Ashes: Frailty of usual destroyers Swann and Cook represents the crux of England’s woeful form.

Mentality is everything in sport. Without the will to win, there is no win. The English cricket side have arrived in Australia thinking that they are facing the same Australian team who they comprehensively outplayed 3-0 in the last Ashes series in England. However, this is not the case, the Australian team have been re-energised, revamped and have taken to the pitch more confident than ever thanks largely to the impact of Coach Darren Lehmann. Lehmann, affectionately known as ‘Boof,’ took over from the controversially ousted Mickey Arthur and has injected a level of Australian fight and spirit into the dressing room. Australia’s displays in Adelaide and at the Gabba have been characterised by the exact elements which saw them careen down the world rankings under the guidance of Arthur. Grit, passion, determination and team work have all been on show, hidden of course amongst the heroics of individual milestones such as Mitchell Johnson’s wonderful showings of fast bowling and the ability of Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin to steady the ship and grind their way to magnificent centuries.

Whilst things have been all smiles in the Aussie camp, the Englishmen simply don’t know what has hit them, and one could forgive them for asking if this is the same Australian side they came up against in England. The English thought that they would retain the Ashes without breaking a sweat, some were even predicting a 5-0 whitewash in favour of the visitors, but it was in fact this innate level of cockiness and sense of dominance which has cost the English in the opening two tests. When Australia came out and found themselves at 5/100 on the opening day of the series, fans were beginning to think “here we go again,” and England were licking their lips in thought of the same sentiment. However it was certainly not what the English batsmen expected out in the middle as they were humbled by a graceful display of fast bowling from the likes of Ryan Harris and Johnson on their way to a dismal total of 136. This was a rather rude awakening for the Poms, which has continued into the Second test in Adelaide, with England reaching 200 for the first time in the series in their fourth innings.

In fact, it has been England’s most experienced and previously reliable players who have been in the worst veins of form. Captain Alastair Cook has been simply woeful at the crease, other than his solid 65 in the 2^nd innings at the Gabba, and his dismissal in the second innings in Adelaide was symbolic of what an absolute shambles this England side have become. Cook strides out to the middle aware of the fact England must survive two full days of batting to save this test match, and what does he do? He attempts to hook a short pitched ball straight to one of two fieldsmen placed in the fine leg region for that exact shot, shocking captaincy which represents the frailty of England’s mindset, a man who will play his 100^th test next week at the WACA fell for the sucker ball. If England are to get back into this series which, let’s face it, is unlikely then Cook must find some form, and more importantly, gain some self-confidence which will allow him to negotiate the bowling of Mitchell Johnson. In the bowling department, Stuart Broad has been rather handy, as much as it pains me to say it, but the ‘world’s best spinner’ Graeme Swann has been absolutely slaughtered in some shocking displays of bowling which have showcased the fact that he simply cannot adjust to Australian conditions. Swann was the leading wicket taker in the previous Ashes series, this series he is simply England’s leading run getter, with batsman notching up 317 runs off him in two tests, with a return of just 4 wickets.

At the conclusion of the Adelaide test, Michael Clarke iterated Australia’s ambitions in world cricket, stating that

"There's a lot of work for us to do to get back to being the number one team in the world and that's our goal."

Australia are brimming with confidence and England must surely be down in the dumps after two consecutive losses by huge margins, but it is paramount that the English show some fight back in the third test if they are to avoid a genuine crisis. If England are to win the third test and stay in the series then they must achieve the following things:

1. Learn how to face Mitchell Johnson
2. Discover what their ideal batting order looks like
3. Have someone make a century
4. Get David Warner out early

If the Poms can gain victory in Perth then this series will be well and truly alive, but this cannot happen unless they resurrect their mentality and stop taking success as a given.

Liverpool turn back the clock with stunningly average loss against inferior Hull City

The Reds’ display at the KC Stadium would have felt all too familiar for Liverpool fans who have become all too familiarised with their side being ludicrously inconsistent and would be in no way surprised to see them lose to a distinctly inferior side. It certainly felt like the Liverpool of old who managed to dominate possession and large stretches of the match against Hull City but simply failed to convert what few chances they created and then proceeded to leak goals and in turn three points. If it weren’t for Steven Gerrard’s magnificent free kick, the score line would have been even more embarrassing for Liverpool, who had previously never lost to Hull City in any competitive fixture.

Liverpool were of course without the prolific Daniel Sturridge, something they will have to get used to, as it was confirmed the striker will miss up to 8 weeks with ankle ligament damage. The next month or so is crucial for Liverpool as they face the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, if they play like they did against Hull, they could find themselves on the end of a shellacking similar to what City inflicted upon Tottenham just a week ago. If Liverpool are to achieve Champions League football for next season, consistency is key. They simply cannot afford to lose games at inferior opponents.

From the outset, Liverpool had looked a shadow of the team that they have been for the opening 12 fixtures. Possession was sloppy, chances were few and far between and the likes of Victor Moses and Glen Johnson were made to look simply inept by Hull City players. A performance like this should serve as a wakeup call to Brendan Rodgers and his side. Liverpool were mediocre at best, and multiple players simply failed to contribute to the cause in any way. If Liverpool are to return to the summit of English and world football, they must build a squad with depth. It seems as though without Daniel Sturridge and Jose Enrique it could collapse all too easily.

Hull City's David Meyler uses his arms to measure his excitement at his first Premier League goal.

The formation employed by Rodgers at Hull was certainly not the problem, it was rather the players who failed to fulfil their roles. Victor Moses was simply useless, he provided not one chance going forward and practically gifted Hull their opener with sloppy dribbling out of the back, albeit the goal came from a deflection, but nonetheless the ball should have been cleared by Moses rather than fluffing around in his own half. Moses should not be playing against Norwich in midweek, the only adequate, yet harsh, word to describe his performance is ‘useless.’

The midfield was not exactly the problem, with Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Lucas patrolling the centre admirably and controlling possession for large stretches of the game. However, as a team, Liverpool were unbelievably sloppy in possession, something you cannot afford to be in the Premier League, if you lose the ball, teams will punish you, it is that simple. Words never rang more true yesterday as Liverpool conceded three goals after failing to secure possession and not clearing their lines. 

The defence was an absolute shambles, Glen Johnson seemed as though he was going on a Sunday Morning walk every time he gained possession, simply wandering in field and being disposed a huge number of times. Jon Flanagan was better in possession but his passing was wayward and he played in to the feet of Moses repeatedly despite the fact that the Nigerian was being closely marked, the equivalent of simply handing over possession, for Premier League quality fullbacks, that is like taking candy from a baby. Kolo Toure did not look assured, he took too long on the ball and whilst his centre back partner Martin Skrtel may have been an imposing presence neither did enough to stop any of the soft goals Liverpool conceded.

In conclusion, yesterday’s match showed Liverpool the danger of underestimating an opponent, they cannot afford to lose their consistency now, and they Rodgers must figure out how to get his side winning without Daniel Sturridge or it could be a long 8 weeks for Reds fans. Further, defence is a big problem for the Reds and January must see the purchase of a first team quality left back, one or possibly two wingers, and a creative midfielder if they are to gain some consistency in the New Year.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on Liverpool vs. Hull City,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Clinical Lukaku matches SAS to share the spoils in match of the season contender Merseyside Derby

History tells us that the Merseyside derby is no ordinary fixture, red cards, goals and controversy aplenty are always on offer when Anfield or Goodison hosts both sides of Liverpool, blue and red. The 212^th Merseyside derby certainly did not disappoint, with Everton’s Goodison Park hosting a match which had it all, a match which caught the eye of both invested supporters and neutral lovers of the world game and had one and all wishing that the encounter would simply continue on and on. It didn’t take long for the match to come to life as a 5^th minute Liverpool corner was flicked on by Suarez to find Coutinho at the back post, who made no mistake in slotting past Tim Howard. The opening stages were lively as both sides created numerous opportunities, Liverpool’s lead was short lived as just three minutes later Kevin Mirallas found the net from close range and we were back on level pegging.

The goalscoring chances continued to flow for both sides, with Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho as well as Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku, looking lively for Liverpool and Everton respectively. It was a stunning Luis Suarez freekick from well outside the box which found a small gap in the wall and expertly into the bottom right hand corner of the net. The visitors led 2-1 on 17 minutes thanks to the Uruguayan, a lead they maintained until the whistle of Phil Dowd blew for half time. The first half saw two cautions for Evertonian players as Ross Barkley and Mirallas saw yellow, the former for a deliberate dive, and the latter for a shocking challenge on Suarez which could have been worthy of a red card, depending on which teams colours you are wearing.

Mirallas' contentious challenge on Suarez

The second half yielded more of the same, dominant periods for each side as the wrestle for dominance continued. It looked as though Liverpool were to seal a famous victory as the ball fell kindly for Joe Allen deep in the Everton box. With Luis Suarez in support and only Tim Howard to beat, it looked certain that the Welshman would either score or assist, leaving Liverpool what felt at the time an unassailable lead. It wasn’t to be, as the ex-Swansea man missed an absolute sitter, incurring legions of anger from Suarez, who had helped to manufacture the chance, and eventually costing Liverpool what would have been a valuable victory. However, it wasn’t to be, as on loan Chelsea striker Lukaku found the equalizer from close range after scrappy defending from Liverpool.

With a fluctuating score line, changes were made by both managers. Allen’s miss was not forgotten by Brendan Rodgers, and he and Lucas Leiva were soon replaced by in-form striker Daniel Sturridge who had started on the bench thanks to a dead leg suffered on England duty in midweek and Nigerian Victor Moses. With the SAS united it seemed as though Liverpool could snatch a winner, but the action was down the other end as Glen Johnson failed to track the flying Belgian Lukaku whose header from an 82^nd minute Mirallas corner found the top left corner as Goodison erupted. The Toffees had grabbed the lead for the first time in the match having come from behind twice, but in true Merseyside derby form, the game had a few more punches to throw.

Liverpool worked hard in an attempt for an equaliser until Victor Moses earned a freekick on the right wing which was quickly taken by Steven Gerrard whose gem of a ball found the head of Sturridge who nodded it home at the back post. Sturridge’s net-bulger saw the game once again equalized, this time at 3-3. It was not over yet, with Liverpool’s Suarez and Moses both spurning chances to grab the three points, whilst Everton’s Lukaku and Deulofeu did the same up the other end. The final score 3-3 as a famous fixture saw a brilliantly entertaining encounter which will go down as a match of the season contender. Both sides will be content with a draw as they continue to endeavor to maintain their positions at the summit of the table and look to secure European football for next season.

Man of the Match: Simon Mignolet

Liverpool’s Belgian shot stopper made a string of unbelievable saves to deny Barkley, Lukaku, Mirallas and Deulofeu at various points in the match, if it weren’t for him, Liverpool would not have taken a single point from this fixture.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the 212^th Merseyside Derby,

Thanks for reading!

By Jake Rosengarten

RLWC showcases where Union has the edge over League

Last night’s massively one sided quarter final encounter between Australia and the USA which ended with a ridiculous 62-0 score line, acted as a manifestation of the foibles of the 13 man game in comparison to the 15. The Rugby League World Cup brings together the world’s best rugby league nations with the aim of determining who is top of the heap, inevitably either Australia, New Zealand or England are the victors. It is the predictable nature of this tournament and the complete lack of ability of every other nation other than these three heavyweights which suggests that the global outreach of rugby league is slim to nil. If the Rugby Union World Cup was to feature a quarter final in which one side was absolutely outclassed, and destroyed by a margin of 60 or more points, there would be an outcry, that there is something wrong with the game on an international level. However, in the RLWC this is simply the norm, as minnows repeatedly make it to the knockout phases only to be humbled by the likes of the favourites whose sides feature the world’s best players such as Greg Inglis, Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess. It is simply not good for the game to see such a gap in talent between sides at such an advanced stage of the competition, and rugby league officials must recognise this and take steps to developing the game in other countries in order to make this competition competitive in the future.

Hat-trick hero Jarryd Hayne casually shrugs off USA's Matt Peterson in last night's one sided encounter.

As a game, Rugby Union has digressed into an often boring mix of field goals, drop goals and the rare line break in which teams make their way into the oppositions half only to draw a penalty, slot the three points and do it all again. Rugby Union is its own worst enemy; a simple tweaking of the rules of the game could see it return to its rightful place as an exciting loved sport all around the world. The unintelligible rules surrounding scrums, rucks and mauls make understanding the decisions of referees a laborious process, and in addition to this, if teams were discouraged from simply kicking the ball through the uprights at every opportunity then running rugby would return and fans would return in flocks. Union has something that league perhaps never will, a game which has spread to the far reaches of the globe and is played at high levels in leagues worldwide. There are a huge number of nations capable of fielding decent sides for the Rugby World Cup and this turns it into a spectacle in which national pride is on the line and results are important. This is not the case in the RLWC where Australian viewers can simply take no pride from shellacking a poor United States side that could not even put up a fight.

In Australia, the widespread reach of Rugby Union has been quelled by two very important and somewhat fixable factors. Firstly, the shocking performances of the Wallabies as they have been humbled time and time again by the All Blacks, South Africa and the English, matches in which pride is on the line. Moreover, the unwillingness of the organizers of the Super Rugby competition to televise it on free to air television, has meant that viewers without pay TV are simply alienated and unable to tune into the game’s premier competition other than international Rugby. It is practically the equivalent of Rugby League’s much loved State of Origin not finding a home on free to air TV, something which is simply unthinkable as it takes its place as one of Australia’s most loved sporting series. If Rugby Union is to return to the forefront of sporting disciplines in Australia, it must first fix its points system, lessening the value of both field and penalty goals, revisit rules referring scrums, rucks and mauls, they must televise Super Rugby to a wider audience and finally they must restore national pride in the Wallabies, whose terrible form is quickly giving the game a bad name down under.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the issues surrounding Rugby League and Rugby Union,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Six and in: the players whose Sheffield Shield form could earn them the number 6 spot for Australia

With this morning heralding the beginning of the Sheffield Shield for another year and the first Ashes test against England clearly in sight; it seems apt to consider the players for whom this Shield competition could be the most important of their career. I am of course referring to those players who are in the frame to earn a baggy green at some point in the Ashes series which begins on 21 November at the Gabba. With England’s recent comprehensive series victory on home soil, changes to the Australian side are inevitable, with the number 6 position in the batting line up the subject of unmatched media attention. Without further ado, I present the candidates whose Shield form could earn them selection…

Matthew Wade

The Victorian captain’s stunning form with the bat in the recent Ryobi Cup competition has many calling for him to be installed as a specialist batsman in the contentious number 6 position in the order, of course foregoing the gloves to Brad Haddin. The shortish 170cm left hand batsman and possessor of a test average of a shave under 35 is certainly well and truly in the mix for the first test, assuming his shield performance is satisfactory.

David Warner

Is there a more destructive force at the top of a batting order than Dave Warner? A man who just about single-handedly led the NSW Blues to the Ryobi Cup final on the back of consecutive hundreds, including an extraordinary 197 against Victoria in the semi-final. Warner lost his test spot a matter of months ago due to behavioural issues and until recently was written off in the hunt for reclaiming his baggy green. However, his stunning recent form has prompted a call for his reinstatement to an Aussie side which could use a game changer, which he certainly represents. If Warner can continue his impressive form in the Sheffield Shield he could find himself atop the order at the Gabba.

Usman Khawaja (QLD) 

Another player who has been a shining light for his side in the limited overs competition, Khawaja has already tasted test cricket, however his batting average stands at a less than encouraging 25. He will feature in the recently announced Australia A side who will face England at Bellerive Oval on November 6. This is somewhat of an audition for the ex-NSW batsman who will be looking to earn a spot in the first test and not relinquish it. The selectors will certainly have their eye on him.

Michael Klinger (SA)

Has there been a more consistent performer in Australian one day domestic cricket in the past decade than Michael Klinger? A mainstay in the Australia A side, it is a wonder that Klinger has never managed to crack into the test side. However, a good run of substantial innings in this year’s Shield competition could finally see him notch the baggy green which he has so dearly craved. Usually an opener, there is no doubt that Klinger would happily take up number 6 in the order if he were tasked with it.

George Bailey (TAS)

The standout performer and captain of Australia’s recent One Day International series in India, Bailey represents an option who has exceled in the shorter formats of the game but has largely been ineffective in the 4 and 5 day forms. The 31 year old averages 38 in first class cricket has firmed as favourite for the number six spot after convincing selectors of his aptitude with the bat despite a largely unimpressive Shield past. As things stand, Bailey will line up for Australia in the first test at the Gabba, and could even find himself captain should Michael Clarke’s back injury force him out of the match. Only time will tell if Bailey can cut it at the highest level, he is certainly not getting any younger and this could represent his final chance to break into the test team.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the contenders for Australia’s number six position in the batting order,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten 

Suarez and Sturridge teach the Baggies a lesson: 5 things learnt from Liverpool vs. West Brom.

1. Sir Alex Ferguson is wrong
   
   The release of Sir Alex’s autobiography was sure to cause a stir, and that it did. With the former Manchester United gaffer claiming amongst other things that Liverpool’s favourite son Steven Gerrard is not, and has never been, a “top, top player.” These words have surely sparked about half the reported pub brawls in the Liverpool area for the past decade or so. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers took to the media this week to defend his skipper, stating that he felt Ferguson’s comments were “harsh” and that Gerrard’s “performance level at 33 years of age shows he's a top, top player. He's a great talent - a wonderful player - and I don't think anyone could argue against that." However, Gerrard himself did not comment, he rather opted to let his football do the talking, and that it certainly did at Anfield on Saturday. Gerrard took up a more advanced position than he has been in recent matches and his class shone through, he marshalled the midfield expertly, hit his trademark long balls with pinpoint accuracy, fed Sturridge and Suarez with remarkable vision and led his side with poise. Gerrard certainly proved Sir Alex wrong, and he will continue to do so if form is any indicator.
   
   
2. Luis Suarez is one of the world's best strikers
   
   The way in which the Uruguayan took his opportunities was a thing of beauty. If the way he nutmegged a West Brom centre back and stroked the ball calmly past Boaz Myhill wasn’t stunning enough then his second certainly was. Suarez played the ball out wide to left wing back Aly Cissokho who simply chipped the ball into the past of the flying number 7 whose header from the edge of the box was simply perfect to beat Myhill and sail into the top left corner of the net. Headers don’t get much better than that. His hat trick goal came off the back of a beautifully weighted Steven Gerrard free kick from the edge of the box which Suarez helped on its way into the top right hand corner of Myhill’s net. This hat trick showcased every part of Suarez’s game which makes him one of the top strikers in world football. The movement, the clinical finishing, the tricks, the defensive work, the link-up play, every facet of Suarez’s game is focused upon putting the ball into the net, and this is what makes him one of the world’s top 5 strikers. Sure, there are many strikers who can score goals, but as Brendan Rodgers alluded to in his post-match press conference, most are not as ‘complete’ of a player as Suarez. His hat trick was exceptional, and a Suarez firing on all cylinders will be a worrying prospect for Arsene Wenger and his rampant Arsenal side who welcome the Uruguayan and his Liverpool teammates to the Emirates next Sunday. 
   
   
3. West Brom's midfield simply isn't good enough
   
   Yes, Liverpool’s midfield performed well in this match, but they were allowed too much time, space and possession by West Brom’s Claudio Yacob and Youssouf Mulumbu whose work in defensive midfield was far from satisfactory. Time and time again the ball found its way to Suarez or Sturridge dropping deep towards halfway and they were granted room to run at the defence, and players of their quality and form are not going to be kept at bay for 90 minutes if they are allowed to run at defences. However, Steve Clarke’s tactical approach to this match is partly to blame, although Yacob and Mulumbu were shocking. Clarke failed to realize the necessity to minimize space through the centre of the park and Liverpool continued to exploit this, as the score line reflects. The Baggies significantly strengthened their line-up in the previous transfer window with the arrivals of Nicholas Anelka, Steven Sessegnon and Morgan Amalfitano, but what they will really need in January is a box to box midfielder who will marshal the centre of the park and allow West Brom to accumulate some possession and control periods of a match.
   
   
4. Manchester United are well behind Liverpool this season
   
   This West Brom side defeated David Moyes’ Manchester United at Old Trafford just two matches ago, but today they were handed a heavy defeat by the Reds. This showcases the gulf between the Merseysiders and the Red Devils. In addition to this, as West Brom were convincingly bested by Liverpool, at Old Trafford United scrapped to a 3-2 victory over lowly Stoke City after being down 2-1 at half time. Moyes must be weary of the form and quality of both Liverpool, and current league leaders Arsenal, who have both showed that they have come a long way from last season and could possibly be real title contenders come the business end of this season. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Liverpool have the best strike duo in the league
   
   Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie? Sergio Agüero and Alvaro Negredo? Olivier Giroud and…? Step aside, as Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez’s four goal display at Anfield showed exactly how dangerous they are and that there is no better strike combination on offer in the Premier League this season. In fact, on a world landscape, there aren’t many better. The understanding between the two has flourished since Sturridge’s arrival from Chelsea last January, in which time Sturridge has netted 21 times in 27 appearances in the red of Liverpool. This season, between them they have had the net bulging 14 times in as Sturridge and Suarez sit cement themselves as numbers one and two respectively in the race for the premier league golden boot. Even more remarkably, Suarez has scored 36 goals in his past 46 games for Liverpool, including 6 in 4 games this season. If these two keep firing, there is no telling the heights Liverpool could reach this season, they hold the key to champions league football.
   
   
   That’s the Rosey Wrap on Liverpool vs West Brom,
   
   
   Thanks for reading,
   
   
   By Jake Rosengarten

Picking a Sydney Swans lineup for 2014 which includes Buddy Franklin.... an unenviable task

With the emergence today of the news that Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin will most likely don the red and white next season in a hugely expensive and headline grabbing deal, I have decided to attempt to pick my Swans lineup for the 2014 season. This turned out to be a very difficult task which underlined the vast depth possessed by the bloods, who should be the team to beat next season bar another horrific injury-laden year like the one just past, in which the Swans injuries list went on for just about as long as Franklin’s rumoured nine year contract…

Before frothing over the prospect of picking a forward line which including the likes of key forwards Franklin and Kurt Tippett and not to mention Adam Goodes, Sam Reid, Ben Mcglynn and others, I decided to pick the backline. The back thee were perhaps the easiest positions to fill, and I opted for the pacey Rhyce Shaw alongside veteran Heath Grundy and the returning Alex Johnson whose last season was finished before it had even started with an ACL injury. Of course, as with almost every other position, I had to overlook some overwhelmingly good players such as Nick Smith and 2013’s breakout star Dane Rampe, an absolute abundance of talent is at the disposal of John Longmire next season and there will of course be players who miss out.

I decided to stick with the halfback line which gelled so well this season, with the flank positions belonging to Nick Malceski and Jarred Mcveigh, who came into his own playing in that position this season. Centre half back will of course be occupied by Ted Richards, an absolute fan favourite who is undoubtedly one of the best backmen in the league. There has of course been a great deal of media coverage suggesting that  Heath Shaw of the Collingwood Magpies would join his brother at the Swans but only time will tell if that deal materializes, and even if it did, he would have to fight hard for a place in the starting lineup to dislodge some of the Swans’ stars.

The swans are blessed with what is simply one of the most, if not the most, star-studded midfields in the AFL, featuring the likes of Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy, Daniel Hannebery and the upcoming Tom Mitchell just to name a few. Across the centre I have opted for blinding pace on the wings, with speedsters Gary Rohan and Lewis Jetta getting the nod, whilst the centre position goes to Daniel Hannebery whose quality 2013 season saw him finish in the top 5 of the Brownlow Medal just last week. Ruckman was perhaps the easiest position to fill on this list, with the increasingly impressive rugby player turned AFL superstar Canadian Mike Pyke obviously getting the nod with Shane Mumford said to be on his way to Collingwood or Greater Western Sydney if the media is to be believed. On the ball will be co-captain Kieren Jack as well as ball magnet Josh Kennedy who were both key in the Swans premiership victory of two seasons ago as well as their attempted title defence.

The Sydney forward line will be eye watering next season, with a number of superstars including big money signing Kurt Tippett and impending million dollar man Buddy Franklin set to feature in the Swans list, many people are questioning how on Earth Sydney are possibly within the salary cap as the cost of living allowance given to both Sydney clubs by the AFL comes under increased volumes of scrutiny. On the half forward line I have gone with youngster Luke Parker and dual brownlow medallist Adam Goodes on the flanks, and they are joined by the man of the moment 196cm, 100Kg centre half forward Lance Franklin. In the forward pockets I have gone for Ben McGlynn, and the ever-present Ryan O’Keefe, with last season’s controversial acquisition Kurt Tippett at full forward.

With all of the starting positions now decided I have the agonizing decision of picking a bench, substitute and a few emergencies from a group of players which includes players like Dane Rampe, Nick Smith, Lewis Roberts-Thompson, Tom Mitchell, Brandon Jack, Harry Cunningham, Craig Bird, Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb and Sam Reid. This is a horrendously difficult task, but I have attempted to approach it by picking a variety of players who can cover all across the ground in case of injuries, basically, who determining has the most to offer?  I decided to hand the substitute best to Tom Mitchell, a player of overwhelming potential who, if given the game time, can become one of the best midfielders in the competition. An absolute ball magnet, must be given time. I decided to opt for Sam Reid and Lewis Roberts-Thompson based on their ability to play both back and forward, leaving the final interchange spot to be decided between the likes of Dane Rampe, Nick Smith and Craig Bird. I opted for Craig Bird based on the fact that Reid and Roberts-Thompsons already have forward and back covered and a midfielder is needed to balance out the bench. Honestly, it pains me greatly to leave out the likes of Rampe and Smith who have done very well filling in injury gaps lately but there just isn’t enough room in the side. So that leaves Rampe, Smith, Cunningham, Everitt, B. Jack and Jed Lamb as emergencies and injury backups in a Swans side which is chockablock with talent, speed, size and which will be very difficult to beat in 2014.

All I can say is that I do not envy  John Longmire who will have to face these selection dilemmas weekly, although it is without doubt the best problem any coach can face!

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the Swans lineup for 2014,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Liverpool garage sale: West Ham snap up Carroll and Downing in decent window

West Ham

In:
Adrian - Real Betis – Free
Andy Carroll - Liverpool - £15m (reported)
Razvan Rat - Shakhtar Donetsk – Free
Danny Whitehead - Stockport County – Undisclosed
Stewart Downing - Liverpool - £5million

Out: 
Gary O’Neil - QPR – Free
Carlton Cole – Released

Another decent window for Fat Sam Allardyce, as he added Liverpool’s Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing as well as Shakhtar Dontetsk’s Razvan Rat to his already impressive squad. West Ham are not a bad team and have started the season with 4 points from three matches. They will be looking to secure another mid table position this season after a 10^th place finish last term. Their singings add depth as well as fire power in the case of Carroll and if they can get him firing then he could be a good source of goals for the Hammers this season. A mid table finish seems the prognosis after a decent but not electrifying window from West Ham.

Grade: C-

A solid window but nothing special. Downing and Carroll can be very useful if utilised correctly.

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For West Brom the only direction from here is north

West Bromwich Albion

In:
Nicolas Anelka - Juventus – Free
Goran Popov - Dynamo Kiev – Loan
Diego Lugano - Paris St-Germain – Free
Matej Vydra - Udinese – Loan
Scott Sinclair - Manchester City – Loan
Morgan Amalfitano - Marseille – Loan
Lee Camp - Norwich – Free
Stephane Sessegnon - Sunderland - Undisclosed

Out: 
Marc-Antoine Fortune - Wigan – Free
Zoltan Gera – Released
Gonzalo Jara Reyes - Nottingham Forest – Free
Jerome Thomas - Released

An absolutely shocking start for West Bromwich Albion has yielded one point from a possible nine for Steve Clarke’s men, who have made some highly-regarded recruits. With former Chelsea and Juventus striker Nicolas Anelka as well as Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair and Sunderland playmaker Stephane Sessegnon joining the ranks at the Hawthorns, Clarke will be very proud of what he has achieved on a very limited budget. However, it may not be enough for a West Brom side who have been absolute woeful in their opening three matches. The signings are a step in the right direction, but unless Clarke can get them firing quick, his head is well and truly on the chopping block.

Grade: B-

Not a bad window for Steve Clarke and the Baggies, Anelka, Sessegnon, Vydra, Lugano and Sinclair are all good signings, but they may not be enough, especially with a leaky defence who have conceded 3 goals in 3 games already.

PREVIOUS --> 12. Fulham                                                                NEXT --> 10. Swansea

Outstanding AVB strenghtens Tottenham immensely with Bale money

Tottenham Hotspur

In:
Paulinho - Corinthians - £17m
Nacer Chadli - FC Twente - £7m (reported)
Roberto Soldado - Valencia - £26m
Etienne Capoue - Toulouse - Approx £9m
Erik Lamela - AS Roma - £25.7m (reported)
Vlad Chiriches - Steaua Bucharest - £8.5m
Christian Eriksen - Ajax - £11.5m

Out: 
Tom Huddlestone - Hull - £5m
David Bentley – Released
William Gallas – Released
Bongani Khumalo - Doncaster – Loan
Steven Caulker - Cardiff City - £8m
Clint Dempsey - Seattle Sounders -£6m (reported)
Scott Parker - Fulham – Undisclosed
Gareth Bale - Real Madrid - £85.3m
Benoit Assou-Ekotto - QPR – loan
Tom Carroll - QPR - loan

Without doubt, the biggest development of this transfer window was Gareth Bale’s world record move; he will earn the tiny sum of 34 euros a day at Real Madrid. Bale’s transfer fee funded a window long shopping spree for Spurs manager Andre Villas Boas who was seemed a metaphorical kid in a candy store, adding no less than seven high quality recruits to his already tremendous Tottenham side. Breaking the transfer record not once but twice, signing Roberto Soldado, and then Erik Lamela, Villas Boas did not mess around with his transfer kitty, spending over 100 million pounds in strengthening all over the park. There is now a great deal of depth in a Tottenham side which boasts a ludicrous number of world class players, they are certainly one to watch, a real title challenge is in the offing.

Grade: A+

Villas Boas has worked miracles this window, the sale of one world class player has brought in seven high quality signings, well done AVB.


PREVIOUS --> 2. NORWICH CITY

Laudrup has swans swimming in the right direction

Swansea City

In:
Jordi Amat - Espanyol - £2.5m
Wilfried Bony - Vitesse - £12m
Jose Canas - Real Betis – Free
Jonathan de Guzman - Villarreal – Loan
Alejandro Pozuelo - Real Betis – Undisclosed
Jonjo Shelvey - Liverpool - £5m
Jernade Meade - Unattached – Free
Alvaro Vazquez - Getafe - Loan

Out: 
Ki Sung-Yeung - Sunderland - Loan

Without a doubt, Swansea’s biggest acquisition this season is Wilfried Bony, the beastly striker signed from Vitesse Arnhem for the relatively cheap sum of £12m and can be a big presence for the Swans up front. Swansea will be looking to build on last season which saw them secure 9^th place last season and a victory in the Capital One Cup which earned them a spot in this season’s Europa League. Michael Laudrup is an outstanding manager and his signings will add depth to a Swansea squad which is very talented and will excite many Swans fans. His acquisition of Jonjo Shelvey for a miniscule fee of 5 million pounds from Liverpool could prove a shrewd piece of business, under the right tutelage the England midfielder could turn into an absolute world beater. Watch this space.

Grade: B-

Wilfried Bony is an excellent signing, one which will add goals to an already impressive Swansea outfit, the Swans have a very good side, not to be under estimated.

PREVIOUS --> 11. West Brom                                                          NEXT --> 9. Stoke City

Sunderland not in wonderland

Sunderland

In: 
Emanuele Giaccherini - Juventus - £6.5million
Jozy Altidore - AZ Alkmaar – Undisclosed
El Hadji Ba - Le Havre - £380,000
Modibo Diakite - Lazio – Free
Cabral - Basel – Free
Vito Mannone - Arsenal – Undisclosed
David Moberg Karlsson - Gothenburg – Undisclosed
Valentin Roberge - Maritimo – Free
Duncan Whatmore - Altrincham – Undisclosed
Ondrej Celustka - Trabzonspor – Loan
Ki Sung-Yeung - Swansea – Loan
Fabio Borini - Liverpool – Loan
Andrea Dossena - Napoli - Loan

Out:
Simon Mignolet - Liverpool - £9m
Titus Bramble – Released
Matt Kilgallon - Blackburn – Free
Ahmed Elmohamady - Hull - £2m
Alfred N'Diaye - Eskisehirspor – Loan
James McClean - Wigan - £1.5m (reported)
Stephane Sessegnon - West Brom - Undisclosed

Paolo Di Canio has recognised a deficiency in his squad and apparently opted for ‘quantity not quality’ as he looked to reinforce his languishing side. Winger Emanuel Giaccherini, who has already found the net for his new club, and striker Jozy Altidore represent good signings for a club whose premier league points tally is currently just one better than my own personal tally. Di Canio is… lets say… a character… and his condiment banning policy has left many relishing the fact that they do not play for Sunderland. He will be hoping that his new signings help his side to ketchup to the rest of the pack, I must(ard) stop with these puns. But in all seriousness, Sunderland are in real trouble is their signings do not come off, and relegation could well be in their future.

Grade: C-

Di Canio has not signed badly, however, gaps in the squad remain and he will need to work hard with his squad in order to avoid a relegation scrap this season.

PREVIOUS --> 19. Newcastle                                                          NEXT --> 17. West Ham

Stoke-d: Hughes adds Arnautovic, Agudelo, Ireland on deadline day

Stoke City

In:
Alex Grant - Portsmouth – Free
Marc Muniesa - Barcelona – Free
Erik Pieters - PSV Eindhoven - £3m
Juan Agudelo - New England Revolution – Free
Marko Arnautovic - Werder Bremen – Undisclosed
Stephen Ireland - Aston Villa – Loan
Oussama Assaidi - Liverpool - Loan

Out:
Dean Whitehead - Middlesbrough – Free
Rory Delap – Released
Matthew Upson - Brighton – Free
Mamady Sidibe – Released
Michael Owen -  Retired

A busy window for the Potters, with new manager Mark Hughes making some significant signings without a significant price tag. Promising Barcelona centre back marc Muniesa and PSV fullback Erik Pieters signed for Stoke rather early in the window and were joined by its conclusion by Juan Agudelo from the MLS, Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic for Werder Bremen, Aston Villa midfielder Steven Ireland and Liverpool’s Moroccan winger Oussama Assaidi on loan. These signings are a step up for the Potters who have recorded two good wins after an exciting opening day loss to Liverpool at Anfield. Hughes will be hoping that his new signings will be able to gel quickly and help to build on their hot start in order to separate themselves from the lower part of the table.

Grade: B-

Stoke’s signings have ended up being quite impressive, with Agudelo and Arnautovic leading the way, Stoke could be on their way to a solid placing this season.

PREVIOUS --> 10. Swansea                                                          NEXT --> 8. Southampton

Expensive new boys improve Soton squad

Southampton

In:
Dejan Lovren - Lyon - £8.5m
Viktor Wanyama - Celtic - £12.5m
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo - Roma - £15m

Out: 
Jason Puncheon - Crystal Palace – Loan
Danny Butterfield - Carlisle - Free

Just the three big money signings for Mauricio Pocchetino’s Southampton, with young centre back Dejan Lovren joining from Lyon, the premier league’s first Nigerian representative midfielder Victor Wanyama signing from Celtic and flamboyant striker Pablo Osvaldo also penning a contract at St Mary’s Stadium. Pocchetino’s three new boys represent the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th highest transfer fees paid by Southampton for a player. After a momentous first season in the premier league last season, Pocchetino and Southampton fans will be hoping that their side mirrors their unexpected brilliance last season and secures themselves another premier league place for next season. Southampton currently find themselves on 4 points after 3 fixtures.

Grade: B+

Each of the three signings represent vast improvements to their starting eleven, however they paid quite exorbitant fees for each, Southampton fans will be pleased with the calibre of player their club is now able to attract.

PREVIOUS --> 9. Stoke City                                                                 NEXT --> 7. Everton

Shrewd Hughton a transfer window hit!

Norwich City

In:
Javier Garrido - Lazio - £1.28m
Leroy Fer - Twente – Undisclosed
Ricky van Wolfswinkel - Sporting Lisbon - £8.5m
Nathan Redmond - Birmingham City - £3.2m (reported)
Martin Olsson - Blackburn – Undisclosed
Gary Hooper - Celtic - £5m (reported)
Johan Elmander - Galatasaray - Loan

Out: 
Grant Holt - Wigan - £2m
James Vaughan - Huddersfield - undisclosed

What a window for Norwich City and manager Chris Hughton! Some inspired moves, notably the signings of forwards Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Gary Hooper and Nathan Redmond who will all add to the firepower of the canaries. Hughton has not spent exceedingly, spotting some absolute bargains, such as their acquisition of Javier Garrido from Lazio for a measly 1.3 million as well as just 3.2 million for young gun Redmond. Norwich really have had an outstanding window, turning themselves into candidates for a mid-place finish and a side who most tip could avoid the relegation scrap all together. Well done Chris Hughton.

Grade: A+

Great window for the canaries, didn’t overpay, strengthened defence, midfield and attack and did so earlier in the window to give the squad time to gel.

PREVIOUS --> 3. Manchester City                                                   NEXT --> 1. Tottenham

Too quiet on Tyneside.

Newcastle United

In:
Loic Remy - QPR (Loan)

Out:
Steve Harper - Hull City – Free
Danny Simpson - QPR – Free
James Perch - Wigan – undisclosed

Newcastle United has had a very quiet window indeed, their lone acquisition is QPR’s French striker Loic Remy who took the premier league by storm in the tail end of last season. Manager Alan Pardew has managed to keep hold of Arsenal target Yohan Cabaye, a significant victory for the club who were shellacked 4-0 by Manchester City on the opening day of the season.  It was a quiet window on Tyneside… too quiet, sure, Newcastle have a good side and Pardew must have great confidence in his players, but they did finish just 16^th last season, not good enough for a side of their talent. They have started decently, with a win, a draw and a loss from their first three fixtures, whether Pardew’s confidence in his men is justified remains to be seen.

Grade: D+

Remy is a good signing, but Newcastle did not play well enough last season to justify just one addition, they have a talented squad, but Pardew will need to work hard to ensure this window isn’t his one of his last as Newcastle manager.


PREVIOUS --> 20. Manchester United                                        NEXT --> 18. Sunderland

Will Moyes and United Ma-RUE-ane this day?

Manchester United

In:
Guillermo Varela - Penarol - £1m
Marouane Fellaini - Everton - £27.5m

Out:
Paul Scholes – Retired
Scott Wootton - Leeds – Undisclosed
Nick Powell - Wigan – Loan
Bebe - Pacos de Ferreira - Loan

Moyes’ dream appointment at Old Trafford could soon become a nightmare, following a loss to rivals Liverpool and a draw at Chelsea, United find themselves on 4 points from a possible 9 after three fixtures. The transfer window has not treated him well either, his lone two signings are the relatively unknown Guillermo Varela from Penarol and the ridiculously overpriced Marouane Fellaini from his former club Everton. Moyes has failed to sign players such as Ander Herrera, Leighton Baines and Thiago Alcantara this window, frustrating United fans who are aware of the gaps in their midfield. They are not happy with Moyes as it is, and if he does not start winning the big games then he could be sacked faster than the Everton chairman deposited the Fellaini money to ensure that United didn’t realise their mistake.

Grade: E

Moyes’ only acquisitions this summer are an unknown and a ridiculously priced midfielder with an afro, United fans are not happy.

                                                                                              NEXT --> 19. Newcastle

City fans certainly aren't blue over transfer dealings.

Manchester City

In:
Fernandinho - Shakhtar Donetsk - £30m
Jesus Navas - Sevilla - £17m rising to £22.9m
Alvaro Negredo - Sevilla – Undisclosed
Stevan Jovetic - Fiorentina - £22m
Martin Demichelis - Atletico Madrid - £4.2m

Out: 
Wayne Bridge - Reading – Free
Carlos Tevez - Juventus - £12m
Kolo Toure - Liverpool – Free
Roque Santa Cruz - Malaga – Free
Maicon - Roma – Undisclosed
Denis Suarez - Barcelona – Undisclosed
Scott Sinclair - West Brom –Loan
Gareth Barry - Everton - Loan

A relatively tamed window on the blue side of Manchester however new manager Manuel Pellegrini still splashed the cash like only the obscenely rich Citizens can. The big money signings of midfielder Fernandinho, winger Jesus Navas, strikers Albaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic as well as centre back Martin Demichelis formed a busy window for Pellegrini. City have started well, however perhaps not to their lofty standards, in the league, with two wins from three matches despite a shock loss to Cardiff City. Their real test comes on 23 September when they welcome bitter rivals Manchester United to the Etihad Stadium and Pellegrini will be hoping that his signings play a big role in a famous victory over David Moyes’ United. City’s squad has ridiculous depth, with four world class strikers, Aguero, Dzeko, Jovetic and Negredo, as well as a star-studded midfield, they are serious title contenders with the jaw dropping amount of talent they have in their ranks.

Grade:  A+

Put simply, there are no gaps in the City squad, their new signings, especially Negredo, have already made an impact and any manager with Aguero, Dzeko, Jovetic and Negredo all at his disposal will surely never have an issue finding the net.


PREVIOUS--> 4. Liverpool                                                           NEXT --> 2. Norwich City