing the Chelsea anthem.

Even halfway across Britain Manchester United can hear that single point jeering at them, as the two great stalwarts of Britain collapse. For the Blues Drogba hit a hat trick, including a penalty, whilst Ashley Cole was on fine form, scoring a magnificent goal. Among the other 4 goals, Lampard hit home a penalty that rolled past the fingertips of the outstretched keeper, following his first, whilst Kalou was booked in celebrating his final goal of the season.

So twice today, the Blues have triumphed over the Reds, despite a pyrrhic victory for Man United today in the form of their 3-0 victory against Stoke. To quote one passing fan Chelsea were “flaming on fire” (though I’m not quite sure he phrased it as nicely as I just did.)

Opinions on the football? Any devout fans out there?