What Ever Happened To Celtic's Stars?

This weekend saw the season's first installment of the Old Firm battle in Scotland; Celtic versus Rangers. Any follower of the sport knows it is one of the most keenly contested derbies in Europe, with more than just footballing pride at stake in this game. The latest tie saw Rangers runaway from Celtic Park with a three-one win, again showing that in the recent history of the Scottish Premier League, Rangers are on top. But whatever happened to the dominant Celtic side of the past decade or so?

I remember Celtic getting to the UEFA Cup final, and I remember the quality they had in their side that day. The likes of Bobo Balde, Didi Agathe, Neil Lennon, Alan Thompson, Stylian Petrov and Chris Sutton played in the three-two defeat to FC Porto in Seville. Of course, the talismanic Henrik Larsson also played that day, scoring twice and getting his 200th strike for Celtic in the process. In his time at Celtic Park, Larsson led the club to four league titles and five cups, with manager Martin O'Neill also a big hit above the border. But when Larsson left in 2004 and O'Neill departed in 2005, they simply haven't replaced the quality.

Gordon Strachan deserves credit for the job he did there because you look at the squad now and worry. Emilio Izaguirre, Daniel Majstorovic and Ki Sung-Yueng all started in the Rangers defeat, and you get serious brownie points if you know where they came from. Players like Glenn Loovens, Shaun Maloney and the dire Georgios Samaras have all failed to impress on the big stages, meaning that the promising but hardly world-class Joe Ledley looks like their best player. He would have got nowhere near the 2003 Celtic team. Neil Lennon also looks like a decent manager, with a 100% league record up until Sunday, but is Celtic Park the place for him to cut his teeth?

But as their near neighbours have been floundering, Walter Smith's Rangers have been settled and consolidated their place at the peak of Scottish football. Lads such as Lee McCulloch, Madjid Bougherra and Kenny Miller are good players, while recent acquisitions Vladimir Weiss (on loan) and James Beattie are good additions to a solid squad that has dealt well with the loss of top scorer Kris Boyd. The strong Scottish spine of Allan McGregor, David Weir, McCulloch and Steven Whittaker is aided by Maurice Edu and the bright Steven Davis to make what would be a decent side in any European league. The recent Champions League draw with Valencia shows their quality. Their recent league success looks to be secure for a couple of seasons, even considering the brilliant Walter Smith will be leaving to be replaced by protegee Ally McCoist in the hot seat.

The balance has well and truly shifted in the Old Firm. Celtic looked the more powerful and more dominant at the turn of the century, but Rangers have put aside financial worries to form a strong Scottish team that looks to have the bragging rights in Glasgow for the moment. As for Celtic, club legend Larsson is currently learning the management trade in his native Sweden at second division side Landskrona BoIS. And if Sunday's performance is anything to go by, they will need their former saviour or something of that magnitude to turn things around in the Old Firm power struggle.

The Weekend Word - 23rd/24th Oct

In the life of a Portsmouth fan, this has been one of the biggest weekends in history, so let's dive straight into it:

Back from the Brink: Pompey Saved after Gaydamak Drama

Portsmouth went from the brink of extinction to coming out of administration in the space of a few short and frankly terrifying hours. The drama all began on Friday as it seemed former owner 'Sacha' Gaydamak was refusing to sign a deal that could see us sold to Hong Kong businessman Balram Chainrai, meaning that we couldn't come out of administration and be in a position where we would be liquidated. The mass confusion came as administrator Andrew Andronikou was surprised this statement was released, revealing Sacha's actions, and said we were as close to going out of business as we were to coming out of administration. Like we have been for a while now. And to add to the suspense Sacha seemed surprised that the statement had been published aswell. So who put out the statement?

The short passage of the Portsmouth FC site sent panic waves through the Blue Army on Friday night when it said Portsmouth is likely to be liquidated, but just days later, it seems that was never likely to be the case. Gaydamak did sign the deal on Saturday (with the supposed sticking point being the proposed installments of money owed to him; which he agreed to), and that did allow us to come out of administration. The whole process has once again made a bit of a mockery of the club and there was someone from within seriously stirring, as all parties seemed surprised of the breaking news. But the most important news is now Portsmouth Football Club is out of administration and can function as normal, while on the pitch things are getting better. More on that towards the bottom....

Alonso Powers Through Korean Rain as Red Bull Plummet

Fernando Alonso went to the top of the driver's championship this weekend as he won a rain-affected Korean Grand Prix, while both Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber of Red Bull crashed out of the race. With the safety car out until lap 17, Webber crashed out in lap 18 after a collision with Nico Rosberg, while Vettel retired in pole position due to engine failure, allowing Alonso to claim the 25 points necessary to take an eleven point lead over Webber in the standings. Lewis Hamilton's second place means he still has a shout of claiming the title; twenty-one points behind the Spaniard in third place; but it is now the Ferrari man's championship to lose. Bring on Brazil.

Are Arsenal Contenders? City win shows potential to be up there

Arsenal showed they may just have what it takes to become title contenders after an impressive three-nil win at Manchester City. Yes, the home side were down to ten men and had Carlos Tevez limping off early in the second half, but there was a ruthless side to the Gunners; they should have won it and made sure that they did. The fact they have gone to City; a place where Chelsea lost their 100% record; and come away with the win sends a message out to the rest of the Premier League and will give the players confidence. Cesc Fabregas staying at the Emirates means they still have a chance of winning the title and with Manchester United seemingly stuttering, they could be the main challengers to Chelsea if they can maintain momentum. Talking of United...

United Shake Away-Day Blues

Manchester United shook off the away day problems they've suffered in recent weeks to claim a vital win at Stoke. The Potteries is a tough place to go at the best of times, but when you've developed a knack of conceding goals United would have chosen Stoke as one of the last places to go. Especially when you take into account Gary Neville was lucky to see half-time and Tuncay had seemingly grabbed a point for the home side with a fantastic goal. But thanks to some wonderful improvisation and a goalscorer's finish from new hero Javier Hernandez, they managed to shake that record and claim their first away of the season. It's a huge result for Sir Alex's side and reminds everyone that you can never count out United. Wayne who?

Hull 1 Portsmouth 2: One Hull of a Weekend

The actual football was kind of a side story this weekend, but on that front things are progressing along nicely. A Premier League fixture last year, the Blues were the better side and have seemed to be adjusting to Championship life better. David Nugent added a classy goal to the workrate that has earnt him the praise he's got this season, while Greg Halford showed himself to be a quality addition with a good goal. When Hull got back into it, Pompey did well and maintained composure, closing out a fifth win in six games, a second away win in a row and a third victory on the bounce to boot. Let's just thank God we've still got a football club to support, ay?

Play Up Pompey

And for those with an eye on European football this weekend, undoubtedly one of the top stories was PSV Eindhoven's thumping 10-0 win over Feyenoord, one of the biggest clubs in Holland. Here for you are some of the highlights and all ten goals.

NWR

Where To Wayne?: Rooney's Next Step

So Wayne Rooney does want to leave Manchester United. I'll admit I was one of those who immediately thought 'it's all about money', but the England international's statement does make sense. Manchester United look like a club going in the wrong direction; extraordinary debts, no promises of investment in the squad and on the field, they are falling further behind Chelsea by the week. Now dwarfed in financial standards by neighbours Manchester City, Sir Alex can no longer buy the talent to see United back on top. So Rooney wants out.

Again, after initially calling him a money-grabbing greedy Shrek, I can now see where he is coming from. He wants to win trophies and United are no longer guaranteed to do so; Chelsea should win the league this year and both the FA Cup and the Carling Cup depend on luck; while United's Champions League odds are lengthening by the week. And the departure of their best player isn't going to help that, or convince Sir Alex Ferguson to stick around much longer. But just where does Rooney go?

In what would be one of the most controversial moves the game has seen, Manchester City offers probably the most ambitious route. Billions to spend and an already quality squad, could Rooney go the same way as Carlos Tevez and go to Eastlands, incurring the wrath of all Reds fans? No, is my guess. For one, I think he has more love for United than that and two, I think he's looking for a different challenge. Chelsea remains an option; they could pay his wages, desperately need a younger star to take over their aging legs and if he decides to stay in England, this will be his choice. But in rejecting the biggest contract United have ever offered, Rooney has shown people it's not all about money and this only points in one direction: Spain.

La Liga is fast becoming the league to challenge the Premier League's claim to being the best league in the world. Whereas I don't think it's there yet, it is certainly trying to buy that dominance and Rooney could be the latest import. Barcelona would probably want him (who wouldn't?), but I don't really see him at the Nou Camp. In a squad containing Messi, Villa, Pedro, Bojan and Jeffren, would he get the first-team football he would demand? Meaning one club is left, Real Madrid.

Real would be a good fit for Rooney. With Ronaldo there, Jose Mourinho at the helm and a squad of world-class performers, they are going places and should be up there for it all this season. And no-one can accuse them of lacking the ambition; only Man. City have spent more than them in bridging the gap to Barcelona. I don't think the whole situation is cut and dry; United could still pull out some promises from the bag in a last-ditch attempt to keep their biggest star, but if Rooney does leave, place your bets on the Bernabeu being his destination.

Millwall 0 Portsmouth 1: Huge Win

At a tough place to go for anyone, Pompey's latest win has the potential to be huge. A first away victory since February, a first clean sheet in nine games and one over an old enemy are just a few of the plus points on view at The New Den. Liam Lawrence grabbed his fifth goal in his short time at the club, while Greg Halford made an impressive debut as the Blues covered a mix-and-match defence well. It's the first time in about two years that Pompey fans have had something real to shout about; the squad seems to be gelling well and confidence is flowing, the results have began coming and we are now looking forward to games. I still think we need to concentrate on rebuilding the club, a steady season in the Championship will be a success. But well done lads, it's great to watch the club winning football matches again and long may it continue.

Play Up Pompey

And here's Yuri Zhirkov's goal for Chelsea against Spartak Moscow this week. Quality.

NWR

The Weekend Word - 16th/17th Oct

With an added bit on the pathetic England display, here's the comment on this weekend's sport.

England 0 Montenegro 0: What was that?

I understand we have to give Montenegro their dues. They aren't an easy side to beat, they have good players, have made a quality start to the qualification process and showed at Wembley that they are difficult to beat. But we are England. The country that invented the game, a nation with a selection of top-class players and a supposedly world-class manager. And we looked distinctly average, disgustingly average in a dull and dreary game. Adam Johnson and Ashley Young were okay, but Wayne Rooney looked completely disinterested and the team didn't gel well enough in the slightest. And we can continue to blame the players, a lot of the fault is theirs, but Fabio Capello is making it hard to stick up for him. We should have won this game, and it puts up more questions about his methods of motivation and tactical nous for the English side. Let this blog go on record as saying Harry Redknapp should be England manager, and the sooner the better.

United Blow It: Chelsea in the Driving Seat

The weekend's Premier League games have seen the season's themes continue; Manchester United blew a winning position to draw an 'easy' game and Chelsea maintain their momentum to further push ahead in the title race. West Brom are no mugs but United will be more than upset with the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, while Chelsea will be happy with a point from the difficult trip to Villa Park. Carlo Ancelotti's men have a belief around them; a strength that sees them grind out results and power past teams. Sir Alex Ferguson's side seem leaderless; Rooney has lost the plot, Ferdinand is constantly injured and even ever-steady Van der Sar dropped a clanger against the Baggies. The Blues must be rubbing their hands.

Commonwealth Games: Shaky start, calls of corruption but a success

There was a lot of criticism leading up to the New Delhi games, and there are investigations into corruption at the tournament since it has ended, but the actual competition itself was a success. When you get down to it, the focus of the Commonwealth Games should always be the performances themselves and they didn't disappoint. England gained gold medals in swimming, archery and diving to name a few, while performed admirably in the many athletics events. India may have stole in at the last to gain second place in the medals table but it doesn't matter; the sheer volume of the Indian crowd as the 4x400m relay team came in for gold, and their continued fanatical support of their athletes throughout each and every sport. And that is what you call a successful games.

Murray Back on Top: Andy Smashes Federer

Andy Murray looked well and truly on form in his overpowering of Roger Federer in the final of the Shanghai Masters. The Scot won in straight sets; 6-3 6-2; and the manner of his victory was very impressive; he broke serve in the first game and scored numerous fantastic winners. In what has been a disappointing year for Murray, capped with an early exit from the US Open, he finally seems to have reached a level of form and can begin to look forward again. He knows how to play and beat the great Federer now; he has eight wins from thirteen matches against the Swiss legend; but the key to success is consistency and overcoming the powerful Rafael Nadal.

No Improvement for Roy: Hodgson & Henry have long road ahead

The latest saviour has come to Anfield after John Henry completed his protracted takeover of the club, but there was no reflection on the pitch. Roy Hodgson's men were lifeless in a deserved 2-0 defeat to Everton; Torres shouldn't have bothered turning up, Gerrard was more interested in kicking the other team and the rest of them formed a blob of mediocrity. Hodgson must realise that pretty soon he will be in an impossible position; this squad could lead the Reds to becoming a mid-table side or even worse. A massive overhaul of the squad is needed if they are to get into Europe this season, and although Hodgson is a very good manager, Liverpool need yet another messiah to get out of this mess.

Portsmouth 3 Watford 2: Comeback Kings

Luck has finally swung back in our favour. After the unluckiest of all starts, Pompey have picked up form and it was evident in an entertaining game against high-flying Watford. The Hornets played well, deserved more than a defeat and possibly more than a point, but there is renewed confidence around Fratton Park. Hayden Mullins' stunner typified that luck, while both Dave Kitson and Michael Brown's goals were a pleasure to witness and sent all Blues fans wild. All this coming from behind shows the improvement in recent weeks. Hopefully, that resurgence continues in the tough trip to Millwall tonight. Also, can the administrators please stop trying to halt this club's progression and do two things; do everything within their power to get us out of administration and let Steve Cotterill sign Greg Halford? Please?

Play Up Pompey

Remember this guy Liverpool fans? Alberto Aquilani shows how it is done for Juventus against Leece this weekend with a cracking goal. Atleast he's only on loan at the moment.

NWR

England Vs Montenegro: The Build-Up

The country's football contingent take their focus off their individual club problems this week and join together for England's problems as we face Montenegro in the latest Euro 2012 qualifier. Pre-match talk has been dominated by the decision to call up Bolton forward Kevin Davies and who will captain the side, but mostly we are looking forward to what should be a win for the Three Lions.

I would be very surprised if Kevin Davies got his first England cap on Tuesday, unless if England are winning with ten minutes to go and the Montenegro fight has gone. This is no insult on the man, I am one of those who think he is a good footballer. Game in, game out, he has put the performances in for Bolton and has began to add more goals to his game in the past few seasons. But his first call-up to the senior squad has come too late for him I'm sorry to say and he is only there due to injuries to Jermain Defoe, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Bobby Zamora, with Emile Heskey retired and Carlton Cole out of form. Don't expect him to stick around like Heskey did.

It has been revealed that Rio Ferdinand will regain the captaincy, after Steven Gerrard took over the role for the previous qualifiers. A diplomatic decision from Fabio Capello, one he probably had to make but I don't agree. Rio is a quality defender and with the absence of John Terry, he is the obvious leader of the backline. But Gerrard is a much better captain for me; leave the defence to do their job and let Gerrard lead the team forward from a central attacking role. That's where he can really hurt teams and if he performs like he can and has done for England recently, it's not a forgone conclusion that Frank Lampard walks back into the side.

Apart from those issues, it seems pretty straight forward. Joe Hart should and will retain his place in goal, in front of a back-four of Glen Johnson, Ferdinand, Lescott (with Terry and Phil Jagielka missing) and Ashley Cole. It's hard to see the midfield changing too much; Gareth Barry, Gerrard and James Milner should retain their spots and there's not a big difference if either Adam Johnson or Ashley Young come into the team. With Darren Bent now out of the squad, Peter Crouch will most likely start upfront with Wayne Rooney. Solid team.

Montenegro can of course not be underestimated. With Mirko Vucinic leading the line, they have genuine quality and as their unbeaten record so far this qualifying campaign shows, they can pose problems for England. But we are also in good form, the build-up to this one has been good and it should result in a win. Fabio Capello got unfairly criticized for the World Cup failure, and he can again see how quickly the British press turn if they don't do well in this one.

Come on England.

NWR

Weekend Word - 9th/10th October

A pretty much football-less weekend, so my comments will have a severe lack of background knowledge, but here goes anyway:

Commonwealth Games

I always forget how entertaining international games can be. I never really think I enjoy them that much, but then every time the Commonwealth Games/European Competitions/Olympics come around, I find myself infected. I've gone very quickly from not really knowing the vast majority of England's athletes to roaring on every one I have the privilege of seeing. We seem to be doing well also, second in the medal's table only to Australia, and that with the fact a lot of our primary competitors have stayed at home. My personal highlight of the events I've seen was 17-year-old Liam Pitchford beating top seed Goa Ning in the table tennis, and eventually winning silver for his country. Immensely entertaining, a bright talent and an enormously enjoyable spectacle.

Liverpool In Trouble: Reds Slip Closer to the A-Word

Recent revelations over the financial state of Liverpool Football Club have been coming thick and fast, with the dreaded A-word being banded about by some sources from within the club. As a football fan, it is a sad demise of a great institution. But from another view, it is brilliantly funny and something that was coming. As a Portsmouth fan, I know well enough how wrong an owner can get it, and to put it simply; Tom Hicks and George Gillett's ownership of Liverpool has been a disaster. It has seen the club fall further away from challenging for the title and now with a real danger of falling out European competition. They won't go into administration, they will probably be saved by a foreign sugar daddy and to be fair, Liverpool deserves to be. And they should keep Roy Hodgson at the helm also.

Back In Contention: Sebastian Still in Picture

Sebastian Vettel is well and truly back in the Formula One championship race again after his victory in Japan. Finishing just ahead of team-mate Mark Webber, Vettel is now level on 206 points with second-placed Fernando Alonso and is just fourteen behind Webber in pole position. On a more downbeat note, it seems Lewis Hamilton's title aspirations are over after finishing fifth in another disappointing race; falling behind Jenson Button due to losing third gear. But Vettel can now heap the pressure on Webber and Alonso with a good race in Korea, and with the young German in good form, you can really see him winning this championship now.

Brighter Mood: What a Difference a Month Can Make

Around a month ago, the season took a break for international games much like it has now. Pompey had lost three of four league games, with the only victories coming in narrow Carling Cup affairs against Stevenage and Crystal Palace. And here we are, just forty-three days later, and it is a much brighter picture on the south coast. Liam Lawrence on top form, two vastly entertaining league wins and encouraging signs of fight up at Middlesbrough. Steve Cotterill is impressing me and with Hermann 'Hermannator' Hreidarsson back at the club, things are definitely looking up for the Blues. Confidence has built for the visit of high-flying Watford, and there is finally the feeling that we can push on.

Play Up Pompey

Don't ever say I don't deal with other sports than football. Admittedly it is mostly the beautiful game, but here's Rhys Priestland of Welsh Rugby Union side Scarlets scoring a brilliant try against Perpignan this weekend.

NWR

NWR

Weekend Word - 2nd/3rd October

Another big sporting weekend and here's my take on events:

Europe regain the Ryder Cup

In an enthralling tournament, Europe came out on top to regain golf's Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. We saw sunshine and rain as the USA rallied superbly to take it to a nail-biting finish, coming from 9.5 to 6.5 down at the start of play, to 13.5 each with one singles match left to play. And it was left to Graeme McDowell to beat Hunter Mahan in the final tie to seal Europe's fourth trophy in the last five tournaments. Job well done for captain Colin Montgomerie, but American chief Corey Pavin must also be applauded for what was a brilliant four days of entertaining golf. And I'm glad to say my prediction of the trophy returning to the continent came up trumps.

Hodgson on the Line

In one of the most extraordinary results this season will see, lowly old Blackpool went to the mighty Anfield and came away with all three points, leaving Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson under immense pressure. Hodgson came in with a lot of optimism after a dire few years under Rafa Benitez, but has since seen his side make the club's worst start for fifty-seven years with six points from seven matches and been knocked out of the Carling Cup by Northampton. Simply, minus Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Pepe Reina, the side is desperately lacking in real quality and will need investment if Liverpool are ever going to challenge for honours again soon. And special mention to Ian Holloway, who took Blackpool to Anfield, played their own game and came away with a deserved victory. Top man.

Commonwealth Games Begin

The much-criticized New Delhi Commonwealth Games have begun, and it seems that so far, so good. The state of the facilities and the readiness of the games has come into question in recent weeks, but after a pretty but sense-defying opening ceremony, we can hopefully forget about the off-the-track/court/whatever they compete on problems and focus on the games. As this is being written, Australia lead the medal tables with four golds, one of which came in the gymnastics at the expense of England, who claimed silver. Hopefully the first of many medals and also hopefully, that first gold won't be too long in coming.

Middlesbrough 2 Portsmouth 2: Rub of the Green

We are finally getting the luck on the south coast. A couple of weeks ago, we would have crumbled to defeat at the Riverside, but two victories later, there is a renewed confidence around the players. Again, we began well and were the dominant side, but again we found ourselves two-nil down at half-time. But the impressive Liam Lawrence crossed for Nugent to get one back, then after winning a fortunate penalty, Lawrence stepped up to earn the Blues a creditable point. Aaron Mokoena has since admitted he hit out first in the tussle with Barry Robson and we were lucky to get the decision, but we have earned it over the last year or so and the spirit in the camp is clear to see. Next opponents Watford have been in good away form so far this term, but we are confident.

Play Up Pompey

And here's a little added extra, a simply stunning goal from Andrea Pirlo, the winner in AC Milan's victory over Parma over the weekend.

NWR