Like many other Frenchman William Gallas has shouldered France’s dismal showing in the World Cup squarely upon former coach Raymod Domenech’s shoulders.

To criticise him is fair enough even though I doubt it is all the coach’s fault. But the defender has also criticised Domenech for his ego which is just laughable:

“Domenech was not open. Many players could not speak with him. That was my case. Domenech hammered into us time and again: ‘Put your egos to one side’. But I believe that he forgot to do that himself.”

Surely that’s a little rich coming from the former Arsenal man considering his ego?

Many Premier League fans would have been annoyed with the petulance that Gallas has shown in the past, not least the Arsenal fans. His strop against Birmingham after the midlands side were awarded a late penalty during their Premier League meeting at St Andrews in 2008 was something of a joke. The France international kicked advertising hoardings and sat himself on the floor wearing the expression of a whinging man-child.

He has also hit out at Domenech for the way he handled the captaincy situation after Thierry Henry was relegated to the bench:

“The hardest part of it is the manner in which it happened. I realised when I entered the changing room prior to the friendly with Costa Rica that the captain’s armband was placed beside Evra’s shirt. Domenech told me: ‘In any case, you would not be a good captain’.”

In this instance the former France coach was correct (for once) as Gallas makes an awful choice of captain.

Perhaps his own memory isn’t serving him too well but Gallas was once the Arsenal captain, did a bad job and was subsequently stripped of the role. He is a man who often criticises his team mates as his attack on fellow Arsenal players was the last straw for Arsene Wenger in terms of his captain’s armband. Now he is criticising Domenech, who was probably mostly to blame, but the players didn’t show any passion, hear, desire and seemingly had no will to win whatsoever.

Many of France’s fans will be delighted that Domenech has now been replaced by Laurent Blanc, but perhaps they would be even happier if their squad was shed of its petulant has-beens like Gallas too.

There was a definite split in the French camp and cliques were formed, it cannot all have been the fault of the coach and in my opinion it is wrong for the likes of Gallas to suggest that is the case, especially as the players seem to use Domenech as a scapegoat for the criticisms aimed at them.

Is William Gallas justified to make an attack on someone else’s ego, or is he the biggest hypocrite around?

Follow me on Twitter: ajwilliams1987

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

*

Click on image below to see the ITALIAN babes at the World Cup

Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle is set for more talks with former loan striker Ivan Klasnic, after the Croatia international cancelled his contract with French club Nantes.

The 30-year-old impressed during a season-long loan with the Trotters last term and Coyle is eager to re-sign the talented frontman, but accepts that finances will dictate whether a deal can be done.

He told Sky Sports News:“He is a player that I always liked and a player we’d like to have, but there is more involved than that, such as finances and we’ll see what develops.

“I think the world of him and he loves the football club – he’s popular, but there’s a little bit of water to flow under the bridge before that happens.”

Meanwhile, Coyle admits that his hopes of bringing Jack Wilshere back to the club from Arsenal for a second spell appear to be fading.

He added:“I feel he is a far better player for his six months at Bolton and if he does become available then we’d love to have him.

“I understand why Arsene Wenger would want him around, but I think he is at the stage when he has to play to play to continue the progress he has made.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Ultimately it is Arsene’s decision and we are very respectful that Arsenal were very good to us last season in loaning Jack out.”

Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

As Hicks and Gillett look to end a calamitous tenure at Anfield a potential bidding war between Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi and Kenneth Huang will be music to their ears.

It is safe to say that supporter enmity has dogged their three years in charge and they will look to reap as much of their initial investment when they purchased Liverpool for around £5,000 per share back in 2007 – it seems this will undoubtedly be aided by a two-way tussle for the club.

Surprise Syrian bidder Kirdi has claimed that his group are advanced negotiations” with the owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett which may spark a bidding war between the pair. He has also pledged to clear Liverpool’s debt and provide the required investment for Stanley Park whilst Huang recently moved swiftly to deny he had made a formal offer.

However whilst the sound of Liverpool’s owners rubbing their hands together will be heard from far and wide, there is an element of scepticism that clouds Yahya Kirdi’s assertions that he had been negotiating directly with Hicks and Gillett and was on the verge of gifting them a quick turn around on their investment with many suggesting he is simply aiding them to drive up any price paid by Huang.

Whilst the future of their club is still undecided, Liverpool’s supporters will hope beyond hope that the Premier League vets do due diligence on any potential owners so they do not have to endure another year over politics between the manager and the board.

They will also hold hope that any prospective owners will look down at the history books to see just how wonderful a football club it is as opposed to an opportunity to line their pockets.

Tom Hicks and George Gillett have shown time and time again that business experience does not guarantee a successful tenancy at one of the world’s great football clubs particularly when sheer greed is at the forefront of every action.

It seems the talk of a new ground at Stanley Park was nothing more than some graphic images on somebody’s MacBook designed with the intentions of luring an investor into pay for it all and the evidence  that they still want to make money out of their farcical venture despite everything that has gone before is another tasteless joke which will not be welcomed by the Anfield faithful.

Whatever the outcome of the current negotiations, Roy Hodgson’s plans may experience a complete overhaul in the coming weeks but a re-write of the American regime is simply not an option and the new owners may regret offering promises they simply cannot fulfil if they arrive at Anfield in the near future.

With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Birmingham City were one of the busiest teams on deadline day with no less than three additions to their ranks but perhaps the crowning glory for Blues fans’ would be renewing the services of their manager Alex McLeish.

He may not be a “Jose Mourinho” but the meticulous Scotsman has been excellent for Birmingham in the Premier League and it seems that no more than ever, Blues are a club on the up. Such a notion means that the club getting the deal right is made all the more important.

The new signings at St Andrews seem to have taken priority over ‘Big Eck’s’ new contract in recent week and if those additions showed anything – it was a vindication of the former Rangers boss’ worth.

Veteran Kevin Phillips has reiterated the squads desire to see a deal which has been “imminent” for as long as the Blues faithful can recall to finally be done.

He said: “I know that every player at the club wants the manager to stay.

“He is a fantastic manager and he has worked miracles here, getting us out of the Championship, helping us finish 9th in the Premier League in our first season.

“You look at the signings that have been made now as well – everything is in place.”

And the squads’ backing speaks volumes about the quality of manager they currently have at the club.  As a Birmingham fan I have never seen a team with such evident grit and determination, which is exemplified by the early season comebacks against Sunderland and Blackburn and was prevalent in the unbeaten run of last season – there is no doubt that McLeish has instilled it.

A glance down the road to Villa Park a few weeks back would have also highlighted the paucity of the board’s options if McLeish does not tie up a new contract. Alan Curbishley, Sven Goran Eriksson and Gareth Southgate were being linked with their rivals hot seat and although they have Premier League experience, they are all dare I say it, inferior to McLeish. It is every Blues’ fans wish that McLeish signs a new deal, in order to conquer the media exploitation of the board’s comments surrounding it.

Peter Pannu’s recent comments lead some media outlets to convey a breakdown in relations between board and manager, something which was far from the truth.

The acting chairman said: “We are just perhaps inches away from Alex signing a contract, possibly by next week.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Our relationship is phenomenal, we are very strong and close, and I want to dispel this notion that there is anything wrong.

“In fact, I spoke to Alex about the Mourinho reference and we laughed about it.”

Unfortunately though, until McLeish has signed on the dotted line, rumours of unrest will continue to stalk Birmingham City but when he does Blues’ will look all the more a Premier League side for the future.

This has been a week that manager Roy Hodgson and the Liverpool fans will want to forget in a hurry. It started badly with a defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester United and ended with a less than satisfactory draw at home to Sunderland. Sandwiched inbetween was an embarrassing Carling Cup defeat at Anfield against Northampton. Cobblers you say? The Reds certainly wish it was!

This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Liverpool blogs which has included… Sterling set to save Liverpool millions, rumours show a lack of respect for Hodgson and £280m deal promises a bleak future for Liverpool.

Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week

Raheem Sterling – A youngster set to save Liverpool millions

VIDEO: 10 of the best saves ever

Whatever happened to Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League winning side?

The TOP 10 Football comebacks of all time

Rumours show a lack of respect for Roy Hodgson

The TOP TEN Premier League Workhorses

Caption Competition: What have the Manchester United and Liverpool mascots seen?

The TOP 10 Fat Footballers in the modern game

£280m deal promises a bleak future for Liverpool

Top TEN Premier League Summer Transfers

Was Ferguson right in his assessment of Benitez?

TOP 10 memorable managerial quotes

Is Man Utd vs Liverpool still the biggest game in England?

VIDEO: Andy Gray’s top commentary moments

The TOP 10 Premier League ‘Wonderkids’ who failed to live up to their billing

*

Best of Web

If this great man believes in Roy, so should we – Live4Liverpool

Roy Hodgson dealing with the glare of the Liverpool FC spotlight – Liverpool Echo

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Does Agger have a point? – This Is Anfield

Roy Hodgson seems powerless to arrest Liverpool’s decline – Telegraph

Could Liverpool do a Leeds? – FourFourTwo.com

*

Click on the image below to see the Top 10 Premier WAGs!

When foreign Premier League stars return home and engage with their native press agencies the results can be hilarious and controversial. In the bulk of cases comments are taken out of context. That seems to be in situation currently afflicting Manchester United’s Federico Macheda who was forced to clarify his Wayne Rooney ‘chav’ comments. Currently on duty with the Italian under-21 team, Macheda’s unhelpful words were reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport and perfunctorily translated by the British press. Prior to this episode numerous rumours had circulated, linking the 19-year old with a loan move to Lazio, where he was a youth player. Should Sir Alex Ferguson allow this young, exciting starlet to return to the Biancazzurri or opt to retain his services for a full season?

Rooney is a ‘chav’ were the headlines from yesterday and accredited to the England striker’s team-mate Macheda. “Rooney is a really great person, he always gives me advice, but he’s a bit of a coatto.” This Roman slang term cannot be directly translated into English but the nearest word is ‘chav.’ Whilst the term can carry negative connotations, the youngster proceeded to proclaim that Rooney was “coatto like me.” He explained, “I said coatto in a Roman way, but with no intention of offending Rooney. I respect him hugely, I wanted to say that for me he is a rough and ready character, truthful.” Nonetheless, being mindful of Rooney’s recent press attention he swiftly contacted club captain Rio Ferdinand to iron out any awkwardness.

On a different topic the forward was asked to speculate on reports associating him with a January return to Serie A side Lazio. “The rumours about Lazio please me but I don’t believe I will go.” Macheda evidently has fond memories for the club he left as a 16-year old. The club president Claudio Lotito had previously branded United shameful for taking advantage of Italy’s stricter labour laws to recruit the player. In Italy a player has to be aged 18 before a professional contract can be offered, compared to 16 in England. A loan move may heal the wounds between the two clubs but do Lazio need him? Eduardo Reja’s team are currently rolling back the years, sitting at the summit of the league after a relegation threatened season last term. Hernanes and Stefano Mauri are scoring and creating opportunities from midfield and the former Birmingham forward Mauro Zarate may have rediscovered his finishing touch.

The Eagles are unlikely to remain in their lofty perch but the interim signing of Macheda could bolster their push for a European place. Everton are allegedly interested too but Ferguson has given no indication that he would sanction such a move. Since scoring with a stunning strike to give United a last minute win at home to Aston Villa in the 2008/09 season, he has been regarded as a special player. He additionally scored another winner at Sunderland, deflecting Michael Carrick’s shot past Craig Gordon, propelling United towards a third successive league title. Since those illuminating performances he has made just 15 appearances for the team. But the talented youngster signed a new deal last December, tying him to Old Trafford until 2014. Known as a natural finisher, the confident striker has excelled for the club’s youth and reserve teams. His movement and clinical style earned him and Javier Hernandez special praise from the manager in pre-season. “To play for a club like this is not just about talent. You need something else and they’ve got something else.”

Having recognised their talent and character, the two combined well in United’s Champions League victory at the Mestalla. The Mexican coolly despatched Macheda’s assist. There is no pressure to aggressively rush his development but the Italian did get a league start at Sunderland last week. In a season where Chelsea appear rampant, a semblance of magic may need to be conjured up by Macheda at some point this term.

twitter.com/JackBlogs

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

RSS Feed

[unruly src=” http://video.unrulymedia.com/wildfire_13768701.js”]

When it comes to football chants, every season British football fans outdo themselves with imaginative songs. At any Premier League stadium across the country on a Saturday afternoon you’ll be able to hear some classic chants, many of which are much more intelligent than ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ The songs that focus on specific players that have become cult heroes at their clubs are particularly impressive, and while some chants, such as recent Wayne Rooney ones and songs directed at the former Liverpool owners, can’t be repeated here, it doesn’t mean that their lyrics aren’t extremely clever.

It’s not only football fans who cheer on their teams either, as cricket supporters are known to like a good sing song. The England cricket team is always well supported by the Barmy Army and just like their football counterparts, everywhere Andrew Strauss and co. go they’re followed by trumpeters to get the crowd singing and to add to the atmosphere. Somewhat surprisingly, England’s main rivals the Aussies are one of the few cricketing nations not to have an iconic cricket chant, and with the Ashes on the horizon that’s something that needs to be put right. To rectify this the Australian nation is being invited to come up with a brand new chant.

MILO is encouraging Aussies to compose and record their own cricket chant to be in with a chance of winning $10,000. In just a few weeks time the Aussies will be attempting to win back the Ashes from the Pommes and Ricky Ponting’s men need a chant that the whole crowd will know so that it will spur the team on. Without a great song the SCG will be drowned out by chants of ‘Barmy Army, Barmy Army, Barmy Army.’ That’s something no Australian cricketing fan wants!

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

To be in with a chance of winning $10,000 all you need to do is record and then upload your cheer video to www.milo.com.au where you’ll also find more information about the competition. This will help the Aussie cricketing faithful to get one up on England’s Barmy Army and by cheering your boys on you can play your part in helping Australia win back the little urn. It’s about time that fans of the Australian Cricket Team had an awesome cricket chant to sing as they watch the Pommes getting hammered in the Ashes!

I’m all for players ‘letting their hair down’ but when it comes at the expense of your manager’s beliefs then where is the line drawn? Despite “Mancini’s pleas to England pair Joe Hart and Adam Johnson to behave, the pair were pictured downing shots and beers along with Gareth Barry and Shay Given at a party in Scotland.”

The story comes as a slight shock considering it isn’t that long since Joe Hart and Adam Johnson were last given a stern ticking off in relation to their off field antics. Hart was seen enjoying himself in Spain before returning to International duty for England and Johnson has received criticism from Mancini regarding a supposed poor attitude.

It has been well documented that the “Italian coach finds the English drinking culture difficult to understand, claiming it would not happen in his homeland.” However, Mancini must understand, whether right or wrong, that there is a drinking culture in the country in which he is working. It could therefore, be argued that if his players, in their down time, wish to drink who is he to prevent them from doing so.

This argument however, is a double edged sword. I can understand Mancini’s reluctance to allow his players to drink as it is his neck on the line should results not go their way. Should players hedonistic exploits off the pitch affect their on field performances then surely Mancini has a point. It would also seem immensely unfair if the Italian was to lose his job due his player’s lack of responsibility.

[divider]

Some might feel that Mancini is making a mountain out of a molehill, “in a country where drink is a rite of passage for most teenagers why should we expect our young footballers to be any different?” Ryan Giggs serves as an example of a young gifted footballer who enjoyed a party here and a few drinks there, yet the former Welsh International is still playing at the age of 36.

In the modern game the Italian is not alone in his views adding weight to his stance on alcohol. Arsene Wenger once said that if “he had to pick one of the two, he would rather his players smoked than drank such was its debilitating effect.” This seems rather extreme considering the fact. Usain Bolt admits to a taste for Guinness, suggesting that, in moderation, drink does not have an entirely negative physical effect on professional athletes’ performance.

Having looked at the pros and cons of the modern footballer enjoying a drink, I personally do not have a problem with footballers enjoying a few drinks. I do however, alter my opinion when ‘these few drinks’ have an adverse affect on their professional and personal lives. You wouldn’t need to rack your brains to come up with an incident, or six, when a footballer’s irresponsible attitude towards alcohol has had disastrous consequences.

If you like what I’ve written why not follow me on twitter

*

Fancy playing your mates every week in a Premium Fantasy Football game?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart has been ruled out of England's friendly against France due to a back injury sustained during training on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Manchester City player had been expected to win his eighth cap against Les Bleus at Wembley, but he has now returned to his club after being assessed by the England medical staff.

Watford's Scott Loach has joined up with the senior squad as cover, having played for the Under-21s in their 2-0 defeat by Germany on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, Citizens back-up keeper Shay Given has hinted that he will seek to leave the club in the January transfer window after losing his first-team spot to Hart.

He told the club's official website:"My own personal situation isn't ideal. We'll see what happens over the next couple of months.

"You try and work hard in training, but obviously it's difficult to try and re-enact a match situation.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"I wish I was playing more because I would feel sharper, but this is the situation I'm in and I can't really change that."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

With all eyes on Zurich to see if England have been successful in their quest for the 2018 World Cup there has been little to report on the domestic scene, other than crowd violence at St Andrews and some transfer tittle-tattle.

In the papers today there has been focus on Ferguson about to eclipse Sir Matt Busby; Adebayor looking to force a move to Tottenham and Liverpool rally around to boost Joe Cole’s confidence.

*

Hodgson reveals Cole’s strife – Sky Sports

Violence mars Bimingham’s derby win – Guardian

Bayern: Schweinsteiger not joining United – Daily Telegraph

Landon Donovan says chances of Everton return ’50-50′ – IM Scouting

Adebayor out to ‘force’ Spurs move – Mirror

Denílson eyes Arsenal quadruple – Guardian

Santos set their sights on a January swoop for Liverpool midfielder Lucas – Daily Mail

Mancini focuses on league – Sky Sports

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Ferguson set to eclipse Busby – Guardian

Liverpool rally to boost Cole’s confidence – Daily Telegraph

[divider]

[divider]