The beauty of football is the way it can create debate. Whoever you are, whoever you support, you can have your view and a trip to your local pub will show just how heated these debates can often get.

However in my own experience, whenever the subject of goal-line technology arises all seem to unite in agreement. In fact, throughout my time I have not ever heard any valid reasons against the introduction of goal-line technology into the game.

There are those who argue it will disrupt the play and tempo of matches; however, this theory is rather ill-informed. A simple glance at the way in which similar technology is used in rugby (and one can see no disruption in play), and the 30-odd seconds it takes to verify the position of the ball saves months of heartache afterwards.

Similarly, technology is used successfully in other sports, such as tennis. Here, a computer-based system called ‘Hawk-Eye’ follows the path of the ball using a series of cameras, which then are able to pinpoint exactly where the ball has landed, thus making it possible to decide whether it was in or out. Likewise, Hawk-Eye technology is used in other sports such as cricket and snooker. So why hasn’t it been introduced into football?

One has to wonder how the powers in charge of the game have time to sit and debate the happiness of the £100,000 a week “slaves”, but are unable to discuss the pressing issues which affect all levels of the game. Without a doubt, whatever club you support – be it Manchester United or Manningtree Town (nice use of Manningtree Town there - did you know that it is the only place in the country where there is a pub on the train station platform?) - it is almost certain you have been affected by the lack of goal-line technology at some point, be it positively or negatively.

Do you remember Pedro Mendes disallowed goal at Old Trafford? The ghost-goal at Anfield? How about Geoff Hurst's supposed goal in the 1966 World Cup Final? All of these decisions, along with countless others could have been prevented with goal-line technology and we wouldn’t still be bleating on about them.

Written by Aram Hekmat

So then the on/off saga of Gareth Barry's transfer from Aston Villa to Liverpool is finally over. Well maybe.

Martin O'Neill dug his heels in and the Aston Villa board backed him up. They set a deadline for Liverpool to meet their valuation of the player and when they failed to do so, they very publicly told the watching world that the player would now be staying at Villa Park.

Now the newspapers are arguing over whether this hard and fast deadline is all that it seems. They are all pretty much in agreement that within half an hour of the deadline passing, Liverpool had made an offer that was acceptable to Aston Villa. The only question is whether Villa will stick by their self-imposed deadline or whether they'll let it slide to ensure the deal goes through.

It has been one of the sagas of the summer and at 5PM last night it looked all over and manager Martin O'Neill has stated how happy he is that the player is staying. Still though there are those lingering doubts. I think that if nothing is sorted by the end of the week then I'd find it very difficult to see him turning up at Anfield any time soon.

This leaves presumably two options. One is to stay at Villa and be very resentful whilst the other involves going to Arsenal. The north London club have very quietly played the waiting game and are interested in pairing up the England midfielder with Spanish starlet Cesc Fabregas.

This would result in a top notch midfield pairing for the Arsenal and they have the money to make the deal. If I was a betting man then I'd say that sensationally he'll open the season as an Aston Villa player but it could easily go any of three ways.

We chant their names every week, we idolise them, and we worship them like gods. Yet for some professional football players in today’s game, this isn’t enough.

If this summer has taught us anything, it is that the modern player is a far cry from their predecessors. Few will remember the time of the humble, hard-working player on little more than minimum wage. These obscenely rich, self proclaimed ‘superstars’ of today could not comprehend the income past footballers had, which as late as 1961 was fixed at a maximum of £20 per week. Today the world’s richest footballer, David Beckham, earns ten times that amount every second. Footballers have never had it so good.

Perhaps that is why it is so gut-wrenching when you see these players demanding moves, claiming they are “unhappy” at their current club. I beg to differ with these players and query whether or not they even know what real unhappiness is.

This ill-feeling is exacerbated when the head of FIFA comes out with stuff like this:

"There's too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players.”

Slavery? Does this man need to be reminded that the average slave does not earn upwards of £100,000 a week. Or perhaps we should instead ask the question...how did we get into this situation?

Well, many point the finger to the Bosman Ruling of 1995, which took power away from the clubs and put it in the hands of the player. One must wonder whether or not members of the European Court of Justice could foresee how their decision would affect the future of the game and leave us in the dire situation we find ourselves today.

However, there is a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel in the form of the clubs involved. If these clubs stay strong and resist the demands of their employee, the balance of power could begin to tip in favour of clubs again. The Manchester Uniteds, Arsenals and Villas of this world need to continue in their stance.

If not, I fear for the future of our game.

Written by Aram Hekmat

Premier League managers are to have an extra two substitutes to pick from for the upcoming 2008/09 campaign, a decision that is sure to please managers and players alike across the country.

The history of football substitutes is a surprisingly active one, with many modifications to the laws since Horst Eckel stepped on for Germany in the autumn of 1953.

However, substitutions didn’t reach the British Isles until 12 years later, but unlike today just one substitution was permitted, which was used only in the event of injury. Two years later, the law was modified to allow for tactical substitutions too.

Unsurprisingly, as football has continuously evolved through the addition of foreign players and managers, attitudes have changed regarding substitutions. As a result in 1996, the newly-found Premier League announced there was to be a total of 5 substitutes on the bench, three of which were permitted to be used. Though this represented a huge change from the old, many still felt it prevented managers from taking substantial risks, as one of the five was almost exclusively used for a back-up keeper, leaving the rest of the squad to compete for just four places.

As opposed to previous generations, much emphasis is put on strength on depth in the modern game and often the most successful teams are those with the strongest squad. Indeed, throughout the years many a player has attained the nickname “super-sub” – ranging from David Fairclough in the hugely successful Liverpool team of the 1970’s, to more modern examples such as Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a hero of Old Trafford for his last minute goal against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League Final.

Consequently, it is no surprise to see that the Premier League have brought forth this ruling. The idea of seven substitutes was first brought to our attention by former Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Erickson. Speaking in November 2007, he argued:

"When you have, say 23 players, who are working hard, it is bad when you have to omit them on match day. Everyone wants to be on the pitch but it would help if we could change the rules on substitutes. If we could have seven players on the bench, it would be much better."

After Sven was axed from his position at Eastlands, he passed the baton onto Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, both of which continued to lobby for two additional substitutes. They argued that the new rulings would bring them into line with the rest of Europe, where seven subs are already in place. Similarly, teams competing in the UEFA Champions League are allocated seven substitutions.

Indeed, there is no doubting that this new ruling will provide many a chance to players that would otherwise be left out of the squad entirely. It will allow managers to be more experimental, and who knows, it could even benefit the national side, as young English players will have a better chance of making it into the squad.

Written by Aram Hekmat

The normally reticent Paul Scholes today gave an interview, hinting that his Manchester United, and possibly professional career, will come to an end in two years. For a man of so few words that anything he does say instantly gains credibility, it was an admission that all good things must come to an end. However, his hints at stepping down a level might mean a season-long swansong at Oldham, his boyhood club.

For anyone who loves football, and more pertinently Manchester United fans, it is a shame that we only have two more years of the elegant little midfield genius gracing our pitches. Scholes has been, undoubtedly, one of the finest midfield operators of the past decade. In that ten years or so, he has won innumerable domestic titles and cups and picked up two European Cup winners medals. In his typically understated fashion, however, he sees it as only one, being as he spent the 1999 final in a suit after being suspended.

Coming through Manchester United’s youth set-up, Scholes made his debut against Port Vale, scoring twice, in September 1994. Although originally a striker of sorts, he adapted his game to become an attacking midfield player, who had the priceless knack of timing runs from deep into the box a la Bryan Robson. He formed one of the all-time great centre-midfield partnerships with one Roy Keane, with Keane sitting whilst Scholes bombed on beyond him. Scholes has also proved one of the most fiercely loyal United players ever, bar one aberration at a League Cup game at Highbury.

Scholes also won 66 England caps, scoring fourteen goals, but growing frustrated by being marginalised and wanting to spend more time with his family, he retired in August 2004. Another reason mooted was that he wished to prolong his club career.

Scholes’ many attributes include wonderful striking technique with either foot, bringing memorable goals at Bradford and Middlesbrough (among others), uncanny vision, wonderful passing ability and that gift all great players have: the seeming free run of the park, always in space and very rarely harried, though his attempts at tackling are best not discussed. As the years took their toll, Scholes adapted once more into a deep-lying role in the Pirlo mould, where his unerringly accurate passing and elusive movement meant he was still an essential part of the United midfield. His priceless goal against Barcelona in the Champions’ League semi-final was evidence of the big part he still has to play at United, though pretenders such as Carrick and Anderson are pushing him hard.

The greatest mark of praise for a footballer is when his fellow professionals recognise him. Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand both credit Scholes with being the best player at Manchester United for many years. Marcello Lippi, the great Italian manager, once said that Scholes was among his favourite players and David Beckham once said that at Real Madrid it was Scholes who was most admired - this in a dressing room containing Zinedine Zidane, Raúl, Ronaldo, Luís Figo and Roberto Carlos. Edgar Davids called Scholes the best midfielder in the world and younger players also agree. Manchester City's Micah Richards describes him as “the complete midfielder - when he's fit, he's the best. Some go missing but he's in the right place at the right time. He's my favourite player of all-time, unbelievable”.

It is not just Scholes’ superlative footballing skills that endear him to the world, and it is the world. Although Manchester United are frequently loathed, Scholes seems to be a constant favourite with other football fans. This could be something to do with his attitude, which is seemingly completely antithetical to that of the modern footballer. Scholes has always been modest, unassuming and completely unaffected by the money and celebrity aspect of modern football. In fact he has managed, as Mark Ogden wrote in the Independent today, to show that celebrity is an optional extra to being a footballer. Scholes shows up, comes off the pitch and goes home, not wanting the fuss and media circus that surrounds the game. It is refreshing in this day and age of roastings, tabloid scandal, greed, team-mate beatings and bling culture that footballers seem to surround themselves with, that a player like Scholes flourishes.

It seems premature to have the tone of this piece as one of valediction, as we still have two years of the maestro to come. However, as my all-time favourite footballer, it is hard not to feel a pang of regret that Scholes will soon not be around. Even more troubling is that his attitude, truly professional, shirking the limelight and a loyal team player always, seems to be disappearing from football altogether. A great quote from the man himself came today that says it all. “The only thing I will definitely miss,” Scholes said without a trace of irony, “is the football, not the general life of a footballer."

Sir Bobby Charlton, writing in his autobiography, stated that Paul Scholes is the one player playing today who truly epitomises the spirit of Manchester United and football. Casting an eye around, you would be hard pressed to disagree.

The appointment of Paul Ince as Blackburn manager looks like setting off alarm bells for all Rovers supporters.

The Guvnor takes over from old Manchester United team mate Mark Hughes, and has a very tricky job on his hands. This is Ince's first crack at the big time following successful managerial spells at Macclesfield and MK Dons in the lower leagues, and he now faces arguably the toughest job of all three.

The first objective for the new manager is to try and keep the squad together. The talented trio of Brad Friedel, David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz have all been linked with numerous top flight clubs and it would not surprise me if they did not start the season at Ewood Park.

Friedel played every minute of Premiership football for Blackburn last season and his exit would provide a big problem. He is currently one of the best premiership keepers and replacing him would be very difficult indeed. Then there is Bentley who has started to show his talent. His crossing ability and striking of the ball have been compared to a certain David Beckham. Losing him would mean losing your creative spark. And finally there is Roque Santa Cruz, whose debut season was outstanding. Mark Hughes spent 3.5 million on the Paraguayan who ended the season as 4th top goalscorer in the Premier League. His goals proved vital for Rovers last season.

The problem for Ince is attracting top players when the spine of his team could be taken away from under his feet. Blackburn's one and only signing does not breed much confidence. Robbie Fowler joining on a free from Cardiff City is not going to have Premiership defenders quaking in their boots, maybe ten years ago but those days have gone. Fowler was no doubt one of the best finishers in the game but I can not see him recapturing this form after all his injury problems.

Ince will need to add to his squad further and keep his top players if he is able to build on last year's 7th position. This meant that Rovers just missed out on a UEFA cup spot which now could have an after effect on their players staying and where they finish this time around.

The problem is a lot of teams have unlimited spending power through foreign investment and this could lead to Rovers finding themselves in a relegation dogfight. It is not too early to make this assumption as all the signs are there. An inexperienced manager and a team losing its top stars shows the guv'nor has the biggest challenge he has ever faced in his managerial career.

Written by Reiss Malone

Football fans across the country are fearing their heroes might not be with them this season.

Even the big four are now struggling to convince their best players to stay and challenge for the Premiership title. Adebayor, Ronaldo, Lampard, Drogba, Barry, Keane, Berbatov, etc. etc. The list could go on forever. It seems that the greed of money has taken over loyalty.

Still we do not know the destination of many top players which could heavily disrupt all clubs. The Ronaldo circus has overshadowed Man Utd's double, the Barry saga seems to be lasting forever involving Liverpool, and just last week Spurs submitted a dossier to the FA complaining about Man Utd and Liverpool's pursuit of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane respectively.

Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will see these situations sorted so everyone can plan for the season ahead.

Sunderland Manager, Roy Keane made an interesting point in a press conference last week. He said that the player must look out for himself - as soon as the club has had enough of you then that is it, it's all over. The club will sell you off and everything goes on as normal.

Keane's view is very interesting and brings about a debate: who is right - the player for looking out for his own reasons and being mindful of the short career as a professional footballer, or the club who do not want to lose their key assets and be held to ransom?

Written by Reiss Malone

Alright, alright, fair enough there are many managers out there who just can't get enough of playing the media and forcing their way into the spotlight but Sir Alex Ferguson is something else.

As Chelsea were taking on Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals in their first pre-season friendly of the Summer, Manchester United manager Sir Alex was firing the first 'psychological shots' of the season towards his new title rival in the shape of Luiz Felipe Scolari hinting that a clever bet would be on United again this year.

What annoys me about this is that we have not heard one single comment from Scolari in the form of anti-United comments since his arrival at Stamford Bridge at the start of the month. There were reports which claimed that the former Portugal manager had told Cristiano Ronaldo that he should move to Real Madrid. These claims were refuted by Scolari as soon as they came out yet perhaps this is the reason that the gas-bag that is Ferguson has decided to come out with his latest comments.

Ferguson may well be still basking in the glory of last seasons triumphs in the Premier League and Champions League and after watching his side beat Orlando Pirates by a solitary goal 1-0 on Tuesday the Scot claimed that it would be a struggle for Chelsea to reclaim the dominance which they enjoyed under Jose Mourinho who appears ready to take Italian football by storm.

In a press conference Ferguson said that Chelsea's squad is ageing and may find it difficult to take their game up to a new level with nine of their first team over the age of 30.

Ferguson said,

"Chelsea are an experienced side and I don't see outstanding progress coming from a team in their 30s", Scolari is yet to make a comment regarding his peers statement.

Ferguson may have welcomed the rivalry with Mourinho which itself was based heavily on what was said in the press but it seems that Scolari is a completely different kettle of fish, in a similar mould to that of his predecessor of Avram Grant.

Grant himself was never roped into commenting on Ferguson's media claims much to the obvious frustration of his United counterpart and through modesty won over many of the neutral fans before his departure following Chelsea's Champions League defeat to United in May.

Scolari may well be cut from a similar cloth of the Israeli coach, in his initial press conference he even claimed that he was 'so-so' as a manager. Those of us who are interested to see how their relationship will develop may well have to wait and see until the Season is in full swing but Ferguson is obviously determined to get under the skin of the Brazilian as soon as he can. He went on to say in his press conference,

"I wouldn't write off Liverpool or Arsenal. It has been understated what Arsenal achieved last season.

"I'm not concerned about Chelsea, I just don't know how far that team has got to go", The mind-games don't appear to have affected the Blues so far as they ran out 4-0 victors over Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals.

Written by John Ford - A Freelance Football Journalist

I watch a lot of football; this makes me unpopular with my girlfriend who, in true girly cliché style, doesn’t like it. She only allows my sporting indulgences if it is “one of my teams”. She also wails that I’ll ...“watch any football and there’s no need”. Women, I don’t know…

However, I’m starting to see a connection between watching football and engendering dislike, and it all comes about through the commentary teams. As I am not some paid-up Murdoch-influenced media stooge, you can be sure that I hold no bias when saying that Sky’s Martin Tyler and Andy Gray are commentating gods.

Tyler is cool and erudite with his schoolmasterly voice, which occasionally breaks with emotion for goals and suchlike, and is truly a king amongst men. He even has a little catchphrase now, grandly announcing “AND IT’S LIVE” prior to the momentum-killing break before kick-off. Then there’s Gray, with his dulcet Scottish tones enunciating wisdom to all. It’s a commentary feast and we’re spoilt.

Then there’s the studio, with the hirsute Richard Keys competently manning the tiller. Guests of the calibre of Souness, Gullit and Wilkins always seem to have something useful or different to say. The boundless puppy-dog enthusiasm and frequent labelling of everything as “top, top” by Jamie Redknapp is massively irritating, as is his whole demeanour, but this is just a blemish. Thinking about it, my girlfriend doesn’t seem to moan half as much when he is on; probably a coincidence.

However, we must finally come back to our beloved terrestrial channels. I was perusing football365’s famous mailbox the other week, and there was some frightful bile being thrown around vis-à-vis the commentating at the European Championships. One man even kindly reprinted an email he had sent to the BBC, which was of a serious tone more suited to the Gettysburg Address than some frivolous complaint. However, I did find myself nodding along with some of the more sensible accusations.

For instance, what does Alan Shearer do that a particularly bright parrot couldn’t? He either repeats something the admittedly sage Alan Hansen says or talks us through the clip in question. “Well the man got to the line, hit the ball in and the other man nodded it in”. Really Alan? Thanks, my own two eyes and the television screen had just already given me that information. Though many denigrate Gary Lineker and his sometime puerile antics (Van der Fart anyone?), I actually really like him, and Martin O’Neill probably has something good to say if he could ever get it out past his wild gesticulations. Thankfully, they released Ian Wright, whose “look how patriotic I am lads” jingoism got weary very quickly.

It is in the gantry that the BBC really let themselves down. Motson, gawd bless ‘im, is a national institution, and should not be sat next to the frankly execrable Mark Lawrenson. His crimes are many, but his complete lack of insight is staggering. Worse still is the sardonic, world-weary sarcasm he adopts, casually insulting his co-commentator and everyone around him.

When another sly, completely mirthless ‘quip’ escapes his mouth I can just imagine him reclining louchely on a chaise-longue, looking at himself in a small hand-mirror and sniggering at the world below. Jonathan Pearce does a stand-up job, but I find Mark Bright altogether more troubling. His sighs and disappointed tones whenever something goes wrong seem to indicate that the players, far from letting the country or their team down, were actually offending him with their incompetence.

ITV are not particularly blame-free either. Their crimes are of a lesser severity but are there nonetheless. Gabby Logan fronts well as eye-candy, and shoe-horning Steve Rider anywhere he would fit was quite inspired, as he lends gravitas. What I find embarrassing is that Robbie Earle, formerly of Wimbledon, is telling players like Deco, Ronaldo, Kaka et al on a regular basis where they are going wrong. It would be a bit like a painter and decorator squinting up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling and pointing out where Michelangelo went wrong. At least Andy Townsend played at a World Cup, so has some credibility. This isn’t a personal attack on Robbie Earle as I like him, it just seems weird.

Finally, here is a little poser; what do the Holy Grail, the meaning of life and ITV’s employment of David Pleat have in common? Hint: it isn’t anything to do with Pythonesque buffoonery. Answer: They are all unknowable mysteries…

David Pleat’s mumbling, nigh-on incomprehensible statements of the obvious make me want to cry. From “Paul Shoals” to “Abracadabravic” the man has mispronounced names from across the footballing globe. He also clearly shares a notepad with Shearer, blandly stating the obvious and attempting to offer it as pearls of wisdom.

It strikes me that he must sit there under a blanket, and just before kick-off Tyldesley lifts the sheet from over him, rubs his tummy, and he springs to cognisance, ready to talk dusty nonsense all over again. This is to say nothing of his seemingly homo-erotic longing for Didier Drogba, which manifests itself way too often. It is not all bad, however, with Jim Beglin an unsung hero of ITV’s coverage. He frequently offers something valid to say, and does it without fuss and without wildly mispronouncing names.

The tone is light, but the point is valid. The standard of analysis and commentary has nosedived recently, and shows no sign of abating. This would be a moot point if it wasn’t for the fact that these people are paid sickeningly good money and provide next-to-nothing. Being involved in football or having played football does not sufficiently qualify you to analyse it, a fact seemingly lost on many in the sport departments of BBC and ITV. If you are going to pay that amount of money, at least get some quality. That’s my final thought, and for all our sakes let’s just hope they pick up on it sooner rather than later.

Portsmouth have long been linked with a move for Shaun Wright-Phillips from Chelsea but they have finally got their man.

Harry Redknapp has been pursuing the England man for a long time and talks reached an impasse a couple of weeks ago but things have moved forward in the past 24 hours. Portsmouth have received an offer of 20 million Euros for Sulley Muntari and Noe Paramot which has been accepted by the club.

The players will meet Inter Milan officials for talks over the next 48 hours. The money will be reinvested straight away as Portsmouth have reached a breakthrough with Chelsea and the players representatives that'll see the move happen within the next few days.

Muntari was a big player for Portsmouth last season but they have doubled their outlay in a season. SWP is not a direct replacement for the Ghanaian international. SWP will join up with follow England squad members Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Glen Johnson and David James at Fratton Park.

He is looking to reinvigorate his career after having a tough time since moving to Stamford Bridge from the City of Manchester Stadium. His career has stagnated and regular football is what he needs to re-establish himself as a premier player in this league.

Harry Redknapp has a history of taking players who are out of form and brought them back to their former glories. A move to Portsmouth is one that I think most will agree will help his career flourish once more. They are a club going places with some terrifically talented players and there is little doubt that Fabio Capello will be a regular watcher of Portsmouth games this season.

It might be gorgeous outside and the summer is well and truly upon us (finally – well for today at least) however we are less than a month away from the Road to Wembley 2009 version getting under way.

I was at Wembley last season to see both the semi-final and the final itself. Portsmouth were there and Saturday 17 May will go down as one of the greatest days of my life, whatever I do for the rest of my time on this Earth, but that was the FA Cup 2007-2008, we are entering the 2008-2009 version.

408 were scheduled to begin the journey although Stapenhill have folded giving Gedling Town a bye. This is where the dream starts for players that wouldn't be classed as part-timers. The odds of any of these teams reaching the first round are long and any of them reaching the third round proper is astronomical.

However dreams are there for a reason. So for clubs up and down the land, even across the water on the Isle of Wight where three teams enter the competition, Brading Town, Cowes Sports and Newport IoW.

TalkFootball will be following the FA Cup closely and are hoping to be at a game in every round. We implore you to have a look down the list and find your local club and get down there. The magic of the FA Cup is at the grass roots and local clubs need your support. I may well take the journey to Carterton to see Newport IoW or take in Firmley Green v Guildford City which is one stop up the train line.

The magic of the FA Cup – I can't wait.

No Date KO Home Away
1 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bedlington Terriers v Chester-Le-Street Town
2 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Consett v Pontefract Collieries
3 16 Aug 2008 15:00 South Shields v Hebburn Town
4 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Horden CW v Sunderland Nissan
5 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Northallerton Town v Whitley Bay
6 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Glasshoughton Welfare v Billingham Synthonia
7 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Crook Town v North Shields
8 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Pickering Town v Liversedge
9 16 Aug 2008 15:00 West Auckland Town v Hall Road Rangers
10 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Jarrow Roofing Boldon CA v Spennymoor Town
11 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Team Northumbria v Esh Winning
12 16 Aug 2008 15:00 West Allotment Celtic v Sunderland RCA
13 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Shildon v Leeds Carnegie
14 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Armthorpe Welfare v Yorkshire Amateur
15 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Marske United v Whickham
16 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Billingham Town v Brandon United
17 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Morpeth Town v Ryton
18 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Washington v Stokesley SC
19 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bishop Auckland v Darlington Railway Athletic
20 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Seaham Red Star v Selby Town
21 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bridlington Town v Guisborough Town
22 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Norton & Stockton Ancients v Newcastle Benfield
23 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Silsden AFC v Eccleshill United
24 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Ashington v Thackley
25 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Thornaby v Tow Law Town
26 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Dunston Federation v Tadcaster Albion
27 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Cheadle Town v Newcastle Town
28 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Leek CSOB v AFC Fylde
29 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Maltby Main v Bottesford Town
30 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Dinnington Town v Atherton LR
31 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Parkgate v Norton United
32 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Darwen v Penrith AFC
33 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Holker Old Boys v St Helens Town
34 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Formby v AFC Emley
35 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Winsford United v Nostell MW
36 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bootle v Eccleshall
37 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Abbey Hey v Flixton
38 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Barton Town Old Boys v Winterton Rangers
39 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Maine Road v Chadderton
40 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Brodsworth MW v Ashton Town AFC
41 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Oldham Town v Ashton Athletic
42 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Congleton Town v Blackpool Mechanics
43 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Ramsbottom United v Hallam
44 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Alsager Town v Padiham
45 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Runcorn Linnets v Rossington Main
46 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Colne v Daisy Hill
47 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Atherton Collieries v Bacup Borough
48 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Squires Gate v Biddulph Victoria
49 16 Aug 2008 15:00 AFC Wulfrunians v Pilkington XXX
50 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Arnold Town v Long Eaton United
51 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Tipton Town v Teversal
52 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Highgate United v Brierley Hill & Withymoor
53 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Racing Club Warwick v Cadbury Athletic
54 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Westfields v Gedling MW
55 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Stratford Town v Pershore Town
56 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Shirebrook Town v Causeway United
57 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Gedling Town v Stapenhill
58 16 Aug 2008 15:00 New Mills v Friar Lane & Epworth
59 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Borrowash Victoria v Market Drayton Town
60 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Coventry Sphinx v Barwell
61 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Tividale v Coleshill Town
62 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Wellington v Mickleover Sports
63 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Dunkirk v Alvechurch
64 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Heather St Johns v Cradley Town
65 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Ledbury Town v Bromyard Town
66 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Staveley MW v Bridgnorth Town
67 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Goodrich v Meir KA
68 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Pegasus Juniors v Glossop North End
69 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Rocester v Nuneaton Griff
70 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Southam United v Boldmere St Michaels
71 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Hinckley Downes v Shawbury United
72 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Heath Hayes v Shifnal Town
73 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Oadby Town v Oldbury United
74 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Ellesmere Rangers v Dudley Sports
75 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Dudley Town v Rainworth MW
76 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Brocton v Lye Town
77 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Gornal Athletic v Pelsall Villa
78 16 Aug 2008 15:00 GSA v Coalville Town
79 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Stone Dominoes v Walsall Wood
80 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bolehall Swifts v Studley
81 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Castle Vale v Barrow Town
82 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Yaxley v Lincoln Moorlands Railway
83 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Sleaford Town v Ely City
84 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Haverhill Rovers v March Town United
85 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Stowmarket Town v Ipswich Wanderers
86 16 Aug 2008 15:00 St Neots Town v Holbeach United
87 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Mildenhall Town v Felixstowe & Walton United
88 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Gorleston v Fakenham Town
89 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Woodbridge Town v Newmarket Town
90 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Diss Town v Walsham Le Willows
91 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Hadleigh United v Great Yarmouth Town
92 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Whitton United v Cornard United
93 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Leiston v Blackstones
94 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Long Melford v Boston Town
95 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Thetford Town v Needham Market
96 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Debenham LC v Dereham Town
97 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Lowestoft Town v St Ives Town
98 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Wisbech Town v Norwich United
99 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Deeping Rangers v Bourne Town
100 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Wroxham v Kirkley & Pakefield
101 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Raunds Town v Harwich & Parkeston
102 16 Aug 2008 15:00 FC Clacton v St Margaretsbury
103 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Rothwell Corinthians v Langford
104 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Erith Town v Potton United
105 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Clapton v Stewarts & Lloyds
106 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Cockfosters v Ampthill Town
107 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Tring Athletic v Berkhamsted Town
108 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Desborough Town v Saffron Walden Town
109 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Southend Manor v AFC Kempston Rovers
110 16 Aug 2008 15:00 North Greenford United v Tiptree United
111 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Kentish Town v Wellingborough Town
112 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Ruislip Manor v Biggleswade United
113 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Cogenhoe United v Northampton Spencer
114 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Stotfold v Colney Heath
115 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Kingsbury London Tigers v Eton Manor
116 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Long Buckby v Broxbourne Borough V&E
117 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Hanwell Town v Wootton Blue Cross
118 16 Aug 2008 15:00 London Colney v Sporting Bengal United
119 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Stanway Rovers v Welwyn Garden City
120 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Halstead Town v London APSA
121 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Haringey Borough v Bedfont
122 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Wivenhoe Town v Barkingside
123 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Hullbridge Sports v Leverstock Green
124 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Oxhey Jets v Hertford Town
125 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Hoddesdon Town v Stansted
126 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Wembley v Royston Town
127 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bedfont Green v Barking
128 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Brimsdown Rovers v Hatfield Town
129 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bowers & Pitsea v Harefield United
130 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Romford v Biggleswade Town
131 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Daventry United v Burnham Ramblers
132 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Selsey v Egham Town
133 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Three Bridges v VCD Athletic
134 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Mile Oak v Bookham
135 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Hailsham Town v Worthing United
136 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Ash United v Sevenoaks Town
137 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Westfield v East Preston
138 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Banstead Athletic v Colliers Wood United
139 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Hassocks v Shoreham
140 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Slade Green v Tunbridge Wells
141 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Ringmer v Rye United
142 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Pagham v Hythe Town
143 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Dorking v Chessington & Hook United
144 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Littlehampton Town v Peacehaven & Telscombe
145 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Whitehawk v Croydon
146 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Eastbourne United v Epsom & Ewell
147 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Crawley Down v Chichester City United
148 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Cobham v Southwick
149 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Erith & Belvedere v Lancing
150 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Wick v Molesey
151 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Wealden v East Grinstead Town
152 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Frimley Green v Guildford City
153 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Faversham Town v Horsham YMCA
154 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Redhill v Herne Bay
155 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Camberley Town v Lordswood
156 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Sidley United v Farnham Town
157 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Chertsey Town v Deal Town
158 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Lingfield v Arundel
159 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Horley Town v Raynes Park Vale
160 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bournemouth v Fareham Town
161 16 Aug 2008 15:00 New Milton Town v Amesbury Town
162 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Westbury United v Hamble ASSC
163 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Brockenhurst v Reading Town
164 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Aylesbury Vale v Highworth Town
165 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Kidlington v Sandhurst Town
166 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Christchurch v Melksham Town
167 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Witney United v Buckingham Town
168 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Milton United v Lymington Town
169 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Hartley Wintney v Cove
170 16 Aug 2008 15:00 VT v Newport Pagnell Town
171 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Hungerford Town v Marlow United
172 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Devizes Town v Calne Town
173 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Downton v Abingdon Town
174 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Chalfont St Peter v Ardley United
175 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bicester Town v Bristol Manor Farm
176 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Thame United v Bitton AFC
177 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Almondsbury Town
178 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Corsham Town v Moneyfields
179 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Shortwood United v Henley Town
180 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Harrow Hill v Alresford Town
181 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Cowes Sports v Alton Town
182 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Ringwood Town v Hallen
183 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Carterton v Newport (IW)
184 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Flackwell Heath v Wootton Bassett Town
185 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Wantage Town v Brading Town
186 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Fairford Town v Shrivenham
187 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Chard Town v Street
188 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Elmore v Bodmin Town
189 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Willand Rovers v Wadebridge Town
190 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Welton Rovers v Poole Town
191 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Launceston v Sherborne Town
192 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Liskeard Athletic v Larkhall Athletic
193 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Ilfracombe Town v Tavistock
194 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bideford v Keynsham Town
195 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Shaftesbury v Falmouth Town AFC
196 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Odd Down v Bishop Sutton
197 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Gillingham Town v Saltash United
198 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Radstock Town v Brislington
199 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Bridport v Barnstaple Town
200 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Dawlish Town v Wimborne Town
201 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Minehead v Clevedon United
202 16 Aug 2008 15:00 St Blazey v Hamworthy United
203 16 Aug 2008 15:00 Frome Town v Shepton Mallet AFC

England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 was treated as a disaster; but was it actually a blessing in disguise?

Last November, as the rain tumbled heavily out of the dark London sky, English football was seemingly dealt a grievous blow. As Steve McClaren glumly peered out from under the shelter of his umbrella, Mladen Petric’s shot skidded off the slick turf and nestled into the bottom corner of the net, ending England’s hopes of qualification for the European Championships.

Having already been let off by an Israeli win that had gifted them this lifeline, the game was finally up, for the team and for its woefully inept manager. This left English fans looking towards a barren summer, one without the usual jingoistic fervour aroused whenever England are in a major competition.

The first point to make is that I believe that, even though I dreaded it, this tournament was all the better for England not being there, for the reasons explained below, and for the fact that we were spared the inevitable Henman-esque build-up of our frankly overrated team and all the associated media scrum that goes with it.

For once in a long time, we were not watching games as a mere sideshow to England’s ploddingly mediocre struggle to the quarter-finals, but as an end in itself. For me, the levity that came from not taking part made the competition extra enjoyable, as there was not a team there that did not deserve to be. Spain and Holland, in particular, lit up games with their awesome levels of ability.

A further and important point is that, in looking back at the tournament, and specifically at the quality on show, one can comment that that decisive swing of a Croatian boot may have been a blessing in disguise for England. The standard of the competition as a whole was dizzyingly high, with teams such as Holland, Spain and Portugal at times playing football worthy of the highest accolades; looking further down the list of teams on show makes even starker reading.

Relative minnows such as our erstwhile group-mates Croatia and Russia, plus Turkey and the Czechs, at times played superb football, the first two especially. An honourable mention should also go to Romania, who battled vainly in the so-called Group of Death and came close to qualifying themselves. Poland, along with Romania and even Greece, are clearly limited football nations but, to their credit, all these sides put a level of pride and effort into their performances that England seem completely incapable of, and for this they deserve recognition as well.

The main point of this is that I wish to highlight just how far behind the English national team is, at the current time. Looking at the list of participants in Euro 2008, there is only maybe Austria and Greece whom we could legitimately claim to be inferior. Admittedly, the insipid French team on display might have been bustled aside by ourselves, as might have the Romanians and Poles, but all the other teams play international football the correct and effective way which is way ahead of where our team is at currently. What I mean is that ball retention, patience, and endeavour are the most valued attributes, and it is much the same case in the Champions’ League also.

In the Premiership, losing possession is not as much of a hardship as you might think, as you know that the breathless pace of the game will ensure you will see the ball again very quickly. At international level, England rely on bustle, heart and energy, all attributes admirable on Sunday parks' pitches and even in some of the hurly-burly Premiership games, but on the international scene it is, and has been shown, to be outdated and ineffective.

Teams we would consider below us, such as Turkey and maybe even Croatia and Russia, pass and retain the ball better and have a far greater standard of technique than England, and that is plain to see. They also have greater imagination and creative nous than anyone in the England squad. Think for yourself, is there anyone of comparable technical ability to a Deco, a Modric, a Sneijder, a Xavi or even an Arshavin in the England squad? The answer, unfortunately, is no.

I, for one, am now actually glad we did not make it to this tournament, as I am sure we would have been embarrassed sooner or later. Whilst we have great players such as Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, plus classy defenders such as Rio Ferdinand, they are taught from a young age that “getting stuck in” and “doing your running” is much more important than developing one’s technique.

Also pushed to the margins is any work on retention and creative use of the ball, so any natural technique is pushed to the boundaries of their talent. International football has moved onwards and upwards, and England must now strive to catch up.

It would appear this lesson has been hard-learned, and now the FA have brought in another coach, who combines the disciplinary rigour they desire with the continental mindset the team clearly needs. All does not bode well, however, as in a recent England friendly when the midfield were patiently keeping possession and probing, the crowd began to boo.

It is a complete football-culture overhaul that is needed, and one which must happen if England are to ascend to anywhere near a competitive national team again. If we are to go on to the rapidly changing international stage and not see ourselves embarrassed by those we would have considered distinctly beneath us before, we must learn these lessons well, and learn them quickly.

Regardless of his heroics last season for Manchester United, Ronaldo is systematically burning his bridges and must almost certainly move

There is a fantastic story doing the rounds this morning about Cristiano Ronaldo, luridly telling of his crutch-born excesses in an LA nightclub. Even accepting and discounting the undoubted tabloid exaggeration of the story, it is telling that a man who is supposedly on recovery from an operation is knocking back glasses of red wine and vodka in nightclubs.

It has been a helter-skelter few weeks for the Portuguese star, as the "will-he won’t-he" whisperings about his move became more solid as he actively flirted with the Spanish club and as the shy and retiring Calderon at Madrid repeatedly threw fuel on the fire with perfectly timed comments to the media. It would seem that Ronaldo has made his mind up, and has set his heart on a move to the Spanish capital.

The first point here is that, as a Manchester United fan, it was always inevitable. Ronaldo is, more than most footballers, a mercenary, a man whose primary motivation is greed and getting whatever he wants. When you watched him throwing stepovers over the ball or thrashing in another goal, it was always with the niggling feeling that it was fleeting, ephemeral in some way. He has always cast admiring glances toward Spain, and we should not really be all that shocked by his want-away attitude.

One might argue that Ronaldo has accomplished everything in England, and ascended to Europe’s peak, and so might relish a further challenge. Furthermore, you might point out that it is his right to work where he wants, and if it is for more money then even better. However, it has to be said that Ronaldo owes Manchester United a lot, for taking him as a callow, painfully raw teenager and moulding him into a ferociously talented footballer.

It seems as if the adulation of the fans, which is now predictably beginning to turn sour, means nothing to him, and now his head has been turned I can not see it being turned back again. It is also an interesting side note that rainy, grey Manchester does not sit with the Mediterranean blood of Ronaldo, and this will always be a problem for continental footballers hoping to ply their trade on our rainy isle, at least until global warming sees palm trees sprouting around the M62.

Ronaldo, for me, has to go now. For the ridiculous sums being touted around, United should take the money and spend it wisely. Any cursory viewing of Euro 2008 unearthed any number of gems, and for Ronaldo’s money you could snap up number one target Berbatov, with enough loose change for a van der Vaart or a Ribery.

He has burned his bridges now and it would be churlish to keep him sitting in the stands, regardless of the belligerent tone of Ferguson and the Manchester United board, the latter of whom, I suspect, would never let an asset such as Ronaldo stew in the stands when their debt payments loom so large.

There was Manchester United before Ronaldo and there will certainly be United after him, and therefore we should mourn the passing from our shores of one of the most talented players of the current generation. However, we should not mourn the passing of the world’s biggest ego, one that rode roughshod over anyone that stood in the way of his ‘dream’ of playing in Madrid.

For me, this is a step to the side or even down, from the team at the top of the tree in Europe which exudes stability, to a club that is often ridiculed for the soap-opera regularity of drama and one of the fastest managerial merry-go-rounds in the world. A self-important team and a wholeheartedly selfish, though outrageously talented, footballer; it would seem Madrid and Ronaldo are a match made in heaven.

AC Milan have unveiled their latest big name signing in the form of Ronaldinho in front of thousands of Rossenieri supporters at the Giusieppe Meazza but could his move purely be a smoke-screen for a departure of Kaka?

Chelsea have been strongly linked with an approach for Ronaldinho's International team-mate and will undoubtedly be aware of earlier statements from Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani that all his club, "would need to do in order to wipe out our debts is sell Kaka and Pirlo."

Today's unveiling of the Brazilian star will have gone a long way to pleasing Milan fans who are still coming terms with their sides failure to qualify for next seasons Champions League and Chelsea must realise that the timing is right to come in with a new offer.

It seems that an initial 'astronomical' bid for Kaka was turned down by AC but with Ronaldinho's supposed £15 million price-tag deepening the clubs debts, a new offer of similar value may prove too tempting for the Italian giants to turn down.

The loss of Kaka would be a huge blow to the San Siro support such is their level of feeling for the attacker yet Milan's movement in the transfer market this Summer so far would suggest that there midfield has become slightly overcrowded.

The Rossonieiri have completed three major transfers this Summer with Mathieu Flamini Gianluca Zambrotta and of course Ronaldinho heading for Italy with the latter and Flamini both exclusively midfielders.

The current first-team squad at Milan is now made up of 11 midfielders with eight of these able to be deployed as central midfielders. Many of the midfielders which Milan currently posses are understandably huge names in the World of football and will now be worried about there role in the squad. Kaka himself however does not appear as though he is fazed by Ronaldinho's signing telling a press conference, "I am very happy with the arrival of Ronaldinho because he brings a lot of quality and skill to Milan that will help us to win titles."

According to reports Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich made a gutsy approach to capture Kaka last week when he spent the afternoon on his luxury yacht with Galliani but was told that the Milan playmaker was not for sale at any price although just what 'any price' means to the Russian is anybody's guess.

Galliani himself offered up-to £15 million for want-away striker Andriy Shevchenko but was also told in no uncertain terms that a transfer for the Ukrainian's was not possible.

Whether in the coming weeks Galliani or Abramovich change their stance on the future of their players will remain to be seen, one thing is for sure, with the amount of transfer saga's floating around this Summer you can bet there'll be plenty more to mull over before the start of the new season.

Written by John Ford - A Freelance Football Journalist

He made it clear – he wanted to go to Liverpool and leave Aston Villa behind but as Gareth Barry is finding out – you don't always get what you want in life.

Liverpool have now cooled their interest in him, they are more interested in partnering Robbie Keane with Fernando Torres to create a top class front pairing. The news that Xabi Alonso looks set to stay at Anfield has meant that signing Gareth Barry has gone down the pecking order leaving the England international staring down the barrel of returning to the club he essentially told he **** off a few weeks back.

He said that the club didn't want him and that his manager was more interested in being on the BBC for Euro 2008 than he was in keeping him at the club. The gaffer was strenuously denied these allegations saying that Barry had already made up his mind and that they were allowing him to leave should someone meet their valuation.

The valuation was based on the fees Manchester United paid for Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick – both in the £18million bracket. It sounds a steep price but it has been the market value for England midfielders in the past two summers so that is where the market is.

Liverpool have constantly tried to short change Aston Villa with offers that fall short of their valuation for the player. This has led to the club not accepting any bids because they don't have to sell, they can happily go into the season with Barry anchoring their midfield once again, well when I say happily, on paper it works.

In reality the Villa fans are all against him and the manager couldn't care less about him. He burnt his bridges and now if he has to come back with his tail between his legs, he won't exactly be welcomed with open arms by his fellow players, the fans or his manager.

His only hope is that Arsenal follow up their interest in him, otherwise he will be an Aston Villa player going into the 2008/2009 season and that is certainly not something he planned on two months ago.

Football rivalry is a big part of the game and players transfer from one rival to another all the time. However what happens when a player joins a club he has hated since birth?

I raise this question as my beloved Portsmouth are closing in on Scummer Bridge. The England international has been second fiddle to Ashley Cole for both club and country for too long and wants to re-establish himself as a top class left back. With Portsmouth shopping at a very high-priced and well regarded shop with regards to players this summer, Bridge to Portsmouth sounds perfect on paper, however there is history.

Wayne Bridge was and is a Scummer. Brought up in Winchester in Scum country he grew up a Southampton fan and played for his boyhood club as a youngster. He wasn't just a Southampton player, he was a Southampton fan and there is a difference. He wasn't just employed by the club, he was one of them.

After he left the club for Chelsea he scored against Portsmouth and boy did he celebrate. He sprinted right over to the Portsmouth fans and let them know how much he enjoyed the goal. It has been said before that we were the one club he never wanted to sign for but now it is a real option for him.

Pompey are in the hunt for a new left back and Bridge is top of the wanted list. Fellow England international Nicky Shorey is also an option but Bridge is the man Redknapp wants and in recent times it has been whatever Redknapp wants, Redknapp gets.

The problem the manager faces is persuading Bridge that it is the right move for him. Portsmouth fans will be split on the move however, some will welcome yet another international calibre player to the club whereas others will wonder if the club are selling out signing people from the enemy. Remember there are still Portsmouth fans who don't like Harry for his Southampton connections.

Now most that know me will know that I am pretty liberal on football rivalries, it is only a bit of banter and bragging rights, it should be nothing more than that. However would I as a professional footballer ever play for the team that are the rivals to the team I supported as a boy? I really don't think I would ever go there.

Scummer Bridge is one of the players most disliked at Portsmouth along with possibly James Beattie. I would love him at Fratton Park and would welcome him with open arms. If he did agree to come then he would be a bigger man than me as I don't think I'd be able to do it. It would be a terrific move for Portsmouth FC and a real coup.

Bridge to Portsmouth is a good move for him and the club – the only question is whether the gaffer can persuade him of that.

Football is a very fickle game and although generally speaking the 'f' word – fickle that is – associated with the general football fan, in this instance I am referring to the players themselves.

You hear supporters complaining all the time about players staying loyal to their club but when a player acts in such a way his loyalty is thrown squarely back in his face. Of course it doesn't always happen and many players are quick to jump ship. Two major transfer stories this Summer have seen both ends of this scale. With Cristiano Ronaldo practically confirming that he is indeed a player without any sense of loyalty, sensitivity and indeed knowledge of history by agreeing with Sepp Blatter's comments there is one high profile player who is ready to prove his commitment to a club who apparently don't care...

Frank Lampard. Nobody could possibly bet on him staying at Chelsea or heading to Inter this Summer. He has been at the centre of what could be described as a footballing witch-hunt recently, after being made a scapegoat for England's failure to reach the European Championships this Summer – which, ironically many believed was better viewing due to the lack of England's presence.

Week in, week out Lampard was met with calls of 'Fat Frank' yet kept his head up and put in great performances for his club. Even when sickening chants were sung about the death of his mother it did not affect the Chelsea man and throughout all this the Stamford Bridge faithful stayed behind him with chants of 'Super Frank' ringing out wherever the Blues played.

Super Frank is coming to the end of his contract in West London though leading to rumours that Lampard would be moving to Barcelona this Summer. Those whispers have died down now but fresh bids from Inter Milan have led to many Blues supporters fearing that one of their longest serving players may be heading for the exit.

The midfielder himself would love to stay, I have no doubt about this but the way that he has been treated by the clubs board may seem as though they do not appreciate the players' contribution to the club since his 2001 transfer from West Ham.

Since then he has scored over 110 goals for Chelsea – easily surpassing Dennis Wise's record and has become a firm favourite with the clubs support, so after all that you'd think if Lampard asked for an extra year on a contract it would not be a big deal, well, apparently you'd be wrong.

Chelsea's hierarchy are offering Lampard a four-year-deal with wages around £140,000 a week, Lampard on the other hand is requesting a five-year deal which Peter Kenyon and the rest of the board are unwilling to give him. They say that the club have a policy at the club which states that they do not give out any contract longer than four-years to a player who is older than 30-years. That's strange considering the fact that Andrei Shevchenko and Michael Ballack have both been given five year deals and both a well into their thirties.

So we go back to the whole idea of loyalty. Fans and owners alike continually bang on about demanding loyalty from their players, they want players to give their all for the club and to see out their contract before requesting a move. Lampard has done more than this by asking for a long-term contract but has been knocked back by the same club he has given his all to. I for one think that Lampard would be well in his rights to tell Chelsea where to stuff it...

Written by John Ford - A Freelance Football Journalist

Does anyone here really give two hoots as to what Sepp Blatter thinks?

I thought not.

However he has stuck his oar in regarding the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga and reckons that the club should sell him should he want to move on like has been reported pretty much everywhere. Now that is fine and dandy, he is allowed an opinion, nothing wrong with his comments so far until he said this.

"I think in football there's too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players here and there, and putting them somewhere,"

So footballers are like modern slaves? Well if they want the freedom to move from club to club each year they should only sign one-year deals. They aren't forced to sign these long contracts with bundles of cash in them. I have never seen a players with shackles around his arms and legs dragged into a boardroom with a giant iron collar and forced to sign on the dotted line.

To be fair I haven't been in that many broadrooms when a deal has gone down but I don't imagine it to be like that and if it were, then I really think it may of come out in the press at some point.

Footballers have a choice to go when a club accepts a bid for them, it isn't like in America where the league owns the players rights and if they are traded, then that is it, they are gone. If Manchester United accepted a bid for Ronaldo he wouldn't be forced out of the door, he could turn the move down if he so desired.

Sepp Blatter is an idiot and comments like these just confirm what most of us thought anyway. Modern Slavery I ask you. When people get in power do they have their brains removed as part of the deal?

Michel Platini is no better but I shall save my wrath for him for another day.

During Euro 2008 David Pleat (amongst other things and people) really got on my wick, well I thought it was time to give some praise to of his ITV colleagues

Jim Beglin is no David Pleat, he's not been a top flight manager, he's not a convicted curb crawler, he's not the most annoying man ever to sit alongside Clive Tyldesley. What he is however is a co-commentator who has really honed his skills and fast become the best colour analyst on terrestrial television.

It is a crime that ITV continue to prefer David Pleat over this guy. He talks honestly and gives his opinion. When he makes a mistake he apologises and gets on with it. He praises referees when they deserve praise and he disses them when they've made a ricket. He got an even shot at Champions League games this year and got a couple of big games as they shared it out between him and Pleat, but when push came to shove they went with Pleat for the Final.

I know people will be less interested in a piece about a good co-commentator than by a piece lambasting a totally inept one. However I think it is time that Jim Beglin gets the credit he deserves, he has worked hard and become excellent at his job and that is something we should all aspire to.

Luiz Felipe Scolari may be new to English football but he seems to be a natural when it comes to dealing with the tenacity of the British hack.

In his first press-conference since taking over as Chelsea manager the Brazilian came across as a charming, friendly character, almost nothing like we had been led to believe during his time as national coach of Brazil and Portugal which earned him the label 'Big Phil'.

Perhaps his confrontation with Serbian player Ivica Dragutinovic where Scolari caught the player with a punch after being slapped in the hand was a one off, an unfortunate misunderstanding which was caught on camera. Or perhaps he just doesn't like being touched, I guess we will never know but whilst being asked a series of questions at Chelsea's Cobham training ground the 59-year-old appeared utterly mellow.

His responses to two burning issues of the day will also have gone down well with the Chelsea faithful, specifically over the futures of their top-goalscorers Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

Lampard has been under the media glare once more over his future at Stamford Bridge after failing to agree an extension to his current deal which expires next Summer but Scolari appeased Blues' fans by telling gathered journalists,

"I asked him if he wants to stay at Chelsea, not only this season, but for more time and he said to me that he wants to stay and he wants to play for Chelsea for many years.

"I was very happy because I think Chelsea needs Lampard, and Lampard likes Chelsea, and now there are minimum questions to solve it.

"I think Lampard will be with us for more time than one year", This will come as a relief to all fans of the West London club who are desperate to see one of their key players of previous seasons remain at the club for the foreseeable future.

When asked about the Ivory Coast striker, Scolari had less to say but did well to avoid any further rumours that the frontman was on the verge of leaving the club by adding,

"100 per cent, 200 per cent (I want to keep him), I like him.

I spoke to him about what's happened and how many times he needs to train normally and I saw him happy

"Last season or two years ago, I voted for one of the best players in the world in Drogba and I think two years ago, three years ago, I chose John Terry", And Scolari further added to his early popularity by stating that Terry will remain as the club Captain for the coming season and has also kept England team-mate Lampard as vice-captain, possibly in an attempt to further reiterate the midfielders commitment to the club.

Again at the club's training complex Scolari told the waiting journalists,

"I like him as a captain ... I like him as a player and as a leader.

"The captain is John Terry and the second captain is Lampard, but we want more captains on the pitch", The former Portugal coach was also very diplomatic over any future transfer targets the club may be pursuing this Summer. He suggested that he would firstly take the squad for training and analyse which positions – if any – require additions to be made to them and then and only then would he be dipping into the transfer market with the reported £100 million kitty given to him by owner Roman Abramovich. It will be interesting to see what the odds of signing Kaka this Summer are though as Chelsea remain strongly linked to a move for the Brazilian playmaker.

When asked by a cheeky hack whether he was a 'special one' as Jose Mourinho had stated during is maiden press-conference as Blues boss Scolari claimed he was, but only to his family and friends, nothing more and when asked how he was as a manager, he jokingly added, "so-so."

With such an apparently charismatic professional at the helm of Chelsea, it would probably be wise to bet on the blues to overturn United at the top of the Premiership pile come May next year.

Written by John Ford - A Freelance Football Journalist