Inside the boardroom at Ewood Park....

Inside the boardroom at Ewood Park....

Anuradha Desai: Welcome to Ewood Park Ronald. Do you mind if I call you Ronald?
Ronaldinho: (Nods)
AD: Excellent. So we want you to come and join Blackburn Rovers, we're an ambitious group of chicken fa...I mean... owners and we envisage Champions League Football in the next couple of years.
R: Well that sounds promising. Who exactly is the manager?
AD: I think his name is...hang on I'll just check my notes...that's right! His name is Steve Kean and he truly is a World Class operator.
R: I see. Are there any players of note at the club?
AD: Why yes Ronald. We have Chris Samba...oh no wait it says here in my notes that he wants to leave...hmmm oh yes that's right! We've got David Dunn, you must have heard of him?
R: (Sniggers) Do you mean the same David Dunn who is widely known for that piece of trickery in a Birmingham shirt?
AD: David played for Birmingham? Hmm interesting. You'll have to forgive me, my knowledge of Football spans only from the World Cup this summer. Yes I'd assume that very same one.
R: (Raises eyebrows) Wow yes he really is a good player... What sort of area would I be living in?
AD: Ronald! You will love the North West! Blackburn is a beautiful town, it truly is. It used to have cotton mills but they've gone now and it isn't grey at all...honest.
R: Ah yes! The weather - what am i to expect?
AD: Well it's mixed. Since we've been here it's rained but in different quantities and at different times of the day. You never know what you are going to get. Some days it rains in the morning, some days in the afternoon. Sometimes it actually rains all day. Quite a sight I'm sure you'll agree.
R: So you are telling me it just rains here?
AD: Well it has snowed. That's always fun. Colder but more fun. But who needs the Sun?
R: You do realise I'm Brazilian?
AD: (Checks notes). Oh are you? Oh right. Well it is sunny in the Summer I hear.
R: (Leaves to walk out). I'm not sure Blackburn is going to be the place for me.
AD: No wait! Ronald! I haven't even told you about your bonuses for goalscoring and appearances. We were going to give you a chicken for every goal....

Dig a little deeper

Oh how we've loved this Ashes series down under. Twenty-four long years we've waited for England to succeed, for them to finally bring home the urn and let there be no doubt about it; the feeling is sweet. Over and over England fans have been subjected to thrashings from Australian sides filled with brutally brilliant world class cricketers and finally the tables have turned.

For years we've loved to hate the likes of Warne, McGrath, Langer and Hayden but finally they retired and our attention turned. We had a new hate figure, a new individual to resent and deplore and his name was Ricky Ponting. And oh how we hated him, how we booed him to the crease, how we jeered when he failed and laughed when he moaned. But this series something strange has happened, something very strange. A feeling for Ponting, and an unusual one at that, has swept the nation; sympathy. To see a brilliant cricketer embarrased in such a cruel manner is not pleasant to witness, regardless of your nationality.

See Ricky hasn't just been a world class cricketer, for that title doesn't really do him justice. Make no mistake about it, Ponting has been and still is one of the great Test batsman. Second only to Tendulkar in the highest number of Test runs scored, the Tasmanian has scored an incredible 39 Test Hundreds and averaged 53.51 in 152 matches. He's scored runs on every continent against every bowling attack put in front of him and he's been the opposition's prize wicket ever since Steve Waugh retired and will remain so until he finally calls it a day.

Watching Ponting stride out to bat is like watching a warrior go to war and his innings at Old Trafford in the 2005 Ashes series sticks out as the perfect example. Australia, in dire straits, called on their captain to perform and he didn't disappoint. Ponting strode out to bat like a man on a mission; to bat all day and save the game. As his partners fell around him Ponting battled on putting the England attack to the sword, edging his side nearer to a draw that would keep the series alive. Completely focused on the task in hand Ricky occupied the crease for nearly 6 hours and faced 275 balls for his mammoth 156. Not a soul in the ground could believe it when he was finally dismissed; the immovable had been moved. But he had succeeded, through sheer bloody-mindedness and a will unsurpassed by any modern cricketer, Ricky had achieved his goal and Australia survived.

And that is the sort of innings that Ponting should be remembered for. It wouldn't be right for his story to be recounted as one of failure, as one of an Australia captain who was the first in the modern era to lose three (most likely!) Ashes series. Ricky should, instead, be remembered for all the things we used to loathe him for. For his incredible ability, both at the crease and in the field, for his die-hard attitude and for his competitive nature. He still bears the scar given to him by Steve Harmison on that opening morning in 2005, and that typifies his character best. That scar represents the fight in Ricky Ponting, it represents his never-say-die approach and most of all it represents his desire to achieve and succeed. Ricky Ponting is a winner, don't forget it.

Lets hope this isn't the end. Lets hope that he finishes with a performance that would be fitting for his truly special career.

Inheriting the Impossible: 'In Roy we Trust'

Anfield was like a library tonight. Not often are the Kop quietened but the enormity of the situation has dawned on them; Liverpool really are in trouble. It's not so much the position they are in, after all they aren't in a relegation battle (yet!), but the performances that they are putting in. Passionless, un-interested and without a fight don't even do tonights performance justice. In fact, each Liverpool player needs a 'look-in-the-mirror' session to judge where they are and what and who are they playing for.

When the final whistle blew then Anfield finally stirred. Boo's rang out around the ground demanding better, demanding application, demanding fight and heart but most of all demanding change.

On Hodgson the pressure mounts. There are growing calls from pundits, ex-players and fans for the owners to act; to replace Roy and move on from the saga. But it wouldn't be just and it certainly wouldn't be fair. Hodgson inherited a serious mess at the start of this season and to axe him before he's really put his stamp on the team would be a travesty.

Benitez really set him up. He left when Liverpool were on a downward slide, filled with mediocrity and characterised by lacklustre performances. He'd built a very average squad with considerable funds and only a few players of any real quality. Only Torres, Gerrard and Reina stood out when the ex-Fulham boss took over and he immediately identified the need to shift the deadwood and bring in quality. But Roy had a problem. He was given no real funds, no real backing from the board to create a new era and as a result could only make limited changes.

So Liverpool struggled. It wasn't absurd or out of the blue. After all the team at the end of Benitez's reign was carried by the brilliance of Gerrard and Torres. The luck had to run out and boy it did. Hodgson quickly found out that injuries to either of his two stars left him so shorn of quality that he was scrambling to put together a side that could compete in the league, let alone on the European stage.

And so here we are. Six months in and pressure mounting on Roy. How long will he last? How long before the board snap? Will he get to spend his kitty in January? Will he get to stamp his mark on the team? Lets hope he does. Lets hope his American owners have the sense to see that changing the manager rarely works and that building Football teams takes time. Liverpool fans should be turning to the man next to them and saying....'In Roy we Trust'.

5 Reasons why Arsenal can win the League

Arsenal's convincing 3-1 home win over Chelsea on Monday night has confirmed it; they are serious contenders for the title. So why have they got a shot this year?

1) The back four

The acquisition of Koscielny and Squillaci has not only strengthened the side but given Wenger's side depth. Arsenal have been without Vermaelen for long stretches of the season now but the two new signings along with the developing Johan Djourou has meant that they've been able to cope. Add to that the emergence of Kieran Gibbs, who provides admirable cover for Gael Clichy, and Arsenal seem to have sorted out their defensive frailties.

2) Alex Song

The progression of Song as a defensive midfielder has been one of the most important reasons behind Arsenal's success. Not only is he an athlete but he is also turning into an intelligent footballer with considerable ability. Song is not quite in the same league as Viera but he is aware of his role in the side and is providing the sort of cover to the back four that they've been crying out for.

3) Mixing it up

The signing of Chamakh and the continued development of Theo Walcott has given the manager extra dimensions in attack. Chamakh is lethal in the air and has provided a much needed target to the wingers and full backs looking to cross the ball. Walcotts pace allows Arsenal to get in behind defences and really stretch ageing centre backs. Away from home it has been and will be vital as Arsenal soak up pressure and then ruthlessly counter attack. Nasri and Arshavin's trickery act as alternatives to Walcotts pace ,with the former being in outstanding form this year.

4) Squad Depth

In all areas the squad has got deeper in both quantity and quality. As previously mentioned Wenger has a group of defenders to choose from now and is not as disrupted by the odd injury to one of his centre backs. Jack Wilshere has shown that he is ready to start on a regular basis, with Denilson and a fit again Abou Diaby to provide cover for both him and Fabregas. In the wide areas Arshavin, Nasri and Walcott have all shown something different, whilst Emmanual Eboue has filled a gap when necessary. Finally the addition of Chamakh has given Wenger other options and the longer that Robin Van Persie stays fit, the longer Arsenal will stay in the hunt. Add Bendtner and Vela into that mix and you have a very impressive squad capable of winning the title.

5) Away form

What was once the achilles heel, are now the matches Arsenal are most successful in. In previous seasons Arsenal have struggled to get points and win away from home, especially at clubs further north. This season is another matter entirely. Wins at Aston Villa, Everton, Wolves, Manchester City and Blackburn on their travels show the steely resolve that Wenger has instilled in this group of players.

Victory is Ours!

Now here are three reasons why...

1) We played Test Cricket as it's meant to be played.

Discipline is the name of the game and England have been the epitome of the word. Bar the minor blip in Adelaide, the top order have been impeccable in their judgement and the contributions of Cook and Trott were vital in setting the platform for the victories thus far. The phrase 'if you leave the ball well, you'll bat well' has never rung more true and the likes of Watson, Hughes, Clarke should take note. Time after time, loose drives and an inability to leave the ball properly has seen Australian innings crumble and England gain the upper hand.

But it hasn't just been the batting.

Throughout the series the bowling attack have hit their lengths consistently, stuck to the meticulous plans set out by Strauss and Flower and remained un-moved from the sort of nagging lines that an opposition wakes up in cold sweats to. In stark contrast Australia have sprayed it; there is no other way around it. Johnson, despite bowling a magnificent spell in the Aussies convincing win, has been all over the place and looks like a cricketer on the verge of a breakdown. Hilfenhaus has been uncharacteristically loose and, through no fault of his own, Pointing has been unable to build any sort of pressure on any of the England batsman.

2) Catches win matches.

Without taking them you aren't taking 20 wickets. England were brilliant in the field and Australia were far from it. It was mentioned before the series started that Strauss and his slip cordon were far superior to their opposition and they didn't disappoint. The captain, Swann and Collingwood were excellent off both seam and spin, whilst Pietersen had an impressive series at Gully. Obviously Collingwoods catch off Pointing is the pick of the bunch and will live long in the memory but it was the way in which the cordon snaffled the regulation chances that was important.

3) Englands replacements have been outstanding

Chris Tremlett and Tim Bresnan: take a bow. Both made Ashes debuts and both were exceptional. Tremlett, picked after an outstanding year on the Domestic scene, was faultless in the loss in Adelaide (picking up 8 wickets) and continued his form in Melbourne. He caused all manner of problems for the Aussies and out-bowled the man he replaced, Stuart Broad. Bresnan was equally brilliant in Melbourne and answered all his critics (including myself). Evidently more than just a 'county trundler', the Yorkshireman bowled beautifully in both Australias' innings and got just reward for his un-erring accuracy. What was so pleasing was that England weren't affected by the loss of Broad or the fatigue of Finn. We were actually strengthened by the changes and the use of fresh seamers in Australian conditions was a blessing.

Blocking the Path of the Future

Imports. Contentious aren't they?

In this country Football and Rugby League are two sports that attract and play host to foreign sportsmen from around the globe. Critics of the Premier League and Super League have identified the need to reduce the number of overseas imports in the game. But, are they beneficial? Do they raise the standards and improve our youngsters? Or, are our imports blocking the way of domestic talent?

Take the English Premier League. Arguably the greatest Football league in the World, the top flight in England is home to the most talented footballers from every continent and provides fans with a spectacle unrivalled. Players like Tevez, Drogba and Fabregas grace our league with skills and performances that dazzle our fans and media. But, it isn't that brand of footballer that's the problem. Those World Class performers enhance our game, they raise the standard of the football and our young players learn from them, no end. Our problem is the quantity of the foreign players in the league. Is Lucas that much better than Jay Spearing? Will Kieran Gibbs's career stall because of Gael Clichy? Does Javier Hernandez have that much more quality than Danny Welbeck? Just a few examples at the bigger clubs in the Premier League, but the same theme runs across the board.

The same problems exist in British Rugby League, but they are even more pronounced. A typical import to the English game is Australian, in his late 20's/early 30's, over-the-hill and finished in the representative game. There are exceptions, there are some brilliant exceptions, but they are few and far between. It couldn't be more frustrating to watch average imports hold on to places and positions that should be filled by hungry British Rugby players. The national teams problem positions are in the outside backs and yet you'd be hard pressed to name 25 players starting in those positions in the Super League that qualify to play for England. Now there are some other serious problems in the top tier of the British game, namely the standard of coaching, but the number of foreign players is undoubtedly hindering the chances of youth coming to the fore. England Academy recently beat their Australian counterparts in a two match Test series and certain players clearly emerged with the necessary quality to hold their own on at the highest level. But will they get their chance? Will it be too late when they finally are blooded?

How can young players fulfill their potential and develop themselves if they aren't exposed to the highest level? There is only so much that somebody can learn by being the understudy to a more experienced professional. Clearly the classier individuals are worth their place and definitely add to not only the standard but also the development of youngsters. Nobody minds the Didier Drogba's and Brett Finch's of this world. This isn't a complaint about a Cesc Fabregas or Michael Monaghan. They aren't the issue.

But Lucas Leiva? Javier Hernandez? Blake Green? Brett Delaney? These guys aren't world beaters, they aren't going to significantly add to the game. They are hard working professionals who have been offered the opportunity to work in England and earn a good living. They aren't to blame. But they are blocking the path of our future internationals and they are reducing the pool of athletes who could be selected for the national team.

If we want international success then the domestic scene of both these sports needs to be restructured. Domestic cricket has limits on the number of overseas players involved in the game and look at the success of the England cricket team. Why can't Football and Rugby League follow suit? Why can't Arsenal or Chelsea stick to four or five quality overseas players and then make the rest of the side up with homegrown footballers?

The standards might drop for a short period. That is pretty undeniable as clubs tried to adjust to the changes and young players were thrust into the highest level. But the changes would force clubs to invest in youth whilst improving and innovating their coaching standards. England would benefit in the long run, our national sides would be more competitive and fans would get to watch home grown players fight for their side. It makes sense doesn't it?

Defending the defendable

The growing clamour to drop Paul Collingwood is worrying. Once again the Durham all-rounder finds himself under increasing pressure to keep his place in the England team; a position not uncommon for 'Colly'.

Averaging only 15 with the bat and sparingly used with the ball, Collingwood's role in this Ashes series has been limited to catching bullets in the slips and acting as an experienced influence to some of the younger tour party members.

Journalists circle round in a vulture-like fashion bombarding England teammates with questions designed for that one slip; that one indication that support in the camp for Paul has switched, that he doesn't bring enough to the 'party' anymore or that he isn't dealing well with the Ashes pressure.

But his teammates stand firm, and with good reason. To drop Collingwood would be grossly unjust and more damaging than helpful to the England team. Here is a man with a proven track record, a cricketer who has fought 'tooth and nail' to play on the grandest stage of them all and achieve. Forget the recent run of form, forget how he resembles a crab when he bats; just remember this...

Paul Collingwood is proven.

Paul Collingwood is a winner.

Paul Collingwood has 10 Test Match hundreds to his name

Paul Collingwood averages over 40 in Test Match Cricket

Paul Collingwood has scored a Test Match double hundred in Australia against a far superior team than the current crop.

That is enough for me.

Add in that he's the world's best fielder and very handy medium pace bowler (useful in the Australian heat). Need I say more.

If he's given the chance to carry on in Melbourne and then Sydney, 'Colly' will let no-one down.