Bleacher Report - Articles by Deane Sales

Four Reasons Why Chelsea will succeed

Deane Sales — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:29:37 -0400

When you spend a large amount of money on a striker you expect a return, that normally means goals, however that could not be said about Nicolas Anelka

Labelled "The Incredible Sulk" because of his numerous clashes with managers and team mates, Anelka has a reputation for scoring goals for every club he has played for and you cannot doubt his credentials.

With clubs like Arsenal, Real Madrid, Fenebache, Liverpool, Bolton, Manchester City all having the pleasure of Anelka, it has been said that he is one of the most consistent scorers in Premier League History.

So two goals for Chelsea last season made a lot of people wonder if he had been the right choice, was he a waste of money??

Well against AC Milan, Nicolas Anelka stuck two fingers up to the doubters with an awesome display of finishing that even had the doubters sitting up and paying attention.

So my point is, you buy a striker of Anelka's class and ability and play him as a left winger, your gonna get nothing, but as Scolari has rightly pointed out "if you play Nicholas Anelka down the middle and give him the chances, he will put them away."

So Drogba, looks like you have some competition, but I am relishing seeing Anelka back to his miserable, sulky selfish best and putting a few past the scum.

Joey Barton: Just Another Football Hooligan

Deane Sales — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:24:41 -0400

For years the English game has been tarnished by the behaviour of some of our more yobbish football fans. Clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Millwall, Tottenham, Arsenal have had problems with hard line hooligan gangs that seemed determined to come to a football match for a fight rather than watch a game.

Now it seems we are happy to allow thugs and yobs to play football and that for someone who has committed the crimes and showed no respect for his fellow team mates nor his club, is welcomed back by Newcastle United.

Kevin Keegan is quoted saying "we will give Joey Barton a second chance" yet how many chances has he already had, what about the young Manchester City trainee who's eye Joey Barton used as an ashtray or Osmane Dabo, who was subjected to a vicious and thuggish attack?

Any other person who had been convicted of these crimes and jailed would have found themselves with their career in tatters so why are Newcastle United allowing this thug to continue his career, a career that pays very well?

As any parent will tell you, children look up to footballers as role models, and they have to conduct themselves in a proper fashion, both on and off the pitch however it now seems like Newcastle United are condoning the crimes that Joey Barton has committed and give him a second chance.

They should have sacked him and thrown him on the rubbish heap, he does not deserve a second chance yet this is clearly two fingers up to his victims. If this was an isolated incident then maybe it could be dealt with but this is a player who has a history of bad behaviour, thuggish outbursts and no respect for himself or the people around him.

Even on his own website (www.joeybarton.net) there is more coverage regarding his off the pitch endeavours, He has been given many opportunity's to change his ways, including the help of people such as Tony Adams, Stuart Pearce, Sam Allardyce and Kevin Keegan.

Maybe I am being a bit harsh but if he was any normal bloke of the street, whould he be welcomed back into society??

Maybe not??

Lets just hope that he takes this opportunity as I have no doubt he is a gifted footballer but sorry Joey, being a thug as well does not make you a great player.

Olympic Football, British To Enter Team Into 2012

Deane Sales — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:09:31 -0400

However you look at Olympic football, its an opportunity to see world talent on show, young talent that may not have the opportunity to perform at the World Cup or European Championship, however one thing has always struck me.

Why have the British never entered a team into the Olympics?

Well according to www.football365.com that is all about to change. With confirmation that the British Olympic Committee will enter a British Team into the 2012 Olympics, I am keen to discuss the impact this could have on the English game and will this be an opportunity for some of our young budding stars to taste international football?

How will clubs react to losing players under the age of 23 to a major tournament? What kind of team would be put out? What will the mix be? With any potential manager of this multinational team (Sir Alex Ferguson has been touted for the job) having the resources of the English, Welsh, Northern Irish & Scottish leagues, surely there is potential to put together a very gifted team to win the tournament.

Yes, 2012 is four years away and who knows what gems we will have coming through the youth ranks, however judging by the array of talent under 23 available now, imagine what kind of team we could put out for the Beijing Olympics?

Players like Gareth Bale, Micah Hyde, Theo Walcott, Tom Huddlestone, David Bently, Alex Pearce and so on.

I look forward in anticipation to the 2012 Olympics to see if Great Britain, who incidentally won the first Olympic football final in 1900 and have won the title three times, can stake a place alongside recent winners such as Spain, Argentina, and Nigeria.

Another Football Kit, More Bloody Money

Deane Sales — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:20:46 -0400

I love football, always have and always will but one thing that really annoys me is the fact that the English Premier League Clubs think it is fine to change their shirts on a regular basis—sometimes three in one season.

Now with the potential credit crunch looming over us and our belts getting tighter and tighter, surely these multi-million pound clubs could really take note and think about what they are doing.

Now you are probably classing me as some tight-fisted git who likes a whine and a moan about spending 40-odd quid on a new football shirt, but hear me out.

I am lucky enough to have a beautiful family, three boys who all love Chelsea (I taught them well), who like most kids have to be at the forefront of everything football—new boots, shin pads, etc.

However, when you are having to pay out over £200 quid a time for new shirts, shorts, and socks—and then multiply this by the three kits that Chelsea have—it gets a bit annoying. Surely these teams can keep one shirt for longer than a season.

How annoying is it? Surely there are people out there who have the same issues—after all, I understand that change of sponsor or kit supplier means a new kit—but when it's being done on a regular basis, it makes you think.

I have every Chelsea shirt that they have played in since 1988, and my boys have every shirt since the days they were born, but I buy them because I am a devoted fan and can afford to pay that money. But what about the parents that can't afford it, having spent money on the shirt the season before?

Yeah, I am no doubt spouting rubbish about the measly cost of football shirts and the regular changing of them, but when you see the amount of official and unofficial merchandise that is available, it really is big business.

I am off to spend another £300 quid of kitting me and the boys out with Chelsea's new away kit—I think this is shirt number 49, though don't quote me on it.

Oh and a quick congratulations to Aston Villa for agreeing to carry the name of Acorn, a local children's charity for free.

That kind of exposure is priceless, and to be fair, if I didn't look so horrible in red, I would buy a shirt, just so I could do my bit for a worthwhile charity. But that's like perjury or something so, instead I have sent a cheque for forty quid to them.

Metrosexual Stars? What Happened to the Hard Men Of Football?

Deane Sales — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:43:49 -0400

Well, if you're like me and you like to read The Sun or The Mirror, you will see that a lot of emphasis is on players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and his extremely over-the-top suntan.

Metrosexuality is not a bad thing—it's good that guys out there take a bit of pride in themselves and like to look good for their woman or man—but there is too much deliberation about who shaves their chest and legs.

Maybe there are no more Roy Keanes or Ron "Chopper" Harrises in this game, or, as the papers put it, men who have hairy chests and hairy legs. But hey, this is the 20th century, and with the kind of money these guys earn surely spending some money on looking after themselves is a good thing.

Maybe I should start reading the Daily Mail—after all I really don't care that Ronaldo shaves his chest or that Lampard wears pink shorts or that David Beckham likes to wear his missus panties. All I am interested in is that when they step on the pitch and they are wearing the shirt then they put 100% in and play it like men. After all, it is a Man's Game.

Besides, I don't think David Beckham would fit into Victoria's panties.

Fancy A Punt?? 33/1 For Luton Town To Get Promoted??

Deane Sales — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:02:42 -0400

Sounds like a hell of a long shot?? considering the average points required to at least obtain an automatic promotion place is 86 points, Luton would have to produce a record breaking 116 points in order to secure promotion. Hell that's winning 38 games out of 46

Seems like mission impossible, but the odds on Luton avoiding relegation are even higher with some betting sites offering odds up to 56/1, hell that is sure worth a £10 bet.

Strange thing is I believe and hope along with many Luton and neutral football fans that they will survive, that they will triumph and overcome the 30 point deficit that they have been dealt so harshly.

Luton, who will soon be out of administration have had to release or sell a lot of players over the last five months, players like Paul Furlong (Southend) David Bell (Norwich) Chris Perry (Southampton) Darren Currie (Cheltenham), but we have always had a very good youth system and have some talented players who are relishing the challenge of mission impossible.

Players like Ryan Charles, Edward Asafu-Adjaye, George Bevan, Keith Keane, Dean Brill along with some very exciting trialists who have impressed during Luton's pre season.

Although I will always be a Chelsea Fan and I hope someone within Stamford Bridge looks at Luton and offers to loan them a few players, after all someone like Michael Woods, Scott Sinclair would do wonders for Luton but also imagine being part of a team that comes back from a 30 point deficit and survives.

You can't buy experience like that, so come on guys, send messages out to your clubs, support Luton's plight and support them.

You never know at 50/1 odds, the chance of winning £550 quid is def worth a punt.

Does being over 30 mean your over the hill???

Deane Sales — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:35:59 -0400

Sir Alex Ferguson seems to think so. Recent comments have highlighted the fact that Chelsea do have players that are in their early 30's and therefore cannot improve or progress any further than they have.

"Chelsea are an experienced side and I don't see outstanding progress coming from a team in their 30s," claims Sir Alex Ferguson during a press conference earlier this week, however he did he forget that there are many players in the Man Utd team that are in their 30's, some of who will still play an important part in their title challenge this season.

Modern medicine and technology as well as futuristic techniques mean footballers today are healthier and fitter than they ever were and with player now being able to play for longer, what should it matter if players are over 30.

Experience mixed with pure talent is something that most managers would cut their right hand off for, after all with players such as Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba in your team, all with masses of international experience, you would be right to say that you stood a chance against any team in the world.

Lets not forget players like Claude Makelele, who was in my opinion one of the reasons for our double league title wins, was he not written off when he joined for being "past his peak."

I think in today's modern football, age is something that can be forgotten because unlike 20 years ago there is a lot more advances in medicine and technology that allow players to extend their playing careers. I mean there are still some great players now who are over the barrier and not forgetting those players who have now retired but still graced us with their brilliance.

Ok Sir Alex, yes we may have a few aging players and we may not have the depth of youth that you possess in your team but when its 11 against 11 and your backs against the wall I would rather have a Lampard or a Ballack in my team, leading from the front, using their experience that some talented 20 year old who in fairness can set the world alight with his skill and make people drool with his ability but when it comes to the big stage and the pressure is on it takes a special ability to be able to deal with the expectations.

We will see at the end of the season when Frank Lampard with his zimmer frame and Michael Ballack with his false hip hold the Premier League Trophy up high.

What a sight that will be.

Kicked when down, but Luton Town FC will rise again

Deane Sales — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:58:14 -0400

Football these days is all about money, all about winning the biggest prize of all but somewhere along the way we forgot about the little guys.

Whilst the money that is being spent in the Premier League is beyond doubt, the gulf between the Premier League and the lower leagues is getting bigger and bigger, however it also seems fair that the FA are allowed to treat clubs differently based on their status.

Lets look at this, West Ham were charged with breaching transfer regulations, yet got away with a slap on the wrist but when a club like Luton Town are beaten down not just by the FA but by the Football League, it makes you wonder if they really have a hidden agenda

Ok when a club like Luton goes into administration for the third time, it does become increasingly worrying but when people who run football clubs decided to break the rules then surely it should be them that gets punished, not the fans, not the club.

But no, Luton Town are expected to start the 08/09 season staring a possible third consecutive relegation in the face as well as the reality of losing their best players.

Come on, minus 30 points, that is just way to harsh. What if a team like Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal had been found guilty of transfer irregularities, would they have been harshly dealt with.

Some how I doubt it very much.

My point in all this, well I am a die hard Chelsea fan, but I was born, brought up and live in Luton so I will always have a soft spot for Luton Town but the FA are forgetting the history of the first professional club in the south of England, a club that has a great history, produced an array of talent to grace the field.

My money will be well spent attending as many of Luton's games this season, and no not because Chelsea is to expensive but because Chelsea have enough money and Luton need all the support they can get this season and I will be there.

I hope that all the young budding players at the bigger clubs look at Luton and see the opportunity to take part in what could be the great escape, a chance to make a name for yourself, all the clubs that have stood up and voiced their support for Luton Town, all the fans of fellow teams, after all we all have one unifying factor in common.

Football.

Lets get the politicians out of our game, out of the FA and realise what this is all about. So to the FA & Football League this message is to you

"You may have used Luton Town FC as a scapegoat, as an experiment to ward of other clubs from getting into the same situation, however the only people that are suffering are the fans, the very people that make this game what it is, after all if we didn't come to watch the games would the Premier League be what it is? would professional football exist? but Luton Town FC under the management of Mick Harford and the guidance of the LT2020 consortium we will rise from the ashes and will hold their heads up."

Out with the old and In with the new at Chelsea

Deane Sales — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:50:28 -0400

As with any team, a new season normally means wholesale changes to the squad, however for Chelsea there is a bigger reason for change, and his name is Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Chelsea has been lucky enough to have the millions of Roman Abramovich and in some cases this money has been well spent however how many players can you name that have frankly been a complete waste of money?

Lets see now Khalid Boularouz, Steve Sidwell, Andriy Shevchenko, also what about the players that have been brought in but not lived up to their hefty wage packets and price tags? Salomon Kalou, Andriy Shevchenko (again), Flourent Malouda. Nicholas Anelka and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Now let's be fair here, some of these players have not been given a fair chance, after all why buy Nicholas Anelka and never actually play him in his best position so there may be a reprieve for some of the named however their have been players who have simply not performed. Yes Flourent Malouda, Andriy Shevchenko, Salomon Kalou we are talking about you.

So who do we anticipate being shown the door, or who would we like to be shown the door? Well sorry guys but make way for the new era.

So Jose Bosingwa, Branislav Ivanovic, Deco??? Good signings, well only time will tell but good news is that key players like Peter Cech, Michael Essien have all signed new long term deals, so Frank Lampard get off your pedestal and sign a new deal, after all we would all like to be earning your kind of money but if you truly love the club that has become your own then sign the deal.

Can we look forward to more signings? I hope so. But let's just hope they are the right ones.

Chelsea Written Off Before Season Even Begins???

Deane Sales — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:12:04 -0400

When you look at great English players, there are many that stand out, but only few carry their heart on their sleeve and emphasise what being English is about, after all for players like David Beckham, Bobby Moore, Bryan Robson, Stuart Pearce and John Terry its all about pride and love for your country.

We are lucky to have the greatest league in the world that is graced by some of the most gifted players from all corners of the globe, but take a closer look at the top teams and you will see that a possible upset is on the cards.

Manchester United last season claimed that they deserved to win the league, that they were the best team by a mile, however what about Arsenal or Liverpool or for that matter Chelsea.

A team who at one point was 11 points behind Manchester United, a team who suffered appalling injuries to more than one key player yet Chelsea were still able to push Manchester United to the wire.

Sure lets not take anything away from Man Utd, they are a great team and I am under no illusions that most Chelsea fans would love to have Ronaldo or Ferdinand in a blue shirt but let's get one thing straight. The gap between the big four is not as big as you may think.

This season is all about pride, all about English steel and honour. Players like John Terry, Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba who all performed over expectation yet still ended up a loser.

Ferguson may have written off Chelsea's chances this season but then again he did the same last season, maybe if we were not so unlucky with injuries it may have been a different story. This season will be a new start for Chelsea, a new era for the Stamford Bridge Brigade, and with Jose Mourinio gone, Avram Grant gone its time to welcome Luiz Phillipe Scolari, look forward to a fantastic season and most of all Chelsea reclaiming what should have been theirs.

After all we have players that have English steel and determination, sometimes that is more important than flair but as a life long Chelsea Fan, its time for the boys in blue to learn from the heartache of losing the league and handing Man Utd the Champions League and come out fighting.