Perhaps a persons first article is the hardest one of them all to write. The niche? The quality? The content? I sat and wondered how to begin. 'Ahhh, forget it!' I exclaimed, it is a waste of time anyway... I have always looked upon my self as a decent writer possessing relevant thoughts but I sparsely have the time to record a hard copy of them, often losing a good idea in the sea of wonder that often immerses my head.
However, a quick look at this mornings paper has given me the confidence to slowly introduce my innermost thoughts and opinions to the world regarding something that I hold very dearly, with the game of football, or soccer as it is sometimes referred. In particular, the start to this years English Premiership has been something that has held me captivated from the off.
Despite calls for maximum wage caps, an embroilment of cheating claims, (ie SIMULATION!!!) and the unfortunate incidents of organised crime that threatened to overshadow a great evening of domestic cup competition games, the emergence of certain forces, as well as traditional 110% spirit every game clubs, the 2009/2010 season could turn out to be the greatest one of them all.
In particular, it is unusual for the so called 'top four' for which we may now perhaps add Everton, (Poor start but will pick up) Aston Villa, Tottenham and of course Manchester City into the fold, to have had such a great start to the campaign. With the absence of Everton from the equation but later at the expense of Stoke City I believe, the 'second tier' of the Premiership now seems to have locked horns with the top four, and this could be the very season that history is altered. In no uncertain terms can anybody ignore Manchester City. The sheer amount of capital that they have spent, the presence that manager Mark Hughes commands and the steel British heart that they now possess with the likes of Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott to name but two, will ensure that they are a force to be reckoned with. The size of the squad speaks for itself and with no European commitments, they can remain focused on the domestic front for which they will surely mount a fierce charge.
It has been said on many occassions, and by many professionals, that money alone cannot buy you success. What is a team of world class individuals without pride, without passion, and
without companionship? On the opposing side, one could suggest that Chelsea lacked a lot of this at the beginning of the 'Russian Revolution.' However, as previously noted, they share one thing in common. John Terry, Wayne Bridge, Frank Lampard... Need I go on... Shay Given, Joleon Lescott, Stephen Ireland, Gareth Barry, Wright-Phillips.... From this you can throw the Carlos Teves', the Emmanuel Adebayors and the Robinho's into the fold. It is this very British, almost bulldog streak that will ensure class is matched with heart and courage that is indeed set for success.Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney... Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard.... Although not so much the recent Arsenal, but in their many of their successful years, much heavily relied upon that spark of Britain. It is at times such as on a cold, wet, winters night, when nothing seems to be going as planned, the ball won't move as it should, and every person both on the field and in the stands just wants the 90 minute whistle to be blown, that you require somebody to take the game by the scruff of the neck and create an opening. It may not be pretty, classy or even worthy of parting with your hard earned cash to spectate, but at the end of the day, it is the 3 points that matter.
Apologies for going off track a little here and sounding rather patriotic but integration will play a great part in the outlook of the season. Man for man, there are seven or even eight teams that could enter that top four this season, and in any order. It may even be Tottenham that break the trend, again glued together by a strong Briitish backbone. But Villa or Everton cannot be ruled out either, especially with evidence of the past couple of seasons coupled with my opinion that both teams, with the exception of Barry for Villa, have improved on their squads from the previous season. Everton have been very consistent in the past few years yet each new season, they remain overlooked by the majority. Distin is a perfect replacement for a man of whom everybody knows is not worth anything near £24 million pounds, a ludicrous figure that proves the madness of todays game. Without the injurys of the previous campaign, it may be the Merseysiders who breach the self proclaimed trend setters, who knows??!
On the other hand, there could even be a surprise package. Fulham for example, are building a great side under Roy Hodgson and may well be up there.
I cannot help myself becoming excited for what is to come and shall watch events unfold with great interest!!
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