Why Do English Players Command Such Extortionate Domestic Transfer Fees?

It has become common practice for English Premiership clubs to pay extortionate domestic transfer fees for home-grown players. Some of this years big money moves in particular have shown just how much the top teams are willing to fork out for an Englishman, particularly when they're young and being touted as 'the next big thing'.

Whilst I'm all for clubs trying to build their teams around homegrown players, I think the premium being placed on some, purely because of their nationality, is ridiculous and a massive risk for the clubs dishing out the huge sums of cash.

Since Kenny Dalglish was given the job of Liverpool manager, he has made it clear that the focus will be on assembling a team he thinks can challenge for the title, built around a spine of English talent. But surely, in spending nearly £60 million on Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll, two players who have yet to prove their real worth, he has been slightly foolish?

Carroll more valuable than Torres when he arrived at Liverpool?

Earlier this year Carroll cost them over £30 million, which is significantly more than the amount they paid for Fernando Torres in 2007, and few would argue which player had shown more potential before their big moves. The £20 million the Reds have just spent on Jordan Henderson is even more absurd to me. This is someone who played relatively well in the first half of last season, before tailing off when his team were under pressure and needed their main-men to stand up and be counted. When you consider that they may have been able to sign Luka Modric for a similar fee, it must make Liverpool fans wonder if their 'All-English' line-up is really what's needed.

It's not only Liverpool who are spending big on English players. Manchester United are expected to splash out £16 million on Blackburn's young centre half, Phil Jones. He has had a good season, playing particularly well against his new employers, but I still think that spending that much money on a player, who hasn't even been involved in the full national team, is a gamble.

£36m in Transfer Fees But Only 1 Full Cap Between Them... 

At the end of the day, the proof will be in the proverbial pudding, and if Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson help Liverpool back into contention for the Premiership they will be seen as bargain buys.

EB...
Twitter: euanblack

Sports Personality of the Week!

Footballer's are often perceived negatively in the media, and quite often that negativity is merited. However, in the last week or so, one player in particular has represented himself immaculately. That player is Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand has had a difficult season, with injuries restricting his participation in Manchester United's title challenge and Fabio Capello deciding last week that he is no longer the best person to captain England. Yet in the midst of all this, Rio has dealt with every pitfall incredibly.

Ferdinand on Twitter

After the news had leaked that John Terry was to be re-appointed as the national team's Captain, you wouldn't have blamed Ferdinand for publicly criticising the decision. Another scenario may have seen him retire from International Football; at the age of 32, this wouldn't have been surprising either. Instead, it has been reported that Ferdinand accepted the decision, and although he has fallen short of giving public approval, I think he deserves a lot of credit.

Also this week, Ferdinand featured prominently in one of Comic Relief's most popular sketches. The Manchester United player sat at a table with various celebrities, who were trying to decide which one of them should visit Africa on behalf of the event. Ferdinand's credientials were questioned when it was suggested that the big defender lacked the ability to cry on cue, a crucial part of any Comic Relief VT. Rio then tries to prove his doubters wrong, putting on a cringe-worthy attempt to force tears. For a man who has devoted a large portion of his life proving how 'gangsta' he is, this was a brave display in the name of a good cause.



Rio Ferdinand's Comic Relief Appearance

Another aspect of Ferdinand's public image which has received a lot of positive coverage recently is his use of Twitter. With over 650,000 followers he has proven that not all footballer's are 'Twits on Twitter'. He regularly uses his account for the benefit of charities, and has developed an endearing following through his friendly banter with fans and other footballers, in particular Robbie Savage.

Rather ironically, his behaviour on the back of this week's decision by Capello, shows exactly why Ferdinand should be England Captain. He's a great role-model, fantastic player, and is willing to put his own 'cool' image in jeopardy for the benefit of others less fortunate; I'd be pushed to say John Terry has even 1 out of those 3 traits.

EB...

Twitter: euanblack

A Really Terry-ble Decision by Capello

In the past couple of days there has been a lot of press coverage afforded to rumours that Fabio Capello is to reinstate John Terry as England captain. I thought I would put a quick post together in lieu of the final decision (which is expected tomorrow).

From what Capello said today, the original decision to strip Terry of the armband was only a temporary punishment, because of his behaviour off the field. It's almost as if he was a bad little boy being sent to the naughty step until he had calmed down. In my opinion this is completely the wrong message to send out. The decision should have been made on the premise that Terry was someone who could not handle the responsibility which comes with the role. In order to be reinstated he would have to show everyone that he has changed significantly. I don't think he has.

Liverpool FC's Captain Fantastic, So Why Not England's?



Something I can understand is Capello not wanting to have a different captain for every game, and because Ferdinand has suffered from injuries recently he might want someone more reliable; but why look any further than Steven Gerrard. Gerrard, for years, has proven himself to be a brilliant captain for Liverpool, dragging his team mates by the scruff of the neck to victory in huge matches. He has also shown an outstanding will to win and passion whilst representing his country.

I'm actually a big fan of Gerrard and largely critical of John Terry, so bias is undoubtedly sneaking into this post. However, I genuinely feel there is no reason to reinstate Terry; he is a poor role model, and his performances on the pitch have never been the same since his penalty kick miss against Manchester United in the Final of the 2008 Champions League.

John Terry After the Champions League Final Penalty Miss



Unfortunately, I think the armband probably will be on the arm of John Terry for the foreseeable future, I just don't understand why.

Feel free to comment and let me know who you think should be England's captain.

EB...
Twitter: euanblack

Guest Blogging on 'The Social Penguin'

A quick message to my army of followers! I've made my first guest appearance on Mike McGrail's fantastic 'Social Penguin Blog'. My post looks into the use of social media in football and the problems Twitter has caused some of the UK's top players. Have a gander when you've got a minute!

Please feel free to rate and comment!

Jack Wilshere's Infamous Rant on Twitter!

Who Needs Managers?!

Whilst everyone is talking about the Andy Gray/Richard Keys scandal, and paying attention to the end of the January transfer window, it seems that one of the most ridiculous footballing decisions I've ever heard of has escaped the media limelight. I am talking about Blackpool F.C. being fined £25,000 by the English Premier League for allegedly fielding a "weakened" team against Aston Villa on the 10th November 2010. This is something I feel very passionately about; not because I have any allegiance to Blackpool, or anyone connected to the club, but purely because I think it is a genuinely shocking attempt by the Premier League to keep the 'bigger' clubs happy.

Ian Holloway has every reason to feel aggrieved

The Premier League will point towards rule E.20 which states that “In every League Match each participating Club shall field a full strength team.” However, this is a rule which is broken by all Premier League clubs, on a regular basis.

At the start of this Premiership season, every team was asked to submit a list of 25 players, from which they would have to choose their match day squad each week. Therefore, surely it is only fair that any of these players can be selected to play in any given match, if the manager deems their selection appropriate?! Apparently not.

What the Premier League have said is that this was an extreme case and will argue that Blackpool, in making 10 changes to their starting 11, were basically surrendering the game in order to prepare themselves more effectively for their next one.

However, I genuinely feel that this is not the case. Ian Holloway has said that due to the cramped fixture schedule, a lot of his players were fatigued. Therefore, whilst his 'reserves' might not be as technically gifted as the usual starting players, on that occasion, because they were fresh, they stood a better chance of getting a result. I don't know if it's just me, but I think that makes complete sense!

At the end of the day, the EPL are trying to manage the outcome of the league, in a way which cannot be allowed. They are taking the power away from the managers, and more specifically, from the managers of the lesser teams in the Premiership. In the past, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have made wholesale changes to their team for some reason or another, yet when Ian Holloway decides to rest some of his players because of the tough fixture schedule, he is punished. I know that he does not have the squad depth that these top teams do, but this is no reason to punish him and his club. He openly admits to having a tiny budget compared to every other EPL club, but he also admits that this makes him even more proud of what he and his team have achieved.

James Collins scores the decisive goal in injury time

I feel that the Premier League's actions have impacted in the following three ways;

The Club - Blackpool will now have to face a fine, which is not on (they have chosen to appeal it). They are also now under pressure to constantly field their 'strongest' team, even if the 'best' players are knackered. Holloway has come out and said even he doesn't know who to select now.

The Manager - As I have said, what has effectively happened is the FA taken the manager's responsibility away and tried to dictate future team selections. Not to mention the fact that this particular manager (Ian Holloway) has performed miracles in the last few years and should not be told how to do his job by anyone.

The Players - The players who have been selected for the game in question must feel completely worthless to their club. If Blackpool F.C. have brought these lads in to do a job for them in the Premiership, then they should be allowed to prove themselves.

I can only hope that the Premier League realise they have made a huge error and rescind the fine. Blackpool were a pleasure to watch that night, as they have been for the entire season.

I think it is only fair to call this particular blog post a rant as opposed to a balanced, objective piece of journalism, but as I stated earlier, it is something which struck a cord with me.

If you agree, disagree or would like to try and change my mind, please feel free to leave a comment.

Eb...

The Rise and Rise of Charlie Adam

We'll kick off this blog with a little quiz question. From the following list, which consists of some of the greatest men to have graced our country's national game and who have deservedly received Knighthood's, I would like you to point out who's name shouldn't actually be there; Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Matt Busby, Sir Stanley Matthews, and Sir Charlie Adam.

The Legitimate 'Sirs' of British Football

Now you might think this is the easiest football question you've ever answered, but in 60 years time, according to Ian Holloway (Blackpool FC Manager) there will be no odd-one-out, and all of these men will be deserving of each other's prestigious company.

The player I suspect you all plumped for (correct answer is at the bottom of the post) is Charlie Adam. There won't of been too much deliberation; you will probably have taken into account the fact that the other listees have achieved some of the greatest accolades football has to offer, and Mr Adam, well he hasn't achieved too much at all. OK, he captained a poor club to promotion into the English Premiership, scoring a few important goals on the way (including the equalising goal in the Play-Offs against Cardiff City), but does that amount to a potential Knighthood? I don't think so, and realistically, Ian Holloway doesn't either.

This blog stems from Holloway's comments last year, on the back of Blackpool's promotion to the Premiership (and a few too many shandies I suspect). He stated, "Blackpool fans idolise good people, like Sir Jimmy Armfield and Sir Stanley Matthews. I'm sure Charlie will be a Sir one day and follow in the footsteps of these legendary club figures."

Charlie Adam: Knighthood Beckoning?

It is clear that Holloway (who is not adverse to a bit of banter with the media) had his tongue planted firmly in cheek when this was said, but as the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire. Charlie Adam has performed admirably for Blackpool FC throughout both his loan deal at the club, and his subsequent permanent transfer. Previously though, he had been little more than a bit-part player at Rangers FC. Sent out on loan to St Mirren having progressed through the Glasgow Rangers academy, he won the First Division and Challenge Cup at Love Street, prompting his parent club to give him a chance. He fared reasonably well; it was clear he had a special left foot, but he never stood out. However, another temporary move, this time to lowly Championship club Blackpool, had an unbelievable impact on Charlie Adam. He has since become a fans favourite and established Premiership footballer (the fact that he is sitting alongside Nasri, Bale, and Van der Vaart in in my Fantasy League Team truly shows how far he's come).

But why has this happened? How can a player who was so average in the SPL, a league lagging far behind that of it's English counterpart, now be held in such high regard down south? I would suggest there are a number of possible reasons. For example, he may be more suited to the English game. You get more time on the ball, and it is assumed that the players in the EPL are better than those North of the border; both of which would suit Adam's style of play. He is often seen to gather the ball in the middle of the pitch, slowly move a yard or two, before unleashing an immaculate pass into the path of one of his players.

Another explanation could be his age. He was only a youngster at Rangers FC, now aged 25, he may be more comfortable mentally. It is also generally understood that a player peaks roughly between the ages of 26 and 29, which means Adam is on the verge of playing his best years in the game.

Ian Holloway has worked wonders at Blackpool FC

The man who's comments prompted this blog also deserves some credit. Ian Holloway showed enormous faith in Charlie Adam from the moment he signed him. Little more than a year after his move to Blackpool, Holloway made him his captain, which for a 23 year old at a new club, must be an enormous confidence boost.

It's always hard to determine the reasoning behind a players sudden flurry of form (Diego Forlan before > after). It may be a combination of the above three suggestions, it may be something else completely, but what's for sure is that Charlie Adam has truly blossomed into an important player in the Premiership, and hopefully, for the Scottish National Team in the future.

Eb....

Answer: Sir Charlie Adam - He is not a 'Sir' and probably never will be.

The Ballon d'Or Furore

Admittedly, I have neglected my blog over the Winter months. However, as we venture into a new year, I will attempt to regularly share with you, my army of followers *raised eyebrow*, my thoughts on the beautiful game.

My first attempt focused on Wayne Rooney's 'Transfer Request Saga' (he eventually signed a long term contract with Manchester United). This time I will be discussing the FIFA Ballon d'Or Awards, and more specifically, why I think Xavi deserved Lionel Messi's crown as the best footballer in the world, during 2010.

This year's ceremony marked a new beginning for the footballing world, as the FIFA World Footballer of the Year and Ballon d'Or amalgamated, to ensure one, universal decision on who the World's best player is. In the past, the two awards have largely gone to the same winner, however, on some occasions, this has not been the case.

Lionel Messi - Winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011

The Ballon d'Or, or European Footballer of the Year, as it was otherwise known, was an award voted for by the game's top journalists from around the globe. The first winner was Stanley Matthews (Blackpool F.C.) in 1956. Originally, it could only be given to a European-born player, who played in Europe, however, it was decided in 1996 that a player of any nationality could win, providing they played in a European league.

The FIFA World Player of the Year could be won by any player, not taking into account their nationality or the country in which they played, and was voted for by the captains and coaches of every FIFA-recognised international team.

Enough of the history lesson. Last night, Lionel Messi was voted 2010's best footballer. Before I argue why the award should have been given to someone else, I would just like to say that I am a massive fan of Messi. I will even go as far as to say that, if the Ballon d'Or's voting panel take into account only the technical ability of a player, he fully deserves it. But the problem is, they're not supposed to.

The criteria which the voters are supposed to follow are:

• Performances in major competitions (Champions League, World Cup, etc.)
• Individual and team honours
• Individual talent, skill and fair play
• Overall career
• Personality and charisma

Looking at these, my argument would have to be that Xavi Hernandez should have won. Firstly, like Messi, he won the domestic double with FC Barcelona (La Liga & Spanish Super Cup). But Xavi then went onto win the game's ultimate prize, the World Cup. He was also selected in the tournament's 'Best XI', something Messi missed out on.

Xavi and his Spanish team mates after winning the 2010 World Cup

I'm willing to accept that Messi might just shade the third criterion; Individual talent, skill and fair play. His skill, precise finishing and unparalleled control of the ball whilst moving helps him to stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, people that know about football, should be able to see what Xavi brings to the game. His awareness, passing range and accuracy, and general dictation of play make him every bit as important to Barcelona as Lionel Messi.

Taking into account the fourth criterion, makes me even more surprised Xavi missed out. Over the course of his career Xavi has won 5 league titles, a Spanish Cup, 4 Spanish Super Cups, 2 Champions Leagues, a European Super Cup and a World Club Championship; all with Barcelona of course. And with Spain, he has now won a European Championship and World Cup. As he approaches his 31st birthday, in two weeks time, it might also have been his last chance to win the Ballon d'Or. Whilst this shouldn't make too much of a difference, to be beaten by a man who has the best part of a decade to dominate these ceremonies, a little common sense should have been shown by the voters I think.

As I said last time, these things could take up a whole day if I let them so I'm going to finish up by acknowledging the fact that whilst Xavi, in my opinion, should have won the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or, I'm sure he's sleeping soundly with his World Cup winners medal round his neck and a ridiculous amount of money in the bank. Hey, you can't show too much compassion for these footballers.