Barclays Premier League prediction

Champions:

Chelsea- Despite having lost the peripheral figures of Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is hardly weakened from the team that wrapped up the double in May. What might hurt them is the loss of Ricardo Carvalho, so often John Terry’s safety net. Even without the Portuguese defender The Blues have enough going forward to comfortably secure their fourth Premier league crown.

Champions League:

Arsenal- Arsene Wenger can be more than satisfied ahead of the new season after a decent summer's work. A new forward, in Marouane Chamakh, a dominating centre half in Laurent Koscielny and the retention of Cesc Fabregas has been the fruit of the Frenchman’s labor but acquiring a new goalkeeper, perhaps Mark Schwarzer, will be vital to their title challenge.

Manchester United- While Sir Alex Ferguson is yet to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, not to mention spend the money from the sale of the former world player of the year, the Scot does appear intent on building for the future. The signings of Javier Hernandez, Bebe and Chris Smalling might help United to future glories but they are unlikely, along with the old guard of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, to lead the club to another league triumph this season.

Manchester City- The most active of all of their Premiership’s elite, and given their spending power there is only so long they can be kept out of the top four; this season should be the start of their breakthrough. Jerome Boateng and Yaya Toure will add defensive steel, while new boys David Silva and Mario Balotelli can be called upon up front, along with Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Europa League:

Liverpool- Roy Hodgson has his work cut out to survive The Reds’ impending takeover, let alone to reclaim one of the four Champions League spots. While his reputation will help retain his job, the problems on the field make it difficult to contend for the title. Fernando Torres’ fitness will be crucial, as will the ability to keep Javier Mascherano happy, as the Argentine looks for the move to Barcelona.

Tottenham Hotsphur- Have been surprisingly quiet during this summer on the transfer front, and that lack of action might be their downfall come May. Loic Remy does appear to be on his way however, and he needs to help improve Spurs’ away form if they’re to challenge with the ‘big four’ again. Perhaps some strengthening to the back four needs to be made with Ledley King’s injury problems still apparent.

(Everton)- As a top four side invariably reaches the FA Cup final the Premiership's seventh placed side is handed a European place and after the resignation of Martin O'Neil, Everton look the most likely after retaining their star names after the World Cup.

Relegated

Wigan Athletic- Were the third lowest scorers in the division last season and even with the signing of Mauro Boselli it’s unlikely their fortunes will change. The loss of Charles N’Zogbia, whose transfer request is imminent, could be the final nail in the coffin.

West Bromich Albion- Another whose failure to find the net could well be their downfall. Have the likes of Chris Brunt and Graeme Dorrans in midfield, but don't have a forward with the ability to find the net with any great consistency in the Premiership.

Blackpool- Simply don’t have the resources to keep up with even the more modest Premiership sides and a quick return to the Championship is on the cards. Marlon Harewood is the highest profile name to arrive but even he won’t be able to keep The Tangerines afloat.

npower Championship prediction

Promoted:

Middlesbrough- After the mass signings from north of the border Gordon Strachan appears confident he’s found the right mix for a promotion tilt. Kris Boyd is the biggest of those new names, along with Nicky Bailey, the tricky midfielder from Charlton.

Nottingham Forest- Billy Davies’ men have lost very few of the squad that took them to the play-offs last season and appear set for a similarly high finish this term. Only James Perch has departed to Newcastle while the likes of Rob Earnshaw and Lee Camp have amid speculation over their future.

Playoffs:

Reading- Perhaps a surprise inclusion but after their amazing turn around during the second half of last season under Brian McDermott Reading could be ready for a return to the Premiership. Gylfi Sigurosson might be the big game player in the team but keep an eye out for Shane Long, conqueror of Liverpool.

QPR- Have at last got the right man at the helm in Neil Warnock. The no nonsense manager is still looking to bring in Darren Ambrose from Crystal Palace, while the return of Adel Taarabt is still not yet assured. Expect a more resolute Rangers team this season, a factor that should result in a top six finish.

Burnley- Worked on a low budget in preparation for relegation, from the Premiership and they look better equipped than they did two years ago at winning promotion. Brain Laws has recruited former player Lee Grant in goal, while Ross Wallace’s signing is a real feather in the cap for Laws.

Norwich City- Paul Lambert turned Norwich around last season after a poor start under Brian Gunn, and I expect more heroics from the Scot this season as well. It’s crucial the club re-signs Fraser Forster in goal, while the combination of Andrew Surman and Wes Hoolahan in midfield could be devastating.

Relegated:

Watford- Relied mainly on young players and loan signings last season as they finished 16^th, but without those same player who Malkay Mackay has failed to re-sign you have to worry for a thin Hornets squad. Long season ahead.

Barnsley- Appear to have released a number of their finer players without bringing in proper replacements and that spells doom for Mark Robins’ side. One of those, Liam Dickinson, has limited championship experience, but will nevertheless be the main goal threat.

Scunthorpe United- Survived by five points last season but without Paul Hayes and Gary Hooper relegation seems a certainty. Chris Dagnell will be left to fight on his own up front, and the step up from League Two should be too great for him.

npower League One prediction

Promoted:

Southampton- So often teams find it hard to raise themselves again after a successful season dominated by a points deduction. I don’t expect it to be plain sailing for Alan Pardew’s men but with the squad they have, on top of the investment that will come in January if all is not right, makes them favorites for promotion.

Huddersfield Town- Lee Clark appears to have added steel to Huddersfield’s leaky defence by signing Joey Gudjohnson in midfielder and defender Gary Naysmith, and along with last season’s similar frightening forward line it could be the perfect combination to fire Huddersfield to promotion.

Playoffs:

Charlton Athletic- In my mind Phil Parkinson worked wonderers at Charlton last season and despite losing two both Jonjo Shelvey and Nicky Baily for hefty fee’s I expect much the same this year round. The loss of Deon Button is a blow with Akpo Sodje expected to be relied on for goals.

Sheffield Wednesday- Despite last season’s final day heartbreak I expect Alan Irvine to motivate his squad for a stab at re-promotion to the championship. The loss of Lee Grant is a huge blow, but Clinton Morrison’s signing on a free is a real coup.

Bristol Rovers- Never truly replaced Rickie Lambert last season and faded away during the final 10 games of the season. Now with Will Hoskins on board, and Luke Daniels in goal, a man pivotal to Tranmere Rovers’ survival last season Rovers are equipped to finish in the top six.

Peterborough United- The experience of Gary Johnson could prove pivotal for Posh as they seek re-promotion to the championship. With George Boyd on board and new signing Grant McCann the London Road faithful can rest assure the club is in good hands. Let’s hope owner Darragh MacAnthony lets them get on with it.

Relegated:

Hartlepool United- Survived by the skin of their teeth last season after a succession of loan signings, but after failing to sign up Roy O’Donovan and making little changes this summer you have to fear for Chris Turner and his team.

Carlisle United- Ian Harte’s heroics last season are unlikely to be repeated as the full-back struck 18 times for the mid-table side. Richard Keogh and Scott Dobie’s departures aren’t ideal with replacements few and far between.

Dagenham and Redbridge- Even though John Still has brought in some impressive names, not least Damien Scannell from Southend you have to fear Dagenham’s jaunt in League One will be a one-season affair. Still’s policy of also drafting in non-league players is bold, but unlikely to pay off a division above.

Rochdale- Not that it will dampen their supporters’ spirit, but the club’s first promotion since 1974 might end with just a single season in League One. Keith Hill has seen a succession of key players depart, not least Chris Dagnall, and with Craig Dawson’s future also uncertain it’s likely to be a long season at Spotland.

npower League Two prediction

Promoted:

Rotherham United- The fine line between a top seven finish and a season in mid-table might be down to whether Ronnie Moore can retain forward Adam Le Fondre for another year. If he can, The Millers are more than equipped to go one better after last season’s playoff heartbreak.

Shrewsbury Town- Graeme Turner did so much with so little at Hereford and has already started to acquire shrewd new players. Lionel Ainsworth has joined after a previous spell under Turner at Easter Road while Ian Sharps’ signing could be the difference.

Wycombe Wanderers- Might have appeared a bizarre move at the time, but Gary Waddock’s move to Wycombe appears to be making sense. They put up a hell of a fight last season and expect more attacking verve this time around. The experienced Nikki Bull and forward Scott Rendell are some of the new faces.

Playoffs:

Gillingham- The Gills have made one of the signings of the summer in their new manager Andy Hessenthaler, who was working miracles down at Dover Athletic. Marque signing Adebayo Akinfenwa will grab the headlines one way or another and the acquisition of Lance Cronin could be inspired.

Oxford United- Play the right sort of football to be successful in this league, and have a forward with the correct attributes to score over 20 goals this season in James Constable. The addition of Mitchell Cole will add to a busy midfield.

Bradford City- Finished the season with something of a flourish, and with the right man in place, Peter Taylor The Batams’ League Two misery might finally be over.

Crewe Alexandra- Whether he’ll be the manager or not, Dario Gradi has a squad with the capabilities to entertain a few in League Two. Over 140 goals were scored in games involving The Railwaymen last season, but Clayton Donaldson’s presence up front could help them to a more consistent season.

Relegated:

Stevenage- Having lost Mitchell Cole, the acquisition of new players has been limited at Broadhall Way. Hard to see where the goals will come from amongst the forwards of Yemi Odubade, Tim Sills and Charlie Griffen and a quick return to the conference could be on the cards.

Aldershot Town- The Shots have endured plenty of change during these past 12 months, but this summers activity might spell the end to their football league status. A number of the clubs’ star players have departed and with Marvin Morgan’s future still uncertain, you have to fear for Kevin Dillon’s side.

Race for fourth could set precedent

While this evening’s battle for fourth place in the Premiership and that final elusive Champions League spot intrinsically surrounds Manchester City and Tottenham Hotsphur, in truth the result could well affect the remainder of the division just as much.

Blackburn Rovers and more recently Chelsea have seen daft amounts of money thrown at them in a quest to topple the best domestically and abroad and the success has since been littered.

Both sides did break Manchester United and Arsenal’s stranglehold on the Premier League title, but Rovers’ relegation four years after their title win proved that Sir Jack Walker’s back pocket, however deep, was no match for established success.

The men from the Kings Road lured successive league titles to Stamford Bridge after an investment on a scale that our country had never seen before, to the extent that no club was safe from Chelsea’s financial power.

The third bout of purchasing power in the Premier League has come from Manchester City, who after the rash signing of Robinho seem to have struck upon a formula of buying established league players, tried and trusted.

It speaks volumes about the stick-ability of United and Arsenal that they have been all but unmoved with all this money flying around and that despite an investment of over £100 million during last summer that City’s title ambitions haven fallen flat on their face. The question is, how long will they be kept at bay?

Tonight’s result might go along way to solving this mystery. If the Eastlands club are victorious, Sheikh Mansour has vowed to again bank role his second City manager, with Roberto Mancini this time the beneficiary.

The effects of that sort of money management, where price is no object, will create a far greater chasm between the top four and the rest of the division. With Champions league football on offer who can City not attract?

If they lose, then an air of realism will be shed on the issue, that no club can go from mid-table to Europe’s elite with just the flutter of a checkbook. And thank goodness that so far that hasn’t become a reality.

The worry would be is that if City are successful it would just open the floodgates to the extent the shape of the league we once knew will be nothing more than a distant memory.

There victory in finishing fourth would prove to any investor that they could take a mid-table Premiership side, for which City were, to the Champions League inside a year. Scary thought.

The gap is such that a nine-figure sum has seen a rise to possibly 4^th in the league. How much could we see spent this summer to help topple either Chelsea or Manchester United? £300 million? Who knows.

Spurs are an entirely different story however. Yes, manager upon manager has been given license to spend money, and plenty of it, but the investment has purely been to keep pace with the rest of the league, not to try and surpass it in one fell swoop.

They’ve honestly built there way up the league slowly but surely. In addition it’s refreshing to see a team near top of the league headed up by a number of English players. Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Defoe have been at one time or another integral to Spurs’ progress.

You also have to admire Harry Redknapp as well; at least in the way he’s taken his side from dire straights last season, to Champions League potential this, with a mere quarter of the money available to their opponents.

So whom are you supporting? A team decked with stars and style that are going for hit or miss success? Or a side who’s steady progress is the sort of model that any England league side should pride itself on. All I’ll say is this; football rewards the decent and often not the foolhardy. Mr Redknapp will be hoping for as much this evening.

Lampard's Professionalism Going Unnoticed

In sport consistency is key to any success, and in Frank Lampard, Chelsea have a player whose reliability is as undeniable as it is astonishing.

Lampard reached 20 club goals for the 5^th season in a row, after scoring four goals, two of which were penalties, against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The regularity of his performances, his temperament on the field and his refusal to disgrace himself in the public eye means he is the modern day professional in amongst the playboys of the Premier League.

Above all else his performances for both Chelsea, and England have always been exemplary, only Wayne Rooney can boast to having similar success for both club and county.

Gone are the days that saw England fans use Lamaprd as the scapegoat for their inability to qualify for the European Championships in 2008. Yes, Steve McLaren was slated off the pitch but Lampard was the main focus of abuse on it.

Those same England fans have now been eulogizing over Lampard’s performances for the national side, all of which have been while playing largely out of position in a more reserved role alongside Gareth Barry.

Continual comparisons to his father (left) contributed to Lampard's exit from Upton Park

While at West Ham United Lampard failed to escape from his father’s shadow, being branded ‘Fat Frank’, and a move to Stamford Bridge, for a hefty £11 million, helped loosen those shackles. That move signaled an improvement in his career, regular England call-ups and stunning long range strikes followed as did league titles under Jose Mourinho.

Along with a superb goal tally, for which he now lies 3rd in the all-time list of Chelsea goal-scorers, he holds the record for consecutive appearances in the Premier League for an outfield player, at 164.

This is a tribute to his dedication and conditioning as a footballer and it’s no coincidence that he doesn’t get long term injuries, while England’s current skipper Rio Ferdinand, has played just four league games all year and played a bit part in the countries successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

The pressure upon Lampard on the pitch is heightened by the fact he’s the Blues’ regular penalty taker, and his success is astounding with just a single failure in four years.

His quality from the spot was clear to see as he scored three times from 12 yards against West Ham United earlier this season, after having to retake the penalty twice.

In addition he struck from the spot in extra-time of a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool in 2008 just a week after the death of his mother. His two handed point to the sky, a salute to his late mother, now accompanies every goal from Lampard, and Chelsea fans certainly aren’t getting bored of seeing the gesture.

Lampard's tribute to his mother accompanies every goal he scores

As if that wasn’t enough, his profile off the pitch is nothing short of exemplary, a few misdemeanors during his younger years only went to teach Lampard how to behave as a professional footballer, and the death of his mother matured the player further.

That mellowness was clear to see, when last year, during a radio talk show, he called in after being labeled as weak and scum by presenter James O’Brien following accusations that he wasn’t looking after his children appropriately after his split from Elen Rives.

He dealt with the issue in a dignified manner, and given that the radio show coincided with the anniversary of his mother’s death, his coolness was applaudable.

His split from Rives in 2009 was much publicized in the tabloids, but did it affect his performances? Not one bit, as he scored a 90^th minute winner for Chelsea against Wigan Athletic that very same month, Terry take note.

Yes, like any other footballer he earns one of the higher wage packets in the division, £150,000 a week to be exact, but given that he’s rarely unfit it’s hardly money gone to waste and in truth he’s probably a victim of the money dominated era of the game we’re now experiencing, rather than being a cash grabber.

It begs the question, with all these attributes, why the 31-year old wasn’t chosen as England’s replacement skipper, after team-mate John Terry was stripped of the captaincy.

Maybe the close relationship between the two always put Lampard out of the running, but if Fabio Capello was that bothered about relationships in the camp, and given Terry’s popularity, he wouldn’t have made the change at all.

I personally find it difficult to find a flaw in Lampard; he doesn’t goad supporters or lambast referees while he doesn’t crave media attention or fruitless sponsorship deals like many others. It’s just a shame that Mr Capello doesn’t seem acknowledge him in the same vein.

Could this be the most exciting Formula 1 season ever?

It may have been 159 days ago that Jenson Button secured the Formula 1 Drivers Championship, but in truth its feels like just yesterday that the 30-year old produced one his finest performances behind the wheel as he powered his way to the title in the Brazilian sun.

But after a summer of activity, including team changes, new rules, new teams and the return of an old face we’re again ready for what’s gearing up to be one of the most exhilarating seasons in recent memory.

The biggest of those stories revolves around the return of Michael Schumacher, who after a four year absence from the sport has given in to the calls for his return as he links up with the Mercedes team, and Ross Brawn in particular.

That duo masterminded Ferrari’s dominance of the sport at the beginning of the current century, and both will be keen to continue their great relationship in this toughest of seasons.

One of the unique aspects of this F1 season is the amount of former World Champions around, and the last two champions, both of who are British are teaming up for McLaren in a mouthwatering duel.

Lewis Hamilton had a subdued year in an off the pace McLaren car, while his new teammate Button stormed to his first world title after winning six of the season’s opening seven races.

The way Hamilton took the sport by storm in his first two seasons, missing out on the title in Brazil in 2008, and then on the exact same stage the following year piping homeboy Filipe Massa to the title in a race in which he finished fifth, the same position that confirmed Button as champion last season.

Both are sure to be vying for the title, Hamilton probably has the upper hand given his long history with McLaren, but Button won’t want to give up his title with a whimper, watching two Brits fight for the title for a British team will be thrilling.

As ever we have new teams, three at that, with Lotus F1, Hispania Racing and Virgin Racing coming into freshen up the sport, but there are fears about the ability for any of the teams to be competitive on the track, or to even survive until the end of the season, have already surfaced.

Yes, the FIA have permitted these teams to start the season, and given the financial restraints the governing body now impose on the sport, a thorough inspection into each teams finances should have been carried out so that a mid-season collapse doesn’t ensue.

As ever the FIA have chopped and changed with the rules, two of which stick out like a sore thumb.

Firstly there will be no re-fueling during the race, meaning pit stops will be shorter, but at the same time it means there is no margin for error during the stops like there may have been before.

Given that, qualifying will now be a true reflection on how fast each car is during a weekend, making it far more accurate, but is part of the excitement in waiting till race day to discover the fastest man on the grid and of the weekend?

The second, and the most radical, is the change of the points system, with the top 10 finishers now eligible for a point, with the podium finishers likely to pick up 25, 18 and 15 points respectively.

The clear downside is the history of the sport in terms of point scoring is now irrelevant, and now with a higher and widespread scoring system there’s nowhere to hide for any team.

Will the system mean more drivers can challenge for the title? That’s left to be seen, but with so many scoring spots will drivers be less willing to go for a podium finish when they know a top 10 finish will see them score anyway?

It’s one of the number of questions to be answered for the new season, and another is how some of the new drivers will fit in at their new teams, and the focus in that respect is liable to be on the fourth world champion competing in this season, Fernando Alonso.

Ferrari have rid themselves of their world champion Kimi Raikkonen, and Alonso will join Massa in an exciting line up for the Italian based team and the Spaniard is many people’s favorite for this years title.

Elsewhere Niko Roseberg is to be mentored at Mercedes by Schumacher after his move from Williams and replacing him will be Rubens Barrichello, while Heikki Kovalainen joins Jarno Trulli at new team Lotus Racing.

There are so many sub-plots to this year’s championship it’s impossible to know where to look next, and the season is still yet to kick off.

Personally, the plot I see coming to the fore in the championship race is that between Hamilton and Alonso, a pair who have their history while at McLaren, but in opposite teams, with fine cars at their disposal, a real title battle can unfold between the two.

Last season showed Formula 1 still possess some unpredictability, but with last year’s rules now very familiar to most teams, shocks might be few and far between, but excitement? Now that’s a given.

Food For Thought For Capello as England Power Through

England can be content, if not totally thrilled with their nights work as they overcame African Nations Cup winners Egypt 3-1 after a second-half resurgence at Wembley.

Mohammed Zidan steered the visitors ahead mid-way through the first half after a slip by Matthew Upson, but a brace by substitute Peter Crouch and a fumbled Shaun Wright-Phillips strike saw England home.

England took the field in their new away strip; partly resembling the shirt worn by the countries World Cup winning team of 1966, but for nearly an hour that was the only parallel onlookers could draw between the home team, and that side from yesteryear, as an efficient Egyptian side controlled the early stages.

Fabio Capello gave plenty of answers to his intentions for his starting eleven at the World Cup finals this summer with his selection, with Robert Green starting in goal at the expense of David James and Joe Hart.

Given James’ age you have to wonder why he’s being selected at all for the squad if he’s not first choice, and in this friendly environment not giving Hart some much needed experience is an oversight, but it further maintains that the West Ham keeper is No.1 for the foreseeable future, and is unlikely to budge.

Leighton Baines seems to have won the battle at left-back over Stephen Warnock, but it again seemed strange that with such a dilemma in that position, with or with Ashley Cole, that the Aston Villa left back wasn’t given a run-out in the closing stages.

In mid-field Theo Walcott was preferred to both James Milner and Shaun Wright-Phillips, but in truth the performance of Walcott left a lot to be desired and his place in the squad for South Africa is under serious jeopardy, not just because of his own inept display, but because of the encouraging showing by Wright-Phillips.

He may not be first choice for his club Manchester City, but his performance on Wednesday night, which included a goal and an assist of Crouch’s second, was enough to suggest that he’ll be majorly considered for this summer.

Up-front Jermaine Defoe partnered Wayne Rooney, and as on so many occasions without Emile Heskey, Rooney looked distinctly quiet in his national colors, if Capello learned anything from Defoe’s performance it was that he doesn’t bring the best out of England’s talisman.

The central two of Garth Barry and Frank Lampard can be happy with their night’s work, safe in the knowledge they’re assured a starting role in South Africa, and maybe even Michael Carrick can starting packing his bags as well after an assured performance.

Steven Gerrard however still looks a bit lost in an England shirt, and Baines’ unwillingness to get forward, understandable on his debut, meant England were hopelessly narrow at times- Ashley Cole is unlikely to be as reserved when fit though.

Gerrard took the captaincy in place of the injured Rio Ferdinand, but it was the circus surrounding England’s former skipper John Terry that intensified again as the Wembley crowd booed and jeered the Chelsea player.

I understand that having paid up to £40 for a ticket to Wednesday nights match the crowd are permitted to make their feelings heard, however maybe they should try cheering on a player who, when on form is crucial to England hopes at regaining the World Cup, rather than booing one of their own. It was frankly pathetic.

Along with Capello overlooking Hart and Warnock, he refused to given Stuart Downing a run-out, while Carlton Cole was given just five minutes to impress.

Both players have been out of action for some time, and are far from assured a place in the final 23-man squad and for them to be given scant reward for their encouraging league form must have been disappointing.

The Italian will name his provisional squad for the finals on 16^th May, so opportunities to impress are few and far between. The jostling for position starts now.

Football has lost a true character in Keith Alexander

Occasionally the football and sporting worlds lose a true character, the like of which we probably won’t see again. The name of Sir Bobby Robson springs to mind.

Today however, the beautiful game lost another hero, this time in the lower leagues, with the unexpected and sudden death of Macclesfield Town manager Keith Alexander.

He took charge of his final game at Macclesfield on Tuesday evening as his side lost 1-0 to Notts County in a League Two encounter.

The 53-year old had battled illness for a number of years. A brain aneurysm in 2003 almost cut his career short, but when he was given a clean bill of heath he was quick to return to the game.

Although his final spell as manager came with Macclesfield, he’ll also be fondly remembered for his time with Lincoln City, where he clocked up over 250 games in charge as well as a number of play-off near misses.

Indeed he holds the unfortunate record of taking The Imps to four consecutive play-offs without promotion, with final appearances against Bournemouth and Southend. But this stat just adds to the affection football had for the manager.

His spell at Peterborough was short lived, as he became a victim of the soaring expectations at London Road under Darragh MacAnthony. How the Irishman would wish he could call upon Alexander now, as the club lie bottom of the Championship.

Year after year at Moss Rose he had the club punching above their weight, possessing a budget that was one of the lowest in the Football League. But did one ever hear him making excuses? Absolutely not.

What’s more he flew the flag for black managers in the Football League, and his loss in this respect might be the greatest blow to the football world.

He was the first black manager to be given a permanent job in the game in this country when hired by Lincoln in 1993, where he had previously played as forward.

The tributes that have flooded in for the boss prove his worth to the football world, and while he may not have had the League success that he will have craved, he has the respect that many, even at the top level, can only dream of.

The game between Macclesfield and Hereford United on Saturday will not go ahead as a mark of respect to Alexander and rightly so. It is just one in what is sure to be a long list of tributes to the late manager.

Bridge's Announcement Disguising Deeper Issues

Wayne Bridge’s declaration that he will effectively end his international career may have pulled the personal issue between himself and John Terry to the forefront of our minds again, but in truth its contributed to cover up a greater problem in the selection of England’s world cup squad.

While it seems likely that Stephen Warnock will join Ashley Cole in South Africa instead of Bridge, solutions to other areas of the pitch are more difficult to predict, with some unfilled spots in mid-field leaving some England fans and I’m sure Fabio Capello, scratch their heads.

However the progression of James Milner this season has been nothing short of fabulous.

He’s firmly broken into an Aston Villa side that looked full to the brim with wingers are the signing of Stuart Downing, but Milner hasn’t let the signing of the former Middleborough player trouble him.

His form, and the disappointing showing of some of his rivals for the position mean Milner, for me, is a sure starter for England against USA on 12^th June.

He’s overtaken Theo Walcott for the position, who after his hat-trick against Croatia in Zagreb, had all but secured his place at his second World Cup tournament, but his form of late has hardly been encouraging.

When everyone is fit at the Emirates Arsene Wenger uses Walcott sparingly, but that hasn’t been the case this season as injuries throughout the squad had meant his opportunities has been more frequent, but he’s hardly taken advantage of that break.

In some of Arsenal’s bigger games this season, particularly in the recent league encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Walcott has gone missing, and with one league goal to his name this season it’s hardly been the ideal time for his form to drop off.

Some of Walcott’s inept displays might be blamed on tiredness after he was taken to the Under-21’s European Championships last summer, something Wenger was hugely against, but Milner, who captained the side in Sweden, has had no such problems this season.

Fatigue is liable to be a factor, and we can’t expect Milner to continue to produce the form of displays that we’ve been treated to this season all the way till May.

Elsewhere in this troublesome position we have Joe Cole, forever England’s solution to their left-sided problem under Sven Goran Eriksson, but now back in the blue of Chelsea he has failed to break back into the side, and when selected been unable to re-produce any of the magic we once enjoyed.

After such a long rehabilitation, has the World Cup come too soon for Cole? Capello’s squad selection for the friendly against Egypt will tell us all we need to know.

After Cole come Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon, who both, for different reason will do well to make it on the plane for England.

Wright-Philips, by his high standards hasn’t been at the top of his game for Manchester City and has, like he was at Chelsea, been a victim of their embarrassment of riches.

Yes, more often that not he plays, but too inconsistently to gather any momentum in his league form.

As for Aaron Lennon, well lets first not forget that he hasn’t kicked a football in 2010 yet, and as a result will miss out on selection for the friendly against Egypt.

Lennon has had a terrific first half of the season, but it’s painfully obvious that he lacks a final ball and amongst other things he looks short of a trick or two from a standing start, more often than not he needs help from a galloping full back to create space for him.

When I selected my own World Cup squad in October, I omitted both Wright-Phillips and Lennon, and I’ve seen nothing in the previous four months to suggest I should overturn that decision.

I did mention the name of Adam Johnson as the future for England, but that the World Cup had come just too soon for him, and not for the first time I may be wrong.

Although I was disappointed that he left Middleborough for City on deadline day, he’s given himself a chance to prove he belongs at the top level and with a few injuries around, I think he deserves a punt, in this squad at least.

There’s always one player who makes a late break and makes the squad, and now that Milner looks a certainty, Johnson will have his heart set on a World Cup spot.

In addition I also feel there is a spot unfilled for another central mid-field player, and given the way the England team is structured Michael Carrick seems primed for the spot, but Lee Catermole, another who traveled to Sweden last summer must also be considered.

So while fans might be fretting over who will replace Bridge in the squad, England fans might want to turn their attention to England's mid-field dilemma.

Decision Time for Title Rivals

During a week where attention has turned to Jose Mourinho’s clash with Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League, the Blues' title rivals, Manchester United, cut the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just a single point, with a comfortable 3-0 win over a home sick West Ham United.

Just one win on the road all season has contributed to the Hammers plight at the foot of the League and another defeat here came after the side more than held their own in the opening 30 minutes.

Gianfranco Zola’s team secured a vital win over Hull City at the weekend, meaning they could travel to Old Trafford and play an open, expansive game while knowing they had done the hard work at Upton Park last weekend.

As is always the way with visiting teams at Old Trafford, their game is raised to try and keep up with the home team's standards, and as a result many onlookers will admit that if West Ham can replicate the sort of form they showed in the opening half an hour at the Theatre of Dreams, they’ll comfortably retain their Premiership status.

Whereas most of the attention was on Wayne Rooney, whose brace all but put to bed this Premiership encounter before the hour mark, eagle eyed supporters would have acknowledged the defensive pairing at the heart of West ham’s back four.

Despite seeing three goals, and many other chances created against them, both James Tomkins and Matthew Upson can come away from this fixture with their heads held high with both being terrific from start to finish.

With Rio Ferdinand, now looking like a severe doubt for the World Cup this summer after a re-occurrence of a long standing back injury, questions will arise as to his replacement in the team, and with Upson effectively the third choice centre back, this performance shows England fans should have no worries about the ability of the former Arsenal defender.

United fans should however have reservations about the loss of Ferdinand, with the inept displays their second string defender have produced of late.

Jonny Evans was dropped to the bench for this one after being found out badly at the San Siro, the venue of his making as a United defender last season, and at Goodison Park on Saturday.

At the top of the pitch, Carlton Cole looked lively, but again lacked a goal or two to cap off a fine performance, a factor that will see him miss out on selection for England World Cup squad.

The only way the 26-year old might force his way into the squad will be if Rooney endures an injury before the end of the season, a loss neither England nor United can afford.

While Rooney showed that he is potentially the best player on the world right now with two goals and a host of other nimble touches, he further proved how vital he is to the Red Devils chance of securing any one of the three trophies they crave this season.

On this occasion however, others did come to the party, Antonio Valencia, a player crudely dropped in recent week in place of Nani, provided both of Rooney’s goals, Paul Scholes looked at his brilliant best as he continues to benefit from a run in the team and Dimitar Berbatov looked more willing to contribute than he has in recent weeks.

As ever the close season run-in is crucial to the destiny of the Premiership title, as well as the European Cup, and it might be a case that United and Chelsea will have to pick their priority even at this stage of the season.

Chelsea travel to the San Siro to take on Inter Milan tonight, three days before taking on fifth placed Manchester City, who themselves face Stoke City in an FA Cup replay.

Carlo Ancelotti’s love affair with the Champions League, and Roman Abramovich’s infatuation with the competition means it’s possible domestic affairs will have to take a back seat as a challenge for Europe’s premier club competition takes precedence for the Blues.

In addition Sir Alex Ferguson’s obsession with usurping Liverpool as England’s most successful club side will mean surely the Premiership title will become the important entity for the Scot.

I stress this is just a theory, both managers are still winners after all, and neither will relent in their quest for either trophy, but in a modern era where teams play over sixty games a season, is it really possible to fight for trophies on three levels during a single season?

It highlights how great an achievement United’s treble triumph was in 1999, although Barcelona’s own treble last season shows it can be done, albeit with a winter break.

And although his love for the club is still strong, Mourinho will be first in line to attempt to throw a spanner in the works of Chelsea’s own treble ambitions, and as we know he’s never been one to turn down a challenge.

Beckham's Return a Reminder of What Could Have Been

Football fans of my generation will always look at Euro ’96 at being their first football experience.

The image of Alan Shearer’s near-post header against Germany, or Paul Gascoigne’s dazzling volley against Scotland are such distinctive moments of English football history than even the most forgetful among us couldn’t possibly overlook these iconic pictures.

However neither Shearer, nor Gascoigne, were characters that fans of the younger generation could really relate with.

Just 76 days from that infamous semi-final tie with Germany we were introduced to a man whose ability with the ball, as well as his boy band good looks and charismatic personality would capture our hearts in a way no footballer had since the late, great George Best.

David Beckham signed for Manchester United in 1993, and within three years had established himself as the Red Devils’ leading threat on the right hand side of mid-field.

Sir Alex Ferguson had so much faith in the mid-fielder that he sold Russian winger Andrei Kanchelskis to league rivals Everton, to make way for Beckham to have a run in the team during the 1995-96 season and the Scot’s gamble paid off immediately.

It wasn’t until after Euro ’96 though that Beckham came fully into the public spotlight, and a single kick from what was to become an iconic right foot in the closing minutes at Selhurst Park from fully 50 yards saw him etched into football folk law.

The rest as you say is history, and for millions of supporters across the world a new star was born and the eulogies for Beckham haven’t since relented, even as he reaches the twilight of his career.

Too often when players leave football clubs they are forever revered and ridiculed by supporters for being traitors, or being hopeless flops, Beckham however comes into a totally different league.

It’s sometimes very difficult to disagree with Sir Alex Ferguson, yes he may hurl abuse at referee’s like its going out of fashion, or he might make sarcastic quips at journalists because they’ve asked him a awkward question, but his decisions within the walls of Old Trafford have always been in the club’s best interests.

The sale of Beckham, a transfer completed in July 2003, was the one-day I almost fell out of love with football forever, and almost lost faith with our talismanic manager.

Everything that I felt United stood for, honest, hard-working and dam right committed was sold off like it was a bit of unwanted furniture, and all to fuel the ego of a Scotsman whose personally feelings had finally crossed over into his working life.

I never have, and never will forgive Ferguson for selling Beckham; a sale that he knew would impact on the team’s results as United went on to endure three seasons without the League Championship.

It wasn’t that barren run without a title success that hurt me and most of the fans the most, no; it was that a player who loved his club unrelentingly was shipped off without even a consideration, another in a long line of players who were more like commodities than actually people.

I was in-fact was party to the first cracks in the Ferguson-Beckham relationship, when the England International was left out of United’s crucial title decider against Leeds United after choosing to look after his poorly child Brooklyn rather than turn up for a training session.

The decision seemed vindicated at the time, with United stealing a 1-0 win at Elland Road, but you kind of felt that things wouldn’t be the same, it was as if Ferguson was waiting for Beckham to slip up so that he could ever so slowly force him out of Old Trafford.

He of course got his wish via a thrown boot and after lashing out at Beckham preceding a Champions League tie against Real Madrid the penny finally dropped.

On Tuesday evening Beckham will come face-to-face with the man who banished him from the club seven years ago, and despite the way he was treated, watch the 34-year old be the first to shake Ferguson’s hand before kick-off.

That’s something Beckham has always been able to show, a little bit of decorum when pressured the most, something the FA took into account when recruiting him to boost the countries 2018 World Cup bid.

The glory hunting United fans out there will argue Ferguson has vindicated his decision of ridding Beckham from Old Trafford, because of the major success he's provided since he departed.

But part of me will always wonder whether it could have been the other way around, and whether with Beckham at the helm United’s success could have been equally as prolific.

For me, and for many others he was the first footballer, and even when he retires, potentially after this summers World Cup, he will always be close to my heart.