<div id="attachment_6591" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6591" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-6591" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/paul-scholes.jpg" alt="The Ginger Prince scores against Barcelona" width="300" height="300"></figure></div>The Ginger Prince scores against Barcelona</div>
Paul Aaron Scholes recently celebrated his 600th appearance in a Manchester United shirt. Joining a club that consists of Ryan Gigs, Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes, where these players receive plaudits, accolades and awards, Paul Scholes is a humble more understated type, preferring to let his football do the talking, while also shunning the celebrity footballer lifestyle.
After making his debut against on 21 September 1994 in a League Cup game against Port Vale, where he scored twice in a 2–1 victory, he has gone on to become a fixture in the Manchester United side. However, to begin with his appearances were more frequent from the substitutes bench as back then he operated much higher up the pitch, playing as an auxiliary striker, a position then occupied by Eric Cantona. But even then he managed to score 14 goals in 1995/96’s Double-winning campaign.
As the years have progressed he has adapted and at the same time moved further back, to the centre of midfield where he is most recognised. Even now he is modifying the way he plays, adopting a deep lying playmaker role and can often be seen sitting in front of the backline spraying 60 yard passes. Marcelo Lippi is one who would certainly have him in his side, “Paul Scholes would have been one of my first choices for putting together a great team – that goes to show how highly I have always rated him. An all-round midfielder who possesses quality and character in abundance” the World Cup winning boss is noted as saying.
Paul Scholes is a die-hard Oldham Athletic supporter even though he signed with Manchester United aged 14 years. A great example of his demeanor and personality was in evidence during the 2002 World Cup where he was asked by Argentine media who his favorite all time footballers were. Most expected Diego Maradona, it was a no brainer surely, but Scholes replied,” Frankie Bunn” who scored six goals for Oldham in the 7-0 League Cup win over Scarborough in 1989, while also mentioning striking legend, Andy Ritchie, who scored 82 goals for the club between 1987 and 1995.
Praise though for Scholes has come from some of the greatest names in world football. Modern day legend and general footballing genius Zinedine Zidane thought Scholes was his toughest ever opponent, “My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder. Scholes is undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation.” Adulation from three-times Fifa World Player of the Year must be well received by Scholes.
His accolades speak volumes, 8 EPL titles, 3 F.A Cups, and 2 Champions League Trophies, as well as a plethora of minor winners medals. Even though he never played in the 1999 Champions League final, his contribution was immense in reaching that stage, most notably an away goal against Inter in Milan. With all these achievements he has never won an individual award such as PFA player of the year, but I feel even if he did, he would be embarrassed to accept it.
In a career that has spanned 15 years, so far, 602 appearances for the Red Devils and 142 goals, I will leave the final words to two Manchester United stalwarts, former club captain and current director Sir Bobby Charlton, “I have no hesitation in putting a name to the embodiment of all that I think is best about football. It’s Paul Scholes.” In addition to current boss Sir Alex Ferguson, “In my time he would sit in the top six or seven United players without question.”
Paul Scholes is not just a legend of Manchester but also a legend of the game itself.

Paul Scholes: Legend

Paul Scholes: Legend - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_6582" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6582" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-6582" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/newcastle-crest1.jpg" alt="The Magpies look destined for the drop" width="240" height="240"></figure></div>The Magpies look destined for the drop</div>
After another defeat, Newcastle United look destined for the Championship. Alan Shearer’s men have three games to save their season, but it appears too little too late, and although it is not mathematically certain they will go down, performances on and off the pitch have made it clear they are just not good enough to remain in the EPL.
After a 3-0 drubbing from Liverpool and a performance that can only be described as disconsolate, hopeless and somewhat distressing for the fans. Despite an encouraging opening start, Newcastle were forced into their own half for much of the game and did not muster a single shot on target throughout the match.
The omission of Michael Owen from the starting line up has also raised even more doubts over his future, furthermore Shearer’s tactical nous must also be called into question, Duff at left back and switching a reasonably effective Joey Barton from centre midfield to right wing is baffling, and may have been a factor in his sending off. 
Next Monday’s match against relegation rivals and neighbours Middlesbrough has gained even more significance and will most definitely decide which team has at least a chance of survival. The draw against Portsmouth coupled with the above defeat has left the Magpies in a precarious position and once that I do not see them escaping. Being currently 3 points from safety may not seem much but if recent performances are factored in, Newcastle may as well be preparing for life in the second tier of English football.
On paper, Newcastle have a talented bunch. Damien Duff was a revelation at Blackburn whilst helping Chelsea secure an EPL title. Viduka is an established international and Obafemi Martins is a £10 Million player. Meanwhile, a special mention must go to Michael James Owen, brought in from Real Madrid, earning a reported £100,000 per week, yet he cannot string two full games together. Now even when seemingly fit, Shearer decides he is not good enough for the first eleven. With only 8 goals from 26 EPL appearances, time must be up for the injury prone, former Ballon d’Or recipient. But each of them have failed to perform this season.
I would also point to the loss of Shay Given from the squad as a major factor in the plight of Newcastle United. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the league and served Newcastle well but after 12 years of loyal service, even he knew this was a sinking ship and gladly waved goodbye in January. In previous seasons he was probably responsible for accumulating 10 points or more for the Magpies, and how desperately they need those points now. Steve Harper, though an able deputy is not a first team goalkeeper.
The decision to appoint rookie manager Alan Shearer must also be questioned. He doesn’t have the necessary qualifications, and has never managed before. His lack of experience is telling, the decision to play a 3-man defence against Tottenham was a mistake, Damien Duff is not a left wing back and Joey Barton on the right wing is wrong. 
His appointment stinks of desperation from Mike Ashley, who was so desperate to win over the fans he employed the one man that every member of the Toon Army would not disagree with. All this, to the detriment of the club.
In a season where mistake after mistake has been made, it looks as though Newcastle United will not be competing in the EPL next season, and is it coincidence that their new kit does not feature the Premier League logo, I think not.

Newcastle United Need a Miracle to Stay in the EPL

Newcastle United Need a Miracle to Stay in the EPL - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_6568" style="width: 410px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6568" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-6568" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/sunderland.png" alt="Can the Black Cats beat the drop?" width="400" height="400"></figure></div>Can the Black Cats beat the drop?</div>
The relegation battle is reaching its culmination. This weekend Middlesbrough faced Manchester United, Liverpool hosted Newcastle and Sunderland took on Everton, with Hull still to play Aston Villa.
Sunderland entertained Everton at the Stadium of Light and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat and put more pressure on themselves to reach the magical 40 points total.&nbsp; The Black Cats have now only won 1 of their last 10 games and look have lost the vigour Ricky Sbragia gave them when he was appointed Roy Keane’s successor. His side seemed flat and nervous whilst Everton took the game to the Mackems, looking to cement 5th place and Europa League football next season.
Goals from Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini gave Everton the victory, which means Sunderland need, for me, 5 points in the final three fixtures to make sure of survival. Two away games against Bolton and Portsmouth respectively are must win fixtures, as the final game of the season is a match up with Chelsea.&nbsp;
Against Everton, Sunderland did have their chances, most notably from Danny Collins, whose header and Steed Malbranque’s cross/shot, were both tipped over the bar by Tim Howard. Anyhow, this was as good as it got for the Mackems as Everton asserted their physical prowess, technical superiority and tactical command over a lackluster Sunderland side.
Ricky Sbragia must count himself lucky that his team put together an admirable run of form when he first took over the reigns full time. After an excellent performance against Manchester United despite the 1-0 defeat were followed by 4-0 and 4-1 victories over West Brom and Hull, respectively.&nbsp;
Whether Sunderland can reach these heights in the forthcoming games remains to be seen, but the players Sbragia has at his disposal do posses enough quality to keep the Mackems in the Premier League. In Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse, they have two forwards that are more than capable of scoring the goals to keep them up.
The physical presence of Jones is enough to trouble the most solid of defences, coupled with Cisse’s pace, a match can truly be made in the Northeast. Aside from the form both have showed earlier this season, where in parts, both have been woeful in front of goal. They have 18 goals between them, which is not good enough. But three solid showings and a few goals between them, then all would be forgiven.
Quality is also prevalent throughout the side, with the aforementioned Malbranque, Tal Ben-Haim, Anton Ferdinand not to forget the British record signing for a goalkeeper, Craig Gordon. The talent is there and one final push is all that is needed.
I would expect a minimum of 3 points from the final games, although this is not a total that would surpass the magical 40 point mark, I feel it would be enough given the form of the teams around them. Sunderland are not out of the frame just yet, and a miraculous turn of form from all those around them would be needed to see the Wearsiders relegated. Rest on these laurels, and thus must fight to ensure survival is in their own hands.

Sunderland Can Still Go Down!

Sunderland Can Still Go Down! - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6443" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/man_utd_chelsea_cl_final.jpg" alt="man_utd_chelsea_cl_final" width="340" height="240"></figure></div>
Having cleared the small matter of the Champions League first leg. Manchester United and Chelsea can continue their war of attrition with Liverpool. With both teams gaining positive results and turning in performances that were polar opposites, the upcoming weekends matches will prove vital in both the domestic and European stage.
Manchester United have least time to recover as they travel to the Riverside to face lowly Middlesbrough in Saturdays early kick off. If United record a victory they will move 6 points clear of title rivals Liverpool, who play on Sunday.
The Riverside is never an easy place for the Red Devils to travel. Having drawn 2-2 in the corresponding fixture last season. Even so, United will be looking to build on the two victories against the Teeside club they have accumulated already this season, plus they haven’t been beaten in their last nine matches against the Teesiders.
Middlesbrough though, are fighting for their lives, three points from safety and recently picking up a mere 8 points from a possible 27, every point is precious for Gareth Southgate’s side. And it looks increasingly likely that they will be demoted to Championship status next season.
Hot on the heels of Manchester United are of course Liverpool, some would say they have lost the defensive solidity that was so prominent earlier in the season after two successive 4-4 draws with Chelsea and Arsenal respectively and followed by a somewhat fortuitous victory over lowly Hull. But after a week off, Rafa’s men will be fully focussed on the task at hand, the visit of the messiah Alan Shearer and his woeful Newcastle side. Anything less than three points from this game and its ‘Game Over’ for the Magpies.
The recent stalemate with Portsmouth did not help their cause, with Shearer picking up only 2 points from 12 during his time in charge and to ask his ailing team to usurp a team trying to win their first title in 20 years will prove almost impossible.
Most people, including myself, would discount Chelsea as potential title challengers but they are only three points behind second place side, Liverpool. The trophy of an automatic Champions League place will be foremost in the mind of the Chelsea staff but I feel the players will be more determined to usurp the Anfield club and demonstrate their dominance while reasserting their status as Manchester United main challengers.
This weekend they face Fulham in a London derby that will no doubt be full of emotion. Roy Hodgeson has moulded a hardworking team that are on course for their highest placing, eclipsing the ninth place, achieved in 2003/04. However, they haven’t beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1964, so betting against the Blues could be foolhardy.
As another weekend of EPL action draws towards us Manchester United have the chance to put further pressure on their main rivals. If Liverpool start their match six points behind Sir Alex’s team, what kind of psychological effect will it have on Rafa and his troops, especially with Guus Hiddink and Chelsea breathing down their necks. Rafa must remember to look over his shoulder as well as in front, because you can never discount the Dutch master.
A positive result for both United and Chelsea, for me, is vital if they are to take momentum into the Champions League second leg matches. As has been proved many times in years past, energy and belief at this time of the season can be the difference. We shall see who is the greater mental toughness too see out an energy sapping week.

Champions League to EPL: All in a Days Work for Man Utd and Chelsea

Champions League to EPL: All in a Days Work for Man Utd and Chelsea - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_6147" style="width: 460px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6147" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-6147" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/3408888835_42f26fb0df_o.jpg" alt="Can the Messiah (MK II) save the Magpies?" width="450" height="281"></figure></div>Can the Messiah (MK II) save the Magpies?</div>
The return of Alan Shearer to Newcastle United was proclaimed as the ‘Return of the Messiah’ (MK II). Newcastle supporters far and wide rode the wave of optimism and turned up in their thousands to hail the saviour of their cherished club. Shearer, it seems, is the antidote to the cockney mafia poison. Now, it appears the healing properties of this former striker may take some time to cure this ailing club from the mire it finds itself in.
Being appointed in April fools day, I for one thought Alan Shearer becoming Newcastle manager was a wind-up. How wrong I was.&nbsp; His appointment was real and the Newcastle faithful heralded the arrival of a club legend, a man who would put right months of anguish. I was not fooled, and it doesn’t look like I will be proved wrong either.
In three games at the helm, Shearer has amassed one point and his team were very much second best in all three ties.&nbsp; When Chelsea turned up at St James’ Park, they did not read the script and looked comfortable as they brushed aside Shearers new look Newcastle. Stoke were next for the Toon and if it was not for Andy Carroll’s late equaliser, a spineless Newcastle would have lost once more.
On Saturday in North London, Newcastle were outclassed and outfought by a Tottenham side whose consistency has been called into question repeatedly throughout the season. Darren Bent scored the only goal for an impressive Spurs side, and the gamble of three centre backs did not work for the away side. This defeat left the Magpies four points adrift of safety and in a desperate situation.
Having not registered a win in eight games, it would appear Newcastle have an uphill struggle on their hands. Shearer has called for his precious Toon to win their three remaining home games. Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Fulham have all to travel north. Shearer said, “We’ll be expected to win those and we have to.”&nbsp; Whether this will occur, I have my doubts. 
Holding an away record of two victories, six draws and nine defeats. Visiting Aston Villa and Liverpool will not be easy tasks. Given Liverpool dispensed Newcastle with their heaviest defeat of the season, a 5-1 drubbing in December, these are three points the Anfield club will surely take. Thus, it can be concluded Shearer has made one correct decision as manager … identifying three victories at St James’ Park are a must if salvation is to be achieved.
The players are behind him, Nicky Butt who has gone through more Newcastle managers than hot dinners, 10 in total, said of Shearer, “He’s brought a spring in the step in and around the club everyone’s buzzing,” Meanwhile, the ever injured Alan Smith has been promised a large role in the relegation run-in by Shearer. “I spoke to the manager when he came in and he said he wanted me to be a big part of his squad but I’d only played two games all season,” Smith said.
It remains to be seen whether Alan Shearer can save his beloved Newcastle United. A formidable effort will most certainly be needed.&nbsp;

Can Alan Shearer Save Newcastle?

Can Alan Shearer Save Newcastle? - World Soccer Talk

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