Speed to recieve MBE from the Queen

It’s almost as if international football is all that exists when the World Cup is on, La Liga, The Premiership, Serie A and The Bundesliga don’t even get commonly mentioned too much due to the importance and focus on the main world game. But many teams are still in business, and it’s likely that a number of stories from the domestic game (Championship in particular) have gone over most people’s heads, I don’t blame you though – if you have seen me over at Worldcupbuzz, I have been glued to the action in South Africa. Here’s a couple of stories from the Championship in the past few days:

Gary Speed Recieves MBE:

Rightfully so. Anyone who has been lucky enough to have Speed in their team will appreciate how good he actually was, and I know for a fact that he is a club hero at places like Sheffield United, Newcastle United, Everton and Bolton. There’s usually been an uproar whenever he was sold, I remember Everton fans were shocked when he was snapped up by Newcastle, and Newcastle fans were then disappointed when Sir Bobby Robson decided his time in the North East was over. He’s the most capped outfield Welsh player and was once upon a time the record holder for most Premiership appearances. He’s currently on Sheffield United’s coaching staff and I wouldn’t put it past him to get a managerial job in the future, I predict that he will become Sheffield United manager after taking the job on a temporary basis in the future. I’m a massive fan of Speed and think he’s one of the most under rated Premiership players ever. Well done Gary!

Sheffield United Quick To Strengthen:

Speaking of the Blades, they’ve made one or two signings the past few days. Leon Britton is a big signing for the club, considering there were a number of Premiership teams keeping an eye on the former Swansea midfielder, and the fact it is on a free transfer only sweetens the deal. United have also taken advantage of the Crystal Palace exodus by snapping up Austrian Johannes Ertl on a free transfer, and of course they already captured Daniel Bogdanovic from (sort of) local rivals Barnsley. There’s also the likes of Cresswell, Morgan and Montgomery that have all signed new deals, showing that despite Paddy Kenny moving on, the core of the team will remain along with a lot more depth for next season. Scottish left back Charlie Mulgrew may also be on his way to Bramall lane, and it’s more a case of ‘watch this space’ for the time being. They might be worth a bet for a playoff push…

Southgate Uneasy On Subject Of Pompey Job:

There’s quite a few teams that are looking for new managers, although considering the majority of the football world is on media duty for whatever country is paying them, they may have to wait until after the World Cup in order to announce anything. Southgate is currently in South Africa, and I’ve just seen him make the bold half time prediction that Elia might come on as a half time substitute for the Dutch team. No score prediction – just that outlandish statement that a good and bright youngster might make an appearance for his country. The commentator Southgate for that call as Elia came onto the pitch. He’s been named as a favourite to get the Portsmouth job, although it’s likely that any manager will want to wait until there is a new owner in place at least, as Pompey’s future looks uncertain at the moment. Southgate isn’t focusing on any speculation at the moment and if he will become the new Pompey manager it’ll probably be sorted a week or two after the World Cup. Hull and Crystal Palace are also in search for a manger, and it’ll be interesting to see who is brought in to take over these teams next season, considering the amount of problems each of the three clubs face.