Success or be damned: End of the road for David Moyes

Hand picked as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor by the man himself, David Moyes’ tenure as Manchester United manager has ended 10 months into a 6-year contract.

Less than a year ago the then vacating Scotsman cast a long shadow, one Moyes struggled to step out of. 

That shadow was of a presence that masterminded the collection of 38 trophies over a 27-year period at Manchester United.

Whoever was to succeed Fergie would have found those shoes particularly tough to fill at any rate. 

A penny for Sir Alex's thoughts right now - the decision to remove Moyes as manager is billed as being based on results on the pitch not being good enough.

Reasoning anyone would be hard pushed to argue with following United’s lowest points tally in the Premier League era.

Others suggest he lost the dressing room, was out of his depth, not the calibre of tactician capable of leading a club like Manchester United.

Whatever the fine details, to a club and ownership that proclaimed the marriage between Manchester and Moyes would not yield to the culture of sacking managers, has sacked the manager.

The Press Association reported this morning that Ryan Giggs would take 'interim' charge of the Red Devils until the end of the season.

Thereafter, the rumour mill is chugging along nicely, here’s a list of potential replacements:

  

Jurgen Klopp

Many in the media and beyond see the charismatic German as the front-runner for the Old Trafford vacancy.

However, you sense the Dortmund project is far from finished, having only in the last couple of seasons established themselves as a force in Europe after nearly going out of business in 2005.

The 46 year old has captured 2 German league titles, 1 German cup and an appearance in the Champions League final for the BVB.

The former manager of Mainz signed a new five-year contract at Dortmund in October last year, halting any notion of a move away from Germany.

Contracts are meaningless I hear you cry? Not to this committed head coach.

Klopp told the Guardian: “Man Utd is a great club and I feel very familiar with their wonderful fans. But my commitment to Borussia Dortmund and the people is not breakable.”

A man of honour, dignity and duty. Enough said.

 

Diego Simeone 

Has a growing managerial reputation in Europe having taken Atletico Madrid to La Liga’s summit and to the semi finals of the Champions League this season.

He also lead Madrid to the Copa Del Rey last season and the UEFA Super Cup and Europa League prior to that.

When asked about the United job during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League semi final with Chelsea tonight, Simeone refused to comment, claiming he was focused solely on the task at hand and nullifying Chelsea.

He is also remembered for an altercation with one David Beckham at the France 98' World Cup.

Would Simeone like to test himself in England? Would he be suited to it?

Roberto Martinez

Worked wonders at Everton this season, if the 2-0 win over United last weekend told us anything, its how far Everton has come under Roberto Martinez and how woefully disenchanted Manchester United are by comparison.

Much like Klopp and Dortmund, Martinez and Everton have a good thing going at the minute, a project worth continuing rather than walking away from before anything is truly achieved.

Still in with a shout of finishing fourth, exciting Everton have a bright future under the guidance of Roberto Martinez.

Carlo Ancelotti

The current Real Madrid coach and ex Chelsea boss has the credentials you’d expect Manchester United to see as desirable.

However, Ancelotti has done his time in England, winning both the Premier League and FA Cup whilst at Stamford Bridge. Is taking the helm at United really in his sights? I’m not so sure.

The Italian did have his say on Moyes departure: “I feel sorry for David Moyes, but that's the life of a football coach, sometimes it doesn't go well for you and you are sacked.”

The 54 year old continued: “I am a little surprised because Manchester United don't normally do this.”

Class of 92

Evergreen Ryan Giggs is in ‘interim’ charge until the end of the season, whose to say his tenure couldn't be extended should he steady the ship with a good run in the four remaining fixtures, against teams you’d expect United on their day to skittle over.

Other graduates of the class of 92’ are already at the club such as Nicky Butt and Phil Neville. Old favourite Paul Scholes hasn’t been so far removed either, working with Under-19s manager Butt earlier in the season.

Gary Neville has TV commitments as well as with England, but I’m sure he’d make an exception for the club he spent the entirety of his club career at, amassing over 600 appearances.

Could the Fergie Fledglings usher in a new era at Old Trafford? There’s a certain romance to this.

Louis Van Gaal

The obvious choice.

Van Gaal has a near peerless abundance of experience managing some of the biggest clubs in European football, winning the big games, and the trophies to boot.

The 62 year old is currently in charge of the Dutch national team, a role he will leave after this summers World Cup - which would dispel any problematic compensation issues.

He’d also be able to channel the abilities of Robin Van Persie, who has had a relatively quiet season by his own standards.

Van Gaal has said of Moyes’ mismanagement of the Dutch striker: “The football from Man United now is, for him, maybe difficult but then he wishes to show his technique. Technique [levels] in the Dutch team [are] higher.”

You wouldn't bet against Van Gaal bringing the best out of Van Persie should he arrive at Old Trafford, the Dutch international has netted 6 times in 4 World Cup qualifiers for the Netherlands.

With Van Gaal’s experience comes a reputation, players of the highest level would want to play for him, buy into his philosophy and what he would be trying to do. He’d build a cohesive team, a Manchester, United.

Round up: FC Halifax Town v Macclesfield Town

FC Halifax Town beat Macclesfield Town 2-1 at the Shay to climb up to 3^rd in the Skrill Premier and extend their unbeaten run to 10 games.

The home side made it 2-0 in the space of four minutes in the first half, with goals courtesy of Marc Roberts and Chris Smith.

The result strengthens the Shaymens grip on a play off place and a potential trip to Wembley.

Halifax were well on top in the first half and after the two goals went in, it was clear for all to see why they have only lost once at home all season.

Both goals came off set pieces, an area the visitors had trouble containing their hosts.

However against the run of play, the Silkmen pulled a goal back through club top scorer Scott Boden just before half time.

That goal put an end to a run of 7 consecutive clean sheets for Halifax and changed the complexion of the tie as the 2^nd half was in stark contrast to the first.

As the game wore on, Macclesfield enjoyed long periods in possession, as the home crowd began to get nervous.

That nervousness was mirrored on the pitch, as the final minutes were very tense.

Nevertheless, the Shaymen held onto the first half lead they had fashioned for themselves and claimed all three points.

Manager Neil Aspin commented after the game: ‘The result at this stage of the season is more important than the performance, it was a very difficult game for us, but its all about getting the result, the team might not play well but if we put the ball in the right area off set pieces, then I’ll always fancy us to score.’

Next up for Halifax is a trip to Southport on Easter Monday before returning home to play their final game of the season in front of a home crowd against Kidderminster on Saturday 26^th April.

FC United to hold food collection for charity at Ashton game

To mark the clubs final regular season fixture at Gigg Lane against Ashton on Easter Monday, FC United of Manchester have joined forces with local charity Mustard Tree.

In recent months the food collection charity has seen an increase in demand, which requires the Mustard Tree Food Bank Store to replenish its reserves and avoid becoming seriously depleted.

The Red Rebels have a long-standing partnership with the charity, and just last year FC United fans came to the rescue with donations of much needed emergency provisions.

Chief executive of Mustard Tree, Adrian Nottingham said: “Last year we were really grateful for the support of FC United and its generous fans when a big Saturday collection gave a vitally needed boost to our food stores with six weeks worth of food added to our food store.”

The Charity is appealing to those generous kind-hearted supporters to bring any unwanted, spare food essentials to the Easter Monday fixture against the Robins.

These ‘food essentials’ include dried goods like cereal, fruit, nuts and eggs, tinned food, packets and cartons - sugar, flour, pasta, rice, noodles etc - and also personal items like soap, deodorant, toiletries, mouthwash, shaving cream and soft drinks.

Nottingham continued: “We hope that FC United fans can help out again this coming Monday by sharing what they can.”

Those supporters bringing food to the game on bank holiday Monday should look out for the Mustard Tree van, which will be parked to the right entrance of the ground just before the FC United membership stall.

A full list of acceptable essential items can be viewed on the Mustard Tree website here: http://www.mustardtree.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Essential-Food-Items.pdf

If you’d like to donate financially to the Mustard Tree cause you can do so by clicking on the donate button on the charities website: www.mustardtree.org.uk

FC United of Manchester: Dare to dream?

It’s been an out of sorts season for Manchester United, but for FC United of Manchester its business as usual as the pursuit for promotion to Skrill North intensifies.

The Red Rebels currently occupy 2^nd in the Northern Premier League, now just a point behind league leaders Chorley with two games remaining.

Press Officer Andy Walker believes its Chorley’s title to lose: “Its in Chorley’s hands now, if they win their games then they’re up, they’ve got a superior goal difference to us, courtesy of the last couple of games they’ve had, they’ve got a run they’ll think is winnable.”

Eager to avoid the seemingly cursed play offs after 3 consecutive defeats at the final hurdle, FCUM still have work to do if they’re to usurp the Magpies from top spot.

“We’ve got to win our games to keep pressure on Chorley and that’s what we’ll be trying to do.”

A run of 9 wins on the trot came to an end in a 2-2 stalemate with Chorley a week ago, followed by a surprise defeat to Buxton.

However, FC United got back to winning ways courtesy of their game in hand with a 3-0 victory over Grantham on Tuesday night.

The Rebels followed up that result with another 3 points over relegated Stamford 2-3 away from home this afternoon, as Chorley dropped points on the road at Whitby Town.

“The lads are certainly confident that they can go on another run, last week against Buxton they looked tired and jaded, Buxton worked hard, people have to understand that teams work hard, they want to win football matches.”

Nothing but a string of wins will do if they are to continue their efforts to buck the trend of play off lottery.

“Every single time we cross that white line we’ve got to be on our mettle till the end of the season.”

The clubs come a long way since its controversial inception in 2005, born out of American businessman Malcolm Glazers takeover of Manchester United.

The cynics said it’d never work, but that group of maverick United fans have stuck to their task and a decade milestone since the clubs formation is fast approaching, what better way to celebrate than in a brand spanking new stadium.

Walker said: “I think it talks about the resilience of football fans, and the determination of people at our club, we wanted to created a different way, a better way for football, and I think we’re well on the way to doing that.”

Plans have been announced for a new 5,000 capacity stadium with construction of ‘Broadhurst Park’ due for completion in September.

Walker admits to a long-term vision for FC United, a club for the fans by the fans:

 “Its not just about the next couple of years, its about what we may be able to achieve in the foreseeable future, its about making that facility speak to the values and founding principles of our football club - affordable football, being able to come and have a good time at the ground.”

A viable chance to break away from the altogether practical ground share with Bury at Gigg Lane, to a place they can truly call home is a testament to the clubs independence.

Evidence shows that the rebels will have no trouble filling the new stadium on match days, with a strong and loyal fan following of support flocking week in week out.

“We’ve established ourselves as a club that’s getting over 1,000 season ticket holders, getting crowds close on 2,000 and over 3,000 members.”

To show appreciation to the fans that consistently turn out each game, the powers that be have made the decision that if the club doesn’t gain promotion this season, gate prices will stay the same.

Whereas if promotion is secured, adult prices will increase by £1, concessions and juniors will remain as they are.

By either rate, FC United of Manchester will be the cheapest in the league they will be plying their trade in next season.

Average attendances at ‘home’ are regularly in the thousands and 4,152 spectators were present to watch the recent draw with Chorley.

A sizable number through the gate for a club of their stature, only twice this season have Bury had a higher attendance than the fixture against the Magpies.

Next up for the Red Rebels is fifth placed Ashton United, who are the visitors to Gigg Lane on Easter Monday. Kick off is at 3pm.

The highs and lows of a boxing 'WAG'

The collective support of a boxer often feels every jab and every hook at ringside or watching on television but what must sharing your life with a world champion be like?

Super Banthamweight titleholder Scott Quigg defends his title against Tshifhiwa Munyai on April 19th at the Manchester Arena. For his partner Beverley Bugeja it’s not all bright lights and glamour sharing the highs, the lows, the sacrifices and gruelling training regime is all part and parcel of her spouse’s profession.

‘It can be quite difficult, he’s got such a strict schedule, we don’t really get chance to spend much time together but then obviously when you see him on fight night and he does so well, it makes you proud and its all worth it.’

Bugeja, an office manager at a clothing brand, met the Bury born boxer while working as a receptionist at a hotel where the 25 year old was a gym member.

Four and a half years later and they’re engaged, although the chimes of wedding bells have taken a backseat to those of the boxing variety. Something his 24-year-old partner doesn’t mind.

‘We want to get a house and stuff first so its not too bad really, so just keep his career going, he’s not too bothered about the plans, it’ll be me doing all the planning anyway, just have to make sure he’s available on the day.’

Juggling a tough training schedule and controlled diet is a full time pursuit that takes the same level of discipline.

‘I might see him on a Sunday on his day off, he has to watch what he eats, he cant go out and grab a bacon buttie for his dinner, you have set meals, so he’s got to be home at a certain time so he can eat.’

After all the hours of sacrifice and hard training, it comes down to what happens in the ring, and seeing their other half taking a few punches comes with the territory.

‘I don’t really like it, luckily he’s really good, I’ve never had to watch him get hurt or anything badly, always 100% confident that he’ll win but its really nerve-wracking.’

Quigg was scheduled to fight Venezuelan Nehomar Cermeno on Saturday night, however visa issues scuppered his chances of a Super Banthamweight title bout.

In steps the South African nicknamed the ‘Atomic Spider’, who has experienced success on these shores with a record of 5-1.

Despite the change in opponent at short notice, Bugeja didn’t mince words and is convinced her man can retain his Super Banthamweight crown.

‘I just know he’ll knock him out.’

Should Quigg overcome his mandatory contest with Munyai, a super fight against Carl Frampton or Mexican Leo Santa Cruz could be in the offing.

We're ready for play-off mission

Part time Altrincham are flying high in Skrill North, sitting 4th with only four league games remaining and every chance of gaining promotion as champions.

Chairman Grahame Rowley believes it’s not out of the question:

“It only goes to show some of the results the top teams have had. When you look at AFC Telford lost at oxford when you expect them to win that game. I think were still in the mix for automatic but if not we’d try get home advantage for the play offs, so every game for us at the moment is a cup final.”

With the club more than flirting with a 2nd play off berth in as many years; theres a sense of cautious optimism with memories of last years play off semi final defeat to Brackley Town is still fresh.

Rowley insists last years play off showing can spur the Robins on to claim a place back in the Skill Premier.

“It’s a very similar side to last year with a few additions; they are better prepared to go into the playoffs from that experience. They’ll know what to expect, when we went to Brackley last year we were over awed by the situation and we froze a little bit.”

Altrincham play only once at home during the final season run in, something Rowley doesn’t think hinders them:

“I think sometimes when you’re playing at home you have added pressure on you, if you play away from home, you can relax more and its up to the opposition to come at you, so I think having 3 away will be an advantage to us.”

The final home fixture of the season is against Vauxhall Motors next Monday night at 7:45pm and sees the first team return to the J Davidson stadium after two games on the road at Oxford and Stockport.

The game concludes the annual Altrincham FC beer festival at Moss Lane, taking place over the Easter weekend. The event is free entry, offering up family fun and live music.

Sunday April 20th has been designated a ‘family fun day’, integrating a wide range of children’s entertainment like a treasure hunt, splat the rat and chocolate tombola.

AFC Altrincham Under 17 and 18 teams will also be in action, as well as Altrincham FC ladies who take on AFC Stockport.

Rowley sees the festival as a great opportunity to involve the local community and the club depends greatly on the success of its off the field events:

“We look at ways of getting people involved, football clubs aren’t just football clubs, they’re a centre of the community. Like most non-league cubs we suffer from lack of income for 2 or 3 months of the close season.”

For more details and tickets, contact the Club by phone on 0161 928-1045 or email office@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk

Prolific Walshaw is shooting Robins to the top

A 20 goal a season striker is a rare breed at the top of many clubs wish lists. But Altrincham is in the habit of plucking them from obscurity.

James Walshaw sits atop the Skrill North scoring charts this season with an impressive 25 goals from 28 starts.

An electronics engineer by trade, Walshaw has been capped for England C in his time and has certainly shown why in his debut season at Moss Lane.

The 30 year olds red-hot form in front of goal is not unlike another Altrincham goal getter, Damien Reeves.

The former Leeds trainee has been prolific for the Robins over the last few years, and quickly reached his landmark 100th goal for the club last season, in just 118 games.

That relentless goal return alerted a number of professional clubs including Dagenham and Redbridge, Shrewsbury and Scottish side Kilmarnock.

Dean Saunders also had a look at the 27 year old while managing Doncaster Rovers, however no deal was forthcoming.

With the end of the season drawing near, Robins chairman Grahame Rowley is looking to hang on to his hot shot strikeforce:

“We’d love to keep them, they’ve formed a good relationship this season and done well for the club, so we’ll get across the negotiation table as soon as the season finishes.”

This term Altrincham’s number 10 has continued to hit the net, with a goal return of 16 in 32 games.

Currently sitting 4th in the table with 4 games remaining, Altrincham could mathematically still earn promotion as champions.

Nevertheless, a striker is judged on one thing and one thing only, goals scored, and for both Walshaw and Reeves, their goals have helped propel the Robin’s push for promotion back to the Skrill Premier.

Altrincham FC Beer Festival

Moss Lane opens its doors to the annual Altrincham FC beer festival this April, with a selection of real ales and ciders to choose from.

The Easter weekend extravaganza is free entry, offering up family fun and live music.

Sunday April 20th has been designated a ‘family fun day’, integrating a wide range of children’s entertainment like a treasure hunt, splat the rat and chocolate tombola.

AFC Altrincham Under 17 and 18 teams will also be in action, as well as Altrincham FC ladies who take on AFC Stockport.

Doors open at 12:30pm and lasts until 6pm.

The festival concludes with Altrincham’s league game against Vauxhall Motors at 7:45pm on Monday night.

The fourth placed Robins will look to strengthen their grip on a play off spot against the motormen who are at the opposite end of the table, sitting 18th.

The fixture sees the first team return to the J Davidson stadium after two games on the road at Oxford and Stockport, who they face on April 15th and 18th respectively.

The club depends greatly on support from its off the field events and activities so bring the whole family down to Moss Lane this Easter weekend.

For more details and tickets, contact the Club by phone on 0161 928-1045 or email office@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk.

Braintree Post Match: Paul Marshall Interview

In a game where chances were in short supply, Halifax were left frustrated by Braintree as they failed to break the deadlock, succumbing to a 0-0 draw at the Shay.

Midfielder Paul Marshall who arguably went closest in the first half with a freekick, admitted his frustration after the game.

‘Thought it was frustrating to be honest, Braintree came and set up camp, they didn’t really want to attack us, it didn’t quite go for us tonight.’

Although left dissatisfied by the outcome, the former Manchester City trainee believes the result was fair.

‘Yes it probably was, they had a game plan, and they worked it well, maybe we could of nicked it.’

Having missed the chance to climb up to third in the Skrill Premier had the Shaymen overcome the Iron, Marshall remains stoic in the belief a promotion push is still on the cards.

‘Yes 100%, we’ve got a good team, and we’ve got some big games coming up, the lads are very confident we can do it.’

Halifax are unbeaten in their last 6 games after the draw with Braintree, they will be looking to keep that momentum going into the remaining games.

The Shaymen turn their attentions to Nuneaton on Saturday; the first of three key away fixtures. Further away trips to Grimsby and Barnet follow.

‘We’ve played Nuneaton before, they play a little like Braintree tonight, set up camp and just want to defend, we played them at there place, and won, I think off 2 set pieces so I think set pieces will be crucial at there place.’

Braintree Post Match: Interview with Halifax Town Chairman David Bosomworth

Despite Halifax being held to a 0-0 draw at home to Braintree on Thursday night, Chairman David Bosomworth remains upbeat about what has been a successful season so far.

‘Its marvellous at this stage of the season with 6 games to go, that we’re fighting for a play off place.’

Halifax could of gone as high as third in the table with a win over the Iron, and a feeling of 2 points dropped rather than a point gained has left Bosomworth a little disappointed.

‘It’s the first 0-0 we’ve had at home this season, so it is disappointing. Perhaps haven’t been at our best tonight, I think they’ve done a very good job on us to be fair.’

The referee, rightly or wrongly had an impact on proceedings, after awarding numerous free kicks and drop balls. Bosomworth was left bewildered by some of the official’s decision making on the night.

‘It was very stop start; he hasn’t really let the game flow so that does make it difficult for both sets of players, and so from that perspective he has had better days.’

The Shaymen sit 7^th in the Skrill Premier, with the onus on getting as many points on the board as possible to maintain their promotion push.

Halifax face a tough run in, starting with Nuneaton away on Saturday, followed by Grimsby and Barnet away.

‘If you can string another 2 or 3 wins together, might propel you into the playoffs.’

The playing staff at Halifax are primarily part time, training twice a week and with only an hour on the pitch with the manager to hone tactics, which only enhances what a great job the team have done this season.

The club has strengthened up front with the acquisition of Scott Spencer from Hyde, formerly on the books at Everton, he could prove an astute addition to the squad by manager Neil Aspin.

‘He signed for Everton at one point, he obviously has been seen as a talented lad, lets hope he can realise that talent here for us.’

Spencer will provide cover and lighten the load on top scorer Lee Gregory’s shoulders, who has been in fantastic form this season, netting 28 times for the Shaymen.

‘Gregory and Josh Wilson are our only out and out strikers, if Gregory fell in a heap in one of the games, you need a bit of cover, but overall were well covered, at our level you have to have players that are capable of coming in and moving position and just playing slightly different roles.’

Possessing a strong squad with a great team spirit, a trip to Wembley may not be beyond the realms of possibility for Halifax.

Halifax vs Braintree - Match Report

With only a point separating Braintree and Halifax in the Skrill premier before kick off, the 6^th and 7^th placed sides played out a close 0-0 encounter at the Shay.

Neither side created enough to claim all three points in a subdued fixture where both teams could of gone third in the league with a victory.

Halifax in particular will feel disappointed, after beating league leaders Luton Town at the weekend.

A continuation of niggling fouls throughout ensured a stop start tie, where the referee didn’t allow the game to flow.

Halifax top scorer Lee Gregory was searching for a landmark 100^th goal for the Shaymen and his 28^th in the league this campaign, but was kept quiet for much of the game.

Looking isolated, the striker was limited to feeding off scraps from the otherwise energetic midfield three of Ryan Crowther, Matty Pearson and Adam Smith.

Braintree had the better of the chances in the opening 45 minutes, with Dan Holman their main threat, flashing the ball across the face of the Halifax goal on two occasions.

The Iron had won the reverse fixture 1-0 in November and there was signs early on Braintree may at least be the first to open the scoring.

But back came Halifax with a good spell of pressure to conclude the half.

The home side picked up where they left off after the break, enjoying extended periods in possession.

The Shaymen had won their previous 5 league fixtures going into Thursdays game, whilst Braintree were playing their sixth game in thirteen days.

With momentum with Halifax, and fatigue potentially playing a part as the clock ticked down, both sides struggled to net the opener.

That killer pass to link midfield to attack was lacking for Halifax who looked to unshackle Gregory, and debutant Scott Spencer who came on for Smith just after the hour mark.

The Braintree defence was unyielding throughout, and Halifax found it hard to unlock the door to the oppositions back line.

Despite late pressure on the Iron’s goal, the Shaymen were left frustrated by the visitors.

A draw seemed a fair result, and keeps both teams in the hunt for promotion.

Braintree move up to fourth in the league, a point ahead of the Halifax who stay seventh.

The Shaymen will look to get back to winning ways and extend their unbeaten run when they travel to Nuneaton on Saturday.