Jim Flanagan

In a match where victory was essential for either side to have a realistic chance of progressing from Group B, Mexico prevailed 1-0. Oribe Peralta delivered the only goal in the 61st

Money can by many things and it certainly has for Roman Abramovich. Ironically, all the money he has spent on managers has come at a cost. He will never be able to recruit a manager who demands complete control of a club or one who has ambitions to build for the future. Most importantly, it […]

Traditionally, November’s first week is an important one for the English Premier League. Managers new and old are being evaluated, having overseen approximately 10 matches for which credit or blame must be assigned. Every year managers at the foot of the table are under pressure, although, the manager under the most scrutiny this season is […]

Shambolic is the only way to describe Liverpool’s season so far. Admittedly, they have won a trophy and adding the F.A. Cup in May is a distinct possibility. Silverware is never a bad thing, but a 7th place finish in the Premier League would be. For a club with its resources and history, it is an […]

The managerial merry-go-round is one of the unpleasant facets of Premier League football. Too often, the board members of clubs are quick to sack a manager due to a string of poor results or because of outside pressure. The objective of dismissing a manager is, of course, to effect change. Immediate results are often improved, […]

For the managers of Ireland and England, all problems are relative. After England secured a place in the European Championships with a draw away to Montenegro, one might have expected a reprieve for Fabio Capello and his men. An undefeated qualifying campaign is usually grounds for celebration, or at least contentment. Instead, England is under […]

There hasn’t been a dull moment at Queens Park Rangers yet, but that was bound to be the case wasn’t it? With a manager more than willing to share his thoughts in front of a microphone and Joey Barton willing to do the same through social media, the excitement surrounding QPR should not be a […]

After the 90 minutes had been played, no one was surprised at the result. More than anything, that defines the new era in the North London derby. Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal at White Hart Lane was not simply three points in the standings and a vanquishing of a rival. It was a microcosm of […]

Now that the dust has settled on the first month of his Premier League career, it's time for the first meaningful analysis of David De Gea’s start at Manchester United. In De Gea’s case, a common sense approach needs to be adopted to dissect his play at United thus far. Forget the hyperbole associated with […]

Although the red and blue halves of Manchester have burst out of the gates like a Grand National winner, the Premier League is a marathon, not a sprint. Accordingly, it would be the epitome of folly to write off Chelsea’s championship drive at such an early stage. Especially when one considers that they are a […]