What should Scottish Football do?

As EVERYBODY is aware. Rangers Football Club is very close to liquidation. If forced to form a new company, many to be believed as The Rangers FC. Without going into details here is what I think will happen. 

Ibrox Stadium. Home of Rangers

As a Sport Management student these stories fascinate me, maybe too much, to the extent that I have to apply my opinion on what should happen. 

Two things will happen. The eleven current SPL teams will vote on whether the Rangers FC will be granted Premier league status. They will require 7 out of 11 votes to stay in. Could you imagine what this would do to Scottish football, the endorsements for Scottish football and more importantly the commercialization of the SPL would drop. Many major TV companies would not pay as much to the SPL for the rights without the Glasgow Derby. There is the Hearts - Hibernian derby, but lets face it. Rangers v Celtic is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the British football calender. And, it is always a close affair. 

Look at it the other way. It would send the wrong message to other teams. If others teams in Scotland (apart from Celtic) had this happened to them. No way would they even get a vote. It is morally wrong. So there is completely two extremes. 

I am going to have to give a controversial view here. I say let Rangers begin life in Scottish football again, and raise money for the Scottish FA, keep the high TV rights. And keep the Glasgow derby a massive fixture.

Do you agree with me?

Stephen Orwin

British and Irish Lions 16 - Stephen

1 (GK) Joe Hart – England – I would agree he is the best goal keeper England has to offer, in fact I would even go as far as the best goalkeeper (with experience) in European football. Solid, reliable and encouraged. any more reasons?

2 Ashley Williams – Wales – Not the most influential Welsh player. But given the experience and opportunity he would receive within this British lions squad. He would thrive on the opportunity  to be solid just as he is with Swansea    

3 Ashley Cole -  England - Lets get this clear. Ashley Cole in my opinion is the best left back in the world. Yep, i said it. I think his flexibility and experience with the left back comes great attacking ability with solid defensive ability. Top player. 

4 John Terry - England - Ok, off the field, he is not the best role model. But on the field, he has to be regarded as one of the greatest leader in English football...ever? At 31 years of age he has received 74 caps covering 4 major tournament. Top class. 
5 Richard Dunne - Ireland - Always a big fan of the big Irish center back. with 74 caps he has been the heart of Ireland's defense for many caps. A big case for center backs having experience? In my opinion the most essential trait for a defender. 
6 Aaron Ramsey - Wales - At 21 with 21 caps. This guy has a chance to make a massive name for himself and cause upsets within the European world. As Wales captain he has the best chance to lead Wales to their first major championship for years. 
7 Oliver Norwood - Northern Ireland - Trust me. Watch this 21 year old who plays for Manchester United. you probably haven't? well you will in the near future. 
8 Steven Gerrard (c) - England - If there was a tour tomorrow my captain will be Steven Gerrard. with 92 caps to his name his experience will pass on to others and encourage them. If the tour was in four years time. My decision would be more moving towards Ramsey. 
9 Kevin Doyle - Ireland - The perfect 9. Hard working. Motivated, and a natural goal scorer. With a good team with him, good service, he will thrive. 
10 Wayne Rooney - England - A world class player. Not only a team player, but a goal scorer.  Top club player and a proper prospect. I will definitely put my money on him becoming England top scorer and most  capped outfield player. 
11 Gareth Bale - Wales - A tough choice. and not an obvious decision. But Gareth Bale would be my natural footed left midfielder great attacking threat and a defensive minded player. Great player. 


Subs

12 Darren Fletcher - Scotland - I had to choose a Scottish player! and quite clearly the best Scottish choice. Just missing out on the first 11 through experience of Gerrard and prospect of Ramsey. But he would be the first midfielder to get in for sub. 

13 Shay Given (GK) – R.Ireland - Given is one of the most under rated and under achieved goalkeepers of all time. A great player and a hard worker. 

14 Gary Cahil – England - A younger copy of John Terry, has a great chance of progessing thorugh his club and country. A huge talent and will become one of the most stable defenders we have seen in this land

15 Phil Jones - England - 'Only just turned 20 years of age Jones is one of the hottest prospects for the future for any country. Having moved to Manchester United last summer he didn't have the greatest of first seasons but it was good enough to show a high level of quality and to show that he has the potential to be a world class player in the future.' Exactly how I feel Ryan!

16  - Jordan Rhodes - Scotland - A massive controversial choice (Especially with Ryan!) I think this guy has the opportunity to become Scotland's leading goal scorer. Arguable that he had chosen Scottish. Nevertheless a huge prospect ONLY if he chooses the right path of club, or stays in my opinion with his current team Huddersfield. 

Manager - Sir Alex Ferguson - Scottish - Could not argue with Ryan as much as I wanted too! this man has expirience, passion and will have a lot of fun with the opportunity taken seriously. 
Assistant - Brendan Rodgers – Northern Ireland - Again, as much as I would love to agree with Ryan, I think Brendan under Sir Alex guidance will become the greatest coach Northern Ireland has ever produced.

Coaches - David Beckham (England) and Roy Keane (Ireland)- Two Manchester greats, passionate, talented and could mentor younger players to become better than their coaches and beyond. Which is what a coach is all about in professionalism football in my opinion!

Come At Us!

Stephen Orwin

British & Irish Lions 16

1 (GK) Joe Hart – England – The best Keeper in the Premier League at the moment, and arguably the best keeper in the world to some people. He was instrumental in Manchester City's Premier League winning season and at the age of 25 he easily has another 10-15 years left at the top. You would be silly to not have him as your first choice keeper.

2 Chris Smalling – England – Probably more of a centre back, but Smalling has played a season and a half at right back for Manchester United and has even made appearances for England in the same position. Four years ago he was playing for Maidstone United, he has had a hell of a career already and at 22 and with his natural ability still has a lot to offer for years to come.

3 Ashley Cole -  England - Arguably the best and most consistent defender since the turn of the millennium. Cole has won 3 Premier Leagues, 7 FA Cups, a League Cup and Champions League medal as well as being named in the PFA Team of the Year on 4 different occasions, enough said really.

4 Rio Ferdinand (C)  - England – Ferdinand will be my captain. Experienced, great ability, smart, he doesn't panic, controls a defence and has been there and done it all. Rio has won 5 Premier Leagues, a FA Cup, a Champions League, 2 League Cups and a World Club Championship all with Manchester United, like Cole, his honours speak for themselves.

5 Jonny Evans - N.Ireland – Probably not going to appear in a lot of peoples squads, but for me there is no better improved defender over the past 12 months in the whole of the Premier League. Last season he came in to the Manchester United squad to replace Nemanja Vidic; arguably the best defender of the last 5 years and not only did a good job he made the position his own. He has developed a great understanding with Ferdinand over the season so that is why I would choose Evans for my Lions squad.

6 Darren Fletcher – Scotland – Even with his unfortunate stomach virus he is still Scotland's best player, gives 100% every time he dons the shirt of Man Utd or Scotland, one of the first names in this line up

7 Aiden McGeady – R. Ireland – Creative winger who dominated left backs in the SPL for 6 years and now terrorising defenders in Russia, with 103 assists in 307 club appearances he knows how to provide for strikers to feed off and an ideal player for the squad.

8 Frank Lampard – England – A midfielder who has over 200 career goals and has experience at the highest of levels, winning Premier League and Champions League titles with Chelsea he is a consistent winner and like Fletcher will give you 100% every game. Has countless amount of individual honours but has also won 3 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups and a Champions League.

9 Kevin Doyle – R.Ireland – Signed for Reading in 2005 for just a mere £78k and is now worth anywhere between £5-7 million, doesn't have the best goals to game ratio but won't give up and will always allow for his striking partner to dominate the play.

10 Wayne Rooney – England – The best British player. One of England's only world class players and with a partner like Kevin Doyle could be the second half to a destructive strike force. Doyle comes from the Hernandez mould which Rooney will thrive off. Has won as many individual honours as Lampard as well as lifting 4 Premier Leagues, 1 Champions League, 2 League Cups and a World Club Championship. He is mentioned in the same company as Ronaldo and Messi for a reason.

11 James McLean - R.Ireland – A young man who made arguably the greatest impact of the season this year, making his league debut as part of a new, resurgent Sunderland side under new management was a creative winger, who showed pace, flair and skill to not only make goals but score. Was inspirational for Sunderland with highlighted great performances vs Man City and Arsenal at the Stadium of Light, one for the future.

Subs

12 Ashley Young - England - Had one of the greatest first seasons at Manchester United I can remember seeing by anyone. Countless amounts of assists to go with his 8 goals made it a season to remember for Young. One of the stars of the future for England and by playing for United can only get better.

13 Shay Given (GK) – R.Ireland - Given is one of the most under rated and under achieved goalkeepers of all time. Has been consistently great every season in the Premier League for every team he was played for, only rivaled by Brad Friedel. And in my opinion in the Top 5 goalkeepers the league has ever seen.

14 Shane Long – R.Ireland - A younger copy of Kevin Doyle, has great natural ability with plently of energy which he puts in every game. Like Doyle, Long will give you a forward who will work hard for the team and ultimately benefit the team.

15 Phil Jones - England - Only just turned 20 years of age Jones is one of the hottest prospects for the future for any country. Having moved to Manchester United last summer he didn't have the greatest of first seasons but it was good enough to show a high level of quality and to show that he has the potential to be a world class player in the future.

16 Aaron Ramsey - Wales - Ramsey was installed as Wales captain at the tender age of 21 by the late Gary Speed in March 2011 and with good reason to be. The midfield playmaker has shown enough with the newly reformed Wales side under Chris Coleman and Arsenal to warrant a place in the Lions Squad.

Manager - Sir Alex Ferguson - Scottish - Simply put, the greatest manager to ever grace English football let alone the Premier League.

Assistant - David Moyes – Scottish - Predicted as the heir to the throne of Sir Alex at Manchester United, not only could he learn a lot from Sir Alex Ferguson but he has the managerial ability to teach him a thing a two. 

Coaches - Paul Scholes (England) and Ryan Giggs (Wales)- Two of the greatest players to ever grace world football. In regards to British football no one can touch Ryan Giggs for what he has achieved in his 21 year career, and with an eye on the future he would be a great coach to have to share experience with the younger players like McLean. Scholes is a midfield maestro and any player who Zidane wishes he had played with is clearly one of the best.

Physio - Gary Lewin – England- Arsenal physio for 22 years, England's physio for 16. One of the best and most experienced members of staff you could wish for.

Bring on the tour!

Ryan Butler 

British and Irish Lions... football?

Watching Ireland last night at the euro 2012 championships playing a stubborn Croatia team. It makes me wonder, where do they go from here? 

Then it clicked.

The Football Associations of the 5 home nations. (Including Ireland, just like in rugby) make a one off 4 year event in which the best players from each 5 countries tour each continent for FIFA ranking matches. 

• Think about it, more endorsements for each nations. Which company would not want to be involved in such historic events? the money from this could go into developing talent for each player. A branded British and Irish 'Lions' football team would look exceptional commercially. 
• It will give a chance for the better players, to get better. Example. Kevin Doyle played a good shift for Ireland v Croatia. Imagine if he could get international experience with a partnership with a world class player in Wayne Rooney? Or Darren Fletcher of Scotland within the central midfield with Steven Gerrard. It will give international experience to take back to their own countries.
• A chance to represent all nations. Not just yours. In effect the Rugby lions that tour every 4 years, some call it the ultimate honour. And as a semi-pro Rugby player. I have always dreamed of representing the Lions. Over England. Which seems a massive contrast with football.

So there three good reasons, why we should have a British and Irish Lions football team. 

Later on myself, and Ryan will share our squad 16. Including the manager and coaching staff. 

Would you want a British and Irish Football 11? 

Who would you pick currently?

Stephen Orwin

Cure for England's Winter Blues?

Saeed Ajmal and Rangana Herath. The names of England's two tormentors over the winter tests earlier this year. The Pakistan off spinner and Sri Lanka slow armer took 43 wickets combined over the 5 tests.

The failure to play the sub continent bowlers in their own backyards regurgitated the question as to whether or not the Number 1 test team in the world can rival the dynasties of the dynamic West Indies in the 80s or the dominating Australia of the 90s, both world beaters, both teams who were expected to white wash their opponents at the height of their dominance.

A winter where England lost 4 out of the 5 tests, were bowled out on every occasion bar the last innings vs Sri Lanka. A winter where England experimented with Samit Patel over Eoin Morgan against Sri Lanka, meaning going into the series England had two orthodox spinners in Swann and Panesar as well as the all rounder ability of Patel, an ability we didn't really see. A winter to forget for the England team and the Barmy Army.

Move forward to May and June and here we are with England leading a series 2-0, with two great performances from arguably the best bowling attack in international cricket, with two centuries from the so called “under fire” captain and a new resurgence which justifies being called the best team in the world. Yes, they are playing an underachieving new West Indies side but it takes something extra to break a partnership of nearly 200, to take wickets where the visiting batsmen have the team frustrated as well as the usually influential England fans.

The difference between now and the winter tests is that England are once again in front of their own support, in their own British weather conditions. They aren't playing on the flat, hard, dry pitches they played on in Dubai and Sri Lanka.

There is talk in the cricketing world that perhaps times have changed, maybe cricket could learn from footballing methods to conquer on foreign soil. In football the greater teams such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal when playing in the Champions League play different formations and personnel when away from home. An example being Manchester United, at home they traditionally play 4-4-2 but away switch to the more conventional 4-5-1, just the cram and control the midfield. With the same mentality cricket could benefit from this. For instance should England go away from home to India, why not play a team more suited to those conditions, maybe dropping batsmen like Trott or bowlers like Bresnan who are two of the most under rated players in the formidable home England team.

However, this idea would have to be finely balanced, the selectors wouldn't want to be constantly moving batsmen up and down the order. Also what would happen if England play 3 tests at home then 3 away within a short period of time and a player in the home team scores a hundred every time he comes to the crease? Would you have to drop him because he isn't in the away team or play him because he is clearly in good form? Being at the top of your sport is one thing but you want to stay there for as long as possible so perhaps this idea could be something worth thinking about.

Ryan Butler

How good is Scottish Rugby?

1982. When the HMS Conqueror sinks the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano. Channel 4 was launched in UK. And Scottish Rugby experienced their last taste of victory on Australian soil.

Tuesday 5th June 2012, that had all changed. Most of Britain was busy celebrating the jubilee weekend, Scotland national rugby side was celebrating too. But for different reasons. They had won against Australia 9-6 in a ranked international match re-writing the 30 year history.

The match it self was not the greatest advert for the global recognition. However, rugby fans, especially Scottish, will know what a good gritty performance the Scots performed, especially regarding Scotland nearly 3 months ago had achieved the six nations wooden spoon. Even with the Super Rugby season taking its toll, the Wallabies named a very experimental side and dreadful conditions. It was a world beating performance.

This raises the question that has world Rugby scratching their head. Why are Scotland ranked 12th in the international IRB rankings? Is this a nation that is waiting for the talent to explode into rage, or will the side self destruct under the pressure being pilled on them through media and quite clearly, themselves.

The two domestic sides. Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors playing impressive rugby in their domestical RaboDirect PRO 2012 campaigns and European rugby With Edinburgh missing out on the Heineken Cup final , what would have made them the first Scottish team to participate in the final, by 4 points. And Glasgow Warriors finishing in the top 4 of the RaboDirect PRO league.

Again which raises the question, why is this not transferring to the national side? could it be confidence? Does Scottish rugby not know how to win? Or is it pressure through expectation?

In general, I believe this current Scottish rugby side will grow. With key players such as Stuart Hogg will hopefully win more caps and grow into his full back position, and winger Tom Brown making his debut for the national side. With more experience and class, Scottish rugby could possibly, cause upsets and bring back glory days since 1999 in which they won the last 5 nations tournament.

Stephen Orwin

Is winning enough for England?

With the Euro's only a matter of days away now England are going to the tournament unfancied, torn apart by injury and after France's latest win in midweek completely up against it.

However, with two very credible 1-0 wins under their belts Roy Hodgson's men should be going to Poland and Ukraine with a sprout of confidence in the camp. Any win away from home should be seen as a positive even if it is against a Norway side England should be beating. Considering Hodgson had only a few weeks to make up a prospective squad and get them into training, a win no matter how small the winning margin should be applauded.

Since the turn of the millennium England fans and the English media seem to be obsessed with performances over results. In an act of almost footballing snobbery suddenly football is decided on how a team plays not what the scoreline is. A prime example of this being Sven Goran Eriksson's tenure as England's head coach, he was always scrutinised for making more substitutions than he has fingers, for being the first foreign England head coach and for having an England side who weren't world beaters, a side who wasn't made up of the biggest and best players the world have ever seen but knew how to grind out a win.

And it was this basis which led England onto the brink of World Cup glory in the promised land of Japan and South Korea in 2002. Even though they only scraped a mere 5 points in Group F to finish second, after a convincing win against Denmark England found themselves in the quarter finals against a Brazil side who were world beaters. With a front line of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, England had to be resilient and with a head coach that has Serie A experience they were exactly that.

Ultimately the 2002 World Cup will be remembered in England for that goal by Ronaldinho. But yet had that goal not happened and England had managed to grind out another narrow win without playing exceptional, only Turkey and a Germany team who England had previously demolished on that night in Munich the previous year, would have been in England's way on the quest for their second World Cup trophy.

It may be hypothetical but had England found a way to get passed Brazil then England would have been the team to beat and would have probably gone on to win the tournament. Now a decade later, with two narrow wins and more importantly two clean sheets maybe, just maybe this could be the year England finally live up to all the hype. 


Ryan Butler