Category Uncategorized

David Ginola was a fantastic footballer as well as a fantastic advert for Pantene, shame the same can’t be said for Ian Wright, I mean he was a good footballer but the advert he did for Chicken Tonight, was car crash television. Trawling through the internet I found some absolute gems and it’s a shame I can’t do the Top 50 Football related ads, I mean who can ever forget the Paddy Power “You’re in the bath with Carlton Palmer advert”?

[divider]

The Good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUSpjZEhNU8

We have all experienced this moment down the park with our mates. Classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a6B95wP3fQ

Footballing Legends, an enclosed environment and one ball. This advert was never going to fail.

Arguably one of the greatest football advert ever made- no “cool” music, no flashy camera shots – just a great narrative from start to finish and some above average acting from a bunch of footballers. What I would have done to grow up in an era with these legends of the beautiful game.

[divider]

Continued on Page TWO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEGrbLFgj2g

Pure world class talent or pure world class editing? Either way, what an advert.

A fantastic tribute to grassroots football; Hackney Marshes and David Seaman, a combination I’d never though I’d see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy-3QHK7i-Y

Living the dream.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEIcJ9ugr7c

Lineker is still winning the Walkers battles nearly twenty years on (only this time against Lionel Ritchie)

[divider]

Continued on Page Three

The Bad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ-NwZQAwt4

This advert has all the ingredients of the perfect aftershave advert, a footballing icon and gorgeous girls but why does it just make me cringe.

This Sharpie permanent marker pens advert featuring David Beckham single handedly destroys the reputation the former Manchester United star has worked so hard achieved, some might say it leaves a permanent black mark on his record.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf-4Gbqyni4

Ignoring the fact that Kevin Keegan looks like something out of ‘Fame’, this homoerotic advert is just terrible.

“After 90 minutes of pure hell, you’re gonna be thirsty” Right, cheers for that John; this ill advised Lucozade advert from the 1990s was shocking back then and it is safe to say it hasn’t become vintage TV over a decade later.

Good on Kev doing his part for road safety, however Keegan made a huge mistake and forgot about the publics ‘eye safety’ with the most horrendous choice of outfit…ever.

Continued on Page Four

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z23jLO1Yk0

Really Jamie? Are you sure?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Nothing says oil filters like Pat Jennings making some impressive saves.

Gareth Southgate Pizza Hut Advert

Sadly for those who haven’t seen this ‘advert’ you will have to use your imagination as Southgate’s agent has scoured the net and removed all traces of evidence that this advert ever took place.

Just picture this, Chris Waddle, Stuart Pearce and Southgate eating pizza, bags over their heads and the worst line ever from Pearce “this time he’s hit the post!.” Priceless.

The Ugly

So this is what £50 million buys you.

FootballFanCast.com WORLD Exclusive, Robbie Savage Face in a a baby Scan

[ffcvideo file=’robbie_savage’]

Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of star names did not abate in the last transfer window. Roberto Mancini’s first summer transfer splurge totalled an estimated outlay of £120 million. Their transfer dealings may have been scoffed at by some but they have been cited as title contenders by old foe Gary Neville. Their latest acquisition though is a departure from their expected stance. Earlier this month reports circulated that the club had signed former Barcelona midfielder Gai Assulin on a free transfer. A new contract at the Camp Nou could not be agreed but a knee injury had scuppered a speedy summer switch to the Premier League. Mancini is purportedly satisfied with his fitness and an official announcement of his capture is imminent. As an attacking wide player sporting a shock of dark long hair he has been dubbed the ‘new Lionel Messi.’ The more pertinent question for City fans is whether this ex-Barcelona player will be more of a Cesc Fabregas than a Giovani Dos Santos.

The Israeli international spent seven years in the Catalan capital, progressing through the club’s youth and reserve sides. The player who had previously been of the books of Hapoel Haifa has earned Spanish citizenship, thereby negating the need for a work permit before coming to England. The 19-year old footballer’s contract expired this summer and his renowned agent Pini Zahavi commented, “the decision not to renew Gai’s contract was mutually taken by us and the club.” His progression had been curtailed by injury and accordingly the promising youngster never featured in a league or European match for the senior team.

However the midfielder, who previously had a £34 million release clause in his contract, appeared a natural candidate for promotion to the senior ranks. Assulin had periodically glistened in the 2007/08 season when FC Barcelona B won the Segunda División B. An inexperienced Josep Guardiola masterminded this triumph and the Israeli was a player expected to join him on the bigger stage. Yet in Guardiola’s inaugural season as first team manager Assulin was unavailable for the entire campaign after sustaining knee ligament damage. He returned to fitness last summer and made an appearance in a pre-season friendly against Tottenham at Wembley Stadium.

His stock had waned particularly when compared to fellow young prospects such as Pedro. He too had featured in that table topping youth side but is now a Spanish League, Spanish Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and World Cup winning player. Assulin’s appearance and skills had invited comparisons with the team’s mercurial Argentinean superstar but having played alongside Pedro, he must have been cursing his luck. He was due to have a trial at Blackburn Rovers last month but failed to attend, wanting to hold out for a more ambitious team. He found that club in the same region.

Whether or not his grand label is befitting of his talents, what can the Eastlands crowd expect of this attack minded midfielder? The ambidextrous Assulin can play across the midfield and forward lines. Blessed with a natural skilfulness and pace, the young starlet’s Youtube highlights convey that he is adept at taking on defenders with an impressive close control. His formative development has been hampered by injury which arguably points to an adaptation period in City’s reserves before any first team chances arise. Assulin’s arrival has coincided with the club’s conciliatory reaction to UEFA’s financial fair play initiative. Assembling the best, young emerging talent at minimal cost could be a sign of things to come.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

twitter.com/JackBlogs

rss feed

Wigan have confirmed that they have signed Jean Beausejour from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee.

The Chile international winger has put pen-to-paper on a two and a half year deal at the DW Stadium, with the move being rubber-stamped after the South American passed a medical on Wednesday.

Roberto Martinez is delighted to have added the attacking midfielder to his squad, and feels Beausejour could play an important part in keeping The Latics in the English top flight.

“Jean is a player we have been tracking for a long time since he made a huge impression on us with his role for Chile in the World Cup,” Martinez told the club’s official website.

“Now Jean has 18 months of experience in the British game and his dynamism, technical ability and tactical concepts will bring a different dimension into our squad.

“He is ready to bring his own experience and his energy into the fantastic challenge that as a football club we’re facing in the next 16 games of the season,” the Spanish coach stated.

Beausejour also spoke of his happiness at moving to Wigan, and is keen to get started with his new team.

“Roberto told me about the plans he has for the club and I am really excited to join and meet my team-mates.

“We have a really tough end of the season, but I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I want to thank all the supporters at Birmingham and now I have to concentrate on getting in the team and doing my best for Wigan Athletic,” he commented.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

Arsene Wenger is hoping for a ‘clean’ game against Stoke in a rematch of the clash that left midfielder Aaron Ramsey with a broken leg.Ramsey spent nine months on the sidelines after a Ryan Shawcross tackle last season and has only recently returned to Arsenal’s starting line-up and his fourth appearance for the club this season will be against the man almost ended the 20-year-old’s career.

“I said many times that only Aaron can forgive Shawcross,” Wenger said.

“He has been hurt and I don’t think that a debate is needed before the game. I believe Aaron is 20 years old, he has a long career in front of him, so the earlier the plays in Stoke the better it is.”

“The only thing that is important is to focus, to play well and win the game.”

“We cannot want to have a clean game and prepare football games like that.”

Ramsey scored the only goal in Arsenal’s win against Manchester United last week and will continue to deputise for the injured Cesc Fabregas who has a thigh problem.

Long-term absentee Thomas Vermaelen is fit again after recovering from an Achilles’ tendon injury.

Alongside the Welshman is likely to be Jack Wilshere whose recent inclusion in the provisional squad to play for England in the Under-21 European Championships in the summer has angered his club manager.

“I personally believe it does not have to be Jack Wilshere’s decision. It is the FA’s decision because only they can make this decision and they have to act in a responsible way,” Wenger said.

“You cannot ask Jack if he wants to play – do you really think he will say no? I don’t think that’s realistic.”

“I will ask Fabio Capello to consider the consequences of a boy who is 19 years old who has played around 50 games at the end of the season, who has played for the first team and then a tournament on the back of it.”

Central defender Johan Djourou will undergo a fitness test to assess his ankle and Abou Diaby is struggling with a calf problem. Gael Clicky could also miss out with a hamstring complaint.

Tottenham Hotspur pulled off the most spectacular deal of the summer on transfer deadline day with the signing of Holland superstar Rafael van der Vaart from La Liga giants Real Madrid for £8m.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was informed of the Dutchman’s availability just two hours before the transfer window closed and worked frantically in a race against time to pull off the sensational deal. The Van der Vaart signing was however, unplanned, and the 27-year-old did not originally feature in manager Harry Redknapp’s blueprint for the future of Tottenham Hotspur.

Redknapp, of course, guided Spurs to Champions League qualification last season, a feat he ranks amongst his greatest achievements in 27 years of football management. Big money signings were expected at White Hart Lane this summer, as the club looked to build on last season’s progress. Instead Redknapp kept hitting a brick wall in his attempts to land his top targets. It reached a stage where the 63-year-old went on record suggesting new signings were needed, urging his chairman to deliver the big name players craved by the club’s supporters.

“This is a chance Tottenham really shouldn’t waste because we have got ourselves in a position, the best position since the Premier League started, and we have to build on that,” warned the former Portsmouth boss.

Spurs fans were also voicing their dissatisfaction and concerns over the club’s lack of spending. A quick glance at the Tottenham page on the BBC Sport 606 Forum as the transfer window drew to a close painted a picture of doom and gloom over the club’s summer transfer dealings. One post entitled ‘Standing still while others improve’ claimed Levy had not backed Redknapp in the transfer market, while another supporter wrote: ‘I just really hope Redknapp hasn’t missed the chance to take us to the next level.’

Redknapp watched on in dismay as moves for Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano and English duo Joe Cole and Scott Parker collapsed. Signing a striker was clearly a priority for Redknapp, as oppose to another attacking midfielder where Spurs have overwhelming options to choose from. Yet at a reasonable price, the playmaker remains a first-class signing who can make a huge difference.

Spurs did also manage to capture the experienced William Gallas from Arsenal on a free transfer for additional defensive cover and the highly-rated Brazilian youngster Sandro. Both players should prove to be sound additions to Redknapp’s squad. The manager was also able to keep all of his squad together and Spurs will benefit from this continuity and consistency this season. Fans should also be satisfied that after missing out on deals for a number of top targets that Redknapp did not simply sign sub-standard players to make up the numbers. Although it is always wise to have a Plan B.

Tottenham certainly haven’t been shy in terms of splashing the cash in recent seasons. The club hit the headlines last summer after figures revealed they had outspent the top four sides in the country over an 18 month period from January 2008, with an astounding £150m spree. The likes of Wilson Palacios, Peter Crouch, Sebastien Bassong and Niko Kranjcar were all brought in to reaffirm the club’s reputation for having vast strength in depth at their disposal.

In strikers Crouch, Robbie Keane, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Jermain Defoe they have one of the most potent attacking quartets in the Premier League. Luka Modric, Kranjcar and VDV have enough skill and ability to cause havoc and there are plenty of other alternatives including David Bentley and Aaron Lennon for the manager to call upon. Redknapp also has enough pedigree in defence to have confidence in his side’s capabilities at the back. Youngsters Danny Rose, John Bostock and Dean Parrett also point to a promising future.

The arrival of Van der Vaart was certainly a bonus for Spurs this summer and, despite concerns, Tottenham have a squad more than capable of challenging for the top honours. Redknapp and the club showed intelligence and diligence in the transfer market this summer and still managed to add three top quality players who could make the difference this season. Maybe other clubs should take note.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Are you happy with Tottenham’s summer signings? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

*

Alternatively you can read more of my blogs HERE or you can follow me on Twitter

Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United must be one of the longest running transfer sagas in recent memory, if not the most annoying. It is clear the Dutchman apparent love to come to English football continues to hit a stumbling block; basically nobody fancies agreeing to his wage demands, therefore ensuring he will remain at the San Siro until the summer at least.

I suppose a transfer window would be lost without some sort of saga and we were privy to plenty last summer with the Modric to Chelsea dispute, Cesc Fabregas finally fulfilling his move to Barcelona, while Samir Nasri left both Manchester clubs dangling before the Frenchman decided that he would go for the bigger pay-cheque at the Etihad Stadium. Fleet Street craves these sagas and it helps fill a lot of column inches on a daily basis.

Unfortunately the January window has been quiet so far with the only genuine saga being whether and when Gary Cahill was going to sign for Chelsea. I’m sure we are witnessing the calm before the eventual storm and we are likely to see plenty of activity in the coming week.

The following list focuses on the transfer sagas that have gripped football in recent years and caused something of a stir.

Click on Jon Obi-Mikel to unveil the top 10

[divider]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[divider]

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

West Ham United midfielder Gary O’Neil will miss the remainder of the English Premier League season after undergoing surgery on his ankle.The 27-year-old will be missed as the Hammers try and avoid relegation in the last five games of the season.

O’Neil, who suffered the injury after a tackle from Nigel Reo-Coker in West Ham’s 2-1 loss against Aston Villa on April 16, has made eight appearances for the club since joining from Middlesbrough in January.

“I have got some joint damage in the ankle which they had to sort but I am told it went well,” O’Neil said.

“I am disappointed not to be involved for the last five games but (I’m) looking to get back as fast as I can next season.”

West Ham are two points from safety but face a tough trip to Stamford Bridge and second-placed Chelsea on Saturday.

O’Neil said he was ready to support his teammates while maintaining focus on his comeback.

“I have got my head around the timescale involved for my comeback. I have just got to keep my foot up for a few weeks and then take it from there,” O’Neil said.

We Brits are obsessed with football. We live, breathe and sleep the beautiful game. Whether we travel across the country to see our team play home and away, make sure we have prime position in the pub to catch the game on the telly or have plonked our chair in front of a big screen to catch all the Premier League games in our living room, it’s a cardinal sin to miss a minute of action. Few of us are as big a football fan as Morris Keston, though, who is a friend to many a football star from the past and can truly be classed as a Superfan!

Morris Keston is arguably Tottenham Hotspur’s number one fan. He’s been going to watch Spurs at White Hart Lane since World War II, when he was lucky not to hit by German Luftwaffe’s bombs and even more fortunate not to become an Arsenal supporter! In the last 67 years Keston has incredibly seen close to 5,000 football matches and has become friends with some of the game’s greats. Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst are just two he rubbed shoulders with when players were much more accessible to the public, but he came to know people outside of the world of football too, and it is these stories and anecdotes that form the basis of the book.

From the start of the book it soon becomes clear how highly regarded Morris is in British football. A foreword by former Tottenham and England Manager Terry Venables is followed by a tribute from Liverpool legend Graeme Souness who remembers the advice given to him by ‘Mr Spurs’. As a friend to the stars, the book is jam-packed with interesting stories about how Keston came to befriend Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali and a whole host of other stars from around the world, but it is his tales of meeting football’s biggest names that will be the most fascinating for fans of the beautiful game.

Morris often found himself on the team bus when Tottenham travelled to matches, sitting next to the Spurs legends of the day. When the 1966 World Cup came round Bobby Moore and Jimmy Greaves were even popping in for a cup of tea. Just imagine Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard coming round to yours these days! Keston even came close to becoming Tottenham Chairman in 1993, and with the help of Nick Hawkins, Morris has managed to pen all these amazing anecdotes in one book. With many stories of Keston meeting Tottenham, England and global superstars, you can get an insight into what it’s like to be a true Superfan!

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

For a chance to get your hands on a copy of Superfan enter our Caption Competition now!

Another calendar year is nearing an end and the back of last season and the beginning of this have given football fans some terrific action and moments to get them excited. Records have been broken and some unbelievable foreign talent have flocked to our shores and taken the Premier League to the next level.

However, as good as the majority of the action has been, there has been lots of negatives attached to the best league in the world. Managers have not been given a chance and some managers have been given too long, big name players have decided that they are bigger than the club and mega bucks signings have failed to make an impact.

Here are the top ten let downs from 2011 and hopefully they are learnt from as the exciting prospect of 2012 is looming.

Click on John Terry and Anton Ferdinand to unveil the list

[divider]

[divider]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[divider]

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

Holger Stanislawski will leave St Pauli at the end of the Bundesliga season and is rumoured to be in line for the Hoffenheim job.Stanislawski, 41, became St Pauli coach in 2008, guiding the team to promotion from the 2. Bundesliga last season.

The Hamburg-based club have announced that Stanislawski will activate an opt-out clause to release him from his contract one season early.

Meanwhile, Hoffenheim have confirmed that caretaker coach Marco Pezzaiuoli – promoted from assistant following the departure of Ralf Rangnick in January – will not stay beyond the end of the current campaign.

Hoffenheim are 10th in the Bundesliga, but have only recorded one victory in their last eight matches.

“Obviously, it was not easy for Marco with the coach changes and the players who left in the winter,” club manager Ernst Tanner said.

“But following the developments in the last weeks, we decided to go into the new season with another coach.”

Stanislawski has quickly been installed as the most likely candidate to assume control at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

“Stanislawski is a favourite, but I cannot say whether he will come,” Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp told the Mannheimer Morgen newspaper.

“He is always passionate about his team and is a coach who looks after his players.”