Football Diary 11

Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

YEARS ago the only stars in football were the players, now the managers are often in the limelight as much as the young men they coach.

Sometimes they are spot on in their comments, sometimes you think “shouldn't have said that matey”.

That was certainly my reaction on hearing the comments of Mick McCarthy, boss of Premier League strugglers Wolves.

At one stage in their home game against Swansea, Wolves were two goals down and some supporters started turning on the manager.

Wolves managed to fight back and gain a 2-2 draw and this encouraged McCarthy to respond after the final whistle.

“Let me clear something up, it doesn't help. Let's not give any of the dissenting voices, the mindless idiots that do it, any credit," he said.

There was no stopping him as he went on: “I almost think some turn up hoping it is going to be that way so they can have their whinge and get shot of the manager.”

McCarthy is a no-nonsense Yorkshireman who is never afraid to speak his mind and he carried on giving it both barrels: “They are not going to get shot of the chairman or the players, so it's a case of, 'Let's give it to the gaffer'.

“I've done a great job here. I came five years ago, there were only 10 players here and just a million quid to spend.

“Five years on, we are in our third year in the Premier League and building the new stadium - but we are having a tough time.

"Come on, give the lads a bit of support. Don't be giving us aggravation. I think they have short memories.”

It was a brave stance by the manager and he may be right but taking on a section of your own supporters is a risky strategy, especially if Wolves continue to toil at the wrong end of the table.

There was a more considered reaction from former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson following his departure from high-spending Championship side Leicester City.

Despite the fact that Leicester were only just outside the play-off positions Eriksson left by 'mutual consent', with the club's Thai owners obviously not happy that a massive financial return had not yet pushed them to the top position.

Eriksson issued a statement through the League Managers Association saying: “I have always thought, and still believe, that the club will be promoted this season. But football is a results industry and we couldn't get things right enough.”

The softly-spoken Swede added: “I am very sorry I won't be able to do that. Being the manager of Leicester was an absolute pleasure. I wish everyone connected with the club the best of luck. Leicester City is a great club and I am certain that, with the current owners in charge, the club will go from strength to strength.

“To the players; old, new, everyone in the squad, I would like to say thank you. You are a talented group and I am hopeful you will achieve success very soon.

"To the staff at the club - both at the stadium and the training ground - you treated me like a king and I shall miss working with you all.

“Last but not least, to the fans; I want to say a huge thank you for your support. You are fantastic people and I will never forget the way you welcomed me into your club. I am just sorry that I won't be on the bench the day you reach the Premier League.”

Now that's how to say goodbye.

One of my favourite managers in Arsenal's Arsene Wenger, a rare sane voice amongst the madness of the Premier League.

He has come in for plenty of stick this season after a poor start so it was exceptionally pleasing to see his side wallop moneybags Chelsea 5-3 at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is backing a fireworks safety campaign. This was just days after 'a friend' set fire to his bathroom by using them indoors.

He told the club's website: “The newspapers got the story wrong about me and the fire at my house. I didn't set any fireworks off, it was a friend of mine. I didn't know anything about it until I heard the shouting coming from the bathroom.