The Drog's Final Farewell

It's been a remarkable last eight years in west London for Chelsea forward Didier Drogba; countless trophies later and it looks as if his career at Stamford Bridge has come to an end.

The striker joined from Marseille in 2004 for a fee of around £24million, a high figure for someone who had only joined the French club a year previously for a mere £3.3million.

Drogba at Marseille

It took the Ivorian a while to get going. Many were admiring his talents at acting rather than his goals.

His first two seasons saw him bag 16 goals in both campaigns; including a special goal against Liverpool in the 2006/2007 season - Drogba chesting down a cross before swivelling and rifling a ferocious shot, left footed past 'keeper Pepe Reina.

It's fair to say that the 2009/2010 season was his best; netting an impressive 37 goals in 44 games (all competitions).

The last two seasons for Drogba haven;t been as great with just 13 a piece however, he has showed his value over the years by grabbing important goals, notably in Cup Finals; Drogba himself became the first player to score in four different FA Cup Finals after scoring in the 2012 show-piece against Liverpool.

Of course, it wasn't just the FA Cup where his came alive - In the League Cup he totalled 9 in 15, European competitions has seen Drogba find the net 34 times, making him number one goalscorer for Chelsea in Europe.

We all watched the final, we all know what happened and we know Bayern dominated the majority of the match.  I did have a feeling it would be Chelsea's night - There were so many similarities to the Barcelona semi final n the Nou Camp it was unreal; Drogba giving the penalties away in both games, both number 10s (Messi and Robben) missing the penalties, Chelsea under the cosh for long periods, getting a goal from a rare foray up field.

It was fitting that his final touch of a football in a Chelsea shirt was slotting in the winning penalty against Bayern Munich in the Final of the Champions League?  Banishing the memory of the 2008 Final defeat where Drogba was sent off - He would have been the man to take the fifth penalty that day, instead, John Terry took it and we all know what happened.

Terry slips and hands United the trophy

I'm not a fan of Chelsea, admittedly I wanted the English team to win on Saturday, but I was happy for Drogba to sign off his Blues career in a way that he will always be remembered for - Of course, he will always be remembered as a Chelsea great but to see him, especially put the penalty away was a good sight to see and, of course, as an Englishman, there isn't a much better sight in football than seeing the German's crying after a penalty shoot out defeat is there?!.

YOU SCHWEIN: Bastian's tears

Who will fill the boots of "The Drog" now? Can Torres step up to the plate? Will they bring in someone such as Radamel Falcao from Athletico Madrid? Hulk from Porto? Edinson Cavani from Napoli?

DROGBA: Got there in the end

Where next for the Drog?  Will he join former strike partner Nicolas Anelka in Shanghai? Whatever happens in the future, Drogba will always be forever a Chelsea legend.

Oh, and before I leave you, Drogba's statistics during his time at Stamford Bridge:

341 appearances
157 goals
3 Premier Leagues
4 FA Cups
2 Carling Cups
1 Champions League

Not a bad record I suppose!

Until next week....

One 'Eck of a Year at Villa Park

Alex McLeish.  The man that twice won the SPL title with Rangers as a manager along with Carling Cup success at Birmingham was sacked from fellow midlands side Aston Villa.

HAPPIER TIMES: McLeish with the Carling Cup

It wasn't a great 11 months for club or manager at Villa Park.  After Gerard Houllier left the club due to a heart scare, McLeish was appointed boss just five days after leaving arch rivals Birmingham City.

The appointment didn't fill Villa fans with joy, anti-McLeish graffiti was sprayed on the walls of Villa's training ground and fans protested when news came through about the move a few days prior.

His arrival came less than a week after winger Ashley Young's reported £20million move to Manchester United  and by the looks of things, there was money to spend on new players; this was enhanced by the sale of another winger, this time Stewart Downing making the move to the north-west however, he joined Liverpool, the fee, again being £20million.

EXIT DOOR:  Young (L) and Downing (R) headed north

The Scot set to work on finding suitable replacements for the duo and, a year after trying to bring Charles N'Zogbia from Wigan to Birmingham, McLeish finally got his way with the Frenchman joining in a £9.5million deal.

Next was Shay Given; a consistent performer with Newcastle United previously in his career, the goalkeeper completed his cut price £3.5million move from Manchester City - An astute move from McLeish in his bid to replace fellow veteran 'keeper Brad Friedel who moved to Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer.

A POSITIVE: Given

That was about that though in terms of high profile signings incoming through Villa Park.  There were tools to work with though; Of those left behind there were the likes of Stiliyan Petrov, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Darren Bent and Richard Dunne - Standard type of players for a club such as Villa in my opinion.

Things started off well for 'Eck as he tried to shake off the Birmingham cobwebs; the team went unbeaten for the first five Premier League games, albeit only one win from these five.

However, things didn't really happen for him or his team with a lot of draws and defeats in a season of disappointment and a season that saw Emile Heskey play twenty nine times in all competitions! (No disrespect to Emile but he really isn't very good!)... added to that is that he was played left wing for a chunk of it I suppose one goal in twenty nine (Against Blackburn!) is a good record for a "striker"! (Stop laughing!)

The final table showed a massive SEVEN Premier League wins out of thirty eight under the guidance of Alex McLeish and, with just FOUR home wins all season, can you really blame the Villa fans slagging him off when they have had recent "success" and high finishes under Martin O'Neill?

The likes of N'Zogbia, a goalscoring attacker for Wigan, only found the net twice but, if it wasn't for Given throughout the season I really do feel that Villa would have gone down (Pulled off an absolute masterclass when Newcastle came to Villa Park IIRC).

N'Zogbia has been poor all season

The same could be said for the departed Downing however who managed a whopping 0 goals and 0 assists in his first full season at Anfield.

McLeish withstood the heavy Villa pressure all season however, just one day after the season finished - Villa themselves lost 2-0 away at Norwich, the former Scotland manager was sacked, just eleven months after he was appointed.  Trying to keep hold of his job was not helped by the news of James Collins, Chris Herd and Fabian Delph being involved in a nightclub scuffle before the season was even over and before they had secured Premier League safety.

So who do they turn to now? Many bookmakers are predicting the arrival at Villa Park of Norwich boss Paul Lambert, others reckon Mick McCarthy, Wigan gaffer Roberton Martinez is another; he was the man that Villa wanted last season before McLeish got the job - Could they bring him to Villa this time around? Finally, my own choice - Rafa Benitez - Out of work and likes England, good manager who knows the game well and you have to remember, got Liverpool so close to winning the league not so long ago.

NEW GAFFER?: Benitez gets results

Until next week...

Crawley Clinch Promotion Again!

Well, it's been quite a season for my team Crawley Town.  Another long FA Cup run before bowing out to Stoke City, brawls at Bradford City, selling our two top goalscorers for around a culminated £2million, seeing our management team depart for pastures new at League 2 rivals Rotherham United and now it all came down to this; The Crown Ground, Accrington.

An early start began on Saturday as the six Alliance coaches departed the Broadfield Stadium at 7.30.  A mixture of optimism, nerves, hope and prayers were being passed around by all on "Coach 1" as we made the long trip up to Lancashire.

We arrived at around 13.15 to be greeted by the BBC cameramen before heading down the road to a pub for a drink to calm the anxiety around the place!

We entered the ground around 45 minutes before kick off, the pitch didn't look great, but on the plus side, apart from the banned Hope Akpan, Reds had a full squad to choose from.

The teams were out and I nearly cried when I heard John Akinde was starting but, to be fair to him, he played brilliantly.

We began strong though and Akinde had a great chance to put his side 1-0 up early on as he was given space just outside the box however, smashed his effort into the 631 strong visiting support behind 'keeper Ian Dunbavin's goal.

Accrington had their first chance of the game as a ball over the top was brought down by Stanley's Irish loan striker Padraig Amond however, the forward saw his strike superbly saved by the leg of the returning Scott Shearer in the Crawley goal.

The resulting corner saw an Accrington defender fling himself at the ball in before Shearer clawed the ball away.

Soon later, Akinde had another chance as he was sent through by Josh Simpson but, the striker's attempted lob over the goalkeeper was foiled by Dunbavin just outside the box with the away supporters screaming for hand ball.

Accrington had another chance as a Craig Lindfield ball in found the head of Amond who's header was hooked off the line by Reds' right back David Hunt.

Another two chances were not finished by Crawley as firstly, Akinde's ball across couldn't find Gary Alexander who was in a good position to break the 0-0 scoreline.

Next, and just before half time, a well worked move saw Josh Simpson flick the ball to the right hand side of the box to Scott Neilson.  The winger however drove wide when one on one with Dunbavin before the referee blew the whistle for half time.

The second half began and Crawley came out looking to grab the goal that could seal promotion to League 1 - Southend winning against Macclesfield meant that the Shrimpers would be going up if Crawley failed to win.

Kyle McFadzean went the closest as David Hunt's long throw was flicked onto the bar and out for a goal kick from the defender.

Reds hit the bar again as Akinde thundered his effort on goal but Dunbavin got the slightest touch to tip it onto the bar and over the stand.

The pressure was increasing on the Accrington goal and Alexander had a chance but headed over Neilson's cross at the back post when well placed.

Next it was Akinde again as Alexander's ball across the box was met by Akinde sliding in before Dunbavin got down bravely to keep the ball out.

The visitors had an effort cleared off the line from Lindfield before the goal finally came.

McFadzean went route one, Accrington couldn't stop the pacy Neilson who brought the ball down before turning and firing into the corner of the net - finally beating Dunbavin.

ONE-NEIL: Scott fires in and celebrates below

A nervy last 25 minutes ensued for the away side however, they kept Accrington at bay and held on for a famous victory and complete a second successive promotion!

WE ARE GOING UP!

A pitch invasion ensued, the players were mobbed and boots, gloves, shirts and even player's socks were given out to the travelling fans - I managed to get a pair of Sanchez Watt's boots.

The coach home was bouncing, conga's were being danced down the aisle as the jubilant fans were in the mood to party!

A few hours later and there was a party; back in Redz bar the fans ensued and, an hour or so later a number of the players were greeted with loud cheers and songs as the drinks were flowing.

Back home at around 12.30, I felt the need to watch a bit of the Football League Show; I just had a feeling there may be something important to see on the programme!

So League 1 here we come as we look forward to the likes of Portsmouth, Coventry, Preston and maybe Sheffield United - Amazing how far we have come in such a short space of time!

Until August.....

We are going up!

THUMBS UP: Brewster celebrates

COYRs!

Photos courtesy of www.crawleytownfc.co.uk

Make Or Break For Chelsea and Di Matteo

It's been quite a season for Chelsea Football Club.  At the start of the campaign, Andre Villas-Boas was named manager after Roman Abramovich paid out a record £13.3 million compensation to Porto after the manager tendered his resignation with the Portuguese League Champions.


Many believed a new era would be the beginning of successful times ahead for the club. Villas- Boas brought in the likes of Raul Meireles from Liverpool, Juan Mata from Valencia and Barcelona youth prospect Oriol Romeu in a bid to mount a challenge for the title.

SUCCESS AND FAILURE: Mata and Villas-Boas

However, things didn't work out, a string of poor results led to speculation of ruthless owner Abramovich parting company with the Portuguese and, at the beginning of March his fate was sealed and his assistant, former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo took over.


So here Di Matteo was with the same group of players as what his predecessor had before winning the next four games including two wins in the FA Cup, a league win against Stoke before a 4-1 hammering against in form Napoli after trailing 3-1 in the first leg in Naples before suffering defeat at Manchester City.

CHEERS: Di Matteo has turned their season around

After drawing against Tottenham, the blues went on another four game winning run with two of the four being two Champions League games home and away to Benfica.


It has to be said, the best week of Di Matteo's Chelsea reign was last week when his side thrashed Tottenham in an FA Cup semi-final 5-1 before snatching a 1-0 win at home to Barcelona thanks to a Didier Drogba goal on the stroke of half time.

If the west London side can win tonight's second leg against Barca at the Nou Camp and stop the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta from finding a way through the defence it will show a fantastic achievement for a club that was, just a couple of months ago written off to win anything.

THE THREE AMIGOS: Messi, Xavi and Iniesta

An FA Cup and Champions League double is the potential prize for the Blues and in the end, it could mean that a potentially dreadful season turns into a great one, especially if they win the biggest prize of all; The Champions League, the dream that Abramovich craves about.

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Champions League is what Roman wants

As for Di Matteo's future, well, a few more wins and the man that was sacked from West Bromwich Albion not so long ago could be managing the Champions League holders come August.


Football's a funny old game don't you think?!

Reds Brew Up A Comeback To Sting The Bees

Manager-less Crawley scored two second half goals to complete a turnaround and win at Barnet in Craig Brewster’s first game in temporary charge of the club.

Brewster is the boss

Late on Sunday night, rumours circulated of the club losing manager Steve Evans to Rotherham United where he would take the same position – rumours that were confirmed just before the coaches pulled away from the stadium at 11.45.

Arriving in Barnet at around 13.45, we joined the four coach loads and independent travellers in The Red Lion pub before making the short walk to Underhill around 45 minutes later where we were greeted with “Craig Brewster’s red and white army” bellowing out from the 500 strong away support.

The game began well for us; the ball was being played on the floor and we had scored. It’s just a shame it was ruled out for a push.

An in swinging corner from the recalled Billy Clarke found defender John Dempster at the back post who headed past Dean Brill and into the top corner, however the referee, Andy Haines, adjudged the former Kettering player had pushed his marker before hand. I wasn’t so sure!

Crawley were having the majority of possession without really doing a lot with the ball in the final third.

Against the run of play, Barnet scored; a through ball from Sam Deering found Izale McLeod. The former Crawley target’s left footed drive was pushed away by Michel Kuipers straight into the path of winger Ricky Holmes who pounced with precision to put the Bees 1-0 up.

From here on in until half time it was all Barnet with a host of chances falling to McLeod, Deering, Mark Byrne and Clovis Kamdjo who either hit high or wide or were kept out by Kuipers who made at least two top class saves within these attempts.

Kuipers then hit a host of goal kicks, admittedly helped on by a strong wind go sailing off the pitch and behind with the away fans becoming restless and showing their discontent as the referee blew for half time.

Brewster made two brave calls at half time bringing off on loan Colchester right back Lloyd James replacing him with Josh Simpson and Scott Davies entered the fray for a player that knows Underhill well; Sanchez Watt (Arsenal Reserves play their home games at Barnet).

The change instantly paid off as seven minutes after coming on, Davies’ corner found the towering Dempster, who, again was lurking at the back post, his header looping over Brill into the net, this time the goal stood.

Dempster heads in and celebrates below

It wasn't long later until the visitors made it 2; Dannie Bulman picked up the ball before passing to Davies who touched the ball forward and rifled a right footed effort straight past Brill; the powerful strike taking the slightest deflection off home defender Michael Hector to send the visiting supporters wild!

Davies lets fly and celebrates with a twist!

Lawrie Sanchez's side again had a host of chances to get the equaliser; firstly, McLeod’s angled strike was pushed clear by Kuipers and centre back Michael Hector broke out from his defensive duties to let fly straight at Kuipers.

The Bees upped the tempo and McLeod had a number of efforts to get the second goal for his side but Kuipers came in-between the striker adding to his 18 goal haul in League 2.

Late on, Torres saw red for a soft challenge on Kamdjo and, after numerous more chance falling to the home side, notably a scrambled effort from substitute Scott McGleish being hacked off the line twice by Dempster and Warren Cummings, the Reds held on for a big win in their efforts to earn an automatic promotion place.

OFF: Torres saw red

Onto the next one as we have a game against rivals AFC Wimbledon coming up on Saturday at a surely packed out Broadfield Stadium.

Photos courtesy of www.crawleytownfc.com and www.barnetfc.com

Record Attendance Sees Reds Share Spoils

Crawley snatched a point as the opening of the club’s new East Stand oversaw a 1-1 draw with play off chasers Crewe Alexandra.

The new East Stand basking in Sussex sunshine

Crewe, famed for their conveyor belt of young talent that brought through “names”  such as Robbie Savage, Danny Murphy, Nicky Maynard, Dean Ashton and Luke Varney, included their latest prodege, 17 year old winger/striker and England under 18 international Nick Powell in the starting XI.  In fact, 7 of the Crewe starting XI came through the ranks of the club.

HIGHLY RATED: Nick Powell

The game began and Crawley had the first chance, Scott Davies’ early floated corner kick was headed just wide at the near post by loanee Leon Clarke.

That was all the home side really had to offer for the next twenty minutes as the front pairing of Powell and Ajay Leitch-Smith looked menacing against the makeshift centre back pairing of John Dempster and Warren Cummings.

Winger Byron Moore was another player causing problems and, after receiving a neat ball from loan winger Billy Bodin who had cut in from the left; two touches later and the ball was curled into the bottom corner of the net only for the linesman to adjudge the wide man offside.

It wasn’t long until he scored another, and a goal that did count.  A long ball was punted up for Leitch-Smith to chase, Warren Cummings had time to clear, however, Leitch-Smith nipped the ball off of the defender before passing to Powell who, in turn set up Moore to curl the ball right into the bottom corner of Michel Kuipers’ net for 1-0 Crewe.

Moore opened the scoring for the visitors

Crawley rallied a little; a Sergio Torres pass found Hope Akpan, who cut onto his right foot only to blaze over the bar from about 20 yards.

Crewe had another couple of chances as a quick corner found Powell who’s dangerous, low ball in was beaten away from Kuipers and out for a corner.  The out-swinging corner came in from Ashley Westwood but centre back and captain David Artell headed wide of Kuipers’ back post.

The two sides went in at half time with the score 1-0 to Crewe.

The second half began and it was almost 2-0 instantly to the visitors as Kuipers pushed away a strike from Leitch-Smith only to see Moore following up but the ‘keeper superbly flung himself over the other side of his goal to keep the score intact.

Kuipers keeps the score intact

Moore then let fly from 25 yards as Steve Davis’ side looked to grab the second goal to perhaps kill the game off, however, the strike swerved well wide of the target.

Reds boss Steve Evans, who was strongly linked to the Rotherham managerial vacancy this week brought on the attacking duo of Sanchez Watt and Scott Neilson in a bid to change the game in the home side’s favour.

Crawley upped the ante as the visitors tired however when in good positions, Watt, Dannie Bulman and Sergio Torres decided to pass to the Crewe backline instead!

Finally the goal did come, some neat, intracate passing set Josh Simpson clear, his low cross looked to go through to Billy Clarke but a bobble saw the ball bounce up and hit Adam Dugdale on the arm; referee Brendan Malone awarding a penalty and Gary Alexander stepped up to slam home the penalty straight down the middle with just 2 minutes of normal time remaining.

ALEX HALTS ALEX: Gary waits for Malone to blow his whistle

Final conclusion, playing poorly and yet not losing is a sign of a decent side, it could be a big point at the end of the season and next up is a trip to Underhill, Barnet on Monday afternoon.  Another positive is finally seeing the attendance record broken for the first time since 2004 with a crowd of just over 4,700 witnessing the game.

Barnet's Underhill "Stadium" is the next venue

Photos courtesy of www.crawleytownfc.com

Battling Brewers Halt Reds' Winning Run

Crawley made it eight unbeaten as Burton Albion held them to a goalless draw at The Pirelli Stadium.

The day began with a 9am departure time from The Broadfield Stadium, and, after a 30 minute stop at Newport Pagnell services we arrived at the ground at around 1pm.  A quick walk down the The Beech pub down the road before entering the stadium at around 14:15.

Burton's Pirelli Stadium was opened in 2005

The visitors started the game the brightest; Gary Alexander having the first shot of the game that was comfortably saved by Brewers’ ‘keeper Ross Atkins.

Even Alexander couldn't find the net!

Next up was Scott Davies but his strike sailed well wide of Atkins’ goal.

The shots were raining down on the home side’s netting as Dannie Bulman tried his luck from distance only to see his 25 yard effort slice just wide of goal.

Billy Clarke then had a chance; a wonderful first touch looked to have sent him clear of defender Nathan Stanton but the Red number 7 could only fire inches past Atkins’ left hand post.

Burton finally started to have a couple of shots; firstly, winger Jacques Maghoma’s drive, which was moving in the air was well held onto by Crawley goalkeeper Michel Kuipers and another winger, this time, Jimmy Phillips, who breezed past Josh Simpson and Kyle McFadzean before his tame effort was hit straight at Kuipers.

The closest the away team came to scoring in the first 45 was a Scott Davies free kick;  Dean Howell touched the ball into the stride of the former Reading midfielder who saw his powerful effort flicked over by Atkins.

Both teams went in at half time with nothing to show for their efforts.

Crawley came out for the second half similarly to the Bradford game; pushing to get the goal that could grab them three points. Bulman again tries the spectacular from range but once more saw his strike skew well wide of the target.

Sergio Torres had a great chance to open the scoring after some nice passing play from Clarke, Alexander and Bulman; the ball broke to the Argentine on the left of the box. However, just as he flicked the ball back on his right to take the shot, both Stanton and defensive partner Ryan Austin flung themselves across to brilliantly take the ball and send it out for a corner kick.

ROLLOVER: Torres is superbly halted by the Brewers' defence

Both sides made quick substitutions in a bid to swing the game in their favour; Steve Evans brought on attacking midfielder Sanchez Watt to replace Clarke and Brewers caretaker boss, Gary Rowett brought on Shrewsbury loanee Lionel Aiinsworth in place of the in-effective Greg Pearson.

Another chance fell to the dominant Crawley as a corner was floated in, a scramble ensued before McFadzean fired over the bar from inside the box.

Evans threw on the pacy Scott Neilson in place of Davies as Reds aimed to up the tempo however, apart from a Watt volley, an effort from Hope Akpan and a Josh Simpson effort both going wide, that was that and the resolute Burton defence had foiled the promotion chasers; stopping them from a fifth successive win.

HIT AND HOPE: Akpan has a go as Watt tries the spectacular below...

The draw continued our poor run playing Burton away - In 14 years of following Crawley, I have never seen us win up at Burton... Maybe I'm a jynx?!

Up next is a home game against in form Crewe Alexandra on Friday, a game which is also the opening of our new stand. A big game for both sides with Crewe wanting to grab a seat in the play off pack as we look to cement a place in the automatics.

Photos courtesy of www.crawleytownfc.com